RFP for One-Stop Operator for PA CareerLink® Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

Allegheny County, acting on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and Partner4Work, is soliciting proposals to select a qualified One-Stop Operator for the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County PA CareerLink® workforce system, in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The selected operator will serve as a neutral convener and operational facilitator, coordinating services across two comprehensive PA CareerLink® centers by managing partner relationships, implementing and monitoring Memoranda of Understanding, establishing seamless referral protocols, and driving continuous system improvements to enhance service delivery for job seekers and employers. The contract period begins July 1, 2027, and extends through June 30, 2028, with the potential for up to three additional one-year renewals contingent on funding, performance, and evolving program needs. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bonfire portal no later than August 10, 2026, and must include a completed Response Form, a detailed one-year line-item budget with narrative, a W-9, MWDBE and VOSB documentation, and partner commitment letters where applicable. The total funding available is up to $200,000, sourced from federal Department of Labor and Health and Human Services funds. The evaluation process prioritizes organizational capacity, proposed budget, and overall technical capability, with proposals scored out of a maximum of 80 points—65 for written submissions and 15 for oral presentations. Financial stability is a mandatory pass/fail gate, requiring submission of financial audits or equivalent documentation. The operator must ensure full compliance with HIPAA, DHS Cyber Security standards, Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination requirements, and must implement robust data and device security policies. A good faith effort is required to achieve MWDBE participation goals of 13% for minority-owned businesses and 2% for women-owned businesses, with detailed reporting on payments to MWDBEs due monthly via an internet-based system and supported by paid invoices, canceled checks, electronic images, and certifications. All records related to compliance and payments must be retained for four years after final payment. The operator must also provide qualified leadership, including a Program Director with cultural competency and strategic vision, ensure language access for individuals with limited English proficiency, and meet insurance and minimum computer specifications. The contractor will use the MPER system for administrative management and must designate key contacts for executive, financial, information technology, and contract operations. All submitted materials are subject