Request for proposals: forestry workforce development programming

Proposals due by 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8

Hennepin County is soliciting proposals for forestry workforce development programming, which includes adult arborist apprenticeship programming, adult and youth introductory tree maintenance programming, and wraparound services to support both programs.

A total of $1.9 million has been allocated for this programming. Funding for this work is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.

Contracts awarded are anticipated to span a two-year duration, with each participant cohort expected to be active in the program for one year.

Who should apply

This request for proposals is open to the following that are located within the greater Twin Cities metro area:

• Local tree care providers
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private, for-profit companies

Program overview

There are three types of programs that proposals can be submitted for, each with unique requirements. Proposers aren’t required to offer all services described in each program and can submit a proposal that outlines services that fall into their area(s) of expertise.

Adult arborist apprenticeship program

This program category is for tree care providers who will act as the host site, education experts, field instructors, and equipment providers for adult arborist apprentices. This program requires that training be provided by arborists who are ISA certified.

This program will guide adult apprentices through hands-on training provided by skilled professionals including topics such as: tree identification, pruning, tree climbing, hand tool use and safety, chipper and chainsaw use and safety, equipment maintenance, and tree removal.

Adult and youth introductory tree maintenance program

This program category is for nonprofit organizations or tree care providers who will act as the host site, education experts, field instructors, and equipment providers for adult and youth introductory tree maintenance program participants. The educational components of this program must be delivered by an arborist who is ISA certified.

This program will provide instruction to participants including topics such as: tree identification, tree planting, pruning and watering trees, basic job skills, and the benefits of trees.

Wraparound services aid program

This program category is for organizations or businesses who have experience serving people who have been previously incarcerated and providing services, supports for construction-related employment, and training programs.

This program will provide instruction and support to participants including obtaining drivers licenses, public transit education and support, clothing and nutritional needs, health resources and support, resume writing, affordable housing resources, and academic tutoring.

Pre-proposal meeting recording

Watch the recording of the pre-proposal meeting to learn more about the request for proposals. Official answers to questions asked in the video recording will be added to the documents section in the Supplier Portal by June 14.

How to apply

Proposals will be accepted via the Hennepin County supplier portal until 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8.

To access the RFP and apply

• Visit the Supplier Portal
• Under Contracting opportunities, view the request for proposal materials by selecting “Forestry Workforce Development programming”.
• You need to be registered to submit an application. There has been an upgrade to the Supplier Portal, so all respondents will need to register or re-register. For detailed instructions on how to register and submit an application, including video tutorials and more, visit the Supplier Portal information page.

Questions

Direct any questions about this request for proposals to: hsph.vendor.selection@hennepin.us and indicate the opportunity name “Forestry Workforce Development programming” in the subject line.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

Hennepin County is an equal opportunity provider.

Funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and USDA Forest Service.