Development of Coursework for Infant and Toddler Credential Qualification

The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), through its Child Development Division (CDD), is soliciting proposals for the development of coursework aimed at supporting qualification requirements for an Infant and Toddler Credential. This contract, identified as solicitation number 2025-CDD-ITC, targets the creation and implementation of a comprehensive credentialing program to enhance workforce knowledge and capacity in early childhood care, specifically for infants and toddlers. The initiative aligns with CDD’s mission to increase access to high-quality, sustainable early childhood services that benefit both children and their families. The contract period is 12 months with an option to renew, starting as early as March 1, 2025, and requires deliverables including a complete draft curriculum due by September 2026 and a finalized curriculum by December 31, 2026. All digital deliverables must be compatible with the Canvas Learning Management System. The procurement emphasizes strict compliance with numerous federal and state regulations including suspension and debarment (2 C.F.R. Parts 180 and 3000), the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. § 1352), uniform administrative requirements (2 C.F.R. Part 200), and executive orders on seatbelt use and texting while driving. Contractors must also adhere to whistleblower protections, federal nondiscrimination statutes, prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment, and affirmative efforts to include small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Conflict of interest provisions require full disclosure and mitigation where necessary. Pricing must be firm for the contract term, with proposals including detailed breakdowns of fixed-price deliverables and hourly labor rates, within an estimated budget range of $50,000 to $200,000. Invoices are reimbursed on a quarterly basis with net 30-day payment terms. Evaluation of proposals follows a best-value trade-off approach, weighted across bidder experience, capacity to perform, responsiveness to specifications, and program cost, with a total possible score of 100 points. Preference is given to Vermont resident bidders and those demonstrating environmentally responsible practices. Proposal submissions must be a single, digitally searchable PDF no larger than 40 MB, submitted by January 5, 2026, via email to the designated address. The contract includes comprehensive standard state provisions, reporting requirements, and quality standards mandating that products and deliverables be new, unused, and meet all applicable safety and quality standards. No specific packaging, labeling, or barcoding requirements are stipulated beyond F.O.B. delivery to the ordering facility. The State retains discretion to negotiate with multiple bidders