STATE 0000000541SL High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials QVL.docx

State of Missouri Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing

Request for Proposal (RFP) for High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

PROPOSAL DUE NO LATER THAN: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AT 2:00 PM CT

Proposal response must be submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov.

E-mailed, mailed, courier, or hand-delivered proposal responses will not be accepted.

RFP CONTACT INFORMATION:

BUYER: Jennie Rees

PHONE NO.: (573) 751-6442

EMAIL: Jennie.Rees@oa.mo.gov See “RFP Questions” in Section 1 for appropriate communications during the procurement process.

DELIVER SUPPLIES/SERVICES FREE ON BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Various Local Education Agencies Throughout the State of Missouri

ATTENTION:

1. After reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP), the vendor must complete and return Exhibit A, Proposal Signature Page and all other necessary exhibits.

2. Due to lead times for obtaining the information needed to complete the various Business Compliance Exhibits herein as explained in the RFP’s Vendor Response Exhibits, vendors are encouraged to IMMEDIATELY begin securing these verifications.

3. The vendor must be registered in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS in a “Prospective” or “Spend Authorized” registration status to submit a proposal. The vendor must achieve “Approved” registration status in MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) and “Spend Authorized” registration status in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS to be considered for a contract award. Reference Section 5.

AMENDMENT #01 to STATE 0000000541SL

TITLE: High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

CONTRACT PERIOD: Date of Award through One Year

PLEASE BE ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS:

1. The following paragraphs have been ADDED herein:

1.1.1, a. 1), 2), and 3)

2.4.1 d.

5.2.3 4)

5.2.8 i. and j.

2. The following paragraphs have been REVISED herein:

1.1.2, a. and b.

2.3.1 2.10.1

5.2.2 b.

5.2.3 a.

5.2.3 a. 1)

5.2.4 a.

5.2.4 a. 1)

5.2.5 a.

5.2.5 a. 1)

5.2.6 a.

3. The following paragraphs have been DELETED herein:

5.2.3 a. 2)

4. The following exhibit has been REVISED herein:

EXHIBIT D, SAMPLE MATERIALS CHECKLIST PER INDIVIDUALLY PROPOSED PACKETS:

Vendors may review the revision(s) to the MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS electronic solicitation and the amendment document(s) at https://MissouriBUYS.mo.gov. You may be required to acknowledge the electronic amendment.

ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED A RESPONSE TO THE SOLICITATION, ACCEPTANCE OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESUBMISSION YOUR SOLICITATION RESPONSE IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STATE OF MISSOURI SUCCESSFULLY RECEIVES YOUR SOLICITATION RESPONSE.

Follow the instructions in the Reference Guide for How to Submit Response Online (https://missouribuys.mo.gov/media/pdf/movers-bid-response-instructions ) and outlined below if previously responded to the solicitation prior to the amendment issuance.

1) Log into MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS (https://missouribuys.mo.gov/).

2) Under Tasks click View Negotiations below Solicitations.

3) The Active Solicitations page will appear. Utilize the search filters and click on the Solicitation Number to open.

4) The Overview page will display. Click Create Response.

5) A Warning pop-up box will open. The supplier must click Yes to continue to view and acknowledge amendments.

6) The supplier should highlight the Amendment(s) and view the changes made via the amendment(s). Once the review is complete, select the Acknowledgement checkbox for each amendment and click Submit at the top right-hand corner of the page. NOTE: A Warning pop-up box will open if all amendments have not been acknowledged. Click Yes to continue.

7) A Confirmation pop-up box will open confirming amendments have been acknowledged. It will also warn that resubmission of the previously submitted response is necessary prior to response to the amendment. Click OK.

8) Supplier will need to click Create Response again and respond to the amended solicitation. NOTE: The Create Response step includes attaching the supplier’s response again.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

Proposal response must be submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov.

E-mailed, mailed, courier, or hand-delivered proposal responses will not be accepted.

RFP CONTACT INFORMATION:

BUYER: Jennie Rees

PHONE NO.: (573) 751-6442

EMAIL: Jennie.Rees@oa.mo.gov See “RFP Questions” in Section 1 for appropriate communications during the procurement process.

DELIVER SUPPLIES/SERVICES FREE ON BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Various Local Education Agencies Throughout the State of Missouri

ATTENTION:

4. After reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP), the vendor must complete and return Exhibit A, Proposal Signature Page and all other necessary exhibits.

5. Due to lead times for obtaining the information needed to complete the various Business Compliance Exhibits herein as explained in the RFP’s Vendor Response Exhibits, vendors are encouraged to IMMEDIATELY begin securing these verifications.

6. The vendor must be registered in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS in a “Prospective” or “Spend Authorized” registration status to submit a proposal. The vendor must achieve “Approved” registration status in MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) and “Spend Authorized” registration status in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS to be considered for a contract award. Reference Section 5.

AMENDMENT #01 to STATE 0000000541SL

TITLE: High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

CONTRACT PERIOD: Date of Award through One Year

PLEASE BE ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS:

5. The closing date has been REVISED to state the following:

Incorrectly stated as: September 11, 2026 Revised to state: September 8, 2026

Vendors may review the revision(s) to the MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS electronic solicitation and the amendment document(s) at https://MissouriBUYS.mo.gov. You may be required to acknowledge the electronic amendment.

ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED A RESPONSE TO THE SOLICITATION, ACCEPTANCE OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESUBMISSION YOUR SOLICITATION RESPONSE IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STATE OF MISSOURI SUCCESSFULLY RECEIVES YOUR SOLICITATION RESPONSE.

Follow the instructions in the Reference Guide for How to Submit Response Online (https://missouribuys.mo.gov/media/pdf/movers-bid-response-instructions ) and outlined below if previously responded to the solicitation prior to the amendment issuance.

9) Log into MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS (https://missouribuys.mo.gov/).

10) Under Tasks click View Negotiations below Solicitations.

11) The Active Solicitations page will appear. Utilize the search filters and click on the Solicitation Number to open.

12) The Overview page will display. Click Create Response.

13) A Warning pop-up box will open. The supplier must click Yes to continue to view and acknowledge amendments.

14) The supplier should highlight the Amendment(s) and view the changes made via the amendment(s). Once the review is complete, select the Acknowledgement checkbox for each amendment and click Submit at the top right-hand corner of the page. NOTE: A Warning pop-up box will open if all amendments have not been acknowledged. Click Yes to continue.

15) A Confirmation pop-up box will open confirming amendments have been acknowledged. It will also warn that resubmission of the previously submitted response is necessary prior to response to the amendment. Click OK.

16) Supplier will need to click Create Response again and respond to the amended solicitation. NOTE: The Create Response step includes attaching the supplier’s response again.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy Qualified Vendor List (QVL)

CLOSING DATE CORRECTED PER AMENDMENT 01

Proposal response must be submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov.

E-mailed, mailed, courier, or hand-delivered proposal responses will not be accepted.

RFP CONTACT INFORMATION:

BUYER: Jennie Rees

PHONE NO.: (573) 751-6442

EMAIL: jennie.rees@oa.mo.gov See “RFP Questions” in Section 1 for appropriate communications during the procurement process.

DELIVER SUPPLIES/SERVICES FREE ON BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Various Local Education Agencies Throughout the State of Missouri

ATTENTION:

7. After reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP), the vendor must complete and return Exhibit A, Proposal Signature Page and all other necessary exhibits.

8. Due to lead times for obtaining the information needed to complete the various Business Compliance Exhibits herein as explained in the RFP’s Vendor Response Exhibits, vendors are encouraged to IMMEDIATELY begin securing these verifications.

9. The vendor must be registered in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS in a “Prospective” or “Spend Authorized” registration status to submit a proposal. The vendor must achieve “Approved” registration status in MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) and “Spend Authorized” registration status in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS to be considered for a contract award. Reference Section 5.

RFP Organization:

RFP Vendor Response Exhibits (Return these exhibits with the proposal)

BUSINESS COMPLIANCE EXHIBITS

Separate Documents: The vendor is advised that the separate documents to this document referenced above provide additional requirements, information, and/or instruction. The separate documents must be downloaded from the Division of Purchasing’s MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, website at: https://missouribuys.mo.gov/. The separate documents are downloadable from the same web page where the solicitation document is downloadable. It shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor to obtain each of the separate documents. The vendor shall not be relieved of any responsibility for performance under the subsequent contract due to the failure of the vendor to obtain a copy of the separate documents.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION

Introduction:

Purpose: This document constitutes a request for competitive, sealed proposals for the provision of high quality evidence-based instructional materials for early literacy (K-5) in the categories of core, supplemental, and intervention materials as a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) as set forth herein for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) (hereinafter referred to as “state agency”).

SUBPARAGRAPH ADDED PER AMENDMENT 02

Existing Contractors: If an existing contractor awarded under the solicitation numbers and the contract numbers referenced in section 1.3 intends on proposing the same exact curriculum packet as previously awarded under their existing contract; the vendor may propose the same category and education level of the high quality evidence-based instructional materials by indicating in their response that they’re proposing the following information: 1) Contract Number and 2) Publisher/Product/Edition. Vendors are not required to resubmit digital samples, reviews, or self-evaluations as indicated in paragraphs 5.2.3 through 5.2.8, including all subparagraphs.

SUBPARAGRAPH ADDED PER AMENDMENT 02

In the event the vendor is proposing the same curriculum packet as previously awarded, however, they are proposing a newer edition, the vendor must comply with all requirements outlined in paragraphs 5.2.3 through 5.2.8, including all subparagraphs.

SUBPARAGRAPH ADDED PER AMENDMENT 02

Vendors are advised that this RFP does not require additional proposals be submitted for each program proposed. Vendors may submit one proposal response in MissouriBUYS (powered by MOVERS) and upload all required documentation for each program proposed as attachments to their response.

SUBPARAGRAPH ADDED PER AMENDMENT 02

For further clarification, DESE has provided a link that includes all of the current State-Approved Instructional Materials. Vendors with current contracts are advised to reference which K-5 Core Instructional Materials they plan to propose as the already approved instructional materials. The link is located at: State-Approved Instructional Materials Contact Information | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The state agency is accepting core, supplemental, and intervention programs in early literacy for grades K-5. Vendors MUST submit a list of the high quality instructional materials and services they wish to have considered with their proposal response.

(See detailed requirements and directions on Exhibit D, Sample Materials Checklist Per Individually Proposed Packets)

PARAGRAPH REVISED PER AMENDMENT 02

The vendor must provide a complete list of the materials of each program proposed. All materials must meet the requirements listed herein. The list of materials should not contain items other than those to be considered for review/approval for inclusion in the QVL.

PARAGRAPH REVISED PER AMENDMENT 02

If the vendor is proposing a supplemental or intervention program, the vendor must identify the essential skill(s) included. All supplemental and intervention programs must align with evidence-based reading instruction and the science of reading. The vendor must provide the list of the essentials skills that are applicable to the individual program.

If materials are to be considered for multiple categories, the vendor should indicate the categories the materials are to be considered for in their list of materials. If materials are not stated on the material list, the state agency will not consider them for review/approval.

Resources that do not meet all of the instructional criteria necessary and stated herein to be considered core materials, supplemental materials, or intervention materials will not be included in the awarded list of High-Quality, Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy.

The approved and awarded list of curricula shall serve as the instructional materials to be provided by the awarded contractors on the established Qualified Vendor List.

1.1.1 The State of Missouri intends to establish contracts with multiple vendors which shall be referred to collectively as a Qualified Vendors Listing (QVL) for use on an as needed, if needed basis by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and grant programs. Contract awards will be made based upon the vendor’s reliability and compliance with the requirements specified herein. The awarded contracts shall not be viewed as exclusive contracts. The state reserves the right to issue subsequent solicitations for the same or similar supplies.

1.1.2 The product information provided in this RFP represents mandatory specifications. No guarantee is being made regarding the quantity of high-quality instructional materials an LEA or grant program will actually purchase. Vendors are advised NOT to provide pricing for the items at this time as the information is intended only to provide potential vendors with specific requirements as well as for informational purposes only.

Minimum Experience Qualifications: There are minimum experience qualifications in the RFP (See Section 2.4, Minimum Experience Requirements in Section 2: Scope of Work).

Titles: Titles of paragraphs used herein are for the purpose of facilitating reference only and shall not be construed to infer a contractual construction of language.

Background and Historical Usage Information:

The purpose of this document is to establish a QVL for high-quality evidence-based instructional materials through a more seamless procurement process, foster competition, and to promote a consistent high-quality delivery of products/services regardless of market volatility.

1.1.3 Senate Bill 681 – Section 161.241.7, RSMo, requires the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to publish criteria and examples to help districts and schools select and use evidence-based reading curricula and instructional materials. Additionally, the department shall publish a list of curricula that ensure instruction is explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and based on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. This shall be a resource for districts. Additionally, the department shall make funds available for reimbursement to Missouri Local Education Agencies (LEAs) for the purchase of these evidence-based literacy instructional materials (Section 161.241.9, RSMo).

1.1.4 Many schools do not provide teachers with instructional materials that meet student needs or are aligned with evidence-based practices, and teachers must fill the gaps.

Missouri schools need access to high-quality instructional materials aligned with evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading that get students excited to learn and prepare them for their future. A powerful body of research suggests that content-rich, standards-aligned, and high-quality curricula exert a powerful influence on student achievement. There is also early evidence that switching to a high-quality curriculum may be a more cost-effective way to raise student achievement than several other school-level interventions.

Many common instructional materials billed as “standards-aligned” simply don’t live up to that promise. Independent analyses often reveal significant gaps between what various curricula actually cover and what college- and career-ready standards demand. The result is that many widely used curricula fall far short. Moreover, even strong curricula may be delivered alongside weak materials from a variety of sources. A 2016 RAND Corporation report found that many teachers mix and match formal, published curricula and informal, online lessons; self-developed and district-selected; well-aligned to standards and not so-well aligned. 80% of English language arts teachers and 72% of math teachers from a five-state sample reported using materials developed by themselves and staff at their schools on a weekly basis, and other materials less frequently. Teachers also draw upon online resources, including Google, Pinterest, and Teacherspayteachers.com. Some of these websites clearly focus on providing standards-aligned materials, but many others do not. Such varied resources make it difficult to determine whether a classroom’s content is well-sequenced or well-aligned to the state’s standards. There is no judgment here about the quality of teacher-created curricula – merely an acknowledgement that, with so many teachers creating so many different bodies of material, many of our state’s students may be missing the opportunity to experience a well-rounded, rigorous, sequenced curriculum.

Missouri has 555 local education agencies (LEAs) and approximately 385,089 K-5 grade students.

Current Contracts Information:

Current contracts exist for the products and/or services being obtained via this RFP. A copy of the contracts can be viewed and printed from the Division of Purchasing Awarded Bid & Contract Document Search System located on the Internet at: https://purch.oa.mo.gov/bidding-contracts/awarded-bid-contract-document-search. In addition, all proposal and evaluation documentation leading to the award of the contracts may also be viewed and printed from the Division of Purchasing’s Awarded Bid & Contract Document Search System. Please reference the Bid numbers RFPC30034902300621, RFPC30034902400320, and RFPC30034902400335 or the contract number(s) CC230621001-002, CC240320001, and CC240335001-023 when searching for these documents.

State Expenditures: The Missouri Accountability Portal (MAP) located on the Internet at: http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Expenditures/ provides financial data related to the purchase of the services under the contract. Be sure to read the information provided in the site information and disclaimer links:

https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm and https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm#disclaimer. Then search by the contract numbers shown above when searching for the financial information.

RFP Questions:

Buyer is Single Point of Contact for Solicitation: Vendors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc., to the buyer indicated on the first page of this RFP. It is preferred that questions be emailed to the buyer.

Except as noted herein, vendors and their agents are instructed not to contact any other state employee regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Vendors can be sanctioned for unauthorized contact with any evaluator under 1 Code of State Regulation (CSR) 40-1.060(8)(G) and (H) available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/csr.asp.

Vendor is Responsible for Asking Questions About the RFP: It is the vendor’s responsibility to ask questions, request changes or clarifications, or otherwise advise the Division of Purchasing if the vendor believes that any language, specifications, or requirements are: (1) ambiguous, (2) contradictory or arbitrary, (3) violate any state or federal law or regulation, (4) restrict or limit the requirements to a single source, or (5) restrict or limit the vendor’s ability to submit a proposal.

Vendor Question Deadline: Every attempt shall be made to ensure that the vendor receives an adequate and prompt response. However, in order to maintain a fair and equitable procurement process, all vendors will be advised, via the issuance of an amendment to the RFP, of any relevant or pertinent information related to the procurement. All questions and issues should be submitted no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the proposal closing date and time of the proposals. If not received prior to ten (10) calendar days before the proposal closing date and time, the Division of Purchasing may not be able to fully research and consider the respective questions or issues.

State’s Response to Vendor Questions: Upon the Division of Purchasing’s consideration of questions and issues, if the Division of Purchasing determines that changes are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued RFP amendment(s); absence of such response indicates that the questions and issues were considered but deemed unnecessary for an RFP amendment. All vendors will be advised of any change to the RFP’s language, specifications, or requirements by a formal amendment to the RFP. There will be no posted written records of the questions/communications (i.e., formal question/answer document).

RFP is State’s Only Official Position: The only official position of the State of Missouri shall be that which is contained in the RFP and any amendments thereto.

Amendments:

If the Division of Purchasing determines that changes to the RFP are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued RFP amendment(s) prior to the proposal closing date and time.

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms:

Whenever the following terms and acronyms appear in the RFP document or any amendment thereto, the definitions or meanings described below shall apply.

General Glossary, Acronyms, and Abbreviations:

Agency and/or State Agency means the statutory unit of state government in the State of Missouri for which the equipment, supplies, and/or services are being purchased by the Division of Purchasing (Purchasing). The agency is also responsible for payment, unless otherwise specified herein.

Amendment means a written, official modification to a solicitation or contract.

Attachment applies to all documents which are included with an RFP to incorporate any informational data or requirements related to the performance requirements and/or specifications.

Buyer means the procurement staff member of Purchasing.

Code of State Regulation (CSR) contains the current administrative rules of executive agencies of Missouri government. The regulations are arranged by agency rather than by subject.

Contract means a legal and binding agreement between two or more competent parties, for a consideration for the procurement of equipment, supplies, and/or services.

Contractor means a supplier, offeror, person, or organization who is a successful vendor as a result of an RFP and who enters into a contract.

Early Literacy is defined as the reading curricula and instructional materials designed for elementary grades kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) in accordance with Section 161.241.7, RSMo.

Exhibit applies to forms which are included with an RFP for the vendor to complete and submit with their proposal prior to the specified closing date and time.

LEA represents the Local Education Agencies that will be requesting pricing and placing the purchase orders for materials.

May means that a certain feature, component, or action is permissible, but not required.

Must means that a certain feature, component, or action is a mandatory condition.

Party refers to either the State of Missouri or the contractor as an entity that may enter into a contract pursuant to the terms herein.

Program Materials means a set of materials that is aligned to the Science of Reading with a specific educational approach being applied to promote education, growth, and provide explicit instruction. The educational program materials required in this RFP represent the following programs:

1) Core – Materials that are aligned to the Science of Reading and promotes explicit Tier one (1) instruction and are designed to teach grade level standards for phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Comprehensive core instructional materials are designed to ensure all grade-level content standards are addressed in sufficient depth, breadth, and quality for all learners.

2) Supplemental – Materials that are aligned to the Science of Reading and provide additional Tier one (1) instructional support to strengthen Core Materials. The materials meet criteria to support and extend the critical components of core instruction for one or more of the areas of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Supplemental materials can be used to provide additional support beyond what the core materials provide, offering opportunities to reteach and opportunities for additional practice.

3) Intervention – Materials that are aligned to the Science of Reading and provide explicit, direct instruction in a systematic, sequential, and cumulative manner, following a logical plan focused on a targeted area of reading development. Intervention is primarily provided in a small group or one-to-one setting.

4) Resources – Tools aligned to the Science of Reading that support instruction. However, they do not meet all of the instructional criteria necessary to be considered core materials, supplemental materials or intervention materials. Resources will not be included on the High-Quality, Evidence-Based Instructional Materials for Early Literacy list.

Proposal Closing date and Time and similar expressions mean the exact deadline required by the RFP for the receipt of sealed proposals.

Purchase Order means the authorized document issued by the state agency to the contractor indicating descriptions, quantities, and agreed prices for products and/or services.

Reasonable, Necessary or Proper as used herein shall be interpreted solely by the State of Missouri.

Request for Proposal (RFP) means the solicitation document issued by Purchasing to potential vendors for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and/or services as described in the document. The definition includes the following sections: Introduction and Background Information; Scope of Work; Terms and Conditions (“terms and conditions” and “Terms and Conditions” are used interchangeably throughout the RFP); General Contractual Requirements; and Vendor Submission, Evaluation, and Award Information; and the RFP Vendor Response Exhibits, Attachments, and Amendments of the RFP.

RSMo (Revised Statutes of Missouri) refers to the body of laws enacted by the Legislature which govern the operations of all agencies of the State of Missouri. Chapter 34 of the statutes is the primary chapter governing the operations of Purchasing.

Shall has the same meaning as the word must.

Should means that a certain feature, component and/or action is desirable but not mandatory.

State collectively referring to the state government and/or the agencies thereof.

Supplier has the same meaning as the word, vendor.

Vendor means the supplier, offeror, person, or organization that responds to an RFP by submitting a proposal with prices to provide the equipment, supplies, and/or services as required in the RFP document.

Accuracy of Background Information:

Although an attempt has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the State of Missouri does not warrant or represent that the background information provided herein reflects all relationships or existing conditions related to this RFP.

****END OF INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION****

SCOPE OF WORK SECTION

General Requirements:

The contractor selected from the Qualified Vendor List shall provide high quality evidence-based instructional materials for early literacy for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in accordance with the provisions and requirements stated herein and to the sole satisfaction of the state agency. The categories of early literacy shall be core, supplemental, and intervention materials.

Other Agencies May Order: The Division of Purchasing reserves the right to allow other state agencies and government entities (e.g. cities, counties, etc.) to order from the contract. The State of Missouri shall bear no financial responsibility for any payments due the contractor by non-state governmental entities (e.g. cities, counties, etc.).

Contractor’s Obligation: Unless otherwise specified herein, the contractor shall furnish all material, labor, facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to provide the products/perform the services required herein.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

The contractor’s proposed experience providing instructional materials must meet or exceed the following minimum experience requirements at the time of proposal submission and for the duration of the contract:

The contractor must have at least five (5) years of experience in publishing foundational reading instructional materials;

The contractor must be prepared to provide products and services within thirty (30) days of receiving the contract award;

The contractor must employ a minimum of two (2) staff members to provide Missouri schools with the products and services ordered; and The contractor’s personnel that provide professional development must have at least five (5) years in providing professional development. Qualified professional development providers shall provide professional development to the LEA(s), teachers, and any related state agency staff to ensure the effective use of the materials.

Qualified Vendor List Utilization and Requirements:

PARAGRAPH REVISED PER AMENDMENT 02

The Qualified Vendor List will identify the contractors that may participate in responding to requests for the approved programs required herein. Utilization of the Qualified Vendor List shall be determined at the time the LEA is in need of materials or services. LEA’s are not required to utilize the contracts awarded. However, when funds are available, LEA’s can only be reimbursed by the state if the materials were ordered utilizing the awarded contracts from STATE 0000000541SL.

The LEA shall determine the most beneficial method for obtaining the most appropriate materials and services based upon the specific needs of the LEA and the contractor’s expertise, accessibility, and availability.

In the event a contractor is unable to provide the required services due to unavailability, the LEA will contact another vendor based on the same criteria.

The state agency shall document each instance of the contractor’s inability to provide the required services. If the contractor continually or consistently is unable to provide the required services, the Division of Purchasing may elect to pursue available remedies, including cancellation of or not renewing the contract.

The LEA shall determine the need by using the state published criteria for evidence-based instructional materials and corresponding rubric on their own current materials.

The LEA may use any, or a combination of, the following methods for determining the most appropriate materials and services:

LEA may have a committee perform a comparative review of materials based on area needed;

LEA may order based on price alone;

LEA may order based on local grade level configuration; and/or LEA may have already purchased their materials and may be eligible for a reimbursement.

Team/Personnel Qualifications:

1.1.5 The contractor shall include the following team members/personnel to administer the contract requirements:

a. Curriculum Development Team: The contractor’s curriculum development team must include at minimum:

One (1) lead developer with a master level academic degree in reading and/or early literacy, with knowledge and background in evidence-based reading instruction;

One (1) lead developer with expertise in curriculum design and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in designing or creating foundational reading instruction materials.

b. Content Development Team: The contractor’s content development team must include at minimum:

One (1) lead member with a master level academic degree in reading and/or early literacy, with knowledge and background in evidence-based reading instruction.

c. Professional Development Team: The contractor’s professional development team must include at minimum:

Three (3) qualified professional development providers with at least five (5) years of experience in delivering professional development to teachers.

SUBPARAGRAPH ADDED PER AMENDMENT 02

Vendors are advised that they may propose the same person to assist on multiple teams defined above so long as they meet the requirements for each team.

The contractor shall understand and agree that the LEA reserves the right to request any of the contractor’s personnel assigned to provide the services be removed without just cause. The contractor shall understand and agree that the LEA will allow the contractor a reasonable time to find a replacement. The LEA shall approve all replacement personnel.

Background Checks: The contractor shall obtain background checks and fingerprint background checks of contractor personnel identified by the state agency. In cases where the contractor collects personally identifiable information on behalf of LEAs, all personnel with access to student education information shall pass the contractor’s standard fingerprint background checks. The standard fingerprint background check process shall be determined by the contractor within their policies for standard fingerprint background checks. Any contractor personnel who physically enters an LEA must have a background check on file with contractor.

Contact Person: The contractor shall designate a contact person who shall serve as the contractor’s contact and shall be the liaison between the contractor, the LEA(s), and the state agency by no later than five (5) business days after authorization to proceed.

State’s Obligation:

DESE will provide a point of contact for the contractor and will post the list of high-quality evidence-based instructional materials including the contact information of the contractors for LEA(s) to access.

Contractor Performance/Service Requirements:

1.1.6 The contractor shall provide usability and support for the materials that must, at a minimum, include the following:

Professional development and teacher support for effective use of the high-quality evidence-based instructional materials for district teachers and state literacy instruction support staff;

Technical support (if applicable), and customer service to LEAs and educators using the materials;

Supportive resources to guide school-based administrators and educators in effective implementation; and The attention to linguistic diversity that includes suggestions to support English learners in their development and acquisition of English to support reading comprehension and writing development.

Curricula Alignment to Evidence-Based Practices and Standards, including Teacher and Students Supports:

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must provide explicit, systematic, and sequential instruction.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must align with the Missouri Learning Standards. The contractor must provide evidence of alignment.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must not include the use of or reference to the Three Cueing System.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must provide for sequential instruction of phonemic awareness, phonics, word recognition, and word analysis aligned with evidence-based reading instruction and the science of reading.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must include direct and explicit instruction in the essential elements of literacy in a developmental sequence that leads to independence for automaticity and mastery: phonemic/phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must include instructional strategies to teach print concepts, provide opportunities for students to develop and gain decoding automaticity, and to practice and achieve reading fluency.

The quality and complexity of the texts, images, graphics, etc. included in the instructional materials should portray various demographics and personal characteristics in a manner that is respectful and accurate, and reflects the diversity within the culture.

The texts, images, graphics, etc. of the instructional materials must include a range of types, genres, and modes that are appropriate for the grade level in terms of content, rigor and text complexity that increases in complexity when sequenced over the course of the school year.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must include assessments and measures that identify the essential element and/or literacy skill being assessed for all assessment types.

The materials for assessment should provide for opportunities throughout the grade, course, and/or series to determine what students are learning and what they have learned.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials should include tools to score assessment items, guidance for teachers to interpret student performance, and suggestions for follow-up based on student performance.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials should provide industry standard assessment accommodations.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials must provide structure and information that will assist the teacher in presenting the student materials and supports deepening teachers’ understanding of specific content and standards.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials should include information and strategies for informing students, parents, or caregivers about the program.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials should be designed to elicit and leverage students’ diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Parent and family support resources should be included in the high-quality evidence-based instructional materials and provide for parent and family support in reinforcement of skill development at home.

The high-quality evidence-based instructional materials should include resources that provide for parent and family communication of student progress and areas of need.

The materials must provide explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identify evidence-based strategies.

Contractor Sample Assurance:

The contractor shall agree that the product provided under contract shall conform to all mandatory specifications, terms, conditions and requirements stated herein. Furthermore, if the product has been sample-tested, the contractor shall agree that the same product submitted in accordance with paragraph 5.2.3 for sample-testing and which passed sample-testing shall be provided to the state agency for the duration of the contract.

Substitutions:

The contractor shall not substitute any item(s) that has been awarded to the contractor without the prior written approval of the Division of Purchasing.

In the event an item becomes unavailable, the contractor shall provide a suitable substitute item. The contractor’s failure to provide an acceptable substitute may result in cancellation or termination of the contract.

Any item substitution must be a replacement of the contracted item with a product of equal or better capabilities and quality, and with equal or lower pricing. The contractor shall understand that the state reserves the right to allow the substitution of any new or different product/system offered by the contractor. The Division of Purchasing shall be the final authority as to acceptability of any proposed substitution.

Any item substitution shall require a formal contract amendment authorized by the Division of Purchasing prior to the state acquiring the substitute item under the contract.

The state may choose not to compel an item substitution in the event requiring a substitution would be deemed unreasonable in the sole opinion of the State of Missouri. The contractor shall not be relieved of substituting a product in the event of manufacturer discontinuation or other reason simply for reasons of unprofitability to the contractor.

Replacement of Damaged Product:

PARAGRAPH REVISED PER AMENDMENT 02

The contractor shall repair or replace any item or materials received in damaged condition at no cost to the State of Missouri. This includes all delivery/transportation costs for returning non-functional items to the contractor for replacement.

Delivery Requirements:

The contractor must coordinate product delivery with the requesting entity. The contractor and/or the contractor's subcontractor(s) shall deliver products in accordance with the coordinated delivery times to the LEA upon receipt of an authorized purchase order or notification to proceed. Delivery shall include unloading shipments at the LEA’s dock or other designated unloading site as requested by the LEA. All orders must be shipped F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid and Allowed. All orders received on the last day of the contract, must be shipped at the price listed in the contractor’s catalog/price list for the existing contract period. All deliveries must be coordinated with the LEA.

The contractor must deliver product and services ordered within thirty (30) calendar days of order placement.

In the event of a backorder, the contractor shall contact the LEA ordering the products to communicate when delivery can be expected.

1.2 Reporting Requirements:

1.2.1 The contractor shall submit the following documents in electronic form upon request to literacy@dese.mo.gov:

a. Listing of Missouri LEAs’ purchased instructional materials; and

b. Listing of prices for the existing contract period for the instructional materials.

1.2.2 The contractor shall provide the following purchasing reports in electronic form on a monthly basis to literacy@dese.mo.gov. The reports should include: (1) Listing of Missouri LEAs’ purchasing materials; (2) Listing of materials purchased and amounts; (3) Number of requests for samples/information from Missouri LEAs.

a. New orders;

b. Cumulative orders.

1.2.3 If requested, the state agency shall provide the contractor with a list of LEA districts in order to assist the contractor in running requested reports.

1.2.4 The contractor must report all purchases made under the contract by LEA districts.

Retention of Records and Documents:

Unless specified in writing as a shorter period of time, the contractor shall preserve and make available with no limitation all books, documents, papers, and records involving transactions related to the contract for a period of five (5) years from the date of the cancellation, expiration, or termination of the contract. Records and supporting documentation under audit or involved in litigation shall be kept for two (2) years following the conclusion of the litigation or audit. During the contract period, access to these items shall be provided through a vehicle specified by the state agency. During the post contract period delivery and access to these items shall be at no cost to the state agency.

Financial Records and Document Retention:

The contractor must maintain financial and accounting records and evidence pertaining to the contract in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The contractor shall maintain all financial records, supporting documentation, and all other records pertinent to the contract for a period of five (5) years from the date of the final payment by the state agency/submission of final report to the state agency or the completion of an audit, whichever is later, or as otherwise stated in the contract.

If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, investigation, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the five (5) year period, the contractor shall retain the records until completion of such action and resolutions of all issues that arise from it or until the end of the regular five (5) year period, whichever is later.

If the state agency is subject to any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records, the state agency will notify the contractor in writing to extend the contractor’s retention period.

Electronic Funds Transfer, Invoicing, and Payment Requirements:

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): The LEA which placed the order will submit contract payments to the contractor at the remittance address listed in the contractor’s MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) vendor registration. However, the contractor understands and agrees the LEA reserves the right to make contract payments to the contractor through electronic funds transfer (EFT). If required by the LEA, prior to any payments becoming due under the contract, the contractor must verify and update, their vendor registration with their current remittance address and ACH-EFT payment information with the LEA.

Invoicing: The contractor shall invoice the requesting LEA as identified on the order for instructional materials. In the event the contractor has been authorized to proceed on more than one order, the contractor must submit separate invoices for each order. The contractor shall perform the service and provide the invoice in accordance with when the LEA designates the service be performed and the invoice be provided.

The contractor’s invoice shall detail the products and services provided with a total cost amount.

The contractor shall use uniquely identifiable invoice numbers to distinguish an invoice from a previously submitted invoice and shall include on the invoice the remittance address.

If applicable, the invoice number will be listed on the LEA(s) EFT addendum record to enable the contractor to properly apply LEA payments to invoices. The contractor must comply with all other invoicing requirements stated in the RFP or required by the LEA.

The contractor shall not invoice federal or state taxes unless otherwise required under law or regulation.

1.2.5 In…