Ohio Department of Higher Education Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship Program FY27 RFP
Ohio Department of Higher Education, Columbus, OH·State
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- Primary Contact
- Mike Duffey
- Contract Term
- 4 years
- Scope Location
- Ohio
- Submission Address
- https://rfp.ohiohighered.org/
SUMMARY
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) is soliciting proposals for the FY27 Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program, a signature STEM initiative designed to grow Ohio's talent pipeline in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Eligible applicants include Ohio state universities and colleges, as well as independent, non-profit four-year institutions. The program will award up to $26.1 million for scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, and meal plans for students in approved STEM CIP codes. Proposals must include 100% participation in work-based learning (co-ops, internships, research) and demonstrate a 1:1 institutional match. Evaluation is based on project rationale, recruitment strategy, student support, work-based learning opportunities, and alignment with regional economic needs. Proposals are due via the ODHE RFP portal by October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Project Rationale (10), Recruitment Strategy (10), Student Support (10), Work-based Learning Opportunities (25), Academic Programs (25), Integration with Regional and Statewide Economic Needs (20)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Executive Summary, COF FY27 Application Excel File, PDF of complete proposal
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Institutional support letters, Partner organization and employer support letters
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Work in government? Get Civic IQ free →Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this solicitation, answered from the record.
How do I respond to this RFP from Ohio Department of Higher Education?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 1, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://rfp.ohiohighered.org/. For questions, contact Mike Duffey.
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Project Rationale (10), Recruitment Strategy (10), Student Support (10), Work-based Learning Opportunities (25), Academic Programs (25), Integration with Regional and Statewide Economic Needs (20)" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Ohio Department of Higher Education?
All active and historical solicitations from Ohio Department of Higher Education are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Ohio Department of Higher Education regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 4 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of October 1, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Institutional support letters, Partner organization and employer support letters. Review the full document from Ohio Department of Higher Education for the complete list.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Ohio Department of Higher Education in OH, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Mike Duffey. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Ohio. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Executive Summary, COF FY27 Application Excel File, PDF of complete proposal. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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