Expert Consultant Services for Maryland EXCELS CLASS Pilot

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a pool of actively certified CLASS observers to support the phase one pilot of the reimagined Maryland EXCELS program. The primary objective is to transition the state's quality rating and improvement system from program-level standards to an evidence-based observation system. Selected consultants must hold current Teachstone CLASS Assessor Certification for the 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler or Pre-K tools and maintain current reliability status. Responsibilities include conducting on-site observations at child care centers, registered family childcare homes, and public-school prekindergarten programs throughout Maryland, following standardized protocols with at least four observation cycles per classroom. Consultants are also required to prepare summary reports and enter data while maintaining strict fidelity to Teachstone's scoring and note-taking procedures. The contract is scheduled to run from approximately September 22, 2026, through December 31, 2026, and will operate on an as-needed basis with a total cost ceiling of $49,999.00. Award selection is based on the lowest price among vendors who meet all mandatory requirements, including registration to do business with the State of Maryland. Payment is issued on a net 30 schedule based on monthly invoicing and the submission of a consultant log. All digital deliverables must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Bids must be submitted electronically via the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage portal by September 8, 2026, and must include a letter of interest, a qualifying resume, a signed bid form, and an updated W-9 where applicable.