On the Job Training Supportive Services

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for On the Job Training Supportive Services to build career opportunities in the heavy highway industry. The procurement seeks qualified organizations to provide comprehensive training and placement services for 72 individuals, including 60 new participants and 12 former graduates who are currently unemployed. Key deliverables include work maturity skills development, High School Equivalency (HSE) test preparation, construction tools and equipment training, vocational training, national certifications, and job placement services. The RFP requires contractors to place at least 60% of program graduates with heavy highway employers and provide monthly and annual reporting on participant demographics, certifications, and employment outcomes. Proposals are due by August 3, 2022, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with submission options through MissouriBUYS electronically or by mail via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Evaluation criteria include experience (25 points), method of performance (20 points), references (12 points), in-kind contributions (15 points), partnerships/collaboration (18 points), and past placement success (10 points).

The RFP strongly encourages participation from minority business enterprises (MBE) and women business enterprises (WBE), with specific targets of 10% MBE and 5% WBE participation. The program is designed to increase employment opportunities for minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged individuals in federal-aid highway projects. Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with a total budget of $305,492 allocated across three geographic regions: $101,830.67 for the St. Louis area, $101,830.67 for the Kansas City area (both defined as within 45 miles of their respective MoDOT district offices), and $101,830.66 for outstate areas. The contract period will run from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023, with an option to extend for one additional year. Respondents are encouraged to provide in-kind and matching funding to supplement the FHWA funds, and the budget includes specific allocations for staff personnel, student personnel, travel, administrative expenses, tools, safety equipment, student supplies, and placement/retention services.