Amendment+1.pdf

600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 201 Bismarck, ND 58505-0440

SOLICITATION AMENDMENT 1

September 18, 2025

Solicitation Number: 201-2026-2000-2 Title: Research and Evaluation of ND School Improvement Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: October 13, 2025, 11:00 AM, CST Solicitation Issued: September 5, 2025

Section One Instructions, subsection 1.04 RFP Schedule established a Deadline for Submission of Questions and Requests for Clarification. The responses, including any necessary amendments, are as follows:

1. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work Is the research and evaluation team responsible for collecting the data for the selected measure and outcomes for each school identified for ND First?

Response:

The responsibility for data collection will depend on the specific measures and outcomes identified. The state collects much of the data that will be included in the ND FIRST outcomes; however, there may be additional metrics outside of state collection that are necessary to determine the statewide effort. The primary focus of the research and evaluation team will be on synthesizing and analyzing the data in alignment with the scope of work. Roles and responsibilities for data collection should be clearly defined within the proposal to ensure clarity and accountability. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches to data collection and analysis for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

No amendment necessary

2. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work

Should the additional section of the School Renewal Guide focus on evidence-based practices for school improvement that are used successfully with PDSA cycles or evidence-based practices that support the implementation of PDSA cycles?

Response:

The information needed to complete the Spread and Scale portion of the School Renewal Guide has not been predetermined. Proposals may address evidence-based practices for school improvement that are used successfully within PDSA cycles, evidence-based practices that support the implementation of PDSA cycles, or a combination of both. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Flexibility in approach is permitted, provided the proposal clearly justifies how the selected focus will best support schools and districts. Proposals should also demonstrate clear alignment with the overall goals of the School Renewal Guide. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

3. Question: Section 3.06 Experience and Qualifications, Subsection A

RFP Section 3.06. Experience and Qualifications, Subsection A. Contractor Project Team Personnel, page 15: The link to forms and information on background checks leads to an error page (https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-criminal-history-record-check). Would North Dakota please provide an updated link?

Response:

The correct link is as follows:https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-a-criminal-history-record-check

4. Question: Section 4.03 Proposal Format

Should offerors include costs for value added options in the cost proposal?

a. If yes, how should offerors differentiate from standard costs and value-added costs?

Response:

Offerors may include costs for value-added options. Please refer to Section 7 – Cost Proposal for more details.

5. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work

Will proposals that include in-person, on-site work be given preference in the evaluation process?

Response:

The expectation for in-person, on-site work versus virtual meetings has not been predetermined. NDDPI will review and consider all proposed methodologies, including the format and frequency of meetings, as described in each proposal. Proposals should clearly outline how the chosen approach will support the intended outcomes in the most effective and cost-efficient manner. All responses will be evaluated using the rubric

6. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work

Can DPI estimate how many in-person meetings or site visits are expected per year?

This affects travel cost planning since travel must be included in the proposal.

Response:

The expectation for in-person, on-site work versus virtual meetings has not been predetermined. NDDPI will review and consider all proposed methodologies, including the format and frequency of meetings, as described in each proposal. Proposals should clearly outline how the chosen approach will support the intended outcomes in the most https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-criminal-history-record-check https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-criminal-history-record-check https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-a-criminal-history-record-check https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-a-criminal-history-record-check effective and cost-efficient manner. All responses will be evaluated using the rubric

7. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work, Subsection 3.05 Requirements, C. Contract

Term The RFP mentions an initial 10-month contract with two optional one-year renewals. Can you clarify whether continuation is contingent only on performance, or also on legislative/budgetary approval?

Response:

Continuation is always contingent on performance and legislative/budgetary approval.

For more details, refer to the contract language provided under Attachment 1, Section Three - Term of Contract and Section Four - Termination.

8. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work, A. Provide for state-level support for NDDPI

How many other research partners, state partners, and NDDPI departments do you envision the consultant collaborating with as part of the Research & Evaluation (R&E) team?

Response:

The number of research partners, state partners, and NDDPI departments with whom the consultant may collaborate has not been predetermined. The consultant is expected to work with NDUS, internal teams, and any other partners that emerge throughout the project, maintaining an amicable and collaborative relationship. When necessary to meet school needs and goals, teams should be able to share data and information to ensure alignment and support for schools and districts. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for how these relationships may be leveraged to achieve intended outcomes. The nature and extent of collaboration may vary depending on the project or identified needs, and responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the

RFP.

9. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work, A. Provide for state-level support for NDDPI

Will the consultant be responsible for defining “high-performing” schools/districts for the purpose of identifying bright spot practices, or has NDDPI already established criteria?

Response:

The criteria for defining “high-performing” schools and districts have not been predetermined. NDDPI will collaborate with the consultant to leverage established datasets and partnership agreements to define criteria and identify bright spot practices.

Proposals should clearly describe the methodology for establishing and applying these criteria effectively and cost-efficiently. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their potential to achieve the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

10. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work, E. Lead the comprehensive evaluation process at 18 and 36 months of ND FIRST Implementation.

What outcome data will be accessible to the consultant (e.g., state assessments, graduation, attendance, discipline)?

Response:

The specific outcome data to be made accessible to the consultant has not been predetermined. While the state collects much of the data that will be included in the ND FIRST outcomes (e.g., state assessments, graduation, attendance, discipline), there may be additional metrics outside of state collection that are necessary to determine the statewide effort. NDDPI plans to work collaboratively with the consultant to identify needed data sets and will utilize existing data-sharing processes and agreements, granting access as appropriate to fulfill the terms of the contract. The primary focus of the research and evaluation team will be on synthesizing and analyzing the data in alignment with the scope of work. Roles and responsibilities for data collection should be clearly defined within the proposal to ensure clarity and accountability. All data access and use will be subject to confidentiality and compliance with applicable data privacy requirements. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches to data collection and analysis for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes.

Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

11. Question: Section 3.01 Scope of Work, E. Lead the comprehensive evaluation process at 18 and 36 months of ND FIRST Implementation.

Will the contractor have direct access to longitudinal student-level data (with necessary protections), or only to aggregated school- and district-level reports?

Response:

The level of data access for the contractor has not been predetermined. NDDPI will work collaboratively with the contractor to identify the data necessary to complete the scope of work and will grant access as appropriate. Aggregated school- and district-level reports will typically be available, and in limited cases where it is essential to achieve the intended outcomes, access to longitudinal student-level data may be granted. Any student-level access will be tightly controlled and subject to all required confidentiality and data privacy protections. All access will be managed through existing data-sharing processes and agreements. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

12. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01

Has NDDPI worked with an external evaluator to evaluate ND School Improvement? If so, is that vendor eligible to bid on this RFP?

Response:

NDDPI has worked with several partners throughout the course of ND School Improvement, including local ND Regional Education Associations, Comprehensive Centers, Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs), other state agencies and entities, and external providers. The eligibility to bid on this RFP has not been predetermined by prior involvement. Any eligible vendor may register with the ND Secretary of State, submit a proposal, and no preference or disadvantage will be given to previous partners.

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided

13. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.04 Outcomes and Deliverables

What is the anticipated frequency for check-in meetings with NDDPI?

Response:

The anticipated frequency of check-in meetings with NDDPI has not been predetermined. NDDPI will review and consider all proposed methodologies, including the format and frequency of meetings, as described in each proposal. Proposals should clearly outline how the chosen approach will best support the intended outcomes in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Flexibility in approach is permitted, provided the proposal clearly justifies how the proposed model will meet the identified needs.

Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

14. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.05 Requirements

How many trips per year does NDDPI anticipate for "collaborative learning meetings and brainstorming"?

Response:

The number of trips per year for collaborative learning meetings and brainstorming has not been predetermined. NDDPI will review and consider all proposed methodologies, including the format and frequency of in-person meetings, as described in each proposal. Proposals should clearly outline how the chosen approach will best support the intended outcomes in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Flexibility in approach is permitted, provided the proposal clearly justifies how the proposed model will meet the identified needs. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

15. Question: Attachment 1, Section 8 Works for Hire

For deliverables required to be "ADA accessible – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0)," which conformance level does NDDPI prefer (e.g., A, AA, or AAA)?

Response:

As of April 2024, state & local governments must conform to WCAG 2.1 AA.

Amendment: Attachment 1, Section 8 Works for Hire Delete section in its entirety and replace with:

CONTRACTOR acknowledges that all work(s) under this Contract is "work(s) for hire" within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act (Title 17 United States Code) and hereby assigns to STATE all rights and interests CONTRACTOR may have in the work(s) it prepares under this Contract, including any right to derivative use of the work(s). All software and related materials developed by CONTRACTOR in performance of this Contract for STATE shall be the sole property of STATE, and CONTRACTOR hereby assigns and transfers all its right, title, and interest therein to STATE.

CONTRACTOR shall execute all necessary documents to enable STATE to protect STATE’s intellectual property rights under this section.

If documents are created for the State, those deliverables must be made ADA accessible – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA).

16. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Research & Evaluation (R&E) Team

Primary Responsibilities What processes does NDDPI have to establish data sharing agreements to access individual-level data across districts and participating schools?

Response:

Processes for establishing data-sharing agreements have not been predetermined.

NDDPI will utilize existing agreements and procedures as needed and will work collaboratively with the selected contractor to ensure appropriate access while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with data privacy requirements.

17. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01

Research & Evaluation (R&E) Team Primary Responsibilities How soon after the award will data be made available for analysis?

Response:

The timeline for data availability has not been predetermined. After the award, NDDPI will work with the selected contractor to identify necessary data sets and provide access as appropriate to support the scope of work.

18. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

(R&E) Team Primary Responsibilities Can all data collection be conducted virtually (e.g., online surveys, videoconference focus groups and key informant interviews)?

Response:

The method of data collection has not been predetermined. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches, including virtual options such as online surveys and videoconference interviews, provided the methodology is effective and cost-efficient in meeting the intended outcomes.

19. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

Will the selected external evaluator have access to student-level records (e.g., demographics, graduation, standardized test scores) from the NDDPI and ND school district data systems?

Response:

Access to student-level records has not been predetermined. Aggregated data will typically be available, and in cases where student-level access is essential to achieving intended outcomes, it may be granted with appropriate confidentiality and data privacy protections in place.

20. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

Will the external evaluator have access to teachers, staff, and administrators at schools participating in the ND School Improvement initiative and leadership program?

Response:

Access to teachers, staff, and administrators has not been predetermined. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches and will work collaboratively with schools and districts to facilitate engagement as appropriate to achieve the intended outcomes.

21. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

Will email addresses for families and staff be made available to the external evaluator to facilitate the administration of online surveys and scheduling interviews?

Response:

The availability of email addresses for families and staff has not been predetermined.

NDDPI will review proposed methodologies and determine what contact information may be shared, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data privacy requirements.

22. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

The RFP states that the selected vendor will "design and implementation of a developmental evaluation process for NDDPI and the statewide initiative" in Year 1, as well as the "comprehensive evaluation process at 18 and 36 months of ND FIRST implementation”. How are these activities related to and different from each other?

Response:

The relationship and distinction between the developmental evaluation in Year 1 and the comprehensive evaluation at 18 and 36 months have not been predetermined; however, NDDPI expects these activities to be related. Proposals should clearly describe how these evaluations could/should be connected, as well as how they differ in purpose, scope, and methodology. The developmental evaluation is intended to support ongoing implementation and continuous improvement, while the comprehensive evaluation is designed to assess overall outcomes and impact over time. Flexibility in the proposed evaluation design is permitted, provided the approach is clearly justified. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the

RFP.

23. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

What specific criteria does NDDPI use to identify "bright spot" practices at high-performing ND schools with similar demographics to low-performing schools?

The criteria for defining “high-performing” schools and districts have not been predetermined. NDDPI will collaborate with the consultant to leverage established datasets and partnership agreements to define criteria and identify bright spot practices.

Proposals should clearly describe the methodology for establishing and applying these criteria effectively and cost-efficiently. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their potential to achieve the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

24. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, 3.04 Outcomes and Deliverables

What specific data points or metrics are in the data packets compiled by NDDPI that will be used to review past performance and guide the Collaborative Partnership Agreement (MOU) process?

Response:

Specific data points or metrics will be shared upon award. Proposals should outline a methodology for reviewing past performance and guiding the Collaborative Partnership Agreement (MOU) process. In collaboration with NDDPI, all necessary resources and documents will be provided or created to support the contractor in completing the work as outlined in the contract. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be

25. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

What examples of the methods and tools for program evaluation are currently in use or preferred by NDDPI?

NDDPI has not predetermined the methods or tools for program evaluation that must be used. Proposals should describe the methodology the vendor intends to employ for program evaluation, including any tools or approaches considered appropriate to meet the scope of work. In collaboration with NDDPI, all necessary resources and documents will be provided or created to support the contractor in completing the evaluation as outlined in the contract. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be

26. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

What are the existing evaluation measures for the statewide system of support that NDDPI currently employs, which the selected contractor will be expected to build upon or refine?

Existing evaluation measures do not exist for the overall statewide system of support, and specific outcome data have not been predetermined. While the state collects much of the data that will be included in the ND FIRST outcomes (e.g., state assessments, graduation, attendance, discipline), there may be additional metrics outside of state collection that are necessary to determine the statewide effort. NDDPI plans to work collaboratively with the consultant to identify needed data sets and will utilize existing data-sharing processes and agreements, granting access as appropriate to fulfill the terms of the contract. The primary focus of the research and evaluation team will be on synthesizing and analyzing the data in alignment with the scope of work. Roles and responsibilities for data collection should be clearly defined within the proposal to ensure clarity and accountability. All data access and use will be subject to confidentiality and compliance with applicable data privacy requirements. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches to data collection and analysis for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided

27. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

Who are the current research partners (e.g., ND University System) with whom the contractor will coordinate and collaborate for this evaluation?

NDDPI has worked with several partners throughout the course of ND School Improvement, including local ND Regional Education Associations, Comprehensive Centers, Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs), other state agencies and entities, and external providers. The eligibility to bid on this RFP has not been predetermined by prior involvement. Any eligible vendor may register with the ND Secretary of State, submit a proposal, and no preference or disadvantage will be given to previous partners.

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided

28. Question: Section Two – Background, Subsection 2.01 Background Information

What is the estimated number of schools and districts anticipated to enter the ND FIRST process annually?

Response:

NDDPI anticipates that no more than 10 schools/districts will be identified as ND FIRST in 2025. Schools identified in November 2025 will maintain this status for the full three-year period, with no changes during that time.

29. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

What type of program data will the selected vendor have access to in evaluating NDDPI program implementation?

Response:

NDDPI has not predetermined the methods or tools for program evaluation that must be used. Proposals should describe the methodology the vendor intends to employ for program evaluation, including any tools or approaches considered appropriate to meet the scope of work. In collaboration with NDDPI, all necessary resources and documents will be provided or created to support the contractor in completing the evaluation as outlined in the contract. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Responses will be

30. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.01 Research & Evaluation

What is the expected length and format (e.g., digital, print, interactive) for the new "Spread and Scale" section of the School Renewal Guide? Is the target audience of this new section the same as the audience for the full guide?

Response:

The information needed to complete the Spread and Scale portion of the School Renewal Guide has not been predetermined. NDDPI will consider all proposed approaches for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency in achieving the intended outcomes. Flexibility in approach is permitted, provided the proposal clearly justifies how the selected focus will best support schools and districts. Proposals should also demonstrate clear alignment with the overall goals of the School Renewal Guide as it is currently written and should follow a similar format. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided within the RFP.

31. Question: Section Three – Scope of Work, Subsection 3.04 Outcomes and Deliverables

How often during the year does NDDPI expect the selected vendor to conduct ongoing evaluation measures and reporting processes, like the implementation and progress reports (separate from the annual evaluation report)?

Response:

Although the anticipated frequency of ongoing evaluation measures and reporting processes has not been predetermined, please refer to the timeline outline provided in Section 3.02, Scope of Work, in the RFP for required annual reports and reporting periods. NDDPI will review and consider all proposed methodologies as described in each proposal. Proposals should clearly outline how the chosen approach will best support the intended outcomes in an effective and cost-efficient manner. Flexibility in approach is permitted, provided the proposal clearly justifies how the proposed model will meet the identified needs. Responses will be evaluated using the rubric provided

Bidders are instructed to acknowledge receipt of and compliance with this amendment by signing below and returning the Solicitation Amendment Acknowledgement page with your solicitation response.

Questions regarding this amendment must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Officer.

Julie Crispell Procurement Officer E-mail: jcrispell@nd.gov Telephone: 701-328-2735 TTY Users call: 7-1-1

AMENDMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Solicitation Number: 201-2026-2000-2 Title: Research and Evaluation of ND School Improvement Solicitation Amendment Number: 1

By my signature below, I hereby acknowledge receipt of and compliance with this amendment.

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