27SEPRLS1 | RFR | Improving Positive Social-emotional skills & relationships through PBS

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting responses for technical assistance, coaching, consultation, and implementation support services for the Pyramid Model in early childhood education under RFR 27SEPRLS1, with responses due August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The procurement carries a preference for Massachusetts Small Business Program Plan (SBPP) registered bidders; SBPP-registered vendors meeting best-value criteria will be evaluated and awarded first, with non-SBPP bidders reviewed only if no SBPP vendor qualifies.

The vendor must demonstrate expertise in the Pyramid Model and deliver services to early childhood educators, leadership teams (early childhood, school, and district leaders), site-based coaches, and external coaches across 22 participating Massachusetts public school districts currently engaged in State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) activities. Scope includes remote and in-person training delivery, establishment of an in-state staff coordinator position, monthly Professional Learning Communities for external coaches, implementation-focused coaching using the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool and Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children assessment, management of the Massachusetts Pyramid State Leadership Team, collaboration with SSIP evaluators and other technical assistance providers, supervision of a cadre of external coaches, training venue coordination, and provision of evaluation documentation and editable resource materials. Vendor compensation must be structured as fully inclusive hourly, daily, or per-deliverable rates covering coordination, support services, professional learning, technical assistance, external coaches, and site costs, with at least 60 percent of each fiscal year's budget supporting the external coach cadre.

The maximum obligation is $200,000 for the initial contract period through June 30, 2027, with no renewal options. Funding derives from federal sources. Questions are due August 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. through COMMBUYS. Evaluation criteria weight narrative quality and scope adherence at 10x multiplier (50 points), budget alignment at 3x multiplier (15 points), equity commitment and antiracist practices at 2x multiplier (10 points each), work samples and references at 5 points each, and required Attachment B submission at 5 points. All personnel undergoing direct or unmonitored contact with children require CORI background checks. All digital assets and deliverables must meet Commonwealth Digital Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA compliance). Contract manager: Renee Simon, Renee.Simon@mass.gov or 781-338-3365.