Equitable Services for Private Schools

The School Board of Polk County, Florida has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP #019-MJ-0326) seeking qualified proposers to deliver comprehensive equitable services for private schools under Title I funding. The procurement requires respondents to propose three mandatory service components: instructional programs (tutoring) in reading, mathematics, science, and academic counseling; professional development for private school teachers; and parent involvement activities for eligible Title I participants. Tutors must hold a bachelor's degree or have 48 credit hours plus a passing ParaPro Assessment score, and will provide small group instruction in 30-minute sessions at least twice weekly. The RFP evaluation will include assessment of the hourly billing rate for instructional services, with pricing comprising 30 of 100 available points. Key dates include a November 5, 2025 deadline for written questions, proposal submission due on December 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET, evaluation committee meetings on January 14, 2026, finalist presentations on January 22, 2026, and an anticipated award recommendation posting on February 9, 2026, with School Board approval expected March 25, 2026.

The procurement may result in a single source award and does not specify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The current allocation for Title I services to private schools' proportional share for the 2025-26 school year is $1,975,688, subject to potential adjustments. Vendors will be compensated on an hourly rate basis per teacher or counselor hour, which includes direct service time, planning, teacher training, parent conferences, and leadership meetings. The initial contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods contingent upon mutual written agreement and performance. Proposers must provide comprehensive documentation including conflict-of-interest statements, insurance certificates (Commercial General Liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, Professional Liability $1,000,000 per claim), three professional references, and various certifications regarding debarment, drug-free workplace status, and compliance with federal regulations. All equipment and materials purchased with Title I funds will remain District property, and the District maintains complete control over program design, student eligibility, and budget management.