25MASFSJL1 | Approved Preschool Language and Literacy Assessments Departmental MA

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting bids from assessment vendors for a Departmental Master Agreement (MA) to support the state's mixed delivery system in selecting valid and reliable preschool language and literacy assessments. DESE intends to approve one or more assessments that sufficiently meet the specified criteria and publish these approved assessments on a public list. The required qualifications include that the assessment must be appropriate for screening, formative, or summative assessment, measure early language and literacy skills predictive of later reading success, and be developed and validated for preschool children. The evaluation criteria include reliability and validity evidence, fit for the target population, professional development and customer service, different result interpretations, affordability, and overall usability. Bids may be submitted on an ongoing basis until the final due date of December 31, 2027, and the initial contract duration is from the approval date to June 30, 2029, with a potential renewal option.

All bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant financial commitment to partnering with one or more certified diverse businesses or non-profit organizations, with a minimum commitment of 1% of contract sales. Bidders will receive additional evaluation points for higher commitments. The total estimated annual contract value is expected to exceed $250,000 across all awarded vendors. Neither DESE nor the Department of Early Education and Care will provide direct funding, but the approved vendors may contract directly with eligible users, such as DESE, public schools/districts, and community-based organizations serving preschool children.