RFQ_2024-21_Addendum_01_Q&A.pdf

This document is posted to capture the questions received, and agency answers provided, during the question and answer period of RFP No. 2024-21, issued September 16, 2024.

All amendments, addenda, and notifications related to this procurement will be posted on the

OSPI website (if this was an open procurement) and on the Washington Electronic Business

Solution (WEBS) website. Additional questions concerning this procurement must be submitted to contracts@K12.wa.us. Communication directed to other parties will be considered unofficial and non-binding on OSPI, and may result in disqualification of the Consultant.

1. Question: I was reading through the RFI Titled, 21st Century Community Learning Center

Program External Organization List and noticed the following paragraph that may deem us ineligible to respond to this request since we are a for-profit company. Can you please confirm?

The term “external organization” is defined, by ESSA, as: ‘‘(A) a nonprofit organization with a record of success in running or working with before and after school (or summer recess) programs and activities; or (B) in the case of a community where there is no such organization, a nonprofit organization in the community that enters into a written agreement or partnership with an organization described in subparagraph (A) to receive mentoring and guidance in running or working with before and after school (or summer recess) programs and activities” (ESSA, section 4201).

Answer: Correct, only nonprofit organizations are eligible, per guidance from the U.S.

Department of Education. The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

Program Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Non-

Regulatory Guidance requires the state education agency (OSPI) to pre-screen “external organizations” that could aid subgrantees in carrying out program activities and make the list available to eligible entities. “External organizations” are defined as nonprofit organizations with a record of success in running or working with before- and after-school programs and activities (or those that operate during school breaks); or, in the case of a community where there is no such organization, a nonprofit organization in the community that enters into a written agreement or partnership with an organization with a record of success to receive mentoring and guidance in running or working with before-and after-school programs and activities (or those that operate during school breaks).

Request for Proposals No. 2024-21

Addendum 01 – Q&A https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/contracting-ospi/competitive-procurements https://pr-webs-customer.des.wa.gov/ mailto:contracts@K12.wa.us

OSPI RFP No. 2024-21 | Addendum 01 Page 2 of 2

2. Question: I think the basic question is can a WA based 501c.3 use subcontractors for services that would be included in the RFI?

Answer: We don’t see language in the statute or the non-regulatory guidance about non-profits contracting/sub-contracting, so we can accept proposals of this nature so long as the non-profit is the entity responding to the solicitation.

3. Question: Do 21stCCLC Grantees receive funding that is earmarked to spend on training and technical assistance?

Answer: Training and technical assistance is an allowable use of funds. Grantees must have a training and development plan when they apply for a grant.

4. Question: In addition to having qualified firms and organizations listed on the OSPI website for 3 years, are there additional opportunities to connect with grantees to showcase offerings (like a virtual vendor fair?)

Answer: OSPI does not facilitate opportunities or endorse firms or organizations that they may use. It’s up to the grantees’ discretion to reach out to a firm or organization for support. OSPI has not ever hosted a virtual vendor fair.

No questions or responses included in this document require any changes to the solicitation document; this document stands alone.