🔍🌨️ Clear Up Confusion with These New FAQ's

NJSACC Seeks Instructional Design Consultant - RFP due Mon Jun 30 2025

Instructional Design RFP 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Source content: Will NJSACC or its partners provide existing content (e.g., slide decks, facilitator guides, video clips, articles) for the asynchronous modules, or will this be developed from scratch in collaboration with subject matter experts?
  - Both. NJSACC will provide existing updated content as well as existing out-of-date content. In addition, we’re looking to develop content from scratch with subject matter experts.
2. Subject matter expertise: Will there be a designated content expert or internal point of contact for each module who can contribute their expertise and review materials? If not, will sourcing of subject knowledge be part of the consultant’s remit?
  - For some content, there will be a designated person or team on staff to help contribute to the content’s development. For other content, we will need to determine how best to proceed and who will develop that content.
3. Learning hours: Do you have a rough sense of the intended length of the asynchronous modules (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2+ hours each)? Knowing this will help me scope development and design appropriately.
  - 45 min – 1 hour
4. LMS platform: What LMS has NJSACC adopted, and are there any specific requirements or constraints I should be aware of in terms of content formats, interactivity types, or reporting?
  - Content Formats & Standards
    - SCORM, AICC, xAPI (Tin Can): Full compatibility with these e-learning standards ensures smooth integration of third-party and custom content .
    - Multimedia support: You can import videos (MP4, YouTube, Vimeo), PDFs, HTML5, audio files, presentations—via the built-in authoring tool or AI Content Generator.
    - Branching & adaptive paths: Offer non-linear, decision-based learning journeys for more advanced learner navigation.
  - Interactivity & Engagement Types
    - Interactive video with overlays, in-video quizzes, clickable links
    - Interactive presentations with embedded media, hotspots, and quiz elements
    - Quizzes including multiple‑choice, fill‑in‑the‑blank, guess‑the‑answer
    - Games like memory match and board games, plus broader gamification (points, badges)
    - Live/virtual classrooms via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other third‑party systems
    - Social learning tools: forums, peer interaction, community-style collaboration
  - Reporting & Analytics
    - Customizable dashboards: Build reports by course, user, department, system usage
    - Learner analytics: Track progress, quiz scores, engagement, completion rates
    - Compliance tracking: Monitor certification status, renewal deadlines, audit reports
    - User/system logs: Monitor logins, bandwidth, usage patterns
    - Performance management reports: Align training with competencies, KPIs, skill progression
    - Exporting & notifications: Download reports, embed them in dashboards, schedule email delivery
5. Learner persona: Could you describe the primary audience for the training — e.g., their job roles, prior training exposure, tech comfort level, or access considerations?
  - The primary audience are afterschool and out-of-school time professionals. These providers could be front line staff, program coordinator, and project directors. The LMS integrated with NJCCIS, NJ’s Workforce Registry – online database to maintain records of professional development, education, and other training opportunities.
6. Geographic restrictions: Are you restricted to US-based consultants only?
  - Yes, NJSACC is only considering IDCs based in the United States, preferably in the NJ/NYC metropolitan area.
7. Geographic restrictions: Is a larger East Coast location acceptable if willing to travel as warranted?
  - Yes.
8. Topics: What topics do you want to cover in the asynchronous modules?
  - Two are dedicated to our New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool. We are also interested in developing new content based on a needs assessment.
9. Media plans: Will the modules include any multimedia elements (e.g., video, voiceover, animation)? If so:
  - Are there existing assets or brand guidelines to work from?
    - Yes, there are existing assets including slide presentations, voiceover, PDFs, video links to YouTube, quizzes, and evaluations.
  - Would you like to feature someone from the NJSACC team, a professional presenter, or an AI voiceover?
    - We’re open to AI as well a professional presenter.
10. Are you ideally looking for an individual instructional designer or are you open to a team approach?
  - We are open to either an individual instructional designer or a team.
11. It was mentioned that there are multiple grants being used to fund NJSACC. Do you have a budget range you would be able to share with us?
  - Yes.
  - Compensation: Up to $38,000 for the year – to be negotiated based on proposal
12. It was mentioned that the contract duration will be one year. Have you defined the set of hours for the IDC?
  - No. As part of your proposal submission, we’re requesting a fee proposal – please include estimated hours, rates, and any anticipated expenses.
13. It was mentioned that the internal team uses Adobe Captivate; is it preferred that the IDC uses Captivate instead of Storyline so the internal team can make updates if needed?
  - While we prefer to use Adobe Captivate, it is not required for the IDC to use only Adobe Captivate.
14. In the material it mentioned three asynchronous modules and then it says at least two fully developed asynchronous training hosted on the LMS, what’s happening to the third one or should it be 3?
  - We are prioritizing the two training modules related to the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool (NJQSA). The third module is not related to the NJQSA.
15. Is it necessary to already have extensive experience with Paradiso?
  - No.
16. It was mentioned that there are multiple domain components/expertise: technology(software and AI), education/pedagogy, education/developmental, health and wellness(physical), health and wellness (mental health coaching). Are all these covered under this one RFP and budget? Do you have an order of priority for these domains and associated deliverables?
  - No. We are prioritizing two of our training modules related to the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool and other eLearning opportunities.
17. Can you clarify the training needs to meet WCAG AA level standards – for accessibility?
  - Yes. All training content, including asynchronous modules developed through this RFP, must meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. In addition, NJSACC is looking to engage in training about instructional design, applying instructional design principles, and how to apply best practices regarding WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. This means the instructional design consultant must ensure the training is:
    1. Perceivable: All users, including those with visual or auditory impairments, must be able to access and understand content. This includes things like captions for videos, alt text for images, and sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds.
    2. Operable: All interactions (e.g., navigation, quizzes, clickable elements) must be accessible via keyboard and assistive technology like screen readers.
    3. Understandable: Language should be clear, predictable, and consistent. Avoid overly complex structures or jargon.
    4. Robust: Content should function reliably with a variety of assistive technologies and across different devices.
  - The selected consultant should be able to:
    1. Design and develop content that meets these standards (including multimedia, interactions, assessments).
    2. Perform accessibility testing, or coordinate with tools like WAVE, Axe, or screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, voiceover).
    3. Remediate any issues in learning content that fails to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
    4. While we do not require formal certification, the consultant should be proficient in accessible eLearning design and be familiar with applying accessibility best practices across tools (like Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, or HTML5).
18. Was there a suggested length to the RFP?
  - No. Please refer to all of the components being requested in the proposal on Idealist.

NJSACC is seeking proposals from experienced instructional design consultants to help develop and implement sustainable eLearning strategies for our afterschool and out-of-school-time (OST) network. The scope of work includes assessment, strategic recommendations, instructional design and development, setup, training, and ongoing support.

Statement of Purpose

NJSACC is seeking proposals from qualified Instructional Design Consultants (IDC) to support the design and development of engaging, and effective professional development content for the afterschool and OST field in New Jersey. The IDC will play a key role in helping us deliver impactful learning experiences through our newly adopted Learning Management System (LMS).

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The IDC will collaborate with NJSACC staff and subject matter experts to support the following goals:

Task 1: Instructional Strategy & Needs Assessment

Review and assess existing training content and priorities, particularly foundational OST topics including the New Jersey Quality Standards for Afterschool.
Educate NJSACC staff on instructional design principles and the application of adult learning theory.
Identify instructional strategies best suited for asynchronous learning and blended delivery.

Task 2: Instructional Design & LMS Integration

Translate content into instructional design plans, including detailed storyboards, scripts, and assessments.
Recommend effective formats such as microlearning, interactive modules, or multi-part eLearning pathways.
Design eLearning modules for delivery via Paradiso LMS in collaboration with NJSACC.

Task 3: Content Development

Develop and refine content to ensure accessibility, engagement, and alignment with OST field needs.
Produce training assets including visuals, templates, slide decks, knowledge checks, and facilitator guides.
Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1).

Task 4: Evaluation & Iteration

Develop feedback loops and metrics to assess learner engagement and knowledge retention.
Recommend revisions based on pilot testing and staff/learner feedback.

Expected Deliverables

By the end of the contract period, the consultant will deliver:

Needs assessment summary and instructional design recommendations
Staff orientation session(s) on instructional design and eLearning best practices
Instructional design plans for at least 3 asynchronous modules
At least 2 fully developed asynchronous trainings hosted on the new LMS
Templates and documentation to support ongoing content development by NJSACC staff
Final report outlining lessons learned, outcomes, and recommendations for future efforts

Contract Details

Period of Performance: August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Level of Engagement: Part-time consultant
Compensation: Up to $38,000 for the year – to be negotiated based on proposal
Location: Remote, with periodic virtual check-ins and optional in-person planning meetings in New Jersey.

Pre-Proposal Zoom Meeting

There will be a pre-proposal meeting (via zoom) on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11am.

Zoom meeting has passed.

Proposal Submission Instructions

Please submit the following no later than Monday, June 30, 2025, to Adam Cruz, NJSACC’s Chief Operating Officer, at: acruz@njsacc.org.

Required Submission Materials

Technical Approach – Describe your plan to execute the tasks outlined above, including your instructional design process and technology experience.
Work Samples – Provide at least two examples of eLearning or instructional design projects you have completed, especially those for afterschool/OST nonprofit or education-focused organizations.
Resumes or CVs – For all individuals who will participate in the project.
Fee Proposal – Include estimated hours, rates, and any anticipated expenses.
References – Provide contact information for three nonprofit or education clients within the last 18 months.

Electronic submissions via Idealist preferred.

Paper copies can be mailed to:

NJSACC
C/o Adam Cruz
208 Lenox Avenue
#363
Westfield, NJ 07090

We will hold interviews with finalists during the week of July 14, 2025.

If you have questions about this proposal, please email them to Adam Cruz, NJSACC’s Chief Operating Officer, at: acruz@njsacc.org.

Click here to submit your proposal via Idealist