Intent-to-Sole-Source-Letter - Center for Assessment.pdf

DATE October 23, 2023

To All Interested Vendors:

The Department of Administration, State Procurement Bureau, is considering a request from the Office of Public

Instruction, to award a Sole Source contract to The National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment, Inc.

for MAST Through Year Assessment USED Waiver & Peer Review Deliverables and Assessment Development

Consulting. The determination of this Sole Source purchase is based on the following requirements:

1. USED Double Testing Waiver requirements including sample parent reports, ESEA state plan revision, pilot field test summary and participation rates, report card templates.

2. Peer Review support including an action plan for the process, monitoring, and submission review.

3. Community engagement support (web pages, webinars, virtual & in-person gatherings).

4. Ongoing technical, logistical, and implementation consultation

5. Estimated total cost of purchase: $255,000.00 over 26 months.

6. Functions closely with the state Department of Education staff, whether interacting with internal work, advisory committees, legislative groups, or contractors. The services required to support the tasks mandated by the federal double testing waiver and peer review requirements are multifaceted, demanding an array of expertise that the only the Center for Assessment can provide.

The State Procurement Bureau will accept written comments from potential vendors who believe they have the ability to provide an equivalent product and services, meeting all of the requirements listed above. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Vendors interested in providing this product to the State of Montana are invited to provide a detailed description of their product. Written comments must be received by 2:00 p.m. local time, October 15, 2023.

Responses to this notice must be submitted within the eMACS procurement system. Questions can be submitted on the

Q&A board in eMACS or directed to:

Heather Davidson

Heather.Davidson@mt.gov

406-444-4402

A determination by the State not to compete this proposed purchase based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the State. If evidence presented reveals that more than one source is available to provide the product/services, the State may issue a competitive solicitation. If no evidence is presented in the timeframe specified, the

State may proceed to award a contract to Center for Assessment.

Thank you for your interest.