Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I - Adult Program Services Grant

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I - Adult Program Services funding opportunity is administered by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry through its Workforce Services Division in compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The program is designed to strengthen Montana’s workforce system by supporting organizations capable of delivering workforce development services that align with both federal workforce priorities and Montana’s statewide workforce modernization initiative known as 406 JOBS. The Department is seeking experienced organizations that can implement employer-driven workforce strategies, coordinate with WIOA core partners, and improve employment outcomes for adult participants. The funding opportunity emphasizes apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and outreach to populations facing barriers to employment. The initiative also aligns with America’s Talent Strategy, which prioritizes industry-driven strategies, worker mobility, integrated workforce systems, accountability, and innovation in workforce delivery models. The Adult Program supports adults seeking to enter, re-enter, or advance within the workforce by providing access to career guidance, workforce preparation, training opportunities, job placement assistance, and supportive services. Eligible activities include basic career services such as assessments, job search assistance, labor market information, and referrals, as well as individualized career services including counseling, career planning, internships, financial literacy services, and workforce preparation activities. Training services may include occupational skills training, entrepreneurial training, registered apprenticeship, incumbent worker training, customized training, work experience, and on-the-job training. The Department strongly encourages approaches that support high-demand industries, employer engagement, and long-term self-sustaining employment outcomes. The program specifically prioritizes low-income participants, recipients of public assistance, individuals with barriers to employment, veterans, and participants who are basic skills deficient. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry intends to award two-year subawards covering Program Years 2026 and 2027, spanning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued federal funding availability. Approximately $1,721,625 in Adult Program funding is expected to be distributed during Program Year 2026 based on prior federal allocations. Funding is divided between two local workforce areas within Montana, with approximately $237,149 designated for Local Area 1 and approximately $1,484,476 designated for Local Area 2. Applicants must apply separately for each local area because applications that combine both areas will not be considered. Funding is also allocated by MACo districts, and applicants must specify which districts they intend to serve. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning subrecipients must initially incur costs and later request reimbursement from the state. Organizations must therefore demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to manage cash flow during reimbursement periods that may extend up to 30 to 60 days. Eligible applicants are expected to demonstrate extensive workforce development experience and the ability to coordinate effectively with employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. Applicants may include partnerships or sub-subrecipients, but one organization must serve as the lead fiscal agent. Successful applicants must show strong familiarity with WIOA regulations, participant eligibility requirements, labor market alignment, employer engagement, career coaching models, and management information systems such as EmployMT. Subrecipients are also expected to collaborate with WIOA core programs including Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, Youth Programs, and Dislocated Worker Programs. Co-enrollment strategies and resource leveraging are strongly encouraged to improve service delivery and participant outcomes. The application process requires submission through the Submittable platform no later than June 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants must include a cover page, executive summary, organizational profile, staffing plans, references, financial documentation, internal control assessments, and a detailed statement of work describing how services and performance outcomes will be achieved. Separate Program Operating Plans and budgets are required for each MACo district being served. The Department also requires detailed descriptions regarding eligibility determination procedures, assessment methods, participant coaching models, work-based learning strategies, outreach methods, employer engagement, performance tracking, and collaboration with workforce partners. The evaluation process allocates points across organizational experience, staffing, service delivery strategies, innovation, performance management, and cost proposals. Financial stability and internal control requirements are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The timeline for this opportunity begins with the issuance date of May 7, 2026. An optional pre-submission conference will be held virtually on May 14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. MST via Microsoft Teams to answer questions and clarify requirements. Written questions must be submitted by May 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MST, and responses will be publicly posted by May 29, 2026. Applications are due June 8, 2026, and awards are anticipated by July 1, 2026. The Department reserves the right to conduct future competitive funding rounds after the current two-year cycle. Strong-performing subrecipients may receive competitive preference in future review processes, although prior participation does not guarantee future funding. Questions regarding the opportunity may be submitted to MTDLI_WIOA@mt.gov using the subject line “Title I – Adult Program Services.”

Emphasize employer engagement, apprenticeship pathways, measurable employment outcomes, credential attainment, and partnerships with WIOA core programs. Strong scoring emphasis is placed on innovative service delivery models, workforce alignment with labor market demand, participant coaching strategies, and demonstrated ability to meet federal performance measures.