Montana GEAR UP Attendance Matters

Montana GEAR UP is issuing a Request for Proposal seeking a qualified vendor to implement a three-year attendance improvement project at participating Montana schools. The procurement is for Educational Services (commodity code 1402) with a project timeline extending from fall 2026 through spring 2029. The selected vendor must conduct comprehensive needs assessments, develop and implement attendance improvement strategies and best practices, deliver professional development training to school staff, facilitate community and family engagement initiatives, and provide ongoing technical support and consultation throughout the contract period. The proposal must include detailed background information, a complete scope of work addressing all requirements, vendor qualifications and relevant experience in addressing student absenteeism, and a detailed cost proposal. The RFP opened on March 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM MST, with proposals due by April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM MDT. No formal bidders' conference or site visit requirements are specified. Questions regarding the RFP should be submitted to Brian O'Connor at boconnor@montana.edu or +1 406-994-5016. The contract will be awarded to a single vendor following evaluation of submitted proposals, with payment terms of Net 30 and no advance payment provisions.

All prospective contractors must comply with mandatory requirements including the University System's insurance requirements, financial stability certifications, litigation disclosures, and data security terms. Vendors must provide nondiscrimination certifications regarding firearm entities under Montana HB 356. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, optional compliance with Executive Order 12-2016, which promotes equal pay for women, provides a competitive 5% point incentive for qualifying vendors. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are identified in the documentation. The RFP does not specify an exact award value or budget range; prospective bidders should contact the procurement officer for financial parameters. All proposal information is considered public record with limited exceptions for trade secrets, safety matters, and constitutional protections.