50-2627002 Workforce Diploma Program RFP IT Sourcing Event

The North Carolina Community College System Office (NCCCSO) is requesting proposals to administer a Workforce Diploma Program serving adults aged 21 and older lacking a high school diploma or equivalent, with offers due September 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a performance-based, definite quantity contract with a total funding cap of $2.15 million.

The vendor must demonstrate prior administration of at least three statewide adult high school diploma programs outside North Carolina within the past five years, maintain a minimum 50 percent graduation rate based on a two-year cohort, and hold accreditation from an external regional accrediting agency. The program will operate virtually in partnership with North Carolina's 58 community colleges, delivering instructional services, student support, academic assessments, individualized learning plans, tutoring, mentoring, career advising, employability skills certifications, and workforce credential preparation.

Compensation is structured by participant milestone achievement: $275 per half credit completed; $275 per employability skills certification; $275 per industry-recognized credential requiring up to 50 hours; $550 per credential requiring 51–100 hours; and $825 per credential requiring more than 100 hours, with payments capped at $7,500 per participant. The contract term begins October 1, 2026, for one year with two optional one-year renewals at the State's sole discretion.

The vendor must comply with GovRAMP security requirements, achieve Restricted data classification status within 21 months of contract award, provide architecture diagrams and solution roadmaps, and integrate with the NCCCS Title II Data Management System and Banner/Colleague student information systems. WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliance is mandatory. Written questions are due September 15, 2026. Finalist selection is targeted for October 9, with oral presentations and product demonstrations on October 13, negotiations beginning October 14, Best and Final Offers requested by October 30, and contract award anticipated by November 20, 2026. All offers must be submitted electronically through the Ariba Sourcing Module and include completed financial statements, vendor certifications, references, and security readiness assessment reports.