School Needs Assessment Study

The Towns of Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley, the Devens Enterprise Commission, MassDevelopment, the Ayer Shirley Regional School District, and Harvard Public Schools are requesting proposals for a comprehensive School Needs Assessment, with proposals due August 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses three primary components: an enrollment study analyzing current and projected enrollment trends using demographic and housing data; a school building assessment evaluating existing facility utilization and capacity; and a capacity analysis addressing current and projected student capacity impacts. The study will focus on the impact of growth within the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone on educational needs. Deliverables include a project work plan, interim progress updates, stakeholder engagement meetings, a draft assessment report, a final assessment report, and executive summary presentations to participating entities.

The estimated project budget does not exceed $80,000, with $58,000 allocated to core scope items and $22,000 reserved as contingency. Funding is provided through a Housing Choice Grant issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The draft report is due January 15, 2027, and the final report February 15, 2027. Contract award is anticipated August 24, 2026, with project commencement September 1, 2026.

Proposals will be evaluated on relevant experience and qualifications (30%), project approach and methodology (30%), understanding of scope and regional issues (20%), cost proposal (15%), and references (5%). Submission requirements include separate sealed non-price and price proposals, firm qualifications, project team information, references from similar projects completed within the last five years, detailed cost breakdowns, a Certificate of Non Collusion, and a Tax Compliance Certificate. Questions are due July 31, 2026. Proposals should be directed to Bryan Sawyer, Town Administrator of Shirley, at 7 Keady Way, Shirley, MA 01464.