HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarket ResearchContract No.: N/A
Current Term: N/A
Expiration Date: N/A
Title: IT Talent Mentorship/Apprenticeship
Recommendation:
Program and Placement Services
M Sole Source Contract
❑ Solicit Competition
Procurement Contracting Officer:
❑ Access Contract
❑ Other
Background:
This market research is intended to determine available resources for the recruitment, mentoring/apprenticeship
and placement of potential technology coder employees within the City of Miami. The Information Technology
Department (ITD) has stated the need for a company that has the capability to recruit, screen, train, and place
employees within ITD through a robust apprenticeship/mentoring program. ITD provided Procurement with a
possible vendor, LaunchCode, which has the capabilities to provide the requested services. LaunchCode, a non-
profit job placement firm has confirmed via written communication (attached hereto) that their services are sole
source/propriety based on their firm's unique and specialized expertise in evaluating and identifying entry-level
IT talent which does not hold formal information technology education. They match aspiring technologists with
local companies through paid apprenticeships that lead to long-term careers. Currently, there is no City of Miami
contract in place that can provide the requested services, ITD would like to set up a contract for such requested
services in an effort to identify, recruit and actively train through an apprenticeship program, possible IT specific
talent that might not hold a formal education — however has the comprehensive aptitude in rendering such
services to the City.
Research Conducted:
Market research was conducted using the internet to review the LaunchCode website, www. launchcode,or
and communications to source other possible vendors that may be able to provide recruitment, screening,
training, and placement of technology employees within ITD. LaunchCode has a six -step process for all potential
job seekers: 1. Apply with Launch Code, 2. Test and Interview, 3. Career Mentorship, 4. Connect to Companies,
5. Apprenticeship, 6. Job Placement. Once a potential "Launch Coder" applies, the applicant completes two
short tests to determine qualifications; this is followed by an interview to determine possible "dream job" matches
based on two placement tracks which LaunchCode specializes in: Programming and Business Intelligence. If
training is needed, several education sources are offered to include Live Online Training as well as a Mentor
Center which serves as a "hub for educational collaborations focused on increasing diversity, equity, and access
in tech." Once a potential job is identified for the applicant, LaunchC'.�de and the prospective employer will start
an Apprenticeship Program with the applicant to work on the job to gain experience and possibly permanent
hiring. What separates LaunchCode from all other information technology focused employment websites such
as www,Dice.com, www camputeriobs.com, or www.techcareers.com is the Mentor and Apprenticeship
Programs. No other companies were identified that could provide an in-depth Mentorship Program for
applicants to seek help or an Apprenticeship Program for applicants to work and learn with a potential
employer. The other companies identified are simply job boards.
Comparable Contracts:
According to the LaunchCode website and communications with the firm's Director of Administration, the firm
has partnered with two local South Florida institutions to focus their services in the greater Miami community.
LaunchCode entered into an agreement with Miami Dade College to utilize their Ideas Center for the purpose of
offering a version of a popular Harvard coding class, CS50X, which serves as low cost education and the first
step towards a tech job. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has made an investment of over $1
million dollars in support of LaunchCode's reach into all communities across Miami.
Research did yield a comparable contract with a public agency in effect between the Federal Reserve Bank of
St. Louis, MO and LaunchCode for such similar services. Efforts by the City of Miami to contact the Federal
Reserve Bank of St.. Louis, MO via phone and email were not responded to.
In addition, LaunchCode.org provided two additional references from Washington University and HedgeCo Vest,
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City of Miami proceed with acquiring such services for the creation of pathways to
tech talent through LaunchCode's apprenticeship program. The City should also consider incorporating veteran
participatory language within any future agreement entered into by the City and Laur�chCode.�
Procurement Contracting Officer: Maria Carballeira ('.C1.4/"C ate: 4/13/2016
Director/Asst. Director: , Date: