Notice of Award for RFP 26*1728

The Michigan Department of Education and Office of Partnership Districts has issued a Notice of Award for RFP 26*1728 on evaluation services of Michigan's Partnership Model, with a protest period closing May 29, 2026. The Regents of the University of Michigan received the award recommendation based on best value analysis combining technical merit and pricing.

The scope encompasses comprehensive evaluation of the state's Partnership Model over a three-year contract term with up to five additional one-year renewal options. The evaluation committee assessed proposals using five criteria: Requirements (45 points), Service Requirements (20 points), Staffing (15 points), Project Management (10 points), and Vendor Questions Worksheet (10 points).

The University of Michigan achieved a total technical score of 91 out of 100 with a three-year contract price of $829,345.14 (Year 1: $216,342.23; Year 2: $300,629.32; Year 3: $311,868.59). Two competitors submitted proposals: WestEd at $979,150.89 with a score of 92 points, and American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences at $1,132,151.31 with a score of 95 points. The award was recommended based on superior value relative to competing bids despite the University of Michigan's lower technical score compared to American Institutes for Research.

The RFP was posted on SIGMA VSS on April 8, 2026, and attracted three bidders with proposals due April 22, 2026. The Notice of Intent to Award was issued May 22, 2026. Non-selected bidders may request debriefing through Solicitation Manager Jenny Manar at manarj@michigan.gov or 517-241-2170, pending State Administrative Board approval.