27TALLM1 | Support HQIM Implementation via Communities of Practice | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking a vendor to design and facilitate Communities of Practice focused on the implementation of high-quality instructional materials in ELA/Literacy for grades K–8, specifically supporting the use of CKLA/Amplify, EL Education, and Wit & Wisdom. The initiative emphasizes curriculum-specific learning, peer collaboration, and instructional coaching tailored to participating schools and districts. The solicitation, identified as BD-26-1026-DOE02-DOE01-130333, was posted on June 8, 2026, with proposals due by July 17, 2026, and is governed under the World Trade Organization agreements. The estimated contract value ranges from $275,000 to $825,000, with potential funding spanning up to three fiscal years through base and optional renewal periods. The contract is structured as a Maximum Obligation Contract, with performance beginning upon execution and concluding on a specified end date, requiring compliance with all applicable Massachusetts laws including public records, labor, and non-discrimination statutes. Evaluation for award will be based on a best-value trade-off approach with a total of 100 points distributed across six technical factors: Supplier Diversity Program Plan (25 points), Organization Overview (20 points), Curricular-Specific Communities of Practice (20 points), Professional Development and Training (15 points), Implementation Plan and Timeline (10 points), and Past Performance and References (10 points). Offerors must submit a mandatory Supplier Diversity Program Plan committing to a minimum 1% spend with certified diverse suppliers, including MBEs, WBEs, SDVOBEs, VBEs, DOBEs, and LGBTBEs, all verified through the Supplier Diversity Office or VetCert/VetBiz. Compliance with Commonwealth information security standards, including EOTSS policies and cryptographic requirements, is mandatory, as is adherence to PCI-DSS standards when handling financial data. Contractors must also carry cyber, general liability, workers’ compensation, and umbrella insurance, provide an indemnity for data breaches and intellectual property claims, and obtain prior written approval for any subcontracting. Proposals must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS in PDF and Excel formats, with narrative sections adhering to strict page limits, and must include certified representations on equity, staffing, and payment terms. The Contract Manager, designated as key personnel, must be an authorized signatory and cannot