Active SLED Opportunity · OHIO · CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
AI Summary
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District seeks proposals from qualified vendors to provide supplemental academic, fine arts, career-technical, and non-public school services on an as-needed basis for K-12 students and staff. This multi-award RFP aims to establish a list of approved vendors for contracted services without guaranteeing purchase.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (hereafter the “District, “CMSD” or Cleveland Municipal School District) is soliciting proposals to establish Term Agreements with qualified vendors to provide Supplemental Academic Resources, Fine Arts, Career-Technical and Non-Public School Services on an “As Needed” basis for students and staff in public and non-public schools.
This is a multi-award bid for contracted Services for students and school staff in public and non-public K-12 schools. This RFP will not be a guarantee of purchase for any services, but to establish a list of Approved Vendors for these services. The purpose of this Request for Proposals ("RFP") is to gather competitive proposals for delivery of support services on an "As Needed" basis.
Completion of #1 in the Submittals section with all the required information.
The vendor provided the name and title of the authorized signatory.
It is the policy of the authorized signatory's firm that equal employment opportunity be afforded to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
In support of this policy, the authorized signatory's firm will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.
The authorized signatory's firm will take affirmative action to insure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. Such action will include, but not be limited to:
Recruitment, advertising, or solicitation for employment, hiring, placement, upgrading, transfer or demotion, selection for training including apprenticeship rates of pay or other forms of compensation, layoffs or termination.
The authorized signatory's company states that they are of current applicable requirement pertaining to Fair Labor Standards and Non-Discriminatory Practices of Federal, State, and Local Governments.
The authorized signatory further acknowledges that if the contract is awarded to the undersigned, the undersigned will comply with all Fair Labor Standard Practice.
By confirming, the authorized signatory affirms that they are making the foregoing proposal, that such proposal is genuine and not collusive or sham; that said proposer has not colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any proposer or person, to put in a sham proposal, or that such other person shall refrain from proposing, and has not in any manner, directly or indirectly sought by agreement or collusion, or communication or conference, with any person, to fix the proposal price of affiant or any other proposer, to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said proposal price, or of that of any proposer, or to secure any advantage against the Board of Education of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, or any person or persons interested in the proposal; and that all statements contained in said proposal are true; and further that such proposer has not, directly or indirectly, submitted this proposal, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto to any Association or to any member or agent thereof.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) adheres to Ohio Ethics Law and strictly follows the opinion of the Ohio Ethics Commission. As such, each vendor is requested to submit this statement declaring any potential conflicts of interest in doing business with the District. Please answer the following two questions providing all requested information.
By confirming, the authorized signatory certifies that the foregoing statements are true and accurate and that my signature below attests to the authenticity of my identity as the person actually signing this form. This document is not a contract. In order for a binding Agreement to exist, a signed Agreement will be required prior to any legally binding commitment by the District.
Respond N/A if not applicable.
Please list the following information as well:
Please list the following information as well:
This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, 13 CFR
Part 145. The regulations were published as Part VII of the May 26, 1988 Federal Register (pages 19160-19211). Copies of
the regulations are available from local offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CERTIFICATION
1. By affirming and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below.
2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to
furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.
3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If is is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.
4. The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
5. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations (13 CFR Part 145).
6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction.
7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions," provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.
8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the ineligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List.
9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to
render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required
to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.
By confirming, the proposer agrees to the following:
(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that it and its principals:
(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective primary participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
Include below three references of equal or larger size to this current RFP project. Public sector experience is preferred, but not required. Please attach relevant supporting documentation, such as project plans, scope of work.
Identify by name, race, and “firm” those individuals and their titles who are responsible for day-to-day management and policy decision making, including, but not limited to, those prime responsibility form:
Information about the District’s Affirmative Action Program can be found at https://bit.ly/3wvVApK.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Select electronic pricing table to build the pricing table in the system and to utilize the auto-tabulation feature. Please note if you have vendor's upload pricing, a manual tabulation will need to be created
Example: 2/17
Example: 2/17. Enter N/A if not applicable
Example: 2/17
Example: 2/17
Example: 2/17
Example: 2/17
Example: 2/17
Q (Non-Public Schools): Can you please provide a list of non-public schools that will be potentially requesting services for this engagement?
A: Al Ihsan Archbishop Lyke-St Henry Benedictine Cleveland Central Catholic Cleveland Montessori Holy Name Holy Cross Lutheran Icon Prep Luther Memorial Mary Queen of Peace Metro Catholic Our Lady of Angels Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Ramah Junior Academy St. Adalbert St. Agatha/St. Aloysius St. Francis St. Leo the Great St. Ignatius High School St. Ignatius Elementary St. Jerome St. John Lutheran St. Joseph Academy St. Mark St. Martin DePorres HS St. Mary Byzantie St. Rocco St. Stanislaus St. Thomas Aquinas Garden Christian Academy Urban Community Villa Angela/St. Joseph Lutheran West
Q (Educational Software): On page 15, under Academic Resources, it says, "Digital and print formats are required to ensure accessibility for all students." Can vendors who only offer online educational programs respond?
A: Vendors who offer online educational programs may respond.
Q (Early Childhood): Would trainings for prekindergarten teachers and staff fall under this RFP?
A: No.
Q (PreK curriculum and materials): Is curriculum and materials for prekindergarten students included?
A: No.
Q (Math only materials): Would the district consider vendors who offer a single subject product (e.g. a Math-only Platform)?
A: Vendors who offer single subject products may respond.
Q (21344 Academic Resources): If a vendor is already approved through RFP 21344 Academic Resources, do they need to also respond to this RFP?
A: If a vendor is under RFP 21344, they do not need to respond to this RFP.
Q (Equipment): Would poster printers and other technology fall under this request?
A: Poster printers and other technology do not fall under this request.
Q (No subject): May vendors present services as customizable packages with optional related components, or does CMSD prefer a single standardized service/pricing structure per proposer?
A: Prefer a single standardized service pricing structure per proposer.
Q (LOTE): Is the district accepting curriculum materials/educational software for Languages Other Than English?
A: Yes, we are accepting responses that include curriculum materials/educational software for Languages Other Than English.
Q (No subject): If an organization is operating under a new name or rebranded identity, may it include references and prior experience from the former name so long as the continuity is clearly explained?
A: Yes. An organization operating under a new or rebranded name may reference prior experience and client engagements performed under its former name, provided there is demonstrable and continuous organizational continuity. Such continuity may include, but is not limited to, uninterrupted ownership, governance, personnel, management, and operational capabilities. The organization must clearly disclose the name change or rebranding, including the effective date, and expressly identify that the referenced experience was performed under the former name. This disclosure enables the procuring entity to accurately evaluate the organization’s qualifications, experience, and past performance.
Q (Related to question 6): Answer to question 6 states that we do not need to respond to this RFP if we have already been approved through RFP 21344. We have been approved through RFP 21344. However, if we have expanded program offerings and could include new information, should we complete this new RFP?
A: Yes, if you have expanded program offerings with new information, please complete the RFP.
Q (Employment Data Form): Is the Employment Data Form optional or mandatory? The Job Categories list represents a variety of roles, but the rest of the form does not include personal identifiers that may apply to a contemporary workforce.
A: Vendors should complete the form to the extent applicable to their current organizational structure.
Q (Student and Teacher Counts): Please provide student and teacher numbers for each grade level for the Supplemental Academic Resources.
A: The RFP is on "an as needed basis" student and teacher numbers for each grade level are not available at this time. Vendors should indicate how many individuals are included per unit of measure for each program offered (Ex: 30 students per workshop).
Q (Samples): Does the district want samples? Print and/or digital? If yes, please provide instructions.
A: The district doesn't want samples.
Q (Fine Arts): Would please provide more detail of the expectations of this requirement? "Partnerships with local arts organizations and artists to provide students with real-world experiences and mentorship"
A: We expect an arts organization to be able to come into a classroom and share their arts with our students to enhance their learning experience. While the arts organization is sharing and facilitating an arts opportunity they are imparting real-world experiences. The arts organization and their artists will also be able to mentor our students.
Q (LOTE Subjects Clarification ): Does the district require the vendor to provide a breadth of subjects as part of their solution offerings for LOTE?
A: Solution offerings for LOTE programs should demonstrate alignment with state standards and address the needs of a diverse student population.
Q (No subject): Does a vendor need to complete this RFP if they are listed on RFP 21344 and wish to propose a price increase from the 2022 award?
A: Vendors already approved under RFP 21344 are not required to respond to this solicitation. If a vendor listed under RFP 21344 wishes to propose a price increase from the 2022 award, they may do so through the existing contract amendment process rather than by submitting a response to this RFP.
Q (Clarification: Responsiveness of Print-Based Supplemental Materials Without Digital/LMS Component): Spec 8.1(D) states that 'digital and print formats are required.' Will the District consider proposals from vendors offering print-based supplemental materials, only, that do not require digital platform or LMS integration as responsive?
A: No. Proposals offering print‑only supplemental materials that do not include a digital component are not responsive to this specification. Spec 8.1(D) requires that supplemental academic resources be available in both digital and print formats. As such, vendors must offer materials that include a digital component, even if digital platform or LMS integration is minimal or optional. Digital access is required to ensure accessibility, equity, and flexibility of use across District schools.
Q (Clarification: PD Requirements for Supplemental Materials Vendors): Spec 8.1(G) references professional development resources for teachers. For supplemental materials vendors whose products are designed for immediate classroom use without formal training requirements, will the absence of a standalone PD offering affect responsiveness or scoring?
A: If the resources are designed for immediate classroom use and don't require standalone PD no, this will not affect responsiveness or scoring.
Q (Clarification: Responsiveness of Proposals Covering Grades 4–12 Rather Than Full K–12 Range): If a proposer's materials are designed for grades 4-12 rather than the full K-12 range, will that proposal be deemed responsive for the grades covered, or is a K-12 span required for all approved vendors?
A: The proposal will be deemed responsive for grades covered. K-12 is not required for all approved vendors.
Q (Clarification: Definition of Assessment Tools Requirement for Supplemental Reading Materials): Spec 8.1(F) references assessment tools to measure student progress. For supplemental reading and intervention materials that include embedded comprehension checks and skill-based activities, would those built-in components satisfy this requirement, or is the District expecting a separate, standalone assessment platform?
A: Yes, the built-in tools will satisfy this requirement.
Q (RFP-21420 Supplemental Academic Resources - Student Services): If a vendor is already approved through RFP-21420 Supplemental Academic Resources - Student Services, should they also reply to this RFP? Thanks!
A: Please review the response to question 23.
Q (No subject): We are currently approved under RFP-21420, Supplemental Academic Resources – Student Services. Could you please clarify whether this new RFP replaces or supersedes that solicitation and its resulting contracts, or if CMSD intends to expand the pool by adding additional service providers?
A: Approval under RFP‑21420 (Supplemental Academic Resources – Student Services) does not replace or supersede this solicitation. RFP‑21420 and its resulting contracts remain in effect. The current RFP is a separate procurement and does not modify or terminate prior awards. CMSD is issuing this RFP to establish or expand the pool of qualified service providers for the specified scope of work. Vendors approved under RFP‑21420 must submit a response to this RFP if they wish to be considered under this solicitation.
Q (21344 Supplemental Academic Resources): Answer to question 6 states that we do not need to respond to this RFP if we have already been approved through RFP 21344. Similarly, if a vendor is already approved through RFP 21420 Supplemental Academic Resources, do they need to also respond to this RFP?
A: Vendors approved through RFP 21420 (Supplemental Academic Resources) are not automatically approved under this RFP. Approval under RFP 21420 does not replace or satisfy the requirements of this solicitation.
Q (Supplemental Academic Resources): On page 15, the Supplemental Academic Resources section states that “digital and print formats are required to ensure accessibility for all students.” Could you please clarify whether this requirement means that the full digital program must also be available in a complete print format, or whether print materials may be provided as additional, supplemental resources to the primary digital component?
A: Print materials may be provided as additional, supplemental resources to the primary digital component.
Q (No subject): Page 26 states, “Identify by name, race, and “firm” those individuals and their titles who are responsible for day-to-day management and policy decision making, including, but not limited to, those prime responsibility for…” Is the district asking for us to state an employee’s race along with their name? Would it be sufficient to state that we are not a minority-owned business?
A: Yes, that is sufficient.
Q ((RFP-21438: Supplemental Academic Resources, Fine Arts, Career -Technical and Non-Public School Services)): Would we, as an educational publisher, be held to the same requirements as a fine arts organization under this clause "Partnerships with local arts organizations and artists to provide students with real-world experiences and mentorship" ? While we provide curriculum and educational resources for visual arts educators, we are not a fine arts organization that can share or facilitate these types of activities or provide the type of mentorship’s that would be expected of us.
A: No, an educational publisher will not be held to the same requirement as a fine arts organization.
Q ( Cost proposal ): For the Cost proposal - if we allow schools to pay based on school budget vs. a set amount (basically a sliding scale fee) how should I represent that under the cost portion of the proposal? Should I include a full budget of each program or say that we determine cost based on school need/budget
A: Cost proposal should include a full budget of each program offered.
Q (Financial Literacy): Can proposals include both student programming and parent or family engagement components that support career readiness and financial decision making?
A: Yes. Proposals may include both student programming and parent or family engagement components, provided that these components directly support career readiness, financial literacy, and informed financial decision making. All proposed activities must align to the scope and objectives outlined in the RFP, demonstrate a clear connection to student outcomes, and describe how family or caregiver engagement enhances or reinforces those outcomes. The District will evaluate proposals based on coherence, relevance, and their ability to support District priorities.
Q (Questions 7.11 and 7.12): Will proposals that answer "no" to either or both of these questions be considered? We are an organization that is not based on Ohio.
A: Yes. Proposals will still be considered if an out‑of‑state vendor responds “no” to either or both questions regarding being based in Ohio or currently licensed in Ohio. An out‑of‑state vendor is not disqualified from responding to this RFP. However, if selected for award, the vendor must be legally qualified to do business in the State of Ohio and obtain any required state or local registrations, authorizations, or licenses prior to contract execution and commencement of services, as applicable.
Q (Scope of Work): Will the district consider proposals for instructional materials and professional learning focused on the development of literacy foundational skills taught during the school day during the ELA block?
A: Yes. The district will consider proposals for instructional materials and professional learning focused on the development of literacy foundational skills delivered during the ELA block. Proposed solutions must align with the Science of Reading, including explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and be supported by high-quality research evidence.
Q (No subject): In response to the required question “Are you legally qualified to do business in Cuyahoga County and licensed by the City of Cleveland?”, If we are an out of state entity and not licensed in the City or County, does this disqualify us from responding to this RFP?
A: No. An out-of-state vendor’s lack of current licensure in Cuyahoga County or the City of Cleveland does not disqualify the vendor from submitting a response to this RFP. However, the selected vendor must be legally qualified to do business in the State of Ohio and obtain any required state, county, or municipal registrations or licenses prior to contract execution and commencement of services.
Q (No subject): What is required for us to be considered “legally qualified to do business in the State of Ohio”?
A: To be eligible for contract award, a vendor must be legally qualified to do business in the State of Ohio. Such qualification includes authorization to conduct business in Ohio, registration with the Ohio Secretary of State if required by law, maintenance of good standing, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The District reserves the right to request documentation verifying compliance prior to contract execution.
Q (Professional Learning): On page 16, does the Non‑Public Services and Other Professional Services section allow for stand‑alone Professional Learning programs, or is professional learning intended only as a support component tied to the supplemental academic resources?
A: Stand-alone Professional Learning programs are allowed.
Q (Music, Art & Dance Programming): We are a creative arts company that can offer music, art or dance programming for students of all abilities, but would specialize in students with special needs. Would I submit a proposal for each medium - one for music, one for dance and one for art - or can this all be included in one proposal? Would these services be appropriate for this RFP?
A: We have arts organizations that provide music, art and dance and they have used one RFP for all mediums. In the past they have detailed in their proposals: Workshops/Sessions, Performances and Professional Development. There may be different in costs considering the supplies used in the medium. Art workshops may cost more because they have included the supplies in the workshop versus dance workshops. Yes these services would be appropriate for this RFP. If you are focusing on Special Needs students realize that we welcome these services but most of the students will be integrated with regular need students.
Q (Responsiveness of Proposals for Non-Public Services): Our firm does not provide all services listed under Non-Public Services and Other Professional Services. Will the absence of providing some of these services affect responsiveness or scoring?
A: Vendors are not required to provide all services listed in the RFP. Proposals will be evaluated based on responsiveness to the RFP requirements and the quality and relevance of the services proposed. The lack of certain services will not automatically impact responsiveness or scoring.
Q (RFP Clarification- Supplemental Academic Resources): We are a standards-aligned Social Studies curriculum. We are typically considered a core curriculum. Since this RFP is for supplemental academic resources, would it be permissible to submit our Social Studies materials for consideration and continued use within CMSD?
A: This RFP is on "an as needed basis" and is not a request for core curriculum for continued use.
Q (AP Offerings): What AP courses does the district offer?
A: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses at the high school level. AP course availability varies by school based on student enrollment, staffing, and program design. Across the District, AP offerings include: English Language and Composition English Literature and Composition Calculus AB Statistics Biology Chemistry Environmental Science Physics I Computer Science Principles Computer Science A U.S. History U.S. Government and Politics Macroeconomics and Microeconomics Psychology Spanish Language and Culture AP Seminar and AP Research (Capstone) Art History and AP Art & Design (select schools) A current, school‑by‑school listing of AP courses is available on the District’s website and should be referenced for the most up‑to‑date information.
Q (Programs not on the state approved list): Will the district accept programs that are not on the OH state approved list?
A: If this question is about the Approved Vendor Directory for high quality tutoring services, the district will not accept programs that are not on the State of Ohio's approved list.
Q (Digital-only programs): Can vendors propose products that are fully accessible but are digital-only?
A: Yes. Vendors may propose digital‑only products, provided that the products are fully accessible and meet all applicable accessibility requirements. Proposed digital solutions must comply with relevant federal and state accessibility standards (e.g., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and WCAG accessibility guidelines), and be usable by all students, including those with disabilities. Vendors should clearly describe how accessibility requirements are met within their proposed solution.
Q (Core materials or supplemental only): Please clarify if vendors should submit any core programs in support of the Academic Resources category or wait for the new contract that will replace RFP 21344.
A: Vendors should not submit core instructional programs under the Academic Resources category as part of this RFP. This solicitation is intended for supplemental academic resources and service‑based supports, not for the adoption or replacement of core instructional programs. Core programs will be addressed through a separate procurement process.
Q (9.7.20): For this question: "9.7.20. List the name and address of every person having an interest in this solicitation." We are a non-profit- should we enter "N/A"? Or can you give more guidance on what "interest" means in this case? Also: I saw this question in the PDF of questions but don't see it in the portal.
A: For non‑profit organizations, “interest” refers to individuals who have a governing or financial interest in the organization, such as board members or officers. Vendors should list the name and address of their organization along with the names and addresses of board members or other individuals who hold a governing role. If no individuals have a financial ownership interest, vendors may indicate that the organization is a non‑profit and has no ownership stakeholders.
Q (RFP Outcome): Will the school district be announcing which vendors made it onto the Approved Vendor list through this RFP? If so, when will this information be available?
A: Yes. After evaluations are complete and awards are finalized, the District will publish the list of vendors approved through this RFP.
Q (Corporation): We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit. We are also technically a corporation. 7.7 implies a for-profit corporation with the questions about shareholders. Should we proceed with these 2 questions as a corporation or as if we are not a corporation?
A: Non‑profit organizations may still be incorporated, but Section 7.7 is intended for for‑profit corporations with shareholders or ownership interests. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you should complete the section as a nonprofit, not as a for‑profit corporation. Nonprofits generally do not have shareholders, so you may indicate that the organization has no ownership interests and provide the names of your board members or officers, as applicable.
Q (Automotive Liability Insurance ): Are vendors required to provide Automotive Liability Insurance for employee and contractors even if they use their own cars?
A: Yes. Vendors are required to provide Automotive Liability Insurance even when employees or contractors use their own personal vehicles for District‑related work.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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