DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREAT LAKES BAY STEM CAREER EXPOSURE RESOURCE HUB, DIGITAL REPOSITORY, AND COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT

BAY-ARENAC ISD
INVITATION TO BID
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREAT LAKES BAY STEM CAREER EXPOSURE
RESOURCE HUB, DIGITAL REPOSITORY, AND COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT
NOTICE OF PROPOSAL
Bay-Arenac ISD is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) on behalf of the Great Lakes Bay
Region STEM Career Exposure Initiative for the design, development, implementation, and
transition of the Great Lakes Bay STEM Career Exposure Resource Hub, Digital Repository, and
Communications Toolkit.
The following Request for Proposal (RFP) is being provided for your consideration. To be
considered for this engagement, your firm must meet the qualifications and satisfy the
requirements set forth in this RFP.
Completed proposals must be received by 1:00pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2026:
Bay-Arenac ISD
Educational Service Center
Business Office
4228 Two Mile Road
Bay City, MI 48706
Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:
"Great Lakes Bay STEM Career Exposure Resource Hub Proposal - Agency Name"
Proposals submitted by facsimile or email will not be accepted.
Although cost will be an important factor in awarding the contract, the school district is not
obligated by any statute or regulation to award the purchase solely on the basis of cost.
Accordingly, the school district reserves the right to evaluate all proposals objectively and
subjectively and to accept or reject any or all proposals or portions thereof. Additionally, the
district reserves the right to negotiate changes in services with the contractor determined to have
submitted the proposal that is in the best interest of the district.
The information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not to be considered in any
way as a warranty.
All questions and correspondence should be directed to Jennifer Socha at sochaj@baisd.net. In
order to assure consistency of information provided regarding this RFP, contact with Bay-Arenac
ISD personnel other than Jennifer Socha is discouraged and may be grounds for elimination from
the selection process.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS:
Proposals shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days after submission. Modifications to
proposals will not be accepted by the district except as may be mutually agreed upon following
the acceptance of the proposal.
DESCRIPTION OF REGION & SCOPE OF WORK:
The Great Lakes Bay Region includes educational, business, workforce development, higher
education, and community partners working collaboratively to expand STEM career awareness
and exposure opportunities for students and families.
Bay-Arenac ISD is seeking a qualified contractor to develop a sustainable, public-facing regional
resource hub that preserves, organizes, and expands access to STEM career awareness resources,
videos, virtual tours, educator materials, family resources, and industry-connected learning
opportunities.
The selected contractor will design, develop, launch, and transition the Great Lakes Bay STEM
Career Exposure Resource Hub and accompanying Communications Toolkit. Proposed budget,
including all expenses, should not exceed $60,000.
TIME TABLE
1. Release RFP...............................................................June 16, 2026
2. Questions Due.............................................................June 22, 2026
3. Responses Posted.........................................................June 24, 2026
4. Proposals Due .............................................................June 30, 2026 at 1:00pm
5. Proposal Evaluation......................................................July 1-2, 2026
6. Reference Checks / Final Review.......................................July 6-8, 2026
7. Board Recommendation Prepared......................................July 9-10, 2026
8. Board Approval of Award................................................July 13, 2026
9. Contract Execution........................................................July 14-17, 2026
10. Project Kickoff Meeting..................................................July 20-24, 2026
11. Website Architecture & Content Strategy Review....................August 3, 2026
12. Initial Design Review.....................................................August 17, 2026
13. Beta Website Review......................................................September 1, 2026
14. Final Website & Deliverables............................................September 15, 2026
15. Administrator Training & Transition Complete.......................September 22, 2026
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The selected contractor will be expected to provide full-service website development, resource
organization, branding, and communications support, including but not limited to:
1. Development of a public-facing website that serves as the Great Lakes Bay STEM Career
Exposure Resource Hub.
2. Development of a searchable digital repository that houses STEM career awareness
resources, educator resources, family resources, videos, virtual tours, lesson materials,
STEM activities, mobile museum resources, and related grant deliverables.

3. Design and implementation of a user-friendly content management system (CMS) that
allows Bay-Arenac ISD staff to independently update and maintain website content
following project completion.
4. Development of a STEM Career Video Library that houses virtual industry tours, career
awareness videos, industry spotlights, student-facing career exploration content, and
related multimedia resources.
5. Development of an Educator Resource Center that houses lesson plans, professional
learning resources, classroom activities, STEM career exploration resources,
implementation guides, and related instructional materials.
6. Development of a Family Resource Center that houses family STEM activities, career
awareness resources, community opportunities, and family engagement materials.
7. Development of a Mobile Museum and STEM Learning Resource section that supports
the implementation and utilization of regional mobile museums, STEM learning kits, and
associated instructional resources.
8. Development of a Regional Industry and Partner Showcase highlighting business,
industry, workforce development, higher education, community organizations, and
regional partners supporting STEM career awareness efforts.
9. Organization, migration, uploading, tagging, categorization, and formatting of initial
content provided by Bay-Arenac ISD and regional partners.
10.Development of a searchable resource library that allows users to filter resources by
audience, grade level, topic area, career cluster, and resource type.
11. Development of a Website Architecture and Content Strategy that includes recommended
navigation structure, content organization, resource categorization, tagging systems, user
pathways, and search functionality to support long-term sustainability and usability of the
resource hub.
12.Development of a cohesive visual identity and branding package for the Great Lakes Bay
STEM Career Exposure Resource Hub that can be used consistently across the region.
13.Creation of a Communications Toolkit that includes:
a. Social media templates
b. Flyer templates
c. Poster templates
d. Postcard templates
e. Presentation templates
f. Newsletter content and templates
g. Email communication templates
h. Digital graphics and promotional assets
14.Development of a launch and communication plan designed to increase awareness and
utilization of the resource hub among educators, students, families, and community
partners throughout the region.
15.Integration of website analytics and reporting tools that allow Bay-Arenac ISD to monitor
website traffic, resource utilization, and user engagement.
16.Development of website documentation, administrative procedures, and user guides to
support long-term sustainability and maintenance of the website following project
completion.
17.Training of designated Bay-Arenac ISD personnel on website administration, content
updates, resource management, and basic troubleshooting.

18. Delivery of all website source files, branding assets, editable templates, documentation,
content libraries, and associated intellectual property rights to Bay-Arenac ISD upon
completion of the project.
19. ADA and Section 508 compliance for all website content, digital resources, templates,
graphics, and deliverables. Deliverables must meet these standards to be accepted as
final.
20. Collaboration with Bay-Arenac ISD staff and regional project partners through scheduled
project meetings, milestone reviews, and design approvals.
21. Completion of all project deliverables, training, transition activities, and asset transfers no
later than September 25, 2026.
22. Proposed budget, including all expenses, should not exceed $60,000.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS OF THE AGENCY
Proposers must affirm:
1. Current licensure to do business in the State of Michigan and properly insured.
2. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing websites, digital repositories,
resource hubs, or similar platforms.
3. Demonstrated experience developing branding materials, communications toolkits, and
digital communication assets.
4. Ability to ensure ADA and Section 508 compliance for all digital materials, website
content, and project deliverables.
5. Ability to provide training, documentation, and transition support that enables
independent maintenance of the website following project completion.
6. Commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.
7. No record of default or terminated contracts within the past five (5) years.
8. Ability to transfer all website files, source code, branding assets, editable templates,
content libraries, and associated intellectual property rights to Bay-Arenac ISD upon
project completion.
9. Ability to complete all project activities, deliverables, training, and transition
requirements no later than September 25, 2026.
MONITORING
Bay-Arenac ISD will monitor the progress of the project through regular communication,
scheduled project meetings, milestone reviews, and review of project deliverables. The selected
contractor will be expected to provide periodic project updates, participate in review meetings as
requested, and collaborate with Bay-Arenac ISD staff and designated project partners throughout
the duration of the project.
Bay-Arenac ISD reserves the right to request revisions to deliverables that do not meet the
requirements outlined within this RFP. Final acceptance of the project will occur upon successful
completion of all deliverables and transition requirements.
DELIVERABLE OWNERSHIP & DATA RETENTION
All website files, source code, branding assets, templates, documentation, and related
deliverables created through this project shall become the property of Bay-Arenac ISD upon

final payment. The selected contractor shall provide all files and administrative access necessary
for Bay-Arenac ISD to independently maintain and update the website following project
completion.
WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
Proposals shall remain valid for a period of 60 days (60) days after submission. The district will
not accept modifications to proposals, except as may be mutually agreed upon following the
acceptance of the proposal.
RIGHT TO REJECT
Bay Arenac ISD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to request
additional information from all proposers. Any contracts awarded will be to the independent
agency who, based on evaluation of all responses and application of all criteria, is determined to
be the best qualified to complete the project.
CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS
Invoices for service will be paid within 30 days of receipt. The total amount to be invoiced shall
not exceed the amount of the contract bid unless other arrangements have been negotiated with
the school district first. The school district reserves the right to terminate the contract for the
project at any time. Should a federal or state agency or the school district reject the project as
deficient, the school district may withhold payment for services until the project deficiency is
corrected. Should the contractor fail to correct the project deficiency, the contractor will be
barred from further engagements with the school district for a period of five years. The
contractor is required to request prior approval and work with the BAISD business office and
program directors during budget amendments.
METHOD OF EVALUATING PROPOSALS
Proposals will be scored on:
1. Relevant Experience & Past Performance (25%)
2. Quality of Proposed Approach (35%)
3. Capacity of Team & Qualifications (20%)
4. Cost-Effectiveness / Value (20%)
Bay-Arenac ISD reserves the right to request additional information, clarifications,
demonstrations, or presentations from any proposer as part of the evaluation process.
The proposal determined to be most advantageous to Bay-Arenac ISD and the Great Lakes Bay
STEM Career Exposure Initiative, considering all evaluation criteria, may be selected regardless
of whether it represents the lowest cost proposal.
FORMAT OF THE RFP RESPONSE
The format of the proposal response should be formatted as follows:
1. Title Page - Project name, organization name, primary contact information, and proposal
validity period.

2. Letter of Transmittal - Concise statement of the organization's interest in the project,
commitment to the proposed timeline, and signature of an authorized representative.
3. Agency Profile - Organization overview, years in business, areas of expertise, and
relevant experience related to the scope of this project.
4. Summary of Proposer's Qualifications - Key personnel, experience with similar projects,
and examples of relevant website, digital repository, resource hub, or communications
projects.
5. Proposer's Approach to the Project* - Proposed website architecture and content strategy,
website development approach, resource organization methodology, communications
toolkit approach, ADA/Section 508 compliance plan, training and transition strategy, and
sustainability considerations.
6. Timeline - Proposed schedule showing major tasks, milestones, deliverables, review
periods, training activities, and final completion dates.
7. Budget & Fee Schedule - Itemized costs for website development, repository
development, content organization, communications toolkit development, training,
transition activities, and any additional proposed costs.
8. References - Three references for projects of similar scope and complexity.
9. Additional Data - Any additional information, sample work products, conceptual site
maps, wireframes, or supporting materials that demonstrate qualifications and project
understanding.
The Project Approach should include website architecture and content strategy, development
methodology, communications toolkit approach, ADA compliance, training, and sustainability
planning.
ATTACHMENTS
* Familial Disclosure Form - (sign & notarize)
* Assurances & Certifications - (sign & notarize)
* Affidavit of Compliance - Iran Economic Sanctions Act - (sign & notarize)
TIME REQUIREMENTS
If not already adequately covered in the letter of transmittal, the response should
detail information on how the agency plans to meet the timeline and deliverable
requirements of the project.
ADDITIONAL DATA
Provide any additional data the respondent feels may be helpful in the selection process.
QUESTIONS & CONTACT
All questions must be submitted via email to sochaj@baisd.net no later than June 30, 2026
at 4:00 p.m. ET with the subject line "RFP Question - Great Lakes Bay STEM Career
Exposure Resource Hub."

Familial Disclosure Form
The undersigned, the owner or authorized officer of _____________________________ (the
"Proposer"), pursuant to the familial disclosure requirement provided in the Bay-Arenac
Intermediate School District Request of Proposals and Specifications, hereby represent and
warrant, except as provided below, that no familial relationship exist between bidder(s) or any
employee of BAISD, and any member of the Board of Education of the School District or the
Superintendent of the District.
List any Familial Relationships:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Dated: __________________________ PROPOSER: ______________________________
By: ______________________________________
Its: ______________________________________ State of Michigan )
County of _______ )ss:
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _____ day of _________________, 20__, by
________________________________.
_________________________________(Signature)
__________________________________(Printed) Notary Public, ______________ County, Michigan
My Commission Expires: ____________________ Acting in the County of ______________________

Assurances and Certifications
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion
The prospective contractor certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals are
presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded for
from participating in this transaction by any Federal department of agency. Where the prospective
contractor is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective contractor
shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
Certification Regarding Nondiscrimination Under Federally and State Assisted Programs
The applicant herby agrees that it will comply with all federal and Michigan laws and regulations
prohibiting discrimination and, in accordance therewith, no person, on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status or handicap, shall be discriminated against, excluded
from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program
or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S.
Department of Education or the MDE.
Iran Economic Sanctions Act
The prospective contractor certifies that its organization, by submission of this proposal, is not an Iran
Linked Business. Please refer to the "Iran Economic Sanction Act" Public Act 517 for clarifications or
questions. Bay-Arenac ISD as a Michigan public entity is required to follow Public Act 517 of 2012.
Dated: __________________________ PROPOSER: ______________________________
By: ______________________________________
Its: ______________________________________ State of Michigan )
County of _______ )ss:
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _____ day of _________________, 20__, by
________________________________.
_________________________________(Signature)
__________________________________(Printed) Notary Public, ______________ County, Michigan
My Commission Expires: ____________________ Acting in the County of ______________________

Affidavit of Compliance - Iran Economic Sanctions Act
All Bids shall be accompanied by a sworn statement disclosing any Iran Linked Business
relationship that exists within the owners, including its officers, director, and employees.
The undersigned, the owner or authorized officer of __________________________________
(the "Bidder"), pursuant to Michigan Public Act No . 517 of 2012, the "Iran Linked Business"
requirement provided in the BAISD Consortium Universal Service Fund Request for Proposals
hereby represents and warrants that the bidder, including its officers, directors and employees, is
not and " Iran Linked Business" within the meaning of the applicable Public Act, and that in the
event bidder is awarded a contract as a result of this RFP, the contract. The bidder further
acknowledges that any person who is found to have submitted a false certification is responsible
for a civil penalty of not more than $250,000 or 2 times the amount of the contract or proposed
contract for which the false certification was made, whichever is greater, the cost of the District
investigation, and reasonable attorney fees, in addition to the fine. Moreover, any person who
submitted a false certification shall be ineligible to bid on future Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
for three (3) years from the date that it is determined that the person has submitted the false
certification.
There is not an "Iran Linked Business" that exists within the bidder and/or owner,
officers,
directors and employees.
Bidder:_________________________________________
(Company Name)
By: __________________________________________________
(Signature)
Its: __________________________________________________
(Title)
This instrument was acknowledged before me, a Notary Public, in and for
____________________ County, on this ________ day of ___________________ 20_____
____________________________________________________ SS:
(Notary Public Signature)
My commission Expires: __________________________
Acting in the County of: ____________________