Temporary Database Administrator - MDCS Support

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, is requesting quotations for a temporary database administrator to support the Maryland Direct Certification System (MDCS), with quotations due January 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST and questions due January 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Database Administration, Management Information Systems, or a related field, and five years of hands-on experience administering production relational databases including MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or Oracle. This is a mandatory qualification filter. The role is hybrid, requiring up to 30 hours per week with mandatory in-office presence at 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland, a minimum of two days per week.

Scope includes database monitoring and maintenance, troubleshooting and incident response, disaster recovery procedures, technical documentation, and coordination with OSCNP and Office of Information Technology personnel. MDCS is currently in Operations & Maintenance status and generally stable; the contractor must respond rapidly to system degradation, database failure, or critical performance issues.

The contract runs from on or around January 20, 2026, through on or around June 30, 2026 (six-month term), with approximately 720 estimated hours of work. The total contract cost may not exceed $75,000. Bidders must submit a letter of interest, resume demonstrating qualifications, completed Exhibit A bid form with itemized hourly rates and total project cost, and an updated W-9 if applicable. Monthly invoices are due on contractor letterhead with proper documentation; payment is net 30.

Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest price after meeting all mandatory requirements. Vendors must be registered with the State of Maryland to be awarded the contract. Small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to respond. The solicitation is conducted under small procurement regulations (COMAR 21.05.07). The contract includes comprehensive accessibility compliance requirements under WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and mandatory indemnification obligations.