Indiana University South Bend Vision 2020 Student Success Grant RFP
- Due
- Feb 1, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Erika Zynda
The 30-second brief
Indiana University South Bend (IU South Bend) is soliciting proposals for the Vision 2020 grants program, which serves as an incubator for projects designed to increase student success, learning, engagement, and retention. The program seeks innovative ideas that impact student persistence and timely graduation, such as high-impact practices, learning communities, or active learning strategies. Projects are funded for a pilot year and up to two years of implementation, with grants ranging up to $5,000 per year. Proposals must include a project abstract, narrative, budget, assessment plan with measurable outcomes, and a routing sheet. Teams must include at least one full-time IU South Bend faculty member as a leader and a mix of faculty and staff. Submissions are due by February 1, 2026, via email to [email protected].
Project abstract, Narrative, Budget, Fiscal sustainability discussion, Timeline, Assessment plan, Routing sheet, Annual renewal materials
Cost to improve student success, predicted impact on retention/persistence/timely graduation, assessment data, team size/diversity
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Summary
Indiana University South Bend (IU South Bend) is soliciting proposals for the Vision 2020 grants program, which serves as an incubator for projects designed to increase student success, learning, engagement, and retention.
The program seeks innovative ideas that impact student persistence and timely graduation, such as high-impact practices, learning communities, or active learning strategies. Projects are funded for a pilot year and up to two years of implementation, with grants ranging up to $5,000 per year. Proposals must include a project abstract, narrative, budget, assessment plan with measurable outcomes, and a routing sheet. Teams must include at least one full-time IU South Bend faculty member as a leader and a mix of faculty and staff. Submissions are due by February 1, 2026, via email to [email protected].
EVALUATION CRITERIA
4- Cost to improve student success
- Predicted impact on retention/persistence/timely graduation
- Assessment data
- Team size/diversity
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
8- Project abstract
- Narrative
- Budget
- Fiscal sustainability discussion
- Timeline
- Assessment plan
- Routing sheet
- Annual renewal materials
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Routing sheet, PDF proposal
REQUIRED STAFFING
Full-time faculty team leader, staff member
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 36 months
- Scope location
- South Bend, IN
- Reported agency
- Indiana University South Bend
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Indiana University-South Bend?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is February 1, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Erika Zynda.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Indiana University-South Bend in IN, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Erika Zynda. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Full-time faculty team leader, staff member. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Project abstract, Narrative, Budget, Fiscal sustainability discussion, Timeline, Assessment plan, Routing sheet, Annual renewal materials. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Cost to improve student success, predicted impact on retention/persistence/timely graduation, assessment data, team size/diversity" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Indiana University-South Bend?
All active and historical solicitations from Indiana University-South Bend are tracked and searchable. As a higher ed agency, Indiana University-South Bend regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Routing sheet, PDF proposal. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Indiana University-South Bend for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: South Bend, IN. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.