U--English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment Ecosystem for BIE Schools (Grades DOIAFBO260044
Summary
AI-generated · Apr 08, 2026Market research is seeking a turnkey English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment ecosystem for K–12 across 183 BIE-funded schools in 23 states. The solution must be fully operational and U.S. Department of Education approved, providing an integrated system that includes standard and alternate ELP assessments, two ELP screeners, and a complete technology platform (COTS preferred) with online and paper-based administration, on-time administration and scoring, robust reporting, data integration with BIE systems (NASIS), training, technical support, project management, and strict federal privacy/security compliance. Deliverables include secure student registration (COTS, BIE-exclusive), end-to-end data handling and QA, accommodations management, and 100% scoring accuracy with secure data transfers.
Reporting and data capabilities must cover both paper and electronic formats for schools, families, and accountability, including EDFacts-compliant files and data warehouse exports in multiple formats, along with API or manual NASIS integration, and regular change logs. Training (virtual and onsite), a multi-tier helpdesk, and ongoing project management are required, plus strong security/privacy controls aligned with FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, NIST SP 800-53, FIPS 140-2, and related regulations. Optional future enhancements may include interim assessments, dashboards/analytics, and item development. The work is nationwide with virtual service components; this is strictly market research, and no contract will be awarded based on this notice.
SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Title: English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment Ecosystem for BIE Schools (Grades K 12) 1. Notice Type & Purpose This is a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) issued solely for market research to inform acquisition planning. This notice does not constitute a solicitation and no contract will be awarded based on this announcement. Responses will support BIE in determining: Appropriate acquisition strategy (e.g., small business set-aside, full/open competition) Contract type Availability and capability of potential vendors Scope and structure of the future solicitation 2. Background & Objectives The Bureau of Indian Education s mission (25 CFR 32.3) is to provide high quality, culturally relevant education that meets the needs of Native students. Under 25 CFR 30.100 125, BIE must administer English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments for federal accountability reporting. BIE seeks a fully operational, U.S. Department of Education approved ELP assessment system for grades K 12 across 183 BIE funded schools in 23 states. The resulting solution must provide an integrated ecosystem including assessments, registration, administration, reporting, data integration, training, technical support, project management, and compliance with all federal privacy/security regulations. The Contractor must deliver: Standard & Alternate ELP Assessments ELP Screeners A complete technology platform (COTS preferred) On-time administration, scoring, and reporting End to end data security and CONUS-only data residency Training, helpdesk support, and strong project management Clear, parent-friendly reporting Compatibility with BIE systems (NASIS, Data Warehouse) 3. Project Description ELP Assessment Ecosystem The Government seeks market information from vendors capable of providing a turnkey ELP assessment solution covering: Grades K 12 Online and paper-based administration Standard and Alternate ELP Assessments Two ELP Screeners Culturally responsive materials and support Comprehensive reporting for schools, families, and accountability The solution must be fully operational beginning in School Year (SY) 2026 2027, with optional enhancements in subsequent option years. 4. Scope of Services (Summary of SOW Components) Vendors able to deliver an integrated assessment system should identify capabilities across the following areas: 1. Annual ELP Assessment Services a. Assessment Administration & Scoring Paper-based and online administration windows Materials production and shipping Online environment readiness 100% scoring accuracy Anomaly detection and quality assurance b. Secure Student Registration Portal (COTS, BIE-exclusive) 24/7 availability Integration with BIE s Student Information System (NASIS) via API + manual uploads Role based user access Scheduling, accommodations, and registration verification Monthly change logs and data ingestion QA c. Reporting Requirements Paper Reporting: Two (2) Individual Student Reports (ISRs) per student Parent/guardian report School, district, and BIE-wide aggregates Electronic Reporting: EDFacts-compliant files BIE Data Warehouse (interactive portal) exports (XLSX, CSV, TXT, SPSS, PDF) SIS ingest-ready score files Secure transmission (SFTP/SSH; TLS 1.2+) SIS import success rate target: 100% d. Test Administration & Data Integration Training Up to 10 virtual sessions Up to 25 onsite sessions Weekly web-based office hours TC/TA manuals, online resources, and 24/7 learning platform e. Project Management Services Weekly PM meetings Monthly financial reporting Communication plan Qualified Project Manager (PMP preferred) Risk, issue, and deliverable tracking f. Helpdesk Services (Four Tiers) Multi time zone coverage (Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern) Phone + online chat SLA: ?15 minute hold times (95% of contacts) Issue resolution tracking with escalation procedures 2. Training Services Virtual and onsite training per approved travel authorization Student registration support during training sessions Credentialed lead trainer required 3. Optional Services (Option Years) Interim assessments aligned to summative standards Dashboards or analytic tools Research studies Test item development (as needed) 5. Period of Performance (PoP) Base and 4-1 year options 6. Security, Privacy, & Compliance Requirements Respondents must describe controls/practices aligning to federal requirements (as applicable to the services offered), including but not limited to: FERPA, COPPA, CIPA compliance (student data privacy). NIST SP 800 53 / 800 53A, FIPS 199 (Moderate) categorization and FIPS 140 2 encryption; DOI IT security policies; OMB A 123; Privacy Act; Section 208 of the E Government Act; Section 508 accessibility. (See Section 8.0 of SOW.) 7. Government Furnished & School Provided Resources BIE will provide student lists/IDs. BIE funded schools provide computers and connectivity (or local server/network). 8. Place of Performance Nationwide across BIE funded schools and BIE central offices; virtual services as specified. 9. Instructions to Respondents 9.1. Administrative Response Format: Only the RFI document must be submitted. Submission Email: Felicia.Aspaas@bie.edu Subject Line: Sources Sought BIE ELP Assessments [Your Company Name] Response Due: April 22, 2026, 11:00 AM MDT Questions: Government may not respond to all questions under this notice. 10. Disclaimer This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract. The Government will not reimburse costs incurred in responding. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. No feedback or evaluation results will be provided. 11. Notice to potential offerors: All offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov and must have completed the Online Representations and Certifications Application. 12. Attachments Attachment 1: Statement of Work (SOW) ELA Assessments Attachment 2 Request for Information (RFI) ELA Assessment (Only the RFI response is required at this time.)
From Sources Sought posted on Apr 07, 2026English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment
From Special Notice posted on Apr 08, 2026Notice history
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Sources Sought Posted Apr 07, 2026
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Special Notice LATEST Posted Apr 08, 2026View changes (3)
- Title: U--English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment Ecosystem for BIE Schools (Grades → U--English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment
- Description: Description was updated
- Notice Type: Sources Sought → Special Notice
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