27DAAEG1 - Due Diligence | Nationwide Central Repository

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is conducting a due diligence procurement for access to a nationwide central repository of secondary and postsecondary education student data maintained by the National Student Clearinghouse, with vendor responses due June 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time and a formal bid opening on June 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

This is a single-vendor procurement method; DESE has identified the National Student Clearinghouse as the sole proprietor of the required proprietary database and is conducting this due diligence posting to determine whether other qualified vendors exist who can provide the same service. The procurement serves to fulfill state and federal data reporting requirements related to post-secondary enrollment of Massachusetts public high school graduates.

The initial contract duration runs from approval through June 30, 2031, with no renewal options. Contract users include DESE, the Executive Office of Education, Children's Trust Fund, Department of Higher Education, and Early Education and Care; each will execute a separate contract if engaging with the awarded vendor. The maximum obligation amount has not yet been determined and will be established prior to award. Funding sources include state and capital appropriation funds.

All responses must be submitted through COMMBUYS. Questions are due June 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with answers posted by June 4, 2026. Vendors must maintain an active COMMBUYS account throughout the contract duration and comply with Commonwealth terms and conditions, including Electronic Funds Transfer authorization requirements. All digital deliverables must meet the Commonwealth's Digital Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA). The Supplier Diversity Program applies; bidders must commit a minimum of 1% of contract sales to certified diverse businesses unless the estimated annual value falls below the $250,000 threshold.

Contact: Erica Gonzales, Associate Commissioner of Data and Accountability, at erica.m.gonzales@mass.gov or 781-338-3547.