Adaptive WIDA-Aligned Digital Resource for Multilingual Learners

May 4, 2026
RFP Number: 4930.2
Due Date: May 27, 2026
Due Time: 2:00PM EST
To: Prospective Offerors:
Montgomery County Public Schools is soliciting proposals is to partner with one or more organizations
to provide Adaptive Digital Resources for elementary, middle, and high school Emergent Multilingual
Learners (EMLs) in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Specifically, this RFP targets support
for EMLs in their first two years of English Language Development (ELD) service.
Please respond according to the instructions provided in the attached. Proposals must be received on or
before May 27, 2026 at 2:00pm EST. Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered.
Proposals shall be delivered in a sealed envelope with the RFP number, opening date and opening time
indicated in the lower left corner of the envelope. Proposals shall be delivered to MCPS Department of
Procurement, 45 West Gude Drive, Suite 3100, Rockville, Maryland 20850.
The offeror must submit one (1) original, one (1) redacted copy, one (1) electronic version on flash drive
and one (1) separate copy of the proposal. The proposal must be signed by an official having authority to
contract with MCPS. The firm and official's name shall be used. This solicitation does not commit MCPS
to pay any costs incurred in the submission of proposals or guarantee that an award will be made.
In the event of emergency closing of the MCPS Board of Education offices, this RFP will be accepted at
the same time on the next regular working day.
AMD
Enclosure
Sincerely,
Angela McIntosh Davis, Director
Department of Procurement

Office of Financial Management
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Department of Procurement, Suite 3100
45 West Gude Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Request for Proposal #4930.2
Adaptive WIDA-Aligned Digital Resource for Multilingual Learners
1.0 INTENT
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to partner with one or more organizations to provide Adaptive
Digital Resources for elementary, middle, and high school Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) in
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Specifically, this RFP targets support for EMLs in their first two
years of English Language Development (ELD) service.
This RFP seeks partners who provide comprehensive, standards-aligned digital platforms that facilitate
language acquisition across the four domains-Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing-as measured by
the WIDA ACCESS assessment.
The products and services would broadly serve the following objectives:
Provide robust supplemental and independent study resources that integrate English language
development with core content areas, including Social Instructional, English Language Arts,
Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies;
Ensure rigorous alignment with the WIDA 2020 Framework, utilizing adaptive technology to scaffold
instruction for students at varying proficiency levels;
Accelerate the acquisition of academic language to close opportunity gaps for EMLs, ensuring they
have equitable access to high-quality instructional enrichment outside of traditional direct instruction;
Deliver actionable data and reporting to monitor student progress toward English proficiency and
content mastery.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is the 15th largest school system in the United States, and the
largest in the state of Maryland. During the 2025-2026 school year, MCPS served more than 156,000 students
from 157 countries speaking 162 languages. With a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget of approximately
$3.6 billion, MCPS employs more than 25,800 employees. Among the 211 schools that MCPS operates, 45 are
National Blue-Ribbon schools. Six MCPS high schools rank in the top 200 of The Washington Post's 2015
High School Challenge, and all 25 MCPS high schools appear on this list, which only includes the top 11 percent
of high schools in the country. MCPS has one of the highest graduation rates among the nation's largest school
districts, according to an Education Week report. The student demographics of MCPS in 2025-2026 are as
follows:
Hispanic/Latino: 35.3%
White: 23.9%
Black or African American: 21.6%
Asian: 13.7%
Two or more races: 5.3%
American Indian or Alaskan Native: 0.2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 0.1%
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RFP 4930.2
In alignment with our strategic priorities, MCPS believes that each and every student matters; outcomes should
not be predictable by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; equity demands the elimination of all gaps; and
creating and maximizing future opportunities for students and staff is necessary. Therefore, MCPS holds high
expectations for all students and staff; distributes resources as necessary to provide extra supports and
interventions so all students can achieve; identifies and eliminates any institutional barriers to students' success;
and ensures that equitable practices are used in all classrooms and workplace.
MCPS also believes that we must engage every student, every day; learning is achieved by cultivating curiosity
and encouraging determination, focus, and hard work; and adult learning and engagement are key to student
learning. Therefore, MCPS encourages and support critical thinking, problem solving, active questioning, and
risk taking to continuously improve; stimulate discovery by engaging students in relevant and rigorous
academic, social, and emotional learning experiences; and challenge ourselves to analyze and reflect upon
evidence to improve our practices.
3.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES
3.1 Proposals should address the entire scope of services. Requirements include:
(a) Adaptive WIDA-Aligned Scope and Sequence: A comprehensive digital platform that provides
adaptive, individualized learning pathways for students. The platform must automatically differentiate
content complexity based on a student's specific WIDA proficiency level (Entering, Emerging,
Developing, Expanding, Bridging) within each of the four language domains: Listening, Speaking,
Reading, and Writing.
(b) WIDA ACCESS Simulation: The platform must feature interactive item types that explicitly mimic
the WIDA ACCESS Online assessment interface. This includes, but is not limited to, drag-and-drop
functionality, hot-spot selection, and built-in record-and-playback tools for the Speaking domain to
build student confidence and familiarity with the testing environment.
(c) Content-Integrated Language Development: Modules must support language acquisition in the
context of grade-level academic standards, covering Social Instructional language as well as English
Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
(d) Teacher Resources & Blended Learning: The solution must provide robust teacher-facing
components, including lesson plans, blended learning guides, and offline instructional activities that
allow educators to connect digital independent study with small-group classroom instruction.
(e) Progress Monitoring: Real-time reporting dashboards that allow teachers and administrators to track
student usage and growth across WIDA domains and proficiency levels.
3.2 Technical Requirements and Vendor Experience
(a) Single Sign-On (SSO): The platform must support seamless Single Sign-On via Clever to ensure easy
access for students and staff.
(b) LMS and SIS Integration: The solution must support grade pass-back and deep integration with
Canvas (Learning Management System) and Synergy (Student Information System) to streamline data
flow and grading workflows.
(c) Device Compatibility: The platform must be fully functional on devices currently used by MCPS
students (e.g., Chromebooks) without requiring unique software installations beyond a standard web
browser or managed app.
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RFP 4930.2
3.3 Equivalent Access Requirements
To ensure compliance with Education Article, 7-910, Annotated Code of Maryland, Entities shall
be required to submit with their Proposal an MCPS Digital Product Accessibility Overview and an
Accessibility Conformance Report that includes a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template for
each of the digital tools that will be offered. "Digital tool" is defined pursuant to Education
Article, 7-910, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Digital Product Accessibility Overview
Vendors will submit the MCPS Digital Product Accessibility Overview (Attachment F)detailing each
of the distinct digital components of the proposed product with accompanying login credentials for
testing from both a Teacher and Student point of view. Login credentials will be used for
accessibility user testing for the duration of the product review period.
Requirement to provide an Accessibility Compliance Report (ACR)
Vendors shall provide a comprehensive Accessibility Compliance Report (ACR) based on the March
2022 revision of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT 2.4Rev WCAG) provided by
the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) for each distinct digital component listed in the
MCPS Digital Product Overview. The ACR should include a review for each unique digital
component of the Vendor's product and identify whether the document was completed by internal
staff or a named third-party contractor.
Compliance with WCAG standards:
The Vendor shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all products and/or services provided
under this Contract shall meet all accessibility requirements and standards set forth in applicable
federal and State laws and regulations, including, without limitation, Education Article 7-910 of
the Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 13a.06.05, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 28 C.F.R. 35 (including the Final Rule on "Accessibility
of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments" the ("Final Rule")),
and the technical standard set forth in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ("WCAG") 2.1,
Level AA.
Accessibility Maintenance and Support
During the term of the Agreement involving use of digital tools, the Entity shall provide an updated
and complete Accessibility Conformance Report ("ACR") annually, or within 30 days of the release
of a significant product update (e.g., version 1.1 to version 2.0), as well as ongoing maintenance and
support for accessibility including:
1. Accessibility Compliance Audit: The Entity will periodically conduct accessibility audits, at least
annually, to ensure continued compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This audit should include a list
of identified WCAG 2.1 Level AA violations and estimated remediation timeframes.
2. Accessibility Remediation: The Entity shall address any identified violations, conduct
validation testing, and provide documentation of the testing results.
Accessibility Indemnification and Guarantees
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RFP 4930.2
1. The Entity agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Montgomery County Public Schools from any
costs, expenses, liabilities, or obligations arising from accessibility-related issues involving the
digital tools provided under this Agreement. This indemnification includes the defense of any legal
action or proceedings alleging non-compliance with federal or State of Maryland accessibility laws
and regulations and payment of any resulting liabilities. This section will survive the termination of
the Agreement.
2. The Entity failing to meet the equivalent access standards established under Subsection (a)(2) of
Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or WCAG 2.1 Level AA may face civil
penalties stated in Education Article, 7-910, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Third-Party Technology
The Entity acknowledges that supplying third-party technology and/or content does not exempt the
Entity from ensuring product compliance with this section. The Entity bears sole responsibility for
determining the accessibility of such technology and must ensure that it can be edited or remediated
as necessary to comply with accessibility standards.
NIMAC coordination
By agreeing to deliver materials within this contract, and as per the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA), the publisher shall prepare and submit, within 30 days of the contract start
date, a National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) file set to the to the NIMAC
that complies with the terms and procedures set forth by the National Instructional Materials Access
Center (NIMAC) (IDEA Title I, Part D, sec. 674(e)).
The files will be used for the production of specialized formats as permitted under the law for
students with disabilities. The publisher also will submit to MCPS a Certification from NIMAC to
demonstrate submission of the file.
The publisher also agrees to markup materials eligible for NIMAS submission that contain
mathematical and scientific instructional content by using the MathML modular extension of the
DAISY/NIMAS Structure Guidelines, as posted and maintained at the DAISY Consortium website
(refer to the latest applicable version).
Should the vendor be a distributor of the materials and not the publisher, the distributor agrees to
immediately notify the publisher of its obligation to submit NIMAS filesets of the purchased
materials to the NIMAC. The files will be used for the production of accessible formats as permitted
under the law for eligible students (IDEA Title I, Part B, sec. 612(a)).
Accessibility of Print and Printable Digital Materials
All print materials, including digital materials intended for printing, shall be provided to MCPS in an
accessible digital format. Minimum accessibility features include: Document Language, Logical
Reading Order, Appropriate Nesting, Table & Chart Accessibility, and Alternate Text for all
images.
Professional Learning
The digital platform housing any included training materials must comply with the same accessibility
standards as the student-facing platform. All professional learning videos must include accurate
closed captions.
3.4 Timeline for Implementation and Key Staff
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RFP 4930.2
The proposal must include a detailed implementation plan that ensures a seamless rollout of services, leading
to Full Implementation by Fall 2026-Spring 2027. The plan should account for all technical configuration,
rostering, and professional learning milestones.
Key Implementation Milestones:
Contract Award & Kick-off: [Insert Date/Month]
Technical Setup & Rostering Integration: [Insert Date/Month]
Professional Learning (Phase 1): Spring 2026/Summer 2026 (Focus on initial training for ELD
specialists and key stakeholders).
Full Implementation: Fall 2026 (District-wide launch for all target students and staff).
Key Staffing Requirements: The vendor must identify specific individuals who will be assigned to the MCPS
account. At a minimum, the proposal must designate:
Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM): A named individual responsible for the ongoing
partnership, account health, and strategic planning. This individual will serve as the primary point of
contact for MCPS administrators.
Implementation Lead: Responsible for the technical setup, rostering, and initial deployment.
Technical Support Lead: Responsible for resolving ongoing technical issues.
Key staff shall not be substituted without prior written approval from the MCPS project manager.
3.4 Data Privacy and Security
As specified in more detail in the MCPS General Contract Articles and elsewhere in this RFP, the vendor will
comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to this project, including
but not limited to the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), 20 U.S.C.
1232g, and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. part 99), the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
("COPPA"), 15 U.S.C. 6501-6505, and its implementing regulations (16 C.F.R. 312, et seq.), the Protection
of Pupil Rights Amendment, ("PPRA") 20 U.S.C, 1232(h) and its implementing regulations (34 C.F.R. 98.1
et seq.), the Maryland Student Privacy Act of 2015, Md. Ed. Code Ann., 4-131, Code of Maryland Regulations
(COMAR) 13A.08, as well as applicable Board of Education policies and MCPS regulations, including but not
limited to MCPS Regulation AFA-RA, Research and Other Data Collection Activities in Montgomery County
Public Schools, MCPS Regulation JOA-RA, Student Records, and MCPS Regulation JFF-RA, Federal
Requirements for Use of Protected Student Information.
3.5. Training
The vendor will provide on-site and/or interactive web-based training to school district personnel as needed.
Initial training for the first year will be provided to participating teachers, staff, or volunteers at no additional
charge. Fee structures for more comprehensive professional development can be provided as part of the
response to this RFP.
It is the intention to award to the most favorable respondent(s) based on the evaluation criteria in Section 12.0.
However, the Montgomery County Board of Education reserves the right to make awards according to the best
interest of MCPS. This request for proposal may result in multiple awards.
In determining the qualifications of an offeror, MCPS will consider the offeror's record and performance of
any prior contracts with MCPS, federal departments or agencies, or other public bodies, including but not
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RFP 4930.2
limited to the offeror's record providing online digital curriculum services to MCPS or other schools or school
districts. MCPS expressly reserves the right to reject the proposal of any offeror if the investigation discloses
that the offeror, in the opinion of MCPS, has not properly performed such prior contracts or has habitually and
without just cause neglected the payment of bills or has otherwise disregarded its obligations to subcontractors
or employees.
MCPS may conduct any necessary investigation to determine the ability of the offeror to perform the work,
and the offeror shall furnish to MCPS all such information and data requested, such as information about its
reputation, past performance, business and financial capability and other factors that demonstrate that the
provider is capable of satisfying MCPS' needs and requirements for a specific contract. MCPS reserves the
right to reject any proposal if the evidence submitted by the offeror or investigation of such offeror fails to
satisfy MCPS that such offeror is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to complete
all requirements contemplated therein. Consideration will be given to any previous performance with MCPS
as to the quality and the acceptability of bidder's services.
All offerors submitting a proposal shall include evidence that they maintain a permanent place of business.
Copies of any appropriate licenses necessary to perform this work shall be submitted with each proposal.
Offerors also shall demonstrate that they have adequate staff to perform the required services. Use of
subcontractor(s) and/or third-party providers, if any, must be specifically identified within the proposal.
Subcontractor and/or third-party provider roles shall be clearly expressed. MCPS reserves the right to accept
or reject use of proposed subcontractor(s) and/or third-party provider(s).
MCPS reserves the right to add or delete Contractors throughout the contract term should MCPS
determine, in its sole discretion, that there be a need for additional services not available from the
awarded Contractors.
4.0 CONTRACT TERM
The initial term of contract shall be one (1) year as stipulated on the RFP. The contract may not begin until one
day after approval by the MCPS Board of Education and will conclude as stated under the contract term. MCPS
reserves the right to extend this contract at existing prices, terms and conditions for up to three additional terms
for one (1) year each. Written notice indicating MCPS' intention to pursue the extension of the contract will be
issued to the successful vendor 90 days prior to the expiration of the original contract. The vendor shall have
ten (10) days from the date of notification to return the notice acknowledging its intent to accept or reject the
extension.
Once all responses are evaluated, MCPS staff may make a recommendation to the MCPS Board of Education
to extend the contract or decide to rebid. If the contract is extended by the MCPS Board of Education, a contract
amendment will be issued.
5.0 PRICE
Provide a firm fixed price proposal and fee structure to include hourly rates as applicable to your agency.
6.0 CONTRACT TERMINATION
MCPS reserves the right to cancel the contract in whole or in part at any time in accordance with Article 12 of
the MCPS General Contract Articles. MCPS also reserves the right to cancel the contract with a Respondent
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RFP 4930.2
for failure to comply or failure to fulfill the terms of this contract in accordance with Article 13 of the MCPS
General Contract Articles.
7.0 REFERENCES
All offerors shall include a list of a minimum of five references who use the vendors services and can attest to
the firm's quality of work; and, if possible, shall include school districts of comparable size to MCPS that have
utilized the respondents' services. Include names of client, contact person, email address and phone number of
all references. Also, as an attachment, offerors shall include al list of all current school district clients.
References may or may not be reviewed or contacted at the discretion of MCPS. Typically, only references of
the top ranked short-listed offerors are contacted. MCPS reserves the right to contact references other than,
and/or in addition to, those furnished by an offeror.
Contact Phone
Company Name & Address Person Number
1. _______________________________________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
Email __________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________________________
8.0 FORMAT OF RESPONSE
8.1 Response to this RFP shall be submitted in the same order as the RFP and provide an individual response to
each RFP specification.
8.2 Contractors shall include any and all statements and representations made within its proposal in the contract for
services with the MCPS. This includes, but is not limited to, the vendors' point-by-point response to this RFP.
If the vendor responds only "Understand and comply," it is assumed that the vendor complies with MCPS'
understanding of the requirement.
8.3 MCPS shall not be responsible nor be liable for any costs incurred by the vendor in the preparation and
submission of their proposals and pricing.
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RFP 4930.2
8.4 Pricing proposal shall be submitted as a separate document outlining content, timeline for implementation,
training, professional development, etc.
9.0 MANDATORY SUBMISSIONS
Each offeror must submit a complete proposal including all required information and attachments. The response
shall address each paragraph in the same order as the RFP and provide an individual response to each RFP
specification. All proposals must be presented using the same numbering sequence and order used in this RFP
document or as otherwise specified by MCPS. Offerors may request via e-mail to Angela_S_McIntosh-
Davis@mcpsmd.org, a Microsoft Word version to help them in preparing the response.
One (1) original and one (1) copy as well as one (1) electronic version on flash drive and one (1) redacted copy
of responses must be sent by mail, courier or hand-delivery and shall be bound with tabs identifying each
section. A table of contents should be included and all pages numbered as referenced in the Table of Contents.
No faxes or electronic submission of proposals will be accepted. Proposals are to be received no later than 2:00
p.m. on May 27, 2026. Submit responses of the entire RFP proposal to:
Montgomery County Public Schools
Division of Procurement
45 West Gude Drive, Suite 3100
Rockville, MD 20850
Submissions will become the property of MCPS.
The proposal must be signed by an official having authority to contract with MCPS. The firm and the official's
name shall be used in the contract process. MCPS reserves the right to make an award without further discussion
of the proposals received. MCPS may also negotiate with the one offeror who submits the best proposal or with
two or more offerors who are in the competitive range. Therefore, it is important that the offeror's proposal be
submitted initially on the most favorable terms from both the technical and cost standpoints. After the
submission and closure of proposals, no information will be released until after the award. It is understood that
the offeror's proposal will become a part of the official file on this matter without obligation to MCPS.
The proposal must be complete and comply with all aspects of these specifications. Marketing or promotional
verbiage will likely overshadow the offeror's qualifications and expertise. MCPS urges the offeror to be specific
and brief in their responses.
Offerors must include any and all statements and representations made within its proposal in the contract for
services with MCPS unless otherwise agreed upon by MCPS and offeror during negotiations. This includes, but
is not limited to, the vendor's point-by-point response to this RFP. If offeror answers only "Understand and
comply" it is assumed that the offeror complies with MCPS' understanding of the requirement.
MCPS shall not be responsible or liable for any costs incurred by the offeror in the preparation and submission
of their proposals and pricing.
Complete Response must include:
Point-by-point Response to each section of the RFP
Pricing Proposal
References, See 7.0 References, including current school district clients
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RFP 4930.2
Vendor's annual fiscal report in order to demonstrate the vendor's financial stability (If desired, the
vendor may also include any other financial documents that Vendor wishes to include regarding
Vendor's financial condition. This documentation is not mandatory.)
Equal Opportunities Certification (Attachment A)
Certification of Non-segregated Facilities (Attachment B)
Minority Business Enterprise (Attachment C)
Non-Debarment Acknowledgement (Attachment D)
Online Data Resource Form (Attachment E)
MCPS Digital Products Overview Checklist (Attachment F)
Current Form W-9
A list of any variances from or objections to the terms and conditions of the MCPS General
Contracting Articles, as well as a justification for any such variances or objections.
A separate redacted copy of offeror's proposal as specified in Sections 10.0 and 11.0.
10.0 TREATMENT OF TECHNICAL DATA IN PROPOSAL
The proposal submitted in response to this request may contain technical data which the offeror does not want
used or disclosed for any purpose other than evaluation of the proposal. The use and disclosure of any such
technical data, subject to the provisions of the Maryland Public Information Act, may be so restricted:
Provided, that offeror marks the cover sheet of the proposal with the following legend, specifying
the pages of the proposal which are to be restricted in accordance with the conditions of the legend:
"Technical data contained in pages of this proposal shall not be used or disclosed, except for
evaluation purposes."
Provided, that if a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of or in connection with the
submission of this proposal, MCPS shall have the right to use or disclose these technical data to the
extent provided in the contract.
This restriction does not limit the right of MCPS to use or disclose technical data obtained from another source
without restriction.
MCPS assumes no liability for disclosure or use of unmarked technical data or products and may use or disclose
the data for any purpose and may consider that the proposal was not submitted in confidence and therefore is
releasable. Price and cost data concerning salaries, overhead, and general and administrative expenses are
considered proprietary information and will not be disclosed, if marked in accordance with the instructions in
Section 11.0.
11.0 PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Offerors are notified that MCPS has unlimited data rights regarding proposals submitted in response to this
solicitation. Unlimited data rights mean that MCPS has the right to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative
works, distribute copies to the public, or perform publicly and display publicly any information submitted by
the offeror in response to this or any solicitation issued by MCPS. However, MCPS will exempt information
that is confidential commercial or financial information of an offeror, as defined by the Maryland Public
Information Act, State Government Article, Section 10-617, from disclosure. It is the responsibility of the
offeror to clearly identify each part of its proposal that is confidential commercial or financial information by
stamping the bottom right-hand corner of each pertinent page with one-inch bold face letters stating the words
"confidential" or "proprietary." The offeror agrees that any portion of the proposal that is not stamped as
proprietary or confidential is not proprietary or confidential. As a condition for MCPS keeping the information
confidential, the offeror must agree to defend and hold MCPS harmless if any information is inadvertently
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