Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP) for Program Year 2026 (PY 26-27)

Purpose

The EMS TA grant is designed to strengthen the quality, consistency, and sustainability of existing EMS Corps programs across California. The awardee must possess the capability to provide technical assistance such as operational support, on-the-ground project support, ongoing training, including technical assistance, and administrative support for program awardees under EMS Corps and Program grants.

Description

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1.5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s Discretionary funds for the Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) Program Year 2026-27 (PY 26-27) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). The EMS TA PY 26-27 grant supports the continued implementation, improvement, and long-term sustainability of established EMS Corps programs across California. The PY 26–27 grant is designed to strengthen existing programs by ensuring fidelity to the EMS Corps model, improving participant outcomes, and supporting consistent statewide quality. EMS Corps sites vary in their operational maturity, adherence to the EMS Corps model, and ability to deliver strong employment pathways for participants. Some programs demonstrate high alignment with the model and are positioned for continued investment, while others require deeper technical assistance due to inconsistent implementation, structural challenges, or limited job placement outcomes. Under this grant, the awarded TA provider will assess each EMS Corps site’s program fidelity, operational capacity, participant outcomes, and alignment with the local job market. This assessment will inform recommendations regarding which sites should receive additional funding for continued implementation and which require remediation or alternative support strategies. The TA provider will also deliver hands-on technical assistance, support federal compliance (including WIOA requirements), facilitate statewide coordination, strengthen partnerships with EMS and healthcare employers, and support each site’s efforts to provide high-quality training and employment opportunities for participants. Applicants must have the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver the necessary TA to PY 26-27 EMS Program grantees and coordinate COPs across the state. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience working with public health agencies, in line with the EMS Corps model. There are no required leveraged resources for this project. However, applicants are encouraged to leverage human capital and utilize other resources to maximize the project's success. Proposals will be accepted from Community Colleges, Institutions of Higher Education, Adult Education Providers, Education and Training Providers, Community-based Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, Labor Organizations, and Workforce Intermediaries. Proposals must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on October 27, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on September 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by September 29, 2026 at 9 a.m. PT: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kovWpmB1Tniff1134w7lGw. The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by October 2, 2026, at noon PT to WSBSFP3@edd.ca.gov. To view the SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.