RFA 32026-00172 Supporting Career Shifters

The Texas Workforce Commission is soliciting applications under RFA 32026-00172 to allocate up to one million dollars in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for career exploration initiatives aimed at helping participants transition into targeted or high-demand occupations. Only Texas Local Workforce Development Boards are eligible to apply; all other applicants will be disqualified. The solicitation closes on June 23, 2026, and submissions must be made electronically through the TWC Procurement Portal using Form A, a searchable and editable PDF, and Form B, an Excel budget workbook. Applications not meeting these format requirements will be rejected. Proposals will be evaluated based on program description (25 points), program plan (20 points), participant recruitment and selection (15 points), partnerships implementation (15 points), benchmarks (15 points), and budget workbook accuracy (10 points), with awards determined through a trade-off process that weighs technical merit against cost. Contracting entities must comply with federal regulations including 2 CFR Part 200, the Single Audit Act, and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 800, and are subject to audits, site inspections, and record retention requirements for seven years. Grantees must submit quarterly performance reports, a final report within 30 days of completion, and electronic financial data via the CDER system. Additional compliance obligations include adherence to Privacy Act protections, prohibitions on trafficking and child labor, mandatory pornography-blocking software on federally funded devices, whistleblower protections, and full disclosure of federal funding in all communications. All awardees must maintain an active Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov, avoid debarment or federal tax liens, and ensure no lobbying occurred using non-federal funds. Special conditions require health benefits covering FDA-approved contraceptives without cost-sharing and subrecipient compliance with all federal and state stipulations. No specific place of performance or FOB terms are defined, but TWC retains the right to inspect facilities and records at any time. The sole point of contact for all communications is Mary Helen Nuñez-Wallace, and no COR or COTR has been designated.