Equitable Services for ESEA Programs

005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
RFP COVER SHEET
Administrative Information
RFP Number 005-RFP-2579-2026 Title of RFP Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) on behalf of the Iowa Department
Agency
of Education
State Issuing Officer:
Katelyn Howells
Phone: 515-721-7856
E-mail: Katelyn.Howells@iowa.gov
PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE-Event or Action Date/Time (Central Time)
State Posts Notice of RFP on the TSB website March 25, 2026
State Issues RFP March 27, 2026
Follow-up RFP written questions, requests for clarification, and
suggested changes from Respondents due (no questions accepted or April 6, 2026 at 4:00PM
responded to after this date)
Proposals Due April 15, 2026 at 3:00PM
Relevant Websites
Internet website where the Addenda to this RFP will be posted http://bidopportunities.iowa.gov and
IMPACS Electronic Procurement System.
Internet website where contract terms and conditions are posted
https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20services.pdf
https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/Terms%20and%20Conditions%20for%20Fed
eral%20Compliance.pdf
Firm Proposal Terms
The minimum number of days following the deadline for submitting proposals that the Respondent
guarantees all proposal terms, including price, will remain firm is 120 Days.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals from Responsible
Respondents to provide the goods and/or services identified on the RFP cover sheet. The Agency
intends to award a Contract(s) for the initial period identified on the RFP cover sheet, and the
Agency, in its sole discretion, may extend the Contract(s) for up to the number of annual
extensions identified on the RFP cover sheet.
1.2. Definitions
For the purposes of this RFP and the resulting contract, the following terms shall mean:
"Agency" means the agency identified on the RFP cover sheet that is issuing the RFP and any other
agency that purchases from the Contract.
"Contract" means the contract(s) entered into with the successful Respondent(s) as described in
Section 6.1.
"Contractor" means the awarded business/person to provide the contractual services agreed
upon.
"Deliverable" means the completion of a milestone or accomplishment of a task.
"General Terms and Conditions" means the General Terms and Conditions for Services Contracts
as referenced on the RFP cover page.
"Proposal" means the Respondent's proposal submitted in response to the RFP.
"Respondent" means the company, organization or other business entity submitting a proposal
in response to this RFP.
"Responsible Respondent" means a Respondent that has the capability in all material respects to
perform the scope of work and specifications of the Contract. In determining whether a
Respondent is a Responsible Respondent, the Agency may consider various factors including, but
not limited to, the Respondent's competence and qualifications to provide the goods or services
requested, the Respondent's integrity and reliability, the past performance of the Respondent
and the best interest of the Agency and the State.
"Responsive Proposal" means a Proposal that complies with the material provisions of this RFP.
"RFP" means this Request for Proposals and any attachments, exhibits, schedules or addenda
hereto.
"State" means the State of Iowa, the Agency, and all state agencies, boards, and commissions,
and any political subdivisions making purchases from the Contract as permitted by this RFP.
1.3. Overview of the RFP Process
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
This RFP is designed to provide Respondents with the information necessary for the preparation
of competitive Proposals. The RFP process is for the Agency's benefit and is intended to provide
the Agency with competitive information to assist in the selection process. It is not intended to
be comprehensive. Each Respondent is responsible for determining all factors necessary for the
submission of a comprehensive Proposal.
Respondent should review Request for Confidentiality, for more information if its Proposal
contains confidential information. Any Proposal marked "Confidential" or "Proprietary" on
every page may be disqualified.
It is the Agency's intention to evaluate Proposals from all Respondents that submit timely
Responsive Proposals, and award the Contract(s) in accordance with the evaluation and selection
criteria provided in this RFP.
1.4. Background
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) has required the local education
agencies (LEA) to provide equitable services to eligible nonpublic school students and teachers in
certain ESEA programs after engaging in timely and meaningful consultation with the appropriate
nonpublic school officials. The reauthorization of the ESEA by the Every Student Succeeds Act
(ESSA) in 2015 continues this equitable services requirement under two provisions: Title I, Part A
and Title VIII, Part F, Subpart 1.
After meaningful consultation, the LEA may contract with a third-party vendor to provide services
to the nonpublic school. Contracting with a third-party vendor is not required, however, it may
be a practical way to deliver high-quality, compliant, and consistent equitable services to the
nonpublic schools. The LEA remains responsible and may have limited staff, multiple nonpublic
schools, or highly specialized services.
1.5. Objectives
The Iowa Department of Education (IDE) seeks proposals from qualified, independent third-party
providers to support the implementation of equitable services under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The selected third-party provider will support the Local
Education Agency (LEA) in the planning, coordination, implementation, documentation, and
oversight of the equitable services for eligible private nonprofit school participants while ensuring
full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Participation by LEAs is voluntary. Services under this contract shall be provided only to LEAs that
formally opt in for services.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
SECTION 2 SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
The successful Respondent shall provide the goods and/or services to the State in accordance with the
specifications and technical specifications as provided in this Section. The Respondent shall address each
specification in this Section and indicate whether or not it will comply with the specification. If the context
requires more than a yes or no answer or the section specifically indicates, Respondent shall explain how
it will comply with the specification. Proposals must address each specification. Merely repeating the
specifications may be considered non-responsive and may disqualify the Respondent. Proposals must
identify any deviations from the specifications of this RFP or specifications the Respondent cannot satisfy.
If the Respondent deviates from or cannot satisfy the specification (s) of this section, the Agency may
reject the Proposal.
All items listed in this section are Mandatory Specifications. Respondents must indicate either "yes" or
"no" to each specification in their Proposals and provide an explanation as to how the specification is met.
By indicating "yes" a Respondent agrees that it shall comply with that specification throughout the full
term of the Contract, if the Respondent is successful. In addition, if specified by the specifications or if the
context otherwise requires, the Respondent shall provide references and/or supportive materials to verify
the Respondent's compliance with the specification. The Agency shall have the right to determine
whether the supportive information and materials submitted by the Respondent demonstrate that the
Respondent will be able to comply with the Mandatory Specifications. If the Agency determines the
responses and supportive materials do not demonstrate the Supplier will be able to comply with the
Mandatory Specifications, the Agency may reject the Proposal.
2.1. Respondent Requirements
2.1.1. Demonstrated experience administering Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
equitable services.
2.1.2. Knowledge of federal fiscal compliance and procurement requirements.
2.1.3. Capacity to serve multiple Local Education Agencies (LEAs) simultaneously.
2.1.4. Ability and capacity to designated point(s) of contact for each participating LEA.
2.1.5. Capacity to design and deliver services that are secular, neutral, and non-ideological.
2.1.6. Experience providing high-quality instructional or support services aligned to identified
student needs and approved program goals.
2.1.7. Relevant credentials, certifications, or documented experience appropriate to the
services provided.
2.1.8. Ability to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
SECTION 3 SCOPE OF WORK
Overview
The Successful Respondent shall provide the services to the State in accordance with the requirements as
provided in this Scope of Work.
3.1. Service Categories
All proposed supplemental services allowable under ESEA "SEC. 8015 Participation by Private
School Children and Teachers" must meet all federal requirements of eligible ESEA programs.
Vendors must propose allowable supplemental services as specified in the "Title VIII, Part F of the
ESEA: Equitable Services for Eligible Private School Children, Teachers, and Other Educational
Personnel Non-Regulatory Guidance, and Title I, Part A of the ESEA, as Amended by the Every
Student Succeeds Act: Providing Equitable Services to Eligible Private School Children, Teachers,
and Families. All allowable supplemental services must adhere to the requirements of all eligible
programs:
Title I, Part C - Education of Migratory Children;
Title II, Part A - Supporting Effective Instruction;
Title III, Part A - English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic
Achievement;
Title IV, Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants;
Title IV, Part B - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), and
Title I, Part A - Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs.
3.2. Contractor Responsibilities
3.2.1. Consultation and Participation Process (Facilitation Only)
3.2.1.1. Support the Local Education Agency (LEA) in conducting a timely, meaningful, and
ongoing consultation with participating private school officials
3.2.1.2. Assist with coordination, communication, and document collection related to:
Notice of Intent to Participate;
Affirmation of Consultation;
Notifications of equitable share amounts.
3.2.1.3. Support private school officials in developing yearlong service plans that align with
demonstrated needs and allowable uses of funds.
3.2.1.4. Ensure all plans follow applicable supplement not supplant requirements.
3.2.2. Fiscal Management and Invoicing
3.2.2.1. Procure services, materials, and activities on behalf of the LEA under the vendor
management.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
3.2.2.2. Submit monthly, itemized invoices to the LEA which include:
Program-specific charges per ESEA program;
Administrative charges per ESEA program, if applicable;
Student-level detail, if applicable;
Descriptions of expenditures explaining allowability if applicable.
3.2.2.3. Align invoicing with the State required chart of accounts and LEA account coding
structures.
3.2.2.4. Follow LEA procurement policies and procedures.
3.2.3. Data Collection and Program Evaluation Support
3.2.3.1. Collect and maintain program-specific performance and participation data aligned
to the needs of the students.
3.2.3.2. Monitor implementation fidelity and effectiveness of services.
3.2.3.3. Collaborate with the LEA and nonpublic school officials to recommend adjustments
to services or plans as needed.
3.2.3.4. Support the LEA in completing the required program evaluations and reporting.
3.2.3.5. Assist with collecting and organizing documentation required for state or federal
monitoring, including:
Consultation Records;
Service Plans or Needs Assessment;
Evaluation documentation.
3.3. Contractor Independence and Compliance Requirements
The provider must comply with all applicable statutory requirements, including but not limited to
the following:
3.3.1. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as applicable.
3.3.2. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as applicable.
3.3.3. The requirement that it must not supplant the LEA's responsibilities and must not make
final determinations related to eligibility, equitable share calculations, approval of
services, or compliance determinations. Final authority must remain with the LEA.
3.3.4. The provider must:
3.3.4.1. Be fully independent of all participating private schools, with no administrative,
fiscal, or governance control over any private school.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
3.3.4.2. Comply with ESEA equitable services requirements, including sections 1117 and
8501.
3.3.4.3. Adhere to 2 CFR Part 200 (uniform administrative requirements, cost principals, and
audit requirements for federal awards).
3.3.4.4. Ensure all programs and services are secular, neutral, and non-ideological.
3.3.4.5. Acknowledge that all funds, title to materials, equipment, and property purchased
with federal funds remain under the control of the LEA.
3.3.4.6. Act solely in a supporting capacity including providing related/supplemental
services as requested by the subgrantee.
3.3.4.7. The provider must support the LEA in responding to monitoring findings and
corrective actions; however, responsibility for final submissions and
implementation of corrective actions must remain with the LEA.
3.4. Service Delivery Requirements
3.4.1. Vendor Requirements:
3.4.1.1. Deliver services only after subgrantee task orders are signed by the subgrantee.
3.4.1.2. Provide services only to eligible participants as determined by the subgrantee.
3.4.1.3. Provide subgrantees with detailed invoices separating programmatic charges from
administrative charges
3.4.2. Structure
3.4.2.1. Department approval constitutes a master service agreement
3.4.2.2. Department shall not be financially responsible for any costs
3.4.2.3. Task orders occur directly between subgrantees that opt in and the vendor
3.4.2.4. Vendor must execute separate task orders with each participating subgrantee
3.5. Expected Deliverables
3.5.1. Monthly fiscal and activity reports.
3.5.2. Annual consultation timeline and documentation package per participating LEA.
3.5.3. Yearlong service plans for each participating private school.
3.5.4. End-of-year summary report including services delivered, expenditures, and evaluation
results.
3.6. Department Responsibilities
3.6.1. Provide oversight, guidance, and technical assistance.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
3.6.2. Monitor LEA compliance with federal equitable services provisions.
3.6.3. Review and approve applications, assurances, and claims, as applicable.
3.6.4. Provide training and support related to consultation, equitable share calculations, and
service delivery.
3.6.5. Investigate complaints and ensure timely resolution in accordance with federal
requirements.
3.6.6. Schedule mandatory check in meetings to review compliance.
3.7. Local Education Agency Responsibilities
3.7.1. Retain final authority for the equitable services program.
3.7.2. Conduct timely and meaningful consultation with nonpublic school officials.
3.7.3. Ensure compliance with federal statutory and regulatory requirements.
3.7.4. Assure that equitable services are secular, neutral, and non-ideological.
3.7.5. Remain in control of all ESEA funds.
3.7.6. Procure third-party providers in accordance with federal, state, and local procurement
requirements.
3.7.7. Monitor service delivery and provider performance.
3.7.8. Submit all required claims, reports, and assurances.
3.8. Nonpublic School Official Responsibilities
3.8.1. Participate in the consultation process and the implementation of equitable services
delivery.
3.8.2. Engage in timely and meaningful consultation with the LEA.
3.8.3. Provide input on student needs, program design, service delivery, and evaluation.
3.8.4. Identify potentially eligible students, teachers, or families.
3.8.5. Assist with scheduling and coordination of services.
3.8.6. Ensure access to facilities and students as needed for service delivery.
3.8.7. Provide feedback on the effectiveness of services.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
SECTION 4 FORM AND CONTENT OF PROPOSALS
4.1. Instructions
These instructions describe and define the format and content of the Proposal. They are designed
to facilitate a uniform review process. Failure to adhere to the Proposal format may result in the
rejection of the Proposal.
4.1.1. The Proposal shall be divided into two parts: (1) the Technical Proposal and (2) the Cost
Proposal. The Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal shall be labeled as such as
separate files. The files shall be labeled with the following information:
005-RFP-2579-2026 - Respondent Name - Technical Proposal
005-RFP-2579-2026 - Respondent Name - Cost Proposal
Files must attach to Respondent's submission in the State's IMPACS Electronic Procurement
System.
4.1.2. If the Respondent designates any information in its Proposal as confidential pursuant to
Section 2, the Respondent must also submit a public copy Proposal from which
confidential information has been excised as provided in Section 2 and which is marked
"Public Copy".
005-RFP-2579-2026 - Respondent Name - Public Copy
4.1.3. Proposal shall not contain promotional or display materials.
4.1.4. Attachments shall be referenced in the Proposal.
4.1.5. If a Respondent proposals more than one solution to the RFP specifications, each shall
be labeled and submitted in a separate Proposal, and each will be evaluated separately.
4.2. Technical Proposal
Any information provided in the Technical Proposal is subject to consideration for consideration,
evaluation, and scoring. The following documents and responses shall be included in the Technical
Proposal in the order given below:
Exhibit 1 - Transmittal Letter
An individual authorized to legally bind the Respondent shall sign the transmittal letter. The letter
shall include the Respondent's mailing address, electronic mail address, and telephone number.
Exhibit 2 - Executive Summary
The Respondent shall prepare an executive summary and overview of the goods and/or services
it is offering, including all of the following information:
Statements that demonstrate that the Respondent has read and understands the terms
and conditions of the RFP including the Contract provisions in Section 7.
An overview of the Respondent's plans for complying with the specifications of this RFP.
Any other summary information the Respondent deems to be pertinent.
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005-RFP-2579-2026 - Equitable Services for ESEA Programs
Exhibit 3 - Mandatory Specifications
The Respondent shall answer whether or not it will comply with each specification in Section 2 of
the RFP. Where the context requires more than a yes or no answer or the specific specifications
so indicates, Respondent shall explain how it will comply with the specification. Merely repeating
the Section 2 specifications may be considered non-responsive and result in the rejection of the
Proposal. Proposals must identify any deviations from the specifications of the RFP or
specifications the Respondent cannot satisfy. If the Respondent deviates from or cannot satisfy
the specification(s) of this section, the Agency may reject the Proposal.
Exhibit 4 - Experience
The Respondent must provide the following information regarding its experience:
Number of years in business.
Number of years of experience with providing the types of services sought by the RFP.
The level of technical experience in providing the types of services sought by the RFP.
A list of all goods and/or services similar to those sought by this RFP that the Respondent
has provided to other businesses or governmental entities.
Letters of reference from three (3) previous or current customers or clients
knowledgeable of the Respondent's performance in providing goods and/or services
similar to the goods and/or services described in this RFP and a contact person and
telephone number for each reference.
Exhibit 5 - Personnel
Provide key staff/dedicated team background to include main point of contact(s) for customer
service/support. Provide a brief resume of experience for all team members proposed to be
assigned to the project.
Exhibit 6 - Implementation Plan
Describe recommended implementation strategy including on-site coordination and support
services, best practice consulting options and professional services. Identify any third-party
subcontractors involved in Respondent's implementation strategy and describe these
relationships. Describe the skills and time required by nonpublic school officials and LEAs for
implementation and support of the Scope of Work.
Exhibit 7 - Consultant Services
Respondent shall demonstrate its understanding of the services requested under this RFP, the
expertise of the personnel who will provide the requested services, and the Respondent's ability
to logically plan and achieve the stated objectives and goals of this RFP. Respondent's services
shall align with one or more of the following areas. Such alignment shall be identified in the
proposal.
Student Supports
Professional Development
Family Engagement Services
Assessment and Evaluation Support
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