NDE Response to vendor Question for NDERFP250813.pdf

Nebraska Department of Education Response to vendor Questions

NDERFP250813

Questions Answer

What is the total not-to-exceed budget?

The total not-to-exceed budget for this work is $394,000 for the remaining length of the CGSA grant award. This amount reflects the total funds allocated for the contracted scope of services through the conclusion of the grant period.

Is there guidance for in-person vs. virtual engagement with staff? Partners? Other stakeholders?

The Nebraska Department of education is open to working virtually with partner organizations to maintain flexibility and efficiency in project coordination. However, when engaging educators, families, and other stakeholders, the department aims to meet the needs and preferences of the groups we are seeking feedback from. This means that engagement formats, whether virtual, in person, or hybrid, will be determined based on what best supports meaningful participation and accessibility for each stakeholder group.

Would you expect this vendor to lead or join regular in-person meetings? If so, how frequently?

The Nebraska Department of Education would expect the vendor to join regular meetings and, at times, lead portions of those meetings depending on the agenda. Monthly virtual check-ins are typically held to monitor progress and align work across partners. The decision to hold an in-person meeting would depend on the group and whether meeting in person would add value to the collaboration or stakeholder engagement. In-person participation may also be requested for key events such as Design Team convenings, advisory committee meetings, or district site visits when vendor expertise would be beneficial.

Who are the vendor partners that NDE has already selected? The confirmed vendor partners are NWEA, Education First, and Marzano Research.

Which districts participated in the Year 1 pilot? The Year 1 pilot included Scottsbluff Public Schools, Adams Central Public Schools, and Hampton Public Schools.

What information is available to review from those Year 1 pilot districts? Are there written reports, findings, or other learnings that can be shared now?

Year 1 pilot findings and reports have been completed but are currently for internal use only and not available for public distribution at this time.

Which 15 districts will be the focus for the 2025-26 work?

The Nebraska Department of Education is currently recruiting districts for Year 2. Recruitment is focused on identifying approximately 15 districts that are geographically and demographically representative of Nebraska's diversity.

What information is available to review about the design teams? How many design teams will there be? How will they be organized (by stakeholder group, district, something else)?

In Year 1, NDE convened two Design Teams—one for educators and one for parents and families—from the three pilot districts. Each group met virtually for three sessions to share feedback on the current NSCAS reports and recommend features for the redesign. Teams were organized by stakeholder group to promote cross-district collaboration. In Year 2, NDE and Education First plan to expand the Design Teams to include more districts, greater diversity, and may include some opportunities for in-person collaboration.

The numbering of activities in the Schedule of Events table on page 11 of the RFP is incorrect (e.g., 5 is missing and 10 appears twice) and Activity 8, notification of intent to award is the date of 09/08/2025. Is it possible for the procurement office to provide a corrected Schedule of Events table?

The RFP has been modified with the corrected Schedule of Events.

The organization of the proposal as described in the RFP is unclear (i.e., the definition of main sections and subsections).

In Section V. of the RFP, it indicates that “The bidder should provide the following information in response to this Solicitation” with the sections A. Project Overview through H.

Proposal Evaluation. However, on page 37 in Section VI, “Solicitation Response Instructions” the RFP text mentions three (3) sections including Corporate Overview, Technical Response, and Cost Sheet. It also indicates that Bidders should identify the subdivisions of “Project Description and Scope of Work” clearly in their solicitation response and that failure to do so may result in disqualification. Can you please clarify where the subdivisions of “Project Description and Scope of Work” would be placed? Would those subdivisions be within the #2 Technical Response section? We do not see it listed on page 39 under #2. Technical Response subsections.

Please include submissions of the "Project Response and Scope of Work" within the #2 Technical Response section.

The RFP text in bullet #7, indicates that the proposal should include a “comprehensive Cost Proposal that outlines the total cost of services to be provided under this contract.” Is a cost narrative required in addition to the completed NDE Cost Sheet or is the NDE Cost Sheet sufficient?

The NDE Cost Sheet is sufficient.

Would the Nebraska Department of Education please clarify the expected period of performance for this work (i.e., start date and end date), for the base year and optional year(s)?

January 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028

Would the Nebraska Department of Education extend the deadline for proposals to October 31?

Due to the NDE contract approval timeline, the proposal deadline will not be extended.

Would the Nebraska Department of Education be willing to negotiate on the cyber security insurance requirements, given the nature of the scope of work?

No, there is no negotiation opportunities on the cyber security insurance requirements.

Are there any page limitations or formatting recommendations to keep in mind?

There are no page limitations or formatting recommendations for this proposal. However, the Nebraska Department of Education expects submissions to be presented in a clear, concise, and professional format.

What is the expected budget range for this work (i.e., budget floor or ceiling)?

The expected budget range for this work is up to $394,000, which serves as the budget ceiling for the remaining length of the CGSA grant award. There is no established budget floor.

What is the expected contract type for this work (e.g., fixed price, cost reimbursement)? Fixed, please see III.G.Prices