Innovation Grant Learning Platform

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is seeking a qualified vendor to provide a three-dimensional, game-based learning platform targeting middle and high school students through an Innovation Grant Learning Platform procurement. The solicitation, identified as NDERFA251008, requires a comprehensive educational technology solution focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content that aligns with Nebraska's College and Career Readiness and Career and Technical Education Content Standards. The platform must offer interactive 3D simulations and games enabling students to explore STEM careers, connect academic standards to real-world technologies, and provide unlimited 24/7 access for all Nebraska school districts. Specific deliverables include platforms capable of teaching chemistry, physical science, business, or mathematics with robust features such as Spanish language accessibility, data reporting capabilities, and compatibility with existing school district equipment. The contract term is one year, with potential renewals for three additional one-year periods, and responses are due on November 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Evaluation criteria will assess vendors' ability to connect standards with real-world applications, engage students in career exploration, provide comprehensive data and usage statistics, ensure data security, and demonstrate platform effectiveness.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types were explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the procurement appears open to technology vendors specializing in educational platforms with demonstrated capabilities in STEM-focused, game-based learning solutions. The contract will be paid based on student usage during the performance period, with vendors required to submit a cost per student user rather than a fixed budget. No incumbent vendors were identified in the provided documents. The platform must integrate with current school district technological infrastructure and provide comprehensive reporting mechanisms. Although a precise budget range was not specified, vendors will need to provide detailed cost structures in the attached vendor cost sheet (ATTACHMENT A - NDERFA251008_NDE_Vendor_Cost_Sheet.xlsx), which includes placeholders for total project costs and per-student user pricing. The successful vendor will be expected to deliver a sophisticated, interactive learning platform that not only meets technical requirements but also provides meaningful educational experiences for Nebraska students exploring STEM career pathways.