On-the job training (OJT) supportive services program

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for On-the-Job Training (OJT) Supportive Services Program targeting the Heavy Highway Industry in the St. Louis area. The RFP seeks qualified organizations to provide comprehensive training and support services for 38 individuals, including 30 new students and 8 previous graduates. Required services encompass work maturity skills, life skills, computer skills, financial management, High School Equivalency preparation, career exploration, industry certifications, job readiness, placement, and retention services. Specific training components include equipment training, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) attainment, OSHA-10 certification, and CPR-First Aid training. The procurement was released on September 18, 2019, with proposals due by October 15, 2019, and MoDOT intends to select organizations by November 1, 2019, for a contract period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Proposals will be evaluated across six key criteria: experience and expertise (25 points), proposed method of performance (20 points), recommendations (12 points), in-kind contributions (15 points), partnerships/collaboration (18 points), and past success with placement and retention (10 points).

The RFP encourages participation from minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE), with target participation goals of 10% MBE and 5% WBE. The program specifically aims to increase employment opportunities for minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged individuals within a 30-mile radius of St. Louis, with a particular focus on the heavy highway construction industry. MoDOT will award two contracts, each valued at $67,267.50, for a total program budget of $139,535, which includes $12,000 in MoDOT in-kind contributions. The department strongly encourages respondents to provide additional in-kind and cash match funding, with additional evaluation points awarded for such contributions. Vendors must demonstrate proof of insurance, including general liability ($500,000/$3,000,000), automobile liability ($500,000/$3,000,000), and workers compensation coverage. The program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is specifically designed to support workforce development for projects like the I-270 North Project, with a projected 10,082 job openings in the Highway/Heavy Construction Industry in the St. Louis region through 2026.