27OSTBH1 | Delivery of Approved Education Interpretation Training | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking multiple vendors to deliver Department-developed interpreter training courses, including Education Interpreter and Advanced Education Interpreter levels. These courses may be delivered virtually or in person, and school districts are eligible to apply provided they ensure courses run after regular work hours and maintain at least 50% of participants from outside their district. The initial period of performance runs from the approval date through June 30, 2027, with four optional 12-month renewals. The maximum obligation amount for the initial duration is 275,000.00 dollars. This procurement is covered under the World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines and is classified as a fee-for-service or outright purchase contract. Award decisions will be based on a scorecard evaluating instructor qualifications, geographic coverage, delivery capacity, and the ability to implement the curriculum with fidelity. Bidders must demonstrate a commitment to equity and anti-racist practices. For contracts valued over 250,000.00 dollars annually, a Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) plan is mandatory, requiring a minimum 1% financial commitment to certified diverse business enterprises. Vendors must comply with standard Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements, including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payments, CORI background checks for personnel working with children, and adherence to the Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards for any IT-related deliverables. All responses must be submitted via the COMMBUYS portal by the October 27, 2026 deadline.