Quality Improvement System (QIS) Refresh Project Support

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is requesting proposals for Quality Improvement System (QIS) Refresh Project Support services via Documented Quote (DQ) solicitation 2027-019, with proposals due August 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time. No budget ceiling or range is disclosed; CDEC requests vendors submit their most competitive bids.

The scope includes backbone support for redesigning Colorado Shines, the state's quality rating and improvement system, to integrate Colorado Universal Preschool providers. Core deliverables are project management and master schedule development integrating internal milestones; facilitation of a minimum of five targeted stakeholder engagement sessions (serving licensed center-based providers, family child care homes, educators, Early Childhood Councils, and rural/mountain/frontier communities); comparative analysis of at least five other states' continuous quality improvement or alternative rating models; analysis of professional qualification frameworks and observation tools integration; economic impact modeling; and a Five-Year Quality Plan with implementation timelines, pilot frameworks, and evaluation metrics. Work is performed primarily virtually with optional in-person meetings if more effective. The initial performance period runs from purchase order execution through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal for additional terms not to exceed five years contingent on appropriated funds and performance.

Budget template Exhibit B establishes a maximum allowable amount of $50,000 per contractor and caps indirect costs at 15 percent de minimis rate, though vendors with separately negotiated federally or state rates may apply those alternatively or elect lower rates. A Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) preference of 3% toward overall final score applies to vendors certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cost is the primary evaluation factor, with preferred criteria sections weighted higher. No incumbent exists for this work. CDEC will provide selected vendors with interest holder feedback summaries, landscape analysis, cost analyses for Colorado Shines, and additional data upon request. Vendors must register in CORE and obtain a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov prior to contract execution. Proposals are limited to 10 pages of narrative; signature pages, Statement of Work (Exhibit A), Budget (Exhibit B), and references are excluded from the page limit. CDEC intends to extend an intent to award before the end of August and begin work by October 1, 2026. Amendment #02, posted August 7, 2026, incorporates a final question and answer.