Workforce

Request for Proposals (RFP) – PROWD Workforce Development Program

The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), on behalf of the South Central Mississippi Works Workforce Board, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit competitive proposals from qualified organizations to manage and deliver workforce development services under the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) grant program.

The PROWD program is designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals in successfully reentering the workforce by providing employment training, career coaching, case management, and supportive services. Services will be delivered at the Federal Correctional Complex in Yazoo City (FCC Yazoo City) and Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) within the 17-county SCMW service area.

CMPDD is seeking proposals from for-profit, non-profit, faith-based, community-based organizations, and public agencies with experience in workforce development and reentry services.

Key Dates:

  • RFP Release Date: March 10, 2025
  • Bidders’ Conference: March 18, 2025 (via Microsoft Teams)
  • Deadline for RFP Questions: March 25, 2025
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: April 11, 2025
  • Subaward Recommendations: June 9, 2025
  • Program Start Date: July 1, 2025

For full details, eligibility requirements, and proposal submission guidelines, please review the official RFP document below.


Request for Proposals

Southcentral Mississippi Works (SCMW) is seeking proposals for workforce development services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eligible entities are invited to apply for funding to provide One-Stop Operator services, Adult & Dislocated Worker programs, and Youth Workforce Initiatives for the following counties:

Ecosystem 5:

  • Madison
  • Yazoo

Ecosystem 7:

  • Amite
  • Pike
  • Wilkinson
  • Walthall

The full RFP, required forms, and budget/budget narrative templates are available for download below. All proposals must be submitted by the specified deadline. For questions, please refer to the RFP guidelines.

RFP Timeline:

Request for Proposal (RFP) ReleaseFebruary 17, 2025
Bidders’ Conference Microsoft Teams Meeting
Email wioa@cmpdd.org or contact Tom Meek at 601-981-1511 for a calendar invite
Feb 24, 2025, 1:30 pm  
Last day to submit RFP Questions  to wioa@cmpdd.orgFeb 28, 025
Proposals DueMarch 7, 2025
Subaward Recommendation(s) Considered for ApprovalJune 9, 2025
Subaward NegotiationsJune 10 – 30, 2025
Subawards/Programs Commence         July 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

SCMW RFP 2025 Questions and answers

SCMW Performance


Empowering Futures: The Career Coaching Program

Transformative Opportunities for High School Students
In an exciting development, the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its highly successful Career Coaching Program. This expansion, under the umbrella of Accelerate MS, is poised to bring transformative opportunities to an even broader group of high school students, preparing them for high-paying, in-demand careers.

Reach and Impact
SCMW has taken a proactive approach, deploying Career Coaches to 34 high schools in 16 school districts across the region. The school districts benefiting from this expansion include:

  1. Madison County School District
  2. Canton School District
  3. Rankin County School District
  4. Pearl Public Schools
  5. Hinds County School District
  6. Jackson Public Schools
  7. Vicksburg-Warren County School District
  8. Simpson County School District
  9. Copiah County School District
  10. Jefferson County School District
  11. Adams County School District
  12. Franklin County School District
  13. Wilkinson County School District
  14. Amite County School District
  15. Pike County School District
  16. Walthall County School District

Purpose and Impact
The Career Coaching Program is purpose-built to empower students by offering guidance and support in exploring, preparing for, and connecting with Mississippi’s most sought-after careers. Our dedicated Career Coaches provide invaluable insights into the needs of various industries while presenting the diverse training opportunities available through community colleges and universities.

This expansion marks a significant step towards equipping the future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed for success in today’s job market. CMPDD remains committed to fostering a dynamic and well-prepared workforce that will drive the economic prosperity of our communities.

Contact Information for Workforce Services
For any inquiries or questions related to WIOA services, activities, or programs, please feel free to contact:

Robin Parker
Workforce Director
Central Mississippi Planning and Development District
Telephone: (601) 981-1511
Email: rparker@cmpdd.org

We are here to assist you and provide the information you need to make the most of the workforce development opportunities available through WIOA. Feel free to reach out, and we look forward to helping you on your career journey.

american-job-center

WIN Job Centers

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Services Provided to Job Seekers, Employers, and Economic Developers

To find out more about the labor force in our area, click on the links below:

Southcentral MS Works Sector Strategy Plan

2020 – 2024 Strategic Plan Attachments

2020 – 2024 Workforce Area Strategic Plan

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

The Local Workforce Development Board membership roster, members’ affiliations, and Board By-Laws are available upon request.

Local Workforce Development Board and Board of Commissioners’ meeting schedules, agendas, exhibits and minutes are available upon request.

For additional information, please contact Robin Parker at (601) 981-1511.

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