Employment Opportunities

The SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium is committed to the responsible, transparent stewardship of funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top Assessment Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Consortium follows the State of Washington’s procurement policies, based on the state’s role as fiscal agent.

Contracts

The SMARTER Balanced procurement process adheres to best practices and is consistent with processes established by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. RFPs are developed by Consortium staff, consultants and work groups and reviewed by member states. The Executive Committee approves all RFPs. Firms that participate in the development of an RFP may not submit a proposal.

RFPs are posted on this page, and registered vendors are notified through Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). Prospective registrants may wish to associate their organizations with the following codes that are likely to correspond to RFPs issued by SMARTER Balanced:

• 924-05 Educational Advisory Services
• 924-16 Instructional/Training Course Development Services
• 918-38 Education and Training Consulting
• 924-18 Alternative Educational Services
• 924-19 Educational Research Services
• 924-20 Examination and Testing
• 924-78 Teaching and Instruction Services

Service providers also can be placed on a contact list specific to SMARTER Balanced. To sign up for this list, or for more information about current RFPs, contact Michael Middleton (michael.middleton@k12.wa.us) or Debra Crawford (debbie.crawford@k12.wa.us).

An evaluation committee specific to each RFP reviews and scores the proposals. To ensure broad review among a number of state representatives with diverse expertise, representatives from six to 10 Governing States make up this evaluation committee. Potential vendors may be invited for an oral presentation or to submit additional information. Once all of the evaluation information has been collected, the evaluation committee makes a vendor recommendation. The Executive Committee provides final approval on all contracts.

For additional information about the SMARTER Balanced procurement process, please see:

• Procurement Presentation January 6, 2012 (PPT)
• Link to audio Webex
• Contractor Orientation Presentation (PDF)

Past contracting opportunities that are now closed: