27OECPJ1 | Early College Statewide Growth Plan | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE) are requesting responses for consulting services to develop a comprehensive Statewide Early College Growth Plan (RFR 27OECPJ1), with responses due July 22, 2026. The procurement is subject to Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Program requirements with a minimum 1% commitment to SDO-certified diverse business enterprises or non-profit organizations, and at least 25% of total evaluation points allocated to SDP Plan submissions.

The consultant or consulting firm will establish an evidence-based roadmap for expanding Early College participation from approximately 10,000 students currently to 20,000, 40,000, and ultimately 100,000 students by 2036. Deliverables include Phase 1 (path to 20,000 students) due October 23, 2026; Phase 2 (path to 40,000 students) due February 1, 2027; and the final Growth Plan due April 30, 2027, with all work concluding June 30, 2027. An optional 12-month renewal period runs July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028 at no additional cost. The scope encompasses project management, stakeholder engagement, systems analysis, financial modeling, policy development, and implementation planning. The contract is fixed-price, not to exceed $500,000, fully burdened and inclusive of personnel, fringe, indirect costs, travel, materials, software, and all other expenses.

Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience leading large-scale strategic planning projects for state government; expertise in K-12 education, postsecondary education, dual enrollment, and Early College programs; research and analytical capacity including quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and financial modeling; and equity-centered planning practices. Eight required qualifications must receive "yes" responses; additional evaluation criteria assess SDP participation, project governance plans, staffing, budget detail, resumes, and evidence of racial equity practices.

All responses must be submitted through COMMBUYS. Bidders must register and maintain an active seller account, comply with Electronic Funds Transfer requirements, participate in the Prompt Payment Discount initiative, and submit a project narrative (25 pages maximum), itemized budget, team resumes, project timeline, one-page equity narrative, Attachment B contact form, Prompt Payment Discount Form, and Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form. Quotes remain in effect for 90 days. All Commonwealth deliverables and ownership rights remain with the state; the contractor must grant the Commonwealth a fully-paid, royalty-free, perpetual license to pre-existing property embodied in deliverables.