This page lists the active Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) issued by Southwest Solutions (SWS), dba MiSide and its subsidiaries.
WIOA Year-Round Youth Services Subcontractor
Southwest Economic Solutions (SWES) dba MiSide Wealth
Southwest Economic Solutions (SWES), doing business as MiSide Wealth, is issuing this sealed bid opportunity to identify and select a qualified organization to serve as a subcontractor for the delivery of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Year-Round Youth Services. This procurement is conducted in accordance with applicable requirements of the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development (LEO-WD), including Policy Issuance (PI 24-36), and the procurement standards and expectations of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC).
MiSide Wealth intends to submit a proposal in response to DESC’s WIOA Year-Round Youth Services funding opportunity and is seeking a qualified partner to support program implementation. DESC serves as the City of Detroit’s workforce agency and contracts with qualified entities to deliver workforce development services funded through WIOA and other public resources.
Program Overview
The selected subcontractor will support the delivery of comprehensive, year-round youth workforce development services aligned with WIOA Title I Youth program requirements. Services must be designed to improve education, employment, and training outcomes for youth and young adults ages 14–24.
Programs should reflect the design and expectations outlined in the DESC WIOA Youth Services Request for Proposals, including:
- Delivery of integrated education, training, and employment supports
- Alignment with WIOA youth program elements
- Focus on priority populations such as youth with disabilities, justice-involved youth, and pregnant or parenting youth
- Contribution to a coordinated, system-wide workforce strategy (“collective impact model”) (Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full DESC solicitation materials available at: Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation RFPs and RFQs page: https://descmiworks.com/opportunities/rfps-and-rfqs/
Subcontractor Role
The selected organization will enter into a subcontract agreement with SWES (MiSide Wealth) and will be responsible for implementing program components that may include, but are not limited to:
- Youth outreach, recruitment, and eligibility determination
- Objective assessments and Individual Service Strategy (ISS) development
- Case management and follow-up services
- Work-based learning experiences
- Career readiness and occupational skills training
- Supportive services and postsecondary transition assistance
The subcontractor must demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality, outcome-driven services aligned with federal WIOA performance indicators and DESC expectations.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- At least three (3) years of experience providing youth development and/or employment services to individuals ages 14–24
- Demonstrated experience working with high-barrier youth populations
- Organizational capacity to manage federally funded programs, including fiscal, administrative, and data reporting requirements
- Ability to comply with WIOA, 2 CFR Part 200, and all applicable LEO-WD and DESC policies
Procurement Process
This procurement will be conducted as a sealed bid process, consistent with LEO-WD policy and federal procurement standards. All bids will be evaluated for responsiveness, responsibility, and alignment with program requirements.
Bidders must submit complete proposals in accordance with the instructions provided by SWES. The procurement process will ensure:
- Full and open competition
- Transparent evaluation
- Proper documentation for audit and compliance purposes
Bid Package Must Include:
- Cover Sheet (organization info, contact details)
- Technical Proposal (program design and approach)
- Cost Proposal (detailed budget)
- Organizational Capacity & Experience
- Required Certifications and Assurances
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Timeline
- Bid Release Date: April 10, 2026
- Questions Due: April 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
- Responses to Questions Issued: April 17, 2026
- Bid Submission Deadline: April 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM
No late submissions will be accepted under any circumstances.
Submission Instructions
Interested and qualified organizations/vendors are invited to submit proposals, which will be accepted by email: Karyn.Goven@miside.org or by SEALED BID.
All SEALED BIDS proposals must be submitted in a sealed format and clearly labeled as:
“SEALED BID – WIOA YOUTH SERVICES SUBCONTRACTOR”
Bidders are solely responsible for ensuring timely delivery of their submission. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Award Notice
Selection and award of a subcontract are contingent upon SWES securing funding through DESC. SWES reserves the right not to make an award if funding is not awarded.
Procurement Contact
All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to:
Karyn Goven
Sr. Director, Workforce Development | MiSide Wealth
P: 313-297-0090
C: 734-474-6727
F: 313-297-0066
Email: Karyn.Goven@miside.org
Website: www.miside.org
Additional Conditions
SWES reserves the right to:
- Reject any or all bids
- Request additional information or clarification
- Cancel or reissue this solicitation
- Make no award
All activities associated with this procurement must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including WIOA and LEO-WD policy guidance.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SWES (MiSide Wealth) is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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Results
Southwest Solutions is one of Detroit’s most impactful nonprofits, serving more than 10,000 people every year
Through a broad range of programs in the areas of human development, economic development, and community engagement.
Founded in 1970 as a community mental health agency, our programs now include neighborhood and community development, affordable and supportive housing, services for the homeless and veterans, job training, financial counseling and homeownership opportunities, minority small business programs, adult literacy, resident engagement, and more.