Alabama RFA For EMOs

Alabama State Department of Education
Request for Applications (RFA)

for
External Education Management Providers
Note: FAXED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
MAILING ADDRESS:
Dr. Thomas R. Bice
Deputy State Superintendent of Education
5112 Gordon Persons Building
50 North Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
P. O. Box 302101
Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
DEADLINE:
Submit four (4) signed copies of the RFA.
An original signature is required on each copy.
All four copies of the RFA must be received in the office of the
No later than 5:00 p.m. on March 11, 2011
Table of Contents
Section 1.00 Administrative Overview

1.01 Purpose
1.02 Anticipated Timetable
1.03 Submission of Request
1.04 Rejection of Response
1.05 Application Evaluation
1.06 Conditions and Terms
Section 2.00 Scope

2.01 Scope of Work
2.02 Scope of Work and Responsibilities
2.02.1 Provider
2.02.2 Alabama State Department of Education
Section 3.00 General Requirements

3.01 Requirements of Proposal
3.02 Procedures for Delivery of Proposal
3.03 Signed Cover Letter
3.04 Executive Summary
3.05 Vendor References
3.06 Disclaimer Notice
3.07 Selection Process
3.08 Criteria for Evaluation Proposals
3.09 Cost(s) Certifying Statements
3.10 Attestation
3.11 Assurance
Section 4.00 Availability of Funds
Section 5.00 General Terms and Conditions

5.01 Legal Considerations
5.02 Conflict of Interest
5.03 Discrimination
Section 6.00 Inquiries
Appendices
2
Alabama State Department of Education January 2011
Request for Application (RFA) for
SECTION 1.00 ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW

1.01 PURPOSE
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) seeks to compile a list of entities to serve as an
ALSDE Approved Education Management Organization (EMO) to offer services and programs
designed to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with school improvement efforts in Alabama’s
persistently lowest-achieving schools. Successful applicants to this solicitation will be eligible to enter
into contracts for these services and programs directly with an LEA that has successfully competed for a
School Improvement Grant (SIG) pursuant to Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965, amended by the
No Child Left Behind, Act of 2001, Title I, Section 1003(g).
1.02 ANTICIPATED TIMETABLE
RFA Issued: January 31, 2011

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 11, 2011
Publication of Approved List: March 22, 2011
1.03 SUBMISSION OF REQUEST
Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011. Four copies, all with
original signatures, must be received by:
Dr. Thomas R. Bice

P. O. Box 302101
Elements in the application shall be referenced by sections and numbers as in the Request for
Application (RFA) and responses shall be arranged in the same sequence as in the RFA. Responses
should be sufficiently detailed so as to substantiate that services offered meet or exceed all
requirements. Addendums, attachments, or amendments, if any, must be signed, dated, and included
with the respondent's application submission. Failure to complete the requirements of this section may
result in rejection of the proposal.
1.04 REJECTION OF RESPONSE
The ALSDE reserves the right at any time and for any reason to cancel this RFA. The ALSDE reserves
the right to reject any and all applications received as a result of this RFA. The ALSDE accepts no
obligation for costs incurred by an applicant in preparing or submitting a response to the RFA.
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1.05 APPLICATION EVALUATION
The ALSDE will make all decisions regarding evaluation of the RFA. The ALSDE reserves the right to
judge and determine whether a request is compliant with and has satisfactorily met the requirements of
the RFA. The ALSDE reserves the right to waive technical defects if, in its judgment, the interest of the
ALSDE shall so require.
At the ALSDE’s request and discretion, RFA revisions may be permitted after submission, but before
selection. Any further information disclosed about the RFA during this process will be provided to all
applicants.
For the purpose of verifying the contents of the applications, the ALSDE may request additional
information, an inspection of the premises of the applicant and/or any proposed subcontractors, staff
interviews, and content presentations. Discussions may be conducted with responsible applicants who
submit RFAs determined to be reasonably suitable of being selected for approved EMOs for the purpose
of clarifying and assuring full understanding of, responsiveness to, and compliance with the solicitation
requirements. Applicant cooperation in meeting these terms is required. The ALSDE reserves the right
to reject at its sole discretion the proposals of non-cooperative applicants.
1.06 CONDITIONS AND TERMS
Responses should reference each element in the RFA by number on the cover of each copy and be
arranged in the same sequence. On each of the four copies submitted, there should be an original
signature of the educational management organization (EMO) official authorized to bind the
organization on the cover. Responses that fail to be submitted by the deadline will be rejected. All
budget figures are to be stated in United States currency. Only requests in English will be accepted.
Respondents must reply to each element of the RFA.
SECTION 2.00 SCOPE

2.01 SCOPE OF WORK
The Alabama State Department of Education ( ALSDE) is issuing a Request for Application (RFA) to
solicit written responses to secure services of an educational management organization (EMO) that has
the knowledge and expertise to develop, implement, and facilitate academic and operational
“turnaround” in schools that have been identified for school improvement. The intended EMO will
work to support teams, instructional specialists, school leadership personnel, and classroom teachers in
selected schools. The intended role of the EMO will be to provide a structure of curriculum alignment
and effective instruction, build local capacity for effective school leadership, encourage the formation of
professional learning communities, and improve parent and community involvement. LEAs will be
expected to contract for this development and begin implementation of the EMO structure in each SIG
school by June 2011.
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2.02 SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The EMO shall develop, implement, and facilitate a system of services to support selected public
schools in Alabama that have not met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two years or more. The
EMO shall provide training, professional development, technical assistance, and materials for school
personnel necessary to implement the EMO structure at each site. The EMO shall interact with the
identified school systems to keep them abreast of activities and with the ALSDE liaison appointed as
contact for this RFA.
2.02.1 PROVIDER
The EMO shall develop, implement, and facilitate a system of services to “turnaround” the programs in
these at-risk public schools that have not met AYP for two years or more. The services shall include, but
are not limited to, the following:
• Facilitating the process of a major curriculum alignment including both the "what and the how" and
ensuring that the instructional focus is on literacy and mathematics.
• Introducing a "systemic pedagogical approach under which school administrators and staff are to be
held to clear and meaningful standards" (Levin, H. M. 2002. Potential of for-profit schools for
educational reform. New York: National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education.).
• Focusing on student performance standards and their relevance to teachers' instruction
• Aligning classroom instruction with the Alabama courses of study.
• Organizing to ensure that all instruction is standards-based and facilitating time for teachers to have
opportunities to reflect on and analyze student work.
• Arranging for a comprehensive external evaluation to analyze the effects of the program's
implementation provided on an annual basis.
• Streamlining school administration processes.
The EMO shall also institute a professional learning component that will involve ongoing training for
school personnel that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Analyzing current instructional curriculum and helping faculty align state and local curricula to
help them refine their pedagogical skills.
• Fostering learning environments that employ effective classroom management techniques and
use of well-defined operational standards
• Making sure that effective curriculum and teaching materials are readily available to all
teachers.
• Securing, printing, and duplicating any and all staff materials relevant to the institution of the
EMO structure in a fiscally responsible manner. For example, all printing should be awarded
under contract to the lowest responsible bidder. The EMO must provide evidence to the ALSDE
liaison that it will solicit bids on any large printing or duplicating work.
The EMO shall also provide ongoing technical assistance in each school that shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
• Developing teacher skills in analyzing and applying assessment data to help guide instructional
decisions including the use of formative and benchmark assessments.
• Modeling for teachers to demonstrate effective instructional strategies.
5
2.02.2 ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Specific responsibilities of the ALSDE are stated below.
 Approve the EMO process for school improvement.

• Provide a liaison who will work with the EMO and the districts to ensure quality control and
ensure that the EMO is knowledgeable about the state courses of study and assessment systems.
• Identify a contact person in each targeted district and/or school who will work closely with the
EMO as it works to supplement district capacity in these multiple-year schools.
• Develop a system to monitor the effectiveness of the EMO as it works in the identified schools.
SECTION 3.00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.01 REQUIREMENTS OF PROPOSAL
The proposal shall consist of four parts: Part I – Cover Letter; Part II - Qualifications of the EMO; Part
III - Production Proposal; and Part IV - Budget.
Part I is the cover letter that shall serve as the first page of the applicant’s proposal. The contractor
shall complete the cover letter and attach it to the application in response to the RFA.
Part II shall provide satisfactory evidence of the EMO’s capability to manage and to coordinate the
types of activities and to provide the services described in the RFA in a timely manner. Special attention
should be given to the discussion of qualifications. The discussion shall include a description of the
EMO’s background and relevant experience as related to the required activities in the RFA.
At a minimum, the EMO must substantiate that, within the last three years, it has had experience with
“turning around” schools identified as “low-performing” using activities and processes that incorporate
the activities outlined in the RFA. A description of the services provided and details of the relevant
experience shall be included. A minimum of three (3) references with contact information shall be
provided.
Part III of the request shall provide a detailed plan describing how the services will be performed to
meet the requirements of the RFA. The description shall encompass the requirements of Section 2.00 of
this RFA. The application must be prepared and organized in a clear and concise manner that is easily
understandable. The application shall address the tasks to be accomplished, processes to be undertaken
to accomplish those tasks, and a proposed timeline for completion of the project. Examples of materials
that will demonstrate the quality of work done by the applicant on similar projects are requested.
Part IV shall include a detailed budget narrative that includes all costs associated with the EMO model
for school improvement in an individual school, including development, training, technical assistance,
and materials. The narrative must encompass all requirements of the RFA. In order to be considered,
the EMO must submit a response that addresses all costs for services, expenses, and products specified
in the RFA. The budget narrative must reflect all maximum costs.
6
3.02 PROCEDURES FOR DELIVERY OF REQUEST FOR APPLICATION
No later than 5:00 p.m. on March 11, 2011, four copies with original signatures of the proposal shall be
received by:
Dr. Thomas R. Bice

P. O. Box 302101
Parties submitting requests are responsible for ensuring that the RFA is delivered by the required time to
the designated place. No faxed or emailed proposals will be accepted. The proposal must be signed by
an official authorized to legally bind the EMO to the information provided. Applications received after
the deadline will be considered late and will not be considered for review.
3.03 SIGNED COVER LETTERS
The cover letter must be signed by an official authorized to legally bind the applicant. It will state that
the applicant is a legal entity that will meet the specifications. This cover letter must accompany the
submitted information application. Letters accompanying the application must have original signatures
and must include contact numbers and e-mail addresses for the authorized official signing the letters.
3.04 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An Executive Summary is required. This summary will condense and highlight the contents of the
EMO’s Request for Application.
3.05 VENDOR REFERENCES
Each responder is to provide a list of at least three current client references with correct contact
information. The references may be contacted regarding the EMO’s performance and products.
3.06 DISCLAIMER NOTICE
The ALSDE will not be liable for any costs associated with the preparation of proposals or negotiations
of contract incurred by any party.
7
3.07 SELECTION PROCESS
Final selection of the EMO to be placed on the ALSDE’s list of approved providers will not be based on
cost alone. The EMO will be evaluated primarily on the scope of the activities linked to associated
costs. RFAs will be reviewed to ascertain that minimum requirements have been met. Each responding
EMO may be invited to present its proposal to an ALSDE committee as part of the consideration
process. All expenses associated with any possible presentations shall be borne by the EMO. A
respondent’s inability or refusal to provide a presentation if asked may be cause for rejection of the
proposal.
3.08 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
An evaluation committee, composed of ALSDE staff and other external readers, will assess the RFAs
and score each submission according to the criteria listed in the chart below:
3.08 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION 40 Points 20 Points

OF PROPOSALS 40 Points
Qualifications Scope of Work Budget
a. Ability to perform the turnaround activities Details plan for Narrative tied to costs.
detailed in the RFA. performing the required b.
services. Re
b. Details of training and technical assistance. R Reflects reasonableness of
c. costs.
Qualifications and abilities of personnel
proposed to be assigned to perform the
services. C
d.
EE Evidence of proven research-based
strategies.
e.
Re Record of past performances of similar
work.
3.09 COST(S) CERTIFYING STATEMENT
An applicant will not be considered if the pricing in the RFA was not arrived at independently without
collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement as to any matter relating to such prices with any
other respondent. In addition, the EMO is prohibited from making multiple responses in a different
form. The applicant must include a certified statement with the RF a indicating that the estimated cost
was arrived out without any collusion as described above. Should collusion be detected at any time
during the application process or after selection, the EMO, will be removed from the ALSDE’s list of
eligible entities. The EMO Shall also include a statement certifying that all services properly requested
will be performed as required.
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3.10 ATTESTATION
EMOs are required to attest that when chosen they will employ only U. S. citizens or those individuals
who are in proper and legal immigration status that authorizes them to be employed for pay in the
United States as required by the federal Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (INA) (See also
www.uscis.gov).
3.11 ASSURANCE
The applicant will be responsible for adherence to all state and federal laws and regulations.
SECTION 4.00 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

It is expressly understood and agreed that the obligations of the ALSDE to proceed is conditioned upon
the appropriation and receipt of federal funds that may be expended for these purposes.
SECTION 5.00 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.01 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This RFA and its terms shall be governed and construed according to the laws of the state of Alabama.
Any dispute arising out of this RFA shall be brought in the state of Alabama, with venue in
Montgomery County, Alabama.
5.02 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The applicant attests that no employee, officer, or agent of the applicant shall participate in the
selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a real or apparent conflict
of interest would be involved. A conflict would arise when the employee, officer, agent, any member of
his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ
any of the parties indicated here in has a financial or other interest in the organization selected for an
award. The officers, employees, and agents of the applicant, if selected as EMOs, shall neither award
nor offer gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or subcontractors.
5.03 DISCRIMINATION
The applicant attests that it will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment
because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The contractor will take affirmative action
to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without
regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (www.dol.gov; Office of Federal
Contract Compliance Programs; [Sec. 202 amended by EO 12086 of Oct. 5, 1978, 43 FR 46501, 3
CFR, l978 Comp., p. 230])
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SECTION 6.00 INQUIRIES

Any questions regarding this RFA should be directed to:
Dr. Thomas R. Bice

P. O. Box 302101
10
APPENDIX A
CURRENT REFERENCES
1 Name of EMO
Address
Telephone
E-mail
Brief Description and

Period(s) of Performance
2 Name of EMO
Address
Telephone
E-mail

11
CURRENT REFERENCES Continued

3 Name of EMO
Address
Telephone
E-mail

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APPENDIX B
RFA Cover Page MUST contain all of the following information:
 Name of Submitting Organization

 Name of Program Manager/Director
 Department (If Applicable)
 Telephone Number
 Fax Number
 E-mail Address
 Mailing Address (Including City, State, and Zip Code).
 Signature and Title of Program Director
 Signature and Title of Authorizing Organizational Official
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Alabama RFA For EMOs

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Alabama RFA For EMOs

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Alabama State Department of Education

Request for Applications (RFA)

Section 1.00 Administrative Overview

Section 2.00 Scope

Section 3.00 General Requirements

Section 4.00 Availability of Funds

Section 5.00 General Terms and Conditions

Section 6.00 Inquiries

SECTION 1.00 ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW

1.02 ANTICIPATED TIMETABLE

RFA Issued: January 31, 2011

1.03 SUBMISSION OF REQUEST

Dr. Thomas R. Bice

1.04 REJECTION OF RESPONSE

1.05 APPLICATION EVALUATION

1.06 CONDITIONS AND TERMS

SECTION 2.00 SCOPE

2.02 SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.02.2 ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Specific responsibilities of the ALSDE are stated below.

 Approve the EMO process for school improvement.

SECTION 3.00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.02 PROCEDURES FOR DELIVERY OF REQUEST FOR APPLICATION

Dr. Thomas R. Bice

3.03 SIGNED COVER LETTERS

3.04 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.05 VENDOR REFERENCES

3.06 DISCLAIMER NOTICE

3.07 SELECTION PROCESS

3.08 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

3.08 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION 40 Points 20 Points

3.09 COST(S) CERTIFYING STATEMENT

SECTION 4.00 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

SECTION 5.00 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.02 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

SECTION 6.00 INQUIRIES

Dr. Thomas R. Bice

Brief Description and

Brief Description and

CURRENT REFERENCES Continued

Brief Description and

RFA Cover Page MUST contain all of the following information:

 Name of Submitting Organization

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