[RE-POST] REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: Education to Workforce Marketplace (E2WM)

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education is requesting information on technology-enabled solutions to support statewide reengagement of stopped-out learners (Massachusetts residents with some college credit but no credential) across public higher education institutions, with RFI responses due October 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an information-gathering phase; responding is voluntary and carries no commitment to a subsequent procurement. A Supplier Diversity Plan form requiring minimum 1% spending with certified diverse businesses (MBE, WBE, SDVOBE, VBE, or other recognized categories) is required as an attachment for future solicitations.

The scope encompasses student outreach, coaching, reengagement, enrollment, persistence, credential completion, and workforce transition services targeting an estimated 766,000 eligible stopped-out residents. The solution must include student-facing technology platforms; data analytics and outreach methodologies; coaching and persistence-support models; institutional partnership structures across all 28 participating undergraduate-serving public higher education institutions; training and support services; and FERPA-compliant data-sharing coordination. DHE anticipates selecting a single primary vendor, which may include subcontractors, to serve up to six new institutions during FY27. Vendors must directly staff student outreach and coaching efforts, though subcontracting is permitted. No vendor residency requirement or mandatory in-person service delivery applies. Integration with existing institutional systems is not required; DHE will match re-enrollment outcomes through its HEIRS system.

The anticipated annual budget is approximately $2 million, inclusive of technology licensing, coaching personnel, outreach, analytics, and institutional training, though funding is not fully secured at contract initiation. This is a fixed-cost contract with no performance-based compensation. Vendors should address general budget structures and per-student costs in RFI responses. DHE reserves the right to request formal presentations and may subsequently issue a Request for Responses or Request for Quotes. All RFI responses become public record under Massachusetts law.