U--Source Sought-Alternate Assessments
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify vendors capable of providing a turnkey Alternate Assessment ecosystem for BIE schools. This market research aims to inform the acquisition strategy for assessments aligned to BIE College and Career Ready Standards (ELA/Math) and Next Generation Science Standards (Science) for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Responses are due April 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM MDT.
Purpose & Background
BIE's mission is to provide high-quality, culturally responsive education, requiring the administration of assessments for federal accountability. This RFI seeks a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) assessment solution for the base year (fully operational, standards-setting completed, documented alignment) with potential for customization or new development in option years. The Government will use responses to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy, contract type, market capability, and feasibility of timelines.
Scope of Services
BIE seeks information from vendors capable of delivering a comprehensive Alternate Assessment ecosystem, including:
- Assessment Administration & Scoring: Paper-based and online annual assessments for grades 3-8 and 11 (ELA, Math, Science), with ELL supportive design, 100% scoring accuracy, and anomaly detection.
- Student Registration Portal: A secure, dedicated online portal exclusive to BIE, integrated with NASIS (BIE SIS) via API and manual uploads, supporting accommodations and role-based access.
- Reporting: Delivery of paper (Individual Student Reports, Parent/Guardian reports, aggregate grade-level reports) and electronic reports (EDFacts compliant data files, Data Warehouse access, machine-readable formats, SIS compatible score files).
- Training: Up to 10 virtual and 10 onsite trainings, weekly office hours, and development of Test Coordinator/Administrator manuals.
- Project Management: Weekly status meetings, communication plan, risk/issue tracking, and financial reporting.
- Helpdesk Services: Phone and online chat support across multiple time zones (Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern) during registration, testing, and post-testing periods, with a 15-minute hold time SLA.
- Optional Services (Option Years): Interim assessments and item development/customization (culturally relevant materials), with BIE retaining IP.
Contract & Key Requirements
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Period of Performance: Base Year + Four (4) One-Year Options, projected to start with the SY 2026-2027 administration through SY 2030-2031.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research phase).
- Compliance: Strict adherence to FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, NIST SP 800-53/53A, FIPS 199 (Moderate), FIPS 140-2, Section 508 accessibility, and other federal security and privacy regulations. All systems and data must remain within CONUS.
- Contractor Responsibilities: Manage all licenses, MOUs, and costs associated with assessments.
Response Instructions
Capability statements should address:
- SEA level experience delivering Alternate Assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
- Alignment evidence (technical reports, studies) to BIE CCRS (ELA/Math) and NGSS (Science).
- SIS integration experience with NASIS (API + manual) and data quality controls.
- Assessment platform security posture and privacy controls.
- Training program design (virtual/onsite) and helpdesk capability.
- Project management approach (staffing, cadence, risk/issue management).
- Business size and socio-economic status (UEI, CAGE), and identification of subcontractors.
Submission Details
- Email: Felicia.Aspaas@bie.edu
- Subject Line: "Sources Sought - BIE Alternate Assessments - [Your Company Name]"
- Format: RFI document only (PDF or Word preferred; ≤10 pages recommended).
- Response Due: April 22, 2026, 11:00 AM MDT.
Important Notes
This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a contract award. Costs incurred for responding will not be reimbursed. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. All offerors must be registered and active in SAM.gov prior to any potential award.