RFP # 27-22 Youth Employment Program

The City of Somerville is soliciting proposals for the Youth Employment Program for the 2026-2027 school year, with a performance period from approximately December 1, 2026, to June 1, 2027. The selected organization will recruit, hire, train, and supervise between 5 and 15 youth, aged 15-18, who reside in or attend school in Somerville. Participants are required to work at least 8 hours per week for 20 weeks, totaling 160 hours, and must be paid the current living wage of $18.85 per hour. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions of higher education, or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, and must have been in operation for at least three years. Award selection is based on the most advantageous proposal, evaluated across three factors: proposal quality, organizational and staff experience, and implementation, evaluation, and cost. A key financial requirement is that at least 80% of requested funds must directly support youth wages. Deliverables include the successful employment of youth, the administration of pre- and post-surveys to measure skill growth, and the submission of quarterly reports and invoices. The contractor is responsible for day-to-day supervision and must ensure all staff undergo background checks, including fingerprinting, CORI, and SORI. Proposals are due by October 28, 2026, and must be submitted via Bidexpress.com or as a sealed physical package to the Procurement and Contracting Services Department.