Workforce Diploma Program QVL (For Additional Contractors)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, through the State Office of Administration Division of Purchasing, is establishing a Qualified Vendor List for adult diploma program services, with proposals due September 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time under RFP STATE 0000000556SL. Vendors previously awarded contracts under RFPS30034902301084 are excluded from this solicitation.

Eligible vendors must be accredited high school diploma-granting entities or not-for-profit organizations with a Memorandum of Understanding with an accredited diploma-granting entity, possess at least two years of experience providing adult dropout recovery services, and hold accreditation from DESE or one of seven regional accreditors. Vendors must register in MissouriBUYS as "Prospective" or "Spend Authorized" to submit proposals and must achieve "Approved" and "Spend Authorized" status to be considered for award.

Services target Missouri residents aged 21 and older without a high school diploma, delivered through campus-based, blended, or online modalities. Deliverables include academic skill assessments, transcript evaluations, individualized learning plans, remediation in literacy and numeracy, employability skills certification, career pathway coursework, industry-recognized credentials or technical skills assessments, and career placement services. Vendors may not charge student fees and cannot receive concurrent funding from federal, state, or private sources for the same student.

Payment is milestone-based: per-credit completion for half-unit high school credits, per-certification or credential based on training hour ranges, and per diploma attainment per Exhibit C Payment Schedule. The state pays approved providers in invoice order until available funds are exhausted; contractors must use other resources if state funding depletes. Beginning in the second fiscal year, providers must achieve a 50% average graduation rate per cohort and an average cost per graduate of $7,000 or less or face probationary status and potential removal. An estimated 4,532 to 13,597 adults may participate annually, with approximately half expected to earn their diploma yearly. The contract period is effective through January 2, 2027. Proposals are submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS.