On-line English Language Training Program

The State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an On-line English Language Training Program pilot project, soliciting a technology-based ESL service provider to deliver live online instruction and technical/occupational English language training across various skill levels. The procurement focuses on course offerings aligned to career paths in healthcare, technology, hospitality, and other sectors, with deliverables including three distinct project phases: pre-launch planning, pilot program implementation with user licenses, and post-pilot results discussion. Required qualifications include the ability to provide administrator training, technical support during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST), and a dashboard for monitoring participant progress, with all licenses available within 30 business days of order. Evaluation criteria consist of product quality (25 points), service capabilities (25 points), delivery capabilities (25 points), and vendor qualifications (25 points), with a minimum threshold of 80 points required before pricing evaluation is conducted. The proposal submission deadline was September 13, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract start date of September 15, 2019, and contract expiration on September 30, 2020. Mandatory participation includes a pre-launch virtual meeting and two in-person on-boarding events, along with a virtual wrap-up call at pilot conclusion.

The RFP documentation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that may respond, nor does it identify any disadvantaged enterprise requirements or incumbent vendors currently providing these services. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability ($1,000,000), professional liability ($3,000,000), and cyber liability ($1,000,000), along with background checks for all staff members. The State reserved the right to award the contract based on best value rather than lowest price and may conduct facility tours, reference checks, or require oral presentations during the evaluation process. Pricing must be submitted separately on a cost-per-license basis with all associated fees included, though the RFP does not disclose the anticipated budget range or award value. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $166 per day apply for late or improper completion, and the contract term is one year with no renewal options specified, as this is explicitly identified as a short-term, time-bound pilot program.