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CWDB answers applicants' key questions: sole-source, co-enrollment, match and partner letters for HRCC Round One
Summary
During a live Q&A, CWDB staff clarified that fiscal agents may use sole-source justification, applicants may co-enroll existing pre-apprentices if services are not duplicated, there is no match requirement, and partner commitment letters are encouraged but not required for Round One.
During the HRCC 2026 Round One kickoff Q&A, California Workforce Development Board program staff provided several application clarifications that applicants said they needed to complete expedited submissions.
Maida Fernandez, with CWDB's Program Implementation and Regional Support team, told attendees fiscal agents may rely on sole-source or non-competitive justifications to continue working with existing HRCC training providers if they document why they are using that procurement approach. "Yes, you can use sole source," Fernandez said, adding that CWDB will guide applicants on how to document justification.
On serving participants already enrolled in pre-apprenticeship, CWDB staff said co-enrollment is allowed so long as the services funded by HRCC 2026 Round One are distinct and not duplicative of other funding sources and that programs can document progression. Phyllis of the research/program team emphasized the need to document case management and appropriate use of service codes so the state can track how participants progressed toward placement.
Fernandez also confirmed there is no match requirement for Round One. Regarding partnership documentation, staff said commitment letters from project partners are encouraged but not required for Round One given the short timeline; required letters may be more important in the forthcoming Round Two competitive solicitation.
CWDB staff repeatedly urged applicants to document all program decisions and expenditures within CalGrants and to report only services paid for by this grant in CalGrants reporting. They also recommended starting applications immediately and allowing at least 48 hours to address technical issues with solicitations@cwdb.ca.gov, noting that problems very near the May 6 deadline may not be resolvable in time.
These clarifications are administrative guidance for applicants preparing expedited Round One submissions; CWDB said more detailed evaluation criteria and demand analysis will inform the Round Two competitive process.
