Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to administer the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program statewide through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation number EV00000658. The primary objective is to partner with a non-profit that can assist in fundraising, raise local community support, and expand book distribution to children from birth to five years old. Key deliverables include developing public awareness campaigns, encouraging family enrollment, soliciting donations, and managing day-to-day program administration. The selected supplier must commit to investing at least $2 million in program activities over three years, with goals of increasing enrollment to 65% of eligible children across Oklahoma's 77 counties. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience working with birth-to-age-5 populations, at least 5 years of public and private fund management experience, and capability to coordinate quarterly advisory board meetings and annual affiliate meetings. The RFP response is due by 3:00 p.m. CST on March 26, 2025, with administrative review requests due by February 28, 2025, and bidder questions accepted until March 10, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the Non-Collusion Certification form (CP004) includes provisions related to service-disabled veteran businesses. Bidders must be registered with the Oklahoma Secretary of State for contracts over $250,000 and comply with various state requirements, including workers' compensation verification and non-boycott certifications. The contract will be structured with an initial one-year term and ten potential one-year renewals, with funding split 50/50 between state legislative appropriations and local community fundraising. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the requirement to invest $2 million over three years suggests a substantial contract opportunity. Suppliers must submit comprehensive proposals through the Oklahoma Supplier Portal, with all pricing information subject to public disclosure. Insurance requirements include significant coverage limits: $2 million for commercial general and automobile liability, and $5 million for security/privacy liability.