27SEPGT1 | Comprehensive Support for IDEA Part B SPP/APR | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting proposals for comprehensive support for IDEA Part B State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report activities across seven modules, with proposals due August 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time through COMMBUYS. This solicitation is subject to World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines and covered under the Supplier Diversity Program.

All bidders must commit a minimum 1% financial contribution to SDP-certified diverse businesses or non-profit organizations, with at least 25% of evaluation points allocated to the SDP Plan. Eligible SDP partners include MBE, WBE, VBE, SDVOBE, DOBE, and LGBTBE certifications; the minimum 1% commitment is enforceable annually and measured on a Massachusetts fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30) for the contract duration.

The scope spans seven modular components: Module A (data analysis and reporting for Indicators 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13); Module B (Indicator 8 data collection, analysis, and reporting); Module C (Indicator 7 preschool outcomes); Module D (statewide stakeholder engagement); Module E (technical assistance and professional development); Module F (Indicator 14 post-school outcomes); and Module G (State Systemic Improvement Plan development and implementation). Vendors may respond as single comprehensive contractors or for specific modules. Core deliverables include SPP/APR submissions, data analyses, public-facing reports, stakeholder materials, technical assistance, and OSEP compliance documentation.

The initial contract obligation is $1.17 million, covering FY2027 and FY2028 through June 30, 2028, with estimated module allocations ranging from $60,000 to $150,000. The contract includes renewal options for up to five additional one-year periods through June 30, 2033, with total potential value of $4.17 million. Funding derives entirely from federal appropriation. Module F ($60,000 annually) is excluded from initial contract but available in renewal years.

Eight non-negotiable required qualifications filter advancement: demonstrated IDEA Part B SPP/APR experience, Results-Driven Accountability and OSEP reporting knowledge, statistical analysis capabilities, accessible communication materials development, technical communication to diverse audiences, state-level stakeholder engagement experience, data confidentiality compliance, and ability to begin work immediately. Evaluation comprises nine additional criteria on zero to five-point scales with multipliers, including preferred qualifications and organizational experience (15 points), module-specific expertise (15 points for required, 10 for preferred), technical approach and project management (15 points), staff qualifications (5 points), communication and stakeholder engagement (5 points), budget and cost effectiveness (5 points), and equity and cultural responsiveness (5 points).

Submissions require a narrative addressing project understanding and qualifications (maximum three pages per module), an equity commitment statement (one page), resumes of key personnel including the Principal Investigator, two work samples per module demonstrating large-scale implementation experience, two reference letters for key personnel, detailed project management structure, and a sample first-year timeline and deliverables schedule. Responses must include the COMMBUYS Attachment B contact form, Prompt Payment Discount form, and Supplier Diversity Program form. Questions are due July 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time through COMMBUYS Q&A. No pre-bid conference is scheduled. All deliverables must comply with Commonwealth Digital Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA) and Massachusetts Enterprise Information Security Policies and Standards. The contract manager is Greg Tobey, IDEA Data Supervisor, at gregory.tobey@mass.gov or 781-338-3378. All materials developed using Commonwealth funds become DESE property.