RFP for Defense Industrial Base Industry 4.0 Training & Workforce Development

Request for Proposals:
Ohio TechNet Defense Industrial Base STEM Consortium
Defense Industrial Base Industry 4.0 Training & Workforce Development
Pilots
RFP Issue Date: June 29, 2026
Response Due Date: July 17, 2026

Invitation
Lorain County Community College is extending an invitation to submit Proposals for Subaward
Agreement for the conduct of work related to the Ohio TechNet Defense Industrial Base STEM
Consortium. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of War Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math Office (DoW STEM) through the National Defense Education Program, Regional
Community College Consortium (NDEP RC3).
NOTICE!
To receive any addenda or supplemental information, you MUST register with the LCCC Purchasing
Office by email to Becky George at rwulfhoo@lorainccc.edu.
The following information is required:
Name of Organization
Contact Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Telephone
Email address

Background and Purpose
Lorain County Community College on behalf of the Ohio TechNet Defense Industrial Base STEM
(OTN DIB STEM) Consortium invites proposals for subawards to design, develop, and pilot training
programs and initiatives that prepare individuals for manufacturing employment within the
Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The OTN DIB STEM Consortium is a statewide collaboration between
2-year and 4-year institutions to accelerate development and deployment of innovative, replicable,
and scalable manufacturing STEM training and education models which address advanced
manufacturing occupational skills needed for technician and engineering career pathways. Focused
activities support and strengthen talent development for the national defense manufacturing base
and supply chain, aligned to the technician, technologist, and engineering talent needs of Ohio
manufacturers. Consortium partners deliver education and training in Industry 4.0 and smart
manufacturing technologies, including advanced automation, industrial robotics, and digital
transformation.
Subawards for the purpose of this RFP are defined in Part 7 SUB Article I paragraph B.1.a of the
Dept. of War Research Terms & Conditions (September 2021) as transactions with the primary
purpose of transferring a portion of the substantive project or program for which the DoW provides
financial assistance.
Overview
The National Defense Education Program Regional Community College Consortium seeks to
strategically fund science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at 2-year
institutions and Community Colleges through a consortium approach, in support of a sustainable
STEM talent pool ready to serve the Nation and extend the Department's competitive edge.
LCCC in its role as facilitator of the Ohio Technical Skills Innovation Network (Ohio TechNet) serves
as the lead for administrative and fiscal management of this investment from the U.S. Department of
War (DoW). LCCC works closely with community college and industry partners to achieve project
deliverables. The period of performance for this project is from September 1, 2026 to August 31,
2027.
Funding Parameters
* Maximum award: Up to $100,000 for one (1) project per applicant institution
* Performance period: Up to one (1) year, to be completed no later than 8.31.27
* Issuing entity: Lorain County Community College
* Funding source: National Defense Education Program Regional Community College
Consortium, Department of War (DoW) STEM Office, Office of the Undersecretary of War for
Research & Engineering
LCCC plans to make four (4) subawards of $100,000 to four (4) different institutions. Respondents
may submit multiple proposals. However, a maximum of one (1) per applicant may be selected for
award; respondents are encouraged to submit one (1) proposal.
Allowable costs include personnel, curriculum and training development, instructional delivery,
credentialing/certification testing, and other costs related to travel, program supplies, and
materials consumed during the performance period.
Unallowable costs include equipment purchases, capital construction or renovation, food, and
general institutional expenses not directly attributable to the proposed project.

Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, which may include member institutions of
the Ohio Technical Skills Innovation Network (Ohio TechNet), including community and technical
colleges, public 4-year universities, and Ohio Technical Centers.
Scope of Work Requirements
Selected proposals will develop, deploy, and/or scale post-secondary workforce training and
preparation initiatives that support the current and future workforce needs of the Defense
Industrial Base (DIB), specifically the Ohio DIB and supply chain. Proposed activities should
advance scalable, workforce-focused programming centered on the knowledge, skills, and abilities
(KSAs) identified the Ohio Manufacturing Competency Model and/or national frameworks, focused
on Automation & Robotics (A&R), Digital Transformation (DTx), or other in-demand Industry 4.0
technologies and skills.
Proposed activities should emphasize applied, hands-on training approaches, and clearly
demonstrate how proposed activities will strengthen workforce pathways aligned to DIB needs.
Priority will be given to proposals that show strong alignment to critical skills and competencies as
well as the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint and its strategic pillars. Competitive proposals
will also demonstrate the ability to expand workforce capacity in emerging and evolving technology
areas. Applicants are encouraged to pursue replication, scale, or enhancement of successful training
models, rather than developing wholly new programming.
Proposals must respond to one (1) of the following pathways and should clearly demonstrate how
selected activities advance Defense Industrial Base workforce readiness and supply chain
resilience.
Pathway 1: Innovative Workforce and Industry Training
Supports innovative industry training designed to upskill, reskill, or otherwise prepare individuals
for careers in defense-relevant manufacturing occupations. Projects should include employer
validation of program offerings and resources and, where applicable and appropriate, hands-on and
or work-based learning. Where training is not already available as part of an academic pathway,
respondents must explore or demonstrate pathways to credit for prior learning.
Pathway 2: Capacity-Building (Faculty and Instructor Development)
Supports faculty and instructor development to build institutional capacity for delivering advanced
manufacturing training and instruction aligned with DIB requirements. Activities may include
instructor professional development, piloting train-the-trainer models for Industry 4.0 technical
instruction, certification, incorporation of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) identified in the
Ohio Mfg Competency Model and/or national competency frameworks, or other aligned efforts.
Pathway 3: Career-Connected Learning and Post-Secondary Pathways
Supports early-stage workforce preparation and career pathway development aligned with DIB
manufacturing careers, including training in advanced manufacturing technologies through high
school dual-enrollment and career-technical education, utilization of College Credit Plus statewide
innovative waiver(s), career-connected and work-based learning, and pathway articulation.
Priority Focus Areas
Proposals must support post-secondary training and workforce preparation for manufacturing
employment within the Defense Industrial Base or supply chain. Projects should demonstrate

strong alignment with defense manufacturing industry needs. Priority technology and competency
areas include:
* Advanced automation and industrial controls
* Digital transformation and the digital thread (digital twins, data integration)
* Industrial robotics
* Smart manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
* Cybersecurity in manufacturing environments
* Artificial Intelligence (AI) for manufacturing
* Additive manufacturing and advanced production systems
* Industrial maintenance (electrical, mechanical, multi-craft)
Successful proposals will describe proposed program content (what participants will learn), how
the program aligns with current and emerging DIB workforce needs, what hands-on, applied, or
experiential components are included, and how industry partners will be engaged. Additionally,
applicants should describe target audiences for training, geographic reach, recruitment
approach(es), and estimated number of participants.
Curriculum and instructional materials developed or enhanced with awarded funds are required to
be licensed under Creative Commons as Open Educational Resources (OER), to be posted to
OhioLink and linked on the Ohio TechNet website (ohiotechnet.org).
All selected proposals must submit monthly invoices and progress reports, as well as a final report
summarizing results, lessons learned, and recommendations for replication, scalability, and/or
sustainment. If after month 3 the lead team determines program activities and spend are below
target, subawards will be evaluated for possible reduction.
Submittal Requirements
Inquiries and Information Requests Prior to Submission
The LCCC Purchasing department will act as the clearinghouse for all inquiries and information
requests.
All inquiries and information requests must be submitted electronically to Becky George, Manager,
Procurement and Distribution Services: rwulfhoo@lorainccc.edu.
The answers to all inquiries will be provided to all registered parties by the LCCC Purchasing
Department. All answers will be electronically distributed to all those registered as being in receipt
of the RFP documents. Addendums will also be posted on the College website with the original
Proposal document. Any other responses to questions not via the Purchasing Office are considered
casual and not binding.
Timeline
The tentative schedule for evaluation, selection, and implementation is as follows:
* Issuance of RFP June 29, 2026
* Last day for question submittal July 6, 2026
* Submittals Due July 17, 2026
* Notification of Proposal Selection July 31, 2026
* Commence Implementation September 1, 2026
Key dates may be altered by Lorain County Community College. Registered parties will be updated
via Addendum should any alteration occur.

Proposal Instructions
Proposals should not exceed 5 pages typed in 12-point font, single-spaced, 1" margins on all sides.
Attachments will not count against the 5-page limit. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Proposals should demonstrate:
* A defined and feasible scope and institutional capacity to execute it within one year, no later
than 8.31.27
* Industry partnerships including defense manufacturers or suppliers, local/regional
industry sector partnerships, the organic defense industrial base or Department of War
installations or facilities, and/or demonstrable alignment with defense-relevant
manufacturing occupations and competencies
* Alignment of proposed activities to the Ohio Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint and/or
national competency frameworks
* Clear performance measures and deliverables, which may include but are not limited to:
o Curricula or instructional materials licensed under Creative Commons as open
educational resources
o Documentation of pilot implementation and plans for sustainment
o Evidence and description of industry engagement
o Impact and/or participant outcome data, including informed consent documentation
* A concise program sustainability plan
Complete submissions must include the following components. Please have your proposal
organized and merged in the following manner for each component:
* Attachment A: Cover Sheet
* Attachment B: Budget (using the template linked in Attachment B of this RFP) which must
not exceed $100,000, including narrative justification by line item in Column F
* Proposal: Scope of Work; project timeline and implementation plan; key deliverables and
milestones; sustainability plan
* Attachment C: Conflict of Interest Form
* Attachment D: Copy of your institution's negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), if
applicable
* Attachment F: Letters of support (optional)
Applicants may choose to provide industry letters of support, but letters are not required.
Complete Submittals
Respondents should electronically submit their proposal containing all requested information to
Lorain County Community College Purchasing Office: Becky George by July 17th at 4:00 P.M., Local
Time. Submissions must be uploaded to a secure folder at the following link: Submittal_RFP OTN
Defense Industrial Base STEM Consortium
a) Late responses may be deemed unresponsive. At its sole discretion, the College reserves the
right to reject any proposal not deemed satisfactory and to waive any irregularities in the
procedure. Omission, inaccuracy, or misstatement may be sufficient cause for a proposal to
be deemed unresponsive and/or irresponsible.
b) There will be NO public opening; submittals may be viewed by appointment with
Purchasing.

Proposal Evaluation and Selection
Proposals will be evaluated using the rubric included in the Appendix. The Evaluation / Selection
Committee includes:
Peter Jensen, Program Developer, OTN Lorain County CC, Ohio TechNet
Meredith Rodgers, Assoc. Director, UAS Sinclair Community College
Kathryn Kelley, Director, Ohio Manufacturing Institute The Ohio State University
Dr. Richard Woodfield, Chief Academic Officer Ohio Association of Community Colleges
Elizabeth DeVita, Education & Certification Manager The ARM Institute
Disclaimers and Disclosures
Disclaimers
In its sole discretion, the College may withdraw the RFP either before or after receiving
submissions, may accept or reject submissions, and may accept submissions which deviate from
the RFP as it deems appropriate and, in the College's, best interest. In its sole discretion, the College
may determine the qualifications and acceptability of any party or parties submitting in response to
this RFP.
Following submission of a RFP, the respondent agrees to deliver such further details, information
and assurances, including financial and disclosure data, relating to the response and/or the
respondent, including the respondent's affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, partners and
employees, as requested by the College in its discretion.
The College and its advisors shall have no obligation or liability with respect to
this RFP, the selection and award process contemplated hereunder, or whether any award or
recommendation will be made. All costs incurred by a respondent in preparing and responding to
this RFP are the sole responsibility of the respondent. Any recipient of this RFP who responds
hereto, fully acknowledges all the provisions of this disclosure and disclaimer and agrees to be
bound by the terms hereof. Any response submitted pursuant to this RFP is at the sole risk and
responsibility of the party submitting.
Respondents are advised that participation in the design of evaluation strategies might result in
exclusion or restriction from participation in other phases.
Disclosures
The College is governed by the Ohio "Open Records Law" and all responses and supporting data
shall be subject to disclosure as required by the law.
All submittals will be available for review by the U.S. Department of War STEM Office (DoW STEM).
Lorain County Community College complies with all DoW regulations in purchasing equipment.
Selected applicants, in accepting a Purchase Order or entering into an agreement with LCCC, agree
to comply with DoW STEM regulations and cost principles as per the NDEP grant agreement. The
grant agreement can be found at www.lorainccc.edu/about/purchasing-department/.

Supplemental Information
Supplemental information is located at www.lorainccc.edu/about/purchasing-department/.
OhioTechNet.org
National Defense Education Program Regional Community College Consortium NFO
OTN DIB STEM Executive Summary
OTN DIB STEM CY1 Revised Work Plan
The LCCC Code of Conduct is applicable to all participants and awarded vendors and may be viewed
at www.lorainccc.edu/policies/code-of-conduct/.

Appendix
Evaluation Matrix
Possible
Evaluation Criteria
Points
60
Proposed activities and institutional capacity
Clarity and feasibility of proposed activities 20
Alignment of activities to overall project goals 20
Alignment to Ohio Mfg Workforce Blueprint or Nat'l Frameworks 10
Demonstration of industry partnerships / DIB alignment 10
Work plan and timeline 30
Clear, measurable outcomes and performance measures 10
Plan to accomplish the scope of work within the performance period 15
Sustainability plan 5
Cost 10
Budget submitted is reasonable and includes justification 10
Total 100

Attachment A: Cover Sheet
Please complete this mandatory cover sheet accordingly.
Organization Name
Address
UEI #
Acknowledgement that Proposing Entity is up-to-date on taxes
YES NO
and not currently debarred or suspended.
Higher Education Private
Community-Based Org. Business Organization
Type of Organization Government Agency Other (explain)
(check all that apply) Labor Organization
Non-Profit
Employment Service State Agency (Wagner-Peyser)
Primary Contact Person
Contact Person's Phone Number
Contact Person's Email Address
Signatory Authority Signature