RFP - Evaluation of Partnership District Model

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP 260000001728) issued by the Michigan Department of Education seeking a contractor to conduct a comprehensive, mixed-methods evaluation of Michigan's Partnership District Model. The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of intensive support provided to underperforming school districts identified under the Every Student Succeeds Act framework over a 36-month period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Key deliverables include an Inception Report detailing the evaluation plan, an Interim Implementation Report at the 18-month mark, a Final Evaluation Report with actionable recommendations, executive summaries tailored for multiple audiences, a stakeholder presentation, and a data dashboard for ongoing monitoring. The evaluation must examine district needs, implementation fidelity of three-year Partnership Agreements, and impacts on student outcomes including academic achievement, graduation rates, and attendance. Required qualifications include preference for research-based firms specializing in partnership district models with at least three years of evaluation services experience spanning case studies and policy analyses for state or federal agencies, demonstrated capacity to connect survey results to educational research, and the ability to employ rigorous and responsive research methods with flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. The RFP was posted on April 8, 2026, with a proposal submission deadline of April 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and the anticipated contract commencement date is July 1, 2026. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract length, with all costs detailed in a budget aligned with the scope of work and payments to be made via Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of receipt of undisputed invoices.

No set-asides or restrictions on organization types are identified in the procurement documentation, and no incumbent contractors are listed for this evaluation opportunity. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $1,000,000 commercial general liability, $1,000,000 automobile liability, and $3,000,000 professional liability with the State named as additional insured, and must comply with FERPA requirements and Michigan's Digital Accessibility Standards for all deliverables. All personnel entering school facilities must undergo criminal background checks per Michigan's Revised School Code. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion of contract activities. The specific budget range or award value is not disclosed in the available documentation; instead, vendors are required to complete a blank Schedule B Pricing Matrix that captures personnel costs by hourly rates and non-personnel operating expenses across the three fiscal years, suggesting that cost submissions will be evaluated competitively against the scope of work and qualifications criteria. The contract is renewable for up to five additional one-year periods at the State's sole discretion, potentially extending the engagement beyond the initial three-year term.