- Pin
- 33101-26108
- Kind
- RFP
- Doc Id
- RFQ 33101-26108FAS5 Solicitation Notice
- Title
- School Turnaround Program Support (FY27-FY31)
- Due Date
- Nov 2, 2026
- Pdf Text
- 06-24-26 RFQ
STATE OF TENNESSEE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
SCHOOL TURNAROUND PROGRAM SUPPORT (FY27-FY31)
RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONS:
1. Introduction
2. RFQ Schedule of Events
3. Response Requirements
4. General Information & Requirements
5. Procurement Process & Contract Award
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Mandatory Requirement Items
B. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – General Qualifications &
Experience Items
C. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items
D. Statement of Certifications & Assurances
E. Reference Questionnaire
F. Pro Forma Contract
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RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
2
1. INTRODUCTION
The State of Tennessee, Department of Education, hereinafter referred to as “the State,” issues
this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) to define mandatory goods or services requirements;
solicit responses; detail response requirements; and outline the State’s process for evaluating
responses.
1.1 Statement of Procurement Purpose
Tennessee schools that perform in the lowest five percent (5%) of schools based on three (3)
year success rates receive a Priority/Comprehensive Support and Improvement Schools (“CSI”)
designation. Priority/CSI schools are required to develop a school turnaround plan detailing
intensive interventions to dramatically improve school effectiveness and student outcomes.
Through this RFQ, the State is seeking qualified contractors (companies or individuals) with
specialized knowledge and skills in school turnaround, a proven success record in school
improvement, and at least three (3) years’ experience in the field of school turnaround. These
contractors will partner with Tennessee Local Education Agencies (“LEAs”) and authorized
Tennessee Public Charter Schools ("Public Charters") to improve those schools designated as
Priority/CSI schools.
As a result of this RFQ, the State is seeking to award multiple no-cost contracts. However, the
State's contractual relationship with qualified contractors is limited to establishing eligibility and
terms under which contractors may participate in the School Turnaround Program. Pursuant to
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3707, the State is required to competitively procure and maintain a list of
qualified independent school turnaround expert contractors, while local boards of education will
select and contract directly with the contractor that will serve their school(s).
The execution of project-specific work will occur through a separate contractual relationship
between the selected contractors and the individual LEAs/Public Charters. The State does not
procure services on behalf of the LEAs/Public Charters, nor does it make direct payment to the
selected contractors for work performed. Rather, the State awards grant funds to the LEAs/Public
Charters with Priority/CSI schools, and the LEA/Public Charter selects a qualified contractor from
the pre-approved list in accordance with its applicable procurement policies and procedures,
executes subsequent contracts, administers the project, approves deliverables, and remits
payment to the contractor for services rendered. Therefore, while the State facilitates access to
qualified contractors through this RFQ, the actual service contract and payment obligations reside
between the LEA/Public Charter and the selected contractors.
LEAs/Public Charters will be allocated grant funds in an amount to be determined by the State
based on appropriated funds to contract with one (1) of the awarded contractors of their choice to
support the work of the School Turnaround Program. Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-
3707(c), LEAs/Public Charters must make contract payments to their selected school turnaround
expert as follows:
1) LEAs/Public Charters shall pay the selected contractor the initial fifty percent (50%) of the
payment due for all services provided under the contract between the LEA/Public Charter
and their selected contractor on a prorated basis over the term of that contract; and
2) LEAs/Public Charters may render the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the payment due to
the selected contractor only if and when the school in need of intervention served by the
selected contractor meets the priority school exit criteria and exits the School Turnaround
Program by the end of the school’s final year in the School Turnaround Program.
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Contractors qualified by the State and awarded contracts by an LEA or Public Charter
shall conduct a Comprehensive School Analysis (“CSA”) for specified Tennessee
Priority/CSI schools. Each CSA must include six (6) areas of concentration:
1) Student Academic Achievement & Growth – Collect and analyze student
academic data from multiple sources (including but not limited to diagnostic
assessments, benchmark assessments, common Formative Assessments, and
unit tests) to determine how students perform on State assessments, Summative
Assessments, and Formative Assessments, both individually and in student
subgroups identified by the State.
2) Leadership – Examine the effectiveness of the school principal and the leadership
team through an evaluation of instructional leadership, staff development and
support, use of data, school climate and culture, and community engagement.
3) Curriculum & Instruction – Determine if the curriculum reflects grade level State
content standards, if instructional frameworks in core content areas are supported
by evidence-based research, if instruction aligns with the complexity and rigor
required by the State content standard, and if Instructional Practices are effective,
yielding positive student outcomes.
4) Professional Development (“PD”) – Ascertain PD opportunities provided
to staff members, PD participation rates, the relationship between PD and
classroom instruction, and the follow up that takes place after PD.
5) Climate & Culture – Determine the level of communication between the school and
the parents and community, the involvement of parents and the community, and
perceptions of the school among teachers, students, parents, and the community.
6) Operations & Organization – Review school-wide protocols, procedures, and
schedules; ascertain progress made toward School Improvement within the last
three (3) years; and conduct a budget analysis and resource allocation review,
including funding sources.
The initial Contract Term of the awarded no-cost contracts is fifty-four (54) months.
1.2. Pre-Response Conference
A Pre-Response Conference will be held at the time and date detailed in the RFQ Schedule of
Events, RFQ § 2. Pre-Response Conference attendance is not mandatory, and potential
Respondents may be limited to a maximum number of attendees depending upon overall
attendance and space limitations. Please contact the Solicitation Coordinator to RSVP for the
Pre-Response Conference. The Conference will be held at:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/250227860316998?p=LC0MDCg32C9gFlFLN8
Meeting ID: 250 227 860 316 998
Passcode: 4qp7SC7a
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone
+1 629-209-4396,,402196836# United States, Triune
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 402 196 836#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: stateoftn@m.webex.com
06-24-26 RFQ
RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
4
Video ID: 119 823 314 4
More info
1.3. Notice of Intent to Respond
Before the Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events,
potential Respondents should submit to the Solicitation Coordinator a Notice of Intent to Respond
in the form of a simple e-mail or other written communication. Such notice should include the
following information: the business or individual’s name (as appropriate), a contact person’s name
and title, the contact person’s mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail
address. Filing a Notice of Intent to Respond is not a prerequisite for submitting a response;
however, it is necessary to ensure receipt of notices and communications relating to this RFQ.
1.4. Definitions and Abbreviations
TERM DEFINITION
Comprehensive School Analysis (“CSA”)
A thorough evaluation of a school’s overall
performance and effectiveness, examining
multiple factors such as academic
outcomes, student well-being, teaching
quality, resources, leadership, and
community engagement to identify
strengths, weaknesses, and areas for
improvement.
Comprehensive Support and Improvement
(“CSI”)/Priority
A designation given to schools that are the
lowest-performing five percent (5%) of
schools based on multi-year success rates
(up to three (3) years) in each school pool or
given to high schools with a federal
graduation rate of less than sixty-seven
percent (67%).
Formative Assessment(s)
A wide variety of methods used to conduct
ongoing evaluations of student learning and
that help teachers identify concepts that
students are struggling to understand so
adjustments in instruction can be made.
Identified Student Subgroups
For school accountability purposes, all
students are included in the “All Students”
group. However, students are also assigned
to the following student groups as
applicable:
• Black, Hispanic, and Native
American students (“BHN”);
• English learners (“EL”);
• Economically disadvantaged
student (“ED”); and
• Students with disabilities (“SWD”)
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Instructional Practice(s)
Methods and strategies teachers use
to deliver content information and
engage students in the learning
process.
Professional Development (“PD”)
External and job-embedded activities that
provide educators with the knowledge and
skills necessary to assist all students in
meeting State learning standards.
School Improvement
A gradual and ongoing process of making
consistent, positive changes to enhance
student learning over time.
School Turnaround
A rapid and dramatic intervention focused
on significantly improving a low-performing
school within a short timeframe.
Summative Assessment(s)
A tool used to evaluate student learning at
the end of an instructional unit by
comparing it to a standard or benchmark.
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2. RFQ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The following schedule represents the State’s best estimates for this RFQ; however, the State
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the schedule at any time, or cancel and reissue
a similar solicitation. Nothing in this RFQ is intended by the State to create any property rights or
expectations of a property right in any Respondent.
EVENT
TIME
(Central
Time
Zone)
DATE
(all dates are State
business days)
1. RFQ Issued September 3, 2026
2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 9, 2026
3. Pre-Response Conference 10:00 a.m. September 10, 2026
4. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 11, 2026
5. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 18, 2026
6. State response to written “Questions &
Comments” October 21, 2026
7. RFQ Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. November 2, 2026
8. State Completion of Technical Response
Evaluations November 16, 2026
9. State Notice of Intent to Award Released and
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection 2:00 p.m. November 18, 2026
10. End of Protest Period November 25, 2026
11. State sends contract to Contractors for
signature November 30, 2026
12. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. December 2, 2026
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3. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS
3.1. Response Contents: A response to this RFQ should address the following:
3.1.1. Mandatory Requirements: This section details the mandatory technical, functional, and
experience requirements that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ in order
to be passed on to Phase II of the Technical Response evaluation. A Respondent should
duplicate and use RFQ Attachment A as a guide to organize responses for the
Mandatory Requirements of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the
page location of the information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
This section is included in the State’s evaluation as to whether or not a Respondent
meets mandatory qualifications (Phase I).
3.1.2. General Qualifications & Experience: This section is included in the State’s evaluation of
Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details general information and
qualifications that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ. A Respondent
should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment B as a guide to organize responses for this
portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the page location of the
information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
3.1.3. Technical Qualifications, Experience & Approach: This section is also included in the
State’s evaluation of Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details technical
qualifications, experience, and approach items that must be demonstrated in the
response to this RFQ. A Respondent should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment C as a
guide to organize responses for this portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent
should reference the page location of the information within the response in the indicated
column of the table.
3.2. Response Delivery Location
A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a Response to this RFQ no later than the
Response Deadline time and dates detailed in the RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events. All responses
must be delivered to:
Genell Jordan | Sourcing Specialist
Central Procurement Office
Tennessee Tower, 3rd Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-7202
Genell.Jordan@tn.gov
3.3. Response Format
3.3.1. A Respondent must ensure that the original response meets all form and content
requirements detailed within this RFQ.
3.3.2. A Respondent must submit their response as specified in one of the two formats below.
3.3.2.1. Digital Media Submission
3.3.2.1.1. Technical Response
The Technical Response document should be in the form of one
(1) digital document in “PDF” format properly recorded on its own
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otherwise blank, standard USB flash drive and should be clearly
identified as the:
“RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL”
and ONE (1) digital copies of the Technical Response each in the
form of one (1) digital document in “PDF” format properly recorded
on its own otherwise blank, standard USB flash drive clearly
labeled:
“RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 TECHNICAL RESPONSE COPY”
The customer references should be delivered by each reference in
accordance with RFQ Attachment E Reference Questionnaire.
3.3.2.2. E-mail Submission
3.3.2.2.1. Technical Response
The Technical Response document should be in the form of one
(1) digital document in “PDF” format or other easily accessible
digital format attached to an e-mail to the Solicitation Coordinator.
Both the subject and file name should be clearly identified as
follows:
“RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 TECHNICAL RESPONSE”
The customer references should be delivered by each reference in
accordance with RFQ Attachment E Reference Questionnaire.
3.3.3. For e-mail submissions, the Technical Response documents must be dispatched to the
Solicitation Coordinator . For digital media submissions, a Respondent must seal,
package, and label the documents and copies for delivery as follows:
3.3.3.1. The Technical Response and copies must be placed in a sealed package that
is clearly labeled:
“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 TECHNICAL RESPONSE
FROM [RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”
3.3.3.2. The sealed Technical Response components may be enclosed in a larger
package for mailing or delivery, provided that the outermost package is clearly
labeled:
“RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 SEALED TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”
3.3.3.3. Any Respondent wishing to submit a Response in a format other than digital
may do so by contacting the Solicitation Coordinator.
3.3.4. A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a response no later than the
Response Deadline time and date detailed in the RFQ Section 2, Schedule of Events at
the following address:
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RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
9
Genell Jordan | Sourcing Specialist
Central Procurement Office
Tennessee Tower, 3rd Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-7202
Genell.Jordan@tn.gov
3.4. Response Prohibitions: A response to this RFQ shall not:
3.4.1. Restrict the rights of the State or otherwise qualify the response to this RFQ;
3.4.2. Include, for consideration in this procurement process or subsequent contract
negotiations, incorrect information that the Respondent knew or should have known was
materially incorrect;
3.4.3. Include more than one response, per Respondent, to this RFQ;
3.4.4. Include any information concerning costs (in specific dollars or numbers) associated with
the Technical Response;
3.4.5. Include the respondent’s own contract terms and conditions (unless specifically
requested by the RFQ); or
3.4.6. Include the respondent as a prime contractor while also permitting one or more other
respondents to offer the respondent as a subcontractor in their own responses.
3.5. Response Errors & Revisions
A Respondent is responsible for any and all errors or omissions in its response to this RFQ. A
Respondent will not be allowed to alter or revise its response after the Response Deadline time
and dates as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, unless such is formally requested in
writing by the State (e.g., through a request for clarification, etc.).
3.6. Response Withdrawal
A Respondent may withdraw a response at any time before the Response Deadline time and
date as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, by submitting a written signed request by an
authorized representative of the Respondent. After withdrawing a response, a Respondent may
submit another Response at any time before the Response Deadline time and date as detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
3.7. Response Preparation Costs
The State will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation of any
response. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the costs it incurs in responding to this
RFQ.
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4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Communications
4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ #33101-26108FAS5 in all communications relating to
this solicitation, and direct any such communications to the following person designated
as the Solicitation Coordinator:
Genell Jordan | Sourcing Specialist
Central Procurement Office
Tennessee Tower, 3rd Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-7202
Genell.Jordan@tn.gov
The State will convey all official responses and communications related to this RFQ to
the potential respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to
Respond (refer to RFQ Section 1.3.).
4.1.2. Potential respondents with a handicap or disability may receive accommodation relating
to the communication of this RFQ and participating in the RFQ process. Potential
respondents may contact the RFQ Coordinator to request such reasonable
accommodation no later than the Disability Accommodation Request Deadline detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.1.3. Unauthorized contact about this RFQ with other employees or officials of the State
of Tennessee may result in disqualification from contract award consideration.
4.1.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential Respondents may also contact the following as
appropriate:
The following individual designated by the State to coordinate compliance with the
nondiscrimination requirements of the State of Tennessee, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and associated federal regulations:
Helen Crowley
Central Procurement Office
Department of General Services WRS
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Tennessee Tower, 3rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
(615) 741-3836
Helen.Crowley@tn.gov
4.2. Nondiscrimination
No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise
subjected to discrimination in the performance of a contract pursuant to this solicitation or in the
employment practices of the Contractor on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, creed,
color, religion (subject to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 4-21-401 and 405), sex, national origin, or any
other classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law. The
Contractor pursuant to this solicitation shall post in conspicuous places, available to all
employees and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.
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4.3. Conflict of Interest
4.3.1. The State may not consider a proposal from an individual who is, or within the past six (6)
months has been, a State employee. For these purposes,
4.3.1.1. An individual shall be deemed a State employee until such time as all
compensation for salary, termination pay, and annual leave has been paid;
4.3.1.2. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other
contracting entity in which a controlling interest is held by any State employee
shall be considered to be a contract with or proposal from the employee; and
4.3.1.3. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other
contracting entity that employs an individual who is, or within the past six
months has been, a State employee shall not be considered a contract with or
a proposal from the employee and shall not constitute a prohibited conflict of
interest.
4.3.2. This RFQ is also subject to Tenn. Code Ann. § 12-4-101—105.
4.4. Respondent Required Review & Waiver of Objections
4.4.1. Each potential respondent must carefully review this RFQ, including but not limited to,
attachments, the RFQ Attachment F, pro forma Contract, and any amendments for
questions, comments, defects, objections, or any other matter requiring clarification or
correction (collectively called “questions and comments”).
4.4.2. Any potential respondent having questions and comments concerning this RFQ must
provide such in writing to the State no later than the written “Questions & Comments
Deadline” detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.4.3. Protests based on any objection shall be considered waived and invalid if the objection
has not been brought to the attention of the State, in writing, by the written “Questions &
Comments Deadline.”
4.5. Disclosure of Response Contents
4.5.1. All materials submitted to the State in response to this solicitation become property of
the State of Tennessee. Respondents are cautioned not to provide any materials in
response to this RFQ that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-
1702 and applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFQ, the respondent
acknowledges and agrees that the State shall have no liability whatsoever for disclosure
of a trade secret under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as provided at Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 47-25-1701-1709, or under any other applicable law. Selection for award does not
affect this right. By submitting a response, a Respondent acknowledges and accepts
that the full contents and associated documents submitted in response to this request
will become open to public inspection in accordance with the laws of the State of
Tennessee. Refer to RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.5.2. The RFQ responses will be available for public inspection only after the completion of
evaluation of the RFQ or any resulting solicitation which this RFQ becomes a part of,
whichever is later.
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4.6. Notice of Professional Licensure, Insurance, and Department of Revenue Registration
Requirements
4.6.1. All persons, agencies, firms or other entities that provide legal or financial opinions, which
a Respondent provides for consideration and evaluation by the State as part of a
response to this RFQ, shall be properly licensed to render such opinions.
4.6.2. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent (and Respondent employees and subcontractors, as applicable) must hold
all necessary, appropriate business and professional licenses to provide service as
required. The State may require any Respondent to submit evidence of proper licensure.
4.6.3. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must provide a valid, Certificate of Insurance indicating current insurance
coverage meeting minimum requirements as may be specified by the RFQ.
4.6.4. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must be registered with the Department of Revenue for the collection of
Tennessee sales and use tax. The State shall not approve a contract unless the
Respondent provides proof of such registration or provides documentation from the
Department of Revenue that the Contractor is exempt from this registration requirement.
The foregoing is a mandatory requirement of an award of a contract pursuant to this
solicitation. To register, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Taxpayer
Access Point (TNTAP) website for Online Registration and the Vendor Contract
Questionnaire. These resources are available at the following:
https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/#1
4.7. RFQ Amendments & Cancellation
4.7.1. The State reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time, provided that it is amended
in writing. However, prior to any such amendment, the State will consider whether it
would negatively impact the ability of potential respondents to meet the deadlines and
revise the RFQ Schedule of Events if deemed appropriate. If a RFQ amendment is
issued, the State will convey it to potential respondents who submitted a Notice of Intent
to Respond (refer to RFQ § 1.3). A response must address the final RFQ (including its
attachments) as may be amended.
4.7.2. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or to cancel and reissue this
RFQ in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.8. State Right of Rejection
4.8.1. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the State reserves the right to reject, at its
sole discretion, any and all proposals.
4.8.2. The State may deem as nonresponsive and reject any proposal that does not comply
with all terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFQ. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the State reserves the right to seek clarifications or to waive, at its sole
discretion, a response’s minor variances from full compliance with this RFQ. If the State
waives variances in a response, such waiver shall not modify the RFQ requirements or
excuse the Respondent from full compliance with such, and the State may hold any
resulting vendor to strict compliance with this RFQ.
4.8.3. The State will review the response evaluation record and any other available information
pertinent to whether or not each respondent is responsive and responsible. If the
Solicitation Coordinator identifies any respondent that appears not to meet the
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responsive and responsible thresholds such that the team would not recommend the
respondent for potential contract award, this determination will be fully documented for
the record. (“Responsive” is defined as submitting a response that conforms in all
material respects to the RFQ. “Responsible” is defined as having the capacity in all
respects to perform fully the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which
will assure good faith performance.)
4.9. Assignment & Subcontracting
4.9.1. The vendor may not subcontract, transfer, or assign any portion of the Contract awarded
as a result of this RFQ without prior approval of the State. The State reserves the right to
refuse approval, at its sole discretion, of any subcontract, transfer, or assignment.
4.9.2. If a Respondent intends to use subcontractors, the response to this RFQ must
specifically identify the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will perform
(refer to RFQ Attachment B, Item B.14.).
4.9.3. Subcontractors identified within a response to this RFQ will be deemed as approved by
the State unless the State expressly disapproves one or more of the proposed
subcontractors prior to signing the Contract.
4.9.4. The Contractor resulting from this RFQ may only substitute another subcontractor for a
proposed subcontractor at the discretion of the State and with the State’s prior, written
approval.
4.9.5. Notwithstanding any State approval relating to subcontracts, the Contractor resulting from
this RFQ will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for all work under the
Contract.
4.10. Next Ranked Respondent
The State reserves the right to initiate negotiations with the next ranked respondent should the
State cease doing business with any respondent selected via this RFQ process.
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5. PROCUREMENT PROCESS & CONTRACT AWARD
5.1. The complete vendor selection will be a one-part process: Qualification of Technical Responses.
5.2. Qualification of Technical Responses: Technical Responses will be short-listed for further
evaluation, analysis or negotiation if they are apparently responsive, responsible, and within the
competitive range (“Competitive Range”). A Technical Response will be deemed within the
Competitive Range based on the following criterion:
The combined total score from the RFQ Attachments B and C must be a minimum of 75 points to
be in the Competitive Range. All Respondents with a score of 75 or above will be considered for
contract award.
Phase I: The State will evaluate the Mandatory Requirements set forth in RFQ Attachment
A on a pass/fail basis.
Phase II: Following the Phase I evaluation, the State will apply a standard equitable
evaluation model, which will represent a qualitative assessment of each
response. Each response will be scored by Evaluation Team members
according to the Technical Response & Evaluation Guides (See RFQ
Attachments B & C).
The Solicitation Coordinator will total the average score from the evaluation team
for each responsive and responsible Respondent’s Technical Response Points
for RFQ Attachments B & C to determine which of the Respondents are
considered Qualified and within the Competitive Range.
5.3. Clarifications and Negotiations: The State reserves the right to award a contract on the basis of
initial responses received; therefore, each response should contain the respondent’s best terms
from a technical standpoint. However, the State reserves the right to conduct clarifications or
negotiations with respondents. All communications, clarifications, and negotiations shall be
conducted in a manner that supports fairness in response improvement.
5.3.1. Clarifications: The State may identify areas of a response that may require further
clarification or areas in which it is apparent that there may have been miscommunications
or misunderstandings as to the State’s specifications or requirements. The State may
seek to clarify those issues identified during one or multiple clarification round(s). Each
clarification sought by the State may be unique to an individual respondent.
5.3.2. Negotiations: The State may elect to negotiate with Qualified Respondents, within the
competitive range, by requesting revised responses or finalizing contract terms and
conditions. The State reserves the right to conduct multiple negotiation rounds.
5.3.2.1. If the State determines contract finalization discussions and negotiations are not
productive with a Qualified Respondent, the State reserves the right to bypass
that Qualified Respondent for contract award.
5.4. Evaluation Guide
The State will consider qualifications, experience, and technical approach in the evaluation of
responses and award points in each of the categories detailed below. The maximum evaluation
points possible for each category are detailed below.
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5.5. Contract Award
5.5.1. The Solicitation Coordinator, will determine the Qualified Respondents using the scoring
provided by the Proposal Evaluation Team. (To effect contract awards to Respondents
other than the ones identified in Section 5.2, the Solicitation Coordinator must provide
written justification and obtain written approval of the Chief Procurement Officer and the
Comptroller of the Treasury.)
5.5.2. The State reserves the right to make awards without further discussion of any response.
5.5.3. The State will issue an Evaluation Notice and make the RFQ files available for public
inspection at the time and date specified in the RFQ §2, Schedule of Events.
NOTICE: The Evaluation Notice shall not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in either the
Respondents identified as Qualified Respondents or any other Respondent.
5.5.4. The Respondents identified as Qualified Respondents must sign a contract drawn by the
State pursuant to this RFQ. The contract shall be substantially the same as the RFQ
Attachment F, pro forma contract. The Respondents must sign said contract no later
than the Respondent Contract Signature Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of
Events. If the Respondent fails to provide the signed contract by the deadline, the State
may determine the Respondent is non-responsive to this RFQ and reject the response.
5.5.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may, at its sole discretion, entertain limited
negotiation prior to contract signing and, as a result, revise the pro forma contract terms
and conditions or performance requirements in the State’s best interests, PROVIDED
THAT such revision of terms and conditions or performance requirements shall NOT
materially affect the basis of response evaluation or negatively impact the competitive
nature of the RFQ and contractor selection process.
Evaluation Category Maximum Points Possible
Mandatory Requirements (refer to RFQ
Attachment A) Pass/Fail
General Qualifications, Experience, Technical
Qualifications, Experience & Approach (refer to
RFQ Attachment B)
30
Technical Qualifications, Experience &
Approach (refer to RFQ Attachment C) 70
06-24-26 RFQ
RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
16
ATTACHMENT A
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
All Respondents must address all items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation
as required (referenced with the associated item references). All Respondents must also detail the response page
number for each item in the appropriate space below.
The Solicitation Coordinator will review all responses to determine if the Mandatory Requirement Items are
addressed as required and mark each with pass or fail. For each item that is not addressed as required, the
Solicitation Coordinator must review the responses and attach a written determination. In addition to the Mandatory
Requirement Items, the Solicitation Coordinator will review each response for compliance with all RFQ requirements.
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes)
Item
Ref. Section A— Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
The Technical Response must be delivered to the State no later than
the Technical Response Deadline specified in the RFQ § 2, Schedule
of Events.
The Technical Response must not contain cost or pricing information
of any type.
The Technical Response must not contain any restrictions of the
rights of the State or other qualification of the response.
A Respondent must not submit alternate responses.
A Respondent must not submit multiple responses in different forms
(as a prime and a subcontractor).
A.1. Provide the Statement of Certifications and Assurances (RFQ
Attachment D) completed and signed by an individual empowered to
bind the Respondent to the provisions of this RFQ and any resulting
contract. The document must be signed without exception or
qualification.
A.2. Provide a statement, based upon reasonable inquiry, of whether the
Respondent or any individual who shall perform work under the
contract has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the
State of Tennessee) and, if so, the nature of that conflict.
NOTE: Any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the
discretion of the State, and the State reserves the right to cancel any
award.
A.3. Provide a current bank reference indicating that the Respondent
maintains a satisfactory business relationship with the financial
institution. Such reference must be written in the form of a standard
business letter, signed, and dated within the past three (3) months.
A.4. Provide a statement that the Respondent has at least three (3) years
of experience in the field of school turnaround.
06-24-26 RFQ
RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
17
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes)
Item
Ref. Section A— Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
A.5. Provide a statement confirming that, if awarded a contract pursuant to
this RFQ, the Respondent has or will have at the time of the
Contract’s Effective Date one of the requirements outlined in D.31.
Information Technology Security Requirements of the Pro Forma
Contract.
State Use – RFQ Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date:
06-24-26 RFQ
RFQ #33101-26108FAS5
18
ATTACHMENT B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION B: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. The Respondent must address all items detailed
below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation as required (referenced with the associated
item references). The Respondent must also detail the response page number for each item in the appropriate
space below. Evaluation Team members will independently evaluate and assign one score for all responses to
Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items.
RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes)
Item
Ref. Section B— General Qualifications & Experience Items
B.1. Detail the name, e-mail address, mailing address, telephone number, and
facsimile number, if applicable, of the person the State should contact regarding
the response.
B.2. Describe the Respondent’s form of business (i.e., individual, sole proprietor,
corporation, non-profit corporation, partnership, limited liability company) and
business location (physical location or domicile).
B.3. Describe the Respondent’s background and experience in the field of school
turnaround.
B.4. Briefly describe how long the Respondent has been performing the goods or
services required by this RFQ.
B.5. Describe the Respondent’s number of employees, client base, and location of
offices.
B.6. Provide a statement of whether there have been any mergers, acquisitions, or
sales of the Respondent within the last ten (10) years. If so, include an
explanation providing relevant details.
B.7. Provide a statement of whether the Respondent or, to the Respondent's
knowledge, any of the Respondent’s employees, agents, independent contractors,
or subcontractors, proposed to provide work on a contract pursuant to this RFQ,
have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to any felony. If so,
include an explanation providing relevant details.
B.8. Provide a statement of whether, in the last ten (10) years, the Respondent has
filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or
assignee for the benefit of creditors. If so, include an explanation providing
relevant details.
B.9. Provide a statement of whether there is any material, pending litigation against the
Respondent that the Respondent should reasonably believe could adversely affect
its ability to meet contract requirements pursuant to this RFQ or is likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Respondent’s financial condition. If such exists, list
each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion of counsel
addressing whether and to what extent it would impair the Respondent’s
performance in a contract pursuant to
- Start Date
- Sep 3, 2026
- Due Date Raw
- Nov 2, 2026
- Pdf Enriched
- Yes
- Start Date Raw
- Sep 3, 2026
Tennessee Central Procurement Office (CPO)Issuing agency·Tennessee·via a public procurement portal