Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 20, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Angela Chestang, Manager, Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
PHONE: 407-836-6541
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2043, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2043, Provision of Community Services, with Orlando Science Center, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $300,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will provide funds for early science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming which will offer services to youth from birth to kindergarten, and include activities designed to bolster creativity, enhance students’ STEM literacy, and develop skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Services will establish a foundation of STEM learning experiences for early learners, their educators, and their families, and will include encouragement and reinforcement of foundational home learning habits critical for school success. The performance period is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Orlando Science Center, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Orlando Science Center, Inc., has previously been awarded funding by the CCC. Orlando Science Center, Inc. has continuously delivered funded Early STEM programming since July 2020.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part 1, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
Early STEM programming for youth is crucial in developing the necessary skills and knowledge for success in our rapidly advancing technological world. By introducing children to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at a young age, we can cultivate their curiosity, critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Furthermore, early exposure to STEM subjects can help bridge the gender gap in these fields by encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and engineering. Equipping youth with a strong foundation in STEM not only prepares them for future academic and career opportunities but also fosters innovation and drives economic growth.
The program estimates serving 300 unduplicated residents and providing approximately 3,417 hours of direct service per Contract Year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan will be implemented primarily through collaboration with Orange County Head Start to engage with the students, teachers, and caregivers that each center serves. Orange County Head Start works with outreach organizations within the community which is beneficial in helping engage parents and caregivers within the community and bring about awareness for the program. Constituents may access programming through referral, contacting the Agency directly, or contacting the CCC for referral.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Orlando Science Center, Inc., the CCC offers a comprehensive resource directory of all funded programming published on the CCC web page, located at www.ocfl.net/ccc <http://www.ocfl.net/ccc>. Through this directory, constituents may search for funded services within a specific distance of their home, place of work, or other address of significance.
Additionally, the CCC has contracted community engagement specialists, located primarily in east and west Orange County, for service delivery to benefit citizens with an emphasis on maintaining contact with community groups, parents, and other caregivers, providing support to residents, as well as evaluating and responding to community needs concerning children. The CCC also employs a part-time community ambassador, whose role is primarily to engage with civic, law enforcement, and community groups to market services and to stay connected with the various community groups throughout Orange County.
Finally, the CCC maintains an electronic e-mail distribution database, and distributes shared resources and information submitted by community non-profits monthly. This method allows funded and non-funded service providers the opportunity to learn about services, events, or special projects that may benefit the community at large.
Services will primarily be provided at the following locations:
• 1200 Gaston Foster Road, Orlando, FL 32812, in Commission District 3
• 9504 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32824, in Commission District 3
• 4001 S Goldenrod Rd., Orlando, FL 32822, in Commission District 3
• 814 W Oak Ridge Rd, Orlando, FL 32809, in Commission District 3
• 12050 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, Fl 32826, in Commission District 4
• 18501 Washington Ave, Orlando, FL 32820, in Commission District 5
• 944 W Lake Mann Dr, Orlando, FL 32805, in Commission District 6
Orlando Science Center, Inc. has continuously delivered funded early STEM programming to Orange County Head Start youth since July 2020, in locations countywide. Programming will be offered at various Head Start locations annually. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.