On-the job training (OJT) supportive services program

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is seeking qualified organizations to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) Supportive Services to build career opportunities in the heavy highway industry through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on August 27, 2020. The procurement targets organizations that can recruit, train, and place 39 new participants and 9 former graduates in construction-related career paths across three geographic areas: St. Louis, Kansas City, and outstate Missouri. Required services include comprehensive training programs covering high school equivalency test preparation, construction skills training, work readiness, computer literacy, financial management, industry certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid, and CDL), and job placement assistance. The RFP requires participants to place at least 60% of graduates with heavy highway employers, with a goal of providing hands-on construction skills training and industry certifications to 100% of enrolled participants. Proposals were due by September 24, 2020, with MoDOT planning to select organizations by July 31, 2020 for a contract period from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. Evaluation criteria include organizational experience (25 points), proposed performance methods (20 points), references (12 points), in-kind contributions (15 points), partnerships/collaborations (18 points), and past placement success (10 points).

The RFP strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women's Business Enterprises (WBE), with specific goals of 10% MBE and 5% WBE participation. The program specifically targets females, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals who are underrepresented in the heavy highway construction field. The total funding available is $189,519.74, with $184,519.74 allocated for program services and $5,000 for Construction Career Day events, evenly distributed at $44,845 per geographic area. Successful respondents must provide general liability insurance coverage of $500,000 per person and $3,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage in accordance with state law. The program includes placement and retention incentives of $1,800 per student who maintains employment for at least 30 days on a MoDOT federal-aid project, with a maximum of 10 placements per geographic area. Funding for the program will be provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and MoDOT will require selected organizations to submit monthly and annual reports tracking participant demographics, training, certifications, job placements, and retention.