RFP #WDARC-0028 - YOUTH EMPLOYMENTPROGRAM

The County of Riverside Purchasing Department, on behalf of the Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS), invites eligible respondents to submit a proposal more specifically described below. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or the American Rescue Plan (ARP), is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law on March 11, 2021, to accelerate the United States' recovery from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ARP includes $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. These funds known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide of the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is specifically for Housing and Workforce Solutions, Workforce Development Division (HWS/WDD) to

procure an eligible and qualified entity to administer, implement, and oversee the Youth Employment Program. Respondent will be responsible for implementing the Youth Employment Program to encourage local employers in hiring youth between the ages of 16-24 years old. The program will assist high school, recent graduates and youth that have been disconnected from the workforce. This program will help provide youth opportunities to gain work experience while introducing them to potential career pathways. Additionally, this program will assist small businesses by providing wage reimbursements, wrap around supportive services so that all youth have access to participate. Supportive services will provide essential economic relief to youth to pay for items such as uniform costs, gasoline/ transportation expenses, bus passes, textbook assistance, school supplies, etc. Respondent is expected to provide direct career counseling and guidance to participating youth. The Youth Employment Program will be uniquely allocated for the County of Riverside Supervisorial District 2 and District 5, its residents, and employers. Respondent will be required to begin execution of the scope of work, as defined later in the RFP, upon the anticipated launch on May 1, 2024, and end on December 31, 2025, and will assist a minimum of 68 individual youth ages 16-24 for a maximum of 240 hours at $16 per hour. Respondents will be able to submit proposals for both district but must clearly identify their District of focus. Separate unique respondents may be selected to serve within each supervisorial district.