MDE RFP Holocaust Indigenous Peoples Working Group

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish a Working Group focused on Education regarding the Holocaust, the genocide of Indigenous Peoples, and other genocides. The purpose of this group is to advise the education commissioner and develop educational resources aligned with Minnesota's K-12 Social Studies standards, as well as professional development recommendations mandated by legislative requirements. The Working Group will comprise social studies and English language arts teachers, university faculty with expertise in genocide studies, pre-service program educators, and representatives from nonprofit organizations, community groups, and sovereign nations dedicated to educating about and honoring victims and survivors of displacement, genocide, and mass violence. The contract size is estimated between $50,000 and $150,000, and proposals must be submitted exclusively through the SWIFT eSupplier portal by June 28, 2024. The RFP process includes detailed attachments covering responder declarations, cost proposals, and compliance requirements, such as non-collusion certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, and workforce declarations. Addendum 1, which contains questions and answers related to the RFP, has been issued separately to clarify the solicitation details. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with diverse stakeholders to ensure educational resources are culturally sensitive, standards-aligned, and effective in promoting awareness and understanding of genocides. The process underscores the importance of adherence to state procurement procedures, with technical assistance available through the SWIFT helpdesk.