Software Coding Classes and Re-Entry Employment Services

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is seeking a vendor to provide software coding classes and re-entry employment services for up to 100 inmates over a two-year term. The selected vendor, Persevere, will offer a 12-month, 1,500-hour certification program to train inmates as full-stack software developers, and provide wrap-around services including job placement, substance abuse treatment, and case management. FDC has determined that Persevere is the sole provider capable of meeting the Department's needs for this integrated instructional program and related services. The estimated dollar amount for this two-year contract is $1,341,384.85. Prospective vendors were invited to provide information by December 7, 2022 regarding their ability to supply the requested commodities and services, and FDC will provide further notice of its intended decision to enter into this single-source contract.

Persevere is a non-profit organization focused on reducing recidivism and supporting successful inmate re-entry. The contract will be funded by the FDC, and the services will be provided to inmates located in Leon County and the Tampa City area. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond to this opportunity. The incumbent vendor is Persevere, and the existing infrastructure and technology they provide will require integration.