Request for Proposals (RFP) Compudopt Longitudinal Research Study

Introduction

Compudopt seeks to partner with a qualified research organization(s) to design and implement a longitudinal study aimed at capturing the long-term outcomes and impacts of our digital opportunity initiatives on the communities we serve across the country.

This study will generate actionable insights into how access to technology, digital literacy training, and workforce development collectively influence participants' economic mobility and overall financial well-being. Additionally, we welcome collaborative proposals from partner organizations. To ensure the highest level of expertise, we require a PhD economist to be part of the research team.

Project Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to move beyond short-term output metrics (i.e., number of devices distributed, or individuals trained) and instead evaluate long-term impacts based on our Theory of Change, which states that digital opportunity is a prerequisite to economic prosperity and mobility. The research should take a holistic approach by analyzing how the combination of Compudopt’s interventions — technology access, digital literacy, workforce development, and career pathway programs — contribute to economic mobility. The research should not focus solely on disconnected youth but should instead encompass a broader demographic, particularly families experiencing economic disadvantages.

Theory of Change Hypothesis

Access to technology devices, internet connectivity, and comprehensive tech education directly increases participants’ economic mobility. By providing households with the tools and skills necessary to engage in education and workforce opportunities, these programs drive long-term improvements in employability, educational attainment, and household income/savings.

Scope of Work

 The selected research organization will be responsible for the following research design:

● Develop a robust methodology to address Compudopt’s key research questions (outlined below).

● Define metrics to measure long-term impacts on economic mobility, digital skill retention, social connectivity, and health outcomes.

● Include strategies for data collection, longitudinal tracking, and analysis of diverse participant groups.

● Evaluate both holistic and component-specific impacts of Compudopt’s interventions.

Data Collection

● Conduct baseline surveys to establish participants’ pre-program conditions.

● Implement follow-up data collection at regular intervals (e.g., 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-program).

● Utilize qualitative methods such as focus groups or interviews to supplement quantitative findings.

● Ensure sufficient sample sizes across Compudopt’s national footprint,

    with a focus on Texas (could include one or more of the Texas cities served), Chicago, and Atlanta.

Analysis and Reporting

 Evaluation and Alignment Report (Due One Month Post Research Start)

● Assess Past & Current Evaluation Methods: Review existing data and impact measurement tools used by Compudopt.

● Analyze Data System Alignment: Evaluate how Compudopt’s data systems integrate with research objectives.

● Theory of Change Alignment: Provide a methodology that tests, validates, or refines Compudopt’s Theory of Change.

Collaboration and Consultation

● Work closely with Compudopt’s Impact and Research Team to align the study with organizational goals.

● Participate in consultations with development and government relations teams

    to ensure findings enhance grant applications and advocacy efforts.

Data Analysis

● Uncover key trends, correlations, and causal relationships within the study’s scope.

● Identify which specific interventions contribute most significantly to economic mobility.

● If components can't be isolated, assess segmentation challenges.

● Incorporate economic mobility indicators, including:

○ Year-over-year changes in income

○ Increases in disposable income and life improvements

 ○ Standard poverty indicators

Research Questions

1. How does the entirety of Compudopt’s solution impact economic mobility?

2. Which specific interventions (e.g., device access, digital literacy, workforce development)

    contribute most significantly to economic mobility? '

3. Can the impact of each component be measured individually as well as holistically?

4. If individual components cannot be isolated, what challenges prevent this segmentation?

5. How do families with existing tech access benefit from additional interventions, and what gaps remain?

6. How do youth education programs serve as indicators for long-term economic mobility?

Deliverables

Monthly Deliverables

● Conduct monthly update meetings with Compudopt’s Impact team.

● Provide monthly data briefs summarizing key updates and early insights.

Quarterly Deliverables

● Deliver quarterly progress reports summarizing:

○ Key findings and emerging patterns.

○ Challenges and potential solutions.

○ Preliminary insights for program strategy.

Final Deliverables

● Produce a comprehensive final report with:

○ A detailed analysis of all collected data.

○ Insights on holistic and component-level program impacts.

○ High-quality data visualizations (e.g., charts, graphs, and infographics).

● Researchers should develop and provide Compudopt with scalable tools, methodologies,

    and guidelines to enable the continuation of the longitudinal study beyond the initial two-year period,

    ensuring sustained data collection and impact measurement.

● Host a final review meeting to present findings.

Budget

Respondents should provide a detailed budget proposal, including personnel costs, data collection expenses, and other relevant costs.

Timeline

● March 5: Release of RFP

● April 14: Proposal submission deadline

● May 12: Announcement of the selected proposal

● May 12 - June 4: Consultations and finalization of research plan

● June 16: Work officially begins

The selected research team will conduct a comprehensive two-year longitudinal study, tracking participants' outcomes over 6, 12, and 24 months to evaluate the long-term impacts of access to devices, connectivity, and tech education on economic mobility.

Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted by April 14th, 2025, using this link.

Email questions to: Rose Carr, Senior Director of Program Impact (rose.carr@compudopt.org)

Proposal Submission Requirements

 Interested organizations should submit a proposal including:

●Organizational overview and relevant experience.

● Research design and methodology for both holistic and component-specific analysis.

● Budget and justification of costs.

● Proposed timeline for completion.

● Examples of past longitudinal research on economic mobility or poverty alleviation.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

● Alignment with project objectives and research questions.

● Expertise in economic mobility research and digital opportunity studies.

● Feasibility and rigor of the methodology.

● Cost-effectiveness and value for investment.

● Experience working with economically disadvantaged communities.

Geographic Scope & Sample Considerations

● The research should cover all sites, if possible, if not focus specific program sites including: Texas, Chicago, and Atlanta.

● Sample sizes should be robust to ensure valid longitudinal tracking.

● Researchers may propose follow-up studies to strengthen long - term insights.

About Compudopt

Compudopt is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing underserved communities with access to technology, digital literacy training, and workforce development programs. Through our initiatives, we empower individuals and families to achieve greater economic mobility, educational advancement, and improved quality of life. For more information about the organization, please visit compudopt.org.

Compudopt will retain full ownership of all data collected throughout the study, including the right to determine its use, storage, and dissemination, ensuring compliance with all applicable data privacy and security regulations. The winning applicant will sign a non-disclosure agreement to ensure data confidentiality and privacy.