U--Source Sought-Science Assessments

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW outlines the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)'s requirement for student assessments aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for BIE-funded schools. The goal is to provide accountability and educational opportunities for students.

The contractor shall provide and deliver operational student assessments and professional services, including:

• Assessment Administration and Scoring: Production, delivery, and scoring of paper-based and online annual student assessments for grades 5, 8, and 11.
• Student Registration Portal: A secure online portal that interfaces with BIE’s Student Information System (SIS) for student registration and data management.
• Reporting: Providing both paper and electronic reports, including individual student reports (ISRs), parent reports, and aggregate data reports compliant with U.S. Department of Education EdFacts specifications.
• Training: Developing and delivering web-based and onsite training for test administration and data integration.
• Project Management: Providing project management services, including reporting and tracking.
• Helpdesk Services: Offering support for the registration portal and technical issues during assessment administration.

Optional services for future option years may include Test Item Development and Interim Assessments.

• Assessments must align with NGSS.

• Data security and privacy must comply with federal regulations (FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, NIST, FIPS).

• Section 508 accessibility requirements must be met.

• Data integrity and system access security are critical.

• Reports must meet specified formats (Excel, CSV, PDF, etc.) and EdFacts requirements.

• Base Period: June 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.

• Option Periods: October 1, 2027, to September 30, 2031 (four option years).

• Performance is for BIE-funded schools nationwide.

• Contractor must manage required licenses for Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) assessments.

• Collaboration with BIE’s SIS vendor is required.

• The contractor must provide a Security Plan and Quality Control Plan.

• Subcontractors require BIE approval.

• Travel may be required and must be pre-approved.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks feedback from potential vendors on the feasibility of fulfilling the full scope of services outlined in a Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work (SOW). The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) aims to understand:

• Whether a single vendor can realistically provide all services.
• Which parts of the SOW a vendor can deliver directly.
• Potential barriers or limitations to fulfilling the full scope.

Vendors are asked to provide responses to the following:

A. Feasibility:

• Can your organization fulfill all SOW components?
• If not, which components require subcontracting or partnerships?

B. Staffing and Recruitment:

• What is your experience with the Native American population?
• What challenges do you anticipate in servicing Native American students in rural/tribal communities?
• What is your experience creating culturally relevant test materials for Native American populations?

C. Service Delivery Model:

• What logistical/operational challenges do you foresee?
• What logistical/operational support would you need from BIE?

D. Compliance and Documentation:

• Have you worked with a Student Information System (SIS) in the past five years? Which SIS?
• How familiar are you with SIS Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for student data?
• Are you familiar with Infinite Campus products and their documentation requirements?
• What systems/processes ensure timely and accurate assessment data reporting?

E. Recommendations:

• Should any performance metrics or deliverables be added or revised?

F. Vendor Type:

• What is your vendor type (e.g., ISBEE, SBA, Large Business)?

• What is your primary business in K-12 Assessments?

• Response space is provided per question; add additional space as needed.

• Only the RFI responses will be accepted. Other supporting documents or capability statements will not be considered.