Connecticut Educator Preparation Program Audit Concerning Instruction in Structured Literacy and the Detection and Recognition of Interventions for Student with Dyslexia

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Connecticut Educator Preparation Program Audit Concerning Instruction in Structured Literacy and the Detection and Recognition of and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia, RFP #862

Issued By:

Connecticut State Department of Education

March 2026

The RFP is available in electronic format on the State Contracting Portal by filtering by "Organization," "Executive Branch," "Education, Dept. of;" or from the Connecticut State Department of Education Official Contact:

Name: Lisa Gianni

Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: 860-713-6712

Email: lisa.gianni@ct.gov

The RFP is also available on the Agency's website at . There will be a bidders conference using Microsoft Teams on March 30, 2026. Prospective proposers who plan to attend should email by 12:00 Eastern Time on March 27, 2026, to receive a Microsoft Teams meeting link via email to attend the conference.

RFP responses must be received no later than

May 1, 2026

4:00 PM Eastern Time

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The Connecticut Department of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of: race; color; religious creed; age; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; workplace hazards to reproductive systems; gender identity or expression; marital status; national origin; ancestry; retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion; intellectual disability; genetic information; learning disability; physical disability (including, but not limited to, blindness); mental disability (past/present history thereof); military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence; or criminal record in state employment, unless there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in any of the aforementioned protected classes. Inquiries regarding the Connecticut State Department of Education's nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Attorney Louis Todisco, Connecticut State Department of Education, by mail (450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 605, Hartford, CT 06103-1841; or by telephone 860-713- 6594; or by email louis.todisco@ct.gov).

The Connecticut State Department of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

The CSDE reserves the right to reject any and all submissions or cancel this procurement at any time if deemed in the best interest of the State of Connecticut (State).

Section I - GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Section II - PURPOSE OF RFP AND SCOPE OF SERVICES. . . . . . . . 7

A. Agency Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

B. Service Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

C. Scope of Services Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

D. Performance Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

E. Contract Management/Data Reporting . . . . . . . . . . 9

Section III - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . 10

A. Submission Format Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Evaluation of Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section IV - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION OUTLINE AND REQUIREMENTS . . . 15

Cover Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Proposer Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Main Proposal Submission Requirements To Submit a Responsive Proposal 15

Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Declaration of Confidential Information . . . . . . . . . . 17

Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement . . . . . . . . . 17

Statement of Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Section V - MANDATORY PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Standard Contract Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Terms and Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Rights Reserved to the State . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . 21

Section VI - APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Abbreviations / Acronyms / Definitions . . . . . . . . . . 24

Statement of Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Standard Statement of Assurances for Grant Programs . . . . . 26

Proposal Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

A. INTRODUCTION

1. RFP Name and Number. Connecticut Educator Preparation Program Audit Concerning Instruction in Structured Literacy and the Detection and Recognition of and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia, RFP #862.

2. RFP Summary. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) is seeking proposals from Contractors to a) evaluate for rigor its compliance measures and audit procedures for educator preparation programs pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Sections and to , inclusive; and b) support with training and conducting audits of Connecticut's eighteen (18) institutions of higher education (IHE) that offer approved educator preparation programs (EPP) leading to professional licensure. Proposals must address both Projects A and B for an application to be considered complete. The CSDE reserves the right to make awards for Project A, B, or both Projects A and B depending upon the availability of funding.

3. RFP Purpose. Pursuant to subsection (c) of Section of the CGS, CSDE's Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD) is responsible for developing compliance measures and audit procedures to verify the compliance of (A) EPPs, as defined in Section , including intermediate administrator and supervisor programs, and (B) applicants for an initial, provisional or professional educator certificate pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 relating to scientifically-based reading research and instruction, as defined in Section , structured literacy instruction and training, dyslexia instruction and training, including, but not limited to, the compliance verifications required pursuant to Sections to , inclusive. Additionally, pursuant to Section of the CGS, the Department of Education is responsible for developing compliance measures and audit procedures to determine the compliance of educator preparation programs, including intermediate administrator and supervisor programs, in the provision of instruction on scientifically-based reading research and instruction. The CSDE is therefore seeking qualified Contractors to:

review and evaluate for alignment with statute the ODRD's compliance measures and audit procedures of EPPs, including intermediate administrator and supervisor programs;

provide recommendations for, and support the ODRD to, strengthen the rigor of the ODRD's compliance measures and audit procedures to ensure the validity and reliability of audit findings, inclusive of a process for EPP corrective action and monitoring;

pursuant to subsection (b) of Section of the CGS, provide recommendations to the ODRD to align its audit procedures with the information gathered by a national accreditation agency that accredits EPPs for the CSDE;

develop and provide training in ODRD's compliance measures and audit procedures for auditors; and

conduct the audits of up to eighteen (18) Connecticut IHEs and their respective EPPs (see ).

4. Commodity Codes. The services that the Agency wishes to procure through this RFP are as follows:

86000000: Education and Training Services

B. INSTRUCTIONS

Official Contact. The Agency has designated the individual below as the Official Contact for purposes of this RFP. The Official Contact is the only authorized contact for this procurement and, as such, handles all related communications on behalf of the Agency. Proposers, prospective proposers, and other interested parties are advised that any communication with any other Agency employee(s) (including appointed officials) or personnel under contract to the Agency about this RFP is strictly prohibited. Proposers or prospective proposers who violate this instruction may risk disqualification from further consideration.

Name: Lisa Gianni

Address: 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Phone: 860-713-6712

Email: lisa.gianni@ct.gov

Please ensure that email screening software (if used) recognizes and accepts emails from the Official Contact.

Registering with State Contracting Portal. Respondents must register with the State of CT contracting portal at if not already registered. Respondents shall submit the following information pertaining to this application to this portal (on their supplier profile), which will be checked by the Agency contact.

Secretary of State recognition - Click on appropriate response

Non-profit status, if applicable

Notification to Bidders, Parts I-V

Campaign Contribution Certification (OPM Ethics Form 1):

3. RFP Information. The RFP, amendments to the RFP, and other information associated with this procurement are available in electronic format from the Official Contact or at the following locations:

CSDE's RFP Web Page:

State Contracting Portal (go to CT Source Bid Board, filter by "Organization," "Executive Branch," "Education, Dept. of")

It is strongly recommended that any proposer or prospective proposer interested in this procurement check the Bid Board for any solicitation changes. Interested proposers may receive additional emails from CT Source announcing addendums that are posted on the portal. This service is provided as a courtesy to assist in monitoring activities associated with State procurements, including this RFP.

4. Procurement Schedule. The CSDE may amend the schedule as needed. Any change to non-target dates will be made by means of an amendment to this RFP and will be posted on the State Contracting Portal and, if available, the CSDE's RFP Web Page.

RFP Released: March 2026

RFP Conference: March 30, 2026

Deadline for Questions: 4:00PM ET, April 1, 2026

Answers Released: April 10, 2026

Letter of Intent Due: 4:00PM ET, April 13, 2026

Proposals Due: 4:00PM ET, May 1, 2026

5. Contract Awards. The award of any contract pursuant to this RFP is dependent upon the availability of funding to the CSDE. Proposals must address both Projects A and B for an application to be considered complete. The CSDE reserves the right to make awards for Project A, B, or both Projects A and B depending upon the availability of funding.

Number of Awards: One (1)

Contract Term: Upon execution until June 30, 2027

6. Eligibility. To be eligible for evaluation, the proposal must (1) be received on or before the due date and time; (2) meet the Proposal Requirements; (3) have submitted a letter of intent; and (4) be complete. Proposals that fail to follow instructions or satisfy the minimum submission requirements may be deemed ineligible for further review. The CSDE reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal that, in the judgement of the CSDE, deviates significantly from the requirements of this RFP. The CSDE may waive minor technical defects, irregularities, or omissions, if in its judgment the best interests of the State will be served. The CSDE reserves the right to reject the proposal of any proposer who submits a proposal after the submission date and time.

7. Minimum Qualifications of Proposers. Contractors must meet the criteria outlined below and shall be able to provide evidence that:

the organization has the experience and expertise to develop, train, and conduct audits of IHEs and EPPs, including intermediate administrator and supervisor programs;

organizational leadership and/or staff possess the knowledge and expertise in instruction and educator preparation;

organizational leadership and/or staff possess the knowledge and expertise in research regarding structured literacy and the diagnosis of and interventions for students with dyslexia;

the organization possesses the ability to develop and provide training in the conducting of audits and audit quality assurance measures; and

the organization possesses the capacity to conduct audits of up to 18 IHEs and their respective EPPs beginning as early as fall 2026 (See ).

8. Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is required by this RFP. The LOI is non-binding and does not obligate the sender to submit a proposal. The LOI must be submitted to the Official Contact by by the deadline established in the Procurement Schedule. The LOI must clearly identify the sender, including name, postal address, telephone number, and email address. It is the sender's responsibility to confirm the Agency's receipt of the LOI. Failure to submit the required LOI in accordance with the requirements set forth herein shall result in disqualification from further consideration.

9. Inquiry Procedures. All questions regarding this RFP or the CSDE's procurement process must be directed in email to the Official Contact before the deadline specified in the Procurement Schedule. The early submission of questions is encouraged. Questions will not be accepted or answered verbally - neither in person, over the telephone, nor during the RFP Conference. All questions received before the deadline will be answered. However, the CSDE will not answer questions when the source is unknown (i.e., nuisance or anonymous questions). Questions deemed unrelated to the RFP or the procurement process will not be answered. At its discretion, the CSDE may or may not respond to questions received after the deadline. The CSDE may combine similar questions and give only one answer. All questions and answers will be compiled into a written amendment to this RFP. If any answer to any question constitutes a material change to the RFP, the question and answer will be placed at the beginning of the amendment and duly noted as such. The CSDE will release the answers to questions on the date established in the Procurement Schedule. The CSDE will publish any and all amendments to this RFP on the State Contracting Portal and on the CSDE's RFP Web Page. At its discretion, the CSDE may distribute any amendments to this RFP to prospective proposers who attended the RFP Conference and/or submitted a Letter of Intent.

10. RFP Conference. An RFP conference will be held to share information with Contractors. Attendance at the conference is optional. Contractors who plan to attend should RSVP to by 12:00 ET on March 27, 2026, to receive a Microsoft Teams meeting link via email to attend the conference.

11. Proposal Due Date and Time. The Official Contact is the only authorized recipient of proposals submitted in response to this RFP. Proposals must be received by the Official Contact on or before the due date and time: May 1, 2026, 4:00 PM ET. Proposals received after the due date and time may be accepted by the CSDE as a clerical function, but late proposals will not be evaluated. The CSDE will send an official letter alerting late respondents of ineligibility. At the discretion of the CSDE, late proposals may be destroyed.

One (1) electronic copy of the proposal shall be emailed to the Official Contact for this procurement. The subject line of the email must be: RFP #862. Required forms and appendices may be scanned and submitted as PDFs at the end of the main proposal document. Respondents should work to ensure there are no additional IT limitations from the provider side. The electronic copy can also be submitted via delivery of a media file.

The proposal must be complete, properly formatted and outlined, and ready for evaluation by the Review Committee.

12. Multiple Proposals. The submission of multiple proposals is not an option for this procurement. Note that multiple cost options within a single proposal is allowed.

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW

Agency Vision: The CSDE is the administrative arm of the Connecticut State Board of Education (CSBE). Through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analysis, and other assistance, the CSDE helps to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students.

Mission: Within the CSDE, the ODRD is the entity that verifies the compliance of educator preparation programs and applicants for educator certification for scientifically-based reading research, structured literacy, and dyslexia instruction and training.

B. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Problem Statement:

The CSDE is seeking proposals from qualified Contractors to a) evaluate and strengthen the rigor of the compliance measures and audit procedures developed by the ODRD, and b) conduct the audits of EPPs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs using the strengthened compliance measures and audit procedures.

Service Outcome Goals:

Outcome goals for this RFP are outlined below:

Review and evaluate for alignment with statute the ODRD's compliance measures and audit procedures of EPPs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs;

Provide recommendations and support to the ODRD in strengthening the rigor of the ODRD's compliance measures and audit procedures to ensure the validity and reliability of audit findings, inclusive of a process for EPP corrective action and monitoring;

Provide recommendations to the ODRD to align its audit procedures with the information gathered by a national accreditation agency that accredits EPPs for the CSDE;

Develop and provide training in ODRD's strengthened compliance measures and audit procedures for auditors; and

Conduct audits of up to eighteen (18) Connecticut IHEs and their respective EPPs using the ODRD's strengthened compliance measures and audit procedures.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICE DESCRIPTION

The scope of services for this RFP is separated into two projects. Contractors must address both projects associated with this RFP for an application to be considered complete. The CSDE reserves the right to make awards for one or both projects depending upon the availability of funding and quality of proposals.

Project A: Compliance Measures and Audit Procedures

The Contractor will:

meet with the CSDE at the onset of the project to develop a project plan, subject to the approval of the CSDE, and provide updates on key deliverables;

conduct a comprehensive review of the current EPP compliance measures and audit processes that were developed by the ODRD and provide recommendations for strengthening the methodological rigor (i.e., credibility, reliability, trustworthiness, etc.) of such compliance measures and audit processes which may include, but not be limited to, developing guides for:

analyzing EPP course syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments including, but not limited to the development of rubrics and guidance for auditors to assess course syllabi and to conduct quality assurance;

conducting and analyzing EPP course observations, including, but not limited to the development of rubrics and guidance for auditors to assess course observations and to conduct quality assurance;

EPP auditors to conduct faculty interviews and to conduct quality assurance;

analyzing EPP course textbooks, including, but not limited to developing rubrics and guidance for auditors to assess course textbooks and to conduct quality assurance;

host focus groups with stakeholders identified by the CSDE to gather input and feedback on all compliance measures and audit procedures and incorporate any relevant feedback, subject to approval by CSDE, into the compliance measures and audit procedures to develop a final "EPP audit;"

provide recommendations for the ODRD to include in the "EPP audit" a process for reviewing information gathered by a national accreditation agency that accredits EPPs for the CSDE;

develop and implement auditor training that addresses the purpose and methodology of the "EPP audit," as well as the use of all audit tools, the analysis of audit results, and the development of audit findings; and

provide training for all approved auditors on all audit tools, methodologies utilized in the "EPP audit," and quality control measures.

Project B: EPP Audit

The Contractor will:

meet with the CSDE at the onset of the project to develop a project plan, subject to the approval of the CSDE, and provide updates on key deliverables;

conduct a training session for deans of the EPPs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs, to communicate the purpose of the "EPP audit," provide an overview of the audit methodology, and answer questions about the "EPP audit;"

conduct site visits of EPP programs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs, as a component of the "EPP audit;"

analyze data collected from site visits and all documentation provided by EPPs as required by the "EPP audit" and highlight program strengths and areas for improvement; and

create a report summarizing site visit and audit findings for up to 18 IHEs and each of their respective EPPs.

D. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following performance metrics highlight key priorities that will be analyzed with the Contractor collaboratively during the life of the contract. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather an indication of significant performance metrics of interest to CSDE. The CSDE looks forward to working with the Contractor to define additional important performance metrics.

Project A: Compliance Measures and Audit Procedures

The Contractor will:

strengthen the methodological rigor of the compliance measures and audit procedures through the development of audit guidebooks, rubrics, and other similar tools;

make recommendations for integrating the "EPP audit" with information gathered by a national accreditation agency that accredits EPPs for the CSDE;

develop and implement a high-quality, comprehensive training in the "EPP audit" procedures and quality control measures that prepares auditors to conduct site visits and audits of EPPs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs; and

communicate and collaborate regularly with the CSDE, and other involved parties.

Project B: EPP Audit

The Contractor will:

conduct up to 18 site visits and audits of IHEs and their respective EPPs, inclusive of intermediate administrator and supervisor programs, and produce a report summarizing site visits and audit findings; and

communicate and collaborate regularly with the CSDE, and other involved parties.

E. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT/DATA REPORTING

As part of the State's commitment to becoming more outcomes-oriented, the CSDE seeks to actively and regularly collaborate with the Contractor to enhance contract management, improve results, and adjust service delivery and policy based on learning what works. Reliable and relevant data is necessary to ensure compliance, inform trends to be monitored, evaluate results and performance, and drive service improvements. As such, CSDE reserves the right to request/collect other key data and metrics from potential Contractors.

A. SUBMISSION FORMAT INFORMATION

1. Required Outline. All proposals must follow the required outline presented in Section IV - Proposal Outline. Proposals that fail to follow the required outline will be deemed non-responsive and not evaluated.

2. Cover Sheet. The Cover Sheet is Page 1 of the proposal. The proposer must develop a Cover Sheet that includes the information below. Legal Name is defined as the name of the provider, vendor, CT State agency, or municipality submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

RFP Number:

Legal Name:

FEIN:

Street Address:

Town/City/State/Zip:

Contact Person:

Title:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Authorized Official:

Title:

Signature:

3. Table of Contents. All proposals must include a Table of Contents that conforms with the required proposal outline.

4. Executive Summary. Proposals must include a high-level summary, not exceeding two (2) pages, of the main proposal and cost proposal. The summary must also include the organization's eligibility and qualifications to respond to this RFP.

5. Attachments. Attachments other than the required Appendices or Forms identified in the RFP are not permitted and will not be evaluated. Further, the required Appendices or Forms must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFP. Failure to abide by these instructions will result in disqualification.

6. Style Requirements. One (1) electronic copy is required.

Submitted proposals must conform to the following specifications:

Paper Size: 8.5"x11" format

Page Limit: None

Print Style: 2-sided

Font Size: 10 Point minimum

Font Type: Arial, Tahoma, or Verdana

Margins: 1"

Line Spacing: 1.5 Spacing

7. Pagination. The proposer's name must be displayed in the header of each page. All pages, including the required Appendices and Forms, must be numbered in the footer.

Declaration of Confidential Information. Proposers are advised that all materials associated with this procurement are subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and all rules, regulations and interpretations resulting from them. If a proposer deems that certain information required by this RFP is confidential, the proposer must label such information as CONFIDENTIAL prior to submission. In the Main Proposal Submission, the proposal submission, the proposer must reference where the information labeled CONFIDENTIAL is located in the proposal. EXAMPLE: Section G.1.a. For each subsection so referenced, the proposer must provide a convincing explanation and rationale sufficient to justify an exemption of the information from release under the FOIA. The explanation and rationale must be stated in terms of (a) the prospective harm to the competitive position of the proposer that would result if the identified information were to be released and (b) the reasons why the information is legally exempt from release pursuant to Section 1-210(b) of the CGS.

Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement. Proposers must include a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by CGS Section 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the proposer and a public official (including an elected official) or State employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if a proposer tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. The CSDE will determine whether any disclosed conflict of interest poses a substantial advantage to the proposer over the competition, decreases the overall competitiveness of this procurement, or is not in the best interests of the State. In the absence of any conflict of interest, a proposer must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example: "[name of proposer] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by CGS Section 1-85."

B. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

1. Evaluation Process. It is the intent of the CSDE to conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of proposals received in response to this RFP. When evaluating proposals, negotiating with successful proposers, and awarding contracts, the CSDE will conform with its written procedures for PSA procurements (pursuant to CGS Section 4-217) and the State's Code of Ethics (pursuant to CGS Sections 1-84 and 1-85). Final funding allocation decisions will be determined during contract negotiation.

2. Evaluation Review Committee. The CSDE will designate a Review Committee to evaluate proposals submitted in response to this RFP. The Review Committee will be composed of individuals, CSDE staff or other designees as deemed appropriate. The contents of all submitted proposals, including any confidential information, will be shared with the Review Committee. Only proposals found to be responsive (that is, complying with all instructions and requirements described herein) will be reviewed, rated, and scored. Proposals that fail to comply with all instructions will be rejected without further consideration. The Review Committee shall evaluate all proposals that meet the Minimum Submission Requirements (see below) by score and rank ordered and make recommendations for awards. The Commissioner of Education will make the final selection. Attempts by any proposer (or representative of any proposer) to contact or influence any member of the Review Committee may result in disqualification of the proposer. The CSDE reserves the right to award a proposer who did not rank the highest if it deems it to be in the best interest of the State.

3. Minimum Submission Requirements. To be eligible for evaluation, proposals must (1) be received on or before the due date and time; (2) meet the Proposal Format requirements; (3) meet the Eligibility and Qualification requirements to respond to the procurement, (4) follow the required Proposal Outline; and (5) be complete. Proposals that fail to follow instructions or satisfy these minimum submission requirements will not be reviewed further. The CSDE will reject any proposal that deviates significantly from the requirements of this RFP.

4. Evaluation Criteria (and Weights). Proposals meeting the Minimum Submission Requirements will be evaluated according to the established criteria. The criteria are the objective standards that the Review Committee will use to evaluate the technical merits of the proposals. Only the criteria listed below will be used to evaluate proposals. The weights are disclosed below.

Note: As part of its evaluation of the Staffing Plan, the Review Committee will review the proposer's demonstrated commitment to affirmative action, as required by the Regulations of CT State Agencies Sections 46A-68j-30(10).

5. Proposer Selection. Upon completing its evaluation of proposals, the Review Committee will submit the rankings of all proposals to the Commissioner. The final selection of a successful proposer is at the discretion of the Commissioner. Any proposer selected will be notified and awarded an opportunity to negotiate a contract with the CSDE. Such negotiations may, but will not automatically, result in a contract. Any resulting contract will be posted on the . All unsuccessful proposers will be notified by email about the outcome of the evaluation and proposer selection process. The CSDE reserves the right to decline to award contracts for activities in which the Commissioner considers there are not adequate respondents.

6. Debriefing. Within ten (10) days of receiving notification from the CSDE, unsuccessful proposers may contact the Official Contact and request information about the evaluation and proposer selection process. The email sent date will be considered "day one" of the ten (10) days. If unsuccessful proposers still have questions after receiving this information, they may contact the Official Contact and request a meeting with the CSDE to discuss the evaluation process and their proposals. If held, the debriefing meeting will not include any comparisons of unsuccessful proposals with other proposals. The CSDE may schedule and hold the debriefing meeting within fifteen (15) days of the request. The CSDE will not change, alter, or modify the outcome of the evaluation or selection process as a result of any debriefing meeting.

7. Appeal Process. Proposers may appeal any aspect the CSDE's competitive procurement, including the evaluation and proposer selection process. Any such appeal must be submitted to the Commissioner of Education. A proposer may file an appeal at any time after the proposal due date, but not later than thirty (30) days after an agency notifies unsuccessful proposers about the outcome of the evaluation and proposer selection process. The email sent date will be considered "day one" of the thirty (30) days. The filing of an appeal shall not be deemed sufficient reason for the CSDE to delay, suspend, cancel, or terminate the procurement process or execution of a contract. More detailed information about filing an appeal may be obtained from the Official Contact.

8. Contract Execution. Any contract developed and executed as a result of this RFP is subject to the CSDE's contracting procedures, which may include approval by the Office of the Attorney General. Fully executed and approved contracts will be posted on State Contracting Portal and the Agency website.

A: Cover Sheet

The Respondent must use a Cover Sheet capturing the following information:

RFP Number:

Legal Name:

FEIN:

Street Address:

Town/City/State/Zip:

Contact Person:

Title:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Authorized Official:

Title:

Signature:

Legal Name is defined as the name of provider, vendor, CT State agency, or municipality submitting the proposal. Contact Person is defined as the individual who can provide additional information about the proposal or who has immediate responsibility for the proposal. Authorized Official is defined as the individual empowered to submit a binding offer on behalf of the proposer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto.

B: Table of Contents

Respondents must include a Table of Contents that lists sections and subsections with page numbers that follow the organization outline and sequence for this proposal.

C: Proposer Executive Summary

The page limitation for this section is two (2) pages briefly describing how the Respondent meets the eligibility and qualification criteria outlined in the Proposal Overview and a brief overview of why the Respondent should be selected for the activities highlighted in the scope of services.

D: Main Proposal Submission Requirements to Submit a Responsive Proposal:

4.1 Organization Description and History:

Provide a general overview of your organization including its history and prior experiences engaging with relevant key stakeholders.

Organizational Qualifications: Provide a general overview of your organization. What sets your organization apart from your competitors? Why is your organization uniquely qualified to conduct this work?

Experience: Describe the extent of your organization's experience conducting similar services for state governments. How does that experience relate to the services sought in this proposal?

Staff Qualifications: Describe how your organization's members are qualified in current research regarding evidence-aligned literacy instruction, structured literacy instruction, the diagnosis and remediation of and interventions for students with or at risk for dyslexia and other reading disabilities and developing/conducting audit processes.

References: Please include no more than four (4) recent references from other states or organizations for which services comparable to this RFP have been provided.

4.2 Scope of Services:

Describe how your organization will provide the work associated with all the elements listed in the scope of service.

4.3 Staffing Plan

Describe the team that will provide the services. Indicate key staff to be assigned to the program by name, title, qualifications, job descriptions, and if the staff is a sub-contractor. Please also include a description of your team's organizational chart including lines of authority and responsibilities related to the proposed program and its components. If your organization plans to recruit individuals to conduct the audit, please briefly describe your organization's recruitment and hiring plan and how you will provide quality assurance of work performed.

4.4 Data and Technology

Describe how your organization manages its collection and storage of data. Of relevance is how your organization's data system is set up to easily collect from EPPs any content related to audit processes and procedures.

4.5 Subcontractors

If proposal includes the use of any subcontractors for the provision or delivery of a service, please include the following information about them:

Legal Name of Entity, Address, Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Contact Person, Title, Phone, Fax, Email

Services Currently Provided

Services to be Provided Under Subcontract

Subcontractor Oversight

Subcontract Cost and Term

4.6 Work Plan

Provide in the format of a GANTT chart your organization's plan for accomplishing the work detailed in scope of service for this project within the timeline of the contract.

4.7 Financial Profile

Describe your organization's fiscal health. Provide any documentation that supports the organizations' past, present, and future fiscal stability. Provide two (2) years of your organization's most recent annual audited financial statements; or any financial statements prepared by a Certified Public Accountant for proposers whose organizations have been incorporated for less than two (2) years.

4.8 Cost Competitiveness and Budget Narrative

Develop a complete budget proposal that provides estimated line-item costs for services separating Projects A and B. Provide a budget narrative that describes your methodology for cost estimates that includes any assumptions used to develop the proposal.

E: Attachments

See the Proposal Checklist in Appendix D for a list of relevant attachments. Further, the required attachments must not be altered or used to extend, enhance, or replace any component required by this RFP. Failure to abide by these instructions may result in disqualification.

F: Declaration of Confidential Information

If a proposer deems that certain information required by this RFP is confidential, the proposer must label such information as CONFIDENTIAL prior to submission. The proposer must reference where the information labeled CONFIDENTIAL is located in the proposal. EXAMPLE: Section G.1.a. For each subsection so referenced, the proposer must provide a convincing explanation and rationale sufficient to justify an exemption of the information from release under the FOIA. The explanation and rationale must be stated in terms of (a) the prospective harm to the competitive position of the proposer that would result if the identified information were to be released and (b) the reasons why the information is legally exempt from release pursuant to CGS Section 1-210(b).

G: Conflict of Interest - Disclosure Statement

Proposers must include as an attachment a disclosure statement concerning any current business relationships (within the last three (3) years) that pose a conflict of interest, as defined by CGS Section 1-85. A conflict of interest exists when a relationship exists between the proposer and a public official (including an elected official) or State employee that may interfere with fair competition or may be adverse to the interests of the State. The existence of a conflict of interest is not, in and of itself, evidence of wrongdoing. A conflict of interest may, however, become a legal matter if a proposer tries to influence, or succeeds in influencing, the outcome of an official decision for their personal or corporate benefit. In the absence of any conflict of interest, a proposer must affirm such in the disclosure statement. Example: "[name of proposer] has no current business relationship (within the last three (3) years) that poses a conflict of interest, as defined by CGS Section 1-85."

H: Statement of Assurances

Place after Conflict of Interest-Disclosure Statement. Sign and return Appendix B and C.

A. STANDARD CONTRACT PROVISIONS

Proposers may view the Comptroller's Office PSA Terms and Conditions, available here , which includes generic state contract requirements.

B. ASSURANCES

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly gives the following assurances:

1. Collusion. The proposer represents and warrants that the proposer did not participate in any part of the RFP development process and had no knowledge of the specific contents of the RFP prior to its issuance. The proposer further represents and warrants that no agent, representative, or employee of the State participated directly in the preparation of the proposer's proposal. The proposer also represents and warrants that the submitted proposal is in all respects fair and is made without collusion or fraud.

2. State Officials and Employees. The proposer certifies that no elected or appointed official or employee of the State has or will benefit financially or materially from any contract resulting from this RFP. The CSDE may terminate a resulting contract if it is determined that gratuities of any kind were either offered or received by any of the aforementioned officials or employees from the proposer, contractor, or its agents or employees.

3. Competitors. The proposer assures that the submitted proposal is not made in connection with any competing organization or competitor submitting a separate proposal in response to this RFP. No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the proposer to induce any other organization or competitor to submit, or not submit, a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. The proposer further assures that the proposed costs have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other organization or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition. Nor has the proposer knowingly disclosed the proposed costs on a prior basis, either directly or indirectly, to any other organization or competitor.

4. Validity of Proposal. The proposer certifies that the proposal represents a valid and binding offer to provide services in accordance with the terms and provisions described in this RFP and any amendments or attachments hereto. The proposal shall remain valid for a period of 180 days after the submission due date and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement. At its sole discretion, the CSDE may include the proposal, by reference or otherwise, into any contract with the successful proposer.

5. Press Releases. The proposer agrees to obtain prior written consent and approval of the CSDE for press releases that relate in any manner to this RFP or any resultant contract.

C. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer implicitly agrees to comply with the following terms and conditions:

1. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. The State is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its hiring, employment, or business practices. The State is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.

2. Preparation Expenses. Neither the State nor the CSDE shall assume any liability for expenses incurred by a proposer in preparing, submitting, or clarifying any proposal submitted in response to this RFP.

3. Exclusion of Taxes. The CSDE is exempt from the payment of excise and sales taxes imposed by the federal government and the State. Proposers are liable for any other applicable taxes.

4. Proposed Costs. No cost submissions that are contingent upon a State action will be accepted. All proposed costs must be fixed through the entire term of the contract.

5. Changes to Proposal. No additions or changes to the original proposal will be allowed after submission. While changes are not permitted, the CSDE may request and authorize proposers to submit written clarification of their proposals, in a manner or format prescribed by the CSDE, and at the proposer's expense.

6. Supplemental Information. Supplemental information will not be considered after the deadline submission of proposals, unless specifically requested by the CSDE. The CSDE may ask a proposer to give demonstrations, interviews, oral presentations or further explanations to clarify information contained in a proposal. Any such demonstration, interview, or oral presentation will be at a time selected and in a place provided by the CSDE. At its sole discretion, the CSDE may limit the number of proposers invited to make such a demonstration, interview, or oral presentation and may limit the number of attendees per proposer.

7. Presentation of Supporting Evidence. If requested by the CSDE, a proposer must be prepared to present evidence of experience, ability, data reporting capabilities, financial standing, or other information necessary to satisfactorily meet the requirements set forth or implied in this RFP. The CSDE may make onsite visits to an operational facility or facilities of a proposer to evaluate further the proposer's capability to perform the duties required by this RFP. At its discretion, the CSDE may also check or contact any reference provided by the proposer.

8. RFP Is Not An Offer. Neither this RFP nor any subsequent discussions shall give rise to any commitment on the part of the State or the CSDE or confer any rights on any proposer unless and until a contract is fully executed by the necessary parties. The contract document will represent the entire agreement between the proposer and the CSDE and will supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, alleged or made, between the parties. The State shall assume no liability for costs incurred by the proposer or for payment of services under the terms of the contract until the successful proposer is notified that the contract has been accepted and approved by the CSDE and, if required, by the Attorney General's Office.

D. RIGHTS RESERVED TO THE STATE

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, a proposer accepts that the following rights are reserved to the State:

1. Timing Sequence. The timing and sequence of events associated with this RFP shall ultimately be determined by the CSDE.

2. Amending or Canceling RFP. The CSDE reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFP on any date and at any time, if the CSDE deems it to be necessary, appropriate, or otherwise in the best interests of the State.

3. No Acceptable Proposals. In the event that no acceptable proposals are submitted in response to this RFP, the CSDE may reopen the procurement process, if it is determined to be in the best interests of the State.

4. Award and Rejection of Proposals. The CSDE reserves the right to award in part, to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, for misrepresentation or if the proposal limits or modifies any of the terms, conditions, or specifications of this RFP. The CSDE may waive minor technical defects, irregularities, or omissions, if in its judgment the best interests of the State will be served. The CSDE reserves the right to reject the proposal of any proposer who submits a proposal after the submission date and time.

5. Sole Property of the State. All proposals submitted in response to this RFP are to be the sole property of the State. Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP shall be the sole property of the State, unless stated otherwise in this RFP or subsequent contract. The right to publish, distribute, or disseminate any and all information or reports, or part thereof, shall accrue to the State without recourse.

6. Contract Negotiation. The CSDE reserves the right to negotiate or contract for all or any portion of the services contained in this RFP. The CSDE further reserves the right to contract with one or more proposer for such services. After reviewing the scored criteria, the CSDE may seek Best and Final Offers (BFO) on cost from proposers. The CSDE may set parameters on any BFOs received.

7. Clerical Errors in Award. The CSDE reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards resulting from its clerical errors. This may include, in extreme circumstances, revoking the awarding of a contract already made to a proposer and subsequently awarding the contract to another proposer. Such action on the part of the State shall not constitute a breach of contract on the part of the State since the contract with the initial proposer is deemed to be void ab initio and of no effect as if no contract ever existed between the State and the proposer.

8. Key Personnel. When the CSDE is the sole funder of a purchased service, the CSDE reserves the right to approve any additions, deletions, or changes in key personnel, with the exception of key personnel who have terminated employment. The CSDE also reserves the right to approve replacements for key personnel who have terminated employment. The CSDE further reserves the right to require the removal and replacement of any of the proposer's key personnel who do not perform adequately, regardless of whether they were previously approved by the CSDE.

E. STATUTORY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, the proposer implicitly agrees to comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Freedom of Information, CGS Section 1-210(b). The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally requires the disclosure of documents in the possession of the State upon request of any citizen, unless the content of the document falls within certain categories of exemption, as defined by CGS Section 1-210(b). Proposers are generally advised not to include in their proposals any confidential information. If the proposer indicates that certain documentation, as required by this RFP, is submitted in confidence, the State will endeavor to keep said information confidential to the extent permitted by law. The State has no obligation to initiate, prosecute, or defend any legal proceeding or to seek a protective order or other similar relief to prevent disclosure of any information pursuant to a FOIA request. The proposer has the burden of establishing the availability of any FOIA exemption in any proceeding where it is an issue. While a proposer may claim an exemption to the State's FOIA, the final administrative authority to release or exempt any or all material so identified rests with the State. In no event shall the State or any of its employees have any liability for disclosure of documents or information in the possession of the State and which the State or its employees believe(s) to be required pursuant to the FOIA or other requirements of law.

2. Contract Compliance, CGS Section 4a-60 and Regulations of CT State Agencies Sections 46a-68j-21 through 43, inclusive. CT statute and regulations impose certain obligations on State agencies (as well as contractors and subcontractors doing business with the State) to ensure that State agencies do not enter contracts with organizations or businesses that discriminate against protected class persons.

3. Consulting Agreements Representation, CGS Section 4a-81. Pursuant to CGS Section 4a-81 the successful contracting party shall certify that it has not entered into any consulting agreements in connection with this Contract, except for the agreements listed below. "Consulting agreement" means any written or oral agreement to retain the services, for a fee, of a consultant for the purposes of (A) providing counsel to a contractor, vendor, consultant or other entity seeking to conduct, or conducting, business with the State, (B) contacting, whether in writing or orally, any executive, judicial, or administrative office of the State, including any department, institution, bureau, board, commission, authority, official or employee for the purpose of solicitation, dispute resolution, introduction, requests for information, or (C) any other similar activity related to such contracts. "Consulting agreement" does not include any agreements entered with a consultant who is registered under the provisions of Chapter 10 of the CGS as of the date such contract is executed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4a-81 of the CGS. Such representation shall be sworn as true to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing the resulting contract and shall be subject to the penalties of false statement.

4. Campaign Contribution Restriction, CGS Section 9-612. For all State contracts, defined in Section 9-612 of the CGS as having a value in a calendar year of $50,000 or more, or a combination or series of such agreements or contracts having a value of $100,000 or more, the authorized signatory to the resulting contract must represent that they have received the State Elections Enforcement Commission's notice advising state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions, and will inform its principals of the contents of the notice, as set forth in "Notice to Executive Branch State Contractors and Prospective State Contractors of Campaign Contribution and Solicitation Limitations." Such notice is available at

5. Gifts, CGS Section 4-252. Pursuant to Section 4-252 of the CGS and Acting Governor Susan Bysiewicz's , the Contractor, for itself and on behalf of all of its principals or key personnel who submitted a bid or proposal, represents:

(1) That no gifts were made by (A) the Contractor, (B) any principals and key personnel of the Contractor, who participate substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiating State contracts, or (C) any agent of the Contractor or principals and key personnel, who participates substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiating State contracts, to (i) any public official or State employee of the State agency or quasi- public agency soliciting bids or proposals for State contracts, who participates substantially in the preparation of bid solicitations or requests for proposals for State contracts or the negotiation or award of State contracts, or (ii) any public official or State employee of any other State agency, who has supervisory or appointing authority over such State agency or quasi-public agency;

(2) That no such principals and key personnel of the Contractor, or agent of the Contractor or of such principals and key personnel, knows of any action by the Contractor to circumvent such prohibition on gifts by providing for any other principals and key personnel, official, employee or agent of the Contractor to provide a gift to any such public official or State employee; and

(3) That the Contractor is submitting bids or proposals without fraud or collusion with any person.

Any bidder or proposer that does not agree to the representations required under this section shall be rejected and the State agency or quasi-public agency shall award the contract to the next highest ranked proposer or the next lowest responsible qualified bidder or seek new bids or proposals.

6. Iran Energy Investment Certification CGS Section 4-252a. Pursuant to CGS Section 4-252a, the successful contracting party shall certify the following: (a) that it has not made a direct investment of twenty million dollars or more in the energy sector of Iran on or after October 1, 2013, as described in Section 202 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, and has not increased or renewed such investment on or after said date; (b) If the Contractor makes a good faith effort to determine whether it has made an investment described in subsection (a) of this Section it shall not be subject to the penalties of false statement pursuant to Section 4-252a of the CGS. A "good faith effort" for purposes of this subsection includes a determination that the Contractor is not on the list of persons who engage in certain investment activities in Iran created by the Department of General Services of the State of California pursuant to Division 2, Chapter 2.7 of the California Public Contract Code. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to impair the ability of the State agency or quasi-public agency to pursue a breach of contract action for any violation of the provisions of the resulting contract.

7. Nondiscrimination Certification, CGS Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a. If a bidder is awarded an opportunity to negotiate a contract, the proposer must provide the State agency with written representation in the resulting contract that certifies the bidder complies with the State's nondiscrimination agreements and warranties. This nondiscrimination certification is required for all State contracts - regardless of type, term, cost, or value. Municipalities and CT State agencies are exempt from this requirement. The authorized signatory of the contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of this obligation by either (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the resulting contract, or (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online bid or response to a proposal question, if applicable, which asks if the Contractor understands its obligations. If a bidder or vendor refuses to agree to this representation, such bidder or vendor shall be rejected and the State agency or quasi-public agency shall award the contract to the next highest ranked vendor or the next lowest responsible qualified bidder or seek new bids or proposals.

8. Access to Data for State Auditors. The Contractor shall provide to OPM access to any data, as defined in CGS Section 4e-1, concerning the resulting contract that are in the possession or control of the Contractor upon demand and shall provide the data to OPM in a format prescribed by OPM and the State Auditors of Public Accounts at no additional cost.

A. ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS / DEFINITIONS

BFO Best and Final Offer

CGS Connecticut General Statutes

CSBE Connecticut State Board of Education

CSDE Connecticut State Department of Education

CT Connecticut

DAS Department of Administrative Services (CT)

EPP Educator Preparation Programs

ET Eastern Time

FOIA Freedom of Information Act (CT)

IHE Institutions of Higher Education

IRS Internal Revenue Service (US)

LOI Letter of Intent

OAG Office of the Attorney General

ODRD Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities

OPM Office of Policy and Management (CT)

OSC Office of the State Comptroller (CT)

PSA Personal Service Agreement

P.A. Public Act (CT)

RFP Request For Proposal

SEEC State Elections Enforcement Commission (CT)

U.S. United States

Contractor: a private provider organization, CT State agency, or municipality that enters into a contract with the Agency as a result of this RFP.

proposer: a private provider organization, CT State agency, or municipality that has submitted a proposal to the Agency in response to this RFP. This term may be used interchangeably with respondent throughout the RFP.

prospective proposer: a private provider organization, CT State agency, or municipality that may submit a proposal to the Agency in response to this RFP, but has not yet done so.

subcontractor: an individual (other than an employee of the Contractor) or business entity hired by a Contractor to provide a specific service as part of a PSA with the Agency as a result of this RFP.

B. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES

Connecticut State Department of Education

The undersigned Respondent affirms and declares that:

General

This proposal is executed and signed with full knowledge and acceptance of the RFP CONDITIONS stated in the RFP.

The Respondent will deliver services to the Agency regarding the cost proposed in the RFP and within the timeframes therein.

The Respondent will seek prior approval from the Agency before making any changes to the location of services.

Neither the Respondent of any official of the organization nor any subcontractor Respondent of any official of the subcontractor organization has received any notices of debarment or suspension from contracting with the State of CT or the Federal Government.

Neither the Respondent of any official of the organization nor any subcontractor to the Respondent of any official of the subcontractor's organization has received any notices of debarment or suspension from contracting with other states within the United States.

Legal Name of Organization:

___________________________ ____________________________

Authorized Signatory Date

STANDARD STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES FOR GRANT PROGRAMS

Connecticut State Department of Education

The Applicant hereby assures the Connecticut State Department of Education that:

The applicant has the necessary legal authority to apply for and receive the proposed grant.

The filing of this application has been authorized by the applicant's governing body, and the undersigned official has been duly authorized to file this application for and on behalf of said applicant, and otherwise to act as the authorized representative of the applicant in connection with this application.

The activities and services for which assistance is sought under this grant will be administered by or under the supervision and control of the applicant.

The project will be operated in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and in compliance with regulations and other policies and administrative directives of the State Board of Education and the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Grant funds shall not be used to supplant funds normally budgeted by the agency.

Fiscal control and accounting procedures will be used to ensure proper disbursement of all funds awarded.

The applicant will submit a final project report (within 60 days of the project completion) and such other reports, as specified, to the Connecticut State Department of Education, including information relating to the project records and access thereto as the Connecticut State Department of Education may find necessary.

The Connecticut State Department of Education reserves the exclusive right to use and grant the right to use and/or publish any part or parts of any summaries, abstracts, reports, publications, records and materials resulting from this project and this grant.

If the project achieves the specified objectives, every reasonable effort will be made to continue the project and/or implement the results after the termination of state/federal funding.

The applicant will protect and save harmless the State Board of Education from financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any breach of the duties, in whole or part, described in the application for the grant.

At the conclusion of each grant period, the applicant will provide for an independent audit report acceptable to the grantor in accordance with Sections 7-394a and 7-396a of the CGS, and the applicant shall return to the Connecticut State Department of Education any moneys not expended in accordance with the approved program/operation budget as determined by the audit.

Nondiscrimination

For purposes of this Section, the following terms are defined as follows:

"Commission" means the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities;

"Contract" and "contract" means this grant;

"Contractor" and "contractor" means the applicant and any successors or assigns;

"gender identity or expression" means a person's gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's physiology or assigned sex at birth, which gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person's core identity or not being asserted for an improper purpose;

"good faith" means that degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and obligations;

"good faith efforts" shall include, but not be limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with such requirements;

"marital status" means being single, married as recognized by the State of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced;

"mental disability" means one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such disorders;

"minority business enterprise" means any small contractor or supplier of materials fifty-one percent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise, (2) who have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise, and (3) who are members of a minority, as such term is defined in subsection (a) of CGS Section 32-9n; and

"public works contract" means any agreement between any individual, firm or corporation and the State or any political subdivision of the State other than a municipality for construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a public building, highway or other changes or improvements in real property, or which is financed in whole or in part by the State, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or guarantees.

For purposes of this Section, the terms "Contract" and "contract" do not include a contract where each contractor is (a) a political subdivision of the state, including, but not limited to, a municipality, unless the contract is a municipal public works contract or quasi-public agency project contract, (b) any other state, including but not limited to any federally recognized Indian tribal governments, as defined in CGS Section 1-267, (c) the federal government, (d) a foreign government, or (e) an agency of a subdivision, state or government described in the immediately preceding enumerated items (a), (b), (c), or (d).

(a) The Contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the Contract such Contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by such Contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut; and the Contractor further agrees to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants with job-related qualifications are employed and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown by the Contractor that such disability prevents performance of the work involved; (b) the Contractor agrees, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, to state that it is an "affirmative action equal opportunity employer" in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission; (c) the Contractor agrees to provide each labor union or representative of workers with which the Contractor has a collective bargaining Agreement or other contract or understanding and each vendor with which the Contractor has a contract or understanding, a notice to be provided by the Commission advising the labor union or workers' representative of the Contractor's commitments under this Section and to post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment; (d) the Contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this Section and CGS Sections 46a-68e and 46a-68f and with each regulation or relevant order issued by said Commission pursuant to CGS Sections 46a-56, 46a-68e, 46a-68f and 46a-86; and (e) the Contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the Commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the Contractor as relate to the provisions of this Section and CGS Section 46a-56. If the contract is a public works contract, municipal public works contract or contract for a quasi-public agency project, the Contractor agrees and warrants that he or she will make good faith efforts to employ minority business enterprises as subcontractors and suppliers of materials on such public works or quasi-public agency projects.

Determination of the Contractor's good faith efforts shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following factors: The Contractor's employment and subcontracting policies, patterns and practices; affirmative advertising, recruitment and training; technical assistance activities and such other reasonable activities or efforts as the Commission may prescribe that are designed to ensure the participation of minority business enterprises in public works projects.

The Contractor shall develop and maintain adequate documentation, in a manner prescribed by the Commission, of its good faith efforts.

The Contractor shall include the provisions of subsection (3) of this Section in every subcontract or purchase order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a contract with the State and in every subcontract entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a municipal public works contract for a quasi-public agency project, and such provisions shall be binding on a subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer unless exempted by regulations or orders of the Commission. The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any such subcontract or purchase order as the Commission may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance with CGS section 46a-56, as amended; provided if such Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the Commission regarding the State contract, the Contractor may request the State of Connecticut to enter into any such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the State and the State may so enter.

The Contractor agrees to comply with the regulations referred to in this Section as they exist on the date of this Contract and as they may be adopted or amended from time to time during the term of this Contract and any amendments thereto.

(a) The Contractor agrees and warrants that in the performance of the Contract such Contractor will not discriminate or permit discrimination against any person or group of persons on the grounds of sexual orientation, in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or the State of Connecticut, and that employees are treated when employed without regard to their sexual orientation; (b) the Contractor agrees to provide each labor union or representative of workers with which such Contractor has a collective bargaining Agreement or other contract or understanding and each vendor with which such Contractor has a contract or understanding, a notice to be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities advising the labor union or workers' representative of the Contractor's commitments under this Section, and to post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment; (c) the Contractor agrees to comply with each provision of this Section and with each regulation or relevant order issued by said Commission pursuant to CGS Section 46a-56; and (d) the Contractor agrees to provide the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities with such information requested by the Commission, and permit access to pertinent books, records and accounts, concerning the employment practices and procedures of the Contractor which relate to the provisions of this Section and CGS Section 46a-56.

The Contractor shall include the provisions of the foregoing paragraph in every subcontract or purchase order entered into in order to fulfill any obligation of a contract with the State and such provisions shall be binding on a subcontractor, vendor or manufacturer unless exempted by regulations or orders of the Commission. The Contractor shall take such action with respect to any such subcontract or purchase order as the Commission may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions including sanctions for noncompliance in accordance with CGS Section 46a-56, as amended; provided, if such Contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the Commission regarding a State contract, the Contractor may request the State of Connecticut to enter into any such litigation or negotiation prior thereto to protect the interests of the State and the State may so enter.

Nondiscrimination Certification. Pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 4a-60 and subsection (b) of Section 4a-60a of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Contractor, for itself and its authorized signatory of this Contract, affirms that it understands the obligations of this Section and that it will maintain a policy for the duration of the Contract to assure that the Contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of such Sections. The Contractor and its authorized signatory of this Contract demonstrate their understanding of this obligation by signing this Statement of Assurances below.

The grant award is subject to approval of the Connecticut State Department of Education and availability of state or federal funds.

The applicant agrees and warrants that Sections 4-190 to 4-197, inclusive, of the CGS concerning the Personal Data Act and Sections 10-4-8 to 10-4-10, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies promulgated there under are hereby incorporated by reference.

I, the undersigned authorized official, hereby certify that these assurances shall be fully implemented.

D. PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

To assist respondents in managing proposal planning and document collation processes, this document summarizes key dates and proposal requirements for this RFP. Please note that this document does not supersede what is stated in the RFP. Please refer to the Proposal Submission Overview, Proposal Submission Outline and Requirements, and Mandatory Provisions (Sections III, IV, and V of this RFP) for more comprehensive detail. This is a tool for proposers to use. It is the responsibility of each respondent to ensure that all required documents, forms, and attachments, are submitted in a timely manner.

Key Dates

Registration Link for Pre-bid Conference:

Attendance at the conference is optional. Prospective proposers who plan to attend should RSVP to by 12:00 ET on March 27, 2026, to receive a Microsoft Teams meeting link via email to attend the conference.

Registration with State Contracting Portal (if not already registered):

Register at:

Submit required forms:

Campaign Contribution Certification (OPM Ethics Form 1):

Proposal Content Checklist

Cover Sheet including required information:

RFP Number

Legal Name

FEIN

Street Address

Town/City/State/Zip

Contact Person

Title

Phone Number

Email Address

Authorized Official

Title

Signature

Table of Contents

Executive Summary: Two (2) pages, maximum

Main proposal body answering all questions with relevant attachments. Proposers should use their discretion to determine whether certain required information is sufficiently captured in the body of their proposal or requires additional attachments for clarification.

Two (2) years of most recent annual audited financial statements; OR any financial statements prepared by a Certified Public Accountant for proposers whose organizations have been incorporated for less than two (2) years.

Declaration of Confidential Information (if applicable)

Proposed budget, including budget narrative and cost schedules for planned subcontractors if applicable.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

Statement of Assurances

Formatting Checklist

Is the proposal formatted to fit 8 12 x 11 (letter-sized) paper?

Is the proposal in at least 10 point, and Arial, Tahoma, or Verdana Font?

Does the proposal format follow normal (1 inch) margins and 1 12 line spacing?

Does the proposer's name appear in the header of each page?

Does the proposal include page numbers in the footer?

Are confidential labels applied to sensitive information (if applicable)?