October 2025
 SFY26-27 Requests for Proposals
The ACP Team was excited to release eight SFY2026-2027 Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in July and August. The team is in the process of reviewing applications and anticipates award announcements in the upcoming months.
The following RFPs are still open and can be found on the DEED Competitive Grants and Contracts page:
- Drive for 5 - Industry Sector Training; released August 13, 2025, due October 3, 2025.
- Drive for 5 – Job Placement Services; released August 13, 2025, due October 3, 2025.
- Adult Support Services; released August 13, 2025, due October 3, 2025.
We encourage all organizations who may be interested to sign up to receive notifications about newly released RFPs. A few reminders as you prepare your submission(s):
- Be sure to read through the Request for Proposals (RFP) in its entirety and review the Application Packet and all associated attachments BEFORE you begin drafting application materials.
- For a submission to be considered complete, you must fill out all fields in the application, sign where indicated, and submit all documents listed on the application’s cover page. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- Do not attach marketing materials or include links to web pages.
- Be mindful of the due date and time. All submissions must be Time Stamp Received, meaning they must be received in the DEED email inbox, not simply sent, by the deadline. Please plan accordingly, as emails can take some time to get through to the state system.
SFY26-27 Important Changes
Grantee Contact Information Required to be Posted on Websites
As determined by the Commissioner of Administration, grant agreements now require grantees to clearly post on the grantee’s website the names of, and contact information for, the organization’s leadership and the employee or other person who directly manages and oversees the grant for the grantee. If no grantee website exists, the requirement is voided.
Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity is the Law
All participants must be provided with a Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document. Grantees must:
- Fill in the Local Equal Opportunity Officer section of the document.
- Provide the Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document to each participant.
- Document that each participant has received a copy of the Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document in Workforce One by checking the box at enrollment.
ACP/P2P Performance Summary Report
A new Workforce One summary report will be available for SFY26-27 contracts that will provide the number of participants enrolled, training services received, and exits to employment or to post-secondary education. The report will compare Workforce One actual numbers to the planned outcomes based on the grant contract. The report also calculates the percentage of outcomes achieved.
Electronic Document Storage Resources
If you need additional guidance on Electronic Document Storage in Workforce One, the following resources are available for you in the “Resources and Guides” section of the ACP Webpage:
- Electronic Document Storage (EDS) Policy
- Workforce One Document Storage Navigation Guide
- ACP/P2P/MFRP Electronic Document Storage Guidance
Adult Career Pathways Webpage
Check out the ACP home page for resources and tools to assist in the management of ACP Grants.
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Cost Category Guidance – No updates
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ACP Operations Guide – Updated Privacy Policy section (page 36) to include new documentation and guidance; updated EDS section (page 43) to remove the Equal Opportunity is the Law form from the required documents; Updated Electronic Signature section (page 17) to clarify options.
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ACP Workforce One User Guide – No updates
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Documentation Needed to Support Participant Eligibility – Updated the ISIR system message used as an alternative document to verify participant SSN in the Social Security section (page 13); Updated the Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity is the Law section (page 14) to include the new document and guidance.
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ACP Provider Map – Please review and if you are not included, but would like to be, reach out to your Coordinator.
Success Stories
We'd love to learn about the amazing work you're doing and how it is positively impacting the lives of participants throughout the State of Minnesota! To submit a success story, please fill out this brief ACP Success Stories Form.
Participant Success Story
M.A. successfully completed the cybersecurity training program with Community Resource Center and has secured employment in the IT sector. His achievement highlights the impact of technical training and career counseling in helping individuals launch careers in the technical field. M.A. stated, “It has been a pleasure to attend the cybersecurity course at CRC, funded by DEED. I am deeply grateful to my instructors, classmates, and everyone who supported me through the program. Thanks to the training I received at CRC, I am now working part-time in IT as a Help Desk Technician. Additionally, I will be attending college to further expand my skills and advance my career in cybersecurity.”
Please contact your Adult Career Pathways Grant Coordinator directly with any questions regarding Adult Career Pathways Programs.
Formula Funds – WIOA Adult, WIOA DW and State DW
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TEGL 10-23 Change 2: Department of Labor (DOL) announced that this TEGL will no longer be enforced; additional guidance will be coming soon.
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America’s Talent Strategy: This lays out the current administration’s vision for the workforce; provides five strategic pillars/actions.
- Possible Federal Government Shutdown: We have been getting some questions around possible federal government shutdown and what it will mean for local areas. We are monitoring the situation closely and we don’t anticipate a negative impact on our programs locally in the short term. We are still spending PY24/PY25 funds so there should not be program impact at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and inform you of any changes.
- Grants and contract executions delay: There have been delays in contract executions due to staffing transitions and SWIFT related issues requiring MMB approvals. Please continue to reach out to your Coordinator with any questions.
- New Additions to Terms & Conditions: Please be informed that the Terms and Conditions document being attached to Project Specific Plans (PSPs) that began on July 1, 2025, has been updated. Grantees must review the updated document in its entirety to become familiar with them, as they will be held accountable to the information outlined. Additions are included in Sections 2 (Funding Information and Limitations) and 3 (Items Required During the Grant Period). Section 4 (Special Administrative Provisions Required) is completely new. Please take time to review your contracts and reach out if you have further questions.
- Upcoming TEGL releases:
- Innovations TEGL: Anticipated to be released soon
- State Plan TEGL: Anticipated to be released soon
- Training TEGL
- DWG TEGL
- Outreach TEGL
- ETP TEGL
- Data Validation TEGL
- Virtual Federal Roundtable for DW/RR/DWG: November 18 & 20; information to be shared after the roundtable.
Dislocated Worker 2025 Fall Webinar
We are excited to announce the upcoming Dislocated Worker Fall Webinar. This virtual event will provide follow up training on State DW program expanded eligibility categories:
- Category Eight: Non-work-related Injuries or Illnesses
- Category Nine: Low-Income Adult, Recipients of Public Assistance, or Basic Skills Deficient
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
- Register NOW!
Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership Board Quarterly Meeting
The next meeting of the board will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025. More information can be found on the MJSP Board Webpage.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Strengthening Service Impact Through Thoughtful Case Notes: In workforce development, case notes are more than just documentation, they’re a vital tool for tracking progress, tailoring support, and driving meaningful outcomes. Each entry should reflect the full story of a participant’s journey; from initial engagement and employment barriers to evolving goals, life events, and the services that help them move forward.
To ensure consistency and compliance, case notes must be entered at least once every 30 days and include key details such as the date and manner of contact, participant updates, services provided, and outcomes achieved. Whether it’s a phone call, in person meeting, or a message exchange, every interaction matters and so does how we record it.
By capturing accurate, complete, and timely information, we not only uphold program standards, but we also empower participants, inform strategic decisions, and build a stronger foundation for success. Contact your program coordinator for more resources.
SCSEP Reminders:
- Action Items and Post-Exit Follow-ups: Providers must ensure that all past due Action Items are updated, and that all pending and overdue follow-ups are completed and recorded in the Grantee Performance Management System. Timely and accurate updates are required to receive credit for performance outcomes achieved.
- Grantee Performance Management System (GPMS):
Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN)
As MN RETAIN continues to enroll ill/injured individuals, some may benefit from workforce services and training. The MN RETAIN Mayo Clinic team will complete a referral form and submit it to MN RETAIN staff at DEED Headquarters. That referral form will indicate the CareerForce location of their choice. The manager of the local area's Dislocated Worker program will receive an email from MN RETAIN staff at DEED with the participants' referral details.
Our request is for the local area manager to forward the referral email to an available Dislocated Worker counselor to proceed with intake procedures, using the referral form as proof of eligibility into the State Dislocated Worker (eligibility category of Non-Work-Related Illness or Injury). MN RETAIN staff at DEED Headquarters will continue communicating with the assigned counselor to provide guidance and ensure the transfer of information is complete for data entry into Workforce One.
Please note, the local area manager will continue to be included in all communication from DEED to their staff. This desk reference guide may be a helpful resource, or please contact info@mnretain.com to connect directly with the RETAIN team.
Reminders:
- Monthly Financial Status Report (FRS)/Monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR):
- Due the 20th day of the month following the preceding month-end. For example, the September RPR/FSR (September 30 end date) is due October 20.
- Report accrued monthly expenditures.
- A monthly RPR/FSR is required even if no funds were expended.
- Quarterly Progress Report:
- Reports for Quarter ending September 2025 are due on October 30. Please report on all active grants.
You can find additional information and resources here on the Office of Dislocated Worker and Federal Adult Programs Website.
Please email all requests, reports, and technical assistance questions to the Dislocated Worker Federal Adult Programs general email at dwfaprograms.deed@state.mn.us.
 Performance Updates for Dislocated Worker and WIOA Adult
Program Year (PY) 2024 Statewide WIOA Performance Outcomes
The state of Minnesota met or exceeded all negotiated PY24 performance goals for the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs.
 If needed in an alternative format, please contact, performanceap.deed@state.mn.us
WIOA Dislocated Worker Program Year (PY) 2024 Performance Achievements
 If needed in an alternative format, please contact, performanceap.deed@state.mn.us
WIOA Adult Program Year (PY) 2024 Performance Achievements
 If needed in an alternative format, please contact, performanceap.deed@state.mn.us
Recommended Best Practice for Better Data Validation Results:
By including this simple step to your intake procedure, your agency will have better data validation results.
After completing the participant’s initial Workforce One (WF1) data entry into the Adult and Dislocated Worker program’s Eligibility and Enrollment screen:
- Click “Eligibility/Enrollment” within the left side panel of the participant’s WF1 case record.
- Find the program enrollment you’re working on and click “View/Print Enrollment”.
- Click the icon that looks like a floppy disk and select “PDF”
- Provide the document to your participant and request they review it for accuracy.
- Request the participant sign/date the bottom of the document confirming its accuracy.
- An electronic signature is acceptable.
- The case manager then signs/dates the bottom of the document.
- An electronic signature is acceptable.
- Upload the signed document into the participant’s case record’s Electronic Document Storage.
- This will work as a signed “self-attestation” document for multiple Data Validation elements moving forward.
Please email all performance, data entry questions, to the performance team’s general email address at performanceap.deed@state.mn.us.
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Do Not Fear the Monitors!
They’re Not Here to Haunt—They’re Here to Help!
There are whispers in the wind, And rumors that begin... “The monitors are coming—prepare for the dread!” But hold up—don’t panic, there’s no need to flee or fret!
They’re not creeping shadows or creatures of fright— They’re here to bring knowledge, and shine a bright light! 💡 No tricks, just treats in compliance delight, Helping your programs run strong and right.
👀 So what do these monitors do all day, When they're not heading your way? They study the regs, they decode the law, They keep up with updates without a flaw!
From WIOA and YouthBuild to SCSEP too, From Resiliency Programs to Adult Pathways for you— They dive into guidance, both state and fed, So you don’t get tangled in what’s misread.
When a monitor visits, don’t scream or hide— Invite them in, and take it in stride. 🏠 Because here’s what they really do best: They help you stand out from the rest.
👻 Monitoring visits bring treats galore:
🎯 Validate your impact—and maybe even more!
📚 Share tips and tricks to help you comply
🛠️ Offer support when questions run high
📈 Help you improve and level up fast
💬 Teach best practices built to last!
And hey—if you’ve heard something different than before, It’s likely new guidance knocked on the door! 🚪 No need for fear, or to ask “What gives?” It just means the law evolves—and so our advice lives.
So this spooky season, don’t let myths mislead, The monitors are partners—a team, indeed! 🧙 They’re here with support, not skeletons or gloom, Bringing clarity, not cobwebs, into the room.
🕸️ Final Spell Before We Disappear:
Got questions or worries that creep ever near?
For all things compliance—from visits to data—
Contact our team (no need for a seance later)!
✨ From your friendly Compliance Team—helping your programs glow, even in the darkest October! 🍂
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If you have questions about Compliance content, please email shannon.rolf@state.mn.us.
 Training Program Finder
Use the CareerForce Training Program Finder to market your training opportunities!
We’re making it easier for you to get started using this helpful tool. Now providers new to the Training Program Finder just need to fill out this form to get your training programs listed.
The Training Program Finder page gets thousands of views a month
Partners using this tool to promote their training programs have told us they’ve seen an increase in enrollment. We need more providers to use this valuable tool!
If you have a training program not listed in the Training Program Finder, what are you waiting for?
The Training Program Finder is a great opportunity for partners who offer occupation-based training programs to market upcoming opportunities that will assist job seekers on their career pathway. Content added must be for no-cost-to-the-customer training, such as:
- Drive for 5 training programs
- Pathways to Prosperity training programs
- Other state-funded training programs
- Training programs funded by cities, counties, or local workforce development boards
- Training programs funded by foundations and other non-profits
Check out the Training Program Finder on CareerForce.MN.gov—and make sure to add your no-cost training opportunities to this easily searchable listing today!
Contact the CareerForce Information and Assistance line at 651-259-7500 or careerforce@state.mn.us if you have questions.
Celebrating Minnesota’s Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy – it accounts for 12% of the state’s gross domestic product and 11% of the state’s total employment – and it has ripple effects throughout the entire economy. Manufacturing workers took home $26.7 billion in wages from Minnesota manufacturing jobs last year, the second-largest total payroll among all industries in the state. In Minnesota, workers in the manufacturing industry earn an average annual wage of just under $83,280, which is $9,000 (12%) higher than the state’s overall average wage in 2024. This provides a family sustaining wage for most families in Minnesota.
Our Regional Analysis & Outreach unit writes blogs each month covering topics for all six planning regions in the state. This month’s blogs focus on the impact of Manufacturing in each region.
For all of these reasons and more, Minnesota celebrates October as Manufacturing Month. Visit CareerForce.MN.gov/Manufacturing for more about the importance of the Manufacturing industry.
If you have questions about Labor Market Information, please email deed.lmi@state.mn.us.
This newsletter is meant for DEED Grantees, Providers, and Employment Counselors. We want this e-Newsletter to meet your needs! We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to deed.taa@state.mn.us.
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