Character education curriculum adoption grades k-8

Cache County School District (CCSD) in Utah is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP CCSD-31626) for a comprehensive, research-based Character Education Curriculum for grades K-8 serving approximately 14,000 students across 19 elementary and 4 middle schools. The procurement seeks a curriculum that promotes positive school culture, supports student well-being, and explicitly teaches essential character traits and life skills aligned with CASEL Core Competencies to enhance students' academic, behavioral, and social success. Required deliverables include detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, student-centered materials such as videos and interactive activities, family and community resources, progress monitoring and assessment tools, digital and printable options, and comprehensive professional development and implementation support. The curriculum must be developmentally appropriate for grades K-5 at minimum with preference for K-8 coverage, require minimal educator preparation, and demonstrate flexibility for implementation during advisory periods, homeroom sessions, counseling lessons, or integrated instructional time. Evaluation criteria weighted at 100 total points include: Alignment to Scope of Work (15 points), Grade-Level Specificity and Developmental Appropriateness (10 points), Quality of Lesson Design and Instructional Materials (15 points), Engagement of Student Materials (15 points), Family Resources and Home-School Connection Supports (5 points), Progress Monitoring and Assessment Tools (10 points), Professional Development and Implementation Support (5 points), and Cost and Licensing Structure (25 points), with a minimum technical score of 50 points required to advance. Key deadlines include questions due by March 10, 2026, proposal submission deadline of March 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST, initial review March 17-20, interviews and presentations March 26 if needed, cost review March 27-April 3, vendor award April 6, board approval May 21, 2026, and implementation beginning August 17, 2026.

The RFP does not indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must provide at least three references from comparable school districts currently using the curriculum and submit evidence of effectiveness including peer-reviewed research, effectiveness studies, and measurable outcomes. All digital materials and online tools must meet Federal and State student data privacy requirements as established in the Standard Student Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) template provided, which includes compliance with FERPA and COPPA and cybersecurity frameworks based on nationally recognized standards such as NIST or ISO 27000 series. The initial K-5 roll-out targets approximately 9,388 students and 360 elementary teachers, with grades 6-8 (182 teachers) to be added in future years, and all pricing proposals must reflect a five-year contract term with potential annual renewal for up to five additional years. The cost evaluation awards 100 percent of price points to the lowest bidder with all other offerors receiving proportional points based on their percentage differential above the lowest price; proposals exceeding 200 percent of the lowest proposal receive no points. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents; pricing must be guaranteed for the entire contract term and should include curriculum licensing fees, training costs, implementation costs, renewal costs, and optional add-ons using either site-based licensing or per-student pricing models.