NDERFP241101.R3.pdf

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) seeking a qualified external evaluator for the 2024-2029 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant. The solicitation, numbered NDERFP241101, requests proposals for a five-year contract to assess the implementation and impact of the state's literacy initiatives. The project will begin around April 30, 2025, with project activities conducted through December 31, 2023. Key evaluation activities include collaborating with NDE Office of Literacy staff to develop an implementation timeline, identify and collect data to examine goals and performance outcomes, provide feedback to NDE and school districts, and conduct an implementation study. Proposals are due by March 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, with an electronic solicitation opening via Zoom, and the contract award is anticipated on April 23, 2025, with a vendor start date of April 30, 2025.

The project is funded through a five-year grant with continued funding subject to project grantors, and focuses on addressing literacy challenges in Nebraska. The state's current literacy landscape shows significant achievement gaps, with statewide summative assessment data indicating 42% of students in grades 3-8 are not reading proficiently, and 54% of high school students not reading at grade level. The evaluation will examine the CLSD initiative's cohesiveness, partner implementation, factors supporting or impeding progress, and the promotion of equity and attainment. The solicitation requires bidders to provide a comprehensive technical response, including understanding of project requirements, proposed development approach, technical requirements, a detailed project work plan, and deliverables. A separate cost proposal in an Excel spreadsheet must also be submitted, with the state reserving the right to evaluate responses based on various criteria including price, location, quality, delivery time, and bidder qualifications.