Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support Extracurricular Programs Grant

Connecticut State Department of Education

Charlene M. Russell-Tucker

Commissioner of Education

Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships

Application for the Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support (ASSG) Extracurricular Programs Grant

Section 10-264l(c)(3) of the Connecticut General Statutes

Fiscal Year 2027

RFP 835

Application Due Date: June 5, 2026

Published: April 24, 2026

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The Connecticut Department of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of: race; color; religious creed; age; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; workplace hazards to reproductive systems; gender identity or expression; marital status; national origin; ancestry; retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion; intellectual disability; genetic information; learning disability; physical disability (including, but not limited to, blindness); mental disability (past/present history thereof); military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence; or criminal record in state employment, in accordance with applicable statutes, unless there is a bona fide occupational qualification excluding persons in any of the aforementioned protected classes. Inquiries regarding the Connecticut State Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Attorney Louis Todisco, Connecticut State Department of Education, by mail 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 605, Hartford, CT 06103-1841; or by telephone 860-713-6594; or by email louis.todisco@ct.gov.

Section I. Background

On April 18, 1989, eighteen school-aged children from the metropolitan Hartford, Connecticut area, acting through their parents, commenced the civil action Sheff v. O’Neill (Sheff) in the Hartford Superior Court against the State of Connecticut. In 1996, the Connecticut Supreme Court decided the case and held that Hartford-resident minority students are entitled to attend school in reduced isolation settings as a matter of educational equity under the Connecticut State Constitution. The Court did not specify a goal, remedy, or timetable to resolve the problem, but instead, assigned responsibility for reducing isolation to the legislative and executive branches. Over the last 30 years, the State has engaged extensive human and fiscal resources to address such isolation through voluntary participation in interdistrict programming, including interdistrict magnet schools authorized by Section 10-264l of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.). Interdistrict magnet schools in the Sheff Region are public schools operated by Hartford Public Schools, school districts within the Sheff Region and/or third parties or a consortium of school districts that offer high quality, themed education options for Hartford-resident students and suburban students to support racial, ethnic and economic diversity goals. The Sheff Region as defined in the Sheff case includes the school districts of Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Suffield, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. In terms of student participation, the Region extends to nearly all of the towns in the Greater Hartford Region.

Since 2003, the plaintiffs and the State have entered into several sequential stipulated agreements from Phase I through Phase IV, and, most recently, a Phase V final agreement, spelling out certain goals for reducing racial and ethnic isolation in Hartford and the steps the State would take to achieve such goals. The final agreement, referred to as the Comprehensive School Choice Plan (CCP), was signed by the state defendants, the plaintiffs and the City of Hartford on January 26, 2022, and the Connecticut Superior Court on March 21, 2022 as an Order of the Court. The CCP reflects the final agreement of the parties and articulates a plan for meeting demand of Hartford-resident students for a diverse educational environment through a sustainable system of integrated education. Interdistrict magnet schools, the Open Choice Program, and the Hartford Region Technical High Schools within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) provide the primary means for reducing isolation pursuant to the various agreements among the parties and play a consequential role in achieving the goals of the CCP. In the 2025-26 school year, more than 23,000 Connecticut students attended Sheff magnet schools, the Open Choice Program or a Hartford Region Technical High School.

The CCP articulates a complex and detailed strategic blueprint to increase opportunities for integrated, high quality educational opportunities for Hartford-resident students and students throughout Connecticut through a series of 42 Commitments. These Commitments reflect the State priority to support academic and social emotional development of students through high-quality, integrated educational programming through interdistrict school choice options. Commitment 8 of the CCP expressly acknowledges that extracurricular programs “are an important part of providing high quality, integrated school options” and states that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) “is committed to maintaining and expanding extracurricular opportunities at the magnet schools.” (CCP, p.22). Through this grant, the CSDE continues its funding support for extracurricular programming at magnet schools to round-out students’ academic experiences and promote interest in magnet schools, as required by the CCP.

Section II. Purpose

Through this grant, the CSDE seeks to continue to expand and develop sustainable enrichment and extracurricular programming opportunities for students attending interdistrict magnet schools in the Sheff Region to provide continuous opportunities to access integrated settings that support social, emotional, and academic growth.

The goal of the Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support Extracurricular Programs Grant is to increase the involvement and participation of students in enrichment/extracurricular activities to support academic development, students’ social-emotional well-being, and build community among student participants pursuant to the commitments in the CCP. Thus, the purpose of this grant is to serve four (4) key priorities:

• provide students with access to enriching academic activities and supports to promote student achievement, skills development and leadership;

• increase in-school and out-of-school extracurricular enrichment opportunities to promote academic and social engagement;

• build school community among student participants in Sheff interdistrict magnet programs through fun and engaging enrichment and extracurricular activities; and

• support student social-emotional development of student participants.

Section III. Eligible Applicants

Within available appropriations, the Commissioner of Education may make grants for academic support programs and summer school educational programs to the entities listed in C.G.S. § 10-264l(c)(3) which operate the interdistrict magnet schools set forth in Appendix A. These entities provide academic support programs and summer school educational programs approved by the Commissioner and assist the State in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff and the CCP. The CSDE will award these academic and social support grants for extracurricular programming through a competitive grant process to such eligible interdistrict magnet schools based on the application requirements set forth herein. As indicated in Appendix A, the following entities are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity:

• Sheff magnet schools operated by a local board of education: Bloomfield Public Schools (BPS), East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS), Hartford Public Schools (HPS);

• Sheff magnet schools operated by a RESC: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC); and

• Sheff magnet schools operated by a College Affiliated Operator (independent institution of higher education): Goodwin University Educational Services (GUES).

To be considered for this grant, any such interdistrict magnet school operator must submit a proposal that meets the requirements of this competitive grant application and articulates the proposed strategies, actions, and extracurricular programs the operator will implement to provide Sheff Region interdistrict magnet school students with high-quality enrichment opportunities to support academic development, social-emotional well-being, community building, skills development, and physical fitness. Proposals must include a general budget and plan for identifying, developing and implementing meaningful extracurricular opportunities.

Eligible entities must submit a complete application for each eligible magnet school.

Eligible entities that do not submit a complete grant application by June 5, 2026 will not be eligible for funding pursuant to this competitive grant opportunity.

Section IV. Funding

Total funds for this competitive grant are up to $2,800,000 in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) pursuant to C.G.S. § 10-264l(c)(3) to fund extracurricular programming for Sheff Region interdistrict magnet school students that assist the State in meeting its obligations pursuant to the decision in Sheff. This funding is in addition to, not in place of, the interdistrict magnet school operating grant provided pursuant to other subsections of C.G.S. § 10-264l and other funding provided by the CSDE and through other sources.

All awards will be in the form of reimbursement grants based on funds requests after funds are expended. Grants are not final until the execution of award letters and are subject to availability of funding. The level of funding and reporting requirements will be set forth in the notification of the grant award.

Section V. Allowable Activities and Costs

Submissions for the grant must include a detailed budget and plan for developing and implementing meaningful extracurricular programming. When applying for this grant, eligible entities should consider, at a minimum, the academic and social needs of students enrolled in interdistrict magnet schools, the magnet theme, and the types of extracurricular and enrichment activities that will improve and enrich students’ experience.

Activities that may be funded through this grant include, but are not limited to:

• field trip experiences;

• programs or clubs to support student specialized extracurricular enrichment experiences (e.g., photography, culinary arts, robotics, tutorial services, athletic programming, etc.);

• health and wellness activities;

• service learning activities;

• college and career readiness activities;

• certification courses for students (driver’s education, lifeguard training and certification, etc.);

• extracurricular programs across one or more Sheff interdistrict magnet schools or in partnership with community organizations, outside agencies, businesses, or institutions of higher education;

• programming that supports the social-emotional or academic needs of students;

• school year break/weekend camp and enrichment/extracurricular activities, excluding summer programming;

• extracurricular activities, including athletics; and

• whole grade or all school team-building activities.

Allowable costs for this grant include expenditures which directly support the aforementioned purpose, are expendable in the respective fiscal year, and are authorized via the competitive grant review, including the following:

• staff, teacher and/or tutor stipends;

• supplies and materials directly related to the extracurricular program or activity, including software and technology;

• equipment directly related to the extracurricular program or activity, generally up to a maximum of $5,000;

• contracts for professional and expert services;

• contracts for professional and expert speakers;

• contracts for services by an outside agency, business, or community partner;

• pupil transportation for activities during or beyond the school day;

• programs or resources that support the social/emotional or academic needs of students;

• fees and travel costs for student participation in competitions or special events related to extracurricular programming; and

• salary for a centralized extracurricular director/coordinator.

Eligible entities may enter into cooperative agreements with other Sheff interdistrict magnet schools. Examples of such cooperative services include, but are not limited to, combined extracurricular programs, shared professional vendors or experts, expert speakers, transportation services, and shared facility space, equipment, or activities.

Subcontractor/Vendor Guidelines

If a recipient enters an agreement to allocate grant funds to a partner, vendor, or another entity, the CSDE will consider the agreement between the recipient and the outside entity a “subcontract.” All subcontracts are subject to the terms of the CSDE grant funding source, and the grantee is held solely responsible for the performance of the subcontractor, including all safeguards related to child safety such as background checks, relevant licensing requirements, and ensuring that all subcontractors comply with all state and federal laws. Additionally, a copy of the CSDE approved funding application must be provided to the subcontractor as an attachment to the subcontract. The CSDE Program Manager may require fully executed subcontracts to be submitted as an addendum to the approved grant application. The CSDE reserves the right to communicate directly with the subcontractor about the terms and conditions of the funding and details of the subcontract. The CSDE further reserves the right to withhold reimbursement for subcontracted work or services until the fully executed subcontract is submitted to the CSDE Program Manager.

As set forth above, allowable costs must be directly related to the purpose of this grant and the implementation of academic, extracurricular and enrichment programming that goes beyond standard school day curriculum. Costs for other activities, programs, and supports may be approved beyond those listed in this section. Costs for equipment exceeding $5,000 may be approved through this grant opportunity if the CSDE review panel determines the cost and scope of impact is justified (see footnote 1).

If you plan to include items or services other than those listed above in your proposal, contact the CSDE program manager, Kerry Mattson, at kerry.mattson@ct.gov prior to submitting your application.

Funds must be used to supplement, not supplant, interdistrict magnet schools’ extracurricular offerings. All budgeted expenses must clearly support the proposed strategies. All offerings must be made at no additional cost to participants. Indirect costs are not allowable for this funding opportunity.

Section VI. Grant Period

The CSDE will award this grant in FY27 with a total award amount of up to $2,800,000 for all grantees.

Successful submissions will provide a detailed ED114 and budget narrative for FY27.

The FY27 grant period for this award begins July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2027. All fund requests must be submitted no later than June 11, 2027 to receive payment.

Section VII. Application Requirements

Eligible entities must submit a separate application packet for each school. Maximum request amounts have been determined using October 1, 2025 enrollment data, and can be found in Appendix A. Schools are not required to apply for their maximum request amount. An individual school’s award shall not exceed the amount listed in Appendix A.

To be considered for a grant award, proposal submissions must conform with the required proposal outline and include the components listed below.

• Signed Cover Page

• Executive Summary: Provide a brief description of the proposed extracurricular program(s), identifying the needs to be addressed with the funding and how evidence-based programming will be used to address the identified need. The summary should include the total requested funding for FY27. In this section, the proposal must include a statement committing to participate in a minimum of one program status check-in with a team consisting of school-based staff, central office staff, as well as any other person or persons designated by the operator, and the CSDE Program Manager, either by phone, virtual meeting, or at the school location. Program status check-ins will be facilitated by the CSDE Program Manager, and will review at a minimum, programming to date of check-in, student participation, status of expenditures, as well as quality advising discussion to support implementation.

• Main Proposal Body:

1. Program Operations

a. description(s) of extracurricular program(s) or activities, including grade(s) served, target number of students to be served, program schedule, and hours:

i. provide process for identifying student interest and/or established student interest justification for each proposed program or activity;

ii. indicate if the proposed program or activity is new or enhanced programming;

iii. identification of any equipment, supplies, or other purchases directly associated with the aforementioned extracurricular program or activity, including timelines for acquisition and longevity of requested items;

iv. identification of any field trip or supplemental experiences directly associated with the aforementioned program or activity; and

v. provide specific details on prior program operations, participation, and outcomes if the application is for continuation or extension of an existing program funded by prior year iterations of this award.

b. identification of partners or vendors, including any proposed Memoranda of Agreement/contract(s) with said partners or vendors. If a partner has not yet been identified, a description of what services will be sourced to potential partners and expected budget:

i. describe the qualifications of the partner/vendor;

ii. indicate whether the association is from an existing or preexisting partnership or contract relationship and the impact of that relationship on student support systems;

iii. describe how proposed partner(s) or vendor(s) will be used to facilitate and enhance extracurricular programming relative to academic development, social-emotional well-being, and/or community building; and

iv. describe the timeline for securing the partner/vendor and the plan for implementation.

c. inclusion of a comprehensive timeline for planning and implementation of the proposed extracurricular program(s) or activities;

d. description of plan for recording attendance and evaluation of effectiveness; and

e. description of process for outreach to potential participants, application, placement, and registration plan.

2. Program Design

a. description of the need to be addressed with this funding, how you determined there was a need for extracurricular/enrichment programming, using data to support evidence of these needs, and how the program is connected to the identified needs;

b. description of the program or activity focus, including field trips and other off-site programming, and how the proposed programming aligns with the four priorities set forth in Section II of this application;

c. description of how the program will serve Sheff Region interdistrict magnet students and facilitate academic development, community building, and support enrollment in Sheff magnet schools;

d. description of how the program is specifically targeted to enhance students’ educational experience, deepen theme integration, improve compliance outcomes and high-quality programming, and/or increase applicants’ interest in the magnet program;

e. description of how the extracurricular programs will support participants’ social-emotional development, citing evidence-based strategies;

f. description of how proposed extracurricular programming will be accessible to multi-language learners and students with special needs;

g. description of how proposed partner(s) will be used to enhance student experience; and

h. if the program is a continuation or enhancement of an existing program funded through the extracurricular grant from prior year iterations of this award, please include specific details about the enhancement to the program and the purpose for such enhancement, as well as information concerning prior year participation and outcomes.

3. Budget

a. provide a detailed ED114 and budget narrative for FY27 that directly align with the proposal and are reasonable in cost given the number of students served, duration of program, and scope of services provided.

• Signed Standard Statement of Assurances

A completed application packet must be e-mailed to Kerry Mattson at kerry.mattson@ct.gov no later than June 5, 2026. As noted above, to be eligible for consideration, the application packet must be submitted no later than the communicated deadline and include:

• signed cover page;

• executive summary, including the information set forth in this Section VII;

• program narrative, including the information set forth in this Section VII;

• ED114 and budget narrative, including the information set forth in this Section VII; and

• signed Standard Statement of Assurances.

Section VIII. Review of Proposal and Grant Awards

Only proposals that meet the application requirements detailed in Section VII will be reviewed for award.

The CSDE will convene a panel to review all completed applications meeting minimum requirements detailed in Section VII. Grant awards will be negotiated and accepted, with modifications, if necessary, in time for final award. Each application will be rated using the rubric in Appendix B.

The CSDE reserves the right to award or reject a proposal, in its entirety or in part, if, in its judgment, the best interest of the State would be served. After receiving the grant application, the CSDE reserves the right to not award all grants, to negotiate specific grant amounts, and to select certain grantees, regardless of points awarded, as part of the evaluation process to meet the Connecticut State Board of Education’s priorities and the commitments in the CCP.

All awards are subject to availability of funds. Grants are not final until award letters are executed.

The CSDE will notify applicants of the acceptance or rejection of their proposals in writing. The level of funding and effective dates of the projects will be set forth in the notification of the grant award.

Section IX. Freedom of Information Act

All the information contained in an application submitted in response to this Request for Proposals is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), C.G.S. Sections 1-200 et seq. The FOIA provides that, except as provided by Federal or State law, records maintained or kept on file by any public agency (as defined in the statute) are public records and every person has the right to inspect such records and receive a copy of such records.

Section X. Management Control of the Program

The grantee has complete management control of this grant. While CSDE staff may be consulted for their expertise upon award, they will not be directly responsible for the selection of vendors, nor will they be directly involved in the expenditure and payment of funds.

Section XI. Fiscal Responsibility and Reporting Requirements

The grantee will be responsible for adherence to all state and federal regulations governing expenditures, accounting, and reporting requirements.

The grantee shall prepare and submit all required reports identified in this application by the communicated deadline, unless the CSDE Program Manager grants an extension in writing. The CSDE reserves the right to withhold payment or reimbursement of funds until all communicated reporting requirements are completed. Grantees must complete all communicated End of Year and/or Project reporting requirements for this grant period prior to receiving future fiscal year iterations of this grant award.

Reporting Requirements:

Program Status Check ins: December 2026 through March 2027

End of Year Report: Due August 7, 2027

Section XII. Grant Timeline

Application Posted: April 24, 2026

Bidders’ Conference: May 7, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Application Closes: June 5, 2026

Notification of Award: July 2026

End of Project Report: August 7, 2027

Application Packet

Connecticut State Department of Education

Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships

FY27

Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support Extracurricular Programs Grant

Cover Page

Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships

FY27

Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support Extracurricular Programs Grant

Lead Applicant:

Grant Contact Name and Title:

Grant Contact Phone:

Grant Contact Email:

Name of Extracurricular Coordinator:

Email of Extracurricular Coordinator:

Projected Number of Hartford Resident Students Enrolled for 2026-27 SY:

Projected Number of Non-Hartford Resident Students Enrolled for 2026-27 SY:

I hereby certify that the information contained in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Superintendent / RESC Director Name:

Superintendent / RESC Director Signature:

Date:

Program Narrative:

Please describe your proposal for the Sheff Interdistrict Magnet Academic and Social Support Extracurricular Programs Grant for FY27 in this program narrative.

Provide narrative responses for each item detailed in the document below, which are found in Section VII, Application Requirements. If necessary, please attach any related documents or appendices to supplement the narrative and support your responses. You can use the following as an outline.

Executive Summary:

Provide a brief description of the proposed extracurricular program(s), identifying the needs to be addressed with the funding and how evidence-based programming will be used to address the identified need. The summary should include the total requested funding for FY27. In this section, the proposal must include a statement committing to participate in a minimum of one program status check-in with a team consisting of school-based staff, central office staff, as well as any other person or persons designated by the operator, and the CSDE Program Manager, either by phone, virtual meeting, or at the school location. Program status check-ins will be facilitated by the CSDE Program Manager, and will review, at a minimum, programming to date of check-in, student participation, status of expenditures, as well as quality advising discussion to support implementation.

Main Proposal Body:

1. Program Operations

a. description(s) of extracurricular program(s) or activities, including grade(s) served, target number of students to be served, program schedule, and hours:

i. provide process for identifying student interest and/or established student interest justification for each proposed program or activity;

ii. indicate if the proposed program or activity is new or enhanced programming;

iii. identification of any equipment, supplies, or other purchases directly associated with the aforementioned extracurricular program or activity, including timelines for acquisition and longevity of requested items;

iv. identification of any field trip or supplemental experiences directly associated with the aforementioned program or activity; and

v. provide specific details on prior program operations, participation, and outcomes if the application is for continuation or extension of an existing program funded by prior year iterations of this award.

b. identification of partners or vendors, including any proposed Memoranda of Agreement/contract(s) with said partners or vendors. If a partner has not yet been identified, a description of what services will be sourced to potential partners and expected budget:

i. describe the qualifications of the partner/vendor;

ii. indicate whether the association is from an existing or preexisting partnership or contract relationship and the impact of that relationship on student support systems;

iii. describe how proposed partner(s) or vendor(s) will be used to facilitate and enhance extracurricular programming relative to academic development, social-emotional well-being, and/or community building; and

iv. describe the timeline for securing the partner/vendor and the plan for implementation.

c. inclusion of a comprehensive timeline for planning and implementation of the proposed extracurricular program(s) or activities;

d. description of plan for recording attendance and evaluation of effectiveness; and

e. description of process for outreach to potential participants, application, placement, and registration plan.

2. Program Design

a. description of the need to be addressed with this funding, how you determined there was a need for extracurricular/enrichment programming, using data to support evidence of these needs, and how the program is connected to the identified needs;

b. description of the program or activity focus, including field trips and other off-site programming, and how the proposed programming aligns with the four priorities set forth in Section II of this application;

c. description of how the program will serve Sheff Region interdistrict magnet students and facilitate academic development, community building, and support enrollment in Sheff magnet schools;

d. description of how the program is specifically targeted to enhance students’ educational experience, deepen theme integration, improve compliance outcomes and high-quality programming, and/or increase applicants’ interest in the magnet program;

e. description of how the extracurricular programs will support participants’ social-emotional development, citing evidence-based strategies;

f. description of how proposed extracurricular programming will be accessible to multi-language learners and students with special needs;

g. description of how proposed partner(s) will be used to enhance student experience; and

h. if the program is a continuation or enhancement of an existing program funded through prior year iterations of this award, please include specific details about the enhancement to the program and the purpose for such enhancement, as well as information concerning prior year participation and outcomes.

3. Budget

a. provide a detailed ED114 and budget narrative for FY27 that directly align with the proposal and are reasonable in cost given the number of students served, duration of program, and scope of services provided.

FY27 ED114 Magnet ASSG Extracurricular Programs Grant

Original Request Date:

CSDE Program Manager Authorization:

Date:

FY27 Budget Narrative

Standard Statement of Assurances for Grant Programs

Connecticut State Department of Education

The Applicant hereby assures the Connecticut State Department of Education that:

A. The applicant has the necessary legal authority to apply for and receive the proposed grant.

B. The filing of this application has been authorized by the applicant's governing body, and the undersigned official has been duly authorized to file this application for and on behalf of said applicant, and otherwise to act as the authorized representative of the applicant in connection with this application.

C. The activities and services for which assistance is sought under this grant will be administered by or under the supervision and control of the applicant.

D. The project will be operated in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and in compliance with regulations and other policies and administrative directives of the State Board of Education and the Connecticut State Department of Education.

E. Grant funds shall not be used to supplant funds normally budgeted by the agency.

F. Fiscal control and accounting procedures will be used to ensure proper disbursement of all funds awarded.

G. The applicant will submit a final project report (within 60 days of the project completion) and such other reports, as specified, to the Connecticut State Department of Education, including information relating to the project records and access thereto as the Connecticut State Department of Education may find necessary.

H. The Connecticut State Department of Education reserves the exclusive right to use and grant the right to use and/or publish any part or parts of any summaries, abstracts, reports, publications, records and materials resulting from this project and this grant.

I. If the project achieves the specified objectives, every reasonable effort will be made to continue the project and/or implement the results after the termination of state/federal funding.

J. The applicant will protect and save harmless the State Board of Education from financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising out of any breach of the duties, in whole or part, described in the application for the grant.

K. At the conclusion of each grant period, the applicant will provide for an independent audit report acceptable to the grantor in accordance with Sections 7-394a and 7-396a of the C.G.S., and the applicant shall return to the Connecticut State Department of Education any moneys not expended in accordance with the approved program/operation budget as determined by the audit.

L. Nondiscrimination

1) For purposes of this Section, the following terms are defined as follows:

a. “Commission” means the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities;

b. “Contract” and “contract” means this grant;

c. “Contractor” and “contractor” means the applicant and any successors or assigns;

d. “gender identity or expression” means a person’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned sex at birth, which gender-related identity can be shown by providing evidence including, but not limited to, medical history, care or treatment of the gender-related identity, consistent and uniform assertion of the gender-related identity or any other evidence that the gender-related identity is sincerely held, part of a person’s core identity or not being asserted for an improper purpose;

e. “good faith” means that degree of diligence which a reasonable person would exercise in the performance of legal duties and obligations;

f. “good faith efforts” shall include, but not be limited to, those reasonable initial efforts necessary to comply with statutory or regulatory requirements and additional or substituted efforts when it is determined that such initial efforts will not be sufficient to comply with such requirements;

g. “marital status” means being single, married as recognized by the State of Connecticut, widowed, separated or divorced;

h. “mental disability” means one or more mental disorders, as defined in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", or a record of or regarding a person as having one or more such disorders;

i. “minority business enterprise” means any small contractor or supplier of materials fifty-one percent or more of the capital stock, if any, or assets of which is owned by a person or persons: (1) who are active in the daily affairs of the enterprise, (2) who have the power to direct the management and policies of the enterprise, and (3) who are members of a minority, as such term is defined in subsection (a) of C.G.S. § 32-9n; and

j. “public works contract” means any agreement between any individual, firm or corporation and the State or any political subdivision of the State other than a municipality for construction, rehabilitation, conversion, extension, demolition or repair of a public building, highway or other changes or improvements in real property, or which is financed in whole or in part by the State, including, but not limited to, matching expenditures, grants, loans, insurance or guarantees.