018-PUR-2026 Social Emotional Learning/Character Development Program for Students K-12

The Dougherty County School System (DCSS) in Albany, Georgia is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Character Development Program serving approximately 6,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 across 14 elementary schools and 4 middle schools. The procurement seeks an evidence-based, multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) that includes Tier 1 universal instruction through structured, grade-level lessons for all students; Tier 2 targeted interventions for students requiring additional support; and Tier 3 intensive interventions for students with significant needs. Required deliverables include SEL curriculum and instructional materials, professional development sessions for approximately 22 administrators, 29 counselors, 28 social workers, 20 support staff, and classroom teachers, ongoing coaching and implementation support, assessment and data tools, and evaluation reports. The program should emphasize capacity-building through scalable models such as train-the-trainer approaches or virtual modules, though vendors may propose limited direct services. The vendor must demonstrate understanding of district needs, quality program design, alignment to multi-tiered supports, effective professional learning and implementation support, robust data and evaluation approaches, and relevant organizational experience. Proposals are due April 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST, with questions due by March 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Bid opening will occur at 11:00 AM on April 7, 2026, with live streaming available via Zoom. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029 (three years), with an expected award decision by May 1, 2026, and no later than May 28, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: Understanding of District Needs (15 points), Quality of Program Design (15 points), Alignment to Multi-Tiered Supports (15 points), Professional Learning and Implementation Support (15 points), Data, Assessment, and Evaluation Approach (15 points), Organizational Experience and Qualifications (15 points), and Cost Proposal and Overall Value (10 points).

No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on vendor type are mentioned in the RFP documents; however, DCSS is open to proposals from out-of-state vendors and will give preference to programs offering a K-12 continuum to support future districtwide expansion. The district previously utilized Second Step and 7 Mindsets programs, which were discontinued in November 2025, and plans to implement Leader in Me districtwide, indicating potential integration considerations for future phases. No incumbent vendor information is specified for continuation or evaluation purposes. The RFP does not establish a specific budget range; vendors are expected to propose pricing consistent with the scope of work, with funding potentially sourced from a combination of local, state, and federal funds including ESSER or Title IV allocations. All proposals must include one original and one digital copy accompanied by signed required forms including the DJEA Policy Statement of Assurance, debarment certification, vendor information form, reference sheet, acknowledgment, certification of non-collusion, and Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance affidavits. The school system reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive technicalities, request clarifications during evaluation, conduct interviews or demonstrations, and negotiate scope and pricing with one or more proposers before award.