RFR 2023 EEC Research and Evaluation Consulting Services 004

The state of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Early Education and Care (EEC), is seeking to establish a list of qualified researcher/evaluator consultants to provide research and evaluation consulting services. The successful bidders may be called upon to assist in collecting and/or analyzing primary data and administrative data, conducting research, developing and evaluating pilot programs, and providing expertise in areas including but not limited to early education/afterschool and out-of-school time (ASOST) licensing, family access and engagement, program quality, workforce development and supports, and system financing. The contract term is for an initial period of four years, with two optional three-year renewal periods for a total maximum contract duration of ten years. Compensation for the consultants will be determined on a project-by-project basis and may be structured as unit-based, project-based, or subscription-based. EEC will evaluate proposals based on the bidders' qualifications, experience conducting early education/ASOST research and evaluation, quality of written products, and proposed Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) commitments.

All bidders are required to submit an SDP Plan committing a minimum of 1% of contract revenues to partnerships with certified minority and women-owned businesses. The Commonwealth may use prompt pay discounts as a basis for selection and may negotiate discounts as deemed in its best interest. The contract opportunity is open to all qualified bidders, and there are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The Commonwealth has not provided any information regarding incumbent vendors or current contractors, existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration, or possible award values or budget ranges.