School & District Support RFI Process for Providers

RFI Applications for 2025-26 due July 17th, 5pm MDT

CDE's 2025-26 School & District Support RFI Process for Providers

Overview

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) invites partners to join the state’s effort to transform low-performing schools and ensure that all students have access to schools that prepare them to be college and career ready. For the Request for Information (RFI) 2025-26 cycle, CDE is seeking providers who can partner with schools and districts in one or more of the following service areas:

Diagnose & Plan Partners

School Holistic Reviews and Improvement Planning
District Strategic Planning (holistic or targeted at one or more key district systems)

Implementation Partners

Improvement Implementation Support (school and district levels)
- School Turnaround Leadership Development (STLD)
Targeted Professional Learning
Accountability Pathways Partners

Note: School Turnaround Leadership Development (STLD) program providers must also apply under Improvement Implementation Support in order to become a qualified STLD provider. Additional information about this program and currently identified providers can be found here.

Quick Links

Application Instructions

CDE’s goal for this Request for Information (RFI) is to update its Advisory List of Providers, which provides centralized information about organizations that are available to partner with districts and schools that have been identified as needing support. The RFI for 2025-26 is open to potential new partners or partners who are already included in CDE’s advisory list of providers and who wish to remain on this list. This is a full review RFI cycle, so the process and requirements are the same for both new and returning providers.

Overview of Process & Timeline

Review the CDE School & District Support RFI Overview 2025-26 (Word, PDF).
Review the RFI provider webinar (optional): The webinar was hosted on Wednesday, June 18th, from 11:00-12:00pm MDT. Materials are available for those unable to attend (recording and slides).
Submit Provider Intent Form: If your organization intends to apply for this RFI, please complete this brief Provider Intent Form by Thursday, July 3rd, 5:00 pm MDT. Information from the form will be used to assist CDE in planning for the review process.
Submit application
- Completed applications are due electronically by Google form submission by Thursday, July 17th, at 5:00 pm MDT.
- Late responses may be accepted or rejected at CDE’s discretion.
Review of submissions: CDE reviews process starts on July 18th. All references listed in the application will be contacted by July 28th with reference submissions due by August 8th.
Notifications: CDE aims to complete the review process and make final decisions by the end of August. All providers will be notified of the outcome no later than September 5th.

Overview Document, Blank Forms, and Rubrics

Overview Document

CDE School and District Support RFI Overview 2025-26 (Word, PDF)

Blank Forms Templates

Rubrics

CDE School and District Support RFI 2025-26 - Rubrics

Please contact Lindsay Cox, Ph.D. (Cox_L@cde.state.co.us ) with any questions about the RFI process.