The overview
The city will solicit outside companies to provide training, education and case management services for the Ready to Work program, including certifications, degrees and referrals.
Erik Walsh, San Antonio city manager, said that the program will provide higher education opportunities, provide training for in-demand skills and give local employers the talent they need to get work done.
Guiding principles of Ready to Work program:
- Seek to reduce poverty through targeted solutions for maximum impact
- Provide high-quality training and education that’s aligned with employer needs
- Afford residents opportunities to succeed, regardless of current circumstances
- Build a stronger more inclusive workforce ecosystem
“We want to benefit those populations who have been historically underserved,” Ramsey said.
Scope of prospective services include:
- Train RTW participants through in-house training programs
- Determine eligibility for future and current students
- Perform intake assessments and conduct referrals
- Provide wraparound services
- Tuition reimbursement
- Emergency support services
- Training completion confirmation
- Job placement and verification
Funding the project
The Ready to Work program is funded by a 0.125% sales tax approved by 76.96% of voters in 2020. The sales tax will end Dec. 31, 2025, and the program will sunset in 2029.
Going forward
Solicitation for prospective partners will be sent out by the end of 2024.
Timeline:
- RFP release date: Nov. 25
- Pre-submittal conference: Dec. 11
- Deadline for questions: Dec. 16
- RFP due date: Jan. 22, 2025
- Evaluation of RFP: Feb. 26, 2025
- Contract negotiation deadline: March 7, 2025
- Post-solicitation briefing: May 7, 2025
- City Council consideration: May 22, 2025
- Contract start date: June 2, 2025