26939 - Postsecondary Workforce Readiness System RFP.pdf

RFP 26939 | Postsecondary Workforce Readiness System 1

Request for Proposal (RFP) #26939

Postsecondary Workforce Readiness System

PROPOSAL DEADLINE:

March 7, 2025, 2:00pm MDT

SPECIAL NOTE: This Request for Proposal (RFP) does not obligate Jefferson County Public School District R-1 (“District”) to award a contract or complete the proposed project. The District reserves the right to cancel this RFP, or any resulting contract, at any time if it is in its best interest. Proposals must be clear and concise. Proposals that are difficult to follow or that do not conform to the RFP format or binding specifications may be rejected. Responding proposers must include the required information called for in this RFP. The District reserves the right to reject a proposal if required information is not provided or is not organized as directed. The District also reserves the right to change the evaluation criteria or any other provision in this RFP.

http://www.minnstate.edu/system/csc/sourcing/RFP.html

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Table of Contents Section I. RFP Overview

District Background RFP Overview Project Background/Current State

Section II. RFP General Information RFP Timeline RFP Inquiries

Section III. Specifications / Required Vendor Q&A Specifications Experience and Qualification Questions Scope of Work Questions

Section IV. Proposal Requirements Proposal Contents and Organization (details on how responses must be organized)

Section V. Response Evaluation Phase 1 - Review Phase 2 – Interview (if held)

Section VI. RFP General Requirements, Terms, and Conditions Addendum to RFP Authorized Signature Certification of Independent Pricing Determination Contract Mandatory Provisions Contract Term Deviations and Exceptions Incurring Costs Information Contact Media / News Releases Modifications or Withdrawal of Proposals Multiple Awards Non-Discrimination Notice of Errors in RFP Offer Held Firm Open Records and District Ownership of Proposals Proposal Rejection and Waiver of Informalities

Section VII. Contract General Requirements, Terms, and Conditions Public School Contracts Student Data Transparency & Security Open Records Governmental Immunity

TABOR

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Section I. Overview District Background

Jefferson County School District R-1 (the District), is the second largest school district in Colorado, serving about 800 square miles and approximately 69,000 students. The District employs more than 14,000 full-time and part-time staff members. The District has 83 elementary schools, six K-8 schools, 17 middle schools, 17 high schools, 12 choice/option schools, 15 charter schools, 2online schools, a career/technical education school, and two outdoor lab schools. For more information, visit the website at http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org.

RFP Overview

The District seeks an out-of-the-box postsecondary workforce readiness (“PWR”) platform (“platform or “system”) that provides career exploration tools, personalized learning pathways, and opportunities for students to develop essential workforce readiness skills as part of their Individual Career and Academic Plan (“ICAP”).

The PWR platform and services should be user-friendly for school staff, teachers, families and students, and address the following:

- Supports grades 6-12 in career exploration and skill development to ensure continuity in postsecondary planning. PK-5 integration is a value add, providing a cohesive, long-term approach to student readiness.

- Facilitates student-driven planning by enabling exploration of talents, aspirations, career options, postsecondary pathways, and financial success strategies beyond high school.

- Ensures accessibility for diverse learners and their families, including Multilingual Learners, Gifted & Talented students, and Special Education populations.

- Ensures seamless alignment across career exploration, pathway opportunities, and postsecondary planning, creating an integrated system where students can connect their aspirations to real-world opportunities.

- Supports a cohesive experience by linking interest assessments, labor market insights, and education/training pathways into a unified, data-driven framework for informed decision-making.

- Continuously updates to reflect industry demands, ensuring students have access to current job market trends, high-growth career pathways, and livable-wage opportunities.

- Includes college program and scholarship search/application functions to streamline the transition to postsecondary education.

- Collects and tracks student portfolios over multiple years, generating a printable, shareable graduate résumé that reflects skills, experiences, and achievements.

- Provides at-a-glance benchmarks for students and staff to monitor progress towards postsecondary workforce readiness goals.

- Empowers families with access to student progress, career exploration, and postsecondary planning tools http://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/ https://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/icap-rules

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Project Background / Current State

Jeffco adheres to the updated ICAP principles to allow District support of students, staff, and families.

This RFP for a PWR platform reflects the District’s commitment to preparing students for success in college, career, and life, as outlined in the Jeffco Thrives Strategic Plan . It is aligned with the current Jeffco ICAP Scope and Sequence and supports the District's High School Reimagined and Magic of Middle School initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive, future-focused approach to student success.

The current system used is Naviance. For any transition, the District will require a phased implementation/transition approach.

The following statistics are provided to assist with the development of your response:

Area Statistic District Operating Budget (FY24) $170,000.00

Fiscal Year July 1 – June 30

School Building Profile

The District has 83 elementary schools, six K-8 schools, 17 middle schools, 17 high schools, 12 choice/option schools, 15 charter schools, 2 online schools, a career/technical education school, and two outdoor laboratory schools.

Area that will directly utilize platform Statistic

Student Population Approx. 40,000 (grades 6-12) Approx. 69,000 (grades PK-12) Educators and Administrators Approx. 4,000 Parents Approx. 60,000 https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/jeffco-thrives https://drive.google.com/file/d/179_FnLbEjOE0WXecaKBya62e78N0RoHT/view https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/initiatives/reimagining-high-school https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/about/initiatives/reimagining-high-school

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Section II. RFP General Information RFP Timeline

Event Date Date of Issuance February 5, 2025 Inquiry Deadline February 12, 2025, 2:00pm MDT Addendum Issuance As soon as possible after Inquiry Deadline Proposal Deadline March 7, 2025, 2:00pm MDT

RFP Inquiries

Prospective proposers with questions regarding this RFP must submit inquiries via bidnetdirect.com/colorado no later than the Inquiry Deadline date and time noted above.

Questions will be answered according to the timeline above and posted with the original RFP.

Other persons are not authorized to discuss RFP requirements before the proposal submission deadline and the District shall not be bound by and responders may not rely on information regarding RFP requirements obtained from non-authorized persons.

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado

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Section III. Specifications / Required Vendor Q&A

Specifications

Attachment A – Specifications (Modules, Functionality, Interface List, Implementation Plan) An Excel Workbook containing specifications on tabs 1-3 and an Implementation Plan template on Tab 4.

Attachment B – IT Technical Questionnaire An Excel workbook containing technical questions about the software solution.

Attachment C - Software Security Assessment and Self Report (Consensus Assessment Initiative Questionnaire (CAIQ) An Excel workbook containing a standardized security assessment as required by the District’s IT Information Security Team. There is an Instructions Tab and a second tab to be completed by Respondent.

Note: Instructions on how to complete each attachment are listed within each document.

Experience and Qualifications Questions

1. The District prefers one point of contact for project management and implementation.

Please list the name, title, and contact information for this point of contact.

2. Implementation project management and quality assurance services must be provided through a single point of contact based in the United States. Certain implementation services may be provided by offshore resources so long as all management and communications are through the U.S. based project manager.

a. Describe the key roles, team members, and organizations that will deliver your proposed solution.

3. Provide two (2) references from similar projects or clients who have implemented your platform.

Reference format:

- Company name

- Contact name

- Contact email address

- Contact phone number.

- Brief description of project

4. Describe your most recent similar project.

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Scope of Work Questions

1. Data Tracking

Requirements:

- Platform offers a snapshot or at-a-glance view of key PWR data and information by student, including PWR experience completion of Work Based Learning (“WBL”), volunteer service, certifications, postsecondary coursework, career interest(s), and postsecondary goals

- Provides real-time data dashboards, reporting tools, and analytics for staff to track student progress and engagement Provides at-a-glance benchmarks for students, families, and staff to monitor progress toward postsecondary workforce readiness goals

- Supports the creation and distribution of surveys for career, postsecondary, and workforce readiness insights and/or capacity to embed a link from another survey tool to provide to students within the PWR platform.

Desires/Value Add:

- Tracks District student matriculation data for college, military, and career pathways

- Supports longitudinal data tracking to analyze trends in postsecondary outcomes and workforce readiness over time

Data Tracking Questions:

a. Describe and provide examples of the platform’s capability as it relates to the viewing, sharing, and tracking of both aggregate and disaggregated student data.

This data should include but not be limited to interests, aptitudes, work-based learning, volunteer activities, certifications, college applications, scholarships, postsecondary coursework, and other future goals.

b. Describe how your platform collects and shares data about student career goals as they relate to the Colorado Career Cluster model.

c. Describe and show examples of how the platform also tracks student matriculation data for college, careers, and military service.

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2. Accessibility and Integration

Requirements:

- Platform designed for students in grades 6-12

- Designed for all students, including Special Education, Alternative Education, Culturally

Linguistically Diverse Students, and Gifted & Talented populations, ensuring accessibility and support for diverse learners and their families

- Must meet minimum of WCAG 2.1 AA standards (“Web Content Accessibility Guidelines”)

- Platform supports a variety of user types, including families, counselors, teachers, school administrators, district leaders, and approved postsecondary service providers.

- Integrates with other platforms (i.e. Infinite Campus) to reduce the number of applications used

(ex. Transcript management through Campus integration). See the Tab 3, Potential Interface List in Attachment A.

- Built-in and ongoing support and training for users

- Survey displays and reporting are customizable

- Enables export of survey data for analysis and integration with District system

- Includes K-5th grade

- Engages students through a variety of features (ex: push notifications, an alumni network, etc.)

- Supports integration of this platform into K-12 learning experiences, including academic and CTE course content

- Allows for communication and collaboration between stakeholders

- Accessed via a mobile app or smartphone.

Accessibility and Integration Questions

b. Describe and provide examples of how your platform can be used by students of all ability levels, including Special Education (“SPED”), alternative students, multiple languages, Culturally Linguistically Diverse Students (CLDE), Gifted & Talented (GT), etc.

For Example:

- SPED students: Integration with assistive technologies, individualized learning plans (IEPs), differentiated instruction.

- Alternative students: Support for credit recovery, alternative pathways, and non-traditional learning environments.

- CLDE students: Built-in dictionaries, translation tools, language scaffolding features.

b. Describe and provide examples of how each of the following stakeholders would access and engage with your platform (for example:

communication, push notifications, collaboration between stakeholders, etc.):

i. Students

ii. Families (including multiple languages)

iii. Counselors

iv. Teachers

v. School Administrators

vi. District Leaders

vii. Approved postsecondary service providers.

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c. How do you ensure your platform meets minimum of WCAG 2.1 AA standards

(“Web Content Accessibility Guidelines”), plus other items noted in tech sheet (available languages, etc.)?

d. Explain how your platform integrates with third parties, such as Student

Information Systems (Infinite Campus), Learning Management Systems, Assessment Platforms, College Applications (Common App, Parchment), Single-Sign-On (Clever, Google)?

e. How does your platform leverage current and evolving technologies, including mobile apps and smartphones, to enhance user experience and functionality?

i. As technology continues to advance, how does your platform adapt to incorporate emerging innovations—such as gamification, AI-driven recommendations, and interactive career simulations—to enhance student engagement and remain at the forefront of the industry?

3. Comprehensive Postsecondary Readiness

- Provide students with access to career exploration tools that align with their strengths, interests, and aspirations

- Identify student aptitudes, values, and/or growth areas (ex. provide at least one personality test or strengths-finder assessment each year)

- Support the development of student-led postsecondary and workforce goals

- Enable students to explore current job market data (ex. job openings, industry growth trends, median salaries, and future demand projections)

- Connect career exploration, aptitude and interest insights, and financial planning to help students make informed decisions about their futures

- Provide tools that support students with secondary and postsecondary pathway planning aligned to their career goals

- Provide detailed information on career pathways, ensuring alignment with students’ strengths, interests, and long-term goals (ex. outlining the required education, training programs, credentials, and associated costs for different professions)

- College program and scholarship search and application functions

- Integration with the Common App, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and college essays

- Incorporate financial literacy lessons tied to student’s pathway plans

- Has curriculum to support skill development

- Supports developing a student’s five-year plan starting post-high school graduation

- Provides local level Job Outlook data (ex. Lightcast data integration)

- Supports exploration and planning for postsecondary options (college military, apprenticeship, workforce, etc.)

- Provides students and families with information about college credit opportunities (concurrent enrollment, ASCENT, etc.)

- Aligns to Colorado Career Cluster model

- Has opportunities for students to review and apply for work based learning experiences (job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, etc.)

- Aligns to Colorado WBL Continuum

- Access to financial literacy resources and lessons, such as a basic student loan debt repayment plan, budgeting, tax obligations, an understanding of the financial impact of postsecondary education, etc.

- Provides students with the ability to customize their college application for each school submission

(essay, letters of recommendations, etc.)

- Supports FAFSA/CAFSA application

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Comprehensive Postsecondary Readiness Question:

a. Provide a detailed scope and sequence for developmentally appropriate career exploration for grades 6-12.

i. If your platform supports grades K-5 (a value add for the District), provide the same for these grades.

b. Describe how the platform supports and builds connections between an individual student’s interests and aptitudes, postsecondary workforce readiness goals, labor market data, financial planning, and postsecondary/career pathway planning.

c. Describe how the platform can support course selection and registration processes.

d. Describe how the platform incorporates student work-based learning experiences, including identifying opportunities aligned to their career goals, and reflecting on experiences across the Colorado WBL continuum.

e. Describe how the platform supports students with a variety of postsecondary planning, including: college applications, scholarships and financial aid, apprenticeship/job searches, and military opportunities.

f. How does the platform handle scholarships, and does it offer an automated function to reduce manual entry?

https://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/workbasedlearning

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4. Digital Portfolio

- Allows students to track their learning, goals, and experiences via a digital portfolio

- Connects course planning to ICAP, ensuring students select courses aligned with their goals and experiences

- Students can upload documents to their portfolios

- Portfolio remains accessible after graduation or platform provides ability to export for post-graduation access

- Portfolio can be printed and/or transferred to electronic form

- Supports the development of student resume

- Tracks earned industry certifications, service learning, extra-curricular activities, college credit, post-secondary goals, and work-based learning experiences

- Customizable to allow opportunities to include additional PWR Demonstrations (ex. Capstones, college readiness test scores, etc.)

- Allows student to track college applications, college acceptance letter(s) and/or job offers

- Offers micro-credential (badges)

Digital Portfolio Questions:

a. How does the system ensure that a student’s portfolio is transferable both in print and electronic formats for internal and external use? Specifically, how does the system facilitate the transfer of a student’s ICAP when the student moves between schools, districts, and for continued access after graduation?

b. How does the system help students build a comprehensive portfolio that effectively prepares them for college and career success? How can this be aligned to the development of a skills-based resume that emphasizes the Durable Skills of communication, critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration.

c. How does the system provide customization options for students to track a wide range of achievements, including industry certificates, postsecondary coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, and work-based learning experiences?

https://durableskills.org/

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5. Development and Implementation Support

Ensure Tab 4 of Attachment A – Implementation Timeline is complete. This provides an implementation plan. The plan should include a phased rollout that allows for transition from an existing system. Based on District needs, the implementation proposed should address the aspects listed below. Key milestones and deliverables should be clearly identified.

Ensure the plan includes schedule/timeline of key tasks and identifying roles and responsibilities (Offeror versus District resources).

Desired District Assumptions/Needs:

Phase 1: July 2025 – December 2025*

Technical Implementation and Program Development

- Implementation: Setting up hardware and software, configuring integrations, and establishing technical requirements

- Training: Developing training materials and strategies for different user groups

- Professional Services: Engaging consultants for technical guidance and program development

- Licensing: Acquiring necessary licenses for the software platform and any associated tools

- Maintenance: Initial setup of maintenance procedures and protocols

- Support: Initial setup of support channels and documentation

Phase 2: January 2026 – May 2026*

Roll out to Pilot Users and Schools

- Implementation: Customizing the platform based on pilot feedback

- Training: Providing training sessions for pilot users and schools

- Professional Services: Adjusting program elements based on pilot feedback

- Support: Providing ongoing support during the pilot phase

- Other: Identifying additional customization based on pilot feedback

Phase 3: August 2026 – May 2027*

Roll out to Full District

- Implementation: Final rollout to the entire District

- Training: Implementing training plan for all users across the District

- Professional Services: Support for full-scale deployment and change management

- Licensing: Renewal or expansion of licenses to accommodate the district-wide deployment

- Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance for the District-wide deployment

- Support: Providing ongoing support to all users across the District

*Date ranges are tentative and meant for proposal planning only.

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Development and Implementation Support Questions:

a. In alignment with District needs, please provide a detailed implementation and rollout plan in Attachment A, Tab 4 – Implementation Timeline, including key milestones and deliverables. The plan should clearly identify the schedule/timeline of key tasks and outline the roles and responsibilities for both the District and vendor.

b. How does the proposed implementation plan ensure a smooth, phased rollout that facilities the potential transition from the existing system to the new platform?

i. Outline the key phases of the rollout.

ii. Describe how the transition will be managed to minimize disruption for students, staff, and administrators.

c. How will the implementation plan be customized to address the specific requirements of the District?

For example:

i. How will the plan support our upcoming juniors and seniors, and how will current platform information get transferred?

ii. What staff training and support will be provided in the implementation phase and ongoing?

d. What built-in and ongoing support and training for users do you provide?

i. What type of training materials and/or resources for staff

(administrators, teachers and counselors) to become proficient users of the platform do you provide during the implementation phase and beyond?

ii. What training/support is included with system and implementation costs vs. what is additional for an added cost?

iii. What percentage of support will be provided by the vendor and what will be required of the District?

iv. What mechanisms do you have in place for gathering feedback from users and incorporating suggestions for improvement into future updates or releases?

v. Provide details on customer support after the system is live. When staff and students need assistance while using the system, how do you offer customer service to support them? How do they contact you?

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Section IV. Proposer Requirements

Proposals must be received no later than March 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. MDT, District Clock.

Proposals are to be submitted via bidnetdirect.com/colorado directly to the opportunity number as listed on the cover sheet of this RFP.

Proposals received after the due date and time as listed on the cover of this RFP will not be accepted.

E-mail or submissions in any form outside the instructions within this RFP will not be accepted.

Proposers are encouraged to begin the submission process early. Bidnet provides proposers with a PDF and acknowledgement in the proposer dashboard of a successful submission. File upload processes may take more time than anticipated.

Proposal Contents and Organization

Interested proposers should submit a proposal that includes, in this order:

1. Letter of Interest A maximum two-page letter of interest that includes an understanding of the District’s objectives of this RFP.

2. Experience and Qualifications Questions Section III includes two subsections with questions that must be answered (Experience and Qualifications Questions & Scope of Work Questions). Please restate each question and include your responses.

3. Scope of Work Questions Section III includes two subsections with questions that must be answered (Experience and Qualifications Questions & Scope of Work Questions). Please restate each question and include your responses.

4. Attachments A, B, and C

a. Note: Attachment B asks that you include your Service Level Agreement (SLA)

5. Attachment D, Cost Worksheet Attachment D, Cost Worksheet must be included in a separate file from the rest of your response.

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Section V. Response Evaluation The selection process consists of two possible phases, followed by negotiations with the apparent winner.

Phase 1 – Review

The District’s Selection Committee will evaluate and score the RFP submittals based on the selection criteria listed below:

Selection Criteria Points

Letter of Interest/Organization How complete and concise was the letter of interest and RFP response? Was the RFP well organized, in order, and with complete information?

Experience and Qualifications Questions 10

Scope of Work Questions 40

Attachment A - Specifications (General, Technical, and Functional) Maximum 40

Tab 1 – Availability of Modules 10

Tab 2 – Availability of Functionality 10

Tab 3 – Potential Interface List 10

Tab 4 – Implementation Timeline 10

Attachment B – IT Technical Questionnaire IT Review

Attachment C: CAIQ IT Review

Attachment D: Cost Worksheet Maximum 35

Software 10

Implementation 10

Training & User Support 10

Value Added Options 5

Best Fit for the District 20

Total Maximum Points 150

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Phase 2 – Interview (if held)

If selected by the District to hold interviews, an interview invitation will be sent out to the candidates with the highest RFP submittal scores. The invitation will explain the interview requirements, provide and agenda, and provide the time and location. The purpose of the interview is to ensure a full understanding of the RFP responses and to introduce key members of the master plan team.

The interviews may consist of a presentation/work session followed by a period for questions and answers.

During the short presentation, the lead consultant for the project should be identified along with members of the master planning team. Please note team members that will not be directly working on the project are not invited to the oral interviews.

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Section VI. RFP General Requirements, Terms and Conditions Addendum to RFP

Proposers are responsible for reviewing bidnetdirect.com/colorado for addenda and updating their proposals accordingly.

Authorized Signature

Each proposal must be completed and signed in the firm's name or corporate name of the proposer and must be fully and properly executed and signed by an authorized representative of the proposer. Proof of authority of the person signing must accompany the response.

Certification of Independent Pricing Determination

Respondents shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws relating to anti-trust, anti-collusion, price-fixing, and other protections of fair trade and fair competition. Except as a Proposer may otherwise disclose with particularity in its submission of a response, the Proposer certifies that the prices and other terms in the response have been arrived at in full compliance with all applicable laws.

Contract Mandatory Provisions

As a public entity formed by the provision of the State Colorado constitution and is, in whole or in part, run with the use of public funds. The District may, from time-to-time, apply for, elect to or otherwise incorporate the use of federal funds in the course of business. As specified in Section VI, Contract Requirements, Terms and Conditions, the District is required to include, and cannot agree to conflicting terms. Respondents shall have appropriate legal review of Section VI, and this proposal.

Contract Term

The District desires to enter into a contract after the competitive negotiation process with the successful proposer(s). The District will negotiate the final term length and terms for renewals during contract negotiations. If the District and the proposer are unable to negotiate and sign a contract within a reasonable timeline, as determined by the District, the District reserves the right to seek an alternative agreement, negotiate with other Proposers, or cancel the RFP.

Deviations and Exceptions

Deviations from and exceptions to terms, conditions, specifications or the manner of this RFP shall be described fully on the Proposer's letterhead stationery, signed and attached to the proposal submittal page(s) where relevant. In the absence of such statement the Proposer shall be deemed to have accepted all such terms, conditions, specifications and the manner of the RFP. A Proposer's failure to raise an issue related to the terms, conditions, specifications or manner of this RFP prior to the proposal submission deadline in the manner described shall constitute a full and final waiver of that proposer's right to raise the issue later in any action or proceeding relating to this RFP.

Incurring Costs

The District is not liable for any cost the Proposer(s) incurs prior to or outside of a signed contract, purchase order, or another authorized acquisition document. The Proposer has no property interest, of any nature, in the subject matter of this RFP, any award, or a contract until a contract is signed by the authorized representatives of the Proposer and the District.

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Information Contact

The District’s agent for this RFP is:

Name: Joann Heimerman Title: Senior Procurement Agent E-mail address: joann.heimerman@jeffco.k12.co.us

Please note, Prospective proposers with questions regarding this RFP must submit inquiries via bidnetdirect.com/colorado no later than the Inquiry Deadline date and time noted in Section II.

Other persons are not authorized to discuss RFP requirements before the proposal submission deadline and the District shall not be bound by and responders may not rely on information regarding RFP requirements obtained from non-authorized persons. Questions must include the name of the questioner and his/her telephone number, fax number and/or e-mail address. Anonymous inquiries will not be answered.

Media / News Releases

Proposers shall not make any news releases or engage in any other publicity relating to this RFP, RFP proposals or resulting contracts without prior written approval by the District.

Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals

Proposers may withdraw or modify their proposals at any time before the proposal deadline.

Multiple Awards

The District reserves the right to award this RFP wholly or in part, to multiple Proposers, if the District determines this to be in the best interests of the District.

Non-Discrimination

The Proposer shall comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, rules and regulations, and District policies prohibiting discrimination, intimidation, or harassment, based on ethnicity or race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, veteran status, or disability.

Notice of Errors in RFP

The District requests that Proposers report any errors or omissions in this RFP to the District Representative.

Offer Held Firm

Unless otherwise specified, all bids/proposals submitted shall be valid for a minimum period of 180 calendar days following the date established for receiving bids/proposals. At the end of the 180 calendar days the bid/proposal may be withdrawn at the written request of the bidder/proposer. If the bid/proposal is not withdrawn at that time, it remains in effect until an award is made or the solicitation is cancelled.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or portions of them, to waive irregularities, informalities, and technicalities, to re-issue or to proceed to obtain the service(s) desired otherwise, at any time or in any manner considered, in the sole discretion of the District, to be in the District’s best interests.

The District may modify or amend any provision of this notice or the RFP at any time.

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Open Records and District Ownership of Proposals

The District is a public entity whose records are subject to public inspection in accordance with the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. § 24-72-200.1 et seq. (“CORA”). Once the District awards a contract, then all proposals, whether successful or not, will become public records subject to public inspection in accordance with CORA. Proposals will become the property of the District after the proposal deadline and will be considered public records and thus accessible to the public under applicable law.

Proposal Rejection and Waiver of Informalities

This RFP does not obligate the District to award a contract or complete the proposed project and, reserves the right to cancel this RFP if it is considered to be in its best interest. The District also reserves the right to waive minor informalities and, not withstanding anything to the contrary, reserves the right to:

a. reject any and all proposals received in response to this RFP;

b. waive or decline to waive any informalities and any irregularities in any proposal or responses;

c. request clarification(s) of Proposer’s proposal;

d. adopt all or any part of the Respondent’s proposal;

e. select a proposal for contract negotiation other than the one with the lowest cost;

f. select the Respondent it deems to be most qualified, responsive, and responsible to fulfill the needs of the District;

g. negotiate any aspect of the proposal with any proposer;

h. terminate negotiations and select the next most responsive proposer for contract negotiations;

i. terminate negotiations and prepare and release a new RFP.

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Section VII. Contract Requirements, Terms and Conditions

The District’s procurement contracts are subject to many federal and state laws that mandate certain standard contract provisions. The following is a list of important laws that prevent the District from negotiating its standard contract terms.

• Terms and Conditions in Public School Contracts, C.R.S. § 22-1-135 et seq.

• The Student Data Transparency and Security Act, C.R.S. § 22-16-101 et seq.

• The Colorado Open Records Act (“CORA”), C.R.S. § 24-72-203.

• The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, C.R.S. 21-10-101 et seq.

• The Colorado Constitutional Provision known as the “Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR)” and legislation enacted and caselaw decided thereunder.

• Information Technology Access for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, C.R.S.

§ 24-85-101 et seq. and its implementing regulations.

Respondents are advised to review the full text of these laws.

The District will not award contracts to respondents who reject or attempt to modify contract provisions that are governed by these and other state and federal laws.

The following is a summary of the above cited laws and their mandates regarding District contract provisions. In the event of a conflict between this summary and the actual text of the law, the latter controls.

Public School Contracts

Contract provisions purporting to do any of the following are void:

• Requiring the District to indemnify or hold others harmless;

• Allowing for binding arbitration or other extra-judicial dispute resolution;

• Limiting the contractor’s liability for certain events;

• Waiving, altering, or limiting the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act;

• Waiving, altering, or limiting the application of the Student Data Transparency and Security Act; or

• Conflicting with Colorado law or providing for the law of a jurisdiction other than Colorado to govern.

Student Data Transparency and Security

Governs the way contractors collect, use, and dispose of student personally identifiable information.

Note: All Contractors who have, hold, produce, collect, request, or store in any manner District data may be required to complete a Data Protection Addendum (DPA).

Open Records

Requires public inspection of public records with certain restrictions and exceptions. The District’s procurement contracts are public records open to inspection. For this reason, District contracts will not contain confidentiality terms.

RFP 26939 | Postsecondary Workforce Readiness System 21

Governmental Immunity Protects the operations of the District against certain tort and other liability.

TABOR

Protects public funds and their appropriation, budgeting, and funding for fiscal years beyond the fiscal year in which a procurement contract becomes effective.

Information Access for the Blind

Requires web content to be delivered in a manner accessible to the blind and visually impaired. WGCA

2.1 standards must be met for all sites, PDFs, etc. for systems that may include access for staff, students, community member, etc.

Note: All contractors may be required to provide to the District, upon reasonable request, a VPAT for all systems hosting, serving, producing, or providing digital content for the District.