About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Rochester City School District seeks informal proposals from qualified onshore USA firms to provide offsite special education research, data analysis, benchmarking, and strategic advisory services. Contractors will examine District data, review classification and placement practices, evaluate Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, conduct comparative benchmarking, and deliver actionable improvement recommendations. Firms must submit electronic proposals via email to [email protected] by 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 18, 2026, and direct all questions by November 10, 2026. Submissions must include cost estimates for up to six assignments, staffing qualifications, relevant organizational experience, three client references, a signed W-9, a vendor application, and an Accessibility Conformance Report based on VPAT Version 2.4 or higher. The District will evaluate proposals based on knowledge, experience, personnel qualifications, service quality, and cost and overall value without predetermined numerical weights. The awarded contract begins upon Board of Education approval and may include up to two additional one-year renewal options.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Rochester City School District
Scope of work
- Special education data analysis including referral, classification, placement, and academic outcomes
- Examination of classification and placement practices and inclusive educational environments
- Review of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and general education supports
- Assisting with stakeholder research including surveys, interviews, and focus groups
- Benchmarking and best-practice research of comparable school districts and educational institutions
- Strategic advisory services, recommendations, presentations, and planning tools for District leadership
- Execution of up to six specific projects or assignments established annually
- Participation in quarterly business review (QBR) meetings
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Suitability and Proposed Approach | Not specified |
| Knowledge, Experience and Expertise | Not specified |
| Credentials, Qualifications and Capacity | Not specified |
| Quality of Services | Not specified |
| Cost and Overall Value | Not specified |
| Diversity, M/WBE and Nondiscrimination Commitment | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Demonstrated organizational experience providing research, data analysis, special education, K-12 education, or program evaluation services
- At least three references for engagements with clients of equal or greater size, including Public Sector and/or K-12 environments
Documents to include with your response
- Cost Estimate proposal
- Completed and signed W-9 (Attachment A)
- Completed Vendor Application (Attachment B)
- Current M/WBE Certification form, if applicable
- Detailed Scope of Services response
- Vendor Resources summary with principal personnel credentials
- Corporate Summary
- Proposed Quarterly Business Review agenda and Key Performance Indicators
- Iran Divestment Act Certification
- Accessibility Conformance Report (VPAT Version 2.4 or higher WCAG Edition) and Roadmap if applicable
Key dates
- Issue RFI
- November 5, 2026
- Date Issued
- November 6, 2026
- Proposal Deadline
- November 18, 2026 2:30 p.m. (EST)
- Anticipated Start Date
- ASAP upon BOE Approval
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via email, optional hard copy
- Instructions
- Submit electronic responses via email to [email protected] with subject line RFI Response – RCSD Special Education. The proposal must be contained within one file, with additional appendices in separate files. An optional hard copy may be sent to Purchasing Department, Attn: David Tiberio, Rochester City School District, 131 W. Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614.
Contract details
- Term
- Begins upon BOE approval and ends upon work completion, renewable for up to two (2) additional one-year terms