Bid guide
How to bid on Quality Improvement System (QIS) Refresh Project Support for DEC
What the DEC is buying and why it matters
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (DEC) is seeking support for its Quality Improvement System (QIS) Refresh Project. This project involves redesigning Colorado Shines into a single, efficient quality improvement system that includes Colorado Universal Preschool providers. The selected vendor will provide core project support, engage stakeholders, and recommend a phased five-year quality plan.
This opportunity is significant for firms specializing in professional support services, particularly those with expertise in early childhood education systems or large-scale program redesign. The work will be performed in Glendale, Colorado.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 07, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. All submissions must be completed by this time.
It is crucial to submit your response well before the deadline to account for any potential technical issues with the submission portal. Late submissions are generally not accepted.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for professional service firms with experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning, especially within the education or social services sector. Firms with a background in quality improvement systems or early childhood programs would be particularly well-suited.
The solicitation is categorized under professional support services, indicating a need for specialized expertise rather than commodity goods or general labor. The work location is Glendale, CO.
How to access and respond to the solicitation
To access the solicitation, you need to go to the Colorado VSS (CORE) Vendor Self Service portal. This system does not have a direct link to individual solicitations, so you will land on the portal's home page.
From the home page, open "View Published Solicitations." You do not need an account to browse. Search for solicitation number DQ1-QAAA-2027000019-1 and open the matching result to view all details and the list of 10 attached documents. To download documents or submit your response, you will need to register a free vendor account on the portal. Follow the specific instructions within the solicitation for submission before the deadline.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your response, carefully review all 10 documents posted with the solicitation. These documents will contain critical details about the scope of work, evaluation criteria, and specific requirements for your proposal. Pay close attention to the requested format and content for your submission.
Highlight your firm's experience with similar projects, particularly those involving system redesign, stakeholder engagement, and developing long-term strategic plans. Clearly articulate how your team's expertise aligns with the DEC's goal of creating a unified quality improvement system for early childhood providers. Ensure your proposal directly addresses each component of the requested support: project support, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations for the five-year quality plan.
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 BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEC - Department of Early Childhood; the original posting controls.