Middle School Athletics Program/Request for Information

The City of Palo Alto's Recreation Division is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) No. 194876 to gather insights from qualified organizations interested in operating the Middle School Athletics Program for Fletcher, Greene, and Jane Lathrop Stanford public middle schools. The RFI seeks comprehensive information about potential operational models for a comprehensive athletics program that includes fall, winter, and spring sports such as volleyball, flag football, basketball, cross country, track and field, wrestling, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. Interested organizations can propose to manage the entire program or individual sports, with a focus on maximum participation, inclusivity, and personal development rather than competitive selection. Key submission requirements include a statement of interest, organizational philosophy, business model, proposed per-participant cost, staffing and hiring practices, leadership structure, youth sports management experience, and a long-term sustainability plan. The RFI timeline includes questions due by July 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST, and full responses required by July 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. The current program operates with a $335 per student fee and offers financial assistance with up to a 50% reduction for eligible families, typically serving approximately 1,300 student registrations annually.

The RFI does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, suggesting a broad invitation to qualified entities with youth sports management experience. The current program emphasizes a no-cut registration policy and appears to prioritize organizations that can maintain the existing program's core values of inclusivity and broad participation. While no incumbent vendor is specifically identified, the City is exploring strategies to enhance program affordability and accessibility. The existing program generates approximately $435,500 in annual revenue based on current registration fees, though the RFI indicates the City is not seeking a formal proposal at this stage but rather gathering information to inform future budgeting, resource planning, and potential procurement processes. Organizations responding to the RFI should be prepared to demonstrate capabilities in managing youth sports programs across multiple schools, implementing inclusive participation models, and developing sustainable operational frameworks that align with the City of Palo Alto's community service objectives.