RFI Process for Providers

CDE's 2026-27 School & District Support RFI Process for Providers

Overview

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) invites partners to join the state’s effort to transform schools to ensure all students in Colorado thrive. For the 2026-27 Request for Information (RFI) 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

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) providers must also apply and be approved under Improvement Implementation Support to be considered under STLD.

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 2026-27 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. A streamlined renewal is available for select service areas. Details are outlined in the School and District Support RFI Overview 2026-27.

Overview of Process & Timeline

1. Review the CDE School & District Support RFI Overview 2026-27 (Word, PDF)

2. Review materials from webinar for potential providers (optional) - An optional webinar for interested providers was hosted on Tuesday, June 16th, from 11:00-12:00pm MDT (slides, recording)

3. Submit Provider Intent Form - If your organization intends to apply for this RFI, please complete this brief Provider Intent Form by Friday, June 26th, 5:00 pm MDT. Information from the form will be used to assist CDE in planning for the review process.

4. Submit application (required)

   • Completed applications are due electronically by Google form submission by Friday, July 10th, at 5:00 pm MDT.

   • All application forms are linked below and are available on CDE’s RFI Process for Providers webpage.

   • Late responses may be accepted or rejected at CDE’s discretion.  

5. Review of submissions - The review process will take place from time of submission through August 28th. References will be contacted by July 24th with responses due by August 7th.

6. Notifications - All providers will be notified of the outcome no later than September 4th.

7. CDE Advisory List of Providers 2026-27 - CDE website updated and list released to Colorado schools and districts no later than September 21st.

Overview Document,  Blank Forms, and Rubrics

Overview Document

• CDE School and District Support RFI Overview 2026-27 (Word, PDF)

RFI Application Materials

• CDE School and District Support RFI 2026-27 - Forms A-G
• CDE School and District Support RFI 2026-27 - Rubrics
• RFI 2026-27 Reference Spreadsheet

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