Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Contracts Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board tables proposed grant-writing contract after questions about RFP, cost and performance record
Summary
The board discussed a proposed contract with Robert J. Miller and Associates for grant-writing services at $9,600 per quarter ($38,400/year). Trustees asked for comparative bids, success-rate details and an out clause; the motion was withdrawn and the item was tabled to the May meeting for more information.
The Carmel Central School District debated whether to contract Robert J. Miller and Associates to provide grant-writing services before deciding to delay action.
Assistant Superintendent for Business explained the district issued a request for proposals and received no respondents, after which staff presented the private firm. The contract on the table would run April 23, 2025'April 22, 2026 at $9,600 per quarter, with no out clause in the first 12 months, producing an annual cost of $38,400, the assistant superintendent said.
The assistant superintendent said the firm has worked with 18 public school districts and has a track record of bringing in grants, including private and government funding, and that the firm charges a flat fee rather than a percentage of awards. A trustee observed that some districts listed in the firm's history had many declined applications in recent years and asked for the weekly progress reports and a comparison to a BOCES-provided service.
Board members sought a clearer cost comparison, examples of recent successful awards and an explanation of why the district RFP received no responses. Several trustees asked whether staff had solicited other private firms; administration replied additional outreach could be done and offered to return with more information. The motion to approve the contract was withdrawn without objection; trustees then moved to table the item and agreed to revisit it at the board's first May meeting.
