1. Biocriteria Development-Diatoms Phase III WPP RFQ PRF77 Final~1.pdf

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY &

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

100 Cambridge Street Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114

Request for Quotes (RFQ) Office of OSD Statewide Contract PRF77

Category F – Environmental Strategy Services

(PO-22-1080-OSD03-SRC3-25043)

Document Title:

Biocriteria Development – Diatoms Phase III

Agency Document Number:

BWR- RFQ-2026-WPP06

June 18, 2026

1 RFQ INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Procurement Scope and Description

1.2 Background information

1.3 Applicable Procurement Law

1.4 Number of awards

1.5 Eligible Bidders and Entities

1.6 Acquisition Method(s)

1.7 Contract Duration

1.8 Estimated Value of the Contract

2 ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

2.1 Written questions via the Bid Q&A

2.2 Locating Bid Q&A

2.3 Amendment Deadline

3 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Scope of Work and Deliverables

3.2 Bidder Qualifications

3.3 Bidders’ RFQ Response; Proposal Content and Format

3.4 Compensation Structure/Pricing

3.4.1 Cost Tables

3.5 General Provisions

3.6 Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP)

4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1 Mandatory requirements

4.2 Evaluation Components

5 HOW TO SUBMIT A QUOTE

5.1 Quote Submission Method

5.2 COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

5.3 COMMBUYS Support

5.4 Bid Opening Date/Time

1 RFQ INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Procurement Scope and Description

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP or the Department) is soliciting proposals through this Request for Quotes (RFQ, also referred to as the Bid in this document) from qualified environmental consulting firms off of the Operational Services Division’s (OSD) PRF77 Statewide Contract Category F – Environmental Strategy Services (PO-22- 1080-OSD03-SRC3-25043) for the selection of a qualified consultant to complete Phase III of the development of biocriteria in streams using the diatom community.

1.2 Background information

The objectives of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) are to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Pursuant to CWA objectives, MassDEP administers a water quality management program for all waterbodies in Massachusetts.

Biomonitoring is an integral component of MassDEP’s water quality management program and directly addresses the CWA goal of restoring and maintaining biological integrity. Biological water quality criteria, or biocriteria, are developed to protect desired conditions in waterbodies and are commonly expressed as multi-metric Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBIs). An IBI summarizes the complex biological community of a given location as a numeric score which, on a relative scale, indicates whether the community has been negatively impacted by anthropogenic stressors over time. In support of biocriteria development, MassDEP developed new IBIs for high- and low-gradient stream macroinvertebrate communities.

However, biological assemblages differ in their sensitivity to stressors; the effectiveness of biomonitoring therefore increases when multiple biological assemblages are assessed.

MassDEP’s goal is to develop biocriteria for two different biological assemblages in streams: macroinvertebrates and diatoms. Biocriteria development for the initial assemblage, the macroinvertebrate community, was completed in 2021. It is anticipated that biocriteria development using the diatom community will be completed in three phases: Phase I – Infrastructure and Planning (State Fiscal Year [SFY] 2022), Phase II – Data Collection (SFY23 – SFY26), and Phase III – Biocriteria Development and Calibration (SFY27). MassDEP contracted with a vendor for assistance with Phase I and Phase II (Years 1 to 4). The work for Phase III will be procured through this solicitation for SFY27. The implementation of subsequent phases is dependent on funding, contractor performance, and the results from each phase.

1.3 Applicable Procurement Law

This Bid is issued under the following law(s):

• MGL c. 7, § 22; c. 30, § 51, § 52; 801 CMR 21.00

1.4 Number of awards

The target number of consultant awards is one (1). As this is a target number, MassDEP may, in its discretion, award additional contracts if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

1.5 Eligible Bidders and Entities

Eligible Bidders for this RFQ are confined to pre-qualified firms deemed eligible to provide environmental consulting services through OSD’s PRF77 Statewide Contract, Category F – Environmental Strategy Services. Any contract resulting from the Bid will be open to use to the Issuing Entity only, which is MassDEP.

1.6 Acquisition Method(s)

The acquisition method(s) to acquire goods and/or services from this Solicitation are Fee for Service.

1.7 Contract Duration

The expected duration of this contract is from the execution date in State Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. MassDEP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to renew or extend this contract. MassDEP may renew the contract for one (1) additional one (1)-year term through June 30, 2028. All renewals and/or extensions are contingent upon appropriations by the Massachusetts Legislature and/or availability of funding from other sources.

1.8 Estimated Value of the Contract

Currently, the estimated total value of the services resulting from this Bid is $200,000. However, any project funding for this solicitation is contingent upon appropriation by the Massachusetts Legislature and/or availability of funding from other sources.

2 ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

EVENT DATE

REQUEST FOR QUOTES (Posted on COMMBUYS) July 10, 2026

Deadline for submission of Questions July 16, 2026 by 12 pm

Official Answers for Bid Q&A published (Estimated) July 27, 2026

Bid Amendment Deadline. Bid documents will not be amended after this date. July 27, 2026 by 12 pm

Deadline for Quotes/Bid Responses 12 PM, August 5, 2026

Notification of Apparent Successful Bidder(s) (Estimated) (posted on COMMBUYS) August 19, 2026

Estimated Contract Start Date August 26, 2026

2.1 Written questions via the Bid Q&A

The “Bid Q&A” provides the opportunity for Bidders to ask written questions and receive written answers regarding this Bid. All Bidders’ questions must be submitted through COMMBUYS. Questions may be asked only prior to the Deadline for Submission of Questions stated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar. The Department reserves the right not to respond to questions submitted after this date.

It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify the Department’s receipt of questions submitted.

Please note that any questions submitted using any other medium (including those that are sent by mail, fax, or voicemail, etc.) will not be answered. To reduce the number of redundant or duplicate questions, Bidders are asked to review all questions previously submitted to determine whether the Bidder’s question has already been posted.

Bidders are responsible for entering content suitable for public viewing since all the questions are accessible to the public. Bidders must not include any information that could be considered personal, security sensitive, inflammatory, incorrect, collusory, or otherwise objectionable, including information about the Bidder’s company or other companies. The Strategic Sourcing Team or SST (formerly referred to as Procurement Management Team or PMT) reserves the right to edit or delete any submitted questions that raise any of these issues and/or that are not in the best interest of the Commonwealth and/or this Bid.

All answers are final when posted. Any subsequent revisions to previously provided answers will be dated.

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain a current email address of the Bidder’s contact person and prospective contract manager, if awarded a contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the Department, including requests for clarification. The Department and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s computer, network, or internet service provider (ISP) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Bidder/awarded contractor and the Department to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

2.2 Locating Bid Q&A

The Bid Q&A will be available on COMMBUYS.

2.3 Amendment Deadline

MassDEP reserves the right to make amendments to the Bid after initial publication through the date posted in the Estimated Procurement Calendar. It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check for any amendments, addenda or modifications to this Bid, and any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid. The Commonwealth and the Department accept no responsibility for, and will provide no accommodation to, Bidders who submit a Quote based on an out-of-date Bid.

3 SPECIFICATIONS

Overview: MassDEP is seeking to hire a consultant to complete Phase III of an overall effort to potentially develop biocriteria in streams using the diatom community, as further described below in Section 3.1.

The project will include eleven (11) tasks in SFY27.

• Task 1. Prepare and complete a final comprehensive sampling analysis plan

(SAP) for Phase II of the Biocriteria Development – Diatoms project that details the sampling completed from 2022 – 2025.

• Task 2. Prepare the existing Massachusetts Diatom Data for index development.

• Task 3. Identify Disturbance Categories – Assess site disturbance for the purpose of establishing a stressor gradient.

• Task 4. Site Classification – Assess the need for site classifications or metric adjustments to account for natural determinants of the diatom assemblage at sites.

• Task 5. Taxa Trait Assignment – Assign taxa traits to diatoms identified in project samples.

• Task 6. Metric Calculations – Calculate potential metrics for the index based on diatom community structure, function, and pollution tolerance.

• Task 7. Metric Testing – Evaluate the suitability of each potential metric for inclusion in the index.

• Task 8. Index Formulation – Formulate and test all possible multimetric indices using five to eight of the previously selected candidate metrics.

• Task 9. Index Calculation – Create R code to calculate the index values for the two selected multimetric indices identified below on Page 7.

• Task 10. Reporting and Indices Application – Generate a report detailing the development and application of the two multimetric indices identified below on Page 7.

• Task 11. Final Project Data – Create a harmonized version of the existing Massachusetts diatom data after index development.

3.1 Scope of Work and Deliverables

The Contractor shall submit invoices to the MassDEP Project Manager by email within ten (10) business days following the completion of each task. Invoices will adhere to the cost breakdown as outlined in the Contractor proposal and will include all backup documentation.

All planning meetings for this project will be performed by video or teleconference.

Anticipated meetings include: 1) Project Kickoff (2 hours) to discuss project objectives, scope of work, deliverables, schedule, and other topics as identified by MassDEP and the Contractor; and 2) Monthly Status Updates (1-2 hours, depending on agenda) to discuss progress, comments on draft deliverables, and next steps. Following each meeting, the Contractor will prepare a summary of key discussion points and action items. The Contractor will also maintain regular (at least bi-weekly) communication with the MassDEP Project Manager via telephone, email, or web video conference to ensure efficient progress within the project timeline and budget. All deliverables are to be submitted as electronic files only, in formats designated by MassDEP (e.g., Word, Excel, ArcGIS, PDF, etc.).

The Contractor will produce a final report that organizes the technical information required for the proposed project in a concise and systematic approach. The report will meet both scientific and regulatory objectives of MassDEP. The rationale, objectives, and conclusions of the report will need to be understood by individuals with technical scientific expertise, as well as managers and the public. For each Task in the Scope of Work, the Contractor will provide a draft of the deliverables to MassDEP for review and comment. The Contractor will incorporate and address comments from MassDEP to complete the final report. In general, MassDEP will take four (4) weeks to review the draft of the intended final report and updated database. All final deliverables will be provided by June 30, 2027.

The estimated schedules for the completion of each task are outlined below and are projected to occur in SFY27. Exact dates will be selected following contract award, through consultation between MassDEP and the Contractor.

The Contractor will perform the following tasks and submit the following deliverables for review and approval by MassDEP:

TASK 1. Final Project Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP): Prepare and complete a final comprehensive SAP for Phase II of the Biocriteria Development – Diatoms Project that details the sampling completed from 2022 – 2025.

(1) Review the annual project SAPs (2022-2025) and list of stream sites sampled from 2022 – 2025. In consultation with MassDEP, determine the best method to consolidate and/or summarize the annual project SAPs into a Final Project SAP.

(2) Prepare and complete the Final Project SAP. At a minimum, the Final Project SAP must include:

(a) Project organization, description, and background.

(b) Sample process design including sample size determination, site selection methodology, 2022-2025 sampling schedule, sampled parameters and methods, and field quality assurance and control practices.

(c) A list and explanation of changes to the sampling process design made during the project (e.g., standard operating procedures, laboratories used, etc.).

(d) Appendices that describe the laboratory procedures (e.g., bioinformatics, DNA extraction and amplification, subsampling routine) used by Hubbard Center for Genome Studies (University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH) and Onterra, LLC, to process samples and identify diatom taxa.

(e) A list and map of the sites sampled from 2022 -2025.

Task 1 Deliverables:

(1) Draft Project Sampling and Analysis Plan

• Estimated Due Date: August 15, 2026

(2) Final Project Sampling and Analysis Plan

• Estimated Due Date: September 15, 2026

TASKS 2 - 9 will be completed on two parallel tracks using taxonomic data from two different taxa identification methods. One index development track will use morphological taxonomic data, and the other development track will use DNA metabarcoding taxonomic data with the goal of developing two separate multimetric indices.

The development of multimetric indices is a stepwise process where the results or findings of one task directly impact subsequent tasks. Therefore, the Scope of Work will be open to modification, with MassDEP approval, if results or findings alter the anticipated direction or actions of tasks.

TASK 2. Assemble Data: Prepare the existing Massachusetts Diatom Data for index development.

(1) Prepare and refine the existing Massachusetts diatom data for index development.

(a) Review the existing MS Access database to ensure it is complete and the data are structured appropriately for index development.

(b) Revise data structures as needed for index development.

(c) Add data as needed for index development (i.e., missing data, missing taxa traits, site disturbance categories, additional diatom taxa data).

(d) Develop data extraction, tabulation, or analysis queries needed to facilitate index development.

Task 2 Deliverables:

(1) Revised Massachusetts diatom data for index development

• Estimated Due Date: October 15, 2026

TASK 3. Identify Disturbance Categories: Assess site disturbance for the purpose of establishing a stressor gradient.

(1) Evaluate the stressor gradient used for MassDEP macroinvertebrate multimetric

Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) development to determine if it is an acceptable stressor gradient for stream diatoms.

(a) Evaluate both the human disturbance metrics and the thresholds for disturbance categories used in this stressor gradient.

(b) Select different and/or additional human disturbance metrics (e.g., water quality metric, habitat, etc.) and thresholds if needed for the stream diatom stressor gradient.

(c) If necessary, select different human disturbance metrics and thresholds for the two index development tracks (i.e., morphological and DNA metabarcoding taxonomic identification) to create separate stressor gradients.

(2) Complete a stressor gradient(s) with human disturbance metrics, thresholds, and disturbance categories appropriate for stream diatoms using available site data (i.e., landscape data, StreamCat, site specific habitat data, surrounding land use, water quality data).

(3) Assign site disturbance categories to all sites that will be used in index development.

Task 3 Deliverables:

(1) Completed stressor gradient with disturbance categories assigned to sites

• Estimated Due Date: October 15, 2026

TASK 4. Site Classification: Assess the need for site classifications or metric adjustments to account for natural determinants of the diatom assemblage at sites.

(1) Analyze the diatom taxonomic data to determine if natural determinants at sites create natural diatom assemblage groupings that would necessitate site classes or metric adjustments.

(a) Use diatom data from reference sites and/or intermediate disturbance sites for this analysis.

(b) Use analysis methodologies that include, but are not limited to, ordination analysis, principal components analysis, classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, and random forests analysis.

(c) Use natural determinants that include, but are not limited to, topography, geology, climate, and water and habitat characteristics.

(2) If the analysis from (1) determines site classes or metric adjustments may be necessary, develop a site classification or metric adjustment scheme to account for natural determinants of diatom assemblages at sites.

Task 4 Deliverables:

(1) Completed site classification or metric adjustment scheme

• Estimated Due Date: November 15, 2026

TASK 5. Taxa Trait Assignments: Assign taxa traits to diatoms identified in project samples.

(1) Create diatom taxa trait (morphology, autecology, eco-physiological) tables aligned with existing Massachusetts diatom data with cited sources of trait information. Possible taxa trait information sources include the Diatoms of

North America (DONA), MassDEP pilot diatom database, taxa tolerance analyses using project data, and other available literature sources.

(2) Harmonize diatom taxa identifications in the project samples with the taxa trait tables to match traits to taxa.

Task 5 Deliverables:

(1) Completed taxa trait data tables

• Estimated Due Date: December 15, 2026

TASK 6. Metric Calculations: Calculate potential metrics for the index based on diatom community structure, function, and pollution tolerance.

(1) Develop a large list of potential metrics (>100), including their definitions from previously developed multimetric indices or ecological assessment methods (e.g., TITAN, cluster analysis), using stream diatom data from federal, state, academic, and consulting entities, as well as scientific literature.

(a) Include metrics calculated at a lower taxonomic level (e.g., genus level) in the potential metric list.

(b) If necessary, create different potential metric lists for the two index development tracks (i.e., morphological and DNA metabarcoding taxonomic identification).

(2) Calculate all potential metrics and standardize these values to a 100-point scale based on percentile statistics across all sites (i.e., 5th and 95th percentile values as the upper or lower end of a scoring scale).

(a) Complete any adjustments needed for metrics strongly correlated to natural determinants or classification variables (maintain both the unadjusted and adjusted metrics for testing).

(3) Prepare the standardized adjusted and unadjusted metric score data for testing.

Task 6 Deliverables:

(1) Completed calculations for all metrics in the potential lists

• Estimated Due Date: January 15, 2027

TASK 7. Metric Testing: Evaluate the suitability of each potential metric for inclusion in the index.

(1) Metric testing should at a minimum include metric sensitivity to different stressor gradients (general and specific), correlation with other potential metrics, and estimated precision of the metric.

(2) Metric testing methodologies could include, but are not limited to, the percentage of stressed sites that have metric values worse than the worst quartile of reference sites (discrimination efficiency), average difference between reference and stressed sites metric values scaled to the standard deviation of reference sites metric values (Z-scores), metric correlations with individual stressors or a stressor index (Spearman Rho), metric correlation with other potential metrics (Spearman Rho), and comparison of metric values in replicate samples (metric precision).

(3) In consultation with MassDEP, select a subset of the best performing metrics (15 – 20 metrics) to be tested in different index compilations based on the metric testing results and ecological/biological knowledge. The candidate list of best performing metrics should include metrics from multiple metric categories (e.g., structure, function, and pollution tolerance).

Task 7 Deliverables:

(1) Completed file of metric testing statistics for all calculated metrics and a candidate list of the best 20 performing metrics

• Estimated Due Date: February 15, 2027

TASK 8. Index Formulation: Formulate and test all possible multimetric indices using five to eight of the best performing metrics selected in Task 7.

(1) Combine the best performing, non-redundant metrics from multiple metric categories into indices containing five to eight candidate metrics. A multimetric index for all possible combinations of five to eight candidate metrics will be created from this process.

(2) Test the candidate multimetric index formulations for sensitivity to different human stressor gradients (general and specific) using discrimination efficiency, Z-scores, and other statistical analyses (e.g., reference site percentiles, stressed site percentiles, etc.).

(3) Scrutinize the indices performance, merits of contributing metrics, and select the final index for each taxonomic identification method (i.e., morphological and DNA metabarcoding) in consultation with MassDEP.

(4) Validate the selected multimetric indices using data that were not used in index development by comparing the results of the multimetric indices to other stressor gradients/indicators and other applicable validation methods.

(5) Develop proposed index score thresholds for assessment of the aquatic life use (i.e., support, impaired) and a minimum of three narrative biotic integrity categories (e.g., undisturbed/minimal disturbance, moderately disturbed, and severely degraded). Statistical analysis methods for determining thresholds could include, but are not limited to, reference distribution statistics, balancing Type I and Type II errors, and proportional odds logistic regression.

Task 8 Deliverables:

(1) Completed file of all index compilations with associated testing statistics

• Estimated Due Date: March 15, 2027

TASK 9. Index Calculation R Code: Create R code to calculate the index values for the two selected multimetric indices identified on Page 7.

(1) Complete R code to calculate index values for the selected morphological and

DNA metabarcoding multimetric indices for future diatom samples.

(a) The R code for calculating index values should have two primary inputs, a taxa trait table, and a taxonomic data table (either morphological or DNA metabarcoding method). Additional site-specific inputs may be required depending on the results of the indices development (i.e., metric adjustments, Task 3).

(b) Complete documentation and annotation of the R code that includes instructions on required data inputs, steps for calculating the index values, and the purpose and/or action of each section of code.

(c) Record a walk-through of the R code with MassDEP personnel.

Task 9 Deliverables:

(1) R code and associated documentation

• Estimated Due Date: April 15, 2027

TASK 10. Reporting and Indices Application: Draft and finalize a report detailing the development and application of the two multimetric indices identified on Page 7.

(1) The report must include a comprehensive explanation of the index development process and results, rationale for reference sites, site classes, index formulations, index performance, and assessment strategies including impairment and narrative biotic integrity classification alternatives.

(2) The report must include index application guidelines based on monitoring requirements (e.g., index period), index calculation instructions, metric interpretations, and index interpretations.

(3) The report must include an appendix with a list of all sites used in the index development and any site characteristics relevant to the development (e.g., disturbance category, metric adjustment factors, site classifications).

(4) The index application strategy will be the responsibility of MassDEP. The report will outline options for impairment and narrative biotic integrity thresholds related to the reference conditions.

(5) Incorporate MassDEP’s feedback on the draft report into the final report.

Task 10 Deliverables:

(1) Draft report

• Estimated Due Date: May 1, 2027

(2) Final report

• Estimated Due Date: June 15, 2027

TASK 11. Final Project Data: Create a harmonized version of the existing Massachusetts diatom data after index development.

(1) The final clean version of the project harmonized data must include:

(a) Only data that were collected as part of the project (e.g., taxonomic, water quality, habitat data), used in index development or calculation (e.g., taxa traits), or necessary to organize information (e.g., site tables, sample tables, queries). The intent of this task is to remove any extraneous data (e.g., other states taxonomic data, benthic macroinvertebrate habitat data) that were not used in the project.

(b) A single table for each data type (i.e., water quality results, morphological taxonomic data). Each table should only have fields that contain, or will contain, data or information (i.e., remove unused or empty fields).

(c) Queries required to produce input files for the R code developed to calculate the index values (i.e., taxonomic data table, taxa traits table).

(d) A data dictionary describing each table and the fields within each table.

(e) A workflow diagram describing how tables and/or queries are linked together.

(f) Incorporate MassDEP’s feedback on the draft project data files in the preparation of the final project data files.

Task 11 Deliverables:

(1) Draft project data files

• Estimated Due Date: May 1, 2027

(2) Final project data files

• Estimated Due Date: June 15, 2027

3.2 Bidder Qualifications

As part of the proposal submitted in response to this RFQ (see Section 3.3 below), Bidders must submit documentation that indicates their qualifications and ability to perform this project. Specifically, Bidders must address, in narrative form (three (3) page maximum length) the following Qualification requirements:

• Relevant knowledge, qualifications and experience with water quality, human disturbance indices for water resources, periphyton (diatoms) communities in streams, DNA metabarcoding, habitat assessment in streams, biocriteria development, quality assurance and control, data management, statistical data analysis techniques relevant to biocriteria, and field collection of biological, physical (habitat), and chemical data in streams.

• Experience with the formulation, testing and calibration of multimetric indices.

• Experience with R-Studio, with a demonstrated attention to detail and quality assurance in R programming.

• Excellent writing skills and technical writing experience.

3.3 Bidders’ RFQ Response; Proposal Content and Format

Bidders shall submit a response to this RFQ in a Proposal format, in accordance with the requirements of this section. In addition to providing a narrative response to the qualification requirements of Section 3.2 above, the Bidder’s Proposal sections for bullet items 1-4, below, shall be limited to six (6) pages total in length (single-spaced, 8-1/2” by 11” sheet with 0.5” margins) and shall include the following sections:

1. A concise problem statement and brief narrative, to explain the objective(s) of the project and describe the activities.

2. A scope of services with tasks/activities, discrete deliverables, and a milestone schedule that addresses the task/deliverables set forth in section

3.1 above.

3. The Bidder’s proposed project team, including the proposed project manager and key project staff.

4. A table of estimated effort in hours, rates, and line-item budget for the various phases of the project.

5. The following information (as applicable) as Attachments, to demonstrate the qualifications and/or project/technical approach and capabilities of the Bidder: maps, reports, or links to reports, drawings, designs, photographs, resumes of key staff, and examples of similar projects. When supporting documents that are lengthy or oversized, include the information on multiple uploads to the COMMBUYS system, and include a table of supporting materials with a summary description of the electronic submittals.

6. A contact list, including consultant contacts email and telephone numbers, for no more than three (3) references. MassDEP reserves the right to contact any reference provided by any Bidder, as well as, in its discretion, any other entities that may have had prior project experience with the Bidder.

3.4 Compensation Structure/Pricing

3.4.1 Cost Tables

Compensation will be based solely on the Cost Tables (budget) supplied by the Bidder in the proposal, as negotiated and accepted by MassDEP prior to contract award. Cost Tables must contain all goods and services to be provided through this Contract for each task. The Cost Tables must include a list of project employees, wage rates, supplies, printing costs, postage, and mileage, as applicable.

Each task will be completed for the following total amounts.

TASK# TASK DESCRIPTION TOTAL COST

Prepare and complete a final comprehensive SAP for Phase II of the Biocriteria Development – Diatoms project that details the sampling completed from 2022 – 2025.

2 Prepare the existing Massachusetts Diatom Data for index development.

Identify Disturbance Categories – Assess site disturbance for the purpose of establishing a stressor gradient.

Site Classification – Assess the need for site classifications or metric adjustments to account for natural determinants of the diatom assemblage at sites.

5 Taxa Trait Assignments – Assign taxa traits to diatoms identified in project samples.

Metric Calculations – Calculate potential metrics for the index based on diatom community structure, function, and pollution tolerance.

7 Metric Testing – Evaluate the suitability of each potential metric for inclusion in the index.

Index Formulation – Formulate and test all possible multimetric indices using five to eight of the previously selected candidate metrics.

Index Calculation R code – Create R code to calculate the index values for the two selected multimetric indices.

Reporting and Indices Application – Generate a report detailing the development and application of the two multimetric indices.

Final Project Data – Create a harmonized version of the existing Massachusetts diatom data after index development.

TOTAL COST (Tasks 1-11) $200,000

3.5 General Provisions

• MassDEP’s Ownership of, and Unrestricted Access to and Use of Data and

Deliverables. Contractor and MassDEP agree that MassDEP holds ownership of and unrestricted access to and use of all data and deliverables developed for projects under this contract, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. Related documentation includes all finished or unfinished studies, modeling files (code, input, and output files), analyses, flow charts, data files, design documents, program specifications, programs, magnetic tapes, source codings and listings, source and object decks, test data, test results, schedules and planning documents, training materials and user manuals, forms, reports, and similar documents, including modifications thereto.

• Contractor Responsiveness. During the contract term, in the course of providing services, the Contractor(s) shall be responsive to MassDEP questions and should provide timely responses. The Contractor shall respond within 96 hours from the time of MassDEP’s initial requests, absent previously identified Contractor obligations which would preclude a timely response.

• Review and Quality of Draft and Final Deliverables. Draft reports shall be reviewed by the Contractor’s editorial staff to correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, sentence structure, etc. before submitting them to WPP for content review. If a Contractor’s report is submitted to WPP with the above-listed errors, it will be rejected and returned to the contractor for corrections. WPP staff will not rewrite reports or make edits that should have been addressed before submittal to WPP.

• Metrics of Acceptance. Some project specific metrics of acceptance include, ensuring that all terms under MassDEP’s Ownership of, and Unrestricted Access to and Use of Data and Deliverables are met, providing timely responses as described above, and drafting a high-quality project memorandum and reports. A high-quality project memorandum and/or report submitted to WPP should be free from typographical and syntax errors and substantively follow the WPP style guide. Incomplete reports, or documents containing excessive spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors will not be accepted for review by WPP. All work for this contract will be considered complete if project deliverables are accepted by MassDEP and are met within the agreed-upon timeline as set forth in the Scope of Work. A Contractor will be held to the terms and prices of their fixed cost bid for the duration of the contract period.

• Right to Withhold Payment for Unsatisfactory Performance. MassDEP reserves the right to withhold payment (or partial payment) for unsatisfactory Contractor Work Performance. If the Department determines, in its discretion, that any submission(s) by the Contractor of technical analyses, reports, studies and/or designs, and/or any Contractor work activity performance (whether performed by the Contractor or any subcontractor(s)), has not or will not achieve the requirements of the Contract, it reserves the right to: (1) withhold full or partial payment for the work until all issues are resolved to the satisfaction of the Department; or, (2) require the Contractor to immediately correct or remediate any deficient or defective work without additional compensation from the Department. MassDEP reserves the right to pursue additional remedies against the Contractor to address any deficient or defective work by the Contractor or its subcontractors and any damages arising out of such work.

• Encumbrance Document. An encumbrance document will be prepared and processed by the Department based on the awarded Contractor’s proposal and price quote. This will include, but not be limited to, all general and specific conditions contained in the Request for Price Quotes, the Scope of Work, the Cost Table, and all other information submitted by the awarded Contractor.

• Use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Related Technologies.

MassDEP may allow, on a case-by-case basis, the use of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), including related technologies such as machine learning, in support of the development or completion of tasks and deliverables outlined in the RFQ. All bidders intending to use AI or related technologies as part of their proposal should clearly indicate this in their bid submission. Please note that the use of AI or related technologies is subject to review and approval by multiple Commonwealth entities, including MassDEP, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and is not guaranteed. If approved, any use of AI or related technologies in the development or completion of any tasks and deliverables under this RFQ will be negotiated with MassDEP following the selection of an apparent successful bidder, and prior to the execution of a contract. All deliverables, data, information or materials developed with Commonwealth funds shall be the sole property of the Commonwealth, regardless of how they were developed or generated, including through the use of AI or related technologies. Bidders wishing to utilize AI or related technologies are advised to also propose alternative methods to achieve the tasks and deliverables for which they wish to use such technologies, and include this information in their bid submission, in the event that approval is not received. Please note that AI and related technologies cannot be used to produce meeting notes or summaries.

• Accessibility of Deliverables. Reports and documents developed by the

Contractor under this contract must be produced in an accessible format specified by the Department and must be provided to the Department in its original electronic form, free from any restriction on modification, reproduction, publication, or distribution. The Contractor shall be held responsible for all Required Accessibility guidance as per the Required Digital Accessibility Contract Language for digital products and services delivered by a third-party that can be found at: Vendor Digital Accessibility Contract Language | Mass.gov.

3.6 Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP)

Program Background. The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) was established pursuant to Executive Order 599 to increase state contracting opportunities with small businesses having their principal place of business within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Pursuant to the SBPP, it is the intention of the issuing department to award this Small Procurement to one or more SBPP participating business(es) as described below.

SBPP Award Preference. While all businesses, no matter the size or principal place of business, may submit responses to this solicitation, should an SBPP participant respond and meet the best value criteria as described in this solicitation, the SBPP participant shall be awarded the contract. The Strategic Sourcing Services Team (SST) will not evaluate submissions from non-SBPP participants unless no SBPP Bidder meets the SSST’s best value evaluation criteria.

SBPP Participation Eligibility. To be eligible to participate in this procurement as an SBPP participant, an entity must meet the following criteria, and be marked as an SBPP registered business in COMMBUYS:

1. Have its principal place of business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2. Been in business for at least one year;

3. Employ a combined total of 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in all locations, or employees work less than a combined total of 26,000 hours per quarter; and

4. Have gross revenues, as reported on appropriate tax forms, of $15 million or less, based on a three-year average.

Non-profit firms also must be registered as a non-profit or charitable organization with the MA Attorney General’s Office and be up to date with all filings required by that office and be tax exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SBPP Compliance Requirements. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their SBPP status is current at the time of submitting a response and throughout the life of any resulting contract. Misrepresentation of SBPP status will https://www.mass.gov/info-details/vendor-digital-accessibility-contract-language https://www.mass.gov/sbpp https://www.commbuys.com/bso/ result in disqualification from consideration, and may result in debarment, contract termination, and other actions. To learn more about the SBPP, including how to apply, visit the SBPP Webpage.

Program Resources and Assistance. Bidders and Contractors seeking assistance regarding SBPP may visit the SBPP webpage, http://www.mass.gov/sbpp, or contact the SBPP Help Desk at sbpp@mass.gov.

4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Bidder scores will be used to rank Bidders and will determine which Bidders will proceed to subsequent stages of the evaluation and/or enter into negotiations with MassDEP to receive a Contract award.

4.1 Mandatory requirements

Section 3 Mandatory Specifications must be met in order for a Bid to be evaluated and may be used to disqualify Bidders. The Department reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine if non-compliance with a Mandatory Specification is insignificant or can be easily corrected.

4.2 Evaluation Components

A selection committee will review proposals from respondents. Consultant selection will be based upon the following criteria, at a minimum:

1. Quality and responsiveness of the proposal including completeness, organization, and conciseness.

2. Bidder’s overall qualification and experience.

3. Understanding of the requested services.

4. Description of the key elements and deliverables for each task.

5. Consultant’s experience on prior projects of a similar nature.

6. Technical approach including the logic of the plan, clarity of the proposal, discrete project deliverables and results identified, and realistic Milestone schedule that adheres to the project completion deadlines.

7. Cost effectiveness of the proposal.

8. Prior success of consultant’s projects.

5 HOW TO SUBMIT A QUOTE

All Bidders may begin creating and compiling Quote materials as soon as the Bid with all attachments is in the Sent document status. Bidders are instructed not to submit Quotes before the Bid Amendment Deadline has been reached (see Estimated Procurement Calendar).

5.1 Quote Submission Method

Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required.

http://www.mass.gov/sbpp http://www.mass.gov/sbpp mailto:sbpp@mass.gov

All Bidders must submit Quotes online using tools available only to Sellers registered in COMMBUYS. COMMBUYS provides Seller registration functionality at no charge. To register, go to www.COMMBUYS.com and click on the “Register” link on the front page. All Bidders who are awarded a contract resulting from this Bid, if any, will be required to maintain an active account during the duration of the Contract, by reviewing their registration information regularly and maintaining its accuracy.

5.2 COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

The following resources are provided to assist Bidders in submitting Quotes:

• Instructions for Vendors Responding to Bids Electronically through COMMBUYS, which is part of this document; can be found on the main page of the COMMBUYS website.

5.3 COMMBUYS Support

Technical assistance is available during the procurement process. Every effort is made to respond to inquiries within one business day.

Website: Go to www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys and select the COMMBUYS Resource Center link offered under Key Resources.

Email: Send inquiries to the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us Telephone: Call the COMMBUYS Help Desk at 1-888-MA-STATE (1-888-627- 8283). The Help Desk is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal and state holidays.

Bidders are advised that COMMBUYS will be unavailable during regularly scheduled maintenance hours of which all users will be notified.

5.4 Bid Opening Date/Time

All Bids must be received by the Operational Services Division (OSD) before the specified date, month, year, and time displayed as the Bid Opening Date/Time in the Header Information section of the Bid in COMMBUYS. Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as applicable. All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission by considering potential online submission impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. OSD is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission. Bids submitted via COMMBUYS are time stamped by the COMMBUYS system clock which is considered the official time of record.

http://www.commbuys.com/ http://www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us