Q and A - COMMBUYS 9.30.2026.docx

This is a Questions and Answers document for a state and local contract opportunity issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for World Languages Advisory Team Facilitation and Framework Support. The RFP (Alternate ID: 27TALAM1, COMMBUYS Bid #: BD-27-1026-DOE02-DOE01-133774) solicits proposals to facilitate approximately four virtual advisory meetings annually with roughly 30 members and develop comprehensive statewide implementation resources supporting the 2021 World Languages Curriculum Framework. The Q&A close date was September 30, 2026, with proposals due October 7, 2026. Key deliverables include a Best Practices Manual, course outcome matrices (anticipated 5-20 matrices examining varied languages and program types), district implementation tools, official Department guidance, and minimum three webinar slide decks. The project encompasses FY2027 and FY2028, with data collection finalizing in FY27 and final products delivered by the end of FY2028. Approximately 20 districts participate in the World Languages Advisory Team, representing 10-12 languages and diverse program types (heritage, foundational, dual language). All final products must be delivered as Word documents conforming to accessibility standards per Commonwealth Digital Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA).

The contract is valued at $75,000 across two fiscal years: $25,000 for FY2027 and $50,000 for FY2028. Bidders may propose different budget allocations within these maximum amounts for each fiscal year rather than adhering to fixed limits for individual deliverables. SBPP-registered (Small Business Purchasing Program) bidders receive award preference under Executive Order 523, with qualified SBPP participants evaluated and awarded first. SBPP eligibility requires principal place of business in Massachusetts, at least one year in operation, 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (or fewer than 26,000 combined hours per quarter), and gross revenues of $15 million or less based on a three-year average. Non-profit organizations must be registered with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and maintain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Department will provide summary notes from all previous WLAT meetings and FY25-26 data and analyses to support vendor planning and cost estimation.