How to bid on Statewide Encyclopedias, Education, & Early Learning Databases for MA Libraries

What the agency is buying

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is looking for proposals for online encyclopedias, early learning resources, and educational content. These resources will be accessible remotely by libraries and their patrons across Massachusetts. The selected products will become part of the core electronic resources available statewide for Massachusetts libraries.

This is an opportunity for publishers of online content, value-added resellers, and third-party vendors who represent electronic encyclopedias, early learning materials, and educational content, including resources specifically for educators.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on September 14, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by December 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your response before this deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses in the technology and publishing sectors that specialize in educational content and online information resources. Specifically, it targets publishers of online content, value-added resellers, and third-party representatives of electronic encyclopedias, early learning materials, and educational resources for educators.

If your firm provides digital library resources with remote access capabilities, this bid aligns with your offerings.

How to respond

Full documents and instructions on how to quote are available through COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement portal. You can view the full bid on COMMBUYS without needing an account. All necessary documents can be downloaded directly from the bid page.

To submit your quote electronically, you will need to register for a free COMMBUYS vendor account. If you prefer not to quote electronically, follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents. For any questions, you can contact Tanesha Deane at [email protected].

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, ensure you clearly demonstrate how your product(s) meet the needs for statewide remote access for libraries and patrons. Highlight the breadth and depth of your content, especially in encyclopedias, early learning, and educator resources.

Focus on the value proposition for Massachusetts libraries and their users. Clearly articulate the benefits of your offering, such as ease of use, reliability, and the educational impact of your content. Pay close attention to all instructions in the solicitation documents to ensure your proposal is complete and compliant.