Request for Proposal (RFP) for Non-Profit Services to Increase Graduation Rates

Harrison School District 2 (D2) in Colorado Springs is seeking a non-profit organization to provide supplemental services for the D2 Promise Scholarship program through Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-509. The contract, covering the period from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025, aims to increase graduation rates for D2 Promise participants at Pikes Peak State College. The selected non-profit will be responsible for delivering direct services to current and prospective participants from all District and charter high schools, with key deliverables including ensuring maximum PELL grant applications, hosting informational events, and providing direct programming during participants' first three years of college. Proposals are due by January 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM, with vendor notification expected by January 31, 2025. The evaluation committee will primarily assess the increase in total number and percentage of D2 Promise participant graduation rates, requiring quarterly data reports and in-person presentations. Applicants must submit a detailed 5-page narrative of proposed services, graduation benchmarks, a comprehensive budget, at least three letters of support from 501(c)3 non-profit entities, a copy of their federal 501(c)3 determination letter, and their most recent independent audit.

The RFP is specifically targeted at 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, with no apparent set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract has a maximum funding allocation of $100,000 for the initial service period, with potential future contracts on a twelve-month basis starting July 1, 2025, and a maximum funding of $200,000 per service period. The D2 Promise Scholarship program provides first-dollar full-tuition scholarships and academic coaching to eligible high school graduates, creating a specific infrastructure for the selected non-profit to integrate their services. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the solicitation suggests a collaborative approach with flexibility in proposal design. The ultimate goal is to create a strategic partnership that can demonstrate significant improvement in educational outcomes, with baseline graduation rate data to be provided to the selected partner. Proposals exceeding the $100,000 maximum funding amount will not be accepted, ensuring fiscal discipline and focused service delivery.