ATTACHMENT A - Sope of Work.pdf

RFP No. 027-004

Aerospace and Aviation Workforce Training Programx – Feasibility Study

SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this RFP is to engage a qualified consultant with demonstrated expertise in workforce development, labor-market analysis, higher education program development, and the aerospace, aviation, defense, engineering, and/or advanced manufacturing sectors.

The selected consultant will conduct research, engage employers and other stakeholders, evaluate potential program models, identify resource requirements, and provide the College with actionable recommendations for the development and implementation of aerospace and aviation workforce training programs.

The final study must provide sufficient analysis and recommendations to allow College leadership to make informed decisions regarding program development, investment, partnerships, implementation, and long-term sustainability.

Scope of Work:

The Contractor shall conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and program design assessment addressing, at minimum, the following areas of examination:

1. Workforce demand for aerospace manufacturing, aerospace systems technology, and aviation systems technology, both regionally (Prince George's County and the greater Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area) and statewide.

2. The current and projected needs of private-sector employers engaged in aerospace, aviation, engineering, defense, and advanced manufacturing in Prince George's County and the State of Maryland.

3. The appropriate associate degree, credit certificate, and noncredit workforce credential structures that align with high-value industry degrees, certificates, and credentials.

4. Opportunities for stackable credentials that are eligible for federal or State financial aid.

5. The facilities, laboratories, simulators, equipment, and infrastructure required to deliver the Programs.

6. Faculty and instructor credential and certification requirements, including recruitment strategies and workforce development needs for instructional staff.

7. Apprenticeship, internship, and other work-based learning opportunities with private-sector employers.

8. Start-up costs, ongoing operating costs, and long-term sustainability considerations.

9. The recommended sequencing for program implementation, including a phased rollout strategy where appropriate.

Required Consultation:

In conducting the study, the Contractor shall consult, at a minimum, with the following entities:

• Private-sector employers in aerospace, aviation, engineering, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

• The Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, within the Maryland Department of Commerce.

• State and regional workforce development entities, including local workforce development boards.

• The Maryland Department of Labor.

• Other economic development organizations or industry stakeholders, as appropriate, including but not limited to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation and relevant trade associations.

Structured Industry Engagement:

The study shall include structured industry engagement activities designed to validate labor market findings and program design assumptions, including at minimum:

• Employer roundtables convened with regional aerospace, aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing employers.

• Workforce charrettes bringing together employers, educators, and workforce agencies to collaboratively define program and credential design.

• Demand-validation sessions to confirm alignment of proposed program models with current and projected regional labor market needs.

The Contractor shall document the methodology, participant composition, and findings of all engagement activities in the final report.

Deliverables:

The Contractor shall submit a final written report to the College that includes, at minimum, the following components:

• Findings of the workforce demand analysis, including regional and statewide labor market data, employment projections, and occupational demand by sector.

• Recommended models for degree, certificate, and noncredit workforce credential programs, including proposed stackable credential pathways.

• The investments that would be required for facilities, laboratories, simulators, equipment, and infrastructure, presented with itemized cost estimates.

• Faculty and staff plans, including recommended staffing models, credentialing requirements, and recruitment strategies.

• Potential industry partnerships, including proposed apprenticeship, internship, and work-based learning arrangements.

• A proposed implementation timeline reflecting recommended program sequencing.

• A funding and sustainability plan, including start-up costs, projected operating costs, and potential funding sources (institutional, State, federal, and private).

In addition to the final written report, the Contractor shall deliver:

• An executive summary suitable for presentation to PGCC senior leadership and external stakeholders.

• A formal presentation of findings to PGCC senior leadership.

• All underlying data sets, survey instruments, and engagement session summaries developed in the course of the study.

• A minimum of two progress briefings to the College's designated project liaison during the engagement period.