Consultant for Work Ready Communities - Next Generation

Background
The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through its Education and Labor Cabinet and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), is seeking a consultant to assist in updating the Work Ready Communities program. This initiative, established in 2011, aims to align education, workforce development, and economic strategies within communities.

The program serves as a certification framework that assures stakeholders that a county meets specific criteria for workforce readiness. The goal is to modernize this framework to reflect current economic and workforce needs.

Work Details
The consultant will provide the following services:
1. Coordinate, plan, and facilitate taskforce activities for the implementation of Work Ready Communities – Next Generation.
2. Develop quantifiable metrics for 'In-Progress' and 'Next Generation Certified' statuses.
3. Identify local community examples relevant to the metrics.
4. Create a comprehensive certification application package including program details, application process, forms, requirements, and acceptable data sources.
5. Formulate a marketing and outreach strategy to engage local communities and organizations.
6. Recommend updates for the WRC website interface reflecting program changes.

Period of Performance
The contract is anticipated to commence on March 19, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2026, with an option for renewal for up to two additional one-year periods.

Place of Performance
The services will be performed within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.