Next Level Now Technical Assistance Collaborative

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a funding opportunity announcement (FOA-ETA-25-35) for the Next Level Now Technical Assistance Collaborative (TA Collaborative). This initiative aims to modernize the public workforce system, focusing on improving the quality of employment and training services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act. Approximately $1.5 million is available for the first year of this four-year project, with additional annual increments of $1 million expected, contingent on satisfactory progress and available federal funds. The total funding over four years could reach approximately $4.5 million. This opportunity seeks to enhance workforce systems by ensuring compliance with federal requirements, promoting efficiency, and advancing equity for underserved populations, including people of color, opportunity youth, and individuals with disabilities.

The purpose of the TA Collaborative is to provide nationwide technical assistance to grantees and stakeholders of the public workforce system. This will include addressing evolving technical needs, deploying evidence-based practices, facilitating peer learning, and providing real-time solutions. The collaborative will focus on priority areas, such as virtual service delivery innovations, WIOA governance, fiscal and administrative management, employer engagement strategies, and equitable service delivery. The initiative will also leverage online platforms, such as WorkforceGPS, for resource dissemination and stakeholder engagement. All materials developed will be licensed under Creative Commons to promote widespread access and adaptability.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, labor organizations, state governments, for-profit technical assistance providers, and independent policy research organizations. These entities must demonstrate the capacity and partnerships to deliver nationwide technical assistance. Applications must include plans detailing proposed approaches, assessment methods, resource development, and evaluation frameworks. Collaboration with the Department of Labor’s NLN Steering Committee is a critical component of the project.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by February 4, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Submissions must include a completed SF-424 form, budget narrative, project narrative, and attachments, such as past performance documentation and letters of commitment from any partners. The project narrative should clearly describe the technical assistance plan, logic model, expected outcomes, and a detailed work plan for the four-year performance period.

Evaluation criteria for applications include project design, outcomes, organizational capacity, past performance, and budget justification. Applications will be reviewed and scored on these criteria, with a maximum possible score of 100 points. The Department of Labor will conduct a risk assessment before awarding funds, which includes evaluating financial stability, management systems, and performance history. Successful applicants will be required to submit regular progress and financial reports and participate in any evaluations conducted by the Department of Labor.

The TA Collaborative will play a key role in aligning workforce system efforts with federal priorities, ensuring effective service delivery for job seekers and employers while fostering equity and innovation across the public workforce system.