Title
Youth Workforce Development Services Contract - RFP-CED25-YWS - Request to Award
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to contract with Neighborhood Ministries, Inc. and Jewish Family & Children's Services, Inc. to provide youth workforce development services under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I-B Youth Program. The aggregate value of the contracts will not exceed $9,325,000 for the life of the contracts.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Community and Economic Development Department serves as the Fiscal Agent and staff for the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (Board), ensuring compliance and supporting governance functions. The Department administers the Youth Program under the ARIZONA@WORK statewide system by procuring and managing contracted service providers to deliver youth workforce services. The Board provides governance and oversight of the WIOA funds and sets strategic direction for workforce development initiatives. The Board ensures that youth workforce programs align with federal, state, and local priorities and monitors performance outcomes.
The Youth Program services are delivered through contracted providers; this year-round program serves youth ages 14-24 who face barriers to employment. It focuses heavily on out-of-school youth, including those who are homeless, in foster care, justice-involved, or otherwise considered opportunity youth. Services include work experience, career guidance, tutoring, and job training, with the goal of preparing participants for employment in high-demand fields, post-secondary education, or apprenticeships, ensuring they build career pathways and earn industry-recognized credentials.
Procurement Information
The Youth Workforce Development Services Request for Proposals (RFP-CED25-YWS) was issued on October 8, 2025, and conducted in accordance with City of Phoenix Administrative Regulation 3.10. Seven proposals were received, five of which were responsive to the RFP's requirements. An evaluation panel scored the responsive proposals based on the following criteria:
- Approach to Scope of Work (0-300 points)
- Assigned Staff's Qualifications and Experience (0-250 points)
- Proposer's Qualifications and Experience (0-225 points)
- Proposed Budget (0-225 points)
Staff recommends the proposals offered by Neighborhood Ministries, Inc. and Jewish Family and Children's Services, Inc. as the highest-scored, responsive, and responsible proposals.
Contract Term and Extension Options:
The term of the initial contract will be for approximately 14 months, beginning on or about May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with three one-year renewals.
Financial Impact
Total funding will not exceed $9,325,000 for the life of the contracts.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board approved this item as part of its 2024-26 Procurement Plan on May 23, 2024.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Community and Economic Development Department.