Specifications - Online Tutoring Services_final~2.docx

Specifications for Online Tutoring Services Bidbuy ref#: B-50181 Due date: Thursday, 12/11/2025 at 5:00 PM CST

GS-2026-154

I. Overview The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is issuing this solicitation for qualified vendors to provide online tutoring services to middle and high school students on a comprehensive list of subjects and on an on-demand basis from any location in the United States with internet access.

The contract period shall begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2026.

ISAC anticipates purchasing approximately 2,250 total tutoring hours during the contract period. This estimate is provided solely for planning and comparison purposes. Actual hours utilized may vary based on student demand. ISAC does not guarantee a minimum number of hours.

II. Scope of Services The selected vendor shall provide:

1. 24/7, On-Demand Tutoring

· Real-time access (no appointments required) to qualified tutors in Math, English/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

· Service must be available in English and Spanish.

· All tutoring sessions must allow interactive communication (online/voice chat, live screen share including a whiteboard feature) between student and tutor.

2. Essay Review Service

· Asynchronous written feedback on essays within 48 hours of submission.

· Feedback must include grammar, structure, and content recommendations.

3. ACT Test Prep Services

· Must include access to vendor provided full-length practice tests. The practice tests should be provided by the vendor to mirror questions found on the ACT test to intentionally prepare students for taking the ACT.

· Must provide comprehensive feedback and recommended areas of focus based on practice test results

· Content must be presented in an engaging manner including on-demand videos and practice drills on specific topics of interest

4. Data and Reporting (On Demand Access)

· Usage statistics and session analytics for ISAC and participating schools.

· Ability to export data and transcripts for compliance and evaluation.

· Session transcripts must be maintained for the duration of the contract.

5. Platform Requirements

· Accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices without additional software installation.

· Compliance with FERPA, COPPA, SOPPA, and all relevant privacy laws.

· Secure storage of student data within the United States.

6. Customer Support and Feedback Mechanism

· Live technical and customer support for administrators and users, including weekend availability.

· Established system for submitting and resolving complaints or feedback.

7. Implementation and Training

· Initial setup, onboarding, and administrative training prior to launch.

· Dedicated ISAC account manager for contract duration.

8. Student Access

· The Vendor shall support account creation via ISAC or school personnel providing student names and email addresses. Upon receipt vendor shall generate unique usernames and passwords for each student.

III. Deliverables

1. Fully functional tutoring platform accessible to students by January 1, 2026.

2. Monthly usage and performance reports. Monthly usage and performance reports shall be available within five (5) business days following the end of each month.

3. Annual summary report of student participation, satisfaction, and performance metrics, to be provided no later than December 31, 2026.

4. Secure access to all session transcripts and user data for audit purposes.

IV. Minimum Qualifications

1. Vendor must have at least 5 years of experience providing online tutoring services to educational institutions or state programs.

2. All tutors must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in their subject area.

3. Demonstrated compliance with FERPA and student data protection requirements.

Vendors shall provide supporting documentation demonstrating compliance with the minimum qualifications listed above at the time of bid submission. Documentation should include, at a minimum:

• A brief organizational summary indicating years in operation and relevant experience providing online tutoring services

• Resumes or credentials of key staff or representative tutors verifying degree requirements and

• A summary of the vendor’s student data privacy compliance program V. Additional Requirements

1. No subcontracting is permitted.

2. Expenses are not reimbursable.

VI. Pricing and Award Method The contract will be awarded based on lowest hourly tutoring rate meeting all requirements.

Vendors shall submit a single, all-inclusive hourly rate for tutoring services as described in this solicitation.

This rate must encompass all associated costs.

Vendors shall also submit, as part of their response, documentation verifying that they meet the Minimum Qualifications outlined in Section IV.

VII. Invoicing and Payment

1. The vendor shall submit quarterly invoices for tutoring hours actually delivered and documented. Invoices must be submitted no later than fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each quarter.

2. Each invoice must include total number of tutoring hours provided.