70-61100-26-CP437_sole-source-determination-form-Teachstone_FINAL_10.14.26.docx.pdf.PDF

2026 Sole Source Form

STATE OF NEW MEXICO

SOLE SOURCE REQUEST AND DETERMINATION FORM

A sole source determination is not effective until the sole source request for determination has been posted for thirty (30) calendar days without Protest and subsequently approved in writing by the State Purchasing Agent. The foregoing requirement is regardless of whether the sole source request for determination has been signed by the Agency.

I. Name of Agency: NEW MEXICO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND

CARE DEPARTMENT

Agency Chief Procurement Officer: Crystal Bowers

Telephone Number: 505-490-2825

Agency Contact for this request: Andrea Gallegos

Email Address: 505-819-9194; andrea.gallegos@ececd.nm.gov

II. Name of prospective Contractor: Teachstone Inc

SHARE Vendor Number (must be active): 0000187295

Address of prospective Contractor: 1551 Emancipation Highway PMB 1290, Fredericksburg VA 22401

Contact Name, Telephone Number and Email Address: Jenny Nakamura; 703-887-0040;

jenny.nakamura@teachstone.com

Amount of prospective contract before tax: $3,230,902.00

Estimated tax amount (tax is subject to change): $246,356.00

III. Term of prospective contract: START OF CONTRACT THROUGH JUNE 30, 2030

Note: Please refer to §13-1-150 for contract term limits.

If this is an amendment request to an existing contract, include current sole source posting number issued by SPD:

IV. If this is a Sole Source for new or existing IT software licensing subscription(s), Agency is required to upload the Contractor’s draft Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Sole

Source online submission.

V. Agency is required to provide the detailed scope of work (or amendment) for this sole source. Scope of work must match the scope included in the services determination and

Horizons declination.

Scope of Work

Purpose: The Purpose of this Agreement, including its goals and objectives are:

Docusign Envelope ID: 4C503D08-6BE1-84CB-83CE-3F46F6BC031C mailto:andrea.gallegos@ececd.nm.gov

New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) to continue its partnership with Teachstone Inc. (Contractor) to advance the use of the Classroom

Assessment Learning System (CLASS®) as a statewide measure of educator-child interactions and as a core driver of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) within New

Mexico’s early childhood system. This work will include collaboration with The

University of New Mexico Early Childhood Services Center, hereinafter referred to as

“designated implementation partner”.

Deliverables:

A. Deliverable Number 1 – Training and Events

Deliverable Name Due Date Compensation

Trainings and Events

Scheduled in coordination with the Agency, to be completed no later than June 30 of each fiscal year.

FY27: $358,455 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY28: 330,960 (includes estimated

GRT: invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY29: $368,280 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY30: $405,445 (includes estimated

GRT: invoiced monthly after delivery)

Total : $1,389,983.00

Retainage: $73,157.00

Total compensation for

Deliverable One: $1,463,140

Task Item Sub Tasks Description

1.1 Professional

Development

Planning and

Coordination

1.1.1 The Contractor shall collaborate with the Procuring Agency and its designated implementation partner, to coordinate professional development schedules, registration requirements, and training logistics.

1.2 CLASS

Professional

Development

Delivery

1.2.1 The Contractor shall deliver CLASS professional development through a combination of self-paced online courses and between twelve (12) and fourteen (14) training sessions. The amount and delivery method of professional development sessions may be adjusted without an amendment to this

Agreement, provided that the Contractor receives prior written approval from the ECECD Quality Initiatives Bureau Chief or an ECECD signatory of this Agreement.

1.2.2 The Contractor shall provide participant materials and

resources to support certified Affiliate CLASS® Trainers in delivering CLASS professional development.

1.2.3 The Contractor shall make adjustments to planned offerings, as mutually agreed upon, to respond to implementation needs.

1.3 Training and

Event Reporting

1.3.1 The Contractor shall provide monthly reports summarizing professional development activities and participation.

B. Deliverable Number 2 – Data Collection and Management

Deliverable Name Due Date Compensation

Data Collection and

Management

Within 30 days of the start of each fiscal year (July

31st) or 30 days from contract execution, whichever comes later.

FY27: $161,438 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY28: $322,875 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY29: $538,125 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY30: $538,125 (includes estimated

GRT; invoiced monthly after delivery)

Total: $1,482,534.85

Retainage: $78,028.15

Total Compensation for

Deliverable Two: 1,560,563.00

Task Item Sub Tasks Description

2.1 CLASS Data

Collection, Management, and

Reporting

2.1.1 The Contractor shall provide access to the CLASS Quality

Improvement Subscription for collection, management, analysis, and reporting of CLASS data to Procuring

Agency and its designated implementation partner.

2.1.2 The Contractor shall support authorized users in accessing and managing CLASS data across classrooms and programs.

2.1.3 The Contractor shall provide applicable reports and CLASS data summaries to Procuring Agency and its designated implementation partner.

2.2 Data-Informed

Quality

Improvement

2.2.1 The Contractor shall provide access to professional learning resources aligned with identified areas of opportunity to

Procuring Agency and its designated implementation partner.

2.2.2 The Contractor shall support the Procuring Agency and its designated implementation partner, in using CLASS data to inform professional development and continuous quality improvement

C. Deliverable Number 3 – Project Management

Project Management ongoing

FY27: $77,984 (includes estimated

GRT, invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY28: $98,075 (includes estimated

GRT, invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY29: $135,961 (includes estimated

GRT, invoiced monthly after delivery)

FY30: $141,535 (includes estimated

GRT, invoiced monthly after delivery)

Total: $430,877.25

Retainage: $22,677.75

Total Compensation for deliverable number three:

$453,555.00

Task Item Sub Tasks Description

3.1 Project

Coordination and

Operational

Support

3.1.1 The Contractor shall coordinate project activities, timelines, deliverables, professional services logistics, and communications with the Procuring Agency and its designated implementation partner.

3.1.2 The Contractor shall coordinate and participate in project meetings and support resolution of operational questions, risks, and implementation needs.

3.2 Platform and

Customer Support

3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide customer support and guidance related to platform access, navigation, registration, and applicable functionality.

3.2.2 The Contractor shall support resolution and escalation of platform-related questions or issues, as appropriate.

3.3 Financial, Reporting, and

Marketing

Support

3.3.1 The Contractor shall provide financial, administrative, and reporting support related to contract activities and deliverables.

3.3.2 The Contractor shall provide communications and marketing support to promote applicable professional development opportunities, resources, and initiatives.

D. Deliverable Number 4 – Retainage Release

Retainage Release

To be completed no later than June 30 of each fiscal year.

• FY27 $29,893.85

• FY28 $37,595.50

• FY29 $52,118.30

• FY30 $54,255.25

OR

• D1: $73,157.00

• D2: $78,028.15

• D3: $22,677.75

• Total Compensation not to exceed $173,862.90 including

GRT.

Task Item Sub Tasks Description

4.0 Retainage

Release

Notice of

Acceptance of

All Deliverables

Procuring Agency shall release payment for the retainage invoice, representing retainage held against this contract, upon review and acceptance of the Deliverables specified in this scope of work.

VI. Provide a detailed explanation of the criteria developed and specified by the agency as necessary to perform and/or fulfill the contract and upon which the state agency reviewed available sources. (Do not use “technical jargon;” use plain English. Do not tailor the criteria simply to exclude other contractors if it is not rationally related to the purpose of the contract.)

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), through its

Policy, Research, and Quality Initiatives (PRQI) division, has an identified need to procure specific products and services to support implementation of its redesigned

Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to include the assessment of the quality of teacher and child interactions. ECECD sought a research-based process that was valid and reliable, delivered on a frequency, and accompanied by coaching and technical assistance. The CLASS® assessment tool and its associated professional development, certification programs, assessment tools, product keys, and resource materials met

ECECD’s requirements and needs.These products and services are essential to implement and sustain a statewide continuous quality improvement (CQI) system that is grounded in high-quality adult-child interactions—an evidence-based driver of child outcomes.

The CLASS tool is a research-based, valid, and reliable observational assessment designed to measure the quality of teacher-child interactions. It is widely recognized as a gold standard in early childhood education quality assessment. The revised QRIS framework adopted by ECECD centers CLASS as the primary indicator of quality interactions in early learning environments. As such, maintaining fidelity to the tool is essential for the validity of the state’s rating system and for equitable implementation across programs.

VII. Provide a detailed, sufficient explanation of the reasons, qualifications, proprietary rights or unique capabilities of the prospective contractor that makes their company the only source capable of providing the required professional service, general service, construction or item(s) of tangible personal property. (Please do not state the source is the “best” source or the “least costly” source. Those factors do not justify a “sole source.”)

Teachstone, Inc. is the sole source provider of the CLASS® assessment tool and all related training, certification, and implementation resources. These proprietary services and products are not distributed through third parties, nor are they available through alternate vendors. No other organization is authorized to deliver official CLASS Observer or Trainer certification programs, or to grant access to the Teachstone’s data platform, which is required for statewide data management, analysis, and CQI support.

VIII. Provide a detailed, sufficient explanation of how the professional service, general service, construction or item(s) of tangible personal property is/are unique and how this uniqueness is substantially related to the intended purpose of the contract.

Teachstone Inc. is the sole provider of CLASS® (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) training programs and associated certifications. These services are not sold through distributors. Teachstone is the sole source provider of the authorized training/affiliate license program that allows individuals to provide licensed Teachstone training outside of their identified organization. Teachstone is also the sole provider of CLASS® printed and online materials. The services and products associated with Teachstone Inc. and the

CLASS assessment tool are not sold through distributors. Current prices on Teachstone

CLASS® services and products are found at www.teachstone.com. CLASS is uniquely suited to meet the purpose of this contract and needs of ECECD because this instrument assesses the quality of teacher-child interactions in center-based preschool classrooms, infant-toddler classrooms, and out of school time programs across three domains and 10 dimensions. CLASS emphasizes three domains of teacher-child interactions that support children’s learning and development: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and

Instructional Support. The CLASS dimensions are based on developmental theory and research suggesting that positive interactions between children and adults supports children’s development and learning, and that effective, engaging interactions and environments are foundational to quality early childhood classrooms and care settings.

As outlined in the Scope of Work, the purpose of this contract is for the New Mexico Early

Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) to continue its partnership with

Teachstone Inc. through FY30 to advance the use of the Classroom Assessment Learning

System (CLASS®) as a statewide measure of educator-child interactions and as a core driver of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) within New Mexico’s early childhood system.

Building on the foundational work completed in FY26, a multi-year sole source contract will allow expansion of the use of CLASS data, coaching, and professional development to strengthen educator practice, deepen in-state expertise, and support sustainable systems for ongoing quality improvement. Through this partnership, Teachstone will continue to be the sole source for professional development, product keys, tools, materials, and access to Teachstone’s data platform necessary for ECECD to fully implement CLASS within the redesigned QRIS and across early learning programs in New Mexico.

The Contractor will collaborate with ECECD and its designated implementation partner to coordinate professional development schedules, registration requirements, and training logistics. This training and certification are to ensure accurate data collection and to build in-state capacity for ongoing training and observation, supporting the long-term sustainability of CLASS implementation in New Mexico. The contractor will provide participant materials and resources to support certified Affiliate

CLASS® Trainers in delivering CLASS professional development. The contractor will support ECECD and the implementation partner in using CLASS data effectively to inform professional development and continuous quality improvement. These supports will help drive data-informed decision-making and continuous quality improvement across early learning programs.

IX. Provide a narrative description of the agency’s due diligence in determining the basis for the procurement, including procedures used by the agency to conduct a review of available sources such as researching trade publications, industry newsletters and the internet;;

contacting similar service providers; and reviewing the State Purchasing Divisions’

Statewide Price Agreements. Include a list of businesses contacted (do not state that no other businesses were contacted), date of contact, method of contact (telephone, mail, e-mail, other), and documentation demonstrating an explanation of why those businesses could not or would not, under any circumstances, perform the contract; or an explanation of why the agency has determined that no businesses other than the prospective contractor can perform the contract.

When ECECD set forth to redesign the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood, it was determined that assessing the quality of teacher and child interactions is a quality best practice that has direct correlations to positive early childhood outcomes. This was discovered after peer conversations with other states, surveys, and focus groups, and research studies on early childhood classroom experiences as they relate to outcomes in their Kindergarten through 12th grade years. In order to assess the quality of teacher and child interactions with fidelity, ECECD sought a research-based process that was valid and reliable, delivered on a frequency, and accompanied by coaching and technical assistance. The CLASS® assessment tool and its associated professional development, certification programs, assessment tools, product keys, and resource materials met ECECD’s requirements and needs.

ECECD conducted due diligence to determine whether sources other than Teachstone, Inc.

could provide the services and products required in this procurement. The review considered the work outlined in the proposed contract, including access to the CLASS assessment tool and other associated proprietary materials, training, and technical assistance. ECECD reviewed various research articles along with publicly available information regarding CLASS through conversations with relevant early childhood and quality improvement resources, and available information regarding organizations providing early childhood observational assessment services. ECECD also considered whether other organizations could provide equivalent services using the CLASS assessment tool and associated proprietary materials. Additionally, ECECD involved a focus group to review the use of CLASS and sought feedback for further analysis and consideration. The review determined that while organizations may provide early childhood quality improvement, observational assessment, coaching, training, or technical assistance services, those organizations do not provide an equivalent alternative to the specific CLASS products, services, and processes required for ECECD’s redesigned

Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).

ECECD determined that no businesses other than Teachstone, Inc. could perform the contract because Teachstone Inc. is the sole provider of CLASS® (Classroom Assessment

Scoring System) training programs and associated certifications. These services are not sold through distributors. Teachstone is the sole source provider of the authorized training/affiliate license program that allows individuals to provide licensed Teachstone training outside of their identified organization. Teachstone is also the sole provider of

CLASS® printed and online materials. The services and products associated with

Teachstone Inc. and the CLASS assessment tool are not sold through distributors. Current prices on Teachstone CLASS® services and products are found at www.teachstone.com.

Agency certifies this sole source submission complies with NMSA 1978, Sections 13-1-28 through 13-1-199, the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) and Governmental Conduct

Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 10-16-1 through 10-16-18.

Certified by: Date:____________________

Agency Chief Procurement Officer

Certifying Legal Sufficiency by: Date: ____________________

Agency Legal/General Counsel

Agency Approval by: Date: ____________________

Cabinet Secretary/Agency or Entity Head or Designee

APPROVED: Date:____________________

State Purchasing Agent

If this sole source is being submitted by a governmental agency or governmental entity not under the authority of the State Purchasing Agent, the State Purchasing Agent’s signature is not required. The signature line may be removed from this form or marked as N/A. Hard Copy

Documentation for Courtesy Postings do not need to be submitted to SPD for approval.

Docusign Envelope ID: 4C503D08-6BE1-84CB-83CE-3F46F6BC031C

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

I. Name of Agency: NEW MEXICO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE DEPARTMENT