Response to Questions: WIOA Year-Round Youth Program Services 2026 RFP

WIOA Year-Round Youth Program Services RFP
Response to Questions
1. What is the funding range or ceiling per award?
Due to the competitive nature of this Request for Proposals, DESC is not establishing a predefined funding
range or ceiling per award. Applicants are required to submit a firm cost proposal based on their
experience and proposed approach to delivering the services outlined in the RFP Scope of Work.
Award amounts will be determined at DESC's sole discretion following proposal evaluation award decision
and negotiations. Awards may vary by provider based on service model, capacity, and available funding.
2. Beyond the 20% work experience requirement for Type B, are there defined targets or expectations for
Types A and C regarding the proportion of participants who should receive work experience, training,
and credential attainment?
All models will require set performance outcomes and benchmarks for training, work experience, and
credential attainment. DESC will define those outcomes for each awarded contract.
3. What are DESC's expectations regarding service intensity for participants, including the recommended
frequency of engagement (touchpoints), duration of participation, and overall level of support
required to achieve successful outcomes-and will these expectations differ across the three service
types (A, B, and C)?
Participant engagement is required at a minimum of monthly contact for all active participants and
quarterly contact for participants in follow-up. These expectations apply uniformly across all service
types to ensure consistent case management and participant support.
4. Are there opportunities to expand service areas (A, B, C) after initial award or with contract
extensions?
This would be determined by DESC as determined needful. Modifications to award will be based on
funding availability and Awardee's performance.
5. What funding sources or grants have supported Type A (Career Pathway), Type B (In-School/Out-of-
School Youth), and Type C (Career Preparation) over the past three years?
Federal and private dollars have supported WIOA ISY & OSY over the past three years.
6. Can YRY provider be located outside the City of Detroit, e.g., Oak Park, Southfield?
Providers must ensure services are accessible to participants within the city limits of Detroit, as the
requirement for eligibility requires Detroit residency.
7. What are the anticipated enrollment targets by service type (Type A, B, C) for PY26, and how do these
compare to historical enrollment levels achieved by current providers in each service category?
Date: April 10, 2026 Page 1 of 2

WIOA Year-Round Youth Program Services RFP
Response to Questions
Enrollment targets will be determined through negotiated contracts and aligned with provider capacity.
Providers are required to meet or exceed all assigned enrollment targets.
8. Is there a target or expected cost per participant that DESC considers competitive for each service type
(Type A, B, C),
a. how do current costs per participant compare across providers, and
b. does DESC anticipate different cost ranges by service type?
DESC has not established a predefined target or benchmark cost per participant for any service type.
Applicants are required to propose a cost per participant that reflects their proposed service model, level
of service intensity, and experience delivering similar programs.
DESC does not publish current or historical cost comparisons across providers, price proposals will be
evaluated for reasonableness, completeness, and alignment with the proposed scope of services and
anticipated outcomes.
DESC recognizes that costs may vary across service types (Type A, B, and C) based on differences in
program design, service intensity, and participant needs. Applicants should ensure that proposed pricing
is fully justified and aligned with their proposed approach.
9. What is the expected funding range per contract?
DESC has not established a predefined funding range per contract. Funding levels will be determined
based on the results of the competitive evaluation process, the proposed cost per participant, service
capacity, and the availability of funds.
DESC reserves the right to make multiple awards and to vary contract amounts across providers to best
meet program needs and ensure effective service delivery.
10. Can DESC clarify the specific performance measures and expected benchmarks for Service Types A
(Career Pathway) and C (Career Prep), particularly how success will be defined and evaluated beyond
standard WIOA Youth performance indicators?
As indicated in the RFP, DESC will define minimum performance benchmarks and reporting requirements
for each awarded contractor based on negotiated service levels and participant targets.
11. Are WIOA Adult and WIOA Youth services allowed to be offered at the same career center?
Participants between the ages of 14 and 17 are classified as minors and must be served in environments
that are separate from adult career centers. Participants aged 18 and older are classified as adults and
may receive services within adult career center settings.
Date: April 10, 2026 Page 2 of 2