RFP for External Evaluation of Title III SIP Grant

Wor-Wic Community College is seeking an external evaluator for its five-year U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant, spanning from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031. The selected contractor will collaborate with the project director and compliance coordinator to develop and refine a comprehensive evaluation plan utilizing both formative and summative strategies. Key objectives include assessing the expansion of STEM and nursing program capacity, improving instruction through AI literacy, and increasing the operational capacity of the grants office. Required deliverables include an annual evaluation report due by October 30 each year and at least one mandatory in-person campus visit annually. All evaluation data must be integrated into the Nuventive Solutions software to align with the college's institutional assessment processes. The solicitation follows a cumulative, phased scoring process where technical proposals are evaluated first, followed by oral presentations via Zoom, with price proposals requested only from top-scoring firms. Technical responsiveness is weighted at 70%, focusing on staff qualifications, past performance, and financial stability. Proposals must be submitted by December 9, 2026, and must include a technical volume and a separate price proposal. The contract will be issued as a purchase order with Net 30 payment terms. Compliance requirements include adherence to Maryland state law and Appendix II to Part 200 for non-federal entity contracts, as well as strict confidentiality regarding college records and the maintenance of worker's compensation and public liability insurance.