School Turnaround Program Support (FY27-FY31)

The State of Tennessee Department of Education is requesting qualifications for school turnaround program support to Priority/Comprehensive Support and Improvement Schools over a five-year term (FY27–FY31), with responses due November 2, 2026 and a pre-response conference on September 10, 2026.

Contractors must demonstrate at least three years of experience in school turnaround and will conduct Comprehensive School Analyses examining six areas: student academic achievement and growth, leadership, curriculum and instruction, professional development, climate and culture, and operations and organization. The CSA must be completed within 90 calendar days of contract execution. Contractors will also assist in developing school turnaround plans and professional development plans in collaboration with school leadership teams. Schools are designated as the lowest-performing five percent based on three-year success rates.

The State is issuing multiple no-cost contracts establishing a pre-approved list of qualified contractors from which Local Education Agencies and Public Charters will directly select and contract. There is no direct payment from the State to contractors; LEAs and Public Charters receive State grant funds and execute separate contractual relationships with selected contractors. Under Tennessee Code Ann. 49-6-3707(c), LEAs and Public Charters must pay selected contractors 50 percent of contract fees on a prorated basis throughout the term, with the remaining 50 percent payable only if the school meets priority school exit criteria by the end of its final year.

Contractors must obtain FBI and TBI background checks for all employees and subcontractors with direct contact with school children, maintain cyber liability insurance of $3 million per occurrence and $5 million annual aggregate, and sexual abuse and molestation insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Compliance with HIPAA and nondiscrimination requirements is mandatory.

Evaluation occurs in two phases: mandatory requirements assessed on pass/fail, and technical qualifications scored on a maximum of 100 points with a 75-point minimum for award consideration. Contract awards are anticipated by November 18, 2026. Written questions are due September 18, 2026. Contact Genell Jordan, Sourcing Account Specialist, at 615-532-7202 or Genell.Jordan@tn.gov.