Bid guide

How to bid on the Education to Workforce Marketplace RFI from MA Higher Education

Department of Higher Education Boston, MACloses September 30, 2026

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) is seeking information to help them plan a statewide Education to Workforce Marketplace (E2WM). They want to understand what would be most useful for this marketplace from the vendor community.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract award. Your input will help the DHE draft future, more detailed procurement solicitations related to the E2WM. This is an opportunity to influence the direction of a potential future project.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This RFI was published on September 09, 2026. Responses are due by September 30, 2026, at 12:00 AM ET. All responses must be submitted by this deadline.

Since this is an RFI, there will be no contract awarded at this stage. The DHE will use the information gathered to inform their future planning and potential development of more specific solicitations.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in education technology, workforce development platforms, marketplace solutions, or related fields. The DHE is looking for advice and analysis from knowledgeable persons in the vendor community.

Vendors in the education category, particularly those with experience in connecting educational institutions with workforce needs, will find this RFI relevant.

How to respond

To access the full RFI documents, you can view the original source on COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement portal. Documents can be downloaded directly from the bid page without needing an account.

To submit an electronic response, you will need to register for a free COMMBUYS vendor account. Alternatively, follow the specific submission directions provided within the RFI documents if electronic submission is not required or if other methods are specified.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When responding to an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and actionable information. Highlight your firm's expertise and provide insights that demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating an Education to Workforce Marketplace.

Structure your response to directly address any questions or areas of interest outlined in the RFI. Even though it's not a bid for a contract, a well-thought-out response can position your company favorably for future solicitations. Ensure your submission is professional and adheres to all specified formatting and submission guidelines.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Department of Higher Education; the original posting controls.