Project Poder - Research & Focus Group Consultant Services

Valencia College is seeking a research consultant to conduct a comprehensive study called Project Poder, focusing on understanding career decision-making processes for students and their families. The procurement is a request for quote (QR 2025-01) targeting firms or individuals with expertise in workforce education strategies, cultural responsiveness, and survey/focus group methodologies. Specific deliverables include bilingual (English and Spanish) interviews and focus groups with students, families, faculty, and community stakeholders, resulting in comprehensive findings with survey tools, descriptive narratives, data analysis, and strategic recommendations. Qualified consultants must have a minimum of three years of experience in relevant research domains. The project will emphasize understanding career pathways for low-income and underserved populations, particularly Hispanic or Latinx students. Key dates include a question submission deadline of August 14, 2024, and quote submission deadline of August 22, 2024, with all submissions to be made via VendorLink. The contract period runs from August 2024 to December 2024, with potential for extension.

The contract opportunity appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the research focus prioritizes underserved populations. The project is funded by a $400,000 grant from J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation, with a specific contract budget estimate of $30,000 for the research consultant. The procurement is open to qualified firms or individual consultants who can demonstrate cultural competency and research expertise. The research will support Valencia College's strategic goals of increasing student registration, enrollment, and career development, with a particular emphasis on creating culturally responsive career pathway planning. The project involves collaboration across multiple Valencia College departments, including Marketing, Faculty Development, and the Career Center, and aims to develop strategies that enhance student employability and success, particularly for low-income and Hispanic or Latinx students.