RFP 2026000008: Value Assessment of a Statewide SIS

Background
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is seeking a qualified vendor to assess the pros and cons of implementing a statewide Student Information System (SIS) for all Colorado public Local Education Providers (LEPs). CDE provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state’s 178 school districts and approximately 911,500 public school students. Currently, LEPs manage their own student information systems, which creates a data burden for reporting to the Department. The goal of this contract is to evaluate potential technology solutions that could streamline data reporting processes and reduce financial burdens on LEPs.

Work Details
The contractor will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes:

1. Analyzing current student data reporting processes across three categories of LEPs:
- Category 1: LEPs in outlying towns or remote areas
- Category 2: LEPs in urban-suburban or outlying cities
- Category 3: LEPs in the Denver metro area

2. Performing a gap analysis to identify differences in effort required for state reporting if a statewide SIS is implemented.

3. Evaluating alternative technology solutions that could achieve similar goals.

4. Gathering stakeholder input from various LEP representatives to inform the assessment.

5. Providing detailed deliverables including a Draft Level of Effort Report and Final Recommendation Report summarizing findings and recommendations regarding implementation strategies and financial modeling.

Period of Performance
The contract term shall begin as soon as possible after award and execution, ending on June 30, 2026, with potential for renewal based on additional funding.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily be conducted throughout Colorado, involving direct collaboration with various Local Education Providers (LEPs).

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate experience in process mapping, gap analysis, stakeholder facilitation, data privacy knowledge specific to education data systems, and familiarity with K-12 education financial analysis. Additionally, any vendor awarded this contract will be prohibited from bidding on future RFPs related to statewide SIS solutions.