RFP_33201-00926_Amd_9.pdf

This is Amendment #9 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 amendment updates the RFP schedule of events with revised dates for key milestones. The Notice of Intent to Respond deadline is October 24, 2025, and the written questions and comments deadline is October 31, 2025, with state responses provided by November 25, 2025. The response deadline for proposals is December 15, 2025. Following technical evaluation completion by January 23, 2026, product demonstrations are scheduled for January 28-30, 2026, with cost proposals to be opened and scored on February 2, 2026. Optional negotiations are scheduled for February 3-4, 2026. The state will release its Notice of Intent to Award on February 6, 2026, with the protest period ending on February 13, 2026. The contractor signature deadline is February 19, 2026, following state transmission of the contract on February 17, 2026. The contract encompasses a seven-year initiative serving approximately 9,000 unique students across ten high schools and eighteen feeder middle schools, targeting two student cohorts graduating in 2030 and 2031.

The amendment does not introduce new pricing terms, set-asides, or funding requirements; rather, it confirms that all other terms and conditions of the original RFP remain in full force and effect. The initiative is federally funded through a GEAR UP grant, with 97% of funds allocated to program activities and 3% dedicated to scholarships. The payment structure is based on the total number of students served each program year, with annual allocations varying by student cohort and grade level. Compensation includes annual service fees and potential custom development services. The successful contractor must demonstrate significant capabilities in education data management, program evaluation, and support for comprehensive student success strategies across multiple school districts.