REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Project Management & Administrative Coordination Services
YouthBuild/Just-A-Start x Loop Lab AV Careers Program

Contract Value: $30,000
Project Period: June 2026 – March 2027
Program Launch: October 2026

Executive Summary

The Loop La is seeking a skilled Project Manager or Administrative Project Coordinator to support the launch and first-year implementation of the YouthBuild/Just-A-Start x Loop Lab AV Careers Program, a new training and paid work experience pathway designed to help young adults build in-demand audio visual technical skills.

This inaugural cycle requires strong coordination, documentation, and communication support as the program establishes its systems, workflows, and reporting structures. The selected contractor will play a key role in helping the program run smoothly across planning, training, employer engagement, and closeout.

This is a startup year. Coordination needs will be higher than in future program cycles as new structures are built and tested. The Loop Lab and Youthbuild/Just-A-Start would like to thank Liberty Mutual Foundation for their generosity in funding this program!

About The Loop Lab

The Loop Lab is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to advancing economic equity through media arts, digital storytelling, and workforce development. We train and employ BIPOC young adults and provide high-quality AV production and technical training aligned with employer needs. Our programs blend technical skill-building, industry certification preparation, and real paid work experience through trusted employer partnerships.

Learn more at www.thelooplab.org.

Project Overview

The AV Careers Program is an intensive training and work experience initiative launching in partnership with YouthBuild/Just-A-Start and regional AV employer partners. The program spans June 2026 through March 2027 and includes:

  • Pre-launch planning and partner coordination

  • AV technical training (October–December 2026)

  • Paid job placements (January–February 2027)

  • Program closeout and final reporting (March 2027)

This RFP seeks a contractor who can manage day-to-day coordination, documentation, and partner communication to support this inaugural program cycle.

Scope of Work

Core Project Management

  • Maintain and update the master program calendar

  • Schedule trainings, employer shifts, internal meetings, and check-ins

  • Coordinate communication among Loop Lab, YouthBuild/Just-A-Start, and employer partners

  • Support onboarding of the administrative project manager (if subcontracted)

  • Maintain organized documentation in Google Workspace

Training Phase Coordination (Oct–Dec 2026)

  • Track participant attendance and engagement

  • Maintain weekly schedules and reminders

  • Log training hours and participation notes

  • Prepare weekly status updates

  • Support classroom documentation and file organization

Paid Work Experience Support (Jan–Feb 2027)

  • Track job placement progress and employer hours

  • Maintain employer communication

  • Collect supervisor confirmations and evaluations

  • Keep accurate and audit-ready files for all apprentices

Tracking, Documentation & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate spreadsheets and tracking tools

  • Assist with monthly summaries and reporting

  • Ensure documentation meets audit requirements

  • Track milestones, completion data, and participation metrics

Program Closeout (March 2027)

  • Organize all final documentation

  • Verify participant completion and hour requirements

  • Assist with the final summary report

  • Prepare handoff materials for YouthBuild/Just-A-Start and partners

Deliverables

The selected contractor will deliver:

  • A master project calendar for June 2026 – March 2027

  • Weekly check-in summaries

  • Monthly progress summaries

  • Clean attendance, hours logs, and employer documentation

  • Updated milestone trackers and workflows

  • Final documentation package and closeout materials

Loop Lab’s Role

The Loop Lab will:

  • Lead all program design and execution

  • Maintain primary relationships with YouthBuild/Just-A-Start and employer partners

  • Set up systems, workflows, and documentation templates

  • Manage risks, escalations, and partner communications

  • Oversee all deliverables and reporting

  • Approve all final documentation

Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

  • Strong organizational and follow-through skills

  • Clear and timely communication

  • Experience with youth-serving, workforce, or nonprofit programs

  • Comfort using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar)

  • Ability to work independently with structured guidance

  • Availability during peak activity (Oct–Dec 2026)

  • Professionalism and reliability in managing time-sensitive tasks

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves)

  • Experience in workforce development or career pathways programs

  • Background in youth services, AV/technical industries, or nonprofit coordination

  • Experience supporting training programs or employer partnerships

  • Familiarity with documentation requirements for grant-funded programs

Estimated Level of Effort

This is a startup year, and coordination needs will be higher than in future cycles.

Approximate workload:

  • 35–40 hours/month during Training Phase (Oct–Dec 2026)

  • 20–25 hours/month during Paid Work Phase (Jan–Feb 2027)

  • Lighter workload during Planning and Closeout

Additional hours must be pre-approved by The Loop Lab.

Compensation & Terms

  • Total Contract Amount: $30,000

  • Payment structure: Monthly invoices, paid within 30 days

  • Independent contractor role; no benefits provided

  • Confidentiality required for all program, participant, and partner information

Proposal Submission Requirements

Please submit:

  1. Name and contact information

  2. Resume or summary of relevant experience

  3. Short description of your project management approach

  4. Proposed monthly rate

Selection Timeline

  • RFP Release: Rolling

  • Ideal Start Date: June 2026

  • Program Launch: October 2026

  • Interviews scheduled as qualified proposals are received

Early submissions encouraged.

Contact

Submit proposals to: chope@thelooplab.org
Subject line: RFP Submission – AV Careers Program PM

Closing Statement

The Loop Lab welcomes proposals from candidates committed to youth empowerment, equitable workforce development, and high-quality program coordination. This inaugural year represents a rare opportunity to shape a new AV career pathway supporting young adults across Greater Boston.