Smarter Balanced Extends Deadline for Mathematics Content Development Services RFP
Santa Clara, CA, July 17, 2026 — Smarter Balanced has extended the deadline for its Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking organizations to provide mathematics content development services for the Smarter Balanced assessment system. The new deadline for responses is Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Originally issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, the RFP seeks to identify one or more organizations capable of providing comprehensive mathematics content development services. The work will support the continued expansion and refresh of the Smarter Balanced mathematics item pool with high-quality, standards-aligned content that supports valid and reliable measurement of student learning.
The RFP encompasses the full lifecycle of mathematics content development for grades 3 through high school, including the development of mathematical stimuli, computer adaptive test items, and performance tasks across Claims 1–4. Selected suppliers will also support educator and subject-matter expert reviews and implement rigorous quality control, revision, accessibility, fairness, and approval processes.
As part of the extension, the question-and-answer period will reopen on Monday, July 20, 2026, and remain open through Friday, July 24, 2026. Prospective suppliers may submit questions or requests for clarification during this period. Responses are anticipated to be posted on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The revised timeline anticipates notification of award in late September 2026, with project onboarding expected in late October 2026. All other RFP requirements remain unchanged.
The updated RFP is available through the University of California Public Bid website under Reference 003994-May2026 UCSC Mathematics Content Creation. Please see the updated overview document for additional information.
For more information or questions, please contact Rita Bruce, Procurement and Supply Chain Services, at llbruce@ucsc.edu.
About Smarter Balanced
Smarter Balanced is a member-led consortium providing the most comprehensive and innovative standards-aligned system that supports teaching and learning and improves local and statewide systems. Our dynamic system of educational tools — developed in collaboration with our members and educators — gives teachers integrated lessons, activities, and methods of gauging progress, along with interim and summative assessments that provide actionable data as students progress toward college- and career-readiness. www.smarterbalanced.org
Media Contact: Kimberly Blanchard, Director of External Affairs Programs | kimberly.blanchard@smarterbalanced.org | (831) 316-2549
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