Final_RFP_540_2700000005_1_SO_FORM.PDF

Document ID: RFP 540 2700000005 Page: 1

Commonwealth of Kentucky

SOLICITATION

Modification: No Version #:

TITLE: Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid

Date Issued:

07/27/2026 Record Date:

07/22/2026

Solicitation Closes Date:

08/27/2026 Time:

16:00

Solicitation No:

RFP 540 2700000005

Online Bidding Prohibited: No

For Information Call:

Raven Miller 502-564-1979

Bid Receiving Location:

Bid Receiving

See Terms & Conditions for Bid Submission Instructions

Other KY

Vendor Customer Number:

Vendor Name:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

Email Address:

Ordering

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Payment

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Ownership Type

__ Sole Proprietorship __ Partnership __ Corporation __ Other_________________________

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED AGENT IS REQUIRED UNLESS RESPONSE

IS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. FAILURE TO SIGN SHALL RENDER

THE BID INVALID.

Signature X_________________________________________ FEIN#____________________ Date____________

All offers subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

Document ID: RFP 540 2700000005 Page: 2

Line Items

Commodity Group: Default

Line CL Description Quantity UOM Unit Cost Line Total or Contract Amnt

1 Read to Succeed Family Resource

Comm Code Comm Description Manufacturer Model # Manuf Part #

78587 Resource Books and Materials (Not Otherwise Classified)

Extended Description The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is committed to improving early literacy outcomes by strengthening the partnership between schools and families. As part of Kentucky's implementation of the Read to Succeed Act, KDE seeks to procure a vendor to design, produce, package, and distribute a comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution aligned with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, and Kentucky's evidence-based early literacy strategies.

Shipping Information KDE - Division of Financial Managment

300 Sower Blvd, 5th Floor, CSW

Frankfort KY 40601

Billing Information KDE - Division of Financial Managment

300 Sower Blvd, 5th Floor, CSW

Frankfort KY 40601

Document ID: RFP 540 2700000005 Page: 3

Submission Checklist

The following items will be required to be submitted with bid:

Item Alignment with Purpose, Science of Reading, and Kentucky Reads to Succeed Quality and Depth of Instructional Content Quality and Quantity of Physical Decodable and Knowledge Building Books Quality, Durability, and Instructional Alignment of Manipulatives Completeness and Coherence of the Family Literacy Kit Family Accessibility and Ease of Use Statewide Implementation and Distribution Plan Proposed Cost - Attachment A Oral Demonstration/Presentation Evaluation, if required

Revised April 2026

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

The vendor MUST include the following with the proposal submission.

If the items highlighted below are not submitted with the proposal submission, the Commonwealth MUST deem the proposal non-responsive and SHALL NOT consider for award.

All other items MUST be submitted prior to award.

_____ SIGNED AND COMPLETED SOLICITATION –Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

(not required if submitting electronically)

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (TECHNICAL) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY

CLOSING DATE --Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (COST) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY CLOSING

DATE -- Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ TRANSMITTAL LETTER – Section 8.20 of this RFP

_____ PROOF OF REGISTRATION WITH SECRETARY OF STATE BY A FOREIGN

ENTITY -- Section 8.00 of the Personal Service Contract Terms and Conditions of this

RFP

_____ REQUIRED AFFIDAVIT(S) – Section 8.20 of this RFP

*The Commonwealth defines SEALED as “a closure that must be broken to be opened and that thus reveals tampering” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/seal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

Kentucky Department of Education Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid

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2700000005 Final Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid Total Pages: 34 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal

RFP 540 2700000005

This is a Re-Solicitation of RFP 540 2600000225 which closed on March 2, 2026 and was not awarded. Because an award was not made, documents requested via an Open Records Request will not be released. At such time an award is made as a result of the new RFP, an Open Records Request may be filed, and documents requested for the original RFP as well as for the new RFP may be released in accordance with KRS 61.870 to 61.884.

This document constitutes a Request for Proposals for a Personal Service Contract from qualified individuals and organizations to furnish those services as described herein for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Education.

Offerors are advised that any personal service contract resulting from this RFP must comply with all applicable provisions of KRS 45A and KRS 12.210 prior to becoming effective.

A contract, based on this RFP, may or may not be awarded. Any contract award from this RFP is invalid until properly approved and executed by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee.

1.00 Purpose and Background

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is committed to improving early literacy outcomes by strengthening the partnership between schools and families. As part of Kentucky's implementation of the Read to Succeed Act, KDE seeks to procure a vendor to design, produce, package, and distribute a comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution aligned with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, and Kentucky's evidence-based early literacy strategies.

The Family Literacy Resource Solution is intended to equip families with practical, engaging, and high-quality resources that support reading development outside the classroom and reinforce evidence-based instructional practices that emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and knowledge building. Rather than a single distribution of materials, KDE envisions a coordinated solution that provides families with multiple collections of literacy resources throughout the contract period. Each distribution should build upon previous resources to create sustained opportunities for families to support their child's reading development at home through authentic reading experiences, hands on learning, and family engagement.

Vendors shall propose a comprehensive implementation plan that includes the recommended number, timing, and contents of resource distributions throughout the contract period. Proposals should demonstrate how each distribution builds upon previous materials to create a coherent, developmentally appropriate progression of learning that supports sustained family engagement and student reading growth.

KDE intends to provide these resources to approximately 200,000 Kindergarten through Grade 3 students enrolled in Kentucky public schools. Vendors should demonstrate the organizational capacity, production capability, inventory management systems, packaging processes, statewide distribution logistics, and replacement procedures necessary to successfully implement a project of this magnitude across multiple distribution cycles.

The Family Literacy Resource Solution should prioritize authentic, high-quality printed books, durable hands-on literacy manipulatives, and printed instructional materials that families can

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2700000005 Final Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid Total Pages: 34 use repeatedly over time. Family friendly instructional guides and activities shall accompany the materials to encourage meaningful engagement and reinforce classroom instruction aligned to the science of reading. Digital resources or online access may supplement the physical materials but shall not replace the required printed books, manipulatives, or instructional resources. KDE seeks a vendor capable of delivering a comprehensive family literacy solution that provides every participating student with equitable access to tangible resources regardless of internet availability.

Objectives The objectives of this procurement are to:

# Equip parents and caregivers with practical, family friendly, evidence-based resources and instructional strategies that support their child's reading development and reinforce classroom instruction.

# Provide every participating Kindergarten through Grade 3 student with a comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution that delivers coordinated collections of authentic, high-quality printed books, durable hands-on literacy manipulatives, and printed instructional supports throughout the contract period. The proposed solution shall align with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, and Kentucky's Read to Succeed Act.

# Deliver a coherent progression of literacy resources through multiple planned distributions that build upon one another logically across the scope and sequence of the resource solution and provide sustained opportunities for families to support their child's reading development over time.

# Integrate authentic printed decodable books, printed knowledge building books, literacy activities, and instructional materials that develop the five essential components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

# Ensure equitable access for approximately 200,000 Kentucky public school students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 by providing high-quality physical literacy resources that families can use regardless of technology or internet access.

# Strengthen the partnership between families, educators, and schools by providing research-aligned materials and instructional supports that encourage consistent literacy practices across home and school settings.

# Enhance family engagement through optional digital resources and online supports that complement, but do not replace, the required physical books, manipulatives, and printed instructional materials.

# Develop a scalable and sustainable Family Literacy Resource Solution that provides developmentally appropriate resources which grow with students over time and foster long term family engagement in literacy learning.

# Partner with a vendor capable of designing, producing, packaging, managing inventory, and distributing a statewide Family Literacy Resource Solution across multiple distribution cycles while maintaining consistent product quality, timely delivery, and efficient replacement of damaged or missing materials.

2.00 Scope of Work

The selected vendor shall design, produce, inventory, package, and distribute a comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution for approximately 200,000 Kindergarten through Grade 3 students enrolled in Kentucky public schools. The proposed solution shall support statewide implementation throughout the contract period and include all production, inventory

Document Phase Document Description Page 6 management, packaging, distribution, and replacement services necessary to ensure successful delivery.

The proposed Family Literacy Resource Solution shall provide a coordinated series of literacy resource distributions designed to strengthen family engagement and reinforce evidence-based reading instruction that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and knowledge building. Rather than a single distribution of materials, the solution shall provide families with multiple collections of resources that build upon one another to support children's literacy development over time.

Vendors shall propose a comprehensive implementation plan that identifies the recommended number, timing, and contents of each resource distribution throughout the contract period.

The proposal shall demonstrate how each distribution creates a coherent, developmentally appropriate progression of learning that strengthens family engagement and supports student reading growth.

Each resource distribution shall consist primarily of high-quality physical literacy resources intended for repeated home use. The proposed solution shall prioritize authentic printed knowledge-building books and decodable texts, printed instructional materials, durable reusable manipulatives, and family friendly instructional supports.

The Family Literacy Resource Solution shall include authentic printed decodable books, printed knowledge building books, printed instructional materials, durable reusable manipulatives, family friendly instructional supports, and practice activities aligned to every physical resource provided. Digital platforms, online libraries, eBooks, printable downloads, subscription services, mobile applications, or web-based resources may supplement the solution but shall not serve as the primary instructional resource or replace any required physical books, manipulatives, or printed instructional materials.

All materials shall align with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, Kentucky's Read to Succeed Act, and other applicable Kentucky early literacy initiatives. The proposed Family Literacy Resource Solution shall provide a coordinated series of literacy resource distributions throughout the contract period. Vendors shall recommend the number, timing, and developmental progression of each distribution.

Collectively, the Family Literacy Resource Solution shall include, at a minimum:

# Authentic printed decodable books that support students' developing foundational reading skills.

# Authentic printed knowledge building books that promote vocabulary, language development, background knowledge, and comprehension.

# Printed Family Literacy Guides that provide easy to understand explanations of reading development, instructional routines, and practical strategies families can use to support literacy at home.

# Durable, reusable literacy manipulatives that directly support the instructional activities included within each resource distribution.

# Printed practice activities aligned to every physical resource included in each distribution.

# Optional digital enhancements that extend learning and family engagement but do not replace the required physical books, instructional materials, or manipulatives.

The proposed solution shall demonstrate how resources are intentionally sequenced across multiple distributions to provide a coherent progression of learning that builds students' reading knowledge and skills over time.

B. Content Requirements

Document Phase Document Description Page 7

The vendor shall develop materials that:

# Align with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, Kentucky's Read to Succeed Act, and Kentucky's evidence-based literacy initiatives.

# Address the five essential components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

# Provide a balanced progression of decodable books and knowledge building books that become increasingly more sophisticated/complex throughout the contract period.

# Explain reading development using clear, family friendly language appropriate for caregivers with varying literacy backgrounds.

# Provide structured, easy to implement literacy experiences requiring minimal preparation.

# Equip families with practical, evidence-based instructional routines that can be incorporated into everyday home literacy experiences.

# Ensure all instructional activities directly correspond to the printed books, manipulatives, and instructional materials included in each distribution.

# Demonstrate how each resource distribution builds upon previous distributions to reinforce learning and encourage continued family engagement.

# Promote meaningful family engagement while reinforcing classroom instruction.

C. Physical Materials and Manipulatives The proposed Family Literacy Resource Solution shall prioritize high-quality physical instructional resources.

Manipulatives shall:

# Support explicit instruction in foundational literacy skills.

# Include materials such as letter cards, magnetic letters, sound cards, word building tiles, phoneme manipulation tools, counters, or similar evidence-based instructional resources.

# Be durable enough for repeated home use across multiple years.

# Be child safe and easy for families to organize and store.

# Directly align with the instructional activities contained within the Family Literacy

Guides.

# Encourage repeated use throughout multiple resource distributions.

Printed books shall:

# Be authentic published books rather than printable reproductions or digital only resources.

# Include both decodable books and knowledge building books appropriate for Kindergarten through Grade 3 students.

# Demonstrate a thoughtful progression in complexity across the contract period.

# Support repeated reading, vocabulary development, knowledge building, and long-term family use.

Digital books, online libraries, eBooks, or printable downloads may supplement the proposed solution but shall not replace the required printed books.

D. Accessibility All materials shall:

# Use clear, family friendly language.

# Meet applicable accessibility requirements.

Document Phase Document Description Page 8

# Be available in English and Spanish, with the ability to provide additional languages upon KDE request.

# Be designed for families with varying educational backgrounds and reading proficiency.

# Be organized in a manner that allows families to easily use and revisit previously distributed resources.

E. Production, Inventory, Packaging, and Distribution The vendor shall demonstrate the organizational capacity to:

# Provide a statewide Family Literacy Resource Solution that serves approximately 200,000 Kindergarten through Grade 3 students through multiple planned resource distributions during the contract period.

# Maintain inventory sufficient to support statewide implementation throughout the contract period.

# Package resources for efficient storage, shipping, and local distribution.

# Distribute each collection of materials according to KDE implementation timelines.

# Maintain quality control procedures throughout production, fulfillment, and distribution.

# Provide an efficient process for replacing damaged, missing, or defective materials.

# Manage inventory across multiple distributions while ensuring continuity of resources for participating families.

Deliverables The selected vendor shall provide:

1. A comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution that meets all requirements identified in this solicitation.

2. A proposed implementation plan identifying the recommended number, timing, contents, and instructional progression of resource distributions throughout the contract period.

3. Coordinated distributions of authentic printed decodable books, printed knowledge building books, family instructional materials, and durable literacy manipulatives.

4. Family Literacy Guides that explain reading development and provide evidence based instructional routines aligned to every physical resource included in each distribution.

5. Printed practice activities that directly correspond to each printed book and manipulative included within the solution.

6. Optional digital resources that extend learning while remaining fully aligned with, and supplemental to, the required physical instructional materials.

7. Production, inventory management, packaging, statewide distribution, quality assurance, and replacement services necessary to successfully implement the Family Literacy Resource Solution for approximately 200,000 Kindergarten through Grade 3 students.

8. Documentation demonstrating alignment with the Science of Reading, structured literacy practices, Kentucky's Read to Succeed Act, and Kentucky's evidence-based literacy strategies.

3.00 Evaluation Criteria

The Kentucky Department of Education shall conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of all proposals. The Kentucky Department of Education may reject any proposal that is incomplete or in which there are significant inconsistencies or inaccuracies. The Kentucky Department of Education reserves the right to reject all proposals.

Document Phase Document Description Page 9

The Kentucky Department of Education has established a Proposal Evaluation Committee to review, evaluate and verify information submitted by the offeror.

Each vendor is responsible for submitting all relevant, factual and correct information with their offer to enable the evaluator(s) to afford each vendor the maximum score based on the available data submitted by the vendor.

The Kentucky Department of Education shall evaluate the proposals by assigning scores as indicated.

Technical Proposal Evaluation

Proposals with a combined technical score less than 50% of the maximum technical points possible will not be considered for award and neither cost proposals nor oral demonstration/presentation evaluations will be evaluated regarding that proposal. A proposal’s combined technical score is the combined total points of all scored criteria in the technical proposal portion of an evaluation.

Criteria Maximum Points Possible Alignment with Purpose, Science of Reading, and Kentucky Reads to Succeed:

Demonstrates a clear understanding of KDE's vision for a comprehensive Family Literacy Resource Solution. Materials align with the Science of Reading, structured literacy, and the Read to Succeed Act.

Quality and Depth of Instructional Content:

Instruction is family friendly, evidence-based, easy to use, and supports all five essential components of reading. Activities clearly explain how families support learning at home.

Quality and Quantity of Physical Decodable and Knowledge Building Books

Evaluates the quality, authenticity, progression, durability, instructional alignment, vocabulary development, and knowledge building potential of the proposed printed books. Books should provide a balanced collection of decodable and knowledge-building texts that support the Science of Reading and Kentucky's Read to Succeed framework.

Digital books, online libraries, or eBooks do not satisfy this criterion.

Quality, Durability, and Instructional Alignment of Manipulatives

Evaluates whether manipulatives are durable, reusable, developmentally appropriate, and directly aligned to the instructional activities and

Document Phase Document Description Page 10 printed books. Printable manipulatives alone do not satisfy this requirement. Provide durable, reusable physical manipulatives.

Completeness and Coherence of the Family Literacy Kit:

Evaluates how well all components work together as one cohesive solution, including books, manipulatives, family guides, packaging, and activities.

Family Accessibility and Ease of Use:

Materials are organized, intuitive, culturally responsive, accessible, and appropriate for families with varying literacy backgrounds.

Statewide Implementation and Distribution Plan:

Demonstrates the ability to manufacture, warehouse, package, distribute, and replenish materials for approximately 200,000 K to Grade 3 students.

Maximum Points Possible 700

Cost Proposal Evaluation

Criteria Maximum Points Possible Proposed Cost - Attachment A 400 Maximum Points Possible 400

Oral Demonstration/Presentation Evaluation, if required

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Oral Demonstration/Presentation

The Commonwealth reserves the right to require Oral Presentations/Demonstrations to verify or expand on the Technical or Cost Proposals. Oral Presentations/Demonstrations may be conducted through videoconferencing or by conference call, if it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to do so.

This is the opportunity for the vendor to present and demonstrate the solution and to answer questions or to clarify the understanding of the evaluation committee in accordance with the requirements of this RFP. The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part based on the oral presentations/demonstrations.

If required, the top two (2) highest ranking vendors may be invited. Scheduling will be at the discretion of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth reserves the right not to require oral presentations/demonstrations

Maximum Points Possible 100

Total Proposal Evaluation

Technical Proposal 700

Cost Proposal – Attachment A 400

Oral Demonstrations/Presentations, if required 100

MAXIMUM POINTS POSSIBLE

4.00 Schedule of RFP Activities

The following schedule presents the major activities associated with the RFP distribution, written questions and proposal submission. The Commonwealth reserves the right at its sole discretion to change the Schedule of Activities, including the associated dates and times.

Release of RFP 07/27/2026

Written Questions due by: 2:00 PM 08/03/2026

Anticipated Commonwealth Response to Written Questions 08/12/2026

Proposals Due by: 4:00 PM 08/27/2026

*NOTE: ALL TIME REFERENCES ARE TO THE EASTERN TIME ZONE.

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5.00 Offeror’s Conference

Not Applicable.

6.00 Point of Contact

The Agency Contact named below shall be the sole point of contact throughout the procurement process. All communications concerning this procurement shall be addressed to:

Raven Miller Raven.Miller@education.ky.gov

From the issue date of this RFP until a Contractor(s) is selected and the selection is announced, Offerors shall not communicate with any other Commonwealth staff concerning this RFP.

7.00 Questions Regarding this RFP

Questions must be submitted in writing to the Agency Contact. The Commonwealth will respond to salient questions in writing by issuing an Addendum to the Solicitation. The Addendum shall be posted to the Commonwealth’s eProcurement page.

8.00 Proposal Submission

Proposals shall be received by electronic submission in the eProcurement system, Kentucky Vendor Self Service System.

An electronic proposal shall be authorized by the proper agent of the firm by the act of submitting it electronically through the eProcurement system.

Proposal information MUST be completed online. Response must contain all required information for the Solicitation. All bidders MUST be registered in the Commonwealth eProcurement System via the Vendor Self Service System at https://vss.ky.gov .

Allow 24 – 48 hours to complete Vendor Registration. Vendors must be logged in to their Vendor Self Service (VSS) account in order to submit a response. Registrations completed the day of bid closing must be completed by the Vendor in the VSS portal. The Customer Resource Center is not able to complete registrations and activate accounts on the same day. Closing dates will not be extended for Vendors not registered by the date/time of the bid closing.

All bidders are cautioned to begin their electronic submission in sufficient time to complete before the closing date and time. Delays due to technical difficulties or document upload impediments shall not be justification for acceptance of a late bid or proposal. Vendor attention to this advisory is encouraged. Instructions “How to Submit an Online Response for a Business Opportunity” are posted to Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service, https://vss.ky.gov . If you need assistance, please contact the Customer Resource Center (CRC) by email at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov or phone 502-564-9641 or toll-free 877-973-HELP (4357).

Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) parts: The Technical Proposal, the Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information. Each part shall consist of one document attachment. Do not submit multiple document attachments as Technical, Cost or Proprietary. All files shall be labeled accordingly. Attachments may not exceed 65,000 KB.

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2700000005 Final Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid Total Pages: 34 mailto:Raven.Miller@education.ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov mailto:Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov

Proposals submitted online must be in an “Accepted” status and shall be assigned a date and time stamp from the eProcurement system at the time of final acceptance and formal submission by the vendor. The system will not allow submission of an online proposal after the published date and time for closing.

A proposal may be modified or withdrawn by electronic or written notice ONLY if received prior to the bid closing date and time. An electronic offer may be modified by applying the appropriate electronic signature and following the procedure in the state’s eProcurement signature.

8.10 Format of Response

Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) parts: the Technical Proposal, the Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information. Each part shall consist of one document. Do not submit multiple documents as Technical, Cost or Proprietary.

1. Proposals must be submitted electronically in the eProcurement System, Kentucky Vendor Self Service site.

a. The Technical Proposal shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Technical (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Technical – Name of offeror RFP number

b. The Cost Proposal shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Cost (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Cost – Name of offeror RFP number

c. Any Proprietary Information shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Proprietary (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Proprietary – Name of offeror RFP number

All proposals must be received no later than 4:00 PM EST on August 27, 2026

Pricing shall only be provided in the Cost Proposal. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY PRICING

INFORMATION IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

All submitted Technical and Cost Proposals shall remain valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the proposal due date.

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8.20 Format of Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal must be arranged and labeled in the manner set forth below.

Transmittal Letter – a Transmittal letter shall be submitted on Offeror’s letterhead and signed by an agent authorized to bind the Offeror. The Transmittal letter shall include the following:

a. A statement that deviations are included, if applicable.

b. A statement that proprietary information is included, if applicable.

c. A statement that, if awarded a contract as a result of this Solicitation, the Offeror shall comply in full with all the requirements of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, and shall submit all data required by KRS 45.560 to 45.640.

d. A sworn statement that, pursuant to KRS 11A.040, that Offeror has not knowingly violated any provisions of the Executive Branch Code of Ethics.

e. A statement certifying that the price in this proposal was arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement as to any matter relating to such prices with any other Offeror or with any competitor.

f. A statement affirming that the Offeror is properly authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to conduct business in this state and will remain in good standing with the Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State for the duration of any awarded contract resulting from this Solicitation.

g. The name, address, telephone number and email address and website address, if available, of the contract person to serve as a point of contact for day-to-day operations.

h. Subcontractor information to include the name of the company, address, telephone number and contact name, if applicable.

i. Foreign entity’s organization number issued by the Secretary of State in a certificate of authority or a statement of foreign qualification, if applicable.

Completed and Signed Solicitation and Addenda – An authorized representative MUST complete and sign the Solicitation form and include the following:

a. “Vendor” box and “Payment” box should be completed.

b. Vendor shall indicate ownership type.

c. Vendor shall provide “FEIN” if applicable.

d. Vendor shall provide date the form is completed and signed.

e. Signed face of the most recent Addenda, if applicable.

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders or Offerors - available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Resident Bidder Status – if applicable. Available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

*Offerors not claiming Resident Bidder Status need not submit this affidavit.

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2700000005 Final Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid Total Pages: 34 https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Qualified Bidder Status – if applicable. Available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

*Offerors not claiming Qualified Bidder Status need not submit this affidavit.

Response to the Technical Portion of the RFP – Please provide a detailed response to the technical requirements outlined in the Evaluation Criteria. No cost information shall be provided in the technical portion.

8.30 Format of Cost Proposal

The Cost Proposal must be submitted under separate cover from the Technical Proposal and must be arranged and labeled in the manner specified. The proposal with the lowest price receives the maximum score. The remaining proposals with the next lowest price receives points by dividing the lowest price by the next lowest price and multiplying that percentage by the available points.

8.40 Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.209-5, the Offeror shall certify, by signing the Solicitation, that to the best of its knowledge and belief, the Offeror and/or its Principals is (are) not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal agency.

For the purposes of this certification, “Principals”, means officers, directors, owners, partners, and persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager, plant manager, head of subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions.

9.00 Rules of Procurement

To facilitate this procurement, various rules have been established. These are described in the following paragraphs.

Offerors should review and comply with the General Conditions and Instructions for Solicitation/ Contract listed under “Response to Solicitation” located on the eProcurement web page at https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx The procurement process will provide for the evaluation of proposals and selection of the winning proposal in accordance with state law and regulations. KRS Chapter 45A of the Kentucky Model Procurement Code provides the regulatory framework for the procurement of services by state agencies.

9.10 Technical Proposal Evaluation

The Kentucky Department of Education will evaluate the proposal based on the technical portion of the Evaluation Criteria. Each Offeror is responsible for submitting all relevant, factual and correct information with their offer to enable the evaluator(s) to afford each vendor the maximum score based on the available data submitted by the Offeror. Past Offeror Performance may be considered in the award of this Contract. Offerors with a record of poor performance in the last twelve (12) months may be found non-responsible and ineligible for award.

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2700000005 Final Read to Succeed Family Resource Rebid Total Pages: 34 https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

9.20 Cost Proposal Evaluation

The Kentucky Department of Education will evaluate the proposal based on the cost portion of the Evaluation Criteria.

Offeror shall only provide cost on the attached Cost Proposal Form; otherwise, the proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

9.30 Right to Reject/Waiver of Minor Irregularities

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to reject any and all offers. The Commonwealth also reserves the right at its discretion to waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

9.40 Clarification of Proposals

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to request additional information as may reasonably be required for selection and to reject any proposals for failure to provide additional information on a timely basis.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to conduct discussions with any Offeror who has submitted a proposal to determine the Offeror’s qualifications for further consideration. Such discussions shall not disclose any information derived from proposals submitted by other Offerors.

9.50 Best and Final Offers

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) for technical and/or cost proposals. Offerors are cautioned to propose their best possible offers at the outset of the process, as there is no guarantee that any Offeror will be allowed an opportunity to submit a Best and Final technical and/or cost offer.

9.60 Vendor Response and Public Inspection

This RFP specifies the format, required information and general content of proposals to be submitted in response to the RFP. The Kentucky Department of Education shall not disclose any portions of the proposals prior to contract award to anyone outside the Kentucky Department of Education, representatives of the agency for whose benefit the contract is proposed, representatives of the federal government, if required, and the members of the evaluation committee. After a contract is awarded in whole or in part, the Commonwealth shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose all proposal data submitted by Offerors in response to this RFP as a matter of public record.

Any and all documents submitted by an Offeror in response to the RP shall be available for public inspection after contract award pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884 (“the Act”). When responding to a request to inspect records submitted in response to this RFP, the Commonwealth will not redact or withhold any information or documents unless the records sought are exempt from disclosure pursuant to KRS 61.878 or other applicable law. Similarly, no such documents shall be exempt from public disclosure, regardless of the Offeror’s designation of the information contained therein as “proprietary,” “confidential,” or otherwise, except in cases where the requested documents (or information contained therein) would be excluded from application of the Act under KRS 61.878(1)(c).

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The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall have the right to use all system ideas, or adaptations of those ideas, contained in any proposal received in response to this RFP. Selection or rejections of the proposal will not affect this right.

9.70 Reciprocal Preference for Kentucky Resident Bidders and Preferences for a Qualified Bidder The scoring of bids/proposals is subject to the reciprocal preference for Kentucky resident bidders and preferences for a Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries (See KRS 45A.490(1), (2), 45A.492, 45A.494 and KAR 200 5:410).

Vendors not claiming resident bidder or qualified bidder status need not submit the corresponding affidavit.

Determining the residency of a bidder for purposes of applying a reciprocal preference

Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity claiming resident bidder status shall submit the attached Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Resident Bidder Status as part of its response. The Kentucky Department of Education reserves the right to request documentation supporting a bidder’s claim of resident bidder status.

Failure to provide such documentation upon request shall result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

As part of its response, a nonresident bidder shall submit its certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Secretary of State. The location of the principal office identified therein shall be deemed the state of residency for that bidder. If the bidder is not required by law to obtain said certificate, the state of residency for that bidder shall be deemed to be that which is identified in its mailing address as provided in its bid.

Preferences for Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries (200 KAR 5:410)

Pursuant to KRS 45A.470 and 200 KAR 5:410, Kentucky Correctional Industries will receive a preference equal to twenty (20) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation. In addition, the following “qualified bidders” will receive a preference equal to fifteen

(15) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation. New Vision Industries, Inc., any nonprofit corporation that furthers the purposes of KRS Chapter 163 and any qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals with severe disabilities as defined in KRS 45A.465(3). Any bidder claiming “qualified bidder” status, other than New Vision Industries, Inc., shall submit a notarized affidavit affirming that it meets the requirements to be considered a qualified bidder as part of its response to the solicitation (affidavit form included as part of this RFP). If requested, failure to provide documentation proving qualified bidder status to a public agency, if requested, may result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

9.80 Negotiation

After conducting the evaluation to determine the best proposal received, the Kentucky Department of Education reserves the right to negotiate a fair and reasonable compensation based on the pricing submitted in the Offeror’s proposal. If the negotiations fail to reach an agreement on a fair and

Document Phase Document Description Page 18 reasonable compensation rate, the Kentucky Department of Education reserves the right to proceed to the next highest ranked proposal. Other terms and conditions relating to the technical and/or cost proposals may be negotiated at the sole discretion of the Commonwealth.

9.85 Best Interests of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth will rank all proposals in the manner set forth in the Evaluation Criteria.

However, the Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part before, during, or after negotiation based on the best interests of the Commonwealth.

CONTRACT AWARD, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS

10.00 Notification of Award

To view the award of contract(s), including the contractor(s) receiving the award(s) for this solicitation, access the Kentucky Vendor Self Service Site at:

Offerors can search for the solicitation title or number in the keyword search field or filter their search for only awarded solicitations by clicking on “Advanced Search” and changing the status to “awarded.” The award(s) information can be accessed by clicking on the details button of the solicitation and clicking the “Notice of Award” tab. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to review this information in a timely fashion. No other notification of the results of an Award of Contract will be provided to unsuccessful Offerors.

10.10 Beginning of Work

This Contract is not effective and binding until approved by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission’s Government Contract Review Committee. The Contractor shall not commence any billable work until a valid Contract has been fully executed. This Contract, including the components referenced in Section 10.20, shall represent the entire agreement between the parties. Prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral, between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof shall be of no effect upon this Contract.

10.20 Contract Components and Order of Precedence

The Commonwealth’s acceptance of the Contractor’s offer in response to the Solicitation, indicated by the issuance of a Contract Award, shall create a valid contract between the Parties consisting of the following:

1. Procurement Statutes, Regulations and Policies

2. Any written Agreement between the Parties.

3. Any Addenda to the Solicitation.

4. The Solicitation and all attachments

5. Any Best and Final Offer.

6. Any clarifications concerning the Contractor’s proposal in response to the Solicitation.

7. The Contractor’s proposal in response to the Solicitation.

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In the event of any conflict between or among the provisions contained in the Contract, the order of precedence shall be as enumerated above.

10.30 Contract Term and Renewal Option

The initial term of the Contract is anticipated to be from November 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.

This agreement is not effective until the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet or his authorized designee has approved the Contract and until the Contract has been filed with the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to renew this contract for up to one (1) additional two (2) year period.

Renewal shall be subject to prior approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or this authorized designee, and the LRC Government Contract Review Committee in accordance with KRS 45A.695 and KRS 45A.705.

10.40 Changes and Modifications to the Contract

Pursuant to 200 KAR 5:311, no modification or change of any provision in the Contract shall be made, or construed to have been made, unless such modification is mutually agreed to in writing by the Contractor and the Commonwealth, and incorporated as a written amendment by the Kentucky Department of Education prior to the effective date of such modification or change. Modification shall be subject to prior approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or this authorized designee, and the LRC Government Contract Review Committee. Memoranda of Understanding, written clarification, and/or other correspondence shall not be construed as amendments to the Contract.

10.50 Insurance Requirements

** Proof of all required insurances should be provided prior to award.**

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) on an ACORD form is required unless approved by the Commonwealth’s Office of the Controller.

A. Required Coverage The awarded vendor(s) shall be responsible for maintaining, and not reducing, the following insurance coverages, types, and limits of liability. Further awarded vendor shall be able to produce evidence of insurance in compliance with part C of this section through the entire contract:

Commercial General Liability Insurance in accordance with minimum limits of liability of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $2,000,000.00 aggregate. The Commonwealth, in the Request for Solicitation, may require higher limits depending on the type of solicitation.

B. Additional Types of Insurance

(*The Commonwealth reserves the right to require higher coverage amounts if needed based on the type of contract and associated risk)

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1. Automobile Liability Insurance (If Applicable) Automobile Liability Insurance is required for delivery, onsite training, services or events in all situations where the Contractor must drive to any property where Commonwealth operations occur. With regard to delivery, if the items requested in this solicitation will be delivered by the awarded Contractor or Subcontractor, proof of Automobile Liability Insurance must be provided prior to award. If items will be delivered by common courier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, Old Dominion Freight Line, etc.), this requirement does not apply.

The Contractor or Subcontractor must provide a certificate of insurance coverage for any vehicle used in performance of this contract, whether owned, non-owned, or hired, or other vehicles utilized by the Contractor or Subcontractor. Said policy of insurance to have a minimum coverage limit of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury, including death, and property damage.

This requirement does not apply if the Contractor does not own, lease, or hire any automobiles to be used in connection with performance under any Contract resulting from this Solicitation.

2. Professional Liability Insurance (If Applicable) Professional Liability (Error & Omissions) Insurance shall be required for all professional services performed by licensed or certificated individuals or individuals working on behalf of licensed or certificated individuals. The required Professional Liability Insurance shall have a minimum limit of liability of $1,000,000.00 per claim for damages arising out of negligent acts, errors, and/or omissions in the performance of services.

C. Evidence of Insurance Coverage

The successful bidder shall provide evidence of insurance coverage as required.

Failure to do so shall constitute a material breach of this Contract and may result in immediate cancellation of the Contract.

For all required insurance coverages, during the course of the Contract, the awarded vendor shall not be self-insured or utilize a Captive Insurer or a fronting policy that shifts risk back to the awarded vendor without prior written approval by the Office of the Controller of the Commonwealth.

Further, the awarded vendor shall not utilize an insurer or similar entity not in good standing with the Insurance Commissioner to fulfill the insurance requirements of the contract without prior written approval by the Office of the Controller of the Commonwealth.

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