How to bid on Requirements Contracts for Postsecondary Pathways Programs with NYC Education

What NYC Education is buying and why it matters

New York City Public Schools is looking for qualified organizations to provide services for postsecondary pathways programs. This includes three main areas: early college credit opportunities, industry-recognized credentialing programs, and career-connected learning support and impact services.

Vendors can bid on one, two, or all three of these components. This is a significant opportunity for organizations specializing in educational program development and support, as it aims to enhance pathways for students within the CUNY and SUNY public university systems. The resulting contracts will be for a term of three years, with two two-year extension options.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Proposals must be received by no later than 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Late proposals will not be accepted. It is anticipated that services will begin around July 2027.

A Pre-proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Microsoft Teams Live. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for experienced organizations capable of providing early college credit programs, industry-recognized credentialing programs, or research and impact services related to career-connected learning. The services are specifically limited to government entities within the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems; private institutions are not eligible to participate in this solicitation.

Firms with a strong background in professional educational services, program development, and impact assessment within public higher education settings will find this RFP a good fit.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you need to go to the NYC City Record Online website. The full notice, including the PIN, pre-bid details, and instructions on how to obtain documents, is available there. If you cannot download the RFP, you can send an email to [email protected] with the RFP number and title in the subject line.

All questions related to this RFP must be emailed to [email protected] with the RFP number and title in the subject line. Subsequent amendments and answers will be posted to the vendor portal, so check that site periodically for updates.

Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected]. The subject line of your email must include the solicitation number and your company name. Attach the completed Request for Proposal, Appendix F (Pricing Form), and Appendix G (Cost Budget Summary) as separate files. If your files are too large, include a link to a Microsoft OneDrive folder in the first line of your email, ensuring proper sharing permissions are set so the DOE can access the documents.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all three components of the solicitation and decide which ones align best with your organization's strengths and experience. Tailor your proposal to clearly demonstrate your expertise in the specific service areas you are bidding on.

Pay close attention to the submission instructions, especially regarding electronic submission via email and the use of Microsoft OneDrive for large files. Ensure all required documents are correctly named and attached, and that any OneDrive links have the correct sharing permissions. Attending the pre-proposal conference is highly recommended to gain clarity and ask questions directly.

Highlight your experience working with public university systems like CUNY and SUNY, as the solicitation specifically targets these institutions. Emphasize your understanding of their operational context and student needs to show your capability to deliver effective programs.