Student Retention Study

The North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Workforce Division is seeking a qualified firm to conduct a comprehensive Student Retention Study across the state. The contractor will review existing education and workforce datasets, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, engage stakeholders, and deliver actionable strategic recommendations with a final report due by mid‑June 2027. The contract is a firm‑fixed‑price award valued up to $250 k, with a base term of roughly nine months and optional extensions. Key responsibilities include data integration, mixed‑methods research, development of dashboards, two in‑person presentations, and full transfer of all deliverables and intellectual property to the State. • Perform data review, gap analysis, and quantitative modeling of student attrition trends. • Conduct focus groups, interviews, and surveys with students, families, educators, and employers. • Produce interim (Feb 2027) and final (Jun 2027) reports, including strategic recommendations, implementation road‑maps, and long‑term monitoring frameworks.