Request for Information – Proposal Grant Writer Consultants

Introduction

Commonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public workforce development agency that strengthens the skills of Massachusetts youth and adults by investing in innovative partnerships with industry, education and workforce organizations. CommCorp works with hundreds of Massachusetts companies, thousands of new and experienced workers, and thousands of youths and young adults each year. The Commonwealth Corporation Foundation supports the mission of CommCorp. The CommCorp Foundation strives to achieve meaningful employment and upward mobility for all by bridging resource gaps to target unmet needs in workforce development and by empowering workers and employers in Massachusetts through strategic partnerships with the business community, organized events, and grant-making.

CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation are issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified proposal writers. These writers will work with CommCorp and CommCorp Foundation staff to respond to federal, foundation, and other funding opportunities.

This is an open and ongoing procurement process that will result in the establishment of a pool of pre-qualified proposal writers. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified applicants will be placed on a pre-approved vendor list. Throughout the contract term, they may be assigned specific proposals to respond to, with clearly defined scopes of work.

Background

CommCorp administers a range of statewide workforce development programs, awarding grants to community-based organizations, community colleges, workforce boards, and other entities to support training for youth and adults in Massachusetts. CommCorp’s portfolio includes both sector and youth and justice-focused programs, including the Career Technical Initiative, Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Workforce Training Fund Program, and Young Adults with Disabilities Program. The CommCorp Foundation leverages philanthropic and private-sector funding to advance the mission of CommCorp and its various workforce development programs. The CommCorp Foundation provides flexible, responsive support to address funding gaps and limitations in state resources, particularly where those constraints prevent assistance from reaching vulnerable or high-need job seekers across the Commonwealth. Through this work, the CommCorp Foundation plays a critical role in filling workforce development gaps and can further expand its impact through strategic grant writing and resource development.

CommCorp’s programs are primarily supported with state funds, while the CommCorp Foundation’s initiatives are supported by resources from both the state and philanthropy. CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation are also pursuing federal, foundation, and other funds that can support both sector and youth and justice-focused initiatives. To support these efforts, they are identifying a small number of consultants that will be available to respond to federal funding opportunities that are strongly aligned with their priorities.

The consultant will function as an extension of CommCorp and CommCorp Foundation program staff —collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, delivering results in a hybrid environment, and ensuring high-quality proposals. Consultants with expertise in developing youth, adult, and/or industry-focused workforce development proposals are encouraged to apply. We aim to cultivate long-term partnerships with consultants who not only bring technical expertise but also demonstrate the ability to engage in effective proposal development (sometimes on very expedited timelines) and feedback-driven collaboration. We understand this level of engagement evolves over time, and we’re looking to build toward that kind of responsive relationship.

Areas of Work

CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation may pursue funding in a wide range of workforce development topics, including but not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining industry partnerships that help prepare jobseekers for employment while addressing employers’ workforce needs

• Training and placing unemployed and underemployed workers into high-demand occupations

• Upskilling incumbent workers to support their retention and advancement

• Training and placing marginalized populations including low-income youth, returning citizens, and young adults with disabilities into employment
• Enhancing the capacity of regional vocational technical high schools to train unemployed and underemployed workers for high-demand occupations
• Development of public-private partnerships and ecosystems of employers, training providers, and community agencies related to any of the above topics

Contract Term

Open Application Period:
CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation will accept applications under this RFI submitted immediately upon its release. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified vendors will be added to a pre-approved vendor pool eligible for future projects and assignments.

Contract Duration for Approved Vendors:
Upon selection, vendors may be awarded a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with an initial contract term of up to three (3) years. CommCorp may, at its discretion and contingent upon performance and funding, offer renewal options for one or more additional years, not to exceed a total engagement period of seven (7) years.

CommCorp reserves the right to terminate any vendor agreement at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice. While not constituting a breach, this includes termination because the vendor no longer meets the organizations’ needs due to changes in funding availability, strategic direction, or contractor performance.

Anticipated Timeline After Application Review:

• Review and Evaluation: Approximately 2-3 weeks
• Contract Finalization: 1–2 weeks
• Earliest Possible Addition to Pre-Approved Vendor Pool: As early as 2 weeks following application review and acceptance

Estimated Workload:
Work will be procured on an as-needed basis, and no minimum number of hours is guaranteed. Consultant engagement levels will vary depending on factors such as the number of available funding opportunities and the focus of those funding opportunities.

CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation reserve the right to issue contracts to one or more approved consultants based on expertise, availability, and project alignment.

Minimum Qualifications

Proposals must demonstrate:

• Extensive experience responding to federal, foundation, or other funding opportunities, including writing proposals
• Extensive experience developing proposals focused on workforce development, such as responding to solicitations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, foundations, and other funders
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of an internal, cross-organization team
• Very strong organizational skills
• Excellent ability to work on time-sensitive projects
• Strong background in workforce development
• A clear and visible organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategy that reflects a commitment to DEIB, and diverse leadership representation if the applicant is an organization, or a strong commitment to DEI if the applicant is an individual

Proposal Submission Requirements

Proposals must include the following components:

1. Cover Letter– Summary of interest and relevant experience
2. Company Overviewor individual bio/resume
3. Experience & Qualifications– Summary of related proposals, workforce development expertise, and client references
4. Proposal Approach– Description of how the company or individual will work with CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation to develop proposals
5. Pricing Structure– Hourly rates, project pricing, retainer options (if any), and nonprofit/government rates
6. Availability– Typical response time and turnaround
7. References– Contact information for at least two (2) relevant clients
8. Two to three proposals where the consultant was the lead writer

The full response, including the cover letter and excluding the two to three sample proposals, should not exceed 10 pages

Submission Instructions

• Application Window: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
• How to Submit: Email the application to info@commcorp.org
• Questions: Submit a question(s) to info@commcorp.org. We aim to respond within 2 business days

Evaluation Criteria

CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation will evaluate proposals using a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria to determine vendor alignment with the organization’s values, needs, and technical priorities. CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation have a preference for Massachusetts-based vendors. The following areas will be considered in the evaluation process:

1. Relevant Experience & Track Record

• Demonstrated success with workforce development proposals with a focus on the same or similar areas of work in which CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation are interested, as described above

• Experience working with quasi-public or nonprofit clients in workforce development

• Clarity and quality of reference responses, including client satisfaction and longevity of partnerships

• Quality of workforce development proposals

• Demonstrated depth of experience with workforce development

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively as part of an internal, cross-organization team
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
  
  

2. Pricing, Transparency & Contract Terms

• Reasonableness and competitiveness of proposed hourly or project-based rates. Please note that CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation have set a $275 per hour maximum rate for all professional services’ time and materials contracts.
• Transparency in pricing structure, including any surcharges, retainer minimums, or limits on support availability
• Willingness to align with CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation’s contract terms, invoicing practices, and reporting expectations. CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation’s standard practice is to pay vendors within 30 days of submission of an invoice.

CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation reserve the right to request interviews, conduct reference checks, seek clarifying information, and negotiate final terms prior to making an award. Vendors who demonstrate a balanced combination of technical excellence, strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, price alignment, and a clear commitment to DEIB will be prioritized in the selection process.

Additional Notes

• This RFI does not commit CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal in response to this RFI
• All materials submitted become the property of CommCorp and are subject to Massachusetts public records law
• As a leader in workforce development, CommCorp and the CommCorp Foundation are committed to DEIB and strive to center these values in all aspects of our work—including procurement. We recognize that qualified individuals and firms, particularly those led by women or Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, may self-select out of opportunities if they do not meet 100% of stated qualifications. We encourage all those who believe they bring the relevant skills, experience, and perspective to thrive in this work to submit a proposal.
• Consultants selected through this process will be added to a pre-approved vendor list and will be required to sign CommCorp’s standard contract agreement upon acceptance. Individual project scopes will be issued under this agreement—a new standard contract agreement will not be required for each engagement.

• Depending on the nature of the work and access to sensitive information, selected consultants may also be required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check