Consulting-Grant Writing

1
Request for Proposal
SAC-RFP-25-26-001
Issued by:
South Arkansas College
Allison Dolden, Procurement Manager
421 West Wesson St. * P.O. Box 7010
El Dorado, AR 71730
870-864-7162
Proposal Name: Federal Grant Writing Services
ISSUE DATE: April 28, 2026
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

2
Federal Grant Writing Services
Acknowledgment of Receipt
Please fill in the requested information below as acknowledgment that you have received the
Request for Proposal noted above. If your firm is interested in participating, this sheet should be
completed and returned, emailed, or faxed to South Arkansas College, Procurement Office, Attn:
Allison Dolden, aedolden@southark.edu, 421 West wesson St. or P.O. Box 7010,
El Dorado, AR 71730, Fax: 870-875-7257. By doing this, we will be able to provide notification
to you of any addenda to the RFP.
Name of Firm: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Fax #: ______________________________ Tel. #: ________________________________
_____ YES, Our Company does have an interest in responding.
_____ NO, Our Company does not have an interest in responding.
Name: (Print) __________________________ Title: _________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 10 ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW 5
10.1 Background 5
10.2 Purpose 5
10.3 Issuing Officer 6
10.4 Contract Administrator 6
10.5 Anticipated Procurement Timetable 6
10.6 Submission of Proposals 6
10.7 Presentation 7
10.8 Rejection of Proposals 7
10.9 Contracting Condition 7
10.10 Public Opening of Proposals 7
10.11 Proprietary Information/Open Records 7
10.12 Contract Awarding and Signing 8
10.13 Payment and Invoice Provisions 8
10.14 Proposal Evaluations 8
10.15 Vendor Performance Standards 8
SECTION 20 SCOPE 8
20.1 Purpose 8
20.2 Functional Specifications 8
SECTION 30 REQUIREMENTS 9
30.1 Evaluation Criteria 9
30.2 Company History and Expertise 9
30.3 References 10
30.4 Price 10
SECTION 40 TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS PROPOSAL 10
40.1 Introduction 10
40.2 Transmittal Letter 11
40.3 Appendix 11
40.4 Executive Summary 11
40.5 Vendor's Background and Experience 11
40.6 Price Proposal 12
40.7 Independent Price Determination Certification Statement 12
40.8 Bid Price Certifying Statements and Bid Price 12
SECTION 50 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 12
50.1 Legal Considerations 12
50.2 Public Disclosure 12
50.3 Ethical Standards Law 12
50.4 Term of the Contract 12
50.5 Termination of Contract 13
50.5.1 Termination for Default 13
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

4
50.5.2 Termination for Convenience 13
50.5.3 Termination for Unavailability of Funds 14
50.6 Severability 14
50.6.1 Termination of Claims 14
50.7 Vendor as Independent Contractor 14
50.8 Force Majeure 15
50.9 Disputes 15
50.10 Confidentiality of Information 15
50.11 Public Disclosure 15
50.12 Inspection of Work Performed 15
50.13 Subcontracts 15
50.14 Indemnification 16
50.15 Assignment 16
50.16 Employment Practices 16
50.17 Waiver 17
50.18 State Property 17
50.19 Contract Severability 17
50.20 Attorney's Fees 17
50.21 Environmental Protection 17
50.22 Liability 18
50.23 Record Retention 18
50.24 Access to Vendor's Records 18
SECTION 60 Standard Terms & Conditions 18
SECTION 70 Procurement 24
70.1 Rules of Procurement 24
70.2 Point of Contact 24
70.3 Written Questions Concerning the Request for Proposals 24
70.4 Requests for Proposals Amendments 24
70.5 Cost of Preparing Proposals 24
70.6 Disposition of Proposals 24
70.7 Proposal Amendments and Rules of Withdrawal 25
70.8 Acceptance of Proposals 25
70.9 Evaluation of Proposals 25
70.10 Award Notice 25
70.11 Protest of Award 25
70.12 Vendor Performance Standards 26
APPENDIX A Official Pricing Sheet 26
APPENDIX B Independent Price Determination Certification Statement 27
APPENDIX C Bid Price Certifying Statement 28
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

5
Federal Grant Writing Services
Section 10 Administrative Overview
10.1 Background
South Arkansas College (SouthArk) is an open-enrollment public, two-year college located in downtown
El Dorado, Arkansas, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
SouthArk was established by a vote of the citizens of Union County on March 31, 1992. Voters approved
forming a community college district for the county, merging Oil Belt Technical College and Southern
Arkansas College-El Dorado Branch, to form a comprehensive community college. The college's
designated service area includes not only Union County but also Bradley, Ashley, and Chicot Counties.
The College promotes accessibility through low tuition, scholarships, financial aid, concurrent
enrollment, adult education, developmental courses, and a wide range of student services designed to
promote success. The College is an integral part of community life in El Dorado through its educational
programs, cultural events, programs for business and industry, partnerships with K-12 and higher
education institutions, and promotion of area economic development.
SouthArk offers associate degrees and certificates in the areas of career and technical education, arts and
sciences, and health science. For students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college, SouthArk
offers the associate of arts degree. SouthArk's workforce programs are designed with industry-driven
curriculum and specialized accreditation. Articulation agreements with area universities also allow for
seamless credit transfer.
SouthArk's west campus is home to programs for general education, business and technology, and health
care. At the heart of the main campus is Heritage Plaza, a green space for students to meet and relax
between classes. Across the street, the El Dorado Conference Center, managed by the college, is also the
home of the SouthArk's Student Center where students' enrollment, registration, and support needs are
met.
SouthArk's east campus offers career technical programs for high school and post-secondary students.
Non-credit classes at this site meet the workforce needs of local employers and the interests of the
community. SouthArk also has approved educational sites in Warren and Little Rock. Beyond the
traditional classroom, SouthArk has an extensive online course and program presence whereby a student
can earn an associate of arts completely online. Many other degree and certificate programs can be
completed primarily or entirely through online courses.
With the combination of quality faculty, staff, innovative teaching, and first-rate facilities, SouthArk
continues to make excellent education and workforce training available and affordable for the people of
south Arkansas.
College Mission
South Arkansas College promotes excellence in learning, teaching, and service; provides lifelong
educational opportunities; and serves as a cultural, intellectual, and economic resource for the community.
10.2 Purpose
South Arkansas College (the "College" or "SouthArk") is issuing this Request for Proposal ("RFP") for
the purpose of: Technical Services for Federal Grant Writing.
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

6
In order to simplify the College's task of evaluating all of the proposals, officials have developed a format
in which all proposals must be prepared. Failure to adhere to this format or omission of any required
information will result in your firm's proposal being disqualified.
The contract will be awarded to the vendor, firm, contractor, offeror or proposer ("vendor") who best
satisfies all of the College's needs at optimum cost and service performance. Cost will not be the sole
criterion for determining the contract award. Vendors shall state the purchase price of each individual line
item on the Official Bid Price sheet. The College shall issue a contract for the services resulting from this
RFP.
If another Arkansas state college campus desires to use the services of the selected provider, and the
provider agrees, they may enter into an agreement as provided in this RFP.
10.3 Issuing Officer
Allison Dolden, Procurement Manager
Phone: 870-864-7162 Fax: 870-875-7257
Email: aedolden@southark.edu
10.4 Contract Administrator
Contract Administrator: Dr. Jenny Sanders
South Arkansas College
300 South West Ave.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Email: jrsanders@southark.edu
Phone: 870-875-7262
10.5 Anticipated Procurement Timetable
RFP Issued: April 28, 2026
Deadline for Questions on Proposal: May 8, 2026
Deadline for Responses to Questions: May 11, 2026
Proposal deadline: May 14, 2026, 2:00 pm CT
Completion of proposal review and contract selection: May 15, 2026
Intent to award letters emailed: May 18, 2026
Submission for State Legislative Review : June 19, 2026
Proposed Contract Start Date: October 20, 2026
Diligence will be given to comply with the schedule as listed.
10.6 Submission of Proposals
No later than 2:00 p.m., May 14, 2026, one (1) original (marked "original"), five (5) copies of the
proposal should be received by:
South Arkansas College
Agency Procurement Officer
Attn: Allison Dolden
421 West Wesson St.
P.O. Box 7010
El Dorado, AR 71730
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

7
Cost Proposal Must be Included Upon Submission, but Sealed Separately
All proposals must be executed by an authorized officer of the vendor and must be held firm for
acceptance for a minimum period of 150 days after the opening date.
Addenda or amendments, if any, should be signed, dated, and included with the vendor's proposal
submission. Failure to do so may be cause for rejection of the proposal.
Acceptance of request for proposal issued by the Agency Procurement Officer indicated by submission of
a proposal by vendor, will bind responder to the terms and conditions herein set forth, except as
specifically qualified in any addendum issued in connection therewith. Any alleged oral agreement or
arrangement made by a vendor with any agency or Agency Procurement Officer or an employee of the
campus is void and ineffective.
10.7 Presentation
Vendors selected for final evaluation may be required to make an oral presentation. Such presentations
provide an opportunity for vendors to clarify their proposal and ensure mutual understanding. The
College will schedule time and location for any required presentations.
10.8 Rejection of Proposals
This solicitation does not commit the College to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the
preparation of a proposal, or to procure or contract for the articles of goods or services. The College
reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, or to cancel in
part or in its entirety this proposal if it is in the best interest of the College. Failure to furnish all
information may disqualify a vendor.
10.9 Contracting Condition
The successful vendor and any entity or person directly or indirectly controlled by, under common control
with, or controlling the vendor will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any
manner or disagree with the performance of its services hereunder. The vendor further covenants that in
the performance of the contract no person having any such known interest shall be employed. No official
or employee of the State and no other public official of the State of Arkansas or the Federal Government
who exercises any functions or responsibilities in the review of approval of the undertaking or carrying
out of the project shall, prior to the completion of the project, voluntarily acquire any personal interest
direct or indirect, in this contract or proposed contract.
10.10 Public Opening of Proposals
A public opening of all Federal Grant Writing Services Technical/Business proposals will be held on
Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST at:
South Arkansas College
Procurement Department Conference Room
Campus Facilities Building
421 west Wesson St.
El Dorado, AR 71730
10.11 Proprietary Information/Open Records
Proprietary information submitted in response to this RFP will be processed in accordance with
applicable State of Arkansas Procurement procedures. Documents pertaining to the RFP become the
property of the State and shall be open to public inspection subsequent to proposal opening. It is the
responsibility of the respondent to identify all proprietary information. The vendor should submit one
complete digital copy of the proposal from which any proprietary information has been removed,
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

8
i.e., a redacted copy (marked "Redacted Copy"). The redacted copy should reflect the same pagination as
the original, show the empty space from which information was redacted, and should be submitted on a
CD or flash drive, preferably in a PDF format. Except for the redacted information, the redacted copy
must be identical to the original hard copy. The respondent is responsible for ensuring the redacted
copy on CD/flash drive is protected against restoration of redacted data. The redacted copy will be
open to public inspection under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without further notice to the
respondent. If a redacted copy is not received, the entire proposal will be open to public inspection with
the exception of financial data. If the State of Arkansas deems redacted information to be subject to the
FOIA, the vendor will be contacted prior to sending out the information. (Freedom of Information
Act 25-29-10-ET SEQ)
10.12 Contract Awarding and Signing
Contract awarding and signing will be contingent upon the College receiving advice from approving
authorities if necessary. The contract will be an incorporation of the contents of the RFP as well as
negotiated terms and conditions. Vendor must include a copy of their standard contract in the proposal.
SouthArk does not assure the use of the successful vendor's contract without revisions.
10.13 Payment and Invoice Provisions
All invoices shall be forwarded to South Arkansas College, Attn: Accounts Payable. The invoice must
show an itemized list of charges by specified category. Payment will be made in accordance with
applicable State of Arkansas accounting procedures upon written acceptance by SouthArk officials.
Payment is to be made to the vendor following performed services. Payment for any services for grant
writing are contingent on grant being awarded.
10.14 Proposal Evaluation
SouthArk staff will evaluate all proposals to ensure all requirements are met. The contract will be
awarded on the basis of the proposal that receives the highest cumulative point total as defined in the
evaluation criteria.
10.15 Vendor Performance Standards
Any resulting contract shall contain Performance Standards which identify expected deliverables,
performance measures or outcomes; and payment shall be contingent to the extent to which the
performance standards were met.
Section 20 Scope
20.1 Purpose
SouthArk's primary objective in issuing this Request for Proposal is to solicit professional services for the
full development of a comprehensive federal grant proposal for the Department of Education. This
chapter describes the scope of work to be completed under this proposed contract. Proposers should
include a detailed response to each point addressed in this section, and include any necessary explanation
or qualification. Please respond to each point in order, and refer to the section number in each response.
20.2 Functional Specifications
The current need is reapplication for the Upward Bound grant thru the United States Department of
Education during their next round of funding. Services provided by the proposing parties must include all
necessary assistance to the College in the development of a successful grant proposal, with guaranteed
submissions by imposed deadlines as established by the appropriate federal agency.
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

9
A. Proposing parties must provide a documented, proven track record of recent success in obtaining
large federal grants, including Upward Bound for other colleges. Extra consideration will be
given for those writers who have recently been successful in Upward Bound within the State of
Arkansas.
B. Proposing parties must submit a minimum of five (5) client references, with names and telephone
numbers of institutional representatives involved in program administration.
C. The proposer must provide grant management assistance in establishing appropriate program and
fiscal controls, internal monitoring, federal reporting, and evaluation during the term of the
awarded grant.
Preference will be given to proposing parties who agree to perform services on a contingent, grant award
basis. If this is the proposed fee basis, and an official grant award notice is received, the fee will be paid
on a quarterly basis over the fiscal-year term of the grant.
Because of the significant amount of time needed to ensure a successful application process and thorough
implementation of the Upward Bound grant, preference will be given to respondents who are full-time
independent consultants, specializing in federal grants, who are not regular employees of other colleges or
universities.
Section 30 Requirements
30.1 Evaluation Criteria
The following approach will be used in evaluating the proposals:
I. Review the proposals
II. Contact selected references
III. Select finalist(s)
IV. Schedule presentations of finalists, if needed
V. Select the vendor
The proposals will be evaluated and awarded based on a comparative formula as detailed below:
This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal. Point values have been assigned to the
various subsections/criteria for evaluation purposes to gain a total of 100 points. Points awarded in any
category are the sole determination of South Arkansas College. Proposals must contain at least the
following:
A. Company history and expertise.....................................35 points maximum
B. Alignment with request.............................................. 35 points maximum
How well does the proposal align with the needs and requested services described in the Scope of
Work?
C. References..............................................................15 points maximum
D. Cost.......................................................................15 points maximum
100 Points Total
Describe your terms of compensation and your schedule of payments.
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services

10
The lowest total cost for the services will receive the maximum points identified in the RFP; the
remaining proposals will receive cost points as follows: (A)*C=D
B
A = the lowest cost bid;
B = the second (third, fourth, etc.) cost bid;
C = the maximum number of points allowed for cost;
D = number of points allocated to respective proposal
30.2 Company History and Expertise
A. Describe your company, including a brief history, its mission, and values.
B. Provide a list of grant awards, including type of grant, amount, and year of award, noting
which ones you are currently servicing.
C. Provide a description of your company's success and failure rates, including any
issues/comments that are specific to higher education.
D. Provide a list of all staff members, and a brief biography of their experience and qualifications,
that will provide the proposed service.
Services
A. Describe the specific grant preparation and submission services that will be provided by your
firm.
B. Describe the specific services that will be provided to SouthArk, post-award, during the
lifetime of the grant project.
C. Describe the specific services and/or tasks that will be expected from SouthArk for the grant
preparation and submission, as well as any ongoing expectations, post-award, during the
lifetime of the grant project.
30.3 References
Provide contact names and telephone numbers of at least five (5) institutions that have recently used your
services and were awarded Upward Bound, Title III, or other federal grants.
30.4 Price, to be submitted in a separate sealed envelope
Total Flat Rate Fee for Proposal Completion and Submission $_______________________
Percentage of Annual Grant Award Contingency Fee ________________________%
Other - specify: ______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________$______________________
Section 40 Technical and Business Proposal
40.1 Introduction
Vendor is asked to include a detailed response to each point addressed in this section. Address each point,
and make any necessary explanation or qualification. Vendor is to respond in order and refer to the sub-
section number key point. Vendors shall submit five (5) copies of their proposal. Failure to comply will
result in possible disqualification of the proposal. All proposals shall be presented in accordance with the
following outline.
The Technical/Business portion of the proposal must include the following:
Transmittal letter
S AC-RFP-25-26-001 Federal Grant Writing Services