Louisiana Early Educator Investment Collaborative Evaluator Proposals: Grantee Project Evaluation

Due to Tropical Storm Francine, the deadline for proposal submission has been extended to September 27, 2024.

The Louisiana Early Educator Investment Collaborative seeks proposals from evaluators to evaluate its grantee demonstration projects to inform strategies to advance sustainable improvements in early educator compensation across the state.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will design and implement an evaluation framework for the demonstration projects that includes both quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation will focus on both project outcomes and processes, with an eye toward project replicability and long-term impact. The Early Educator Investment Collaborative is interested in understanding the efficacy of individual projects and how promising projects could be replicated in other communities in the state.

Anticipated activities include:

• Establish an evaluation framework for the project with input from partners
• Develop evaluation research questions for each demonstration project and the project as a whole
• Create data collection protocols and instruments
• Collect and analyze data
• Develop an interim report (by summer 2025) of the demonstration projects, sharing preliminary findings and opportunities for adjustment for the coming year
• Develop a final report (by summer 2026), sharing project results, challenges, lessons learned, opportunities for replication, and recommendations
• Present interim and final report findings to the Early Educator Investment Collaborative and its partners

Consultant Requirements and Preferences

• Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations, with a strong track record of producing insightful and actionable recommendations
  • Experience working with diverse populations in research, including a variety of demographics, geographies, and experience levels
  • Extensive experience utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data and research methods
  • Ability to design and execute surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods to capture both quantitative and qualitative data
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and accessible manner
  • Ability to meet regularly with members of the Early Educator Investment Collaborative
  • Ability to travel within Louisiana, including in-person visits to demonstration projects
• Preferences
  • Based in Louisiana
  • Owned and/or led by women of color
  • Familiarity with early care and education or educator compensation

Budget

The budget for this scope of work is currently set not to exceed $200,000.

Proposals must provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including fees, travel expenses, and any other relevant expenses. Indirect costs may not exceed 15% of the project budget. If applicants seek an exception to this cap on indirect costs, they may include this request in their proposal with a detailed explanation for why the higher indirect cost rate is necessary.

Anticipated Timeline

• RFP release date: August 22, 2024
• Proposal submission deadline: September 27, 2024
• Evaluation consultant selection: October 2024
• Evaluation consultant project commencement: October/November 2024
• Evaluation consultant project completion: August 2026

Proposal Submission

Please submit responses to this Request for Proposals by 5pm Central Time on September 27, 2024, to application[at]policyinstitutela.org. Complete responses must include the following components:

• Applicant Overview
  • Contact information for company and project lead and location
  • Summary of applicant’s qualifications to implement the scope of work (max 500 words)
• Proposal narrative, including
  • Approach to the work, including methods, tools, and analysis
  • Anticipated activities and tasks
  • Project deliverables and timeline
  • Project management and communication
• Anticipated challenges and mitigation strategy
  • Describe any anticipated barriers or challenges and how they may be addressed
• Names, roles, and relevant expertise of key staff
  • Include resumes for all key staff
  • Primary/lead staff member must be engaged for the entirety of the project
• Budget
  • Narrative description
  • Line item costs by category
• At least 2 examples of previous work similar to this project (excerpts accepted)
• Contact information for at least 2 references from former or current clients
• Evidence of status as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) as certified by the State of Louisiana, if applicable

Selection Criteria for Proposals

Submitted responses to this Request for Proposal will be reviewed by the Early Educator Investment Collaborative, based on the following criteria:

• Applicant experience
• Organizational capacity
• Approach and methodology
• Cost