Ethnic Studies Program/Elective Course RFQP #26-11-02

Bakersfield City School District is soliciting statements of qualifications and proposals under RFQP #26-11-02 for an Ethnic Studies program and elective course for grades 6–8, with proposals due December 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the District's Purchasing office, 1300 Baker Street, Bakersfield, California. The source names no set-aside or preference program.

The vendor will develop curriculum frameworks, unit plans, instructional materials, assessment tools, and teacher guides aligned to California's Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum. The content is grounded in four disciplines: African American Studies, Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Studies, Native American/Indigenous Studies, and Asian American/Pacific Islander/Oceania Studies. The program serves English Language Learner and Special Education students across 11 junior high and middle school sites in a district of approximately 27,000 students, 79% of whom are Hispanic. All developed materials become the sole property of the District upon creation.

Minimum qualifications require U.S. citizenship or proper work authorization, no prior felony convictions, a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with demonstrated deep Ethnic Studies expertise, evidence of services to public school districts with 20,000 or more students in Average Daily Attendance, and collaboration with large school systems within the past five years. Required insurance includes $1 million general liability per occurrence, $1 million automobile liability per occurrence, workers' compensation, and $1 million sexual molestation and abuse coverage per occurrence. The contract incorporates the California Student Data Privacy Agreement (CA-NDPA Version 1.5), which requires breach notice within 72 hours of confirmation, U.S. storage of student data, and prior written consent before student data is used for AI training or content generation.

Evaluation weights are qualifications and experience (40%), cost proposal (25%), training methodology (20%), and demonstrated understanding of the RFQP (15%). The initial term is one year with up to two additional one-year renewal options, and the District may terminate with or without cause at any time. Pricing must remain firm through January 26, 2028, after which increases may not exceed 5% annually and require market justification. Board of Education approval is targeted for January 26, 2027.