FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
Media Contact
Angela Herrera Perez
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County DEO Now Accepting Bids for the PLACE Program to Strengthen Pathways into County Employment
Bids Due May 28, 2026, by 12:00 PM (PT)
Los Angeles, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced the official release of a new work order solicitation for the Preparing Los Angeles for County Employment (PLACE) Program. PLACE expands access to pathways into stable County careers by providing job readiness training, civil service exam preparation, case management, and supportive services for individuals facing barriers to employment, while helping County departments address critical vacancies and deliver services with a diverse and representative workforce.
As the region’s largest public employer, Los Angeles County offers pathways into more than 100,000 quality public sector careers that provide family-sustaining wages, benefits, and long-term advancement opportunities. PLACE prioritizes recruitment and hiring of individuals from historically underserved communities, including justice-impacted individuals, transition-aged youth, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, CalWORKS and General Relief participants, and residents from economically disadvantaged communities.
The solicitation seeks at least one qualified contractor to outreach to at least 500 individuals and enroll and train a minimum of 245 participants into the PLACE Program, with approximately $1.7 million available through the work order. Awardee will deliver the full PLACE model in partnership with DEO, the County Department of Human Resources (DHR), County hiring departments, labor partners, and America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs).
The PLACE Program was launched in 2019 and has graduated 672 individuals, with 385 hired into quality jobs, including 371 with 14 County departments and in occupations like Intermediate Typist Clerk, Mental Health Advocate, and Grounds Maintenance Worker. The new work order builds on this track record of success by expanding annual enrollments in line with the motion passed by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Lindsey P. Horvath offering both an intensive and expedited pathway for participants into County positions, depending on their need and preparation with partnering community-based organizations.
To be eligible, bidders must currently be on the County’s Social Enterprise Employment and Training Program Services Master Agreement and demonstrate experience serving priority populations and delivering workforce-related classroom training and supportive services.
Key Details:
- Bids Due: May 28, 2026, by 12:00 PM PDT
- Written Questions Due: May 20, 2026, by 12:00 PM PDT
- Anticipated Funding Available: Approximately $1.7 million
- Anticipated Work Order Term: Through June 30, 2027, with up to three one-year extension options
- Eligibility: Bidders must meet the minimum mandatory requirements outlined in Section 4.0 of the PLACE Work Order Solicitation.
- This Work Order is only available to organizations currently on the LA County Social Enterprise Employment and Training Program Services Master Agreement list.
For further questions, contact DEO-PRO@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
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About DEO: About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.