Language Support Strategies Professional Learning

The Iowa Department of Education is conducting an informal competitive bid procurement to contract with a vendor to deliver professional learning on evidence-based language support strategies for educators serving English language learners in grades K-12 throughout Iowa. The primary deliverable is a two-day professional learning session scheduled between July 7-9, 2026, in the Des Moines area that must be based on a research-validated instructional model demonstrating ESSA tier 1, 2, or 3 evidence levels. The vendor must provide actionable strategies for teachers across reading, writing, listening, and speaking instruction, with explicit connections to English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards and focus on second language acquisition at varying proficiency levels. Key requirements include vendor participation in two virtual planning sessions with ESSA administrative consultants prior to delivery to differentiate content specifically for educators in schools designated for comprehensive support and improvement and targeted support and improvement. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the research base, the vendor's involvement in developing the instructional model, demonstrated ability to differentiate content for Iowa's needs, and qualifications of the professional learning provider(s). Proposals must include a detailed cost proposal, evidence of ability to perform required services, and 2-4 references. The proposal submission deadline is February 19, 2026, with a projected contract term from March 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026, and all inquiries must be directed in writing to Amy Freeman at (515) 210-8990 or OIAS@iowa.gov.

The procurement document does not identify any specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise requirements, or restrictions on organizational eligibility to respond. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the posting. The contract does not reference existing infrastructure or technology that requires vendor integration. The procurement does not specify an award value or budget range for this engagement. The Iowa Department of Education reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, readvertise, abandon the procurement need, or cancel the process prior to contract execution.