ESL learning and training center

The State of South Carolina, specifically through Coastal Carolina University's Materials Management Office, is seeking a contractor to establish and operate an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Learning and Training Center. The solicitation (RFP #5400017430) requires a vendor to provide an intensive English language and cultural bridge program for international students, utilizing facilities in Kearns Hall that include four classrooms, administrative offices, and a computer lab. Key qualifications include demonstrating at least two years of continuous operation of a similar ESL center at another U.S. university and adherence to recruitment guidelines from organizations like the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Evaluation criteria will assess Detailed Approach (45 points), Experience (35 points), and Price and Business Proposal (20 points). The RFP timeline includes a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on April 23, 2019, at 10:30 A.M., with questions due by April 24, 2019, at 12:00 P.M. Proposals are due May 30, 2019, at 11:00 A.M., with a contract award anticipated on July 25, 2019. The initial contract term is five years, beginning August 5, 2019, with potential two one-year renewals, allowing for a maximum seven-year contract period through August 4, 2026.

The contract requires potential contractors to meet specific personnel standards, including passing criminal background checks and ensuring no registered sex offenders or individuals with felony convictions are involved. Coastal Carolina University will provide significant infrastructure support, including classroom space for up to 20 students in classroom settings and 40 in lab settings, administrative office space, maintenance and janitorial services, parking, network access, student facility access, health services, temporary employee housing, and promotional support. Contractors must submit a Price and Business Proposal that includes a percentage of gross tuition income for facility rental and any proposed costs for facility upgrades or renovations. The university mandates compliance with federal, state, and local laws, university regulations, the Drug-Free Workplace Act, and prohibits tobacco use on university property. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the contractor must obtain and maintain all required licenses, including a City of Conway business license. Only one award will be made to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible offeror, with the expectation that the selected vendor will fully integrate their ESL program with the university's existing academic infrastructure.