EKCEP’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for Direct Services is now available!

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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.