U -- Source Sought - Science Assessments

2026-11-03

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICEBureau of Indian Education ( BIE ) Title : Science Assessments for BIE Schools ( Grades 5 , 8 , and 11 ) 1 . Notice Type & PurposeThis is a Sources Sought / Request for Information ( RFI ) issued solely for market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 . This announcement does not constitute a solicitation , and no contract will be awarded based solely on this notice . The Government seeks information from capable sources to inform :• Acquisition strategy ( e . g ., small business set aside , full / open competition )• Market capability and capacity • Contract structure • Timeline feasibility • Availability of Commercial Off The Shelf ( COTS ) assessments________________________________________2 . Background & ObjectivesThe BIE ’ s mission ( 25 CFR 32 . 3 ) centers on providing high quality education that supports the cultural , academic , and developmental needs of Native students . In accordance with 25 CFR 30 . 100 – 125 , BIE must administer content area assessments for federal accountability reporting . BIE requires Science assessments aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards ( NGSS ) for students in Grades 5 , 8 , and 11 attending BIE funded schools . For the base year , BIE seeks an operational COTS Science assessment solution . During option years , BIE may require :• Customization of the COTS assessment ,• Development of a new assessment , or • Optional interim assessments and item development services . Assessments must be culturally responsive , technically sound , and accessible to a high percentage of English Learners . ________________________________________3 . Project Description – Science Assessment SolutionBIE seeks information from vendors capable of supplying a turnkey assessment system including :• NGSS aligned assessments ( grades 5 , 8 , 11 )• Paper based and online delivery formats • A secure registration portal integrated with NASIS ( BIE SIS )• High quality reports ( paper + electronic )• Annual scoring , cut score setting , and data quality checks • Training ( virtual + onsite )• Project management and financial tracking • Helpdesk services supporting multiple time zones • Optional item development and interim assessments ( option years ) ________________________________________4 . Scope of Services ( Summary of SOW Components ) Vendors should address their capability to provide the following required components : 1 . Assessment Administration & Scoring • Production and delivery of paper and online Science assessments • On time delivery of materials for Spring administration windows • Scoring and quality assurance • ELL supportive assessment design • Assistance with reconciliation , helpdesk support , and portal use2 . Student Registration Portal • Secure online portal dedicated exclusively to BIE • API + manual SIS integration with NASIS • Upload , verification , and management of student data • Accommodations and accessibility data fields • Scheduling modules and test assignment capabilities • Data privacy & security plan ( FIPS 140 2 encryption ; NIST controls ) 3 . Reporting ( Paper and Electronic ) Paper Reports :• Two ( 2 ) ISRs per student • One parent / guardian report • One grade level aggregate report per tested gradeElectronic Deliverables :• EDFacts compliant data files • Data Warehouse access ( score reports , aggregates , rosters )• Machine readable formats ( CSV , XLSX , TXT , SPSS , PDF )• SIS formatted score files • Secure transmission ( SFTP / SSH ) Additional Reporting Functions :• Cut score setting ( July – September 2027 )• Statistical analyses , including anomaly detection • FERPA compliant public facing reports • Collaboration with BIE on peer review evidence4 . Test Administration & Data Integration Training • Weekly web based training sessions • Recordings posted and available on demand • Up to ten ( 10 ) onsite training sessions • Experienced trainer required • Uploading roster files , resolving errors , data quality procedures • Creation of Test Coordinator & Test Administration Manuals • Online learning platform with 24 / 7 resources5 . Project Management Services • Weekly PM meetings ( Wednesdays )• Monthly financial tracking reports • Management of invoices , deliverable schedules , and risk / issue logs • Ability to negotiate revised due dates for delayed dependent deliverables6 . Helpdesk Services • Phone and online chat support • Coverage 9 : 00 a . m .– 3 : 00 p . m . across four U . S . time zones • During registration (~ 5 weeks ), testing (~ 6 weeks ), and post testing (~ 3 weeks )• Hold time ≤ 15 minutes ( 95 % SLA ) 7 . Optional Test Item Development ( Option Years )• Culturally relevant item creation • Item writing with BIE educator workgroups • Pilot testing and integration into item bank • BIE retains full ownership of all items developed8 . Optional Interim Assessments ( Option Years )• Interim assessments for grades 5 , 8 , and 11 • Aligned to NGSS and to the summative assessment • Reporting , training , and technical support________________________________________5 . Period of PerformanceA base and 4 - 1 year options________________________________________6 . Security , Privacy , & Compliance RequirementsRespondents must describe current practices aligning with :• FERPA , COPPA , CIPA • Privacy Act & E Gov Act § 208 ( PIA )• NIST SP 800 53 , 800 53A , 800 37 RMF • FIPS 199 ( Moderate ), FIPS 140 2 encryption • DOI IT Security Policies & A 123 standards • Section 508 accessibility • Monthly vulnerability scans ; annual security assessments • Confidentiality , nondisclosure , and restricted use of data requirementsAll systems and data must reside within CONUS . ________________________________________7 . Government - Furnished & School Provided ResourcesBIE will provide :• Student lists with unique IDsSchools will provide :• Computers or local servers • Internet connectivity sufficient for online administration________________________________________8 . Place of Performance • Nationwide support to all BIE funded schools • Virtual services and contractor facilities ( CONUS only ) ________________________________________9 . Instructions to Respondents9 . 1 Submission Information • Submission Email : Felicia . Aspaas @ bie . edu • Subject Line : “ Sources Sought – BIE Science Assessments – [ Your Company Name ]”• Due Date : April 22 , 2026 – 11 : 00 AM MDT • Format : One ( 1 ) consolidated PDF / Word document • Length : Recommended ≤ 10 pages9 . 2 Required Content • Company information ( UEI , CAGE , business size / socio economic status )• Capability addressing each SOW component • Experience delivering NGSS aligned statewide / SEA assessments • SIS integration experience ( API + manual uploads )• Assessment security and data governance practices • Training and helpdesk capability • Description of item development capabilities ( if applicable )• Identification of subcontractors ( if any ) ________________________________________10 . DisclaimerThis RFI does not commit the Government to award a contract . Costs associated with responding will not be reimbursed . Proprietary information must be clearly marked . The Government will not provide evaluations or feedback . ________________________________________11 . Notice to Potential OfferorsVendors must be registered and active in the System for Award Management ( SAM ) prior to any award : www . SAM . gov________________________________________12 . Attachments • Attachment 1 : Statement of Work ( SOW )- Science Assessment • Attachment 2 : Request for Information ( RFI ) – Science Assessments ( Only the RFI response is required at this time .)

New Mexico

2026-05-02