PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposal must meet minimum requirements and include a description of the processes, activities, and services to be used to produce the deliverables associated with each project objective listed in this Scope of Work included in the attached Terms of Reference. The proposal must contain two components: a) A Technical Proposal and b) Financial Proposal using the templates attached in Annex A. Both components can be included in one document.

We encourage consulting firms or companies with expertise in performing specific tasks mentioned under the Scope of Work to submit the proposal. We will not entertain applications for the completion of limited or partial tasks.

The Proposal can be submitted online with the attachment of soft copies in PDF format or can be delivered by mail to the National Department of Education at the following address no later than January 13, 2025

BACKGROUND

The Resource Guide for Teachers is a pivotal component of the FSM National Department of Education’s commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the newly developed National Vernacular Language Arts (VLA) Curriculum. This guide provides a practical and comprehensive framework to empower teachers in FSM public schools to deliver high-quality instruction in alignment with the curriculum’s goals. It bridges the curriculum’s content with effective classroom strategies, offering a statutory and essential resource that enhances teaching and learning outcomes.

The guide ensures a clear and shared understanding among teachers, students, parents, and the broader community about how the National VLA Curriculum is brought to life in classrooms. It sets out practical tools, strategies, and culturally relevant approaches that respect and integrate FSM’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. By equipping teachers with these resources, the guide fosters an enriched learning environment where students can develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive academically and as guardians of their cultural identity.

However, while the FSM Department of Education has successfully established standards and benchmarks for the National Vernacular Language Arts (VLA) Curriculum, there remains a pressing need for comprehensive guidance to support teachers in translating these benchmarks into effective classroom practices. The development of a Resource Guide for Teachers addresses this gap by providing practical tools and strategies aligned with the curriculum’s goals, making the teaching and learning of VLA more accessible and impactful for both educators and students.

This initiative serves as a vital step in ensuring that the curriculum is implemented with fidelity across all FSM states. By equipping teachers with the necessary resources, the guide enables them to foster the development of skills and knowledge that align with the benchmarks and outcomes set forth by the curriculum. In doing so, this project directly contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Strategic Goal 1—improving the quality of learning in the FSM—and the ESSDP Strategic Goal 1, which focuses on delivering high-quality, relevant programs to enhance learning outcomes.

Furthermore, the Resource Guide for Teachers lays the groundwork for improved assessment practices by providing clear instructional frameworks that can guide the development of reliable assessment tools. These tools will enable educators to track and evaluate students’ progress in meeting the expected learning outcomes, ultimately contributing to ongoing improvements in teaching and learning. The completion of this guide marks a significant milestone in the FSM Department of Education’s efforts to enhance academic achievement and cultural preservation through the National VLA Curriculum.

Objectives and Scope of Work

The objectives and scope of work of the proposed project are listed below.

Objective

Develop a comprehensive Resource Guide for Teachers to support the delivery of the National Vernacular Language Arts (VLA) Curriculum, aligned with standards, benchmarks, and SLOs for ECE through Grade 12, focusing on four key Targets:

1. Enhancing Teacher Capacity
   Empower teachers to effectively deliver the National VLA Curriculum by addressing the diverse needs of students in all FSM states through tailored guidance and resources.
2. Digitizing and Centralizing Resources
   Develop a centralized digital repository of teaching and learning resources to ensure easy access for teachers across all states, fostering consistency and collaboration.
3. Ensuring Curriculum Alignment
   Align all resources with the National VLA Curriculum to promote effective instruction and improve student learning outcomes from ECE to Grade 12.
4. Building Capacity Through Training
   Strengthen the capacity of NDOE education specialists and selected staff through Training-of-Trainers sessions on resource use, maintenance, and dissemination in both digital and physical formats.

Scope of Work

1. Will work with content groups of FSM NDOE Specialists and selected staff to collectively create a determined format, structure, and content of the Resource Guide.
2. Review the National VLA Curriculum Standards, benchmarks, and SLOs to align the Resource Guide content.
3. Resource Inventory Compilation
   • Conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing resources across all FSM states.
   • Identify gaps and additional resources needed.
4. Digitizing Existing Resources
   • Convert physical and print resources into digital formats that are compatible with the FSM NDOE website.
   • Ensure all digitized materials meet accessibility standards for ease of use.
5. Development of the Resource Guide
   • Write and compile a user-friendly Resource Guide integrating the VLA Guide for Grades ECE to 12.
   • Include strategies, activities, and resource recommendations tailored to each grade level.
6. Draft the Resource Guide for review by FSM NDOE content Specialists and selected staff.
7. Revise the Resource Guide based on FSM NDOE’s feedback for finalization.
8. Creation of Digital Resources
   • Develop Digital Resources and modules
   • Incorporate culturally relevant materials and indigenous knowledge to reflect FSM’s diverse traditions and languages.
9. Formatting and Uploading Publications
   • Format and prepare the Resource Guide for publication.
   • Upload all finalized digital resources and modules to the FSM NDOE website.
10. Training and Capacity Building:
    • Design and deliver a Training-of-Trainers workshop for NDOE Education Specialists and selected staff
    • Focusing on effective utilization, maintenance, and updating of the Resource Guide and digital platform.
11. Submit a final report summarizing all tasks, timelines, and recommendations for the continued use and improvement of the Resource Guide.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables, at a minimum:

• Develop a Resource Guide for teachers of ECE to Grade 12, to support the implementation of the National VLA Curriculum.
  1. Will serve as a comprehensive and practical tool for teachers
  2. Improving pedagogy and student engagement
• Provide Contextualized, Research-Based Resource Materials for the VLA Guide.
  1. With culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate materials
  2. Ensure alignment of the Resource Guide to the VLA Curriculum
• Conduct Capacity-Building Sessions for NDOE Key Staff
  1. With knowledge and skills to use the Resource Guide Effectively.
  2. With recommendations for ongoing support and improvement.

Duration of Work

All the developmental works and deliverables under this project are expected to be completed within eight (8) months from the time of its commencement. The current estimated project completion is September 30, 2025. Selected agency is expected to provide technical support within 6 months after the completion date of the project.

Counterpart Support and Workspace

The consultant is required to work closely with the NDOE Arts Specialist, and other identified key staff and consultants. Consultant reports directly to the NDOE Arts Specialist and Assistant Secretary for Formal & Non-Formal. NDOE will coordinate working space for the consultant, as needed. All required equipment, materials, and software are the responsibility of the consultant organization.

Submission of Proposal

Qualified and competent individual experts with specific experience in the development of the VLA Resource Guide for ECE to Grade 12, are requested to submit their proposal of no more than 10 pages, not including the cover page and resumes of key project staff to the National Department of Education no later than January 13, 2025.

The proposal must contain two components: a) a Technical Proposal and b) Financial Proposal using the templates attached in Annex A. Both components can be included in one document. The Financial Proposal and any associated budget justification will count towards the 10-page limit.

We encourage consulting firms or companies, with available expertise relevant to perform specific tasks mentioned under the Scope of Work, to submit the proposal. We will not entertain applications for the completion of limited or partial tasks.

Minimum Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for prospective consultants and firms.

1. Resource Guide Development Experiences & Expertise
   • Demonstrated understanding of curriculum implementation support, particularly through developing teacher resource guides, in FSM or similar contexts.
   • Proven ability to use evidence-based approaches and research to create practical, culturally relevant, and contextualized teaching materials for diverse learning environments.
2. Experience Working with FSM NDOE, State Departments of Education, Teachers, and Principals across the 4 States
   • Experience collaborating with FSM education stakeholders to develop effective tools that address local contexts and capacities collaboratively.
   • Proficiency in written and oral presentations to FSM stakeholders.
3. Analytical Expertise
   • Expertise in analyzing and integrating curriculum standards, benchmarks, and SLOs into resource materials for teachers.
   • Familiarity with existing FSM curricular frameworks and the ability to align teacher resources with National and States level objectives.
4. Professional Development and Training Experiences
   • Experience in designing and delivering professional development and training to enhance understanding and application of resource materials.
5. Project Management
   • Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality deliverables
   • Demonstrated ability to work with NDOE content Specialists effectively and on time.

Failure to meet these minimum requirements will result in immediate disqualification.

Working Modality

The NDOE Arts Specialist is the primary point of contact and project lead. Additional project team members may include the NDOE Secretary of Education, NDOE Assistant Secretary of Education for Formal & Nonformal, Directors of the State Departments of Education (or designees), and other consultants retained by NDOE and the State Departments of Education.

Working space will be provided at the NDOE as needed.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

ANNEX A: Format for Technical and Financial Component in the Proposal

The format and the contents are given just as a reference for the bidders to provide basic information but are not limited to it. Bidders can use their format as long as the contents listed below are well reflected in the proposal. The proposal must not exceed more than 10 pages in length, excluding annexes and/or attachments.

Format for Technical Component

1. Introduction

• Background – highlighting the bidder’s experience and expertise that are relevant to this project including those that match with similar contexts as in the FSM

2. Methodology and Work Plan

• Description of methods, processes, and activities associated with each specific project objective.
• Description of activities to deliver technical assistance and capacity building to NDOE content Specialists and selected staff
• Development and delivery of the final report addressing each of the project objectives

3. Team composition

• Include the Curriculum Vitae of project staff as an Addendum (not counted in the 10-page limit)

Format for Financial Component

Bidders can add more categories/rows as per their needs.

Include specific budget justifications, including explanations for travel and other project costs.