DBE Supportive Services and Business Development Program

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP #605 2400000231) for a personal service contract to provide Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services and Business Development Program services on a statewide basis. The procurement seeks qualified individuals and organizations to deliver comprehensive training, technical assistance, and business development support to DBEs throughout Kentucky. The scope of work includes conducting needs assessments; providing procurement assistance to achieve a 10 percent increase in DBE project bids and a 5 percent increase in contracts awarded; offering contract management assistance to at least 25 DBEs; delivering business management training to up to 40 DBEs; and implementing a targeted Business Development Program serving a minimum of three certified DBEs with networking opportunities and professional services firm support. The contract will be evaluated on a maximum of 1,250 points: 600 points for technical content addressing class customization, participant capacity, class frequency, trainer credentials, partnerships, training location, and registration policies; 400 points for cost; and up to 250 points for oral presentations if required. All training and workshops must be provided to DBEs at no cost. The contract is anticipated to begin July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2026, with renewal options for up to two additional two-year periods subject to legislative approval. Written questions are due by 4:30 p.m. Eastern on March 14, 2024, and proposals must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. Eastern on March 27, 2024. No bidders' conference has been scheduled.

This procurement is open to qualified individuals and organizations, with specific eligibility preferences available for Kentucky resident bidders and qualified bidders including nonprofits furthering Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 163 purposes and qualified nonprofit agencies serving individuals with severe disabilities; these eligible entities receive preference scoring of 15 percent of maximum points. The contract involves federal funds requiring full compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Form 1273 provisions, including prevailing wage requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act, nondiscrimination standards, workplace safety and health standards, environmental compliance obligations, and debarment certifications. Additionally, all materials and products used must comply with Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requirements, ensuring domestic manufacturing and sourcing of steel, iron, aluminum, and other construction materials. Proposers must submit a completed Cost Proposal Form establishing a single, blended hourly rate for all individuals working on the contract, subject to a maximum annual fee cap established by KYTC, with monthly invoicing based on hours expended; proposers may not include overhead, travel costs, printing, copying, or other reimbursements in their pricing. Proposers must also submit a notarized Annual Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors, and Contractors certifying compliance with Kentucky campaign finance laws and attesting that contract award will not violate state campaign finance provisions. No specific budget or award value is stated in the solicitation documents; however, funding is anticipated to be drawn from KYTC's allocated federal DBE supportive services program resources.