Source Sought-Science Assessments

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE
Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)
Title: Science Assessments for BIE Schools (Grades 5, 8, and 11)

1. Notice Type & Purpose
This is a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) issued solely for market research in accordance with FAR Part 10. This announcement does not constitute a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded based solely on this notice.
The Government seeks information from capable sources to inform:
• Acquisition strategy (e.g., small business set aside, full/open competition)
• Market capability and capacity
• Contract structure
• Timeline feasibility
• Availability of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) assessments
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2. Background & Objectives
The BIE’s mission (25 CFR 32.3) centers on providing high quality education that supports the cultural, academic, and developmental needs of Native students. In accordance with 25 CFR 30.100–125, BIE must administer content area assessments for federal accountability reporting.
BIE requires Science assessments aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for students in Grades 5, 8, and 11 attending BIE funded schools.
For the base year, BIE seeks an operational COTS Science assessment solution.
During option years, BIE may require:
• Customization of the COTS assessment,
• Development of a new assessment, or
• Optional interim assessments and item development services.
Assessments must be culturally responsive, technically sound, and accessible to a high percentage of English Learners.
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3. Project Description – Science Assessment Solution
BIE seeks information from vendors capable of supplying a turnkey assessment system including:
• NGSS aligned assessments (grades 5, 8, 11)
• Paper based and online delivery formats
• A secure registration portal integrated with NASIS (BIE SIS)
• High quality reports (paper + electronic)
• Annual scoring, cut score setting, and data quality checks
• Training (virtual + onsite)
• Project management and financial tracking
• Helpdesk services supporting multiple time zones
• Optional item development and interim assessments (option years)
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4. Scope of Services (Summary of SOW Components)
Vendors should address their capability to provide the following required components:
1. Assessment Administration & Scoring
• Production and delivery of paper and online Science assessments
• On time delivery of materials for Spring administration windows
• Scoring and quality assurance
• ELL supportive assessment design
• Assistance with reconciliation, helpdesk support, and portal use
2. Student Registration Portal
• Secure online portal dedicated exclusively to BIE
• API + manual SIS integration with NASIS
• Upload, verification, and management of student data
• Accommodations and accessibility data fields
• Scheduling modules and test assignment capabilities
• Data privacy & security plan (FIPS 140 2 encryption; NIST controls)
3. Reporting (Paper and Electronic)
Paper Reports:
• Two (2) ISRs per student
• One parent/guardian report
• One grade level aggregate report per tested grade
Electronic Deliverables:
• EDFacts compliant data files
• Data Warehouse access (score reports, aggregates, rosters)
• Machine readable formats (CSV, XLSX, TXT, SPSS, PDF)
• SIS formatted score files
• Secure transmission (SFTP/SSH)
Additional Reporting Functions:
• Cut score setting (July–September 2027)
• Statistical analyses, including anomaly detection
• FERPA compliant public facing reports
• Collaboration with BIE on peer review evidence
4. Test Administration & Data Integration Training
• Weekly web based training sessions
• Recordings posted and available on demand
• Up to ten (10) onsite training sessions
• Experienced trainer required
• Uploading roster files, resolving errors, data quality procedures
• Creation of Test Coordinator & Test Administration Manuals
• Online learning platform with 24/7 resources
5. Project Management Services
• Weekly PM meetings (Wednesdays)
• Monthly financial tracking reports
• Management of invoices, deliverable schedules, and risk/issue logs
• Ability to negotiate revised due dates for delayed dependent deliverables
6. Helpdesk Services
• Phone and online chat support
• Coverage 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. across four U.S. time zones
• During registration (~5 weeks), testing (~6 weeks), and post testing (~3 weeks)
• Hold time ≤ 15 minutes (95% SLA)
7. Optional Test Item Development (Option Years)
• Culturally relevant item creation
• Item writing with BIE educator workgroups
• Pilot testing and integration into item bank
• BIE retains full ownership of all items developed
8. Optional Interim Assessments (Option Years)
• Interim assessments for grades 5, 8, and 11
• Aligned to NGSS and to the summative assessment
• Reporting, training, and technical support
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5. Period of Performance
A base and 4-1 year options
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6. Security, Privacy, & Compliance Requirements
Respondents must describe current practices aligning with:
• FERPA, COPPA, CIPA
• Privacy Act & E Gov Act §208 (PIA)
• NIST SP 800 53, 800 53A, 800 37 RMF
• FIPS 199 (Moderate), FIPS 140 2 encryption
• DOI IT Security Policies & A 123 standards
• Section 508 accessibility
• Monthly vulnerability scans; annual security assessments
• Confidentiality, nondisclosure, and restricted use of data requirements
All systems and data must reside within CONUS.
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7. Government-Furnished & School Provided Resources
BIE will provide:
• Student lists with unique IDs
Schools will provide:
• Computers or local servers
• Internet connectivity sufficient for online administration
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8. Place of Performance
• Nationwide support to all BIE funded schools
• Virtual services and contractor facilities (CONUS only)
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9. Instructions to Respondents
9.1 Submission Information
• Submission Email: Felicia.Aspaas@bie.edu
• Subject Line: “Sources Sought – BIE Science Assessments – [Your Company Name]”
• Due Date: April 22, 2026 – 11:00 AM MDT
• Format: One (1) consolidated PDF/Word document
• Length: Recommended ≤ 10 pages
9.2 Required Content
• Company information (UEI, CAGE, business size/socio economic status)
• Capability addressing each SOW component
• Experience delivering NGSS aligned statewide/SEA assessments
• SIS integration experience (API + manual uploads)
• Assessment security and data governance practices
• Training and helpdesk capability
• Description of item development capabilities (if applicable)
• Identification of subcontractors (if any)
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10. Disclaimer
This RFI does not commit the Government to award a contract.
Costs associated with responding will not be reimbursed.
Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
The Government will not provide evaluations or feedback.
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11. Notice to Potential Offerors
Vendors must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to any award:
www.SAM.gov
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12. Attachments
• Attachment 1: Statement of Work (SOW)-Science Assessment
• Attachment 2: Request for Information (RFI) – Science Assessments
(Only the RFI response is required at this time.)