The purpose of this Request for Information/ Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit letters of interest and qualifications statements from organizations interested in serving as the Regional Coordinating Entity, and then to submit a proposal, for a Talent Pathways Initiative (TPI) for GO Virginia Region 8. It is anticipated this TPI project will be Region 8-wide, i.e., including all parts of the Northern and Central Shenandoah Valleys.

RFI Inquiries/Point of Contact

All responses to this RFQ should be submitted by email citing the Regional Coordinating Entity title to:

Deborah K. Flippo, Executive Director Director@GoVirginiaRegion8.org

Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, February 14.

Statement of Need

House Bill 29, approved by the 2022 General Assembly, provided $2.5 million to the GO Virginia State Board for planning grants to support analysis of the workforce needs of regional businesses and the identification of the skills and training that can help prepare Virginians to fill available jobs in regional markets. It is anticipated that regional councils will focus this analysis on prioritized industry clusters identified in their approved 2023 Growth and Diversification plan review. Using this analysis, it is anticipated that the Board, with subsequent funding, will be able to support implementation projects for talent pathways initiatives. Such efforts will seek to align training curricula with the needs of business through collaboration incentives as well as facilitate increased work-based learning experiences (internships, apprenticeships, on- the-job upskilling, and re-skilling programs) and to develop entrepreneurial talent.

Regional Councils may apply for up to $250,000 for a TPI-Planning grant. The TPI-Planning grant program requires a 2:1 match and the match must come from non-state sources of revenue. No local match is required. All GO Virginia projects require the participation of two or more localities. If no local match (cash or in-kind) is provided, letters of endorsement from two or more localities or a public body representing the interest of two or more localities will be required and the project must demonstrate meaningful participation of those public bodies (See GO Virginia Regional Collaboration and Local Participation memo for additional guidance). This planning grant program shall last no longer than one year from its start date and represents a one-time regional allocation of funds for this purpose.

More details can be found at the following links at the DHCD GO Virginia Regional Materials page:

TPI Planning FAQs

Talent Pathways Initiative Guidance

The coordinating entity may use a dedicated staff member or an outside consultant to assist with the delivery of the TPI proposal to be submitted to the Council and then the State Board, and then to administer the project. Each proposed plan shall include specific deliverables and metrics which will be used to measure success.

The GO Virginia Region 8 Council will provide oversight of the coordinating entity, which will provide leadership to develop projects to implement the strategies and structures identified through the process.

Submittal Requirements

• Background – Provide a concise paragraph outlining your organization’s
• Qualifications – List your organization’s qualifications to serve in the role of coordinating

entity.

• Other Information – Provide any other information that would be useful in our

Anticipated Timeline