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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
RFI 202610-01: K-12 Social Studies Instructional Materials 

  • 1.1. The Olympia School District in support of the Teaching & Learning Department is seeking information regarding Elementary (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12) Social Studies Instructional Materials. Washington State History is taught in grades 4 and 7. High School Social Studies courses include World History, US History, Civics, and at least one other social studies course addressing the Washington State Standards. This review does not include materials for AP or IB courses of study.


    The overarching objective of this request is to obtain general sample instructional materials and pricing information for K-12 Social Studies Instructional Materials intended for implementation during the 2027-28 school year. Respondents may submit information for any portion of the K-12 grade level span and do not need to of er content for all grade levels.


    1.2. This course of study is designed for students to learn the Washington State Social Studies Standards through an inquiry-based approach that includes research, hands-on activities, reflection, and development of critical thinking skills that is based on the C3 Framework (Career, College, & Civic Life). 


    1.3. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the District to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Responders are advised that the District will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. 


    1.4. Schedule of Events: 

    • 1.4.1. RFI Release Date: October 16, 2026 
    • 1.4.2. Written Response Due: November 18, 2026 
    • 1.4.3. Sample Materials Due: November 18, 2026

  • 2.1. The Olympia School District encompasses eleven (11) elementary schools, four (4) middle schools, two (2) comprehensive high schools, one (1) alternative high school, and an alternative K-12 school that includes a homeschool partnership program, online school, and K-5 Montessori program. Prospective vendors are encouraged to submit a response that aligns with the educational needs and standards of our diverse school community.


    2.2. The central office of the Olympia School District is located at 111 Bethel St. NE, Olympia, WA 98506, Thurston County.


    2.3.The District serves over 8,000 students, with an approximate demographic of 0.5% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 7.6% Asian, 3.4% Black/African American, 15.9% Hispanic/Latino of any race(s), 0.8% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, 12.2% two or more races, and 59.7% White.

  • 3.1. Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. White papers are due no later than November 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST. Responses shall be limited to 30 pages and submitted via email only to osd-curriculum-adoptions@osd.wednet.edu with email subject line indicating: RFI 202610-01: K-12 Social Studies: [Enter Product Name]. White papers may include a combination of promotional materials and custom responses that address the prompts outlined below.

    • 3.1.1. Section 1 of the white paper shall provide administrative information and shall include the following as a minimum: 
      • 3.1.1.1. company name 
      • 3.1.1.2. business address 
      • 3.1.1.3. name of point of contact 
      • 3.1.1.4. email address 
      • 3.1.1.5. telephone number 
      • 3.1.1.6. business license number 
      • 3.1.1.7. EIN 
      • 3.1.1.8. business type (corporation, partnership, individual, other) 

     

    3.1.2. Section 2 of the white paper shall include a list of at least three references that have used the materials for at least a year and can provide feedback.


    3.1.3. Section 3 of the white paper should include a summary of reasons why the responder believes the curriculum materials are high-quality.


    3.1.4. Section 4 of the white paper should address the six prompts listed below: 

    • 3.1.4.1. Overview of the submitted instructional materials, including grade levels/courses included in this package, program philosophy, major components, and the intended 
    • instructional model. 
    • 3.1.4.2. Describe how the program addresses Washington State Social Studies Standards and supports coherent learning across the grade level span for which this submission covers. Be sure to include any Washington-state specific requirements  such as Washington State history, civics, and tribal sovereignty (John McCoy Since Time Immemorial Tribal Sovereignty curriculum) content addressed within or aligned to these instructional materials. 
    • 3.1.4.3. Describe how your program engages students in meaningful inquiry and increasingly complex thinking, including developing questions, analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating evidence and multiple perspectives, and  applying learning. Provide specific examples from the materials. 
    • 3.1.4.4. How does your program ensure accurate, inclusive, and culturally responsive representation of people, communities, histories, and perspectives, including those that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented? Describe how the program addresses bias, stereotypes, competing perspectives, and potentially controversial or complex topics. 
    • 3.1.4.5. How does your program provide access to rigorous, grade-level social studies learning for a wide range of students, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, students needing additional scaffolding, and students ready for extension? Describe accessibility, UDL, differentiation, and instructional supports while explaining how cognitive rigor is maintained. 
    • 3.1.4.6. Describe lesson and unit organization, planning demands, pacing and flexibility, assessments, digital and print resources, and accessibility features.


    3.1.5. Section 5 of the white paper should include a general price list. To support district approval timelines, please provide pricing valid through August 31, 2027, or note any escalation schedule if pricing cannot be guaranteed that long. (If the company does not provide one of the items listed, please clearly indicate that in the quote).

  • 4.1. Interested parties are requested to submit sample materials to showcase the quality of their instructional materials. Sample materials are due no later than November 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST.


    4.2. Digital samples (for online review): Email access to digital samples to osd-curriculum-adoptions@osd.wednet.edu with the subject line: RFI 202610-01: K-12 Social Studies [Enter Product Name].


    4.3. All materials submitted in response to this RFI shall become the exclusive property of the District. If or when a contract is awarded to one of the vendors, the District reserves the right to destroy any sample materials submitted during this RFI process.


    4.4. Include a list of materials that are available in other languages in addition to English.


    4.5. Physical samples (hard copies): Mail two (2) copies of each physical sample you would like the District to review to:


    Olympia School District T&L Dept
    Attn: Jacci Butler 
    111 Bethel St. NE 
    Olympia, WA 98506

  • For any inquiries, questions, requests for clarification, or concerns regarding the accurate interpretation of any section, identification of discrepancies, and/or identification of omissions in the RFI, kindly direct communication via email to osd-curriculum-adoptions@osd.wednet.edu. Please include “202610-01: K-12 Social Studies Assistance/Questions” in the subject line of your email.

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To see state graduation requirements, visit the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website here: Grad Requirements

 

Contact Information:
K-12 Teaching & Learning
111 Bethel Street NE
Olympia, WA 98506

  

Email: help-TL@osd.wednet.edu
Phone: 360.596.8585
Fax: 360.596.8581