27RFQTALJS1 | MA Literacy Production and Communications Support | RFQ | PRF86

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting quotes for professional publication, design, formatting, accessibility, branding, and communications support for statewide literacy resources under RFQ 27RFQTALJS1, with responses due August 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET. This procurement is available through statewide contract vendor PRF86 and carries a Small Business Program Plan (SBPP) preference — SBPP-registered vendors meeting best-value criteria receive award preference, and non-SBPP bidders are evaluated only if no SBPP bidder qualifies.

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 employee hours per quarter), and gross revenues not exceeding $15 million based on a three-year average. Non-profit organizations must be registered with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and maintain 501(c) tax-exempt status.

The scope encompasses design and production of the Early Literacy Screening Guidance document (approximately 55 pages) and at least six standalone Companion Toolkit documents from DESE-supplied draft content; three infographic videos (anticipated under five minutes, full production responsibility including narration, voiceover, captioning, music, and accessibility compliance); and communications and promotional materials including brochures and infographics. The vendor must provide all final deliverables and editable source files in native formats (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office) enabling DESE to make independent future revisions. Up to two review and revision cycles are anticipated for primary deliverables. Design support for the Massachusetts Literacy Guide is limited to communications, dissemination, and promotional materials; website redesign is explicitly excluded.

The contract runs from anticipated award in early September 2026 through June 30, 2027, with one renewal option extending July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. The maximum obligation is $50,000 for the initial period and $25,000 for the renewal period, totaling $75,000. Invoices are paid at minimum quarterly based on completion or percent completion of deliverables. Funding sources are state appropriation account 7043-7001 (Unit Code 235W) and federal program code FH027A2576.

Evaluation criteria employ a 100-point system with pass/fail required qualifications and weighted evaluation categories: preferred qualifications (10 points); proposed timeline demonstrating ability to meet deadlines (4x multiplier, 20 points maximum); minimum three work samples (3x multiplier, 15 points maximum); detailed accessible digital and print materials experience (4x multiplier, 20 points maximum); key personnel resumes and project manager identification (4x multiplier, 20 points maximum); and deliverables-based budget aligned with fiscal allocations (3x multiplier, 15 points maximum). Questions were due August 4, 2026. All digital deliverables must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and AA. DESE may conduct Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background checks on all vendor staff and subcontractors working in educational settings. All materials developed using Commonwealth funds become DESE property. Responses must be submitted through COMMBUYS; emailed submissions are not accepted.