Support Services for the Office of Early Childhood Transitions

The Maryland State Department of Education is requesting quotations for short-term support services to advance the organizational transition of the Division of Early Childhood into the Office of Early Childhood, effective October 1, 2026, under RFQ R00B7600059, with sealed bids due September 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST via the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage platform. Questions close September 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

The scope spans four service areas: strategic communications and field engagement; continuous quality improvement framework development; comprehensive program landscape review; and fiscal ecosystem analysis of statewide early childhood funding. Deliverables are a Website Content Review and Recommendations Report; a Maryland Early Childhood National Narrative Package including case studies, talking points, and earned-media materials; new or updated Standard Operating Procedures and policy memos; an OEC Program Landscape Review Report; and a Fiscal Analysis Report. All deliverables must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA standards and related federal and state accessibility requirements.

Mandatory qualifications include demonstrated expertise in early childhood communications, continuous quality improvement framework experience, landscape review and fiscal analysis capabilities, and prior experience with state early childhood agencies. Work may be performed virtually or in-person at the MSDE Nancy S. Grasmick Building in Baltimore, Maryland.

The total contract cost may not exceed $100,000, covering October 1 through December 31, 2026. Pricing must include all direct and indirect costs such as travel, lodging, and food. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest price after meeting all mandatory requirements; the State reserves the right to make multiple consultant awards. Monthly invoicing is permitted under net 30 payment terms. Bidders must submit a detailed cost breakdown (Exhibit A), a letter of interest, and a resume. Small, Minority, and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to respond. The Procurement Officer is Jeremy Wilson (reference RFQ# R00B7600059 in all communications).

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