On the Job Training Supportive Services

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP605CO22000277) for On the Job Training Supportive Services designed to build career opportunities in the heavy highway industry. The procurement seeks qualified organizations to provide comprehensive training and support services to minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged individuals, with the goal of increasing their participation in Federal-aid highway projects. Specific service requirements include educational experiences, work readiness training, High School Equivalency exam preparation, tools and equipment training, industry-specific construction training, and job placement assistance. Key performance objectives mandate graduating 100% of participants and placing 60% of graduates with heavy highway employers. The RFP requires service providers to enroll a minimum of 8 new students in each of three geographic areas (St. Louis, Kansas City, and outstate), totaling 24 new students statewide, plus 3 previously served students. The proposal submission deadline was September 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM Central Time, with the contract period running from November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022. Evaluation criteria include experience (25 points), method of performance (20 points), references (12 points), in-kind contributions (15 points), partnerships (18 points), and past placement success (10 points).

The RFP encourages Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation, with specific goals of 10% MBE and 5% WBE involvement through subcontractors, suppliers, joint ventures, or other arrangements. Funding for the contract will be provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with separate awards for each geographic area. The contract amounts are $45,223.67 for the St. Louis and Kansas City areas (defined as within 45 miles of their respective MoDOT district offices), and $45,223.66 for the outstate area. Successful offerors must provide proof of insurance, including general liability ($500,000 per person/$3,000,000 per occurrence), automobile liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. The RFP indicates that multiple vendors may be selected based on the responses received, and contractors must comply with state and federal nondiscrimination requirements, including enrollment in the E-Verify federal work authorization program. Additional required services include providing certifications such as OSHA-10, CPR/First-Aid, CDL training, and flagging certification to enhance participants' employability in the heavy highway industry.