Independent Monitor – Student Discipline Reform

Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) in Erie County, New York, is issuing a Request for Proposals to procure an Independent Monitor to oversee the implementation of student discipline reforms required under an Assurance of Discontinuance (AOD) agreement with the New York State Office of the Attorney General. The Monitor will ensure BPS implements required reforms with fidelity, transparency, and accountability, with particular focus on addressing racial and disability disparities in school discipline, procedural safeguards, and due process protections. Key responsibilities include conducting compliance oversight, analyzing discipline data, submitting quarterly and annual reports, engaging stakeholders, and providing technical assistance on restorative practices and behavioral interventions. The position requires expertise in educational equity, civil rights compliance, and discipline reform. The contract term is four complete school years with possible extensions as needed. The solicitation was released on April 24, 2026, with questions due by May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT, answers posted by May 4, 2026, and proposals due by May 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT through the BPS Bonfire portal. An Intent to Bid must be submitted by May 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT to access the submission portal. Evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale weighted as follows: cost at 30 points, experience and qualifications at 30 points, technical approach at 25 points, and capacity to perform at 15 points, with a minimum non-cost score of 40 points required. The award will be based on best value rather than lowest cost, with a tentative award date of May 13, 2026.

Respondents must submit proposals as either three printed copies and one electronic copy or exclusively through the BPS Bonfire portal. Required submissions include a completed Offering Questionnaire (Q-56CT), Non-Collusive Bidding Certification, insurance certificate, Equal Employment Opportunity information, and a minimum of three client references, along with a cost proposal and W-9 form. The Data Sharing and Confidentiality Agreement must be executed, requiring vendors to implement data security and privacy safeguards for student and personnel data in compliance with New York Education Law Section 2-d and FERPA. BPS procurement is conducted in accordance with Policy 5414 regarding Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), and respondents must complete the Subcontractor Listing and MWBE Utilization Plan form if applicable; however, no subcontractors are permitted for this engagement. Respondents must propose a single annual all-inclusive cost for each of the four single-year periods, with proposals remaining valid for 90 days past closing. Insurance requirements include certificates of liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per person/$1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and $300,000 for property damage; however, no performance bond, bid bond, or prevailing wage requirements apply. The specific award value or budget range is not disclosed in the solicitation documents provided.