RFP_33201-00926_Amd%205_Schedule.pdf

This is an amended schedule of events for a 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 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 in Tennessee. The program targets two student cohorts beginning in 7th grade (high school graduating classes of 2030 and 2031). Key dates include a written questions and comments deadline of October 31, 2025, a response deadline of December 15, 2025, state technical evaluations completion by January 9, 2026, product demonstrations scheduled for January 20-22, 2026, and cost proposal scoring on January 23, 2026. Optional negotiations are scheduled for January 26-27, 2026, with the state notice of intent to award released on January 28, 2026. The protest period ends on February 4, 2026, and the contractor signature deadline is February 9, 2026, with an anticipated contract start in early 2026.

The RFP was originally issued on October 15, 2025, with Amendment #5 issued on December 8, 2025, updating the schedule of events. Evaluation criteria will emphasize the qualifications of the lead evaluator, expertise in education research, ability to facilitate data utilization, and quality of work products. The contract will be funded primarily through federal GEAR UP grant funding, 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 will include annual service fees and potential custom development services. No specific budget range or set-aside designations were provided in the amendment document.