Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) builds regional talent pipelines that spur economic growth across the state to ensure that all Texans have the skills and credentials needed for economic advancement. The TRPN brings together state and regional leaders to build strong education and career pathways that prepare Texans for careers in high-wage, in-demand industries. Leaders engaged in the TRPN represent multiple sectors, including Kâ12 education, postsecondary education, workforce and economic development, business and industry, government, and nonprofit and community-based organizations. The TRPN supports cross-sector teams of regional stakeholders who are building education and career pathways that align with labor market demand. It facilitates strategic planning, peer learning, and sharing of best practices, challenges, and lessons learned in pathways development. TRPN members have access to an array of state resources created by TEA and its TriAgency Workforce Initiative partners, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TEA expects the awarded contractor to provide best-in-class resources and supports to a network of active grantee and their regional partners including up to 120 LEAs, 75 employers, 35 IHEs, and the intermediary organizations that convene these partners at the regional level. Proposers may recommend a variety of acceptable staffing patterns to provide technical assistance, but to ensure consistent program oversight, at least one full-time staff member should be dedicated 100% to this project. At a minimum, technical assistance should include the following: A. Convene Cross-Sector Partners The awarded contractor will support the Texas Regional Pathways Network as a model for cross-sector collaboration. The awarded contractor will support collaboration and coordination between key stakeholders from across sectors. The awarded contractor will: 1. Support the Tri-Agency Initiative by convening the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission. Facilitate monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly meetings (as needed) of up to 10 Tri-Agency workgroups corresponding to key strategies of the Tri-Agency 2020 Report, and create Tri-Agency updates, briefings, and workplans for agency, legislative, and executive leadership; 2. Support TEA in planning and facilitating quarterly TRPN steering committee meetings, including development of agendas, logistics, and meeting materials; and 3. Support network grantees with regional LEA-employer-higher education partnerships through the development of strong intermediaries
