STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)

Piedmont Technical College, located in South Carolina, is seeking a Student Assistance Program (SAP) contractor through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the State Fiscal Accountability Authority. The primary objective is to provide comprehensive counseling and support services for approximately 4,653 students across eight campus locations in Greenwood, Abbeville, Edgefield, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda. The selected contractor must deliver confidential assessment, counseling, and short-term problem-solving services through multiple modalities including face-to-face, telephonic, and virtual platforms. Key service requirements include up to five assessment and referral sessions per unique problem episode annually, a 24-hour emergency access toll-free phone line staffed by qualified clinicians, translation services, and an annual substance abuse awareness program. Mandatory qualifications for service providers include a four-year college degree or master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field, substantial clinical experience, and appropriate state licensure such as LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or PhD in Psychology. The proposal submission deadline is January 6, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with award notification scheduled for January 28, 2021. Evaluation criteria will prioritize the proposed solution, qualifications and experience, cost, financial stability, and additional capabilities.

The contract is structured as a one-year initial agreement with four potential one-year renewal options, establishing a maximum five-year term from February 6, 2021, to February 5, 2026. Contractors must be currently registered as South Carolina vendors and maintain comprehensive liability insurance, including general and auto liability, workers' compensation, and specialized information security and privacy insurance with minimum limits of $5,000,000 per occurrence and $10,000,000 aggregate. The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must comply with all applicable South Carolina and federal laws, maintain student record confidentiality per FERPA requirements, and implement robust data security safeguards. Importantly, no part of the contract may be performed offshore of the United States. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, pricing must be submitted as a fixed-price proposal covering all costs for the potential five-year contract period. Offerors are required to submit technical materials electronically, including an original, a copy, and a redacted version, along with corresponding price submissions.