Notice of Intent to Award ITN 250000000015-STARBASE Program

The State of Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs issued Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) 250000000015 for STARBASE Program management services, targeting school operation and management across three Michigan locations: Mt Clemens, Alpena, and Battle Creek. The procurement is structured as a single-source procurement primarily focused on contracting with STARBASE Inc., the original founder of the nationwide STARBASE program. The key services include managing program facilities, securing sponsorships, and expanding educational opportunities for children, with the commodity code 92471 categorizing the services under School Operation and Management Services. The original ITN was posted on SIGMA VSS on 5/5/2025, with a proposal submission deadline of 5/20/2025 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Only one bidder, Battelle Education, submitted a proposal, which was subsequently deemed unclear, and the vendor ultimately withdrew interest after being requested to provide a Vendor Worksheet by 7/7/2025.

The solicitation appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational respondents. While STARBASE Inc. is the intended vendor due to its unique historical role and existing Cooperative Agreement with the Michigan National Guard, the state technically remained open to alternative vendors submitting equivalent service proposals. The procurement does not specify a precise contract value or budget range in the provided documentation. All questions and responses were to be handled through written communication and posted on the state's procurement website. The state recommends awarding the contract to STARBASE Inc., pending State Administrative Board approval, with Elizabeth Noffsinger serving as the Solicitation Manager for any follow-up inquiries. The contract aims to continue the existing partnership and provide additional discretionary funding to support the STARBASE program's educational mission.