RFP# 202517-CDBG Program for STEM Services for FY 2024-2025

The City of Homestead is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek qualified partners to implement a comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program targeting K-8 students within the city limits. This initiative is supported by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and is subject to all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. The selected vendor(s) will enter into a sub-recipient agreement with the City, which will clearly define the scope of services, performance benchmarks, and payment terms. The partner will be responsible for delivering all aspects of the STEM program and will receive reimbursements based on an approved expenditure schedule. Funding will be awarded to the respondent or respondents that best meet the City of Homestead’s requirements and demonstrate the potential to deliver the greatest community benefit. This project will be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Funding is allocated to support the development and implementation of impactful public service programs, with a focus on enhancing educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for K-8 students within the City of Homestead. Applicants must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200), as well as CDBG program regulations under 24 CFR Part 570. Additional compliance requirements encompass Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act for economic opportunities, Fair Housing laws, Federal Labor Standards, and other uniform administrative standards. Eligible applicants must qualify as a CDBG Sub-recipient. Applicants for Public Service Projects must meet CDBG Sub-recipient criteria as follows: (1) a private non-profit organization with verified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or (2) a public agency. Non-profit applicants are required to provide proof of their tax-exempt status per Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to confirm eligibility. The City of Homestead is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages the participation of Minority, Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE) in this RFP process. Prior experience with the City of Homestead is not a prerequisite for applicants, ensuring a broad and inclusive range of qualified partners may contribute to this initiative.