RFP_33201-00926_Amd_1_Schedule.pdf

This document is Amendment 1 to Request for Proposals (RFP) 33201-00926, issued by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) for Data Management and External Evaluation Services for GEAR UP Tennessee. The RFP seeks a comprehensive contractor to implement a data management system and provide external evaluation services for a federally funded seven-year initiative serving approximately 9,000 unique students across ten high schools and eighteen feeder middle schools, targeting two student cohorts (high school graduating classes of 2030 and 2031). The amendment updates the RFP schedule of events with key dates including: Disability Accommodation Request Deadline on October 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.; Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline on October 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.; Written Questions and Comments Deadline on October 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.; Response Deadline on December 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.; Product Demonstrations scheduled for December 17-19, 2025; State Opening and Scoring of Cost Proposals on December 23, 2025; optional negotiations on January 5-6, 2026; Notice of Intent to Award Release on January 7, 2026; Protest Period ending January 14, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.; contract transmission on January 15, 2026; and Contractor Signature Deadline on January 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The contract will be funded through a federal GEAR UP grant with 97% of funds allocated to program activities and 3% dedicated to scholarships. Payment will be structured based on the total number of students served each program year, with annual allocations varying by student cohort and grade level. Compensation will include annual service fees and potential custom development services. The successful contractor must demonstrate significant capabilities in education data management, program evaluation, and comprehensive student success strategies. The contract will commence in early 2026 and continue for seven years. No specific set-aside designations or incumbent information was detailed in the amendment.