Dear Program Provider:
Each year, thousands of Chicago teens develop their talents and find their futures by participating in After School Matters programs. We are able to positively affect so many young lives thanks to our skilled and dedicated program providers- independent instructors and community/teaching organizations committed to mentoring and sharing their expertise. As a result of our collective efforts, After School Matters has become the largest program of its type in the nation and a model for out-of-school programming that has been replicated in other U.S. cities.
Today, After School Matters released our 2011-2012 Request for Proposal (RFP), which can be found on our Web site at www.afterschoolmatters.org/programproviders. This year, our RFP process will be significantly different. Some of the changes were driven by After School Matters new strategic plan, which we invite you to read more about at www.afterschoolmatters.org/news. Other changes were driven by feedback we received from program providers about how we might streamline the process and make it easier to review credentials and demonstrate capacity to deliver quality programs.
HERE ARE A FEW IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR NEW RFP PROCESS:
This year, After School Matters has issued one RFP for both Summer 2011 and Fall/Spring 2011-2012. This is important to note for several reasons:
- First, program providers will only need to complete one RFP to work with us during this time period. In years past, providers were asked to submit separate RFPs for the Summer and School Year cycles.
- Second, we are providing additional consideration to program providers who propose to deliver programs during both the Summer and School Year cycles.
- Finally, as part of our efforts to establish a stronger retention path for students, we are requesting a 20-week plan for the school year versus two 10-week plans that are essentially the same.
Also, we have now implemented a two-phase RFP process. The first phase, which will be due on Wednesday, December 29, is an online Application of Intent document that asks both new and returning program providers to answer key questions about:
- Their proposed program
- Their approach to best practices and industry trends to engage teen participants
- Strategies to deliver hands-on, project-based learning experiences
- Their capacity to deliver programs
- Strategies to reach our target population - Chicago Public Schools high school students
Based on our review of the Applications of Intent, we will notify potential program providers in late January as to whether they will advance to the second step in the RFP process.
- Returning providers who are invited to advance to the second phase of the RFP process will NOT need to complete a full RFP. Rather, they will meet with our regional Program Quality staff between January 31 - February 18 to review and discuss their program performance to date. Following this consultation, returning providers will be required to develop a program plan and budget for delivery by Friday, March 4.
- New providers who are invited to advance to the second phase will be required to submit a full RFP proposal by Tuesday, February 22. While we encourage new program providers to begin thinking about how they will complete this proposal, other resources will be available to support you.
After School Matters will review and award contracts to both returning and new program providers in April and May. Some program providers may be placed on a waitlist.
Throughout this process, we are offering a number of resources at www.afterschoolmatters.org/programproviders to support program providers in proposal development. Additional questions can be directed to RFPquestions@afterschoolmatters.org or the After School Matters RFP hotline at 312-742-6205. After School Matters is also offering RFP workshops to help guide returning and new program providers through the process. You are strongly encouraged to attend one workshop. Registration for the workshops is not required.
2010 RFP WORKSHOPS:
New Potential Program Providers
Friday, December 10
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
gallery37 Center for the Arts, 5th Floor
66 E. Randolph Street
Returning Program Providers - North
Monday, December 13
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Korean American Community Services
4300 N. California Avenue
Returning Program Providers - West
Tuesday, December 14
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Sherman Park Field House
1301 W. 52nd Street
Returning Program Providers - South
Wednesday, December 15
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Fosco Park Field House
1312 S. Racine Avenue
After School Matters is incredibly grateful for the efforts of our talented and caring program providers and we appreciate your desire to make a difference in the lives of Chicago teens. We hope you participate in the 2011-2012 RFP process and are excited to receive your proposals.
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