This request for proposals (RFP) is intended to identify an evaluator to assess and produce reports on the implementation and outcomes of this collaborative program, 21st CCLC eeBLUE Watershed STEM Education Partnership Grants Program. Evaluation findings will include recommendations for the field around promising strategies for inspiring and engaging K–12 youth in watershed-related activities during out-of-school and expanded learning time using the natural environment as the context for learning. The total amount available for this RFP is $90,000.

Preferred Contractor Qualifications

The selected contractor is required to have the following qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years professional experience, specifically in evaluating education programs
• Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
• Knowledge of the NOAA Office of Education, NOAA B-WET program and the U.S. Department of Education, and the 21st CCLC program (mission, management, current priority issues and programs, as well as rules and regulations)
• Ability to travel to project sites or arrange for designees to do so, to conduct observations and other data collection, as appropriate; travel to work with NOAA and U.S. ED staff
• Works well with a team, contributing to common goals, and takes and gives criticism constructively, assimilating suggestions and directions into positive results
• Willing and able to make suggestions and offer solutions as appropriate and be able to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity at all times
• Demonstrates experience and success working with a diverse audience

Proposal Content and Requirements

To be considered for selection, your proposal must be complete and include the items listed below:

• A cover page with the individual or firm’s name, date, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, email address, and website.
• A concise description of the contractor’s principal expertise includes education, past experience, clients, knowledge strengths, and products and services (1 page limit). The partners are particularly interested in organizations that have a demonstrated history of evaluating out-of-school time STEM learning programs. 
• A proposal providing the scope of services noted above in this RFP, proof of history and capacity to provide deliverables similar in size, complexity, and nature to those described in this RFP (5 page limit with no less than 11pt font). The proposal should include the proposed evaluation approach including possible data collection methodologies and rationale for those methodologies, a potential timeline describing major steps in the evaluation process, and information about potential constraints and how they will be addressed.
• An approximate, high-level budget. Your price quote, not to exceed $90,000, should cover the full scope of services and define estimated expenses for project management, design, data collection and analysis, report writing, and travel. The budget should include totals for these cost categories: Personnel, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contracts, Other, and Indirect costs. This project may include significant travel, depending on the evaluation design. Rates quoted must be guaranteed for the duration of the contract.
• Qualifications related to the specialized qualifications noted above, with titles, bios, and a brief list of clients served in the capacity proposed. Include any accreditations, licenses, or special training related to the services requested. Attaching a resume or CV is acceptable (2 page limit).
• Links to and examples of other work similar to what is requested, produced for past clients (1 page limit).
• Please provide at least three references for similar clients or projects produced by you or your company. Please include the organization’s name, contact person’s name, address, telephone number, and email. Please include references who can speak to end product satisfaction and project management experience (1 page limit).

Submission of Proposal

Please submit your proposal and necessary document links in a single PDF to T’Noya Thompson at eeBLUE@naaee.org by July 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.

Any questions on this Request for Proposals should be directed to T’Noya Thompson at eeBLUE@naaee.org.