LPN Tuition Assistance

The State of Delaware, specifically through the Department of Government Support Services, is seeking a vendor to provide Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Tuition Assistance for the Departments of Health and Social Services and State. The procurement is a professional services contract aimed at supporting LPN certification training, with the primary objective of funding tuition and textbook costs for qualified applicants who will commit to working for the state for two years after certification. The RFP requires vendors to be State of Delaware Approved Nursing Education Programs with a minimum 70% graduation rate, capable of providing certified instructors who can conduct onsite clinical training at state facilities. Proposals are due on January 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM local time, with an estimated award date of April 17, 2024. The contract term is one year with three optional one-year extensions. Evaluation criteria include program approval status (20%), clinical instruction capability (20%), cost inclusiveness (20%), location availability (20%), references (10%), and pricing (10%). Vendors must submit a comprehensive technical proposal detailing qualifications, management plan, and graduation success rates.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The only documented proposal received is from Dawn Career Institute, located in Newark, Delaware, suggesting this is an open competition for qualified training providers. The state will directly pay vendors for tuition and books, invoicing the Departments of Health and Social Services and State separately. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract structure indicates funding for multiple LPN students' tuition and associated educational expenses. The procurement appears designed to address workforce development needs by creating a pipeline of licensed practical nurses committed to state service. The comprehensive approach includes not just tuition coverage, but also requires vendors to demonstrate educational quality through graduation rates, instructor certifications, and clinical training capabilities.