Accountability and Data Platform

The South Dakota Department of Education, specifically the Division of SPED and Early Learning Services, is seeking a qualified vendor to develop and implement a comprehensive web-based secured system for special education data reporting and accountability. The Request for Proposal (RFP #24RFP9840) targets an Accountability and Data Platform that will collect federal and state data collections, meet Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requirements, and provide efficient information sharing between the State, contractors, and local educational agencies (LEAs). Required system modules include State Accountability, Indicator 13 secondary transition, Results Driven Accountability, Indicators 11 and 12 data collection and reporting, and child count reporting. The system must be fully Section 508 compliant and integrate with existing state data systems like SD-STARS Longitudinal Data System and the Student Information System. Proposals are due by April 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM CT, with an anticipated contract start in July 2024 for an initial three-year term, with potential extensions up to six additional years. The state will evaluate proposals based on cost, specialized expertise, resources, past performance, project management capabilities, and ability to handle constraints.

The RFP is open to all vendors, including those from outside the United States, with no specific set-aside designations noted. Vendors must certify they are not a "Prohibited Entity" as defined by South Dakota Executive Order 2023-02, which excludes organizations ultimately owned or controlled by nationals from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela. The system must accommodate various data upload formats including CSV, Excel, and PDF, and vendors will be required to provide comprehensive training. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the complexity of the system suggests a significant investment in developing a robust special education data platform. The state reserves the right to negotiate with the highest-ranked vendor and may award to multiple vendors if deemed in the best interest of the state. Additional requirements include providing detailed security documentation, compliance with FERPA regulations, and adherence to the state's IT contract terms, which cover extensive provisions related to data security, intellectual property, and system functionality.