RFP# 202615 STEM Education Program Funded by CDBG for FY2024-2025 & FY2025-2026

The City of Homestead is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain qualified partners to implement a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Program to K-8 students low-income residents of the City of Homestead (within City limits). Funding is provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and subject to all applicable federal rules and regulations. The successful vendor will enter into a sub-recipient agreement with the City of Homestead that outlines the scope of services, performance measures, and payment. The vendor will be responsible for ensuring the participants are City of Homestead residents and are low-income per HUD guidelines. The vendor will provide a STEM education program; provide proof each participant is a City of Homestead resident and low-income in order to be reimbursed by the City for expenses according to an approved budget and schedule. The funds will be awarded to the most responsive respondent or respondents in the best interest of the City of Homestead. 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. 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.