The IPA encourages applicants to utilize all possible means for identifying, recruiting, and hiring EEPs, especially those that qualify by virtue of their status as formerly incarcerated, a graduate of the foster care system, or a resident of an equity investment eligible community. The Long-Term Plan outlined several strategies that may be useful:

• Working with State-approved job training and workforce development programs to recruit a diverse workforce and provide evidence of outreach
• Maintaining applications of individuals not selected for an opening for contact regarding future project openings
• Participating in job fairs and related local community events to recruit a diverse workforce
• Advertising on various platforms of targeted social and direct outreach to appropriately-targeted associations or other relevant organizations to notify them of the project opportunity. (2022 Long-Term Plan at page 333).

The IPA cannot provide advice to bidders regarding the specifics of a recruitment strategy or point an entity toward specific organizations or events where it might recruit EEPs.