27TALAP1 - Due Diligence | Technical Assistance for EIR & DESE-sponsored Early Literacy Tutoring

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking pro bono technical assistance from the Community Funding Accelerator, managed by Delivery Associates, to support the implementation of the Education Innovation and Research Grant and enhance the infrastructure for DESE-sponsored early literacy tutoring. This no-cost engagement is scheduled to run for four months, concluding in December 2026. The scope of work focuses on two primary areas: optimizing school selection through the creation of a standardized application, a scoring rubric, and an AI-supported scoring prototype, and refreshing the existing tutoring implementation toolkit to incorporate current best practices and program learnings. The procurement process is conducted via the COMMBUYS portal, with responses due by October 19, 2026. Awards are based on a best value determination, prioritizing qualifications and technical approaches that meet or exceed the proposed services. Preference is given to participants in the Small Business Purchasing Program, and at least 25 percent of evaluation points are allocated to Supplier Diversity Program plans. Selected vendors must comply with all Commonwealth of Massachusetts standard contract terms, including strict intellectual property assignments, digital accessibility standards, and Criminal Offender Record Information background checks for personnel working in educational settings. All IT-related deliverables must adhere to the Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards set by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security.