Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

FY20 FC345 Adult Education Services Competitive RFP — Rebid

July 9, 2019

Dear Applicant:

I am pleased to issue the Department's FY 2020 Request for Proposals (RFP) for ABE and ESOL instructional services within the Boston Workforce Development Region which is now posted. This RFP is targeting services to meet the needs in the South Boston area of Boston to address the demand for ABE and ESOL. These funds must support programming in FY 20 grants may be conditionally renewable for additional two (2) years (FY21 & FY22).

The RFP offers two options. Option 1 is to provide ABE instructional services (GLE 0-12.9) preferably in the South Boston area of Boston. A continuum of high quality instructional and support services is needed to support education below the postsecondary level, from lower literacy through the skill level expected of a high school graduate. These services must align with the aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE) CCRSAE.

The second option, Option 2, is to provide English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (SPL 1-7) preferably in the South Boston area of Boston. This continuum of high quality services must align with standards and benchmarks of the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards for Adult Education (2019).

Eligible applicants are currently funded Community Adult Learning Centers offering the type of service for which they are applying as well those that have not previously been funded by ESE. Applicants may apply for one or both options.

For both options the providers must:

1. provide instructional, advising, and other support services based on students' needs and strengths with regard to college and career readiness in or near the South Boston area (targeting students formerly served by Notre Dame Education Center); and
2. demonstrate capacity to contribute to a system of education and workforce services that supports career pathway development aligned with regional employment needs while providing adults with guidance and support to advance within those pathways.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Barbara Pope.

Funding is subject to state and federal appropriation and therefore all dollar amounts listed are estimated and subject to change. Please note that no expense may be charged to the grant until DESE has approved the budget. State and federal regulations require that separate and auditable records be maintained for each grant program that is funded.

We look forward to reviewing your grant application and continuing our work together in providing highly effective services to undereducated and limited-English proficient adults in the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

Wyvonne Stevens-Carter
Adult Education State Director