FY27 0588 Countdown to Launch

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting proposals for the FY27 0588 Countdown to Launch competitive grant program, posted September 22, 2026, with a same-day deadline.

The program funds schools to strengthen early literacy practices and build capacity to support teacher candidates seeking licensure in Early Childhood PK-2, Elementary 1-6, or Moderate Disabilities PK-2/PK-8. Programmatic details, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, allowable uses, project duration, submission deadlines, required forms, and submission instructions are maintained on the DESE Grants Management website at https://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2027/0588/. Applicants must refer to the full grant posting for comprehensive program details and are responsible for monitoring https://www.doe.mass.edu/Grants/current.html for current information and any modifications to program terms prior to submission.

All materials and deliverables developed using Commonwealth funds become DESE's property unless otherwise specified and may be posted on the DESE website or distributed beyond the contract duration. Vendors must obtain all necessary permissions or licenses for DESE to use any underlying intellectual property incorporated into their responses or deliverables. All digital assets must meet the Commonwealth's Digital Accessibility Standards, including WCAG 2.1 level A and AA; vendors must cooperate with accessibility testing at no additional cost and provide access to digital products for ongoing evaluation.

DESE is authorized to conduct Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background checks on vendor staff and subcontractors who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children; vendors must notify DESE before staffing changes. If the project is funded through federal sources, vendors agree to provide access to books and records to the Commonwealth and federal funding sources upon request. DESE reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, award to multiple vendors, request interviews prior to contract execution, and request modifications to proposals. All procurement complies with Massachusetts procurement laws and federal procedures under 34 CFR Part 74.40-8 and Part 80.36.