RFP_33201-00926_Amd%202_Schedule.pdf

This Amendment #2 document updates the Request for Proposals schedule for Data Management and External Evaluation Services for GEAR UP Tennessee, issued by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The RFP seeks a comprehensive contractor to implement a data management system 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, targeting two student cohorts graduating in 2030 and 2031. The original RFP was issued on October 15, 2025, with a disability accommodation request deadline of October 22, 2025, and a notice of intent to respond deadline of October 24, 2025. Written questions and comments were due by October 31, 2025, with state responses provided on December 8, 2025. The proposal response deadline is December 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Central Time). Technical response evaluations are scheduled for completion by January 2, 2026, followed by product demonstrations scheduled for January 19-21, 2026. Cost proposals will be opened and scored on January 23, 2026, with optional negotiations occurring January 26-27, 2026. The state notice of intent to award and opening of RFP files for public inspection is scheduled for January 29, 2026, with a protest period ending on February 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. The contract will be sent to the selected contractor on February 6, 2026, with a signature deadline of February 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and an anticipated contract start date in early 2026.

The contract will be funded primarily through a federal GEAR UP grant, with 97% of funds allocated to program activities and 3% dedicated to scholarships. Compensation will be based on the total number of students served each program year, with annual allocations varying by student cohort and grade level, including annual service fees and potential custom development services. Evaluation criteria will 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 or incumbent information was referenced in this amendment document.