26PSMAK1 | Special Education Surrogate Parent Program

The contract pertains to the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program (SESPP) overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The department intends to award a single contract, with the possibility of engaging up to two vendors, to provide services under this program. The procurement process is conducted as a solicitation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, indicating a competitive and transparent bidding process. The contract's estimated value ranges from $500,000 to $2,000,000, reflecting the scope and importance of the program. The response deadline for proposals is set for June 16, 2025, and interested vendors can find additional details and submit responses through the official Commonwealth bid portal. The primary point of contact for inquiries is the Admin and Finance Unit, reachable via email and phone. The procurement emphasizes compliance with several key policies and programs, including the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), which requires bidders to commit at least 1% of their contract value to certified diverse businesses, with detailed documentation and certification procedures outlined in associated forms and language. Additionally, the contract incorporates standard Massachusetts state contract terms, including provisions for intellectual property rights, payment discounts, and adherence to enterprise IT security standards where applicable. The contract documentation and related materials stress the importance of regulatory compliance, transparency, and fostering diversity and inclusion in state procurement. Overall, this initiative aims to ensure the provision of specialized surrogate parent services for students with disabilities, leveraging a structured, competitive process that aligns with state policies and promotes equitable participation among vendors.