STATE OF WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Addendum to
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Request For Proposals (RFP):
SBAC RFP-01
Note to potential respondents:

This Addendum is intended to revise, clarify and become part of the SMARTER
Balanced Assessment Consortium Communications Services RFP (SBAC RFP01), issued February 28, 2011.

Beside the four pages associated with direct changes to RFP text, the addendum
includes responses to questions submitted by prospective bidders and a
combined project work plan/timeline.

All amendments, addendums, and notifications will be posted on the OSPI Web site
and released via the Washington Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) Web site.
Section 1.4. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Amend original bullet, “Expertise in developing and establishing a brand presence.” to
read “Expertise in developing, establishing and promoting a brand presence.”
Add the following bullets:
 Demonstrated experience with simultaneously conducting internal and external
strategic communications

Demonstrated experience with media planning, execution, tracking, and relations

Demonstrated experience in working with legislatures and policymakers at all
levels of government

Demonstrated experience in creating, planning, hosting, and attending live
events such as conferences, technical/standards meetings, and governmental
meetings.
Section 1.7. DEFINITIONS
Add the following terms:
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – See Exhibit B.
RCW – Revised Code of Washington.
Project Management Partner (PMP) – External agency contracted to assist the Consortium
with executing the duties required by the funding Grant. WestEd has been retained as the
PMP.
Section 2. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS – OVERVIEW
Amend the lead sentence, “The CONTRACTOR will work with the CONSORTIUM’s
executive director and its executive committee…” to read “The CONTRACTOR will work
with the CONSORTIUM’s executive director, communications director, PMP, and
executive committee…”
Section 2.1. COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIC PLAN
Amend the fourth provision, “The communications strategy must include multiple points
of access to information about the CONSORTIUM, including but not limited to print
media, streaming audio and video presentations, links to common social media, blogs,
and podcasts.” to read “The communications strategy must include multiple points of
access to information about the CONSORTIUM, including but not limited to print media,
live events such as conferences and press conferences, internet publications and sites,
streaming audio and video presentations, and links to common social media, blogs, and
podcasts.”
Add the following details to the sixth provision “Evaluate the effectiveness…”:
“Examples of metrics for gauging effectiveness include but are not limited to
internet site traffic, internet site downloads, live presentations requested and
delivered, subscribers to CONSORTIUM publications, state membership,
quantity and audience size of media mentions, and results from surveys
conducted by the CONSORTIUM and other entities.”
Add the following provision:
– The strategic plan must provide ways to comply with open meeting, open
records, legal archives, and disability and language access laws as required
by the terms and regulations of the federal funding agencies and laws of the
fiscal agent's state.
Section 2.2. CONSORTIUM BRANDING
Add the following sentence to the second provision, “Develop a systematic “look and
feel” for the CONSORTIUM…”
“Branding must account for supplemental branding by SEAs and LEAs using products
developed by the CONSORTIUM.”
Section 2.3. COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
Exchange the generic tern “webinar” for the trademark name “WebEx” found in the
fourth provision.
Add the following provisions:
–
Assist the CONSORTIUM in meeting reporting requirements of federal and
private funding agencies including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
–
Lead the planning and execution of strategic communications to policymakers
at all levels of government and education.
–
Assist in the planning and implementation of internal communications
including publications, collaboration tools and processes, and internal internet
site(s).
–
Produce materials as necessary in multiple languages and in compliance with
ADA accessibility requirements and general accessibility best practices.
Section 2.4. SUPPORT FOR REPORTING SYSTEMS
Add the following provision:
–
Support states and districts in reporting results to their communities and
audiences.
Section 6.3. MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL, Subsection A,1. Experience/Qualifications of
the Project Management
Amend the opening sentence, “Indicate through relevant experience the quality,
qualifications, and role of the PROPOSER (and any of its intended subcontractors)
evidence of its ability to fulfill the objectives of the project.” to read “Indicate through
relevant experience the quality, qualifications, and role of the PROPOSER (and any of
its intended subcontractors) confirming its ability to fulfill the objectives of the project.”
Section 8. SERVICE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS & REMEDIES
Amend the tenth specification, “Participate in all consortium meetings, whether in
person, by conference call, or via Webex format.” to read “Participate in Consortium
meetings, specified by Consortium whether in person, by conference call, or via webinar
format.”
Exhibit G – RFP Evaluation Criteria and Rating System
Technical Requirements Criterion C. (Project Schedule) for subsections 2.1 through 2.4:
Amend the first item, “The schedule is includes activities of a reasonable scope and key
milestone dates” to read “The schedule includes activities of a reasonable scope and
key milestone dates”.
Technical Requirements Criterion D. (Deliverables) for subsections 2.1 through 2.4:
Amend the second item, “Deliverables will need the Consortium’s needs” to read
“Deliverables will meet the Consortium’s needs and the needs of the Consortium's
audiences and stakeholders”.