The scope of work is divided into two parts. Bidders may provide quotes for one or both parts, depending on the areas of expertise and availability of key resources. EOE may award contracts to one or more vendors. Part A. The Commonwealth is seeking a vendor to conduct the following statewide analyses across the higher education landscape in the Commonwealth, meaning a sample size of no fewer than 50 institutions of higher education (IHEs) across Massachusetts which include, but may not be limited to, (i) both 2-year and 4-year institutions; (ii) both public and private institutions; (iii) both highly selective and open admissions institutions; and (iv) a geographically diverse set of institutions, in order to identify best practices that could be replicated or scaled: • Conduct a statewide analysis to identify effective practices for providing differentiated academic advising for (i) high school graduates and (ii) adult learners who are enrolling in college, academic enrichment, and preparation courses to enhance college readiness and transition assistance to incoming students at public and private IHEs; • Conduct a statewide analysis to identify effective practices at public and private institutions of higher education related to awarding college credits to adults possessing work experiences and industry credentials of value including, but not limited to, federal and state licensure/registration, industry certifications, and apprentice cards; • Conduct a statewide analysis to identify effective practices related to the implementation of work and learn models at public and private IHEs such as apprenticeships, learn to earn, and paid half-day/half-college classes; and • Conduct a statewide analysis to identify effective practices related to providing valuable career readiness, career placement, and support services that will enable students and adult learners to gain employment upon the completion of degrees and credentials at public and private IHEs. Part B. In addition, the Commonwealth is seeking a vendor to conduct the following statewide assessment to identify potential gaps or inequities across the higher education landscape in the Commonwealth, meaning a sample size of no fewer than 50 institutions of higher education (IHEs) across Massachusetts which include, but may not be limited to, (i) both 2-year and 4-year institutions; (ii) both public and private institutions; (iii) both highly selective and open admissions institutions; and (iv) a geographically diverse set of institutions: • Conduct a statewide assessment of existing admissions processes, practices, and criteria (including, but not limited to, legacy preference and binding early decision) to identify those that may serve as barriers for certain student groups. Furthermore, in completing Parts A and B a selected vendor will: • Convene focus groups with stakeholders, including administrators, faculty and staff, from public and private IHEs as well as representatives from entities regularly involved with these institutions, including but not limited to, EOE, the Department of Higher Education, the University of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents, the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges, and the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities in Massachusetts; • Hold conversations with current and former public and private higher education students and their parents and/or guardians; and • Meet with the community based organizations and nonprofit organizations across the state who advise and advocate for students in higher education.
