Science Instructional Materials Adoption Request for Information No. 27-006-093 Georgia Procurement Registry Event No. PE-65615-NONST-2027-000000116
Posted
Nov 2, 2026
Dec 7, 2026
Introduction This request is for information (hereinafter RFI) only to assist Fayette County Public Schools (hereinafter the District or FCPS) in gathering information from publishers and instructional resource providers regarding high-quality, standards-aligned science instructional materials, including print textbooks, supporting digital resources, assessments, and implementation services for selected middle and high school science courses. The information collected through this RFI will inform planning and decision-making for the District's 2028 Science Instructional Materials Adoption. Please be advised that this Request for Information (RFI) is intended solely to gather information to support the District's planning and decision-making process for the 2028 Science Instructional Materials Adoption. Participation in this RFI does not guarantee selection or any future purchasing commitment. Any subsequent instructional materials selection or procurement activities will be conducted in accordance with District purchasing policies and procedures. Responses Due Responses to this request for information are due no later than the date and time specified in the timeline of events either physically or electronically to the FCPS Purchasing Department located at the LaFayette Educational Center, Building A, 205 LaFayette Avenue, Fayetteville, GA, 30214. Responses received after the specified date and time will not be considered. Section A: Instructions to Respondents 1. Designated Representative 1.1. The FCPS Purchasing Department has designated the following staff member as the representative of the Department and District during the RFI process: Name: Matthew D. Roberts, MPA Title: Purchasing Manager - Fayette County Public Schools Email: roberts.matthew@fcboe.org Phone: (770) 460-3535 ext. 1041 1.2. The FCPS Curriculum Department has designated the following staff member as the representative of the Science Department and District during the RFI process: Name: Shane Kuykendall Title: Coordinator of Science, Health, and Physical Education Department: Curriculum Department Email: kuykendall.shane@fcboe.org Phone: (770) 460-3990 ext. 1063 2. Schedule of Events 2.1. RFI Released: Monday, November 2, 2026 2.2. Respondent Questions Due: Tuesday, December 1, at 4:00 p.m. (ET) 2.3. RFI Responses Due: Monday, December 7, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. (ET) 2.4. Sample Print Materials and Digital Access Delivered: No later than December 14, 2026 4:00 pm (ET) 2.5. Online Information Session: The District will offer an online informational session and Q&A time for all prospective responders: Fayette Science RFI Information Session Monday November 16, 2026 · 3:30-4:00 pm (ET) Video call link: TBA 3. Georgia Open Records Act Compliance (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70) 3.1. This RFI and any resulting solicitations, responses, evaluations, contracts, agreement, or purchase orders are subject to the Georgia Open Records Act and may be released publicly. 3.2. Pursuant to the act, for any records or documents marked as "confidential" or "trade secrets" the respondent must submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitutes trade secrets according to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761. 3.3. Failure to attach such an affidavit will result in the record being considered public and subject to release under the Georgia Open Records Act. 3.4. If FCPS determines that the specifically identified information does not constitute a trade secret, it shall notify the entity submitting the affidavit of its intent to disclose the information within ten days unless prohibited from doing so by an appropriate court order. 3.5. In the event the entity wishes to prevent disclosure of the requested records, the entity may file an action in Fayette County, Georgia superior court to obtain an order that the requested records are trade secrets exempt from disclosure. The entity filing such action shall serve the requestor with a copy of its court filing. 3.6. If the agency determines that the specifically identified information does constitute a trade secret, the agency shall withhold the records, and the requester may file an action in Fayette County, Georgia superior court to obtain an order that the requested records are not trade secrets and are subject to disclosure. 4. Respondent Registration 4.1. Respondents are encouraged to register with the designated Purchasing Department representative listed above via email after reviewing this RFI. 4.2. Respondents who register will automatically receive an email update with additional documents such as addenda and be notified of future solicitation issuance, even if they choose not to submit a response. 5. Response Delivery 5.1. Responses may be emailed to the designated representative if meeting the following guidelines: 5.1.1. Emailed responses must be in a consistent, clear, and readable format and complete. (Adobe PDF format is preferred unless specified otherwise) 5.1.2. Responses to the specific components within the RFI should include reference numbers used in the RFI. 5.1.3. Accompanying documents (brochures, catalogues, etc.) may be submitted as addendum to the RFI component responses. 5.2. Print materials and Digital Access for Review of all available materials must be provided in accordance to the following: 5.2.1. Respondents should provide multiple review copies of all available student textbooks, teacher editions, and accompanying print instructional resources aligned with each submitted course's Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. These materials will be evaluated by FCPS teacher review committees as part of the instructional materials adoption process. 5.2.2. Respondents must provide a minimum of five (5) copies of each student textbook and two (2) copies of each teacher edition for each course submitted. One copy of each additional supporting print resource must also be included. 5.2.3. All materials should be delivered by the date specified in the Schedule of Events to: Fayette County Public Schools LaFayette Educational Center Attn: Science Department 205 LaFayette Ave, Bldg B Fayetteville, GA 30214 An inventory list identifying all materials provided, quantities, and the number of boxes shipped should accompany each submission. 5.2.4. Respondents should provide access to all available digital instructional resources aligned with each submitted course's Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science by the date specified in the Schedule of Events. Access should include the necessary links, login credentials, access codes, and instructions to allow review by FCPS teacher review committees, school leadership, and District staff. 5.2.5. Digital access should accommodate multiple reviewers for each course and remain available through at least May 31, 2027, to support the District's anticipated teacher-review process. Instructions for accessing digital resources may be emailed to the designated Purchasing and Curriculum Department representatives. Section B: Scope, Questions, and Expectations 6. Background and Project Overview 6.1. Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) comprises 24 schools (14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools) located just south of Atlanta, Georgia. The District serves approximately 19,000-20,000 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade and employs approximately 3,000 staff members. 6.2. Fayette County Public Schools is beginning the planning process for a science instructional materials adoption focused on 6th Grade Earth Science, 7th Grade Life Science, and High School Environmental Science. The District seeks high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials appropriate for each course, with an emphasis on comprehensive print textbooks supported by complementary instructional resources. Respondents may provide information for one or more of the identified courses and are not required to offer instructional materials for all courses under consideration. 6.3. FCPS has continued to strengthen its science programs through the development and refinement of curriculum maps, learning targets and success criteria, common assessments, laboratory experiences, and collaborative teacher planning. The District's instructional focus emphasizes student thinking, scientific sensemaking, inquiry, modeling, evidence-based reasoning, scientific discourse, writing to learn, and meaningful opportunities for students to apply their understanding. 6.4. As FCPS prepares for this adoption, the District seeks information regarding available print textbooks, supplemental instructional resources, assessments, laboratory and hands-on learning supports, accessibility features, teacher resources, and professional learning services. Digital resources may complement core instruction, but the District places a strong emphasis on high-quality print materials that support student learning and classroom instruction. 6.5. A primary goal of this RFI is to identify instructional materials that complement the District's existing curriculum and instructional priorities. FCPS seeks resources that strengthen high-quality, standards-aligned classroom instruction, support research-based learning practices, engage students in authentic scientific thinking and problem solving, provide meaningful evidence of student understanding, and support teachers in meeting the needs of diverse learners. Materials should provide flexibility for teachers to adapt instruction while maintaining standards alignment and appropriate academic rigor. 6.6. Information obtained through this RFI will assist FCPS in evaluating available instructional materials, implementation considerations, support services, and potential costs to inform planning and decision-making for the District's 2028 Science Instructional Materials Adoption. 7. Courses Under Review 7.1. Fayette County Public Schools is requesting information regarding instructional materials for the following science courses. The corresponding Georgia course codes are provided for reference. All materials should align with the applicable Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. 7.2. Respondents may submit materials for one or more of the courses listed below and are not required to provide resources for every course. For each course submitted, respondents should provide review copies of available student and teacher instructional materials, including print textbooks, teacher editions, and supporting resources. 7.3. Middle School Courses 7.3.1. 6th Grade Science (Earth Science focus): 40.06100 7.3.2. 7th Grade Science (Life Science focus): 26.01100 7.4. High School Courses 7.4.1. Environmental Science: 26.06110 8. Standards Alignment and Coherence 8.1. Provide a list of instructional materials submitted for each course, identifying whether each resource is intended for core instruction (addresses all course standards) or supplemental instruction (addresses selected standards). Indicate whether each resource is included in the standard program or requires an additional purchase. 8.2. Respondents must provide a separate standards alignment crosswalk for each course submitted, demonstrating how the instructional materials align with the current Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. Each crosswalk should identify where individual standards are addressed within the materials, including specific lessons, units, or page references, and demonstrate connections among standards, instructional experiences, and assessments. 9. Design/Technical Questions/Expectations/Standards For each course submitted, briefly describe (50 words or less per criterion) how the proposed instructional materials address each of the following priorities. Respondents should provide concise, specific information and may reference supporting materials included elsewhere in their response. 9.1. Instructional Rigor and Coherence - Grade-appropriate rigor, purposeful lesson sequencing, and connections among scientific concepts and skills. 9.2. Quality Student Resources - High-quality, engaging, content-rich student texts and instructional resources, emphasizing print materials for core instruction. 9.3. Scientific Thinking and Sensemaking - Opportunities for inquiry, modeling, evidence-based reasoning, scientific discourse, and active student sensemaking. 9.4. Writing, Vocabulary, and Application - Opportunities to write to learn, explain reasoning, develop scientific vocabulary and background knowledge, make connections, and apply understanding. 9.5. Learning Design and Retention - Instructional practices that activate prior knowledge, manage new learning, incorporate modeling and guided practice, and strengthen understanding through retrieval, feedback, and application. 9.6. Formative Assessment and Feedback - Rigorous formative assessments that provide timely, actionable evidence of student understanding to guide instruction and feedback. 9.7. Summative Assessment - Rigorous, standards-aligned assessments that measure conceptual understanding, scientific reasoning, and application of knowledge and skills. 9.8. Teacher Usability and Instructional Support - Resources that support efficient planning, lesson preparation, differentiation, and effective classroom instruction. 9.9. Accessibility and Diverse Learners - Appropriate scaffolds, accommodations, and extensions for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, advanced learners, and students with varying levels of readiness. 9.10. Student Usability - Clear, accessible, and engaging instructional materials, including effective graphics, organization, and appropriate digital or AI-enabled features when applicable. 10. Performance and Service Questions/Expectations Briefly describe (50 words or less per category) how your organization will meet each of the following expectations, except where an extended response is expressly permitted. Respondents should provide concise, specific information relevant to the instructional materials and courses submitted. 10.1. Implementation and Ongoing Support: Describe the vendor's approach to implementation and ongoing support, including planning, communication, assigned personnel, customer service, issue resolution, and support available at the district and school levels. 10.2. Professional Learning: Describe the professional learning available for teachers, instructional leaders, and district staff, including initial training, ongoing learning opportunities, and support for new teachers throughout the use of the adopted materials. 10.3. Curriculum and Instructional Partnership: Describe the vendor's ability to collaborate with FCPS to align and adapt instructional resources to support District curriculum maps, instructional priorities, assessments, and evolving instructional needs while maintaining alignment with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. 10.4. Materials, Resources, Updates, and Pricing Extended response permitted (more than 50 words): Describe the processes for ordering, delivery, replacement, replenishment, and management of instructional materials, including consumables when applicable. Explain how print and digital resources are maintained and updated, the duration of digital access, and how FCPS will be informed of significant changes to materials or services. 10.4.1. Identify available purchasing options, including multi-year arrangements, digital access renewals, and any recurring fees or additional costs. Respondents should provide a detailed, course-specific pricing breakdown in accordance with Section 11 - Cost/Price Information. 10.5. Long-Term Partnership and Continuous Improvement: Describe the vendor's experience and capacity to support a public school district throughout the anticipated life of the adopted materials. Explain how the vendor gathers feedback, responds to changing needs, and works collaboratively with districts to improve services and instructional support. Section C: Review of RFI Responses 11. Interviews and Presentations 11.1. Post-response interviews and presentations may be required, in person at the District's direction or desire. 11.2. Submission of a response does not guarantee an interview or presentation. 11.3. Selection for interviews and presentations is at the sole discretion of the evaluation committee. 12. Selection Process 12.1. Responses to this RFI may be reviewed by a committee of FCPS staff and other appropriate stakeholders to identify instructional materials, resources, services, and approaches that may best support the District's needs and priorities. 12.2. The District may request additional information, clarification, demonstrations, presentations, or meetings with selected respondents as part of the review process. 12.3. The District may identify a need to conduct classroom pilots of selected instructional materials as part of the adoption planning process. Vendors will be notified if their materials are being considered for a pilot. Any classroom pilots, subsequent solicitations, and final instructional materials selections will be conducted in accordance with applicable District purchasing policies and procedures. 12.4. Information gathered through the review process may be used to inform the development of specifications, requirements, evaluation criteria, and other components of a future Request for Proposal (RFP). 12.5. Participation in this RFI process, including any subsequent presentation, demonstration, or meeting, does not guarantee inclusion in or selection through any future solicitation. 13. Tentative Timeline 13.1. Initial Review - Winter 2027 13.2. Teacher Review - Spring 2027 13.3. Possible Classroom Pilots - Fall 2027-Winter 2028 13.4. Final Selections and Board Submission - Spring 2028 13.5. Implementation - Fall 2028 Section D: Required Forms and Submissions 14. Cost/Price Information 14.1. The District seeks information on cost/pricing as it relates to the product or service requested in this RFI. 14.2. Pricing should be in line item format with optional materials and/or services listed separately. 14.3. Unless specifically requested otherwise no quantity or amount is anticipated/guaranteed and all potential discounts should be clearly explained. 14.4. For each course submitted, respondents should provide available pricing information that separately identifies initial purchases of print textbooks, replacement copies, teacher materials, supplemental instructional resources, consumables, digital access or subscription renewals, and professional learning or implementation services, when applicable. Include available multi-year pricing options, recurring fees, and any additional costs associated with the proposed materials or services. 15. Comments 15.1. Please provide your evaluative comments on the project description and requirements outlined in this document. 15.2. Include any suggestions or advice regarding the design, implementation, management, technology, etc. of this contemplated project. 15.3. Detail what additional information or clarifications would be needed in order to prepare a comprehensive proposal in the future.