BuilditAZ

The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is administering the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative Round 3, a capacity-building grant program launched by Governor Katie Hobbs in 2023 to strengthen Arizona’s workforce through expansion of registered apprenticeships in construction and skilled trades. The program seeks to double the number of registered construction and trades apprentices in the state by the end of 2026. Applications will only be accepted through the State’s eCivis grants management system, opening on August 14, 2025, and closing at 3:00 p.m. Arizona time on September 25, 2025. Funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, Revenue Replacement Expenditure Category 6.1 Provision of Government Services, CFDA 21.027. Approximately $2 million in federal funds will be awarded to eligible organizations as capacity grants. These funds are intended to enhance existing employer-funded registered apprenticeship programs without replacing current investments. Grant funds can be used for activities including hiring instructors, curriculum and skills development, participant stipends, program expansion, equipment purchases, skills training, outreach and recruitment aligned with the statewide BuildItAZ campaign, and wrap-around support services such as tools, uniforms, transportation, and childcare assistance. Pre-apprenticeship programs directly connected to registered apprenticeships and the development of clear career pathways are also encouraged. Eligible applicants include entities on the Eligible Training Provider List for construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs, and Local Workforce Development Boards for registered apprenticeship stipends only. Applicants must submit an organizational overview that may include website, available programs, program size, and DUNS/UEI. Awards will be for contract periods of up to 12 months, renewable contingent on funding, performance, and compliance. All awarded funds must be obligated and expended by August 31, 2026, unless an extension is approved in writing by OEO. Applications must address program narrative requirements including scope of work, needs and resources, methods and approaches, implementation plan with timelines and responsibilities, recruitment and retention strategies, barriers and mitigation, staff training, goals, objectives, performance measures, and past performance. Proposals will be evaluated on Program Capacity (20 points), Past Performance (10 points), and Budget and Cost Effectiveness (10 points), with a maximum of 40 points possible. Each scoring section includes specific sub-criteria related to capacity expansion, retention, wrap-around services, completion and graduation outcomes, graduation rates, job placement, budget feasibility, and cost effectiveness. Applications must be submitted electronically through eCivis with required exhibits: Standard Data Collection Form (Exhibit A), Personnel Staff Overview (Exhibit B), Implementation Plan (Exhibit C), and Budget Worksheet (Exhibit D). Reporting requirements include quarterly performance and financial reports, submitted within 45 days of each quarter’s end, and a final report at closeout. Payments will be on a reimbursement basis, and all expenditures must be documented. Incentives and food are not allowable expenses under this grant. For assistance, applicants may contact Oleg Shvets at oleg.shvets@oeo.az.gov. The program does not require matching funds. The opportunity is restricted to eligible organizations in Arizona and is not available nationwide. All activities funded must comply with ARPA guidelines and relevant state and federal cost regulations.

Applicants are encouraged to read the entire RFGA, attend an overview meeting and intake orientation if awarded, and align proposals with BuildItAZ goals to expand capacity, deliver measurable outcomes, and promote long-term career success