District Improvement and Merger Tools

The Vermont Agency of Education is soliciting proposals to establish one or more contracts for the design, development, and implementation of an integrated improvement planning ecosystem tailored to support public school districts in evaluating educational needs, governance structures, and strategic investments over time. This initiative, titled District Improvement and Merger Tools, requires contractors to deliver a comprehensive suite of decision-support tools in three distinct phases: discovery and equity index development, creation of financial and workforce planning tools including a Foundation Formula Calculator, Strategic Budget Development Tool, and Staffing Matrix, and final integration into a unified district quality improvement and merger planning platform with public-facing reporting templates. All deliverables must comply with Section 508 accessibility standards, adhere strictly to the State of Vermont brand guidelines, and prominently feature the Vermont Agency of Education logo. The contract has a two-year base period with an option to extend for two additional twelve-month periods, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically as a single digitally searchable PDF under 40 MB to [email hidden] by 4:30 PM EST on August 31, 2026, and must include a cover letter, technical response, redacted technical response if applicable, references, a completed Price Quotation Form, and a signed Certificate of Compliance. Evaluation will be based on three weighted factors: 40% for the bidder’s experience and capacity to perform, 40% for responsiveness to specifications including alignment with program goals and collaboration with AOE staff, and 20% for overall program cost, with awards made based on the best interest of the state. Preference will be given to resident bidders and those producing goods or services within Vermont, followed by entities with documented practices promoting clean energy and climate resilience. Bidders must certify compliance with state and federal requirements, including no use of Russian-sourced materials, adherence to worker classification laws for bids over $250,000, and lobbying restrictions for contracts over $100,000 involving federal funds. Contractors are prohibited from conflicts of interest and must manage confidential information in accordance with FERPA and state law. Invoicing is subject to net 30-day payment terms, requiring detailed submissions with dates of service, hours worked, and pay rates. All products must be new and unused, and the State reserves the right to withhold retainage until satisfactory completion.