27TALJM1 - Attachment A - Final.docx

135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149 | 781.338.3000 | TTY: N.E.T. Relay (800).439.2370

Attachment A

Alternate ID #: 27TALJM1 COMMBUYS Bid #:BD-27-1026-DOE02-DOE01-131584

Background:

Research consistently demonstrates that access to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), combined with strong educator support and implementation systems, is one of the most effective strategies for improving student learning, engagement, and academic outcomes. Rooted in that knowledge, with a continuous focus on increasing outcomes for English learners, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) has for multiple years prioritized the Next Generation ESL (NGESL) Initiative. The Department has focused on refining high-quality ESL instructional guidance, aligning ESL curriculum resources to WIDA 2020 standards, developing the High-Quality NGESL Instructional Materials Review Process and ESL Curriculum Review Rubric, conducting various district and publisher reviews of instructional ESL materials, strengthening district implementation capacity through NGESL Curriculum Design facilitated cohorts, and actively supporting high-quality ESL instruction for English learners.

The FY2027 project builds upon this multi-year initiative and ongoing statewide work by expanding the HQIM review processes, strengthening district implementation support, enhancing accessibility and usability of NGESL resources, and providing differentiated technical assistance aligned to WIDA 2020 standards and DESE guidance for English learner education (ELE) program effectiveness.

Scope of Service:

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Language Acquisition (OLA), seeks an experienced vendor partner to support the statewide implementation of the HQIM for Next Generation ESL (NGESL) initiative. The project is designed to strengthen district capacity to select, evaluate, adopt, and implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for English learners aligned to WIDA 2020 standards and DESE guidance.

The selected vendor will collaborate closely with OLA leadership to implement the following services during FY2027:

Service 1: Facilitation of NGESL HQIM Professional Learning Cohort The vendor will:

1. Facilitate one full statewide NGESL HQIM professional learning cohort aligned to WIDA 2020 standards, DESE guidance, and HQIM implementation priorities. The cohort shall:

· Include approximately 11 facilitated virtual sessions occurring between October and June;

· Be scheduled after school hours for 1.5 hours each;

· Engage district leadership, ESL program leaders, curriculum leaders, instructional coaches, and educators;

· Utilize DESE’s NGESL Curriculum Design Modules, HQIM-NGESL Review Process, and ESL Curriculum Review Rubric aligned to WIDA 2020 standards and DESE guidance;

· Provide implementation-focused professional learning, collaborative reflection, planning activities, and technical assistance support; and

· Culminate in the development and submission of a district NGESL HQIM implementation plan outlining priorities, implementation strategies, professional learning goals, and next steps for multilingual learner success.

2. Facilitate professional learning and implementation support that strengthens district capacity to implement high-quality ESL instruction across Massachusetts approved ESL delivery approaches.

3. Support district teams in analyzing ESL curriculum implementation, instructional practices, assessment systems, professional learning structures, and HQIM alignment to identify implementation priorities and areas for continuous improvement.

4. Facilitate the application of the ESL Curriculum Review Rubric and HQIM-NGESL Review Process to support the evaluation and strengthening of ESL curriculum and instructional materials aligned to WIDA 2020 and DESE guidance.

5. Support districts in strengthening systems for language development, rigorous grade-level access, oral language development, and student voice for multilingual learners.

6. Design and facilitate collaborative reflection, implementation planning, and problem-solving opportunities through cohort sessions, technical assistance structures, implementation tools, and cohort resources.

7. Assist district teams in Integrating cohort learning into district continuous improvement efforts, including Targeted and Focused Monitoring (TFM), ELE program improvement planning, and professional development systems, as applicable.

8. Assist districts in developing actionable strategies to strengthen HQIM implementation fidelity, instructional alignment, and continuous improvement systems.

9. Develop and manage implementation-focused assignments, reflection activities, cohort workbooks, and planning tools to support district progress monitoring and systems improvement.

10. Utilize participant feedback mechanisms, surveys, implementation reflections, and pre/post assessments to monitor implementation readiness and inform statewide continuous improvement efforts.

11. Monitor participation, engagement, and completion requirements and provide related completion data to DESE for professional development tracking, PDP documentation, and cohort monitoring purposes such as but not limited to grants.

12. Support districts in developing and submitting NGESL HQIM implementation plans outlining implementation priorities, professional learning goals, instructional improvement strategies, and next steps for strengthening multilingual learner outcomes.

13. Generate an end-of-cohort implementation report that includes district completion artifacts, implementation trends, emerging practices, key findings, and future planning and implementation considerations for DESE and participating districts and compares the data for FC 0182 grant recipients and other districts in each stage of implementation.

Service 2: HQIM ESL Instructional Materials Review Process The vendor will:

· Actively recruit district and publisher participants in the NGESL HQIM material review with DESE approval.

· Facilitate the statewide review of up to five (5) ESL instructional material submissions selected by DESE;

· Guide educator review panels through DESE’s High-Quality NGESL Instructional Materials Review Process and ESL Curriculum Review Rubric;

· Coordinate panelist training, review sessions, calibration activities, and reporting structures;

· Produce final HQIM review reports and corresponding alignment action plans for participating districts and/or publishers;

· Coordinate debrief meetings with participating districts and publishers following DESE approval of reports;

· Administer honoraria for review panel participants in accordance with DESE-approved guidelines.

Service 3: Technical Assistance and District Support The vendor will:

· Actively recruit previous and current facilitated cohort participants for participation in NGESL HQIM implementation technical assistance session for yearlong support.

· No less than 3 sessions per current participants

· At least 1 session for previous participant

· Develop technical assistance protocol and tools for participants based on NGESL HQIM implementation level.

· Provide differentiated technical assistance and implementation support to participating districts throughout the project period;

· Facilitate office hours, implementation troubleshooting sessions, and targeted follow-up support aligned to district needs;

· Support districts in strengthening HQIM implementation fidelity across instructional contexts, including pull-out, push-in, co-taught, newcomer, and self-contained ESL settings;

· Serve as implementation thought partners to districts working to strengthen alignment to WIDA 2020 standards and NGESL guidance.

Service 4: NGESL Toolkit and Resource Accessibility Support The vendor will:

· Complete a detailed review of The Next Generation ESL Toolkit and generate a recommendation report for accessibility, usability, and alignment to Massachusetts Digital Accessibility Standards and in accordance with Vendor Digital Accessibility Contract policies.

· In collaboration with OLA, complete update of DESE’s The Next Generation ESL Toolkit in alignment with approved standards;

· Support the integration of updated HQIM guidance and instructional resources into the NGESL Toolkit and related NGESL Curriculum Design modules;

· Ensure all finalized materials are ADA compliant and accessible for statewide dissemination.

· Submit to OLA a compiled resource folder of all selected materials in word and pdf format with a related guidance for toolkit placement and module update.

· Complete NGESL Curriculum Design modules.

Service 5: Project Management and Communication The vendor will:

· Develop and maintain a detailed FY2027 project plan aligned to project milestones and deliverables;

· Participate in regularly scheduled project management meetings with DESE project leadership;

· Maintain agendas, meeting notes, action items, and status updates for each service for yearlong progress monitoring, reporting and calibration.

· Develop quarterly project updates and implementation summaries for DESE internal and external partners;

· Maintain timely communication with DESE regarding project implementation progress, risks, and deliverables.

FY2027 Timeline and Deliverables Q1 (July–September)

· Finalize selection of up to five (5) ESL curricula for HQIM review;

· Recruit and onboard participating districts, publishers, and educator panelists;

· Recruit previous and current cohort participants for differentiated technical assistance participation;

· Launch technical assistance structures including office hours, implementation protocols, and cohort support systems;

· Develop and finalize technical assistance protocols and implementation tools aligned to varying HQIM implementation levels;

· Conduct detailed review of the Next Generation ESL Toolkit for accessibility, usability, and alignment to Massachusetts Digital Accessibility Standards;;

· Finalize accessibility review priorities and revision structures for NGESL Toolkit resources;

· Finalize FY2027 project implementation plan, communication structures, and reporting protocols

· Develop first quarterly implementation update and project summary for DESE internal and external partners.

Q2 (October–December)

· Launch statewide NGESL HQIM professional learning cohort;

· Facilitate professional learning sessions and collect baseline participant implementation data;

· Complete at least 25% of HQIM curriculum reviews;

· Conduct panelist orientation, calibration sessions, and review training activities;

· Launch differentiated technical assistance support for current and previous cohort participants;

· Facilitate office hours and targeted implementation support sessions;

· Begin integration of updated HQIM guidance and instructional resources into the NGESL Toolkit and related curriculum design modules;

· Develop second quarterly implementation update and project summary for DESE internal and external partners.

Q3 (January–March)

· Complete 100% of HQIM instructional materials review reports and related alignment action plans;

· Generate end-of-cohort implementation report including district artifacts, implementation trends, emerging practices, and future planning considerations;

· Continue differentiated technical assistance and implementation support sessions;

· Finalize accessibility, usability, and ADA-compliant updates to the NGESL Toolkit;

· Coordinate review debrief preparation with participating districts and publishers;

· Develop third quarterly implementation update and project summary for DESE internal and external partners.

Q4 (April–June)

· Complete NGESL HQIM professional learning cohort facilitation and post-assessments;

· Conduct all curriculum review debrief sessions with participating districts and publishers;

· Publish finalized HQIM review reports, updated NGESL Toolkit resources, and related implementation supports;

· Deliver targeted follow-up technical assistance aligned to district implementation needs;

· Provide compiled OLA resource folder of all selected materials in word and pdf format with a related guidance for toolkit placement and module update.

· Complete module update.

· Analyze project outcomes, implementation trends, and technical assistance impact;

· Develop recommendations for FY2028 scaling, sustainability, and continuous improvement;

· Submit final annual project report including implementation outcomes, recommendations, and project deliverables.

Budget:

The total anticipated project budget shall not exceed $680,000.

FY27 = $175,000; FY28 = $175,000; FY29 = $165,000; FY30 = $165,000

All proposed budgets must be all-inclusive and reflect total costs associated with the completion of services, including but not limited to personnel, facilitation, materials, communications, travel, technical assistance, project management, accessibility compliance, indirect costs, and all related expenses. Budgets should not require receipt-based reimbursement.

Service and Estimated Amount for FY27

Service 1:

NGESL HQIM Professional Learning Cohort Facilitation $50,000

Service 2:

HQIM ESL Instructional Materials Review Process $55,000

Service 3:

Technical Assistance and District Support $25,000

Service 4:

Accessibility and NGESL Toolkit Resource Support $35,000

Service 5:

Project Management and Communication $10,000

Total $175,000 Budget proposals should clearly identify costs by service area and associated deliverables/based on listed services.

Initial Contract (FY27) Up to $175,000 is available for work conducted between time of award and June 30, 2027.

Renewal Periods For each of the following fiscal years, the anticipated funds are as follows, pending availability:

· FY28 (July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028): $175,000

· Service 1: NGESL HQIM Professional Learning Cohort ($50,000)

· Service 2: HQIM ESL Instructional Materials Review Process ($55,000)

· Service 3: Technical Assistance and District Support ($25,000)

· Service 4: NGESL Modules and HQIM Process & Rubric Revisions Using Focus Group Feedback and WIDA Updates ($25,000)

· Service 5: Project Management, Communication, Data Collection and Evaluation ($20,000)

· FY29 (July 1, 2028-June 30, 2029): $165,000

· Service 1: NGESL HQIM Professional Learning Cohort ($50,000)

· Service 2: HQIM ESL Instructional Materials Review Process ($55,000)

· Service 3: Technical Assistance and District Support ($25,000)

· Service 4: NGESL-HQIM Case Studies ($15,000)

· Service 5: Project Management, Communication, Data Collection and Evaluation ($20,000)

· FY30 (July 1, 2029-June 30, 2030): $165,000

· Service 1: NGESL HQIM Professional Learning Cohort & Sustainability Network ($50,000)

· Service 2: HQIM ESL Instructional Materials Review Process ($55,000)

· Service 3: Technical Assistance and District Support ($25,000)

· Service 4: NGESL Toolkit Enhancement ($15,000)

· Service 5: Project Management, Communication, Data Collection and Evaluation ($20,000)

Requirements:

Bidders responding to this procurement must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

1. Demonstrated expertise in ESL curriculum design and HQIM implementation

2. Demonstrated expertise in WIDA 2020 ELD Standards Framework;

3. Demonstrated strong project management capacity to coordinate multiple deliverables, timelines, stakeholder groups, communication structures, and ongoing progress monitoring throughout yearlong implementation and reporting cycles.

4. Demonstrated experience providing differentiated technical assistance and implementation coaching to districts;

5. Demonstrated expertise in instructional material evaluation, review processes, producing state level written reports, implementation summaries, and actionable recommendations;

6. Demonstrated understanding of Massachusetts ELE requirements, instructional delivery approaches, and DESE’s Targeted and Focused Monitoring (TFM);

7. Demonstrated experience developing implementation tools, protocols, and professional learning resources;

8. Demonstrated expertise in culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices for multilingual learners;

9. Demonstrated experience developing ADA-compliant and accessible educational resources and digital materials;

Preferred:

· Prior experience collaborating with DESE, OLA, CURATE, or statewide instructional materials review initiatives;

· Experience supporting HQIM implementation for multilingual learner programs across varied district contexts;

· Experience supporting Targeted and Focused Monitoring (TFM), corrective action implementation, or district systems improvement planning.

Submission Requirements:

· Detailed project narrative describing the bidder’s approach to completing all required services and deliverables;

· Proposed implementation timeline and work plan aligned to quarterly milestones and deliverables for the initial duration (FY27) plus each renewal year (FY28, FY29 and FY30);

· Evidence of prior experience facilitating HQIM ESL curriculum review, QIM implementation, or statewide professional learning initiatives;

· Proposed process for collecting and synthesizing implementation data, participant feedback, and technical assistance outcomes;

· At least two (2) relevant work samples demonstrating comparable project experience

· Digital Accessibility Questionnaire

· Resumes or biographies of all key personnel assigned to the project;

· All-inclusive budget proposal organized by service area and deliverables, for each fiscal year of this bid;

· Attachment B – Contact information form

· Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) Form

Responses MUST be uploaded to COMMBUYS. Responses not posted to COMMBUYS will not be considered for evaluation. Do not Email and/or mail responses to the department.

To respond to this bid, please register on the COMMBUYS website. If you need assistance contact the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov or (8am - 5pm ET Monday – Friday) at 1-888-627-8283 or 617-720-3197.

PLEASE NOTE: All bid postings such as this one, that is $250,000 or less annually, will give preference to Small Business Program Plan (SBPP) registered bidders. Those that are registered SBPP bidders will be evaluated first and if able to meet all the needs of the procurement, will be awarded. Non-SBPP bidders are not reviewed if a SBPP bidder can be awarded. To learn more about the SBPP click here.

image1.gif image2.jpeg