English Learner Program Support - RFP (OES)

The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Education Supports (OES) is requesting proposals for English Learner Program Support services under RFP 260000002603, with proposals due September 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business preference applies under MCL Section 18.1261.

The scope comprises technical assistance, budgetary review and approval, and reporting support for English learner programs across local education agencies. The contractor must appoint a designated Program Manager and Key Personnel physically located in Michigan and available during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST minimum). Responsibilities include reviewing and approving budgets and reports in the NexSys Grant Application system and GEMS/MARS, documenting findings, designing and supporting reporting for English learner components, and providing technical assistance to LEAs on state and federal English learner program requirements. The contractor must attend an introductory meeting within 10 business days of contract execution and subsequent meetings as determined by MDE-OES, submit a project plan within 30 calendar days of the effective date, and undergo required background checks and security procedures.

The contract is effective October 16, 2026 through October 15, 2027, with renewal for up to six additional one-year periods at the State's sole discretion. Estimated annual service requirement is 400 to 500 hours per year, with final determination at the discretion of the State Program Manager. The State did not disclose an anticipated contract value; bidders must submit best-value pricing on a time-and-materials basis with hourly labor rates. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract term, subject to adjustment only upon documented evidence of actual contractor cost changes and mutual negotiation. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion.

Contractors must provide Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Workers Compensation insurance; all insurers must carry A.M. Best ratings of A- VII or higher. Technical proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale: Vendor Questions Worksheet (10 points), Statement of Work General Requirements (50 points), Statement of Work Project Plan (10 points), related sections (10 points), and additional sections (20 points). Proposals scoring 80 or more points advance to price evaluation. Mandatory minimum requirements include demonstrated knowledge of state and federal legal requirements for English learner instructional programming, experience providing technical assistance to districts, and knowledge of establishing English learning programs. Questions were due September 17, 2026. Bidder questions and answers were posted September 21, 2026. The solicitation manager is Jenny Manar (manarJ@michigan.gov, 517-241-2170).