High Quality Evidence-Based Instructional Materials QVL

The Missouri Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing, on behalf of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is requesting proposals to establish a Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for evidence-based instructional materials in early literacy for grades K–5, with proposals due September 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time via MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS. Amendment No. 01 corrected the closing date to September 8, 2026; vendors who previously submitted must acknowledge the amendment and resubmit.

The scope encompasses core, supplemental, and intervention reading materials aligned with the science of reading and Missouri Learning Standards. Vendors must supply digital samples and demonstrate alignment through published reviews by The Reading League Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines (3rd Edition) and EdReports ELA Core Content Review Criteria v2.1, or complete comprehensive self-evaluations using provided forms. Materials must also evidence placement on the ESSA Evidence-Based Reading Programs list or complete an ESSA Tiers of Evidence self-evaluation demonstrating Tier 1, 2, or 3 status. Evaluation emphasizes systematic and explicit phonics instruction, decodable texts, fluency development, comprehension strategies, writing instruction, and assessment practices grounded in reading science.

Vendors must meet minimum experience requirements: at least five years publishing foundational reading instructional materials, ability to deliver within thirty days of contract award, minimum two staff members dedicated to Missouri schools, and professional development personnel with at least five years' experience. Existing contractors under prior solicitations (RFPC30034902300621, RFPC30034902400320, RFPC30034902400335) may reference their prior contract number and product information without resubmitting samples or self-evaluations for identical curricula, though new editions require full compliance.

The contract term runs from award through one year, renewable for two additional one-year periods. Delivery is FOB destination to local education agencies statewide within thirty calendar days of order. Pricing is firm and fixed; the state absorbs no additional costs including taxes, shipping, or insurance. Vendors must achieve "Approved" and "Spend Authorized" status in MissouriBUYS to be contract-eligible. The state retains the right to extend ordering access to other state agencies and government entities.