Specifications include, but are not limited to: A contractor is necessary to assist OWS in convening the WIOA partners to coordinate and develop an aligned WIOA Unified State Plan that outlines a 4-year strategy for the core programs and meets the requirements of WIOA Section 102(b)(1-3). The contractor is necessary to assist OWS in submitting the Plan to the U.S. Secretary of Labor for approval and shall respond to post-submission requests for information from the U.S. Department of Labor (“USDOL”) during the federal approval process. The contractor will also assist OWS in the review of the five workforce development boards’ (“WDBs”) local plans, which are developed and submitted to the Governor after the Unified State Plan, ensuring alignment of the core programs to support the strategy identified in the Unified State Plan in accordance with Section 102(c)(1)(B). The contractor will also assist in the following year and half postsubmission to ensure coordination of activities, assist with USDOL audits, and provide additional support to OWS in preparation of the 2 year-modification (which shall be due in 2026). The service goals and outcomes for this RFP are: • Develop and draft the WIOA Unified State Plan for Connecticut. • Solicit stakeholder and public feedback, compile, review and make recommendations to OWS and stakeholders on draft plan revisions. • Complete and submit the Plan to USDOL. • Respond to requests for information or changes from USDOL and make revisions as necessary to obtain final federal approval. • Assist OWS in drafting and issuing guidance in accordance with OWS and state workforce board responsibilities under WIOA. • Assist OWS and the Connecticut Department of Labor (“CTDOL”) with USDOL monitoring and audits.
