RFQ MTSS Tiered Decision Process.pdf

Request for Quote (RFQ)

#R00B7600061 eMMA No. BPM058932

Title: MSDE Multi-Tiered

Support Decision Process for Tiers

2 and 3

Release Date: September 18, 2026

Small, Minority and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to respond to this solicitation.

Maryland State Department of Education

Request for Quote (RFQ) #R00B7600061

MSDE Multi-Tiered Support Decision Process for Tiers 2 and 3

Issue Date: September 18, 2026

Title: MSDE Multi-Tiered Support Decision Process for Tiers 2 and 3

Procurement Officer: Lisa McMillan, Procurement Officer

Lisa.mcmillan4@maryland.gov

THIS SOLICITATION SHALL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SMALL PROCUREMENT

REGULATIONS DESCRIBED IN COMAR 21.05.07.

I. Background and Purpose

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Committed to ensuring every student has access to evidence-based instruction with appropriate academic and social-emotion supports as needed through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). To establish consistent, high-fidelity implementation across local education agencies (LEAs), MSDE requires a standardized framework for

Tier II (targeted) and Tier III (intensive) decision-making processes specifically to support student identification and progress monitoring for math and literacy interventions.

The purpose of this RFQ is to engage a qualified entity with national expertise and deep familiarity with Maryland school districts and evidence-based intervention practices to review existing state policy, develop standardized SEA guidance, create a state support implementation plan, and provide direct technical assistance (TA) to select LEAs (specifically supporting LEA Tier 2 Technical assistance structures). This procurement ensures MSDE establishes a sustainable state-level infrastructure using validated MTSS fidelity checks and progress monitoring tools while building capacity across Maryland school leaders.

II. Minimum Requirements

The Bidder shall meet the following minimum requirements:

A. Essential Requirements

1. National MTSS Reputation & Leadership: The Bidder must demonstrate proven experience leading or operating a national center focused on MTSS, framework development and integrated multi-tiered system of supports; specifically providing guidance on decision processes and progress monitoring for tiers 2 and 3 for math and literacy. With a minimum of 5 years’ experience and publications around research-based resources

2. Maryland Context Expertise: The Bidder must have demonstrated hands-on experience working directly with Maryland school districts, possessing deep familiarity with MSDE structures, Maryland math and Literacy policies, COMAR, and local LEA operational environments around MTSS and framework development.

3. Fidelity Measurement Tools: The Bidder must demonstrate expertise in utilizing, adapting, or deploying validated MTSS fidelity rubrics (e.g., District Integrated Fidelity mailto:Lisa.mcmillan4@maryland.gov

Tool, School-wide Integrated Framework Transformation) to evaluate decision-making validity and district progress. This process should be grounded in nationally recognized research and with evidence of supporting state and local education agencies to improve student outcomes in math and literacy

4. Capacity for Direct Technical Assistance: The Bidder must demonstrate the staffing and operational capacity to deliver both high-level state guidance through a published resource and direct, tailored technical assistance (TA) to local school systems. The delivery of technical assistance will be provided by a cohort and could be a combination of in person and virtual.

B. Education Requirements

1. Leadership team should hold a master’s degree in an education related field from a nationally accredited University

AND

2. CV illustrating experience working with a State Education Agency in MTSS (Multi-

Tiered System of Supports) specifically for math and Literacy interventions.

III. Responsibilities and Tasks

The selected Vendor shall be responsible for completing the following contract requirements, tasks, and deliverables:

A. Policy Review & SEA Decision-Making Guidance around math and Literacy MTSS

• Review current MSDE math and Literacy policies and regulations and state frameworks related to MTSS Tier II and Tier III identification, intervention, progress monitoring, and exit criteria.

• Draft standardized state-level guidance that establishes clear decision-making trees, threshold criteria, and operational rules for Tier II (targeted) and Tier III (intensive) determinations.

• Ensure state guidance aligns with Maryland Ready: Strategic Plan and relevant COMAR regulations.

• Develop a comprehensive State Support Plan that outlines implementation steps, timelines, roles, and resource needs for state and LEA leaders.

• Design structured guidance materials and toolkits to help local systems operationalize Tier II and Tier III interventions in Literacy and mathematics including student identification and progress monitoring decision-making.

C. Direct Technical Assistance (TA) & LEA Support

• Deliver targeted, direct technical assistance to designated LEAs (focusing on LEA Tier 2 TA structures) to support local adoption of the decision-making framework for math and Literacy.

• Conduct coaching, capacity-building workshops, and leadership sessions for district teams to troubleshoot local implementation challenges.

D. Ongoing Team Collaboration

• Maintain continuous, scheduled collaboration with MSDE cross-functional teams to align project deliverables with broader state education initiatives.

• Participate in routine progress meetings, stakeholder reviews, and feedback loops to adjust guidance documents as needed.

E. Fidelity Rubric Deployment & Evaluation

• Deploy a validated tier 2 and 3 implementation Rubric to benchmark district progress and measure the accuracy and fidelity of Tier II and Tier III determinations for math and Literacy.

• Provide an end-of-contract summary report detailing district progress, implementation of fidelity, lessons learned, and recommendations for long-term sustainability

Deliverable Due Date

A. Policy Review & SEA Decision-Making Guidance November 6, 2026

B. State Support Plan & Implementation Plan January 5, 2027

C. Direct Technical Assistance (TA) & LEA Support March/April 2027

D. Ongoing Team Collaboration Ongoing with biweekly or monthly meetings

November 2026- July 2027

E. Fidelity Rubric Deployment & Evaluation First Draft June with Final Draft July 2027

IV. Term of Contract

A single (or Multiple) contract will be awarded to the Bidder that best meets the needs of the evaluation criteria. The anticipated term of the contract resulting from this solicitation shall begin on or about

November 1, 2026, and terminate on November 1, 2027.

V. Place of Work

Work will be completed at the Maryland State Department of Education, Nancy S. Grasmick Building, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

VI. Questions

Questions shall be submitted by September 22, 2026, by 5 PM EDT

All questions should be addressed in writing to the Procurement Officer. Please put the RFQ

#R00B7600061 and Title in the subject line of your email. Note: All responses to questions submitted, if any, shall only be posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) as Addendum #1 and or Q & A after the due date of questions are received. It is beneficial to be registered with “eMMA” to access the addendums and any other pertinent information. There may be other opportunities from

State agencies there. There shall be no mailing of the Addendums. The link to “eMMA” to register is as follows: https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/sup/registration_extranet_manage

VII. Bid Submission Information and Due Date

Bids are due by October 2, 2026, by 2 PM EDT

In accordance with COMAR 21.03.05, bids are to be submitted electronically through eMaryland

Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) following the Quick Reference Guides (QRG) labeled “3 - eMMA

QRG Responding to Solicitations (IFB)” for single envelope submissions. The Bidder must submit a letter of interest, a resume that demonstrates the required qualifications for the services requested and the signed bid form Exhibit A (include ALL final costs for completing the project) to provide the service detailed in the Scope of Work. The submission must be received by October 2, 2026, by 2 PM EDT. If you have not done business with MSDE or the State of Maryland, or a significant amount of time has elapsed, please submit an updated W-9 with your bid. Bids will not be opened publicly.

VIII. Award https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/sup/registration_extranet_manage https://procurement.maryland.gov/emma-qrgs/

An award will be made based on the most advantageous offer to the State of Maryland considering price after meeting the evaluation criteria found in this solicitation. Vendors must first meet all the mandatory requirements. An award will be made based on the lowest price. Bids will not be considered by vendors who do not meet all the minimum and educational requirements. Total Bid Price will be the lowest price total on Exhibit A - Bid Form.

IX. Billing

The contractor shall bill the Department monthly for the work performed the previous month. The total cost of work may not exceed $100,000.00 for the term of the contract. All invoiced must be on the contractor’s letterhead, must be signed and dated, and must include the following:

1. The contractor’s name and mailing address;

2. The contractor’s Federal Tax Identification or Social Security Number;

3. The State assigned Contract Control Number;

4. The State assigned blanket purchase order number;

5. The goods and services provided;

6. The time period covered by the invoice;

7. The amount of requested payment; and

8. Documentation to support invoice requested amount.

The Department reserves the right to reduce or withhold Contract payment in the event the Contractor does not provide the Department with all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the

Contract or otherwise breaches the terms and conditions of the Contract until such time as the Contractor brings itself into full compliance with the Contract.

Any action on the part of the Department, or dispute of action by the Contractor, shall be in accordance with the provisions of Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article §§ 15-215 through 15-223 and with COMAR 21.10.04.

The State is generally exempt from federal excise taxes, Maryland sales and use taxes, District of

Columbia sales taxes and transportation taxes. The Contractor, however, is not exempt from such sales and use taxes and may be liable for the same.

Invoices for final payment shall be clearly marked as “FINAL” and submitted when all work requirements have been completed and no further charges are to be incurred under the Contract. In no event shall any invoice be submitted later than 60 calendar days from the Contract termination date.

X. Invoicing Instructions

Payment by the State requires a proper invoice to be submitted. Payments are made on a net 30 Schedule.

A. An invoice not satisfying the requirements of a Proper Invoice (as defined at COMAR 21.06.09.01 and

.02) cannot be processed for payment. To be considered a Proper Invoice, invoices must include the following information, without error:

1) Contractor name and address.

2) Remittance address.

3) Federal taxpayer identification (FEIN) number, social security number, as appropriate.

4) Invoice period (i.e., time period during which services covered by invoice were performed);

5) Invoice date.

6) Invoice number.

7) State assigned Contract number.

8) State assigned Purchase Order number(s).

9) Goods or services provided.

10) Amount due; and

11) Any additional documentation required by regulation or the Contract.

12) Consultants must submit a consultant log with their invoice.

B. The State is generally exempt from federal excise taxes, Maryland sales and use taxes, District of

Columbia sales taxes and transportation taxes. The Contractor: however, is not exempt from such sales and use taxes and may be liable for the same.

C. Invoices for final payment shall be clearly marked as “FINAL” and submitted when all work requirements have been completed and no further charges are to be incurred under the Contract. In no event shall any invoice be submitted later than 60 calendar days from the Contract termination date.

XI. Partial/Multiple Consultants

The MSDE reserves the right to award contracts to multiple consultants for the services and materials required in this RFQ.

XII. Non-Hiring of Employees

No official or employee of the State of Maryland, as defined under State Government Article, §15-102, Annotated Code of Maryland, whose duties as such official or employee include matters relating to or affecting the subject matter of this contract, shall during the pendency and term of this contract and while serving as an official or employee of the State, become or be an employee of the Contractor or any entity that is a subcontractor on this contract.

XIII. Most Favorable Bid Price

The State reserves the right to award the contract to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the most favorable bid price for providing the goods and services, as specified in this RFQ.

XIV. Tie-bids

If bids are received from responsive and responsible Bidders that are identical in prices, terms and conditions, and which meet all requirements set forth in the solicitation, an award will be made in accordance with State Regulations 21.05.02.14B. If a tie still exists, the Bidder with the most experience shall be used to determine the successful Bidder.

EXHIBIT A

BID FORM

(DO NOT ALTER OR AMEND THIS FORM OTHER THEN “COST PER HOUR/DAY,

TOTAL COST AND TOTAL CONTRACT VALUE)

DETAILED COST CATEGORY Fixed Cost Per Deliverable

Policy Review & Guidance Development

State Support Plan & Toolkits

LEA Technical Assistance & Support

MSDE Collaboration Meetings

Fidelity Rubric Deployment

Final Summary Report

Admin/Project Management/ Travel Costs

TOTAL PROJECT COST OF ALL FIXED COSTS ABOVE $

*Submit this Exhibit A and all supportive itemized pricing, a letter of interest, a resume and all education credentials.

Exhibit A: Fixed Cost Per Deliverable is to include all costs incurred both direct and indirect in delivering a product or service, which includes, but is not limited to materials, travel, lodging, food, taxes, etc.

All bids submitted shall be identified with RFQ # R00B7600061.

◆ Late bids will not be accepted.

◆ Faxed or mailed bids will not be accepted.

VENDOR’S NAME: _____________________________________________

Print

VENDOR’S ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________ City State Zip

VENDOR’S FEDERAL ID or SS#____________________________________________

NAME OF AUTHORIZED: ________________________________________

Print

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________

TITLE: _____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NO: ______________________________ DATE: ________________________

E-MAIL: ________________________________________________

FAX NO. ____________________________________________________

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE STATE OF MARYLAND? YES ____ NO ____

IF NOT, PLEASE REGISTER HERE: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/

YOUR BUSINESS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF MARYLAND TO BE

AWARDED A CONTRACT.

ARE YOU A REGISTERED SMALL BUSINESS? YES ____ NO ____

IF YES: MARYLAND STATE CERTIFICATION #___________________________

IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED AS A SMALL BUSINESS, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://goma.maryland.gov/Pages/sbr-Program.aspx

ARE YOU A REGISTERED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE? YES____ NO____

IF YES: MARYLAND STATE CERTIFICATION #__________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE IF YOUR BUISNESS QUALIFIES AS

AN MBE/VSBE/DBE WITH THE STATE OF MARYLAND, PLESE VISIT THE

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/ http://goma.maryland.gov/Pages/sbr-Program.aspx https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/index.aspx?pageid=90

Exhibit B

MSDE Supplemental Information Technology Requirements

1. Accessibility Requirements

These MSDE Supplemental Requirements are in addition to the requirements otherwise set forth in the solicitation. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency in any language in the solicitation or the Contract, the stricter language shall apply.

1.1 Accessibility Compliance

A. The State is committed to ensuring that digital technology and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with all applicable federal and State laws, regulations, and applicable technical standards. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all products and/or services provided under this Contract shall meet all accessibility requirements and standards set forth in applicable federal and State laws and regulations, including, without limitation, Education Article § 7-910 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 13a.06.05, Title II of the

Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 28 C.F.R. 35 (including the

Final Rule on “Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local

Governments” the (“Final Rule”)), and the technical standard set forth in the Web Content Accessibility

Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.1, Level AA. The Contractor acknowledges that MSDE seeks to comply, and expects compliance from the Contractor, with the Federal Rule immediately. If any laws, regulations, or standards regarding accessibility of the provided products or services change during Contract performance, the Contractor shall agree to modify its products or services to comply with the changed laws, regulations, or standards.

B. The Contractor guarantees that all documents, materials, and other deliverables produced or provided as part of this Contract will be fully and equally accessible to persons with disabilities under all applicable federal and State laws and regulations, including those referenced in subsection A of this

Section. If the documents, materials, and other deliverables are to be distributed or posted to MSDE’s website, final versions shall be ready for posting with no additional modification to the documents, materials, or other deliverables necessary to be performed by MSDE. This includes documents and materials provided in English, as well as those documents and materials that the Contractor is required to translate into another language.

C. The Contractor guarantees that all digital tools and/or any web content and mobile app services supplied under this Contract meet the accessibility standards set forth in WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Further, the Contractor guarantees all digital tools and/or any web content and mobile app services supplied under this Contract conform to meet any requirements under all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including those referenced in subsection A of this Section.

D. The Contractor agrees to adhere to all requirements of Education Article § 7-910 and any applicable regulations. The Contractor also agrees to adhere to all requirements set forth in 28 C.F.R.

35, including Final Rule, as it relates to the services provided to the State by the Contractor.

E. The Contractor may not provide non-accessible or alternative non-conforming digital tools or any web content and mobile app services unless exceptions are specifically authorized in writing to do so by the State. Any conforming alternative version of any digital or any web content and mobile app services, or any portion thereof, must be approved in writing by the State.

F. If there is any conflict or inconsistency in the solicitation or the resulting Contract regarding accessibility standards that must be met by the Contractor, the higher standard shall prevail.

Any attempt by the Offeror/Bidder or Contractor to limit its compliance with accessibility laws, regulations, or solicitation requirements in its proposal/bid shall not be allowed and such language shall be considered void in the event the parties enter into a Contract.

G. If there is a technical proposal submitted in response to a request for proposals (“RFP”), the Offeror shall describe how its products and/or services are accessible under applicable laws, regulations, and the WCAG 2.1, Level AA technical standard.

H. If there is a bid submitted in response to an invitation for bids (“IFB”), the Bidder hereby warrants that its products and/or services are accessible under applicable laws, regulations, and the

WCAG 2.1, Level AA technical standard.

I. If this Contract is the result of a sole source procurement or intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement (including a participating addendum), the Contractor hereby warrants that its products and/or services are accessible under applicable laws, regulations, and the WCGA 2.1, Level AA technical standard.

J. In its technical proposal, the Offeror shall clearly inform the State if it believes that accessibility compliance will result in an undue financial or administrative burden to the

State without including any pricing information. However, any final determination of any undue financial or administrative burden shall rest solely with the State and, unless directed otherwise, the

Offeror must still adhere to all applicable accessibility laws and technical requirements. The Offeror shall structure its technical and financial proposals based upon adherence to all applicable accessibility laws and technical requirements.

1.1.1 Accessibility Maintenance and Support

During the Contract term, the Contractor shall provide ongoing maintenance and support for accessibility for provided products and services, including, but not limited to, any digital tools and any web content and mobile app services. The ongoing maintenance and support shall consist of, at a minimum, the services described in this section.

A. Accessibility Compliance Audits. The Contractor shall periodically, but no less than annually, conduct accessibility compliance audits, to ensure continued compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and the WCAG 2.1 Level AA technical standard. This audit shall a Voluntary Product

Accessibility Template (VPAT) and the VPAT must adhere to the current published standards (currently -version 2.5 REV WCAG or 2.5 REV 508 or their latest rendition). The audit must include a list of identified WCAG 2.1 Level AA areas of non-compliance and estimated remediation timeframes. The results of the audit shall be provided to the Contract Monitor no later than 120 days after the Contract start date and annually thereafter. The State reserves the right to request additional accessibility compliance audits, at no additional cost to the State if the State, in its sole discretion, determines there is a need for an audit more than annually.

B. State-Conducted Accessibility Compliance Audits. The State reserves the right to conduct its own accessibility compliance audit in order to determine if the Contractor is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and the WCAG 2.1 Level AA technical standard. MSDE’s failure to conduct an accessibility compliance audit does not waive the duties and obligations of the Contractor to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and technical standards related to accessibility.

C. Accessibility Remediation. The Contractor shall remediate any identified non-compliance with any applicable laws, regulations, and the WCAG 2.1, Level AA technical standard, conduct validation testing, and provide documentation of the testing results within thirty (30) days of notification of its discovery of any non-compliance or notice of any non-compliance, whichever is earlier. The remediation shall be at no additional cost to the State. The Contract Monitor may allow an additional time for remediation, if the Contractor appears to be working diligently toward remediation but cannot meet the thirty (30) day deadline.

1.1.2 Accessibility Compliance Indemnity and Potential Penalties

A. For purposes of clarification, the Contractor’s indemnification obligations set forth in

Exhibit 2 – Contract shall include the accessibility compliance requirements set forth in this Section and any claims, demands, actions, suits, damages, liabilities, losses, settlements, judgments, costs and expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and costs), whether or not involving a third party claim, which arise out of or relate to the Contractor’s, or any of its subcontractors’, compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines associated with accessibility compliance. Nothing in this

Section shall be viewed as limiting the indemnification requirements and obligations set forth in Exhibit

2 – Contract.

B. Any limitation of liability clause in the Contract shall not apply to accessibility compliance and the Contractor’s liability shall be unlimited.

C. In addition to the indemnification obligations set forth in this Section and in this

Contract, if the Contractor fails to meet the equivalent access standards required by any applicable federal or State law or regulation, it may be assessed civil penalties or fine, including those set forth in

Education Article § 7-910.

1.1.3 Third-Party Technology

The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that supplying third-party technology, products, or services does not exempt the Contractor from ensuring that the products or services provided under this Contract comply with the accessibility requirements of this Section. The Contractor bears sole responsibility for determining the accessibility of such technology, products, or services and must ensure that any product can be edited or remediated as necessary to comply with accessibility standards.

1.1.4 Information Technology Supplemental

The Information Technology Supplemental section entitled “Nonvisual Access” shall be construed in its entirety to require the Contractor to meet all accessibility requirements set forth in Federal and State laws and regulations, regardless of whether a disability and the corresponding accessibility requirement is related to vision. All subsections of “Nonvisual Access” shall be interpreted broadly and liberally to extend beyond vision in order to comply with all applicable accessibility and equivalent access standards.