Workforce Readiness & Development Program

The City of St. Petersburg is seeking proposals from qualified workforce development providers to prepare, train, and place residents of the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) in jobs (see Exhibit 1). The goal is to implement comprehensive workforce training, job placement, and career advancement programs designed to expand employment opportunities, enhance job retention, and boost earnings potential. Additionally, the program seeks to increase the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials among South St. Pete CRA residents, ensuring greater access to career opportunities and long-term success.

The city is seeking proposals from offerors to provide services to unemployed and underemployed residents of the CRA. Exhibit 2 illustrates the census tracts with the highest unemployment rate. Since 2020, the City has contracted with St. Petersburg College to provide these services. The contract with St. Petersburg College is set to expire in November 2025, and the City wishes to continue its workforce development programming.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is intended to fund educational and job training providers to prepare CRA residents for employment in emerging jobs in St. Petersburg or the Tampa Bay region through training, education, supportive services, job placement, and mentoring. Emphasis will be placed on proposals that can effectively link CRA residents with employment opportunities within the City’s targeted industries, which are Marine and Life Sciences, Financial Services, Specialized Manufacturing, Data Analytics, and Creative Arts and Design. Businesses in these industries generally operate under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 31-33, 21, 52, 54, and 71. The City also desires proposals that place importance on providing training in a variety of technical and construction trades. Whenever possible, this training should be part of a State of Florida, recognized apprenticeship program and/or result in a nationally recognized certification.