Higher Education Partnerships to Develop a School Psychologist Pipeline Program

The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) is requesting proposals from accredited higher education institutions to develop and implement a School Psychologist Pipeline Program, with proposals due September 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT. The vendor question and answer period runs through August 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT.

RIDE requires demonstrated Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability Business Enterprise (DisBE) participation, with ISBE utilization rates evaluated and scored as part of technical review. All subcontractors and suppliers must be certified by the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion MBE Compliance Office or the Governor's Commission on Disabilities at bid submission; vendors may count 60 percent of material and supply expenditures from MBEs certified as regular dealers or 100 percent from MBE manufacturers.

The scope encompasses a multi-component program including pipeline design with pathways from undergraduate interest through graduate enrollment, recruitment strategies highlighting school psychology careers, field experience development through LEA practicum and internship partnerships, professional support mechanisms, program evaluation metrics, per-student cost projections, and sustainability plans. The program targets high-need LEAs and underserved caregiving youth populations. Technical proposals are limited to six pages (excluding appendices and resumes); narratives must not exceed twelve typed pages.

The initial contract period begins approximately September 2026 and extends through December 31, 2029, with renewal possible for up to one additional 12-month period based on performance and fund availability. Funding derives from the United States Department of Education's School Based Mental Health Services Program. Pricing is firm and fixed; the lowest-cost proposal receives 100 cost points, with all others scored proportionally. A contract administrative fee of 0.33 percent of annual contract value will be withheld from vendor invoices.

Evaluation criteria allocate 15 points for program design quality, 10 points for professional support, 25 points for candidate recruitment and support strategies, 10 points for program evaluation, and 10 points for sustainability strategies, with 30 points for cost. Technical proposals must achieve a minimum score of 55 points to advance to cost evaluation; up to six bonus points are available for diversity and inclusion participation.

All proposals must be submitted electronically through Ocean State Procures. Vendors must maintain general liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), workers compensation ($100,000 each accident), automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and professional liability/errors and omissions ($2,000,000 per occurrence and annual aggregate) insurance. Proposals are irrevocable for a minimum of 180 days following opening.