Request for Proposal
RFP for Direct Services
The Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), in conjunction with the Eastern Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (WIB), is officially releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified organizations to deliver vital workforce development services within our 23-county service area. EKCEP connects individuals with sustainable careers and helps businesses grow through innovative solutions.
This RFP solicits proposals for the Program Year 2025 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) covering the following service areas:
Direct Workforce Services: Providing comprehensive workforce services to Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Employers.
Youth Direct Workforce Services (“Prosper Appalachia”): Delivering services specifically for eligible In-School and Out-of-School Youth aged 16-24.
One-Stop Operator: Coordinating partner services at the Kentucky Career Center Comprehensive locations in Perry County (Hazard) and/or Floyd County (Prestonsburg). (Note: Proposals for One-Stop Operator are only accepted for these counties and must be submitted by Bidders also proposing to deliver Direct Workforce Services in those locations ).
EKCEP contracts with third parties for the delivery of these services. We invite organizations with proven experience and a commitment to workforce development to review the full RFP document for detailed requirements, service descriptions, and eligibility criteria.
The complete RFP document is available for download here:
RFP Process Timeline
RFP Released: April 1, 2025
Optional Bidders’ Conference: April 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM EDT
Location: LKLP building (formerly Primary Care Center), 145 Citizens Lane, Hazard, Kentucky
RSVP Required: Email rfp@ekcep.org by 5:00 PM EDT on April 6, 2025, if you plan to attend. Attendance is optional and does not affect proposal scoring
Question & Answer Period: April 8 – April 22, 2025
Submit questions via email to rfp@ekcep.org. Significant questions and answers will be posted at www.ekcep.org/rfp.
Proposal Submission Deadline: April 29, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST
See RFP Section 7.03 for submission instructions
Evaluation of Proposals: April 30 – May 21, 2025
Board Consideration of Proposals: June 11, 2025
Contract Negotiation Period: June 12 – June 20, 2025
Contract Approval: June 23, 2025
Contract Implementation: July 1, 2025
Questions:
During the designated Question & Answer period (April 8-22, 2025), please direct all inquiries regarding this RFP to: rfp@ekcep.org. EKCEP looks forward to receiving proposals from dedicated organizations ready to partner in strengthening Eastern Kentucky’s workforce.
EKCEP will only receive proposals electronically. Bidders must submit proposals at rfp@ekcep.org.