Adaptive Reading Solicitation

TO: Prospective Bidders

DATE: September 8, 2021

SUBJECT: Request for Qualifications - Adaptive Reading Support-Artificial Intelligence (A1) for K-5

You are invited to submit Qualifications for Adaptive Reading Support –Artificial Intelligence (AI) digital reading tool to support grade K-5 in Henry County Schools. Henry County Schools is a political subdivision of the State of Georgia, by and through the Henry County Board of Education.

Attached are the general conditions, technical specifications, and submittal form.

The written requirements contained in this Request for Qualifications (RFQu) shall not be changed or superseded except by written notice from Henry County Schools. Failure to comply with the written requirements for this RFQu may result in disqualification of the submitted bid.

To be eligible for consideration, bids shall be presented in accordance with the instructions of this solicitation and within the timeframe specified. It shall be the responsibility of the bidder to meet all specifications and guidelines set forth herein, in addition to all applicable laws and regulations. Henry County Schools, at its discretion, determines the criteria and process whereby bids are reviewed by qualification(s) and awarded. No damages shall be recoverable by any challenger as a result of these determinations or decisions. Henry County Schools reserves the right to reject any or all bids; waive any technicalities/informalities or irregularities; make modifications or specifications; and award any (or all) of the contract in a manner which is in the best interest of Henry County Schools.

Henry County Schools will leverage an electronic sourcing tool (Bonfire) to administer this RFQu and all bidder qualifications / bid packages must be submitted electronically in accordance with the instructions contained in Section 1.B.2 “Qualification Submission”. Questions and Answers will be managed through the electronic platform as outlined in Section 1.B.2(b) “Submitting Questions”.

Your interest and participation in the Henry County Schools’ solicitation process is appreciated.

Sincerely, Teresa Adams- Purchasing Manager

HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

33 N. Zack Hinton Parkway

McDonough, GA 30253

SOLICITATION NO. RFQu-2022-170000-0908

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR

Adaptive Reading Support – Artificial Intelligence (AI) for grades K-5

Opening: September 08, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Closing: October 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

This cover sheet must be signed and submitted to be considered for award. Required addenda are defined within this document; additional requests may be communicated via Henry County Schools’ website. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that they review and submit all applicable addenda with their solicitation. Bidders should not expect to be individually notified.

Company name:

Date:

Mailing Address:

Phone:

City:

Fax:

State: Zip:

SSN or Federal Tax ID:

Email:

Title of Authorized Representative:

Printed Name:

Authorized Signature:

SECTION I - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS OVERVIEW

A. PURPOSE

Henry County Schools is requesting qualifications from qualified and experienced bidders to provide an Adaptive Reading Support through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to provide tier 1 reading support for all students in grades K-5. It is our desire to obtain a digital tool that recognizes and supports students learning pre-reading skills to include phonics and fluently reading connected text (sentences, paragraphs, and short stories), provide 1:1 real-time feedback, correction, and coaching, and personalizes the trajectory of student pathway throughout the program based on progress and performance. The program should include progress monitoring capabilities to include administering running records, automated recorded assessment responses on program-specific reading records, ability to upload custom running records for assessment purposes, and the ability to assess oral reading fluency, segmentation, letter recognition, letter sounds, phonemic awareness, decoding, sight word recognition and/or vocabulary and detects signs of dyslexia via embedded program screener.

B. INFORMATION TO BIDDERS

1. RFQu TIMETABLE

For general informational purposes, dates below are prospective and may be subject to change.

Any such change will be publically communicated via the Henry County Schools website and shall be made at least 48 hours prior to the event beginnings.

Event Timing Release of RFQu 9/8/2021 at 11:00 a.m. EST

Deadline for Questions 9/14/2021 at 4:00 p.m. EST

Responses to Questions Posted 9/20/2021 at 11:00 a.m. EST

RFQu Submission Deadline 10/8/2021 11:00 a.m. EST

Administrative Review Period 10/08/2021-10/12/2021

Evaluation/ Demo Period 10/13/2021- 10/20/2021

Notification of Intent to Award 10/21/2021- 10/28/2021

Contract Awarded Refer to Contract Terms

2. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All bidders that desire to respond to this solicitation must register on Bonfire – Henry County Schools’ eSource portal provider. Bidders can access the electronic platform by accessing the direct link for this RFQu or by visiting the Henry County Schools Purchasing website as follows:

● HCS portal link: https://henryk12.bonfirehub.com/portal/ https://henryk12.bonfirehub.com/portal/

● Henry County Schools Solicitations page:

https://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/Page/128846

Once a potential bidder reaches the Henry County Schools portal hosted by Bonfire, the bidder can register for free by clicking on “Create your free Bonfire account” on the ‘Log In’ tab, or using the ‘Log In’ button in the top right-hand corner of the portal, then clicking on “Create your free Bonfire account”. Once registered, bidders can use this portal to view open projects and details and create a submission for a specific project. Informational addenda have been included on the Bonfire Registration process and contact details for technical support. Henry County Schools utilizes but is not responsible for the operational capabilities of the Bonfire platform. It is the bidder’s responsibility to contact Bonfire for all support needs. Bidders are encouraged to start submissions in advance of the deadline to gain familiarity with the platform and limit risk of technical complications in the bidder’s submittal.

Potential bidders are encouraged to use commonly accepted software programs to create electronic files. Henry County Schools has the capability of viewing documents submitted in the following format: Microsoft Word or WordPad, Microsoft Excel, portable document format file (PDF), and plain text files with the file extension noted in parentheses (.txt). Unless the RFQu specifically requests the use of another type of software or file format than those listed above, please contact the Issuing Party identified below prior to utilizing another type of software and/or file format. In the event Henry County Schools is unable to open an electronic file because Henry County Schools does not have ready access to the software utilized by the bidder, the bidder’s bid package may be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration. If Henry County Schools is unable to open an electronic file due to a virus or because the file has become corrupted, the bidder’s bid package may be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.

a) RFQu SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

The following components constitute a complete quote submission:

Requested Information Category Required Document

Cover Sheet Signed RFQu Cover sheet Licensing Affirmative response and evidence of licensure

Insurance Affirmative response and evidence of insurance Proposal Digital Link of Website

Scored Proposal Technically Scored Responses

Required Addenda A – Signed “Execution of Proposal

Required Addenda B – Offeror Information Form

Required Addenda C – Signed “Certification of Non-Collusion”

Required Addenda D – Signed “Certification of Non-Discrimination” https://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/Page/128846

b) SUBMITTING QUESTIONS

All questions concerning this RFQu must be submitted in writing via the electronic platform’s message feature for “Opportunity Q&A”. No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon Henry County Schools. All bidders must submit questions by the deadline identified in the RFQu TIMETABLE above for submitting questions. Bidders are advised that Henry County Schools may or may not respond to late questions.

c) AUTHORIZED PARTY

The table on the cover sheet to this RFQu shall be completed and signed by the bidder. The coversheet to the submittal must be signed by a company officer who is legally authorized to enter a contractual relationship in the name of the submitting firm.

d) NOTICE OF GEORGIA OPEN RECORDS ACT

By submitting a qualification, each bidder expressly acknowledges and agrees that Henry County Schools is obligated to timely comply with requests for information pursuant to state and federal laws and regulation, including the Georgia Open Records Act ('"GORA"), O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. Henry County Schools will comply with GORA at its discretion and is not required to notify any bidder prior to compliance. Each bidder also agrees to comply with GORA and to make records subject to GORA, as determined by the Henry County Schools, available for inspection as required by law, unless otherwise exempt under other provisions of the GORA.

Further, if any bidder intends to reserve any record or information as confidential, trade secret, proprietary, or otherwise permissibly exempted under GORA or public record production, the bidder agrees that any such record will be labeled “PROPRIETARY TRADE SECRET” conspicuously on the records submitted in the platform; and it shall be the bidder’s sole obligation to notify Henry County Schools of asserting such exemption. A “public copy” of the bid package – including any appropriate redaction or modification to preserve the bidder’s asserted confidential, trade secret, and/or proprietary information – shall be mailed to Henry County Schools (33 N. Zack Hinton Parkway;

McDonough, GA 30253) and addressed to the attention of the issuing party of this solicitation. Henry County Schools must receive the public copy within three (3) business days following the deadline for quote submission outlined within this RFQu. It shall be Henry County Schools’ intention to supply this “public copy” in response to public records requests including any such request made under GORA.

3. ISSUING PARTY DETAILS

The solicitation lead Courtney Jones, Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning & Innovative Practice for Henry County Schools. Any question which arises must be submitted via the electronic portal prior to the DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS due date outlined above.

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ADDENDA

Henry County Schools will issue responses to submitted questions, inquiries and any other corrections or amendments it deems necessary in written addenda issued prior to the deadline for quote submissions. Bidders should not rely on any representations, statements or explanations other than those made in this RFQu (which shall include any addendum). Where there appears to be a conflict between the RFQu and any addendum issued, the last addendum issued will prevail.

Bidders must acknowledge any issued addenda defined within the electronic platform.

Submissions of bid packages which fail to acknowledge the bidder’s receipt of any addendum may result in the rejection of the bid package or result in the disqualification of the prospective bidder’s submittal.

Bidders are not to include brochures, flyers, screenshots, or the like in the body of the scored questionnaire(s). Any supporting document(s) may be included at the end of the bid package to support answers and comments to the questions. A table of contents should be included to reference each document and index it to the corresponding topic and question.

5. LATE SUBMITTAL, LATE MODIFICATIONS AND LATE WITHDRAWALS

Submittals received after the due date and time will not be considered. Modifications received after the due date will not be considered. Bonfire has an automatic closing of proposal submissions at 11:00am est.- even if you are in the process of submitting***

6. REJECTION OF BIDS

Henry County Schools may reject any and all qualification(s) and reserves the right to waive any irregularities or informalities in any qualifications offered or in the submittal procedure.

Submittals received after time or at any place other than the time and place as stated in the RFQu will not be considered.

7. MINIMUM RFQu ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Qualifications shall be valid and may not be withdrawn for a period of 60 days from the deadline for submission.

8. NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

By submitting a qualifications, the bidder represents and warrants that such bid package is genuine and its own work, not a sham, is and was not created or submitted as result of collusion or made in the interest or on behalf of any person not therein named, and that the bidder has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to put in a sham offer, or any other person, firm or corporation to refrain from submitting and that the bidder has not in any manner sought by collusion to secure to that bidder any advantage over any other bidder.

C. GENERAL PROCUREMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Henry County Schools is governed by the Henry County Board of Education and is a recognized governmental entity. The Henry County Schools Purchasing Policy (Board Policy DJE) can be accessed from the Henry County Schools website and is incorporated into this solicitation by reference. By participating in this solicitation, a bidder agrees to be bound by the Henry County Schools Purchasing Policy on any issue or action related to this solicitation or subsequent contract resulting from this solicitation.

2. Henry County Schools must receive all bids no later than the date and time listed in this RFQu.

Each bid package must be signed and dated by an official authorized to bind the firm. Late submissions will not be considered for award.

3. Bids must be submitted in the templates and/or format prescribed in the electronic platform.

Qualification(s) and/or bid packages will be reviewed according to completeness and content, in alignment with any described specifications. The award of a contract to one bidder or certain bidders does not mean other bids were undesirable, rather the selected bidder(s) was/were deemed to be the lowest priced bidder(s) and in accordance with the terms of this solicitation.

4. Bidders are cautioned that this is a request for qualifications not a request to contract, and Henry

County Schools reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all bids when such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of Henry County Schools.

5. Any costs incurred by a bidder in preparing or submitting the qualification(s) is the bidder’s sole responsibility; Henry County Schools will not reimburse any bidder for any costs incurred prior to contract award.

6. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the RFQu. Failure to include any required information may cause rejection or disqualification.

SECTION II – GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. PURPOSE

Henry County Schools is requesting qualifications from qualified and experienced bidders to provide Adaptive Reading Support through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to provide tier 1 reading support for all students in grades K-5. It is our desire to obtain a digital tool that recognizes and supports students learning pre-reading skills to include phonics and fluently reading connected text (sentences, paragraphs, and short stories), provide 1:1 real-time feedback, correction, and coaching, and personalizes the trajectory of student pathway throughout the program based on progress and performance. The program should include progress monitoring capabilities to include administering running records, automated recorded assessment responses on program-specific reading records, ability to upload custom running records for assessment purposes, and the ability to assess oral reading fluency, segmentation, letter recognition, letter sounds, phonemic awareness, decoding, sight word recognition and/or vocabulary and detects signs of dyslexia via embedded program-screener.

B. CONTRACT TERM

1. PARTIES

Contract will be between Henry County Board of Education (HCBOE) and Awardee. See Addendum I for Sample Copy of HCS Vendor Agreement.

2. INITIAL TERM

Services will begin no later than November 15, 2021. The initial contract duration shall be through November 15, 2022.

3. OPTIONAL RENEWAL TERMS

The contract may contain four (4) one-year renewal options contingent upon HCS’s offer of such renewal, the successful offeror’s acceptance and the approval of the Henry County Board of Education (HCBOE) to renew the contract.

The Agreement shall terminate absolutely and without further obligation on the part of HCBOE at the close of the calendar year in which it was executed and at the close of each succeeding calendar year for which it may be renewed, but shall be automatically renewed through the then existing term unless HCBOE terminates the agreement by providing Company with thirty (30) days advance notice of termination prior to the end of the calendar year.

4. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party.

C. BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS

1. LICENSING

All bidders for the project must be properly licensed under the laws of the State of Georgia and Henry County, and in good standing before submitting any bid package and before commencing any work.

2. INSURANCE

a) The offeror shall be responsible from the beginning of this proposal for all injury or damage of any kind resulting from the work to persons or property, regardless of who may be the Owner of the property. In addition to the liability imposed upon the offeror on account of bodily injury (including death), or property damage suffered through the offeror’s negligence, which, liability is not impaired or otherwise affected hereby, the offeror assumes the obligation to deem the Owner harmless and to indemnify and defend the Owner from every claim, liability, expense, or payment arising out of or through injury (including death) to any person or persons or damage to property (regardless of who may be the Owner of the property) of any place in which work is located arising out of or suffered through any act or omission of the offeror or anyone either: (i.) directly or indirectly employed by or; (ii.) under the supervision of any contractor in the prosecution of the work included in this proposal.

b) The offeror agrees to comply with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation laws of the State of Georgia. The offeror agrees that, prior to the beginning of any work by the offeror;

the offeror shall furnish to Henry County Schools a Certificate from the insurance company showing issuance of Workers’ Compensation coverage for the State of Georgia or a Certificate showing proof of the ability to pay compensation directly. Offerors are required to submit proof of a current insurance certificate via Henry County Schools’ electronic sourcing platform under “Requested Information”.

c) The offeror shall obtain and maintain, at their expense, insurances with minimum limits as shown below and shall protect the offeror and Owner for any claims for property damage or bodily injury, including death, which may arise out of operations under this proposal. The offeror shall furnish the Owner certificate, policies, and cancellation endorsements as shown below:

d) Offeror’s General Liability Insurance-taken out in the name of the offeror.

I. Split Limits of Liability-Bodily Injury Liability: Limits of $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 for the aggregate of operations. Property Damage Liability: Limits of $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 for the aggregate of operations. Or if Combined Single Limit Liability-Bodily Injury and Property Damage Combined:

$1,000,000 each occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate.

II. Cancellation Endorsement-These insurance coverages shall not be cancelled until at least 30 days prior written notice has been given to the Owner.

III. Disposition-Certificate from insurance company showing insurance policy must be sent to the Owner prior to commencement of work. Offerors are required to submit proof of a current insurance certificate in the electronic platform under “Requested Information” showing Henry County Schools, 33 North Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 as certificate holder.

e) Contractor’s Public and Automobile Liability Insurance:

I. Split Limits of Liability-Bodily Injury Liability-limits of $1,000,000 for each person and

$1,000,000 each occurrence. Property Damage-limits of $1,000,000 for each occurrence.

II. Or if combined Single Limit of Liability-Bodily Injury and Property Damage Combined:

$2,000,000 aggregate limit.

III. Cancellation Endorsement-These insurance coverages shall not be cancelled until at least thirty (30) prior written notice has been given to the Owner.

IV. Disposition-Certificate from insurance company showing insurance policy sent to Owner prior to commencement of work. Offerors are required to submit proof of a current insurance certificate via Bonfire under “Required Information” showing Henry County Schools, 33 North Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253 as certificate holder

f) Professional Liability:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain during the life of the contract, Professional Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum amount of $5,000,000.00 including coverage for errors and omissions caused by Contractor’s negligence in the performance of its duties under this contract. The policy shall include independent contractors providing professional services on behalf of the Offeror. Liability under a contract of professional services must be covered. Further, coverage shall be afforded for fraudulent acts, misappropriation of trade secrets, internet professional services, computer attacks, personal injury, regulatory actions, wrongful acts, contractual liability, privacy policy, and insured versus insured. Offeror shall ensure that coverage under this policy continues for a period of thirty-six (36) months after completion of services.

g) Acceptability of Insurance Companies-No insurance company will be acceptable unless written by a company licensed by the State Insurance Commissioner to do business in the State of Georgia at the time the policy is issued. The company must, in addition be acceptable to the Owner.

3. SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT

By submitting a bid package or qualification(s), each bidder certifies that it is not currently suspended or debarred from submitting bids or qualification on contracts or currently in any suspension or debarment proceedings by any agency of the State of Georgia and the federal government, nor is it an agent of any person or entity that is currently suspended or debarred from submitting bids on contracts or in any suspension or debarment proceedings by any agency of the State of Georgia or the federal government.

4. BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

By submitting a bid package or qualification(s), a bidder certifies that it is not currently engaged in a boycott of Israel as defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-5-85. Further each bidder agrees to not engage in any boycott of Israel for the duration of any contract award as a result of this RFQu.

5. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

By submitting a bid package or qualifications(s), a bidder represents and warrants no official or employee of Henry County Schools has, in any manner, an interest, directly or indirectly in the bid package or in the contract which may be made as result of this RFQu, or in any expected profits to arise therefrom. The bidder is required to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest with any Henry County Schools officials or employees at the time of qualification(s) submission. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph shall apply also to any real or apparent conflict of interest known or suspected to be held by any member of the Henry County Board of Education.

D. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND SCORING

All timely responses will be evaluated in accordance with the following steps:

1. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Submittals will be reviewed by the Issuing Party to determine compliance with the following requirements:

• Response was submitted by the deadline defined in the “RFQu TIMETABLE”

• Response is complete and contains all required documents defined in the “RFQu

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST”

2. EVALUATING QUALIFICATION FACTORS

Offeror proposals which pass the administrative review will be evaluated according to responses provided to statements and questions outlined in the “SCOPE OF WORK – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS” and “OFFEROR PROPOSAL – TECHNICAL SCORED RESPONSES” sections and other requested documents. The Evaluation Team will review each offeror’s response in detail. If an offeror fails to meet a mandatory and/or technical scored RFQu requirement, Henry County Schools will determine if the deviation is material. A material deviation will be cause for rejection of the response. An immaterial deviation will be processed as if no deviation had occurred. The presence of multiple non-material issues in a solicitation or response does not constitute a material issue unless deemed material by the evaluation team.

Responses to Mandatory Requirements will be scored as pass/fail. Technical Scored Responses will be allocated up to 80 points and will be evaluated in consideration of the following:

FACTOR POINTS

Phase 1 Technical Scored Requirements: Offeror Experience & References 20 Technical Scored Requirements: Offeror Strategy and Composite 605 Value Added Assessment 5

Total available for qualifying 8080 Phase 2 Offeror Presentation/ Questionnaire 2020

Total available for questionnaire 20 Grand Total Points 100

Step 1: Evaluation Team will evaluate responses according to the criteria as described above in Phase I and score and rank the proposals. The Evaluation Team will short list the proposers receiving at least 80% (64 points out of a possible 80) of the available points on Phase I, as stated in Phase II.

Step 2: At the discretion of the Evaluation Team, a presentation would offer a brief demonstration of the company's proposed solution for the District’s Classicification Adaptive Reading Support through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for K-5.onsulting Services. All costs associated with the sessions/ implementation (if required) will be at the expense of the proposing firm. Meetings should be conducted within five (5) working days after request. If HCS exercises this right to conduct working sessions, a maximum of 20 additional points may be assigned.

E. FINAL SELECTION

Henry County Schools plans to make an award to the highest scoring firm that the Evaluation Team has determined to have submitted the best responses and who appear to have submitted proposals which enhance the ability of the District to fulfill its mandate for Adaptive Reading Support through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for K-5. The District reserves the right to perform interviews/ questionnaires of one or more offerors, considered in the competitive range, and point allocations will be based on number of questions asked during the interview or responses to the questionnaire.

The District may request revised proposals based on the results of the evaluation process or the formal presentation (if required). The District will limit the discussions to the Service provider(s) whose proposals are most closely aligned with the requirements of the District.

Henry County Schools reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals. A final selection may be based upon the evaluation of both the written and oral responses of each Offeror.

SECTION III – PROJECT OVERVIEW, MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS – SCOPE OF WORK, OFFEROR’S

PROPOSAL AND TECHNICAL SCORED REQUIREMENTS, ADDENDA

A. PROJECT OVERVIEW

1. General Overview Henry County Schools is the 8th largest school district in the State of Georgia. It services Henry County, which includes the communities of Blacksville, Flippen, Hampton, Kelleytown, Locust Grove, Ola, McDonough, and Stockbridge. The Henry County School District has a student population of approximately 43,000 students. With approximately 17,365 K-5 students. Henry County Schools consists of 28 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 10 high schools, 3 academies and 8 operational facilities.

Henry County Schools is the largest employer in Henry County employing approximately 5,000 staff members, including full- and part-time positions and a pool of substitutes. Approximately, 98% of employees are on direct deposit. The District processes payroll monthly.

B. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS- SCOPE OF WORK

All of the specifications, requirements and/or service levels identified in this RFQu are minimum performance criteria and/or qualification factors that HCS will use to evaluate vendors. Each vendor must indicate its willingness and ability to satisfy these requirements in the appropriate templates. A submission to this RFQu includes the offeror’s response to the mandatory scope of work statements as outlined below.

Bidders must provide a digital link to all resources that support the desired purpose as outlined in the General Conditions. Offerors may also submit hard copy documents, physical resources and any literature that may be reviewed by teachers, administrators, and/or district office personnel to gain better understanding of program specific details. Digital access to a sandbox/demo account is requested so that reviewers may explore the various tools, support, and program offerings with the Adaptive Reading Program.

C. TECHNICAL SCORED REQUIREMENTS

A submission to this RFQu includes the offeror’s response to the technical scored requirements outlined below as Items, in the template provided in the electronic platform.

Using the templates provided in the electronic platform, the following information is requested to support selection of a qualified and responsive offeror.

A. Offeror Experience and References

The successful offeror shall demonstrate it provides a full range of consulting services (as requested by HCS) to other public, government or non-profit organizations of similar size and scope. Specifically, the offeror shall:

1. REFERENCES

Provide examples of program and documentation from at least three previous clients that had a successfully implemented contract within the last three years, as well as a[LL1][LL2] list of three past contracts that qualifies them to undertake the districts articulated consulting needs.

i. Client Name

ii. Contact Name

iii. Telephone Number

iv. Email Address

v. Address, City, State, Zip

vi. Time period covered

vii. Number of employees

viii. Services Provided

B. Offeror Strategy and Composite

1. Does your Adaptive Reading Support the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) program to provide tier 1 reading support for all students in grades K-5?

2. Do you have a digital tool that recognizes and supports student learning pre-reading skills to include phonics and fluent reading of connected text (sentences, paragraphs, and short stories)?

3. Is 1:1 real-time feedback, correction, coaching, and personalization of the trajectory of student pathway throughout the program based on progress and performance?

4. Will the program include progress monitoring capabilities to include administering running records, automated recorded assessment responses on program-specific reading records, and the ability to upload custom running records for assessment purposes?

5. Does your platform have the ability to assess oral reading fluency, segmentation, letter recognition, letter sounds, phonemic awareness, decoding, sight word recognition and/or vocabulary?

6. Does your platform have the ability to detect signs of dyslexia via embedded program-screener?

D. ADDENDA

The following is a summary of all required and informational addenda included in this RFQu. All addenda must be acknowledged by the bidder to submit a bid package and/or qualifications(s) to this RFQu.

Addendum Reference Addendum Title Addendum Category A Signed Execution of Proposal Required with submittal B Offeror Information Form Required with submittal C Certification of Non-Collusion Required with submittal D Certification of Non-Discrimination Required with submittal E Addenda Acknowledgement Required with submittal F Offeror Modification Form Required with submittal G Henry County Schools Protest Procedure Informational

H Notarized Immigration and Security Form (E- Verify) Required with submittal

I Bonfire Support Information Informational J HCS Vendor Agreement Informational

ADDENDUM A

EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL

DATE:

The potential offeror certifies the following by placing an "X" in all blank spaces:

_ That this proposal was signed by an authorized representative of the firm.

That the potential offeror has determined the cost and availability of all materials and supplies associated with performing the services outlined herein.

That all labor costs associated with this project have been determined, including all direct and indirect costs.

That the potential offeror agrees to the conditions as set forth in this Request for Qualifications with no exceptions.

Therefore, in compliance with the foregoing Request for Qualifications, and subject to all terms and conditions thereof, the undersigned offers and agrees, if this proposal is accepted within sixty (60) days from the date of the opening, to furnish the services for the prices quoted within the timeframe required.

Authorized Signature Date

Typed Name & Title

THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED AS A PART OF YOUR PROPOSAL.

ADDENDUM B

OFFEROR INFORMATION FORM

Mailing Address (Please type or print. Complete all items)

Business Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Fax: ___________________ Email: __________________

Remittance Address (if different)

Business Name: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Fax: ___________________ Email: __________________

Accepted Payment Methods (select all that apply) Check Credit Card/Purchase Card ACH Other: ________________

Other Offeror Information

Federal Business ID: __________________________ or Social Security # ________________

Certification Under penalty of perjury, I certify that:

1. The information stated in this application is factual and true, and

2. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

3. I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or

(b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.

Certification Instructions: You must cross out Item 3 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, Item 3 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, the acquisition or abandonment of secured property, contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA), and generally payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN.

(Representative’s Signature) Date

Please type or print representative’s name

ADDENDUM C

CERTIFICATION OF NON-COLLUSION

I certify that this Proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a Proposal for the same materials, supplies, or equipment, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud per the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 50-5-67(e).

I certify that this Proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any member of the government agency letting this public works contract and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud per the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 36-91-21(f).

I further certify that the provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-10-20 et. seq. has not and will not be violated in any respect.

I understand that collusive bidding is a violation of State and Federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards. I agree to abide by all conditions of this Proposal and certify that I am authorized to sign this Proposal for the Offeror.

The Offeror being sworn disposes and says, its agents, officers, or employees have not directly or indirectly entered into any agreements, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with this Proposal.

Company Name: _______________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State: _________________ ZIP: ______________

Name: _________________________________________Title: _____________________________

Signature: _________________________________________Date: __________________________

ADDENDUM D

CERTIFICATION OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the contractor agrees as follows:

The contractor agrees not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex, national origin or ancestry. The offeror shall take affirmative action to ensure that employees are treated without regard to their race, creed, color, sex, national origin or ancestry. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruiting or recruitment, advertising, lay-off or termination, rates of pay or other compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

In the event the contractor is not in compliance with this non-discrimination clause, the contract may be cancelled or terminated by the Owner. The Owner may declare the contractor, ineligible for further contracts with the Owner until satisfactory proof of intent to comply shall be made by the offeror.

The contractor agrees to include this non-discrimination clause in any sub-contracts connected with the performance of this agreement.

Contractor

Signature

Date

ADDENDUM E

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Offeror has examined and carefully studied the Request for Proposal and the following Addenda, receipt of all of which is hereby acknowledged by placing an "X" in all blank spaces:

Addendum A – required with submission

Addendum B – required with submission

Addendum C – required with submission

Addendum D – required with submission

Addendum E - required with submission

Addendum F - required with submission

Addendum G - Informational

Addendum H – required with submission

Addendum I – Informational

Addendum J – Informational

Contractor’s Representative (First and Last Names)

Signature Date

Offerors must acknowledge any issued addenda. Proposals which fail to acknowledge the Offeror’s receipt of any addendum will result in the rejection of the offer if the addendum contained information which substantively changes the County’s requirements.

ADDENDUM F

Offeror’s Modifications Form

Regarding Addendum I (Sample Copy of HCS Vendor Agreement)

The terms and conditions contained in the solicitation comprise the contract proposed by HCS. HFCS does not intend to make changes to those terms and conditions, unless necessary to clarify the scope of work and/or technical requirements. Offeror may lose points for substantive modifications proposed by Offeror which materially differ from the RFP terms and are likely to, in the opinion of HCS, require substantial legal negotiations to resolve. In addition, failure to accept the terms and conditions may result in significant unacceptable delays in HCS’ ability to award a contract and may result in an Offeror’s proposal being deemed to be nonresponsive. Nonetheless, if an Offeror must propose modifications to any of the contractual terms contained in the solicitation (including Addendum J) the Offeror shall provide the requested information for each proposed modification in the table below. Offerors who submit a proposed or sample contract must still specifically identify each proposed modification using the format below. By completing and submitting this form, an Offeror acknowledges that its proposal may be deemed to be nonresponsive at HCS' discretion.

No. Section #, Paragraph #, title and clause

Modification Proposed and Reason

Proposed Contract Provision to be substituted

Price / Schedule Impact

OFFEROR: (Name of Offeror)

By: (Signature) Date:

(Printed name)

(Title)

NOTES:

1. All cells within a row must be completed for each proposed modification.

2. Section number, paragraph number, title and clause number: Identify section number, paragraph number, title, and clause containing the contract provision in issue.

3. Proposed Modification: Specify proposed modification to contractual term and reason for modification.

4. Proposed Contract Provision to be substituted: Provide proposed contract provision to be used in place of the existing provision, if modification is accepted by HCS.

5. Price/Schedule Impact: Identify impact to schedule and price, if modification is accepted.

THIS FORM IS FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION ONLY AND WILL NOT BE A PART OF THE CONTRACT.

ADDENDUM G

HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS PROCUREMENT PROTEST PROCESS

Any Offeror not selected, or otherwise adversely affected by the decision-making process under a competitive procurement, may file written protest. An adversely affected Offeror must file such written protest and exhaust all administrative remedies afforded herein before seeking judicial review of any award of a contract resulting from a competitive procurement. In each instance of protest, the Offeror must demonstrate that it would be eligible to be awarded the contract in the event the protest was successful.

In order to be an adversely affected Offeror with a right to submit a written protest, the Offeror must itself claim to be eligible for award of the contract in the event the Protest were successful and must be next in line for the Award. In addition, the adversely affected Offeror must demonstrate at least one of the following reasons for the Protest:

(a) all higher-ranked Offerors are ineligible for Award of the Contract because their Proposals were nonresponsive;

(b) the School District has failed to conduct the evaluation of proposals in accordance with the criteria or processes described in this RFQu;

(c) the School District has abused its discretion in rejecting the Offeror’s proposal as nonresponsive; or

(d) the School District's evaluation of the proposals or its subsequent determination of award is otherwise in violation of Georgia Law.

The written protest shall specify, at minimum:

• the name and address of the protestor;

• appropriate identification of the solicitation;

• any and all grounds upon which the protest is based;

• supporting exhibits, evidence or documents to substantiate any grounds; and

• suggested changes that may remedy the defects.

To be considered, all protests must be in writing and must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office in an envelope marked as follows: RFQu Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA)/ Award (NOA) Protest. Protests must be timely received by the Superintendent’s Office to be considered. In all cases, the last date for any protest shall be within seven (7) calendar days after issuance of the NOIA/NOA and such protest must be received by such date (not mailed or in route).

The Superintendent, or the Superintendent’s designee, shall have the authority to settle or resolve a written protest submitted in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

If the protest is not settled or resolved by mutual agreement, the Superintendent shall issue a written decision on the protest in a reasonably timely manner. After the District has issued its response, in the event that the protesting Offeror is still aggrieved, the Offeror expressly agrees that the dispute shall be submitted to the Superior Court of Henry County, to be decided before a Judge without a jury.

ADDENDUM H

GEORGIA IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY FORMS

If you are providing service, performing work or delivering goods to the Henry County

Board of Education including, but not limited to schools, warehouses and central offices, the applicable Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance documents found here must be completed, signed, notarized and submitted with your bid/proposal. Failure to provide this document with your bid/proposal will result in the disqualification of the bid/proposal.

1) Henry County Schools shall comply with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, as amended, O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et. seq.

2) In order to ensure compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), D.L. 99-603 and the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, as amended by the Illegal Immigration Reform Act of 2011, O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et. seq.

(collectively the “Act”), the Contractor MUST INITIAL the statement applicable to Contractor below:

(a) ________ (Initial here): Contractor warrants that, Contractor has registered at https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ to verify information of all new employees in order to comply with the Act; is authorized to use and uses the federal authorization program; will continue to use the authorization program throughout the contract period; Contractor further warrants and agrees Contractor shall execute and return any and all affidavits required by the Act and the rules and regulations issued by the Georgia Department of Labor as set forth at Rule 300-10-1-.01 et. seq.

[Contractors who initial (a) must attach and return a signed, notarized Contractor Affidavit and Agreement;

or

(b) ________ (Initial here): Contractor warrants that he/she does not employ any other persons, and he/she does not intend to hire any employees or to perform the Contract. [Contractors who initial (b) must attach and return a signed, notarized Affidavit of Exception];

or

(c)_______ (Initial here) Contractor is an individual who is licensed pursuant to Title 26 or Title 43 or by the State Bar of Georgia and is in good standing when such contract is for services to be rendered by such individual and thus does not have to provide an affidavit.

3) _____ (Initial here) Contractor will not employ or contract with any subcontractor in connection with a covered contract unless the subcontractor is registered, authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program; and provides Contractor with all

IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY FORM (Page 2) affidavits required by the Act and the rules and regulations issued by the Georgia Department of Labor as set forth at Rule 300-10-1-.01 et. seq.

4) _____(Initial here) Contractor agrees that, if Contractor employs or contracts with any sub-contractor in connection with the covered contract under the Act and DOL Rules 300-10-1-.01, et seq that Contractor will secure from each sub-contractor at the time of the contract the sub-contractor’s name and address, the employee-number applicable to the sub-contractor, the date the authorization to use the federal work authorization program was granted to sub-contractor; the subcontractor’s attestation of the subcontractor’s compliance with the Act and Georgia Department of Labor Rule 300-10-1-.01, et seq.; and the subcontractor’s agreement not to contract with sub-subcontractors unless the sub-subcontractor is registered, authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program; and provides subcontractor with all affidavits required by the Act and the rules and regulations issued by the Georgia Department of Labor as set forth at Rule 300- 10-1-.01 et. seq.

5) ______(Initial here) Contractor agrees to provide the Henry County School District with all affidavits of compliance as required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et seq. and Georgia Department of Labor Rules 300-10-1-.01, et seq within five (5) business days of receipt.

Signature Date

Firm Name: __________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: ________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: __________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN

BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

______ DAY OF_____________________, 20____

Notary Public My Commission Expires:

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, and attests under oath that:

(1) the individual, firm, or corporation (“Contractor”) which is contracting with the Henry County Board of Education has registered with, is authorized to use, uses, and will continue throughout the contract term to use and participate in, a federal work authorization program [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603], in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, as amended. As of the effective date of O.C.G.A.