Student Success Acceleration Program (SSAP) 2. 0 Evaluation

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is seeking a vendor to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Student Success Acceleration Program (SSAP) 2.0 Grants through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 781-5-03529A. The selected vendor will perform a detailed assessment of 33 SSAP 2.0 grant programs, focusing on student persistence and completion across seven program areas including academic supports, advising, basic needs, finances, mental health, re-engagement, and underserved populations. Key deliverables include a literature review due May 30, 2025, an interim report due June 31, 2025, a refined program effectiveness rubric due July 31, 2026, and a final program evaluation due August 31, 2026. The evaluation must include an implementation study and impact evaluation component, establishing Communities of Practice and developing a comprehensive measurement framework. Proposal evaluation criteria will weight pricing at 20%, scope of work response at 50%, and experience/qualifications at 30%, with respondents required to have minimum 10 years of relevant experience. The RFP was posted January 28, 2025, with questions due February 4, 2025, and proposals due February 25, 2025, for a contract period from May 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.

The procurement includes a significant Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) subcontracting requirement with a 26% goal for other services contracts. Eligible respondents are primarily Texas public institutions and systems of higher education, with the opportunity for individual and consortium applications. The THECB encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses and provides specific guidelines for HUB subcontractor notification and selection. While a precise contract budget is not disclosed, the total SSAP 2.0 grant program is approximately $8 million, with initial individual grant awards of $150,000 and potential additional funding up to $250,000 for specific engagement groups. The contract will be awarded based on best value to the state, considering factors such as ability to meet objectives, performance reliability, schedule adherence, and past vendor performance. Virtual and remote work is permitted, though a mix of in-person and virtual activities is recommended. The selected vendor must be prepared to establish data sharing agreements, obtain necessary IRB approvals, and potentially provide evaluation materials in multiple languages.