H-GAC, as staff for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, contracts with organizations to run the Workforce Solutions system and deliver adult education instruction, annually serving more than 25,000 businesses and 400,000 people in the 13-county region.  After a competitive procurement in 2017, the Board authorized annual workforce contracts with nine organizations for up to four years.  Contract renewals depend upon performance, the availability of dollars, and authorization from the Workforce Board and the H-GAC Board.

The Workforce Board has reviewed and approved its Procurement Committee’s recommendations to renew workforce contracts for all nine organizations in 2019. We will have 20% more money available for workforce operations in 2019. Most of the added dollars will help working parents with child care expenses, but fully $65 million will power 29 local offices and staff to help employers find and train the talent they need and individuals get a job, keep a job, or get a better job.

The Workforce Board has also approved setting aside $6.6 million in 2019 dollars to fund new workforce projects and contractors.  We would issue requests for proposals in fall 2018 to invest in workforce-related projects that help build communities and that help opportunity youth go to work.

 The Workforce Board’s 2019 contract recommendations will:

• Serve 27,637 employers and 425,000 individuals
• Ensure 62% of our employers return for service
• Assist in creating 3,300 new jobs
• Spend $15 million on scholarships for more than 4,000 individuals in high-skill, high-growth occupational training
• Support about 20,000 families and 40,000 children with early education
• Help more than 320,000 individuals go to work
• Raise the incomes of 110,000 by at least 20%
• Help 75% of individuals pursuing a post-secondary education attain a credential (certificate or degree)

Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Commission

Yes

Request authorization to negotiate 2019 Workforce Solutions contracts as proposed, in the amount up to $265,996,000. (Staff Contact: Mike Temple)