ACC DQ 27-1-7126 NASA Hub Independent Evaluator

Arapahoe Community College, on behalf of the State of Colorado, is soliciting a Documented Quote for an Independent Evaluator to conduct a three-year mixed-methods evaluation of a NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hub project, with quotes due August 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM MST.

Mandatory qualifications include a relevant advanced degree, substantial experience evaluating federally funded post-secondary projects (preferably two-year institutions), documented NASA grant project experience, and a successful track record of peer-reviewed publications. The evaluator will assess recruitment efforts, faculty professional development impacts, partner engagement, employer confidence in workforce readiness, curriculum relevance, student pathways and outcomes, and enrollment trends. Deliverables include a Comprehensive Evaluation Plan within 30 days of award using a NASA-provided template and annual evaluation reports addressing quantitative and qualitative research questions. Proposals must include detailed cost-reimbursement budgets itemizing salary, benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, and other costs; demonstration of evaluation design expertise; two to three case studies aligned with the project; and three to five relevant federal and NASA-funded evaluation examples with client references.

The total three-year budget ceiling is $110,000: Year 1 at $40,000 for evaluation design and the comprehensive evaluation plan, Year 2 at $30,000 for ongoing evaluation activities and reporting, and Year 3 at $40,000 for final evaluation activities, reporting, and assistance with research paper submission to peer-reviewed journals. Indirect costs are capped at 10% of direct costs. The contract term runs from award through June 30, 2029, contingent upon continued NASA grant funding and satisfactory performance. Award will be made to the responsible respondent whose acceptable quote is determined most advantageous to the State, with price/cost as the primary consideration. The successful contractor must comply with all Colorado state procurement requirements, maintain appropriate insurance coverage, execute NASA and ACC terms and conditions, and adhere to federal provisions. Written inquiries are due August 17, 2026, with award notification estimated for August 25, 2026, and a contract start date of August 31, 2026.