RFP_Preschool_Grade_3_Math_Model.pdf

Rev. 07.01.2025

State of Minnesota Department of Education

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Preschool through Grade Three (3) Mathematics Model

SWIFT Event #2000018647

Date Posted: September 3, 2026

• Responses must be received not later than 11:00AM, Central Time, Monday, September 28, 2026

• Late responses will not be considered

• As of July 1, 2025, certain terms are unenforceable in state contracts. See Session Laws, 2025 Regular Session, Chapter three9, Article 2, Sec. 45.

Minnesota’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The State of Minnesota is committed to diversity and inclusion in its public procurement process. The goal is to ensure that those providing goods and services to the State are representative of our Minnesota communities and include businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities.

Creating broader opportunities for historically under-represented groups provides for additional options and greater competition in the marketplace, creates stronger relationships and engagement within our communities, and fosters economic development and equality.

To further this commitment, the Department of Administration operates a program for Minnesota-based small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those with substantial physical disabilities. For additional information on this program, or to determine eligibility, please call 651.201.2402 or go to the Office of Equity in Procurement home page, at https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/oep/.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This is a request for proposal. It does not obligate the State of Minnesota to award a contract or complete the proposed program, and the State reserves the right to cancel this solicitation if it is considered in its best interest.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2025/0/Session+Law/Chapter/39/ https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/oep/

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This Solicitation requires proposals to be submitted through the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Please note the security changes below that may impact responders from submitting a timely response.

SWIFT SUPPLIER PORTAL SECURITY CHANGES

There are new security measures that the Minnesota Management and Budget implemented on October 16, 2022. It is a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance the security of the State of Minnesota Supplier Portal. MFA is an authentication method that requires bidders and suppliers provide two verification factors to log into the SWIFT Supplier Portal. The goal of MFA is to create a layered defense that makes it more difficult for unauthorized system access to occur.

For information about these changes, please refer to the SWIFT Supplier Portal Multi-Factor Authentication FAQ document.

If you have not done so already, please make sure to log into the SWIFT Supplier Portal as soon as possible to get this authentication set up early so there are no issues when submitting a response to an RFP.

You are strongly encouraged to set your MFA during business hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Central Time, Monday through Friday. You may experience delay setting your MFA after hours.

https://guest.supplier.systems.state.mn.us/psc/fmssupap/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDINGPAGE.GBL?& https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/documents/swift/training/trainingguides/swift-sup-portal-mfa.pdf https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/documents/swift/training/trainingguides/swift-sup-portal-mfa.pdf

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Solicitation Content

SECTION 1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS

SECTION 2 – SUMMARY OF SCOPE

SECTION 3– PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL CONTENT

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA

SECTION 6 – UNENFORCEABLE TERMS AND SOLICITATION TERMS

Solicitation Attachments

• Attachment A: Responder Declarations

• Attachment B: Exceptions to State's Terms and Conditions

• Attachment C: Cost Proposal

• Attachment D: Responder Forms o Veteran-owned Preference Form (if applicable) o Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page o Equal Pay Certificate Form (if Proposal Exceeds $500,000, Including Extension Options)

Sample Contract

• Exhibit A: Contract Terms

• Exhibit B: Insurance Requirements

• Exhibit C: Specifications, Duties, and Scope of Work

• Exhibit D: Pricing

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SECTION 1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS

Steps for Completing Your Response

Follow the steps below to complete your response to this Solicitation:

Step 1: Read the solicitation documents and ask questions, if any Step 2: Write your response Step three: Submit your response

Incomplete Submittals

A response must be submitted along with any required additional documents. Incomplete responses that materially deviate from the required format and content may be rejected.

STEP 1 – READ THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT & ASK QUESTIONS, IF ANY

How to Ask Questions

The contact person for questions is:

Jennifer Barber, RFP Administrator MN Department of Education Jennifer.barber@state.mn.us

Questions should be emailed to the contact by 11:00 AM CT Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Other personnel are not authorized to answer questions regarding this Solicitation.

STEP 2 – WRITE YOUR RESPONSE

The Response Content section is in this link to Section 4. Prepare a written response and supply all requested content. Responses should address the requested information and documents detailed in Section 4. DO NOT INCLUDE Non-Public/Trade Secret data (as defined in this link to Minn. Stat. § 1three.three7).

Review, sign, and include the Responder Declarations with your response.

STEP three –SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE

Where to Send Your Response

End Date

All responses to this solicitation (termed an “Event” within SWIFT) must be submitted through SWIFT using the Supplier portal (https://mn.gov/supplier). Training and documentation on how to submit your response is available through the Supplier portal link above. Fax, e-mail, and printed responses will not be accepted or considered. All costs incurred in responding to this solicitation will be borne by the responder.

11:00AM central time, Monday, September 28, 2026

Late responses will not be considered. Responses received after End Date above will not be considered, even if errors or delays were caused by issues outside of responders’ control. If you need assistance please contact the SWIFT Vendor Assistance Helpline at 651-201-8100, Option 1, and then Option 1.

By submitting a response, your company is making a binding legal offer for the period of time set forth below in Section 6, Conditions of Offer.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13.37 https://mn.gov/supplier

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SECTION 2 – SUMMARY OF SCOPE OF WORK

Procurement Overview and Goals.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is soliciting proposals from qualified responders to develop coherent guidance and aligned COMPASS (Collaborative Minnesota Partnerships to Advance Student Success) professional learning to support effective preschool through grade three (3) mathematics instruction in Minnesota. The goals of this project are to work toward improving student outcomes in mathematics as defined by the Minnesota 2022 Academic Standards in Mathematics and to reduce racial and economic gaps in mathematics for Minnesota students.

COMPASS is Minnesota's statewide system for continuous improvement created through a collaboration between MDE and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSCs). COMPASS employs staff across all regions of Minnesota through MDE and the MSCs.

The responder awarded the contract (“Contractor”) will create a brief report after examining the current state of preschool through grade three (3) mathematics instruction and outcomes throughout the state. Using best practices for early mathematics instruction and lessons from that report, the Contractor will define a state model for developmentally appropriate, effective best practices in early mathematics instruction in preschool through grade three (3). The Contractor will use this state model to build out statewide scalable and sustainable professional development sessions and aligned implementation supports (“Pathways”) for district, charter, and Tribally Controlled School leaders and teachers focused on implementing preschool through grade three (3) mathematics best practices. A COMPASS Pathway is a clearly defined content-area professional learning (PL) opportunity that supports Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) implementation and is consistently delivered and accessible across all regions. COMPASS Pathways also embed and support implementation of evidence-based practices required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for identified schools. The Pathways are developed by statewide content teams to include interactive professional learning courses that build participant knowledge and capacity.

COMPASS Pathways bridge the gap between learning and implementation through aligned support that may include consultation, coaching, technical assistance and/or communities of practice. In this way, COMPASS Pathways are designed to equip and support teams and leaders as they improve their systems.

In addition to the professional learning Pathways, the Contractor will create additional resources and tools to support implementation of the content (e.g. observation resources, family engagement strategies, etc.). Professional learning content should be designed in a manner that allows for virtual or in-person delivery with public school district, charter, and Tribally Controlled School leaders and educators.

All proposed work must demonstrate strong alignment to the Minnesota 2022 Academic Standards in Mathematics and the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs). Work should also reflect developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), including play-based learning.

All created products must follow the federal and state accessibility requirements. Responders are encouraged to refer to Minnesota IT Services website (https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/accessibility) for details on the State’s Accessibility standards. The State of Minnesota brand Style Guide should be followed for all created products.

Sample Tasks and Deliverables.

The Work Plan should include a project timeline and address how the responder will complete the following key tasks and deliverables:

Project Planning and Design Phase

1. Project Work Plan, Timeline, and Communication Plan to include as part of the Work Plan Technical Proposal.

a. Work Plan:

https://education.mn.gov/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=PROD086145&RevisionSelectionMethod=latestReleased&Rendition=primary https://education.mn.gov/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=PROD086145&RevisionSelectionMethod=latestReleased&Rendition=primary https://education.mn.gov/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=PROD086145&RevisionSelectionMethod=latestReleased&Rendition=primary https://dcyf.mn.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/els-ecips-2028.pdf https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/accessibility/ https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/branding/minnesota-state-brand-style-guide.pdf

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i. Describe a plan for consultation with Tribal Nations and marginalized communities throughout the duration of the project

ii. Describe the methods for collecting information to develop the report on the current state of preschool through grade three (3) mathematics instruction and standards implementation throughout Minnesota

iii. Outline a plan for development of a statewide Model for preschool for grade three (3) mathematics, informed by the report on the current state of instruction, evidence-based instructional practices in early mathematics, and the 2022 Minnesota Academic Standards for Mathematics

iv. Describe the creation process for professional learning Pathways in detail, incorporating topics from the Procurement Overview and Goals in Section 2 – Summary of Scope of Work.

v. Detail how initial Pathway delivery will be structured to build capacity of COMPASS and MDE staff and district participants to implement the Model over time.

vi. Define a process for monitoring the initial Pathway delivery effectiveness, clarity, and engagement.

vii. Outline time for adjustments of each Pathway’s content based on initial delivery and participant feedback.

b. Timeline and Communication Plan:

i. Outline steps to collaborate effectively with MDE, MSCs and key partners in state professional organizations to maintain open communication, provide regular progress updates, and be responsive to feedback throughout the contract duration.

ii. Include a timeline for delivering high-quality deliverables within the contract period, including time for MDE to review deliverables and provide feedback (in particular, as Pathway content is developed)

iii. Schedule regular meetings (in-person, remote, or hybrid) as mutually agreed upon and allow for additional meetings as needed.

iv. A Gantt Chart or similar project management timeline tool can be included with the Technical Proposal to outline the project timelines.

2. Research and Complete Current State of Early Mathematics Instruction Report

a. Collect and synthesize a focused set of quantitative and qualitative data on preschool through grade three

(3)mathematics in Minnesota to produce a brief, actionable report. At minimum, the analysis should include:

i. student outcome trends and disparities;

ii. the current landscape of instructional materials and standards alignment

iii. evidence of mathematics instructional practices in preschool through grade three (3) settings

iv. educator, leader, and professional organization perspectives on implementation challenges and needs;

and

v. system-level supports and gaps

b. Produce a brief report summarizing key findings, trends, strengths, gaps, and opportunities to improve outcomes and reduce achievement gaps.

All content must meet federal and state accessibility standards and follow the Minnesota Style Guide.

Development Phase

1. State Preschool through Grade Three (3) Mathematics Model Design:

a. Define the framework for a cohesive, statewide preschool through grade three (3) mathematics instructional Model that clearly articulates essential learning themes, instructional strategies, and progression across grades.

i. Address the strengths, gaps, and opportunities laid out in the Current State of Early Mathematics report.

ii. Embed research-based mathematics practices that are tightly aligned to the Minnesota 2022 Academic https://mn.gov/mnit/assets/Minnesota-State-Accessible-Document-Reference-Guide_tcm38-62559.pdf

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Standards in Mathematics, including grade-level benchmarks and progressions, and the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs).

b. Mathematics guidance is inclusive of all seven anchor standards from the 2022 Academic Standards in Mathematics.

i. Incorporate developmentally appropriate and play-based instructional approaches, including guidance on the use of play to support conceptual understanding in early mathematics

ii. Incorporate differentiated instructional strategies that support all learners, including English learners and students with disabilities in achieving the expectations of grade-level mathematics standards.

c. Ensure alignment with existing MDE guidance in support of English learners and students with disabilities.

i. Ensure that the model is culturally responsive and leverages the perspectives of Tribal nations and marginalized communities

d. Articulate a theory of action to support both initial and long-term implementation of the Model in Minnesota districts, schools, and classrooms.

i. Include recommendations for integrating the model into existing district infrastructure, schedules, and professional learning structures.

ii. Provide guidance on assessment integration, including formative and summative approaches, to inform instructional decisions.

iii. Identify tools, resources, and supports for both teachers and leaders to monitor and scale model implementation across classrooms and schools.

2. Initial Pathway Outline(s) and Design Document(s)

a. Provide a detailed outline of each Pathway’s structure, section topics, and learning objectives.

b. Identify all planned learning activities, media (e.g. videos), and knowledge checks/assessments.

c. Provide detailed outline of each Pathway's facilitation guide and aligned support materials.

d. Incorporate opportunities for COMPASS and MDE staff to review and approve content within the development timeline.

3. Instructional Content Development: Develop high-quality, interactive professional learning Pathways incorporating the topics outlined in the Procurement Overview and Goals in Section 2 – Summary of Scope of Work including:

a. A series of Pathways focused on implementing mathematics best instructional practices in preschool through grade three (3) as described in the State Model.

b. Embedding interactive and reflective activities that take into consideration adult learning strategies and foster engagement with the material by creating supplemental resources to support the information presented in each Pathway:

i. Schedules/outline for facilitators and learners

ii. Discussion questions and reflective prompts

iii. Interactive, culturally responsive learning activities

iv. Implementation support materials to support leaders with scaling preschool through grade three

(3) best practices and standards implementation at their schools/districts

v. Supplemental resources that correlate with the specific Pathway topics

vi. Facilitation guides and accompanying PowerPoint slideshow presentations for each Pathway with separate, but parallel interactive activities and reflection questions that could be used virtually or in person with preschool through grade three (3) educators and leaders. Include editable PowerPoints that are prepopulated with the information from the facilitator guide that could be shared within the context of an educator or leader Community of Practice (CoP) and/or Professional Learning Community (PLC). Each facilitation guide should enhance the learning concepts presented within each Module, not directly repeat the Module information.

vii. Ensure each Pathway is at least three (3) hours long to meet the Board of School Administrators’ clock hour credit requirement. A Pathway will likely involve multiple sessions of learning across a period of time. The content should consider adult learning principles when determining length.

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c. Standards Alignment Matrix: Ensure each Pathway is in alignment with preschool through grade three

(3) standards and competencies. The Responder should complete and include in their Work Plan Technical Proposal an alignment (template form is available to share with selected Contractor) between the content of each Pathway and the following standards and competencies:

i. Minnesota 2022 Academic Standards in Mathematics

ii. Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPS)

iii. Minnesota Board of School Administrator (“BOSA”) Competencies outlined in MINN. STAT.

three512.0510

d. All content must meet federal and state accessibility standards and follow the Minnesota Brand Style

Guide - 2025 Edition and incorporate COMPASS logos where applicable.

Training, Review, and Refinement Phase

1. Training and Feedback from COMPASS and MDE Staff: To ensure the Pathways are effective for future participants, COMPASS and MDE staff should be actively involved in reviewing and refining the Pathways.

Their expertise in supporting districts and schools in preschool through grade three (3) mathematics implementation is critical to the success of these Pathways.

a. COMPASS Staff Preparation:

i. Provide comprehensive training for COMPASS staff on the State Model and each Pathway’s content, structure, and intended implementation strategies.

ii. Engage COMPASS staff in iterative review sessions during Pathway outline development and design.

b. Facilitation Rehearsal and Support

i. Conduct rehearsal sessions with COMPASS staff to practice facilitating each Pathway, including initial co-facilitation alongside vendor staff.

ii. Collect feedback from COMPASS and MDE staff on the clarity, pacing, and effectiveness of facilitation guides and supporting materials.

iii. Identify areas where additional guidance or resources are needed to support implementation.

c. Feedback Integration:

i. Incorporate COMPASS and MDE staff feedback into the Work Plan Technical Proposal for each Pathway.

Allow time for revisions based on feedback from COMPASS and MDE staff before finalizing Pathway materials.

Launch Pathways and Support Phase

1. Outline the launch of the Pathway series with the facilitation support that will be provided during the initial rollout of the Pathways in the Work Plan technical proposal.

2. Accessibility and Compliance: Ensure accessibility alignment with federal and state standards as each Module and all materials are being developed. The selected Contractor must ensure that the Pathway content and all materials are accessible to all learners. This includes adhering to the State of Minnesota and federal Accessibility standards as outlined under clause 25 of the Sample Contract in Exhibit A: Contract Terms. The Work Plan Technical Proposal should detail how the federal and state accessibility standards will be met.

3. Ongoing Support, Maintenance, and Plan for Sustainability: Once the Pathways are launched, the Contractor may be responsible for providing ongoing support, addressing facilitator and participant feedback, and making updates or revisions as needed for the duration of the Contract. Contractor should also prepare an action plan for COMPASS to sustain implementation of the Pathways beyond the duration of the Contract.

3. Desired Qualifications and Skills https://education.mn.gov/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=PROD086145&RevisionSelectionMethod=latestReleased&Rendition=primary https://dcyf.mn.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/els-ecips-2028.pdf https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3512.0510/ https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/3512.0510/

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The Contractor should possess the following qualifications and skills:

1. At least two (2) years of experience supporting educational improvement efforts in early learning, including but not limited to the following:

I. Supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices for early learners, such as Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play-based learning, or other research-based approaches.

II. Developing instructional resources, frameworks, or professional learning aligned to early learning standards, progress indicators, and evidence-based practices.

III. Supporting implementation of early learning initiatives at the classroom, school, district, regional, or statewide level.

2. At least two (2) years of experience supporting educational improvement efforts in mathematics, including but not limited to the following:

I. Supporting the implementation of evidence-based mathematics practices, including the Standards for Mathematical Practice or other research-based approaches.

II. Developing instructional resources, frameworks, or professional learning aligned to mathematics standards and evidence-based instructional practices.

III. Articulating mathematics learning progressions, conceptual understanding, and instructional strategies across grade levels.

IV. Supporting implementation of mathematics initiatives at the classroom, school, district, regional, or statewide level.

3. At least two (2) years of experience designing professional learning opportunities for educators and leaders, including but not limited to the following:

I. Designing professional learning opportunities for educators and leaders that incorporate evidence-based adult learning principles.

II. Creating interactive and engaging in-person, virtual, and asynchronous learning experiences III. Developing resources and supports that promote sustained implementation at the district, school, and classroom level and continuous improvement over time.

IV. Effectively communicating and presenting complex ideas and information through a variety of formats, including digital media.

4. Experience developing research reports and instructional resources or frameworks aligned to evidence-based instructional practices.

5. Experience with providing support through State Education Agencies or Educational Service Agencies.

6. Experience developing statewide or large-scale initiatives.

7. Experience supporting sustained implementation of initiatives.

8. Knowledge of the 2022 Minnesota Academic Standards in Mathematics and the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress.

Jennifer Barber Inserted Text

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SECTION 3 – PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anticipated Contract Term.

The term of this contract is anticipated to be from October 2026 to June 2027 with the option to extend up to an additional four (4) years in increments determined by the State.

Question and Answer Instructions.

All questions should be submitted no later than the date and time listed in Section 1, Instructions to Responders. The State is not obligated to answer questions submitted after the question due date and time.

Only personnel listed above are authorized to discuss this solicitation with responders. Contact regarding this solicitation with any personnel not listed above could result in disqualification. This provision is not intended to prevent responders from seeking guidance from state procurement assistance programs regarding general procurement questions.

If a Responder discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in the solicitation, please immediately notify the contact person detailed above in writing of such error and request modification or clarification of the document.

Additional Tasks or Activities.

Responders are encouraged to propose additional tasks, activities, or goods above and beyond the scope of what is requested in this solicitation if they will substantially improve the results of this procurement. Any costs associated with these additional tasks, activities, or goods should be clearly marked and separated from costs associated with the tasks, activities, or goods specifically requested under this solicitation. Because cost is a factor in the evaluation of responses to this solicitation, failure to separate costs for additional tasks, activities, or goods may result in those costs being included in a responder's cost proposal and result in a lower cost score for that proposal.

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SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL CONTENT

Please submit the following information as part of the Responder’s Technical Proposal:

1. Work Plan. Responder should provide a detailed Work Plan describing how the deliverables as noted in Section 2 - Summary of Scope of Work will be met. The Work Plan identifies the major tasks to be accomplished and may be used as a scheduling and managing tool. A detailed project timeline should be included with the Work Plan.

Responder should provide detail of the objectives, goals, and tasks to show or demonstrate the responder's view and understanding of the nature of the contract, and what makes the responder uniquely suited for this work.

A. A Gantt Chart or similar project management timeline tool can be included with the Technical Proposal to outline and detail the project timelines.

This document should NOT list any cost detail. If cost details are included in this document, the State may disqualify the proposal as non-responsive

2. Qualifications and Experience. Responder should provide an outline of background and experience with examples of similar work done by the Responder and a list of personnel who will conduct the project, detailing their training, and work experience. Resumes or other information about project personnel should not, if possible, contain personal telephone numbers, home addresses, or home email addresses. If it is necessary to include personal contact information, please clearly indicate in the response that personal contact information is being provided.

This section should also include details, including the number of years of experience, on how responder meets the Mandatory and Desired Qualifications and Skills outlined under Section 2 - Summary of Scope of Work.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Detail the responder’s demographic breakdown and any other information pertinent to efforts to support equitable educational outcomes.

4. Work Sample. Responder should provide a maximum of two (2) Work Sample(s) that reflects the quality of the deliverables they will provide to the State. Work Samples are ideally very similar to the services being requested in this RFP. Ensure provided Work Samples can be accessed by individuals outside of your organization.

The Work Samples may include training videos or learning sessions created by the Responder, if available. Training videos or learning sessions may be included as hyperlinks. SWIFT has a file maximum capacity that may be exceeded if a video file is uploaded to SWIFT directly. Ensure provided hyperlinks to training videos or learning materials can be accessed by individuals outside of your organization.

5. Accessibility of Services or Products. The responder should complete, in an accessible format, a VPAT® 2.5 INT (November 2023) for all software, hardware, and websites (as applicable) as proposed in response to the solicitation. Vendors can use the VPAT form from the ITIC VPAT site. Responders should complete the Section 508 and WCAG 2.1A and AA sections. The EN 301 549 section can be left blank or deleted. For systems with multiple interfaces (such as an admin and user interface), report on each interface whether in the same or separate VPATs.

These documents may be scored according to the solicitation evaluation.

Responders are encouraged to reference the “Vendor VPAT Guidance” in the “Products” tab on the Accessible IT Procurement page (http://mn.gov/mnit/programs/accessibility/it-procurement.jsp) for information and instructions on completing the VPATs. Respondents should also review the related guidance documents on the same site for solicitation reviewers to understand expectations. The responder is strongly encouraged to provide remarks and explanation that both support compliance and detail any deficiencies, as even if you claim “supports” unless there are remarks and explanations, you may score low.

https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itic.org%2Fpolicy%2Faccessibility%2Fvpat&data=02%7C01%7Cjay.wyant%40state.mn.us%7C73956bd300d64f1e225508d8027f2988%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C637262092459148011&sdata=TRG1W1u4WaX27gn2qiiiuQqx%2FtAhl6VL19foRYlli5E%3D&reserved=0 http://mn.gov/mnit/programs/accessibility/it-procurement.jsp http://mn.gov/mnit/programs/accessibility/it-procurement.jsp

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A description should be included in the technical proposal of how the responder will produce deliverables in compliance with the State of Minnesota Accessibility Standards. Information on Minnesota’s accessibility standards and resources is available at Minnesota IT Services: Office of Accessibility. See the Minnesota Style Guide for information on state branding guidelines.

The responder should also include a written explanation of how the responder will produce and verify accessibility compliance of all digital content that will be used for reports, facilitation guides, learning materials, implementation resources, interactive and reflective activities, and additional resources and tools. To demonstrate the responder’s understanding of and the ability to meet Accessibility Standards the responder should also submit two (2) separately attached files as examples of accessible deliverables it has produced.

A. One (1) “Word Accessibility Document” in either a .doc or .docx file format should be provided. The name of the separately attached file that is uploaded to SWIFT should be titled and labeled “Word Accessibility Document”.

B. One (1) “PDF Accessibility Document” in a .pdf file format should be provided. The name of the separately attached file that is uploaded to SWIFT should be titled and labeled “PDF Accessibility Document”.

Responders may submit Word and PDF versions of the same document. Responder’s accessibility documents will be scored based on the State of Minnesota’s Accessibility Standards with the submitted VPAT(s). Responders are encouraged to refer to Minnesota IT Services website (https://mn.gov/mnit/about-mnit/accessibility) for details on the State’s Accessibility standards. These files will be scored according to the solicitation evaluation.

Remote meeting platform (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) must be accessible to all attendees and comply with the State of Minnesota Accessibility Standards. This includes, but is not limited to, the responder providing CART services or ASL interpreter when there is a request for accommodation, captions for recorded trainings, accessible presentations and accessible meeting platform.

Responder acknowledges that final digital content (including but not limited to, documents, videos, course modules, etc.) will need to be shared with MDE for accessibility testing before the work product can be accepted by MDE as final. MDE will not make final payment until deliverables have cleared accessibility testing.

6. Cost Proposal. Complete and submit “Attachment C-1: Cost Proposal Worksheet,” attached to this solicitation.

7. License Agreements, Maintenance Agreements, or Other Terms and Conditions.

The State may require Responder to provide any license agreements, maintenance agreements or any other terms and conditions relevant to the work under a resulting contract. Review and approval by the State will be required prior to contract execution. In the event Responder fails to comply with a request under this provision, Responder agrees that it will not seek to enforce terms and conditions of any such agreement against the State. Further, failure to provide any of the pertinent documents upon request may result in the State not agreeing to sign any additional documents, rejecting your response, or cancelling the award.

Submit all requested documentation, including, but not limited to, the following documents:

1. A Technical Proposal

2. Attachment A: Responder Declarations

3. Attachment B: Exceptions to State's Standard Terms and Conditions

4. Attachment C-1: Cost Proposal Worksheet

5. Attachment D: Responder Forms

a. Veteran-owned Preference Form (if applicable)

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b. Workforce and Equal Pay Declaration Page

c. Equal Pay Certificate Form (if Proposal Exceeds $500,000, Including Extension Options)

DO NOT INCLUDE Non-Public/Trade Secret data (as defined by Minn. Stat. § 1three.three7).

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SECTION 5 – EVALUATION PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA

The State will conduct an evaluation of responses to this Solicitation. The evaluations will be conducted in three phases:

Phase 1 - Review responses for responsiveness and pass/fail requirements Phase 2 - Evaluate responses Phase three - Select finalist(s)

Phase 1 – Responsiveness and Pass/Fail Requirements The purpose of this phase is to determine if each response complies with mandatory requirements. The State will first review each proposal for responsiveness to determine if the Responder satisfies all mandatory requirements. The State will evaluate these requirements on a pass/fail basis.

Mandatory Requirements. The following will be considered on a pass/fail basis:

• Responses must be received by the due date and time specified in this RFP.

Phase 2 - Evaluate Responses Only those responses found to have met Phase 1 criteria will be considered in Phase 2.

The factors and weighting on which responses will be evaluated are:

1. Work Plan for Deliverables 150 points

2. Qualifications and Experience

2.1 Early Learning Qualifications and Experience 90 points

2.2 Mathematics Qualifications and Experience 90 points

2.3 Research and Instructional Framework Experience 70 points

2.4 Adult Learning and Professional Development Design Experience 120 points

3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 40 points

4. Work Samples (2) 100 points

5. Accessibility of Services or Products 40 points

6. Cost Proposal 300 points

1000 points

7. Preference Points (if applicable) 120 points (in addition to 1,000 available)

Preference points are described under Solicitation Terms and will be applied to the total score after points have been awarded.

Phase three - Select Finalist(s) Only those responses that have been evaluated under Phase 2 shall be eligible for Phase three.

The State will make its selection based on best value, as determined by this evaluation process. The State reserves the right to pursue negotiations on any exception taken to the State’s standard terms and conditions. In the event that negotiated terms cannot be reached, the State reserves the right to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest scoring responder or take other actions as the State deems appropriate. If the State anticipates multiple awards, the State reserves the right to negotiate with more than one Responder.

It is anticipated that the evaluation and selection will be completed by October 31, 2026.

Rev. 07.01.2025 Page 15 of 17

SECTION 6 – UNENFORCEABLE TERMS AND SOLICITATION TERMS

Unenforceable Terms

As of July 1, 2025, certain terms are unenforceable in state contracts. See Session Laws, 2025 Regular Session, Chapter three9, Article 2, Section 45.

Unenforceable terms

(a) A contract entered into by the state shall not contain a term that:

(1) requires the state to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless another person or entity, unless specifically authorized by statute;

(2) binds a party by terms and conditions that may be unilaterally changed by the other party;

(three) requires mandatory arbitration;

(4) attempts to extend arbitration obligations to disputes unrelated to the original contract;

(5) construes the contract in accordance with the laws of a state other than Minnesota;

(6) obligates state funds in subsequent fiscal years in the form of automatic renewal as defined in section three25G.56; or

(7) is inconsistent with chapter 1three, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

(b) If a contract is entered into that contains a term prohibited in paragraph (a), that term shall be void and the contract is enforceable as if it did not contain that term.

Solicitation Terms

Competition in Responding The State desires open and fair competition. Questions from responders regarding any of the requirements of the Solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Solicitation Administrator listed in the Solicitation before the due date and time. If changes are made the State will issue an addendum.

Any evidence of collusion among responders in any form designed to defeat competitive responses will be reported to the Minnesota Attorney General for investigation and appropriate action.

Addenda to the Solicitation Changes to the Solicitation will be made by addendum with notification and posted in the same manner as the original Solicitation. Any addenda issued will become part of the Solicitation.

Data Security - Foreign Outsourcing of Work is Prohibited All storage and processing of information shall be performed within the borders of the United States. This provision also applies to work performed by subcontractors at all levels.

Joint Ventures The State allows joint ventures among groups of responders when responding to the solicitation. However, one responder must submit a response on behalf of all the others in the group. The responder that submits the response will be considered legally responsible for the response (and the contract, if awarded).

Withdrawing Response A responder may withdraw its response prior to the due date and time of the Solicitation. For solicitations in the SWIFT Supplier Portal, a responder may withdraw its response from the SWIFT Supplier Portal. For solicitations done any other way, a responder may withdraw its response by notifying the Solicitation Administrator in writing of the desire to withdraw.

Rev. 07.01.2025 Page 16 of 17

After the due date and time of this Solicitation, a responder may withdraw a response only upon showing that an obvious error exists in the response. The showing and request for withdrawal must be made in writing to Solicitation Administrator within a reasonable time and prior to the State’s detrimental reliance on the response.

Rights Reserved The State reserves the right to:

• Reject any and all responses received;

• Waive or modify any informalities, irregularities, or inconsistencies in the responses received;

• Negotiate with the highest scoring Responder[s];

• Terminate negotiations and select the next response providing the best value for the State;

• Consider documented past performance resulting from a State contract may be considered in the evaluation process;

• Short list the highest scoring Responders;

• Require Responders to conduct presentations, demonstrations, or submit samples;

• Interview key personnel or references;

• Request a best and final offer from one or more Responders;

• The State reserves the right to request additional information ; and

• The State reserves the right to use estimated usage or scenarios for the purpose of conducting pricing evaluations. The State reserves the right to modify scenarios, and to request or add additional scenarios for the evaluation.

Samples and Demonstrations Upon request, Responders are to provide samples to the State at no charge. Except for those destroyed or mutilated in testing, the State will return samples if requested and at the Responder’s expense. All costs to conduct and associated with a demonstration will be the sole responsibility of the Responder.

Responses are Nonpublic during Evaluation Process All materials submitted in response to this Solicitation will become property of the State. During the evaluation process, all information concerning the responses submitted will remain private or nonpublic and will not be disclosed to anyone whose official duties do not require such knowledge. Responses are private or nonpublic data until the completion of the evaluation process as defined by Minn. Stat. § 1three.591. The completion of the evaluation process is defined as the State having completed negotiating a contract with the selected responder. The State will notify all responders in writing of the evaluation results.

Trade Secret Information

9.1 Responders must not submit as part of their response trade secret material, as defined by Minn. Stat.

§ 1three.three7.

9.2 In the event trade secret data are submitted, Responder must defend any action seeking release of data it believes to be trade secret, and indemnify and hold harmless the State, its agents and employees, from any judgments awarded against the State in favor of the party requesting the data, and any and all costs connected with that defense.

9.3 The State does not consider cost or prices to be trade secret material, as defined by Minn. Stat.

§ 1three.three7.

9.4 A responder may present and discuss trade secret information during an interview or demonstration with the State, if applicable.

Rev. 07.01.2025 Page 17 of 17

Conditions of Offer Unless otherwise approved in writing by the State, Responder’s cost proposal and all terms offered in its response that pertain to the completion of professional and technical services and general services will remain firm for 180 days, until they are accepted or rejected by the State, or they are changed by further negotiations with the State prior to contract execution.

Award Any award that may result from this solicitation will be based upon the total accumulated points as established in the solicitation. The State reserves the right to award this solicitation to a single Responder, or to multiple Responders, whichever is in the best interest of the State, providing each Responder is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the solicitation. The State reserves the right to accept all or part of an offer, to reject all offers, to cancel the solicitation, or to re-issue the solicitation, whichever is in the best interest of the State.

Requirements Prior to Contract Execution Prior to contract execution, a responder receiving a contract award must comply with any submittal requests. A submittal request may include, but is not limited to, a Certificate of Insurance.

Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged Business, Veteran-Owned and Individual Preference Unless a greater preference is applicable and allowed by law, in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 16C.16, businesses that are eligible and certified by the State as targeted group (TG) businesses, economically disadvantaged (ED) businesses, and veteran-owned businesses will receive points equal to 12% percent of the total points available as preference.

For TG/ED/VO certification and eligibility information visit the Office of Equity in Procurement website at https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/oep/ or call the Division’s Helpline at 651.201.2402.

Reciprocity State shall comply with Minn. Stat. § 16C.06, subd. 7, as that applies to a non-resident vendor. This paragraph does not apply for any project in which federal funds are expended.

https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/oep/