Recruiting Coordinator for Youth Bluegrass Challenge Academy

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Military Affairs is issuing a Request for Proposal for a Recruiting Coordinator position supporting the Bluegrass Challenge Academy, a program for at-risk youth ages 15.5 to 18 years located at Fort Knox. The solicitation seeks qualified individuals or organizations to provide recruiting coordinator services across designated regions throughout Kentucky, requiring approximately 140 hours per month of work through June 30, 2026, with potential renewal for up to two additional two-year periods beginning April 1, 2025. Key deliverables and responsibilities include recruiting at-risk candidates, coordinating with referral sources such as circuit courts and school officials, conducting applicant interviews, assisting with cadet transport and special events, and performing administrative duties across the program's three phases (acclimation, residential, and post-residential). A mandatory requirement is a minimum of five years' experience recruiting youth, with vendors required to submit a resume detailing qualifications and expertise in recruiting both males and females ages 15-18, plus two examples of past work experience. Evaluation criteria consist of technical merit (100 points), cost proposal (60 points), and oral presentations if required (25 points), for a maximum of 185 points, with the lowest-priced proposal receiving maximum cost points. Proposals must be submitted by February 20, 2025, at 15:30 Eastern Time using the provided Attachment A cost proposal form; no bidders' conference or written question period is scheduled for this solicitation.

All vendors must be registered with Kentucky's Vendor Self Service System and are eligible to claim resident bidder or qualified bidder status if applicable, with corresponding preferences applied accordingly. Offerors are required to complete a KARES background check with fingerprints, and employment is contingent on no substantiated findings. All proposals must comply with Kentucky statutes regarding tax and employment law compliance, discrimination prohibitions, and conflict-of-interest certifications. The contract will include reimbursement for travel expenses and necessary equipment and supplies provided by the Academy. No incumbent vendor or specific budget range is identified in the solicitation documents; however, vendors must submit cost proposals indicating annual compensation for the recruiting coordinator position along with associated travel expenses, with award values to be determined based on the evaluation of submitted proposals.