Youth Opportunity Grants Program

The City of St. Petersburg is soliciting proposals for the Youth Opportunity Grants Program, a guaranteed income pilot program targeting former foster youth not engaged in formal aftercare services. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to implement and administer a program that will provide $500 monthly payments to a minimum of 80 participants over 12 months. Key deliverables include conducting assertive outreach, managing direct project administration, providing benefits counseling, establishing financial disbursement mechanisms, and collaborating with an external evaluation team. Vendors must demonstrate experience in Pinellas County, proven ability to engage former foster youth, comprehensive knowledge of local resources, and capacity to administer direct payments. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was released on November 21, 2023, with a deadline for questions on December 21, 2023, and a final proposal submission deadline of January 4, 2024, at 3:00 pm. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on vendors' demonstrated experience, programmatic approach, and organizational capacity to successfully implement the guaranteed income pilot.

The program is specifically designed for organizations with direct experience working with former foster youth in Pinellas County and does not appear to have explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The total project budget is $946,365, funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources, with the project scheduled to run through December 31, 2026, and a maximum contract completion time of two years. Vendors must have the infrastructure to manage direct payments and potential subcontractors, with a focus on preventing negative outcomes such as homelessness, incarceration, and mental health issues common among youth aging out of foster care. The program aligns with Mayor Welch's Pillars for Progress, specifically the Education & Youth Opportunities pillar. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract will require integration with local social services, foster care networks, and an external evaluation team to track the pilot program's effectiveness and impact on participants.