Expert Consultant Services for UCD & Regulatory Systems Liaison

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Expert Consultant Services in User-Centered System Design (UCD) and Regulatory Systems Liaison to support early childhood education initiatives across the state. The consultant will serve as a liaison between state agencies and community-based stakeholders, including parents and child care providers, to ensure regulatory systems align with COMAR requirements and prioritize user-centered design. Key responsibilities include facilitating communication between MSDE and local early childhood councils, translating complex regulatory language into accessible guidance, organizing community outreach activities, conducting focus groups and feedback sessions, pressure-testing state systems for user-friendliness, refining Standard Operating Procedures, and supporting the rollout of user-facing digital systems. Mandatory qualifications require a bachelor's degree in communications, social work, public relations, or a related field, plus three years of previous experience in community engagement or a related field, with qualifications verified through two references. Preferred qualifications include stakeholder engagement experience, system modernization experience, documentation and SOP development expertise, bilingual proficiency, and established relationships with Maryland-specific early childhood networks. The contract period runs from April 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with work performed across multiple counties at various early childhood councils, CCRC Hubs, and MSDE's Baltimore offices. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by May 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM, and proposals must be submitted electronically through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) by May 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the most favorable bid price, with the lowest price being the determining factor, and in the event of tie bids, the bidder with the most experience will be selected.

Small, Minority, and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to respond to this solicitation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The total contract cost may not exceed $49,999.00 for the entire contract term, with bidders required to submit hourly or daily rates that include all direct and indirect costs such as travel, lodging, and food. Contractors must be registered to do business with the State of Maryland to be awarded the contract and must bill monthly for services performed with proper invoices and required documentation, with payments made on a net 30 schedule. The State of Maryland is exempt from federal excise taxes and state sales taxes, though the contractor may be liable for such taxes. No existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are specified in the procurement documents.