USBE - Continuous Improvement Experts Prequalification List (add vendors and recertify current vendors)

This Request for Statement of Qualifications ("RFSQ") is issued in accordance with State of Utah Procurement Code, Utah Code Annotated (UCA) Chapter 63G-6a, and applicable Rules found in the Utah Administrative Code (UAC). If any provision of this RFSQ conflicts with the UCA or UAC, the UCA or UAC will take precedence. Purpose: The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has issued this RFSQ to obtain proposals from Offerors interested in serving as Continuous Improvement Experts (CIE) for USBE-designated Elevate and Springboard schools. The intent of this RFSQ is to add vendors to a list of prequalified Continuous Improvement Expert (CIE) vendors with whom the Utah State Board of Education (USBE)-designated elevate and springboard schools' local school boards can contract for the CIE services referenced in this Scope of Work and to also verify that vendors currently on the list continue to meet the applicable minimum mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria, and score thresholds. Vendors currently on the list MUST still submit a complete response to this RFSQ so USBE can verify that they continue to meet the minimum mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria, and score thresholds to remain on the list. The previous RFSQ amended the term date for the approved vendor list to June 30, 2029. This RFSQ amends to term date to be an indeterminate period of time. USBE will verify that vendors on the list continue to meet any applicable minimum mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria, and score thresholds no less frequently than every 18 months. USBE retains the right to reopen the solicitation to allow additional vendors to submit responses at any time during this term of the open-ended approved vendor list. The solicitation can be reopened for any reason the state deems appropriate. Each elevate and springboard local school board will be individually responsible for contracting with the vendors on the approved vendor list. Any expenses, including travel, will be determined during that contracting process. Please note: USBE-approved CIE providers for elevate and springboard schools may be subject to an annual evaluation as measured by both the expected and required scope of work in collaboration with the contracted LEA, school, and USBE. Background: Under the State School Improvement program and per Utah Code Annotated (UCA) Section 53E-5 Part 3 (attached in the Files section), beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, in every year that USBE does not designate a springboard school, USBE shall identify at least six schools to participate in the voluntary elevate school improvement program. In addition, springboard schools will be identified during the 2025-2026 school year, and every four years thereafter. Per UCA Section 53E-5 Part 3, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, and every three years thereafter, USBE shall identify two or more approved CIEs, through a standard procurement process, that a springboard school or elevate school may contract with to: (a) respond to the needs assessment conducted under Section 53E-5-302; and (b) provide the services described in Section 53E-5-303 or 53E-5-304, as applicable. In identifying CIEs, the state board shall identify experts that: (a) have a credible track record of improving student academic achievement in public schools with various demographic characteristics, as measured by statewide assessments described in Section 53E-4-301; (b) have experience designing, implementing, and evaluating data-driven instructional systems in public schools; (c) have experience coaching public school administrators and teachers on designing data-driven school improvement plans; (d) have experience working with the various education entities that govern public schools; (e) have experience coordinating the services provided to participating schools by other experts or providers; (f) have experience delivering high-quality professional development in instructional effectiveness to public school administrators and teachers; and (g) are willing to partner with any springboard school or elevate school in the state, regardless of location. The state board shall monitor and assess progress toward the goals, benchmarks, and timetable in each school improvement plan; and act as a liaison between a local school board, springboard school or elevate school, and CIE. Additional details on training and communication will come after the RFSQ is complete and the list updated. Additional Information: Vendors are prohibited from communications regarding this RFSQ with the conducting procurement unit staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals EXCEPT the USBE procurement officer overseeing this RFSQ. Wherever in this RFSQ an item is defined by using a trade name, brand name, or a manufacturer and/or model number, it is intended that the words, "or equivalent" apply; and invites the submission of equivalent products by the vendors. Vendors may be required to submit product samples to assist the head of a procurement unit with independent procurement authority in evaluating whether a procurement item meets the specifications and other requirements set forth in the RFSQ. Product samples must be furnished free of charge unless otherwise stated in the RFSQ, and if not destroyed by testing, will upon written request within any deadline stated in the RFSQ, be returned at the vendor's expense. Samples must be labeled or otherwise identified as specified in the RFSQ by the procurement unit. USBE reserves the right to conduct discussions with the vendors who submit Statements of Qualifications determined to be reasonably eligible of being selected for award. Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications: Each Statement of Qualifications received shall be evaluated for responsiveness as outlined in the Utah Procurement Code. Pursuant to Section 63G-6a-410 of the Utah Procurement Code, this RFSQ shall be evaluated by the mandatory minimum and technical evaluation criteria described in this RFSQ. Statements of Qualifications submitted must comply with the prerequisites and questions sections of this RFSQ. Any Statement of Qualification that does not comply with the prerequisite and questions sections will be deemed non-responsive and will be rejected. Any exceptions to the content of this RFSQ, including the prerequisites, must be protested in writing to USBE prior to the closing date. To be responsive and responsible, vendors must review and respond to the following sections of this RFSQ: • The Files section contains the required USBE Terms and Conditions of the RFSQ, which are non-negotiable, the general provisions which apply to this RFSQ, the Scope of Work and Technical Evaluation Criteria, and any additional required forms. • The Requested Information section contains the questions that vendors are required to answer in order to submit their Statement of Qualifications. Vendors must review each section carefully. Vendors selected to be on the open-ended approved vendor list will include only responsible vendors that: (i) submit a responsive statement of qualifications; and (ii) meet the Mandatory Minimum Requirements, Technical Evaluation Criteria, and applicable score thresholds described in this RFSQ.