27SEPRLS2 | Special Education - Audiobook Lending service | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a vendor to produce audio versions of textbooks and provide an audiobook lending service for K-12 students with print disabilities. This solicitation, identified as BD-27-1026-DOE02-DOE01-133020, is covered under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is managed through the COMMBUYS system. The contract requires strict adherence to the Commonwealth's Digital Accessibility Standards, including WCAG 2.1 level A and AA, and mandates Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background checks for personnel interacting with children. Additionally, any IT systems developed must comply with the Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards set by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. The award will be based on the best overall value, with a strong preference for participants in the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP). Bidders must also participate in the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), with at least 25 percent of evaluation points allocated to the SDP Plan and a minimum financial commitment of 1 percent of contract sales to diverse business enterprises or non-profits. Administrative requirements include the submission of a General Information Form, a Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) agreement, and the use of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payments. Intellectual property rights for deliverables created under the agreement will be owned by the agency, and all submissions are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law.