26CISSA3 | Evidence-Based Early Literacy Professional Learning for EPPs | RFR

The contract involves a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop and deliver statewide professional learning and coaching aimed at supporting the implementation of the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria for educator preparation programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Moderate Disabilities PK-2/PK-8 licensure roles. The scope includes designing and facilitating professional development sessions, establishing professional learning communities, providing on-site coaching, managing participant stipends, and collaborating with evaluators to measure outcomes. The work emphasizes evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy instruction aligned with state standards and frameworks, with a focus on sustainability and systemic integration. The contract is structured around multiple fiscal years, with detailed deliverables, budgets, and performance metrics, and must adhere to Commonwealth security, data privacy, and diversity requirements. The procurement process is governed by comprehensive state regulations and standard forms, incorporating by reference the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, 801 CMR 21.00, and specific clauses related to security, ownership of deliverables, conflict of interest disclosures, and amendments. Bidders are required to submit a detailed, deliverables-based budget for each fiscal year, along with supporting documentation such as a Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan demonstrating at least 1% spending commitment with certified diverse businesses, and a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) form. The evaluation criteria prioritize supplier diversity commitments, relevant experience, understanding of scope, project approach, and budget reasonableness, with a best value, trade-off methodology allowing negotiations to optimize performance and cost. The contract emphasizes strict compliance with background checks, data security, and ownership rights, and mandates that all responses and supporting materials be submitted exclusively through the COMMBUYS platform by the specified deadline, with clear instructions for registration, document formats, and contact support.