Addendum 2.pdf

200 E. North Avenue, Room 401 Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: (410) 396-8757

Fax: (410) 545-6977 http://www.bcps.k12.md.us

Revised: October 25, 2019

Baltimore City Public Schools

Office of Procurement

200 E. North Avenue, Room # 401

Baltimore, MD 21202

ADDENDUM #2

January 9, 2024

Solicitation Number: RFP-24061

Solicitation Title: Comprehensive Mathematics K-12 Curriculum

The following changes, additions, deletions, and clarifications are hereby made part of the solicitation for the above referenced project and shall be considered in the preparation of the solicitation response and execution of all work. Vendors shall acknowledge receipt of this addendum.

Notice: The following changes and additions should be considered as amendments to the above referenced bid documents.

BID DOCUMENT REVISIONS:

Item #1: Answers to Questions: Answers are attached to this Addendum

Item #2: Revised APPENDIX I – FINANCIAL PROPOSAL FORM

Item #3: RFP Due Date has been extended to Wednesday, January 17, 2024

All other terms and conditions shall remain unchanged.

Failure to acknowledge and respond to this all addenda on your Bid Proposal Form may result in the bid proposal being considered non-responsive.

Date Issued: January 9, 2024 By: Patricia Graff

RFP-24061 Comprehensive Mathematics K-12 Curriculum Proposal Questions

Q1. Section 3.9, subsection 3.2, RFP p. 12. Please confirm how many printed copies should be submitted for the listed grades.

Answer: One to two copies of printed materials is sufficient. Do not send more than two copies in the given grade.

Q2. Regarding tender Tender: 498625674 - United States - Rfp-24061 Comprehensive Mathematics

K-12 Curriculum. Is it open for the international suppliers? If yes, how can we please get the full tender documents?

Answer: All documents for the solicitation can be found on eMMA

Q3. TAB G. TECHNICAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA (technical only). Please clarify what vendors should submit for this requirement.

Answer: Tab G is not applicable. Flash drive is not applicable.

Q4. Technical Questionnaire. The eMMA portal displays a Technical Questionnaire, which only has instructions and no questions. The Technical Questionnaire is not part of the downloaded solicitation documents. Please confirm that there is not a separate Excel Technical Questionnaire that vendors must complete.

Answer: This is an option on eMMA to receive questions for the solicitation. We are not using them on this solicitation. The RFP stated that all questions for the solicitation were to be emailed to pgraff@bcps.k12.md.us.

Q5. We have a comprehensive digital access guide that walks reviewers through the program, platform, and resources. Can we include this within our submission in lieu of the 10 minute video submission?

Answer: No. The video submission is an essential component and supports the review committee’s efficiency in understanding the products.

Q6. Do we need to submit separate proposals for each requested high school course (i.e. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and Calculus), or can our solutions be combined into 1 if clearly organized and labeled?

Answer: No separate proposal is necessary, please combine into one if they are clearly organized and labeled.

Q7. Will BCPS be choosing just one core resource or multiple resources for schools to choose from?

Answer: City Schools intends on selecting a district wide core curriculum.

Q8. What is the timeline for this RFP?

Answer: We anticipate making a final selection in the spring following stakeholder engagement and board approval, though we cannot provide a firm date.

mailto:pgraff@bcps.k12.md.us

Q9. Would City Schools be open to custom curriculum whereby we partner with the district to create a localized, customized curriculum that meets district requirements outlined in the RFP?

Answer: City Schools is open to the option of customization, not creation, if the foundation of the curriculum met the requirements of the RFP.

Q10. In addition to Eureka Math, are there other K-12 mathematics curricula that the district is currently using?

Answer: Some schools are currently opting to use Pre-AP Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II in lieu of Eureka Math.

Q11. To clarify the information shared about the district’s LMS: Is Google Classroom the district’s only learning management system, or is there an additional LMS the district uses that is integrated with Google Classroom and with Infinite Campus SIS?

Answer: Google Classroom is currently the primary LMS. However, we have some usage of

Schoology.

Q12. What is the budget that the district has allocated for this scope of work?

Answer: We are not able to provide a response to this question.

Q13. Can BCPS provide us with teacher counts per grade band so we can accurately complete the professional learn plan and pricing?

Answer: Teacher counts are estimated in Appendix I – Financial Proposal Form, tab titled “4.

Pricing. Comprehensive Cost”.

Q14. Will BCPS provide a two-week extension of the deadline to allow vendors more time to review any revisions from the resulting addendum and adjust their responses as needed?

Answer: City Schools is unable to provide additional time.

Q15. Will you please share a draft timeline of RFP milestones (i.e., when will first round reviews be completed, when will vendors be notified of presentations and when those presentations may potentially take place, when will final decision be made, etc.)?

Answer: We are unable to provide this information without knowledge of the number of solicitations we will receive. Stakeholder engagement and presentations may take place as early as February.

Q16. Referenced Text:

Page 26, TAB E. Technical Response to RFP Scope of Work indicates that “The Entity shall address each major requirement of the Scope of Work”

Page 5, Part I: Scope of Work, Section 1.0 (Introduction and Definitions) indicates

“Comprehensive curriculum includes the elements in the Scope of Services.”

Question:

We wish to confirm that all elements of requirements included in sections 1.0 (Terms and

Definitions), 2.0 (Background), 3.0 (Scope of Services), 3.1 (Instruction Aligned to MCCRS), 3.2

(Materials Including Digital Tools to Support Implementation), 3.3 (Leadership Engagement), 3.4

(Professional Learning), 3.5 (Whole-School Approach to Implementation), 3.6 (Supports Data

Driven Decision Making), 3.7 (Evidence Based Practices / Research-Based Program), 3.8

(Equity), 3.9 (Submission Expectation) should be included in our written response, and 4.0

(Every Student Succeeds Act “ESSA”).

Answer: Please refer to page 12 “Each proposal should include and will be evaluated on” and the criteria referenced.

Q17. Referenced Text:

Page 12, Section 3.9 (Submission Expectations), Evaluation criteria for 3.1 “an overview of the curriculum, complete scope and sequences for grades k-12 and standards alignment”

We wish to clarify whether the following items should be added to elements of requirements listed in section 3.1 on pages 7-8: An overview of the curriculum, compete scope and sequences for grades K-12 and standards alignment? Currently section 3.1 does not specifically request an overview of the curriculum, nor does it refer to scope and sequence - which is listed in 3.2

(Materials, Including Digital Tools, To Support Implementation) on page 8.

Answer: Section 3.1 on pages 7-8 provides an overview of instruction aligned to the Maryland

College and Career Ready Standards. Explicit responses requested in section 3.9 (pages 11-12) should consider the context provided in 3.1 (pages 7-8). Therefore, please provide an overview of the curriculum, complete scope and sequence for K-12 (or the grades for which your curriculum is written), and standards alignment. Content leading up to 3.9 serves the same purpose.

Q18. Referenced Text:

Page 12, Section 3.9 (Submission Expectations), Evaluation criteria for 3.2 “Complete digital samples of student and teacher materials including assessment materials for the grade levels supported by the curriculum. If the Entity chooses to send printed materials-, please only send for

Kindergarten, Grade 3, Grade 7 and Algebra 1. It is suggested the video walk-through component provides a thorough explanation of how the lessons and assessments can be modified to address state summative assessment timelines, school calendars and teacher pacing.”

We wish to confirm that our written response to the elements of 3.2 will be evaluated in addition to our digital samples and video. We also wish to confirm that details about: our digital sample submission, printed materials we have sent, and the contents of our video walk-through should be shared in addition to the elements of the requirements listed in section 3.2

Answer: Digital curriculum samples will be evaluated. The video submission serves as a compliment to support the review committee in navigating the curriculum resources to support their thorough understanding of the curriculum and its components. The digital submission should include full digital access to curricular components, not digital samples.

Q19. Referenced Text:

Page 12, Section 3.9 (Submission Expectations), Evaluation criteria for 3.4 “a sample training plan and digital access to sample professional learning/training offerings”

Page 10, Section 3.4 (Professional Learning) “Entities must supply a scope of Work and cost proposal for training and PD that includes all costs associated with effective implementation, including both initial launch PD as well as PD to sustain the adoption of new curricular materials.

This scope of Work should represent a comprehensive professional learning plan, with prices.

Entities’ scope of work for professional learning shall be submitted within the financial proposal form.”

We wish to confirm that our written response to the elements of 3.4 should include a sample training plan and access to sample professional learning / training offerings should be included Iin the written repose to the technical proposal, in addition to including the comprehensive professional learning plan with prices in the financial proposal.

Answer: The sample training plan should be included in Appendix I of the financial proposal.

You may wish to attach additional documentation to support or expand upon the training plan and access sample professional learning/training offerings. Additionally, tab “1. Instructions - Pricing

Form” of Appendix I asks for a catalog of available professional learning with explicit parameters.

Q20. Referenced Text:

Page 12, Section 3.9 (Submission Expectations), Evaluation criteria for 3.8 (Equity) “Please send the video no later than COB on 01/15/2024 via email to Patricia Graff pjgraff@bcps.k12.md.us”

Please confirm that our written response to the equity components outlined in 3.8 will be used as part of the evaluation criteria for 3.8.

Please clarify whether an equity focus addressing the 3.8 components must also be included in our 10-minute video submission to address this criterion

Answer: On page 12, 3.8 and 3.9 are separate entities and not connected to the content above on pages 7-11. An equity focus should be evident throughout the materials. For clarification on the video component, see the response to question 18.

Q21. Referenced Text:

Page 8-9, section 3.2 (Materials, Including Digital Tools, To Support Implementation), starting at paragraph 4, “The Entity’s Proposal should also identify and describe the applicable technical requirements and recommended configurations necessary to fully implement and utilize the digital or online Curricular and Instructional Materials and any other digital tools, including but not limited to; a. Hardware requirements; b. Operating system requirements; c. Software requirements; d. Browser-specific requirements; e. Network and security requirements; f.

Licensing models; and g. Copyright and fair use guidelines.

In addition, process and provisions regarding the automated exchange of data between the respondent and City Schools student information systems should be described. The digital or online Curricular and Instructional Materials and any other digital tools should be compatible with the systems used by City Schools.

mailto:pjgraff@bcps.k12.md.us

All online materials and other digital tools should be easily accessible via Chromebook, Windows laptop, iOS devices or generally web-based for access on any device type (platform agnostic).

Proposals should describe on-line access to materials and provide online logins and passwords for teachers and students. This access shall be sufficient for a minimum of 15 of committee members to evaluate the online material. Access shall be available until the solicitation closes.

Online materials and other digital tools should be available 24/7 and should contain reporting tools that provide data about usage and student progress (if applicable). Additionally, the tools should have an administrative dashboard or account that can be used to support staff at the local level (without them having to contact the vendor).

All online materials and other digital tools must be able to integrate with the Clever digital learning platform and ideally will allow for rostering and single sign on. As this award is made, City Schools will schedule meetings with vendors as needed to discuss the Clever integration process. In addition, digital tools shall comply with Maryland law regarding equivalent access, as specified in Section 26.0 below.

All online materials and other digital tools selected should be hosted in the cloud so protecting staff and student data privacy and security is a major consideration for all tools. Vendors must be able to provide information about how they ensure that data is secured and alignment with the data privacy and security provisions set forth in City Schools General Articles (Appendix B).

Additionally, selected tools will be part of the Student Data Privacy Consortium and/or the

Common Sense Education Privacy Education Initiative. If a selected vendor is not part of one of these organizations prior to this solicitation, they must commit to becoming a member prior to the initiation of the agreement. Additionally, all tools should support student learning differences and provide accommodations for students with disabilities and students whose first language is not

English. “

Page 27. Part III: Proposal Format, 2.0 VOLUME I: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL FORMAT, “TAB G. TECHNICAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA (technical only)”

Please confirm that the components of section 3.2, which are referenced on pages 8-9 above, should be addressed in TAB G or provide alternate guidance on what should be included in TAB

G of the technical proposal.

Q22. Part II – Section 2.0 Term of Agreement (page 14)

Please confirm City School’s acceptance that any renewals after the initial three (3) year term will be made at Entity’s then-current pricing for the applicable renewal term

Answer:

The Entity awarded a Contract pursuant to this RFP may adjust its base Contract bid prices for the two-year renewal period. Prices may not be adjusted during the initial three-year term. This permissible adjustment mechanism shall be tied to the change in the Consumer Price Index

(“CPI”). The specific procedure for calculating the adjustment and implementing the resulting price change is described as follows:

At least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the current Contract year, an Entity may submit a request to adjust the Contract prices then in effect based upon a change in the CPI as described below. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) (www.bls.gov), CPI, All Urban Consumers (Series ID: CUUR0000SA0) shall be used as the basis for a request to adjust prices.

In no event shall the price increase exceed 5% of the current Contract unit price. The adjustment shall be calculated, as a percent of the prior year annual index number increase. The percent is derived from the difference between the prior calendar year “Annual” index number as published in the BLS-CPI. The difference is expressed as a percentage of the prior calendar year prices. The

Entity must submit with the request: a copy of the proposed renewal price schedule showing the current Contract prices; the price adjustments as calculated using the BLS-CPI, All Urban

Consumers (Series ID: CUUR0000SA0); and, the proposed renewal Contract prices.

In the event the BLS discontinues the CPI Index, City Schools may consider a request from the

Entity for a price adjustment based upon the most comparable successor index to the CPI, up to, but not to exceed, 5% for any renewal period.

Any request for price adjustments requires proof (actual invoices) of the increase(s) effect on the

Entity’s costs.

Q23. Part II- Section 8.0 Payment Terms (page 16); Appendix B. City Schools General Articles –

Article 9. Audit and Document Retention (page 41)

Please confirm City Schools’ acceptance that Entity’s digital products are subscription based and billed annually in advance. Also, Entity asks City Schools to confirm that any inspections conducted on its premises are subject to the confidentiality obligations of its other customers. Is this acceptable to City Schools?

Answer: In terms of confidentiality, this is acceptable to City Schools. City Schools understands that digital products are subscription based and billed annually in advance of the commencement of the subscription.

Q24. Part II- Section 8.0 Payment Terms (page 16)

Entity is not able to accept credit card payments for amounts over $50,000. Entity will accept

ACH and EFT for all amounts. Is that acceptable to City Schools?

Answer: The Vendor will receive a Purchase Order and will be paid by our Accounts Payable office via check or ACH.

http://www.bls.gov/

Q25. Appendix A – Special Terms and Conditions for RFP’s – Section 1. General Requirements

(k) Cooperative Purchasing (page 33)

Entity’s pricing is volume-based and any agencies that will purchase products under this solicitation may receive different pricing. Can City Schools confirm understanding that other school districts may not receive the same prices as City Schools?

Answer: If Entity’s pricing is volume-based, City Schools understands that other school districts may not receive the same pricing as City Schools because such other school districts may purchase a volume of goods and/or services that is more or less than what City Schools proposes to purchase. Please note that Entity’s pricing proposal must be in accordance with the requirements of the solicitation.

Q26. Appendix A – Special Terms and Conditions for RFP’s – Section 3. Item Delivery (e)

Failure to Deliver Damages (page 35)

Entity’s products are sole-source and as such, there are no substitutions available on the open market. Should City Schools wish to terminate any resulting Contract, it would receive a pro-rata refund up to the date of termination. Is this acceptable to City Schools?

Answer: Based on the limited information provided, it is acceptable to City Schools; however, the parties would need to agree on the language in the contract related to this issue.

Q27. Appendix B – City Schools General Articles- Article 15. Data Collection and Confidential

Information, Section D. Use of Confidential Information, (2) (page 46)

Entity would like to confirm that it does use de-identified data wherein all identifiable information has been removed and obscured for product functionality and research, as allowed by

FERPA. Entity uses trusted third-party providers who have executed FERPA compliant non-disclosure agreements to assist with this research. Can City Schools confirm their consent to this use of de-identified data by Entity?

Answer: The use of de-identified data for purposes of quality control is acceptable. (We interpret

“product functionality” to mean quality control.) Regarding “research,” City Schools would need more information about the research proposal before authorizing such use of data. City Schools must review and approve of the research proposal before City Schools data is used.

Q28. Appendix B – City Schools General Articles- Article 15. Data Collection and Confidential

Information, Section H. (page 49)

Entity can confirm that upon receipt of a written request by City Schools, it will dispose of the

Confidential Information per City Schools’ direction, except that Confidential Information which may have been stored in Entity’s systems for backup disaster recovery purposes. This stored

Confidential Information will remain under the confidentiality obligations of the Contract until that which time, after a certain period of inactivity, will be deleted from Entity’s systems. Is this storage of archival Confidential Information acceptable to City Schools?

Answer: If the retention of data is necessary for such “backup disaster recovery,” the data may be retained confidentially until the retention of the data is no longer necessary. If such retention is not necessary, the data must be automatically deleted (i.e., no notice from City Schools is necessary for such deletion) within 30 days after the termination of the contract.

Q29. Per the Pre-Proposal Meeting on 1/3, will additional information about Tab G: Technical

Electronic Media be provided in an addendum?