REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Workforce Forward: Birmingham Workforce Partner Accelerator- Program Manager
Issued by: City of Birmingham, Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity
RFP Release Date: December 1, 2025
Proposals Due: December 31, 2025
Contact: Erika Dix, Manager of Workforce and Talent Development,
erika.dix@birminghamal.gov, 205-531-9564
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I. Introduction
The City of Birmingham, through the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, is
seeking an experienced Program Manager (Consultant or Firm) to coordinate and facilitate the
Workforce Forward: Birmingham Workforce Accelerator, an intensive 9-month program in
supporting nonprofits, startups, and community-based organizations in designing scalable,
fundable workforce development programs aligned with City priorities.
II. Project Outcomes
The selected Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the Workforce Forward:
Birmingham Partner Accelerator achieves measurable, high-impact outcomes for participating
organizations, the City of Birmingham, and the broader workforce ecosystem. By the end of the
9-month accelerator, the Program Manager will have facilitated the creation of actionable,
fundable, and scalable workforce programs that directly address the needs of Birmingham
residents and businesses.
III. Key Expected Outcomes
• Cohort Program Readiness: At least 90% of participating organizations complete the
accelerator with a fully developed program design, measurable outcomes framework, and
implementation roadmap aligned with City workforce priorities.
• Partnership Development: Establish a minimum of 14 new partnerships between cohort
members and employers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.
• Funding & Resource Mobilization: Support at least 60% of participants in securing
external funding (public or private) or in-kind resources to launch or scale their
workforce initiatives.
• Operational Capacity Building: Demonstrated improvement in participants’
organizational capacity in areas such as staffing models, budget management, data
tracking, and compliance reporting.
• Data-Driven Impact Measurement: Each participant develops and begins using a data
collection and evaluation system to track program outcomes, inform adjustments, and
report to stakeholders.
• Citywide Workforce Impact: At least 70% of implemented participant programs actively
serve Birmingham residents within 6 months post-accelerator, contributing to increased
employment, skills attainment, and career mobility.
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• Sustainability Planning: All participants leave with a sustainability strategy to maintain
and grow their workforce programs beyond the initial pilot stage.
IV. Scope of Work
The selected Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the 9-month
accelerator, including:
Program Delivery & Facilitation
• Lead and facilitate monthly in-person intensives and virtual sessions
• Deliver workshops across themes such as ecosystem mapping, program design,
budgeting, grant writing, data evaluation, and storytelling
• Provide subject-matter expertise or coordinate guest speakers as needed
Participant Support
• Coordinate peer learning sessions, coaching, and monthly office hours
• Maintain regular communication with participants and workforce staff
• Oversee program surveys and feedback collection
Logistics & Administration
• Manage calendar, session materials, venues, and virtual platforms
• Maintain a resource library with tools, templates, and recorded content
• Coordinate the final Demo Day event with City leadership and stakeholders
Reporting
• Track program metrics, deliverables, and participant progress
• Submit monthly reports and a final program summary with recommendations
V. Program Timeline & Content Overview
Program Duration: 9 Months (Monthly In-Person + Virtual Coaching)
Location: Birmingham, AL (with some virtual facilitation)
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Key Monthly Themes
1. Orientation & Workforce Landscape
7. Grant Writing Basics
2. Ecosystem Mapping & Problem
Framing
3. Program Design & Outcomes
4. Partnership Readiness & Compliance
5. Data & Evaluation
6. Operations & Budget Planning
8. Advanced Grant Development
9. Technology & Reporting Tools
10. Storytelling & Pitch Prep
11. Finalizing Pitches + Coaching
12. Demo Day + Post-Program Planning
Additional Supports:
• Monthly office hours
• Peer support groups
• Access to a resource library
VI. Desired Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in workforce development, nonprofit capacity building, and/or
accelerator management
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to engage adult learners
• Knowledge of public-private partnerships, grant writing, compliance, and program
evaluation
• Familiarity with Birmingham’s workforce landscape is preferred
VII. Proposal Requirements
Interested parties should submit:
1. Cover Letter (1 page)
2. Project Proposal (2-3 pages) including:
o Approach to program management and delivery
o Experience facilitating similar programs
o Timeline and staffing
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o Fee proposal
3. Resume(s) or Organizational Overview
4. Work Samples (if applicable)
5. References (at least 2 relevant contacts)
VIII. Budget
The City will consider proposals for $125,000 for the full 9-month scope of work, inclusive of
planning, facilitation, travel, materials, and pitch competition awards.
IX. RFP General Terms and Conditions
1. Nothing in this RFP nor in any proposal in response to this RFP is intended to be, nor should
anything be construed, as an offer of engagement, nor shall the selection of a Proposer be
construed as an offer of engagement unless and until a contract is fully negotiated and fully
executed by all parties. Issuing this RFP does not obligate the City of Birmingham to award a
contract to any Proposer.
2. Costs for developing proposals are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be
chargeable to the City. The City, and its officials, employees and agents, shall be held harmless and
free from any and all liability, claims, or expenses whatsoever incurred by, or on behalf of, any
person or organization responding to this RFP.
3. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted or to cancel this RFP at any
time for any reason, including but not limited to, the project being canceled, loss of funding, or it is
deemed in the best interest of the City to cancel.
4. The City reserves the right to waive any non-material irregularities pertaining to the submission of
proposals without obligation or liability to any Proposer and/or to re-solicit proposals. The City’s
waiver of an immaterial defect shall in no way modify the RFP documents or excuse the Proposer
from full compliance with the specifications if he/she is awarded the contract.
5. The City reserves the right to reconsider any proposal submitted at any stage of the procurement.
6. The City reserves the right to delete or add components of the scope of work until the contract is
signed. Additionally, any and all RFP project elements, requirements, and schedules are subject to
change and modification.
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.