Agency Education Department

Contractor Assure the Future, Inc.

SWIFT Contract Number 229927

Project Name Best Practices for Early Intervention eLearning Course

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: The contract allowed MDE to purchase and own rights to five asynchronous modules created by the Family, Infant, and Preschool Program (FIPP) focusing on evidence-based practices for early intervention providers in Minnesota. Previously, MDE had a 5-year contract with FIPP to utilize the modules, but rather than renewing the contract, MDE decided to contract with FIPP to create Minnesota-specific modules that MDE would then own the rights to and be able to put onto their learning management system, so that programs and individuals have access to these courses as part of a statewide professional development opportunity.

Project Duration

Start Date Wed, 06/07/2023 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 01/30/2024 - 00:00

Actual end date Mon, 04/01/2024 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $100000.00

Amendments $25000.00

Contract total $125000.00

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Federal

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) The asynchronous learning modules that will be created by FIPP complement the fidelity observation tool that is used by many early intervention programs in Minnesota to monitor individuals’ fidelity to practices (Fidelity in Practice: Early Intervention – FIP-EI). The FIP-EI is a tool that was developed at FIPP, therefore, the courses that have been created are specifically designed to assist early intervention providers improve their practices, as measured by the FIP-EI. There would not be another organization that that provides courses that teach the cross-disciplinary practices that are specifically targeted with the FIP-EI, as it was created by FIPP.
While there are many organizations that focus on the evidence-based practices in early intervention, there are few that provide asynchronous learning opportunities that could be scaled for statewide use. Of those few, FIPPs modules center around the work of Rush & Shelden and include building strong relationships using a coaching interaction style within natural learning environments in early intervention, engaging in family-centered help giving practices, capacity-building in service coordination, and using the primary service provider approach to teaming. There are other organizations that offer resources around this topic, but none that provide the same level of asynchronous learning opportunities that FIPP does. Along with that, as mentioned above, FIPP has specific resources within their modules that directly correlate to their fidelity tool that is used by many programs throughout Minnesota. No other professional development provider is able to provide those same resources that correspond to FIPPs fidelity tool (FIP-EI).

Evaluator Name Rachael Raske

Evaluator Email Address rachael.raske@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Satisfactory; provided deliverables within the agreed upon timeline, taking into consideration the amendment to the contract.

Evaluate the contractor's quality Satisfactory; willing to utilize feedback provided to improve the content of the deliverables.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Satisfactory.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Satisfactory; contractor was willing to utilize feedback provided to improve on the deliverables. Communication was sufficient to continue to meet the expectations of the project.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): None.

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 4 - satisfied