Behavior Assessment Training Project RFP.pdf

State of Illinois RFP V.25.2

State of Illinois

Request for Proposal

Illinois State Board of Education

Special Education Behavior Assessment Training Project

25-586SBE-CHFED-B-46378

Section A. SCOPE OF WORK

A.1. OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to select an Offeror to serve as the project and fiscal manager for the Special Education Behavior Assessment Training Project. The project will provide professional learning for special education personnel on Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) practices, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and positive interventions and behavior supports for students across all grade levels identified as having a disability in one or more of the 13 categories as specified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In particular, districts identified with a disproportionate rate of suspension and expulsion for students with disabilities will be prioritized for receiving requested training and support on FBAs and BIPs. Additionally, the Offeror will coordinate with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to identify best practices and develop guidelines for evidence-based behavior interventions for students across all grade levels identified as having a disability in one or more of the 13 disability categories as specified in IDEA that districts can use to develop local policies and procedures.

The main objectives of the project are to reduce the number of restrictive interventions, such as suspensions and expulsions by achieving the desired outcomes of the project.

Key measures of success will be:

• Reduction in the number of restrictive interventions at districts receiving targeted supports.

• Positive participant evaluation scores after professional learning events are held.

• Increase in teacher/staff self-efficacy scores related to conducting FBAs and creating and implementing BIPs.

A.2. DESIRED OUTCOMES OF THIS PROJECT/ENGAGEMENT

The Offeror is expected to:

• Develop and coordinate annual regional trainings (including face-to-face/virtual workshops) on conducting FBAs and writing BIPs for diverse groups of students with disabilities;

• Develop monthly webinars, regional professional learning events in person or virtually, and resources that address evidence-based practices and current issues related to FBAs and BIPs;

• Provide tiered professional development and technical assistance to districts identified with a disproportionate rate of suspension and expulsion for students with disabilities and districts and cooperatives requesting assistance related to FBAs, BIPs, and positive interventions and behavior supports;

• Develop and implement a systematic communication plan with approval by ISBE to disseminate information about evidence-based practices for FBAs and BIPs, including evidence-based behavioral interventions for a range of disabilities, that is focused on challenging behaviors. Challenging behavior refers to any serious and repeated pattern of behavior, or perception of behavior, that interferes with a child's ability to engage in developmentally appropriate self-regulation, and cognitive and prosocial engagement with peers and/or adults.

• Coordinate with ISBE to identify best practices and develop guidelines for evidence-based behavioral interventions to be utilized in the development of district policies related to behavior for students with disabilities;

• Provide quarterly progress reports to the Agency.

A.3. SCHEDULE

Below is an estimated timeline of the procurement process:

Bid Posted – April 2025

Bid Opening – May 2025

Evaluation – May 2025

Award – June 2025

Execution – June 2025

A.4. TERM

A.4.1. TERM OF THIS CONTRACT: The contract resulting from this procurement will have an initial term commencing upon July 1, 2025, or the last dated signature of the Parties and ending on June 30, 2028. In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions, exceed 10 years. Offeror shall not commence billable work in furtherance of the contract prior to final execution of the contract except when permitted pursuant to 30 ILCS 500/20-80.

A.4.2. RENEWAL: Subject to the maximum total term identified above, the State has the option to renew for the following term(s): N/A

A.4.2.1. Any renewal of the resulting contract is subject to the same terms and conditions that apply to the initial term of the contract unless otherwise provided. The State may renew the contract for any or all of the option periods specified, may exercise any of the renewal options early, and may exercise more than one option at a time based on continuing need and favorable market conditions, when in the best interest of the State. The contract may neither renew automatically nor renew solely at the Offeror's option.

Section B. CURRENT CONDITIONS

B.1. OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND

The project started at the end of FY 2022 and continued through FY 2024. It focused on developing monthly webinars and learning modules and providing annual regional workshops. After the regional workshops were held in FY 2024, participants began reaching out and requesting training for their staff. The project was renewed for an additional year (FY 2025). It was restructured during FY 2025, and regional staff were hired to provide training and develop content. The number of trainings provided online and in-person significantly increased due to this restructuring. ISBE is looking for an

Offeror that can meet the increasing demand for training and high-quality resource development and that can systematically communicate and disseminate content.

B.2. VOLUMES & QUANTITIES

ISBE continues to monitor Indicator 4 data and predicts an increase in the number of districts needing or requesting assistance due to three-year trend data reports in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will need to address hiring regional staff to directly support identified districts, adjusting needs based on data analysis in coordination with ISBE staff. These specialists provide professional development at the district and regional levels, in addition to developing specific training. Currently, support is provided at a foundational level, addressing high-quality, evidence-based practices at a building level. The project staff will need to move toward specifying building-level needs at a targeted to intensive level. Examples of this would include, but not be limited to, data analysis of student referrals with district personnel to personalize teacher professional development and developing student group specific plans through review of

FBAs/BIPs.

B.3. AREAS OF CONCERN/CHALLENGES

The project would benefit from an Offeror with clear communication skills and an ability to explain the benefits of support to districts that will be served. Timely communication procedures and plans need to be established, along with consistent implementation of the communication plan, to disseminate information (e.g., use of social media, web presence) about resources and activities available from the project. The project is primarily supporting districts with foundational support. There has been difficulty with engaging and maintaining support with districts in need of targeted and intensive support. The project would benefit from an Offeror that can establish and maintain working relationships with districts needing support as well as be able to identify needs.

In addition, the Offeror must be able to collect, analyze, and use data to make programming decisions to demonstrate project impact.

B.4. STRENGTHS

The project restructuring has been beneficial as regional specialists are able to make more connections with districts. The number of trainings has significantly increased. The specialists also bring content expertise, and the project has benefitted from cross-training. There is a library of high-quality recorded webinars and learning modules already developed. These can be accessed on-demand for professional development credit. There are also high-quality presentations and resources already developed for use.

Section C. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Only Electronic Submissions through BidBuy of Offers will be Accepted

C.1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT

The Offeror shall submit the listed documents in BidBuy under the Attachments tab in the appropriate “Required Attachments” spaces.

• Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure

• Offer to State (Including Subcontractor Disclosure and Where Services are to be

Performed, found in BidBuy Attachments.)

• Technical response

• Offer to the State of Illinois

• Commitment to Diversity

• BEP Utilization Plan

• VBP Utilization Plan

Blank documents may be found on the Chief Procurement Officer for General Service’s website at https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html and on the BidBuy posting under “File Attachments:”. Business Enterprise Program/Veterans Small Business Program

Utilization Plan may be downloaded from the Commission on Equity and Inclusion’s website at https://cei.illinois.gov/purchasing-entity-resources/compliance.html.

Failure to submit Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, as applicable, and the Utilization Plan(s), as applicable, with the Offer submitted in BidBuy shall render the Offer non-responsive.

Offerors are required to submit their response to the State’s solicitation through BidBuy. Any information sent to the State outside of BidBuy (e.g., by U.S. Mail, FedEx, UPS, email, or hand-delivery) will neither be accepted nor considered. Offeror submissions will only be considered if they are received through BidBuy and on or before the time and date indicated as the “Bid

Opening Date” on the BidBuy posting. Any required attachments must be submitted via BidBuy.

https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html https://cei.illinois.gov/purchasing-entity-resources/compliance.html

Price entries on the Items tab will be locked automatically upon submission of the quote.

E n t e r i n g c o s t , p r i c i n g o r d i s c o u n t i n f o r m a t i o n i n t h e A l t e r n a t e D e s c r i p t i o n m a y r e s u l t i n d i s q u a l i f i c a t i o n . If the Agency requires pricing to be submitted in an attachment, Offeror shall upload pricing under the “Required Documents” section on the Attachments tab and check the box “Does the attachment contain any pricing, cost or discount information?”. Failure to check this box allows your pricing to be viewed when Bids are opened and will result in disqualification of your Offer. NOTE: Do not check “Does the attachment contain any pricing, cost or discount information” if the attachment does NOT include pricing, cost, or discount information.

Documents shall be submitted in an electronic format that is accessible and readable using

Microsoft Office suite software or Adobe Reader. Corrupted files shall not be considered. It is the

Offeror’s responsibility to check that files are accessible and legible after uploading.

The Offeror is solely responsible for ensuring timely submission of their electronic solicitation response. Failure to allow adequate time prior to the Bid Opening Date to complete and submit a response to a solicitation, particularly in the event technical support assistance from the State is required, places the Offeror and their Offer or response at risk of not being accepted.

The State encourages the Offeror to ensure that its BidBuy account is up to date. It is recommended that you access your BidBuy account prior to the solicitation due date and time to make sure that your company’s information is up to date and your password is current. Files may be uploaded at any time prior to submission.

File size may impact the uploading and downloading speed and may lead to browser time-outs, resulting in failed upload/download attempts. Please consider this dependency when attaching very large documents.

OFFEROR INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT IN BIDBUY

Create Quote:

General Tab : Save and Continue

Items Tab Follow instructions in the Pricing section of the solicitation document as to whether pricing will be entered in the Unit Cost of the Items Tab or submitted as a separate pricing document in the Attachments Tab.

Note: Any pricing entered in the Unit Cost of the Items Tab will be locked until after Technical Evaluations take place. Do not enter cost, pricing, or any discount information in the Alternate Description field. Entering cost, pricing, or discount information in the Alternate Description field may result in disqualification.

Terms and Conditions Tab

: Select “Yes,” “No,” or “Yes with Exceptions.”

Note: If taking any exceptions to Standard Terms and Conditions an Offeror must submit a redline version of the Standard Terms and Conditions with their proposal.

Attachments Tab For each required quote attachment listed:

: “Upload” (next to each required attachment) : “Choose File” Note: If a pricing document is required, mark the box next to the question, “Does this attachment contain any pricing, cost, or discount information?”

Failure to mark this box when attaching a pricing document will result in disqualification.

Check this box ONLY if a separate pricing document is required.

Do NOT check this box for any other required quote attachment, such as the Technical Proposal, Vendor Disclosure / IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, Utilization Plan(s), or Offer.

Summary Tab : “Submit Quote”

Offerors may also view the “Request for Proposal (RFP) Offeror Submission Instructions” video found at https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/Offerer-resources.html.

C.2. DUE DATE AND TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

Each solicitation contains the Offer due date and time, appearing as the “Bid Opening

Date:” on the BidBuy posting. The Offeror shall submit Offers in BidBuy, and the State shall open Offers electronically in BidBuy on the “Bid Opening Date.” The Offer must remain firm for 180 days from opening.

C.3. CONFLICT BETWEEN INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS AND ON BIDBUY

If the State provides information in electronic documents (i.e., the RFP and other attachments) that is different or in conflict with the information the State provides on

BidBuy, then the information in electronic documents is presumed to represent the

State’s intent. If the Offeror provides information in electronic documents that is different or in conflict with the information the Offeror provides in BidBuy through their

Seller Account, then the information in electronic documents shall represent the

Offeror’s intended submission.

C.4. PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/vendor-resources.html

The State publishes procurement information, including solicitations, awards, and amendments, on the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services’ Illinois

Procurement Bulletin, known as the Bulletin or BidBuy

(https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/). Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Offeror is responsible for monitoring BidBuy. The State will not be held responsible if Offeror fails to receive the optional e-mail notice of future amendments to the solicitation.

C.5. INFORMATION CONTACT

The individual listed in the “Info Contact:” field on the BidBuy posting shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Offeror should only communicate with the Information Contact. The State/Agency shall not be held responsible for information provided by or to any other person.

Suspected errors should be immediately reported to the Information Contact. Do not discuss, directly or indirectly, the solicitation or any Offer with any State officer or employee other than the Information Contact.

C.6. OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE

All questions, other than questions raised at the Pre-Submission Conference, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than

May 14, 2025. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as a Bid

Amendment to the original solicitation on BidBuy; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on the State. Offeror is responsible for monitoring BidBuy and BidBuy email notifications.

C.7. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

In the Bulletin posting, if “Yes” is shown to the question “Is this a Small Business Set-

Aside Procurement?”, then Offeror must be registered by the Illinois Small Business Set-

Aside Program at the time Offers are due for the Offer to be evaluated. For requirements on qualifying Offeror’s business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program, please go to the Chief Procurement Office for General Service’s website at https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/sell-2-illinois.html .

C.8. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN

The BidBuy posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. If this solicitation contains a goal, then failure to complete and submit a Utilization Plan, including documentation demonstrating good faith efforts when requesting a waiver, https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/ https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/sell-2-illinois.html https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/sell-2-illinois.html shall render the Offer non-responsive. 30 ILCS 575/4(e). All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Information Contact indicated in BidBuy no later than May 14, 2025. See the Utilization Plan for NIGP codes used to establish this goal.

BEP Goal: 13.6%

Go to https://cei.illinois.gov/Offerer-resources/get-bep-certified.html for complete requirements for BEP certification. Go to State of Illinois Commission on Equity and

Inclusion at https://supplierdiversitymanagementportal.illinois.gov/home.aspx to search for certified BEP Offerors.

C.9. VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN

The BidBuy posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by military veterans. If this solicitation contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan as instructed later in this solicitation may render the Offer non-responsive. All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Information Contact indicated in BidBuy no later than May 14, 202.

See the Utilization Plan for NIGP codes used to establish this goal.

VBP Goal: 1%

Go to https://cei.illinois.gov/programs0/veterans-business-program.html for complete requirements for Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran

Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. Go to State of Illinois Commission on

Equity and Inclusion at https://supplierdiversitymanagementportal.illinois.gov/home.aspx to search for certified

VOSB and SDVOSB Offerors.

C.10. SECURITY

Bid/Performance Bond: $ N/A. If a bond is required, Offeror must submit the Bid Bond with your Offer or Performance Bond to the Information Contact within ten (10) days after contract execution. The bond must be from a surety licensed to do business in

Illinois. An irrevocable letter of credit is an acceptable substitute. The form of security must be acceptable to the State.

C.11. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Standard Terms and Conditions will become a part of any resulting contract. To view the

Standard Terms and Conditions, please go to https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html.

https://cei.illinois.gov/vendor-resources/get-bep-certified.html https://supplierdiversitymanagementportal.illinois.gov/home.aspx https://cei.illinois.gov/programs0/veterans-business-program.html https://supplierdiversitymanagementportal.illinois.gov/home.aspx https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html

Section D. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

D.1. EVALUATION PROCESS

The State assesses each Offer for Responsibility (E.10) and Responsiveness. The State considers the information provided and the quality of that information when assessing

Offers. If the State finds a failure or deficiency, the State may reject the Offer or reflect the failure or deficiency in the assessment.

There are three scored parts to each proposal – technical, commitment to diversity, and pricing. Each part of the proposal is evaluated and ranked independently of the other parts of the proposal. The results of the evaluation of all three parts shall be used in ranking the proposals.

The State may award to the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the specified criteria.

D.2. RESPONSIVENESS

A responsive Offeror is one who submits an Offer that conforms in all material respects to the Request for Proposal and includes all required forms.

D.2.1. The State will determine whether the Offeror complied with the instructions for submitting Offers. Except for late submissions and other requirements that by law must be part of the submission, the State may require that an Offeror correct deficiency as a condition of further evaluation.

D.2.2. Subcontractor Disclosure: If the Offer includes any subcontractors, then Offeror shall complete the Subcontractor Disclosure section of the Offer to the State of

Illinois.

D.2.3. If completing IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, then Responsiveness may include and may not be limited to:

• Active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date.

• Certifications timely to this solicitation.

• Disclosure of lobbyists for Offeror and parent entity(ies).

• Disclosure of pending and current contracts.

D.2.4. If completing Vendor Disclosure, required parts may include and may not be limited to:

• Business and Directory Information: Offeror should complete and return the

Business and Directory Information form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 1.

• Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Public Contracts Number:

Offeror shall complete and return the IDHR Public Contracts Number form in

Vendor Disclosure, Part 2.

• Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois: A person (other than an individual acting as a sole proprietor) must be a duly constituted legal entity prior to submitting an Offer and authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in Illinois prior to execution of the contract. For more information, see Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois in Vendor Disclosure, Part 3.

• Standard Illinois Certifications: Offeror shall complete and return the

Standard Illinois Certifications form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 4.

• State Board of Elections Registration: Offeror may be prohibited from making political contributions and be required to register with the State Board of

Elections. For more information, see State Board of Elections in Vendor

Disclosure, Part 5.

• Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran: Offeror should complete and return the Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran form in Vendor

Disclosure, Part 6.

• Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest: Offeror shall complete and return the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest form in Vendor

Disclosure, Part 7.

• Taxpayer Identification Number: Offeror should complete and return the

Taxpayer Identification form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 8.

D.2.5. The State will determine whether the Offer meets the stated Technical

Requirements. Minor differences or deviations that have negligible impact on the

Price or suitability of the supply or service to meet the State’s needs may be accepted or corrections allowed. If no Offeror meets a particular Technical

Requirement, the State may waive that requirement.

D.2.6. When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered with proof that the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality, performance, and desired characteristics.

D.3. EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

The Technical Requirements are described in Sections F.2. and F.3. The State evaluates the Technical Requirements without consideration of Price.

D.3.1. Total Number of Points Available for Technical Requirements is: 400.

D.3.2. Offeror shall complete and return F.3.

D.3.3. Relative Weight in Point Format

Technical Requirements Points Available

Mandatory Requirements with Evidence 0 -- All must be met and are evaluated as pass or fail.

Offeror’s Qualifications 200

Offeror’s Proposed Technical Solution 200

D.4. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY ELEMENTS

Sections 20-15 and 35-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/) require Offerors to be evaluated on their Commitment to Diversity. The points available for Commitment to Diversity are described in Section F.4. and are equivalent to 20% of the Technical

Requirements points. The State evaluates Commitment to Diversity without consideration of Price.

D.4.1. The total number of points for Commitment to Diversity is 80.

D.4.2. Offeror shall complete and return Section F.4 Commitment to Diversity.

D.4.3. Commitment to Diversity Categories: The percentages at the end of each section reflect the weighted distribution of points available identified in

D.4.1.

Commitment to Diversity Categories

Category 1: BEP Compliance – Whether or how well the Offeror meets this solicitation’s goal of contracting or subcontracting with businesses owned by women, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities. 5%

Category 2: Subcontracting/Contracting with Any WMD Businesses (not limited to BEP Offerors) – Whether the Offeror assisted businesses owned by women, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities. 10%

Category 3: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Spend – Offeror’s percentage of business, education, and/or community spend from prior calendar year gross revenue that involves businesses owned by women, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities. The assisted businesses are not required to be certified in the

Illinois Business Enterprise Program. 20%

Category 4: DEI Time – Offeror’s hours spent in the prior calendar year on promoting DEI in the workplace;

the community; education institutes; or supporting businesses owned by women, minorities, and/or persons with disabilities. The assisted business is not required to be certified in the Illinois Business Enterprise

Program. The success or failure of each event does not impact the points achieved. The event may be voluntary or paid time. 20%

Category 5: DEI Policies – Entity has provided a written copy of, or link to, its current written workforce DEI policy. Policies must be actionable plans, not overarching concepts pertaining to DEI. 10%

Category 6: Diversity in Staffing – Percentage of individuals on governing board and/or senior executives out of all staff who identify as women, minorities, and/or person with disabilities. 10%

Percentage of individuals in management /supervisor positions out of all staff who identify as women, minorities, and/or person with disabilities. 13%

Percentage of total staff who identify as women, minorities, and/or person with disabilities. 12%

D.5. PRICE

The State opens Price proposals after evaluating all Technical and Commitment to

Diversity proposals.

If the State does not consider the Price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable Price, the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State determines whether the

Price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all Price proposals submitted, other known

Prices, the project budget, and other relevant factors.

D.5.1. The total number of points for Price is 96.

D.5.2. The State will determine Price points using the following formula:

Maximum Price Points X (Lowest Price/Offeror’s Price) = Total Price

Points

D.6. MAXIMUM AVAILABLE POINTS

The maximum number of points is 400 (Technical) + 80 (Commitment to Diversity) + 96

(Price) = 576 maximum available points.

Section E. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

E.1. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM

Illinois law and rules govern this solicitation and any resulting contract. Offeror must bring any action relating to this solicitation or any resulting contract in the appropriate court in Illinois. This document contains statutory references designated with “ILCS.”

To view the full text, go to http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp. The Illinois

Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and the Standard Procurement Rules (44 Ill. Adm.

Code Part 1) are applicable to this solicitation. To view them respectively, go to http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7) and https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html.

E.2. PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7)%20%20 https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html

Offers become the property of the State. All Offers will be open to the public under the

Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Offeror requests in their Offer that the State treats certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The State will not honor requests to keep entire Offers confidential. Offerors must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the State will disclose the successful

Offeror’s name, the substance of the Offer, and the Price.

If Offeror requests confidential treatment, Offeror must submit additional copy/copies

(see Instructions for Submission of Offers in Section C.) of the Offer with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must tell the general nature of the material removed and shall retain as much of the Offer as possible. In a separate attachment, Offeror shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis or bases under

Illinois law, including a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure.

Offeror will hold harmless and indemnify the State for all costs or damages associated with the State defending Offeror’s request for confidential treatment. Offeror agrees that the State may copy the Offer to facilitate evaluation, or to respond to requests for public records. Offeror warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.

E.3. MINORITY CONTRACTOR INITIATIVE

The State requires a fee of $15 to cover expenses related to the administration of the

Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Any Offeror awarded a contract of $1,000 or more under Section 20-10, 20-15, 20-25 or 20-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30

ILCS 500) is required to pay a fee of $15. The Comptroller shall deduct the fee from the first check issued to the Offeror under the contract and deposit the fee in the

Comptroller’s Administrative Fund (15 ILCS 405/23.9).

E.4. FEDERAL FUNDS

The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds. Upon notice of intent to award, the percentage of supplies and/or services involved that are

Federally funded and the dollar amount of such Federal funds will be disclosed.

E.5. EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT

Offerors who hire qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders may be eligible for tax credits (30 ILCS 500/45-67 and 45-70). Please contact the Illinois Department of

Revenue at 217-524-4772 for information about tax credits (35 ILCS 5/216, 5/217).

E.6. RESERVATIONS

Offeror must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Offer and all activities to ensure compliance. The State reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all Offers, award by item/services, group of items/services, or grand total, and waive minor defects. The State may request a clarification; inspect Offeror’s premises;

interview staff; request a presentation; or otherwise verify the contents of the Offer, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. The State may request Best and Final Offers when appropriate. The State will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, and terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the State and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code, rules, and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that Offeror provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with the

State. If an Offeror does not comply with requests for information and cooperate, the

State may reject the Offer as non-responsive to the solicitation. Submitting an Offer does not entitle Offeror to an award or a contract. Posting a Offeror's name in a Bulletin notice does not entitle the Offeror to a contract. The State is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any Offer.

Awarded Offeror(s) shall not commence and will not be paid for any billable work undertaken prior to the date all parties execute the contract, unless approved in writing in advance by the State Purchasing Officer or the Chief Procurement Officer (or designee).

E.7. AWARD

The State is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. If the State issues an award, the award will be made to the responsive and responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the specified criteria unless otherwise permitted by the Illinois

Procurement Code and Illinois Administrative Code. However, if the State does not consider the Price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable

Price, then the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State will determine whether the Price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all Prices submitted, other known Prices, the project budget, and other relevant factors. The State will post a notice to the Bulletin identifying the apparent most responsive and responsible Offeror.

E.8. INVOICING ADDRESS

The awarded Offeror shall invoice at the completion of the contract unless invoicing is tied in the contract to milestones, deliverables, or other invoicing requirements agreed to in the contract. The Bulletin posting contains the “Bill-to Address:” where invoices should be sent.

Offeror shall not bill for any taxes unless accompanied by proof that the State is subject to the tax. If necessary, Offeror may request the applicable Agency’s Illinois tax exemption number and Federal tax exemption information.

E.9. PROTEST REVIEW OFFICE

Offeror may submit a written protest to the Protest Review Office following the requirements of the Standard Procurement Rules (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.5550). For protests related to specifications, the Protest Review Office must physically receive the protest no later than 14 days after the solicitation or related addendum was posted to the Bulletin.

For protests related to rejection of individual proposals or awards, the protest must be received by close of business no later than 14 days after the protesting party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Protest Review Office’s information is as follows:

Chief Procurement Office

Attn: Protest Review Office

Email: cpogs.pro@illinois.gov

E.10. RESPONSIBILITY

A “responsible” Offeror is one who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and who has the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. The State determines whether the Offeror is a responsible Offeror, one with whom the State can or should do business. For example, the State may consider the following:

E.10.1. A “prohibited” bidder includes any person assisting an employee of the

State of Illinois by reviewing, drafting, directing, or preparing any

Invitation for Bids, a Request for Proposal, or Request of Information, or providing similar assistance unless such assistance was part of a publicly issued opportunity to review drafts of all or part of these documents. For purposes of this section, an employee of the State of Illinois means one who, by the nature of his or her duties, has the authority to participate personally and substantially in the decision to award a State contract. No person or business shall submit specifications to a State Agency unless requested to do so by an employee of the State. No person or business that contracts with a State Agency to write specifications for a particular procurement need shall submit a Bid or proposal or receive a contract for that procurement need.

Nothing herein is intended to prohibit an Offeror from bidding or offering to supply developing technology, supplies, or services after providing the

State with a demonstration of the developing technology, supplies, or mailto:cpogs.pro@illinois.gov services, provided the subject of the demonstration to the State represents industry trends and innovation and is not specifically designed to meet the State's needs. Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a person or business from submitting a Bid or Offer or entering into a contract if the person or business (i) initiates a communication with an employee to provide general information about products, services, or industry best practices and, if applicable, that communication is documented in accordance with Section 50-39 of the Illinois Procurement

Code or (ii) responds to a communication initiated by an employee of the

State for the purposes of providing information to evaluate new products, trends, services, or technologies.

E.10.2. Other factors that the State may use to evaluate to determine

Responsibility include, but are not limited to, political contributions, certifications, conflict of interest, financial disclosures, taxpayer identification number, past performance in business or industry, references (including those found outside the Offer), compliance with applicable laws, financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal opportunity compliance, payment of prevailing wages if required by law, capacity to produce or sources of supply, and the ability to provide required maintenance service or other matters relating to the Offeror’s ability to deliver in the quality and quantity within the time and Price as specified in this solicitation.

E.10.3. Awarded Offerors must always have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the contract and must provide proof upon request. The State may require a performance bond if, in the opinion of the State, it ensures performance of the contract.

The State may terminate the contract, consistent with the termination for cause provision of the contract, if the Offeror lacks the financial resources to perform under the contract.

E.10.4. The State may require that an Offeror correct any deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

E.11. BidBuy Terminology and Guidance: BidBuy is an online e-procurement system. There may be some difference between the procurement terminology used in this solicitation and the terms used in BidBuy. Please learn more about BidBuy by accessing the online resources found at https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/Guides-and-Manuals.aspx.

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/Guides-and-Manuals.aspx

Section F. PROPOSAL FORMS

Offeror must complete and return:

• The following three tables include Contract Requirements (Section F.1), Technical Requirements: Mandatory Requirements with Evidence (Section F.2) and Proposed Technical Solution (Section F.3).

• Commitment to Diversity (Section F.4).

• Offer to the State of Illinois.

• Please read and follow each instruction carefully.

F.1. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Please read each contract requirement carefully in F.1. These contract requirements shall be included in any contract resulting from this solicitation.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Develop and coordinate annual regional training (including face-to-face and/or virtual workshops) on conducting FBAs and writing BIPs for diverse groups of students with disabilities.

Develop monthly webinars, regional professional learning events in person or virtually, and resources that address, evidence-based practices and current issues related to FBAs and BIPs.

Provide tiered professional development and technical assistance to districts identified with a disproportionate rate of suspension and expulsion for students with disabilities and districts and cooperatives requesting assistance related to FBAs, BIPs, and positive interventions and behavior supports.

Develop and implement a systematic communication plan with approval by ISBE to disseminate information about evidence-based practices for FBAs and BIPs, including evidence-based behavioral interventions, for a range of disabilities that is focused on challenging behaviors.

Coordinate with ISBE to identify best practices and develop guidelines for evidence-based behavioral interventions to be utilized in the development of district policies related to behavior for students with disabilities.

Provide quarterly progress reports to the Agency.

The lead special education trainer shall possess a college or university degree, preferably a master's degree or higher, in special education, educational administration, school service personnel (e.g., school psychologist, school social work), or other related field (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analyst), and have at least two years of experience in an Illinois public school, college, or university. This person must have a minimum of two years of experience providing professional development to adult learners on conducting thorough FBAs and implementing evidence-based BIPs for students across all grade levels who are identified as having a disability. The lead special education trainer shall possess experience in the development/publication and dissemination of information related to implementing evidence-based behavior interventions for a range of disabilities and grade levels.

Develop and coordinate annual regional training (including face-to-face/virtual workshops) on conducting FBAs and writing BIPs for diverse groups of students with disabilities.

Develop monthly webinars, regional professional learning events in person or virtually, and resources that address evidence-based practices and current issues related to FBAs and BIPs.

Provide tiered professional development and technical assistance to districts identified with a disproportionate rate of suspension and expulsion for students with disabilities and districts and cooperatives requesting assistance related to FBAs, BIPs, and positive interventions and behavior supports.

Develop and implement a systematic communication plan with approval by ISBE to disseminate information about evidence-based practices for FBAs and BIPs, including evidence-based behavioral interventions for a range of disabilities and focused on challenging behaviors.

Coordinate with ISBE to identify best practices and develop guidelines for evidence-based behavioral interventions to be utilized in the development of district policies related to behavior for students with disabilities.

Provide quarterly progress reports to the Agency.

By submitting an Offer to this solicitation, the Offeror agrees that will meet the contract requirements in Section F.1.

F.2. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS WITH EVIDENCE

Please check “Met” to each of the mandatory requirements for the proposed solution. An

Offeror that does not provide substantiating evidence for each requirement will be disqualified and the rest of the proposal will not be scored.

These Mandatory Requirements shall be included in any contract resulting from this solicitation.

Please provide substantiating evidence in your Proposed Technical Solution. Use the column on the right to indicate the section and page number where your evidence/response to each item may be found. The State will evaluate Offeror’s evidence/response to verify the mandatory requirement is met.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS WITH EVIDENCE Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.2.1. Offerors shall possess two or more years of experience in providing professional development on FBAs and BIPs that addresses the needs of diverse groups of students across all grade levels who are identified as having a disability as specified in IDEA. This PD will be provided on a large scale, such as at a regional, State, or national level or at a college or university level, for a broad population of participants. Offerors shall provide the qualifications of the staff who will be part of the professional development/training team that at a minimum includes a lead special education trainer and a lead database specialist to maintain records of professional development/training participants and tracking necessary data for quarterly reports to be submitted to ISBE. ISBE recognizes that additional staff may be necessary to fulfill the contract.

Met ☐

Not Met☐

F.2.2. The lead special education trainer shall possess a college or university degree, preferably a master's degree or higher, in special education, educational administration, school service personnel (e.g., school psychologist, school social work) or other related field (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analyst), and have at least two years of experience in an Illinois public school, college, or university. This person must have a minimum of two years of experience providing professional development to adult learners on conducting thorough FBAs and implementing evidence based BIPs for students across all grade levels who are identified as having a disability as specified in IDEA. The lead special education trainer shall possess experience in the development/publication and dissemination of information related to implementing evidence-based behavior interventions for a range of disabilities and grade levels.

F.2.3 The lead database specialist must have experience in and possess the skills needed to electronically capture, store, and securely maintain the information of professional development participants and to complete quarterly reports that will be submitted to ISBE. Evidence of these experiences and skills should be submitted in the form of two projects completed.

F.3. PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE ELEMENTS

Please explain how your organization meets or will meet each of the desirable elements.

Use the column on the right to indicate the section and page number of your proposal where your response to each item may be found.

Offeror’s Qualifications Point Value Proposal Section and

F.3.1. The Offeror demonstrates the capacity of the organization to complete the project. The Offeror should give information on the purpose and history of their organization and provide evidence of experience with similar large-scale projects, such as at a regional, State, or national level or at a college or university level. Evidence of experience should be shared by providing examples of planning documentation for recent projects and summary of feedback from participants. The summary may be a written document, or an example of data gathered from projects.

F.3.2. The Offeror demonstrates qualifications and experience through evidence of a minimum of two years of experience providing professional development/learning on FBAs and BIPs. This evidence addresses the behavioral needs of students across all grade levels in a broad population of participants who are identified as having a disability in one or more categories specified in IDEA. The Offeror demonstrates experience in the development/publication and dissemination of information regarding evidence-based behavior interventions for a range of disabilities and grade levels by providing one example of recent work shared in the form of an excerpt from a publication and/or presentation.

F.3.3. The Offeror provides two examples of their ability related to providing professional learning pertaining to procedures for the referral, reevaluation, identification of disabilities, and eligibility for special education and related services;

development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including present levels of achievement and functional performance, goals and objectives, supplementary aids, accommodations and modifications, postsecondary transition plan, BIP, and educational services and placement; procedural safeguards, including dispute resolution options;

commonly used special education vocabulary, including acronyms that may be used by special education personnel during IEP meetings; and qualifications to conduct examinations of proficiency in knowledge of special education terminology and processes.

F.3.4. The Offeror provides evidence of qualifications and experience to maintain an established system for registration for professional development/training and tracking necessary data for quarterly reports to be shared with ISBE.

F.3.5. The Offeror demonstrates a staff structure and job descriptions of each proposed position, including full-time equivalents, needed to complete the work.

Resume should be included for each proposed staff member.

Offeror’s Proposed Technical Solution Point Value Proposal Section and

F.3.6 Provide a framework and timeline for addressing professional development/training.

F.3.7 Describe how the Offeror will produce guidance information to be shared across the State.

F.3.8 Provide a work plan that delineates key tasks for each objective. Key tasks should include the proposed activities (project actions) and timelines linked to the stated objectives and key tasks in Section D.2.1.

F.3.9 Describe the proposed plan for professional learning and technical assistance.

F.3.10 Provide a work plan that includes procedures for meeting the evaluation requirements, including a means to determine that stated objectives and activities are accomplished during project implementation.