26-AA23 RFP for Community Liaisons - Construction Focus

Duluth Workforce Development
218-302-8400 | WorkforceDevelopment@duluthmn.gov
402 West First Street | Duluth, Minnesota 55802
www.duluthmn.gov/workforce-development
Request for Professional Services
Community Liaison - Construction Focus
The City of Duluth Workforce Development Division seeks up to five (5) vendors to provide Community Liaison
professional services, to assist with outreach and recruitment for the construction industry. Community
Liaisons have strong ties to both youth and adults in the Duluth-Superior area, and will provide information,
assistance, and support to inspire entry into highway-heavy construction careers.
Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project Information
The Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project involves the complete replacement of the aging I-535/US 53 bridge
connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin over the St. Louis Bay. Originally opened in 1961, the
structure is nearing the end of its service life and is a vital freight and commercial connection for the region.
The work will be executed through a design-build contract led by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project scope includes:
1. Demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new main bridge on the existing alignment.
2. Reconstruction of interchange approaches in both Duluth and Superior.
3. Addition of a dedicated multi-use path to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
This infrastructure investment is projected to inject over $1 billion into the local economy between now and
the end of 2031. The project is estimated to generate significant labor hours, creating demand for a skilled
local workforce.
Calendar of Events
Workforce Development will make every effort to adhere to the following schedule:
Activity Date
Deadline to submit Questions via email to efoshay@duluthmn.gov August 28, 2026 by 4:00 PM CT
Answers to questions will be posted to the City website no later than this September 1, 2026
Proposals must be received via email to efoshay@duluthmn.gov no later September 4, 2026 by 4:00 PM CT
than this date.
Interviews tentatively scheduled the week of: September 28, 2026

Questions & Answers
Any questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by e-mail to efoshay@dulthmn.gov no later than the date
indicated on the Calendar of Events. Answers to the questions will be posted as an Addendum to the RFP.
Addenda to the RFP
If Workforce Development deems it necessary to revise any part of this RFP before the proposal response
date, the Purchasing division will post an addendum to its website at
http://www.duluthmn.gov/purchasing/bids-request-for-proposals/. It is the Bidder's responsibility to
periodically check the website for any new information. Any addenda issued must be acknowledged on the
Proposal Cover Sheet attached as Appendix A.
Interviews/Demonstrations
The City reserves the right to request interviews. Interviewees will be chosen from top scoring proposers.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of September 28, 2026.
Overview of Community Liaison Project Goals
In support of the Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project, the City of Duluth has entered into a joint powers
contract with MnDOT to support the project's workforce goals and to ensure that Minnesota's and
Wisconsin's diverse populations are represented among workers on the project. MNDoT has set targets that
9% of work hours be performed by women, and 12% of work hours be performed by people of color.
Additionally, there is a goal that 195 trainees will work on the project, totaling 113,750 hours of work.
Additional provisions and conditions identified in Appendix B are applicable to this project.
In support of these goals, the City of Duluth, MnDOT, WisDOT, the design-build contractor, and the
Community Liaisons will work together to:
1. Promote Workforce Participation: Support the achievement of workforce participation goals through
engagement of residents from both Minnesota and Wisconsin in the construction workforce.
2. Facilitate Training & Development: Create pathways for trainees from Northeast Minnesota and
Northwest Wisconsin to acquire pre-apprenticeship and on-the-job training, build work readiness skills,
and gain relevant construction experience.
3. Strategic Engagement: Engage community members, listen to understand, and balance the varying
needs of all to achieve the best possible outcomes, consistent with the State's Strategic Operations
Plan.
4. Clarify Career Pathways: Help the community understand how to pursue careers in highway heavy
construction and connect with apprenticeship and employment opportunities created by the Blatnik
Bridge and other MnDOT and WisDOT projects.

Role of Community Liaisons
The City of Duluth seeks to contract with up to five (5) Community Liaisons to support these goals.
Community Liaisons will have strong ties to both youth and adult jobseekers in the Duluth-Superior area,
particularly those from communities underrepresented in the building trades. Community Liaisons will lead
engagement efforts in support of the project's stated workforce goals by implementing outreach strategies to
best reach all segments of the community's current and future workforce. Their core functions include:
1. Outreach: Identifying and creating venues for career exploration and inspiring interest in construction
work;
2. Guidance and Navigation: Identifying specific individuals with interest in construction careers and
working with them one-on-one to explore options, submit applications, complete requirements for
entry, build work readiness, overcome obstacles to employment, and connect to available resources
and programs;
3. Referral: Directing individuals to union apprenticeships, apprenticeship prep programs, and post-
secondary training;
4. Retention: Serving as an ongoing point of contact for mentorship and job placement retention.
5. Representation: Representing their networks at meetings with the State and General Contractor to
review progress and identify challenges.
Community Liaisons will actively engage and build relationships with schools, community partners, unions, and
employers in support of these core functions, and will be responsible for tracking and reporting these
activities to the City of Duluth on a quarterly basis.
Community Liaison Responsibilities
With guidance and oversight from Duluth Workforce Development, Community Liaisons will:
1. Develop and implement an outreach plan to identify and recruit diverse jobseekers interested in
construction related careers.
2. Build and/or strengthen partnerships with community leaders and organizations, unions, and employers
that will help build a diverse construction workforce.
3. Plan and host workshops, field trips, and information events that take a culturally relevant and inclusive
approach to share information about construction careers.
4. Open doors for MnDOT to sponsor and/or attend community events or share information through
community networks.
5. Provide hands-on connection, mentorship, and guidance to individuals as they navigate exploration,
training, and employment in the construction sector. This includes helping individuals prepare to meet
minimum requirements for entry into apprenticeship, including navigation of community resources to
assist in completing a GED, building math skills, or obtaining a driver's license.

6. Provide meaningful referrals to local training and apprenticeship programs, and assistance in completing
program applications and enrollment steps.
7. Provide ongoing connection and support to individuals after they begin training and/or employment. This
includes serving as a resource to help navigate worksite challenges often faced by women and BIPOC
workers in the construction industry.
8. Provide feedback to construction employers and union representatives to identify and address worksite
issues and help build a more inclusive work environment.
9. Attend monthly check-in meetings to provide an update on activities, successes and outcomes and help
develop strategies to ensure workforce goals are met.
10. Provide input in development of workforce strategies and tactics to increase diversity in the project's
construction workforce.
11. Prepare quarterly summary reports of all activities and measurable outcomes.
Performance Measures of Success
Community Liaisons submit quarterly written reports outlining performance on the following measures of
success:
1. The number of events and other opportunities to engage the community in career exploration.
2. The number of individuals attending events or otherwise engaged in exploring construction careers
and/or overcoming obstacles to employment.
3. The number of individuals referred to training programs.
4. The number of individuals entering apprenticeship programs in the construction trades.
5. The number of job seekers from Minnesota and Wisconsin ultimately employed on the Blatnik Bridge
Replacement Project.
After being selected, Community Liaisons work with Duluth Workforce Development to create an annual work
plan that includes specific targets for each performance measure.
Training and Supervision
Community Liaisons will be provided with training on a number of topics as needed, including:
Orientation to the construction trades, including highway-heavy construction
Orientation to apprenticeships, and the requirements and application process for each trade
Orientation to construction training program options, and support services available to assist
participants
Opportunity to connect with apprenticeship training coordinators and construction contractors
working on the Blatnik Bridge Replacement Project
Opportunity to meet with and provide feedback to MNDoT and contractors

Orientation to the City of Duluth's Human Rights Office and the MNDoT Office of Civil Rights as a
resource
Ongoing supervision and support for Community Liaisons will be provided by Duluth Workforce Development
staff.
Timeline and Compensation
Duluth Workforce Development seeks up to five (5) Community Liaisons, for an initial contract term beginning
September 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. At the end of the initial contract term, Workforce Development
staff will conduct a performance review based on the responsibilities and measures of success outlined in this
request. Contracts may be renewed annually through June 30, 2031, based on satisfactory performance,
continued project need, and the availability of funding. Workforce Development reserves the right not to
renew the contract if performance does not meet the expectations established in this request.
Each Community Liaison will be paid at a rate of $55 per hour for up to 180 hours per year (an average of 15
hours per month). In addition to the individual compensation, the five Community Liaisons will share a five-
year total program budget of up to $7,500 to provide food at community events/meetings, $3,000 for
marketing & outreach, $6,250 for guest speaker stipends for events/workshops, and $5000 for transportation.
These program funds are shared among all five Community Liaisons and are intended to support outreach and
engagement activities throughout the duration of the contract.
Community liaisons who use their car for purposes related to this contract must have a valid driver's license
and provide proof of insurance for the vehicle to be used. Mileage will be reimbursed at the current IRS
mileage rate of $0.76 per miles for business mileage, up to the contract budget limit.
Eligibility
Each Community Liaison will be contracted as an individual consultant and will work closely with a group of
four other consultants. At least one Community Liaison must reside in and focus on Wisconsin. Knowledge of
and connection to the construction industry and/or building trades unions is a benefit, but not a requirement.
If needed, Community Liaisons will be provided training to increase familiarity with the construction industry
and union apprenticeships, as well as available workforce development programs and resources.
Application and Review Process
Interested consultants may submit a proposal individually or in partnership with one or more other potential
consultants. Workforce Development reserves the right to select and contract with any individual consultant
included in the proposal and is not obligated to select all members of the proposed team. Each selected
consultant will enter into a separate contract with the City, and performance evaluations and contract
renewals will be determined individually. Interviews will be conducted individually. Proposals should include

a resume for each consultant, at least two professional references per consultant, and specific responses to
the following questions:
1. Please describe your background and relevant experience. Why are you interested in serving as a
Community Liaison?
2. Please describe your connection to or knowledge of the construction industry and/or union
apprenticeships. Why are you interested in helping to promote construction careers?
3. What specific methods will be utilized to conduct outreach and inspire interest among youth and
adults in construction careers? Please provide detail on how, where, and when you would conduct
outreach, who you would partner with, and which populations you would focus on for each outreach
activity.
4. What strategies will be used to specifically reach, identify, and engage potential candidates who are
women and/or BIPOC individuals for careers in construction?
5. What strategies will be utilized to assist interested individuals in connecting to training, employment,
and apprenticeship opportunities? What specific types of support do you anticipate providing?
6. What support do you need from Duluth Workforce Development, MnDOT, and contractors to be
successful?
Proposals should be submitted to Elena Foshay, Director of Workforce Development at
efoshay@duluthmn.gov. Deadline to submit proposals is September 4 by 4:00 PM CT. It is the proposer's
responsibility to ensure the email is received before the deadline. Please request confirmation of receipt.
Workforce Development reserves the right to reject or to deduct evaluation points for late proposals.
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on:
Strength of community connections (30%)
Detailed outline of methods and strategies (40%)
Strength of methods and strategies in achieving desired outcomes (30%)
Mandatory Disclosures
By submitting a proposal, each Bidder understands, represents, and acknowledges that:
A. Their proposal has been developed by the Bidder independently and has been submitted without
collusion with and without agreement, understanding, or planned common course of action with
any other vendor or suppliers of materials, supplies, equipment, or services described in the
Request for Proposals, designed to limit independent bidding or competition, and that the
contents of the proposal have not been communicated by the Bidder or its employees or agents
to any person not an employee or agent of the Bidder.
B. There is no conflict of interest. A conflict of interest exists if a Bidder has any interest that would
actually conflict, or has the appearance of conflicting, in any manner or degree with the

performance of work on the project. If there are potential conflicts, identify the municipalities,
developers, and other public or private entities with whom your company is currently, or have
been, employed and which may be affected.
C. It is not currently under suspension or debarment by the State of Minnesota, any other state or
the federal government.
The City reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to reject any and all proposals or cancel the
request for proposals, at any time prior to the time a contract is fully executed, when it is in its best interests.
The City is not liable for any costs the Proposer incurs in preparation and submission of its proposal, in
participating in the RFP process or in anticipation of award of the contract.
All materials submitted in response to this RFP will become property of the City and will become public
record after the evaluation process is completed and an award decision made.
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Proposal Cover Sheet
Appendix B - Supplementary Provisions and General Conditions applicable due to funding source

APPENDIX A - PROPOSAL COVER SHEET
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
26-AA23 RFP FOR COMMUNITY LIAISONS - CONSTRUCTION FOCUS
Bidder Information:
Submitter Name
Mailing Address
Contact Person
Contact Person's Phone Number
Contact Person's E-Mail Address
Federal ID Number
Authorized Signature
Name & Title of Authorized Signer
Email of Authorized Signer
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ADDENDA
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE

Appendix B - City of Duluth
Supplementary Provisions for State and/or Federally Assisted Activities
1. Disbursements
(a) No money under this Contract shall be disbursed by the City to any Contractor unless the
Contractor is in compliance with the Federal Agency requirements with regard to accounting and
fiscal matters to the extent they are applicable.
(b) Unearned payments under this Contract may be suspended or terminated upon the Contractor's
refusal to accept any additional conditions that may be imposed by the Federal Agency at any
time; or if the grant, if applicable, to the City under which this Contract is made is suspended or
terminated.
2. Breach of Contract.
The City may, subject to the Force Majeure provisions below and in addition to its other rights under
the Contract, declare the Contractor in breach of the Contract by written notice thereof to the Contractor,
and terminate the Contract in whole or in part, in accordance with Section 4, Termination, for reasons
including but not limited to any of the following:
(a) Failure to begin the Work within the time specified in the Contract;
(b) Failure to perform the Work with sufficient labor, equipment, or material to insure the completion
of the specified Work in accordance with the Contract terms;
(c) Unsatisfactory performance of the Work;
(d) Failure or refusal to remove material, or remove and replace any Work rejected as defective or
unsatisfactory;
(e) Discontinuance of the Work without approval;
(f) Failure to resume the Work, which has been discontinued, within a reasonable time after notice to
do so;
(g) Insolvency or bankruptcy;
(h) Failure to protect, to repair, or to make good any damage or injury to property;
(i) Breach of any provision of the Contract;
(j) Misrepresentations made in the Contractor's bid/proposal; or
(k) Failure to comply with applicable industry standards, customs, and practice.
3. Termination
For Cause: If the Contractor is in breach of the Contract, the City, by written notice to the Contractor,
may terminate the Contractor's right to proceed with the Work. Upon such termination, the City may take
over the Work and prosecute the same to completion, by contract or otherwise, and the Contractor and
its sureties shall be liable to the City for any additional cost incurred by the City in its completion of the
Work and they shall also be liable to the City for liquidated damages for any delay in the completion of the
Work as provided below. If the Contractor's right to proceed is terminated, the City may take possession
of and utilize in completing the Work such materials, tools, equipment, and plant as may be on the site of
the Work and necessary therefore.
For Insufficient Funds: City shall have the right to terminate this contract immediately without other
cause in the event that all or a portion of the funds that the City intends to use to fund its obligations
under the contract have their source with the State or Federal government or any agency thereof and said
source reduces or eliminates their obligation to provide some or all of the funds previously committed by
it to fund City's payment obligations under the Contract. The City agrees that termination hereunder will
not relieve the City of its obligation to pay Contractor for Work satisfactorily performed and reasonable
costs incurred prior to the effective date.
Revised 06.04.2026 1

Without Cause: Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the City may terminate this Contract
at any time upon written notice given by the City (for any reason, including the convenience of the City) to
the Contractor at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the termination of this Contract. The
City agrees that termination hereunder will not relieve the City of its obligation to pay Contractor for Work
satisfactorily performed and reasonable costs incurred prior to the effective date of the termination
provided that Contractor has not committed a breach of this Contract. Nothing contained in this section
shall prevent either party from pursuing or collecting any damages to which it may be entitled by law.
4. Suspension of Contract.
The City may immediately suspend this Agreement in the event of a total or partial government
shutdown due to the failure to have an approved budget by the legal deadline. During this suspension,
any work performed is deemed unauthorized and undertaken at risk of non-payment.
5. Force Majeure.
The right of the Contractor to proceed shall not be terminated nor shall the Contractor be charged
with liquidated damages for any delays in the completion of the Work due to any acts of the Government,
including controls or restrictions upon or requisitioning of materials, equipment, tools, or labor by reason
of war, National Defense, or any other national emergency; any acts of the City; causes not reasonably
foreseeable by the parties to this Contract at the time of the execution of the Contract which are beyond
the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor, including, but not restricted to, acts of
God or of the public enemy, acts of another Contractor in their performance of some other contract with
the City, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, and weather of
unusual severity such as hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, and other extreme weather conditions; nor to
any delay of any Subcontractor occasioned by any of the causes specified above. The Contractor shall
promptly notify the City in writing within ten (10) days of the delay. Upon receipt of such notification, the
City shall ascertain the facts and the cause of the delay. If, upon the basis of facts and the terms of the
Contract, the delay is properly excusable, the City shall extend the time for completing the Work for a
period of time commensurate with the period of excusable delay.
6. Contracting with Small and Minority Businesses, Women's Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus
Area Firms.
Per 2 CFR 200.321, prime contractor must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority
businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms (collectively referred to as
socioeconomic firms) are used when possible. The affirmative steps must include:
(a) Placing qualified socioeconomic firms on solicitation lists;
(b) Assuring that socioeconomic firms are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
(c) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit
maximum participation by socioeconomic firms;
(d) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, which encourage participation by
socioeconomic firms; and
(e) Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business
Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce.
7. Suspension and Debarment.
This contract is a covered transaction for purposes of 49 CFR Part 29. As such, the contractor is
required to verify that none of the contractor, its principals, as defined at 49 CFR 29.995, or affiliates, as
defined at 49 CFR 29.905, are excluded or disqualified as defined at 49 CFR 29.940 and 29.945. The
contractor is required to comply with 49 CFR 29, Subpart C and must include the requirement to comply
with 49 CFR 29, Subpart C in any lower tier covered transaction it enters into. A contract award must not
be made to parties listed on the governmentwide exclusions in the System for Award Management
(SAM.gov), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3
CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 19898 Comp., p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension."
SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as
Revised 06.04.2026 2