RFP_33201-00926_Amd_8.pdf

This is Amendment #8 to Request for Proposals #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 with live dashboards and provide external evaluation services for a seven-year federally funded initiative serving approximately 9,000 unique students across ten high schools and eighteen feeder middle schools. The project targets two student cohorts (high school graduating classes of 2030 and 2031) with priority given to seniors in years 2-7 of the program. Key deliverables include configuring a data management system, conducting formative and summative evaluations, delivering professional development, administering biennial student surveys, implementing an embedded dual enrollment research study, and participating in the College and Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium (CCREC). The RFP was issued on October 15, 2025, with written questions due by October 31, 2025, and responses due by December 15, 2025. Product demonstrations are scheduled for January 21-23, 2026, with cost proposals to be opened and scored on January 26, 2026. Optional negotiations are scheduled for January 27-28, 2026, and the State's notice of intent to award will be released on January 30, 2026, with a protest period ending February 6, 2026. The contractor signature deadline is February 11, 2026, with an anticipated contract start date in early 2026.

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, and compensation including annual service fees and potential custom development services. The evaluation criteria emphasize the qualifications of the lead evaluator, expertise in education research, ability to facilitate data utilization, quality of work products, and cost-effectiveness. No specific set-aside designations were mentioned in this amendment, and no incumbent information was provided.