I-526W PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is seeking a contractor to implement the I-526W Professional Development Program, an instructor-led, classroom-based training initiative targeting high school and college students in North Charleston. The six-week program will be conducted on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at North Charleston High School, with an anticipated start date of August 21, 2021, and conclusion on October 23, 2021. The program aims to provide job readiness training to approximately 20 participants from specific targeted areas including Ferndale, Highland Terrace, Joppa Way, Liberty Park, and Russelldale. Key deliverables include identifying transportation industry partners for presentations and site visits, conducting mandatory orientation and closing programs, preparing progress and final reports, and administering $500 stipends to participants who successfully complete the program. The solicitation requires submission of a comprehensive budget and detailed line-item expenses, with personnel and fringe benefits capped at 45 percent of the total approved budget. Critical dates include a question submission deadline of August 2, 2021, at 12:00 p.m., bid submissions due by August 16, 2021, at 2:30 p.m., and award notifications scheduled for August 20, 2021.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types that can respond to the procurement. There are no indications of incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requirements for integration. The total budget for the project is fixed at $40,000, with any bids exceeding this amount being rejected as non-responsive. Indirect costs are limited to 10 percent of direct program costs, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Funding is subject to availability and appropriation, with provisions allowing contract termination if funds are not appropriated for subsequent fiscal periods. Potential contractors must submit a single copy of their offer online, hold their offer open for a minimum of thirty calendar days after the opening date, and provide a signed cover page acknowledging any amendments. The procurement will be managed by Renee Frazier, who can be contacted at 803-737-0970 or FrazierRC@scdot.org, with all official communications and award notifications to be posted on the South Carolina procurement website at www.procurement.sc.gov.