Statewide, standardized assessments in science and social studies

The Florida Department of Education is seeking a contractor through an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to develop, administer, score, and report statewide standardized assessments in Science and Social Studies. The procurement covers multiple assessments including grades 5 and 8 Science assessments, end-of-course (EOC) assessments for Civics, Biology 1, and U.S. History, the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE), and the Florida Advanced Course Test (FACT) Psychology assessment. Key deliverables include developing approximately 150 test items annually for each assessment (400 for FCLE and 250 for FACT Psychology), providing comprehensive technology platforms, customer service, training, and reporting capabilities with real-time analytics dashboards and parent portals. Technical questions are due March 6, 2025, with responses posted by March 20, 2025, and proposals are due April 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. The base contract will run from winter 2025 through summer 2030, with five potential one-year optional renewals extending through 2034-2035. The assessments will be computer-based, with grades 5 and 8 Science and EOC assessments administered as computer-adaptive tests.

The ITN does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The funding model includes approximately $1 million per year, totaling $10 million over the potential contract period, with reimbursable funding categories for contingency services, contractor staff positions, and meeting costs. Current item banks contain between 1,600-2,000 items per assessment, except for FCLE (281 items) and FACT Psychology (36 items), indicating a need for significant item development and expansion. The contract covers statewide implementation across Florida, with Leon County specifically mentioned as a participating jurisdiction. Proposers must submit both technical and price proposals separately sealed, suggesting a comprehensive evaluation process that will likely assess technical capabilities, item development expertise, technological infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness. The anticipated contract start date is September 1, 2025, with the successful vendor responsible for seamlessly continuing and enhancing the state's standardized assessment program.