018-PUR-2025 student program to promote technical education and careers

The Dougherty County School System (DCSS) is seeking proposals from qualified marketing firms to implement a GEAR UP student programming initiative focused on promoting technical education and careers. The procurement, identified as RFP 018-PUR-2025, aims to provide comprehensive technical education and career preparation activities for 150 students through in-person programming. Key deliverables include hands-on training, job shadowing opportunities, career interest assessments, networking with industry professionals, workplace etiquette and safety training, and support for applying to trades programs. The program requires vendors to provide all program activities, including transportation for field trips, and must complete all programming by May 2025. Proposals will be received until 11:00 a.m. on March 6, 2025, with an addendum issued on February 21, 2025, providing additional clarification and program details. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the vendor's ability to meet the comprehensive program requirements, demonstrate relevant experience in technical education programming, and provide robust student support services.

The procurement appears to have specific requirements for vendor participation, including a mandatory 1:1 matching contribution that can be fulfilled through in-kind contributions, but explicitly excludes gift cards or stipends. All personnel working with students must undergo background checks, and the program strictly prohibits 100% remote delivery options to ensure hands-on learning experiences. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the detailed matching and programming requirements suggest a preference for experienced vendors with substantial capacity to deliver comprehensive student programming. The project will be subject to both federal and state audits, with monthly invoicing required and documentation of participant data, service delivery, and matching contributions. Although a specific award value is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the program and the requirement to serve 150 students suggests a significant investment in technical education and career preparation programming for the Dougherty County School System.