FY27 TRAIN Grant

The FY27 TRAIN Grant program, solicited under BD-27-1088-RGT01-RGT01-130754 by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, aims to equip long-term unemployed, underemployed, and new entrant adults with workforce readiness skills and industry-specific credentials to achieve family-sustaining employment. Targeted exclusively to Massachusetts’ 15 community colleges—each eligible to lead only one proposal—the program requires applicants to form partnerships with Regional Workforce Boards, Career Centers, and at least one regional employer offering internships, supported by formal letters of commitment. Proposals must include assessment tools for workplace readiness and prior learning credentials, and demonstrate an average cost per student between $1,500 and $5,000, with typical costs clustering between $2,000 and $3,000. Funding is capped at $1.5 million total, with up to 15 awards anticipated, selected through a trade-off process that prioritizes program quality, partnership depth, and outcomes over price. Performance must occur in Boston, Massachusetts, with a contract period from October 13, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and deliverables must include measurable outcomes such as participant placement in internships, program completion rates, and full-time employment within three months of graduation. Proposals must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS by July 31, 2026, and consist of three mandatory components: an Application Coversheet, a Narrative limited to 10 pages with standard formatting, and a Budget Worksheet—all in specific Microsoft Office formats with exact filenames. Applicants must maintain an active Unique Entity ID and comply with Massachusetts state laws including data privacy under M.G.L. c. 66A, payment regulations under 815 CMR 4.00 and 9.00, and public records requirements. Contractors are required to prioritize procurement from certified Minority-, Women-, and Disadvantage-Owned Businesses and must obtain prior written approval for any subcontracting. Records must be retained for six years after final payment, and the Commonwealth retains the right to conduct on-site inspections and audits. The contractor assumes full risk of loss until acceptance by the Department, is obligated to indemnify the state against claims arising from performance, and is prohibited from assigning contractual duties without approval. All disputes are subject to Massachusetts jurisdiction, with mandatory mediation through the Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution