Buy Local Grant Program (BLGP)

Fiscal Year 2027

Request for Response (RFR): RFR File: AGR-BuyLocal-FY27

To promote and support the Massachusetts “Buy Local Effort” by funding Buy Local campaigns that strengthen the marketing potential of agricultural businesses and agricultural products in western, central, northeastern, and southeastern Massachusetts.

Responses are due no later than Friday, July 17, 2026 by 4:00 PM

Point of Contact: Mackenzie May E-Mail: Mackenzie.A.May@mass.gov

See Section 6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS for the required submission process.

Email the application and supporting documentation to: MDARGRANTS@mass.gov

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 mailto:MDARGRANTS@mass.gov

GRANT OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, Secretary Grant Announcement RFR ID: RFR-AGR-BuyLocal-FY27 Dated: June 8, 2026

Proposals Sought For The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“Department”) is soliciting marketing Proposals (Bid/Quotes) to enhance the Buy Local efforts in western, central, northeastern, and southeastern Massachusetts. Any Buy Local effort shall also include, to the extent regionally possible, locally harvested seafood, including, but not limited to, fish and shellfish.

Overview & Goals A “Buy Local” is a Massachusetts regional agriculture, non-profit organization that connects farmers to their surrounding communities and vice versa. Buy Locals are committed to the idea that knowing where your food comes from makes both good health and economic sense. Buy Local group efforts help generate consumer awareness and demand for locally grown food products while improving logistical access to these important food sources. From technical assistance information to the newest recipes, consumers and farmers alike can find resources to help them grow, buy, cook, and eat wholesome locally grown products.

A “Buy Local Effort” is a Buy Local campaign that strengthens the marketing potential of agricultural businesses and agricultural products. A “Buy Local” campaign develops programs that provide an economic advantage to farm businesses and food producers in the marketplace. A “Buy Local” campaign engages a variety of partners to develop effective business tools that expand and support agriculture’s vital role in the health of the community. A “Buy Local” campaign may also develop programs that inform and engage community members about the long-term sustainability of Massachusetts farms and farm products. A Buy Local campaign can help implement the goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan www.mafoodplan.org and contribute to increasing the production, sales, and consumption of Massachusetts-grown/produced foods.

Eligible Applicants The Department is soliciting proposals from Buy Local non-profit organizations within the Commonwealth that support local agriculture and farms. Organizations must have two (2) or more years of experience expanding consumer purchasing of locally grown or produced products in Massachusetts.

Application Deadline Friday, July 17, 2026 by 4:00 PM

Funding Availability Subject to appropriation of State Fiscal Year 27. A maximum of up to $100,000 will be considered per proposal

Duration of Contract All contracts will end no later than June 30, 2027

Governing Authorization

As authorized by Massachusetts State Budget- Appropriation 2510-0100.

Point of Contact Mackenzie May E-Mail: Mackenzie.A.May@mass.gov http://www.mafoodplan.org/ mailto:Mackenzie.A.May@mass.gov

1. PERFORMANCE AND CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

1A. Eligible Project(s)/ Scope(s) of Work The Department is soliciting proposals from Massachusetts non-profit organizations engaged in Buy Local efforts. Proof of non-profit status is required as part of the proposal. It is highly encouraged that organizations that submit proposals under this RFR have developed successful programs that encourage the purchasing of local agriculture, which also includes, where regionally permissible, locally harvested seafood, including, but not limited to, fish and shellfish.

Proposals should be for projects that add to Buy Local efforts. Proposals should clearly demonstrate the organization’s ability to accomplish 1 or more of the objectives listed below. Proposal should describe the line-item budget, and schedule of work to be completed within the contract performance period, along with a detailed scope of work, which should describe how the above objectives under “Performance Specifications” shall be accomplished.

Projects must meet at least 1 of the following objectives, which must be clearly shown through a detailed proposal:

• Increase the cash receipts for farmers from local sales of agricultural products or other locally produced products from primarily local ingredients grown or made in the proposal’s respective region of the Commonwealth. Proposals may also include regionally appropriate, locally harvested seafood, including, but not limited to, fish and shellfish;

• Increase recognition of Massachusetts agriculture in one of the four geographic areas western, central, northeastern, and southeastern Massachusetts, by collaborating with agricultural/commodity associations and/or community initiatives to cross-promote efforts in that particular region.

In addition to the required objectives above, the Department is encouraging projects that address the following objectives:

• Proposals that would include working with Department staff to collaborate on workshops/listening sessions/classes/webinars/virtual meetings to avoid duplication of effort and share templates/programs and webinars for educational and technical assistance initiatives funded through this grant whenever permitted.

• Demonstrate efforts to provide technical assistance and support to farmers and farmers’ markets in accepting SNAP/HIP benefits at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture Programs.

• Proposals that will assist agricultural businesses with grant writing training. This can be provided one-on-one or through workshop training.

• Proposals that support the mission of the MassGrown Wellness campaign.

• Proposals that include program initiatives that are not currently or have previously been funded.

• Proposals that leverage matching funds and which is clearly demonstrated in what is submitted.

• Proposals that show a demonstrated effort and detailed plan to attract regional partners among traditional and non-traditional groups to support and promote agriculture in the region, including leveraging other dollars;

• Where appropriate, proposals that show a demonstrated effort and detailed plan to encourage collaboration across multiple proposals or grant programs to accomplish similar goals and reduce duplication of efforts to achieve similar outcomes which benefit the farmer/producer and/or the https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massgrown-wellness agricultural industry; and/or the consumer.

• Proposals that demonstrates how the project will increase equitable access to nutritious— preferably local and culturally relevant—food for under-resourced and underserved residents of the Commonwealth. For the purposes of this Program, under-resourced and underserved refers to communities or populations that face persistent barriers to accessing sufficient, affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food due to limited financial, infrastructural, geographical, or institutional resources, as well as constraints related to food availability, distribution, transportation, or local food system capacity.

o Applicants are strongly encouraged to review community-level data and research o To receive full consideration, applicants should:

Reference relevant community-level data to document need.

Describe key characteristics of the population served (e.g., income, socioeconomic conditions, food access, English isolation).

Explain the geographic relationship between the community served and the project site.

Describe how the project will support the intended population(s).

Demonstrate meaningful support from or participation by the intended population(s) (e.g., letters of support, community partnerships).

• Proposals that describe direct benefits to farmers, ranchers, or small businesses within the food supply chain that face barriers to market access. Applicants could also share if their organization or business itself will have any direct benefits for groups such as historically underserved farmers and/or ranchers and middle-of-the-supply chain small businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals (as defined by the Small Business Administration).

• Proposals demonstrate efforts to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers in implementing climate-smart farming practices and enhance coordination and resource sharing between regional and statewide entities that are advancing climate-smart practices on Massachusetts farms. If the project aligns with any of the objectives outlined in ResilientMass, please demonstrate.

• Environmental Justice o For the purposes of this RFR, “Environmental Justice” includes the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people and communities in the development, implementation, and enforcement of energy, climate change, and environmental laws, regulations, and policies, as well as the equitable distribution of environmental and energy benefits and burdens. MDAR is committed to Environmental Justice and, in doing so, we are working to ensure communities across the state have the capacity to advance environmental, energy, and food justice, engage in meaningful ways, and help shape policies and programs with equity at the center. Through our programs and services, we aim to support Applicants working directly with communities most impacted by environmental, energy, and food injustice, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

o For more information, please refer to EEA’s Environmental Justice Program Webpage.

For the purposes of this RFR, agricultural producers are individuals or entities primarily engaged in production agriculture as defined in M.G.L. c. 128, §1A. Production agriculture is the active commercial cultivation, growing, raising, or harvesting of crops, livestock, dairy, fiber, nursery and greenhouse products, aquaculture, shellfish, or other organisms for sale, as defined in M.G.L. c. 128, §1A.

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/resilientmass https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-environmental-justice-equity-oeje

2. FUNDING AVAILABILITY, BUDGETING GUIDELINES, &

ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES

2A. Maximum Funding

Total funding is subject to appropriation of State Fiscal Year 27. A maximum of up to $100,000 will be considered per proposal. Applicants may only submit 1 proposal and may not work with or discuss their proposal with any other organization that will also be submitting a proposal.

2B. Allowable Expenditures The Department reserves the right to revise the initial funding request based on project evaluation and may, in its discretion, fund all or part of a project. All contracts shall identify the specific projects to be covered and shall be subject to available funding, whether through appropriating and authorizing sufficient funds or receiving sufficient revenues. If available funding ceases for any reason, a contract shall be deemed under suspension, and contract performance must halt. A contractor shall not be entitled to compensation for any performance provided during the period of contract suspension. The Department may lift the suspension if available funding is received. In the absence of foreseeable available funding, the Department may terminate the contract.

3. PROJECT TERMS

3A. Terms

If awarded, all projects will be required to execute and abide by the standard Commonwealth of Massachusetts Terms and Conditions. In addition, all final contracts are subject to successful negotiation of a Final Scope of Services. Please note that the Department does not guarantee any contracts that may result from this RFR or that any particular funding level will be awarded. The awarded contracts will be reviewed during their course and, upon request by the Contractor, may be amended at the sole discretion of the Department.

3B. ANTICIPATED START & END DATE OF CONTRACTS

Contracts are targeted to begin October 1, 2026. Proposals should be submitted with an anticipated October 1, 2026, project start date.

Up to 20% of an award may be expended as early as July 1, 2026, prior to the Contract Effective Date in the event a contract has not been executed, with the anticipation of reimbursement from the Department if, in its sole discretion, the Department determines that such is necessary for the proposal objectives to be adequately accomplished. In no event may any such work have been performed prior to any notice of award of contract and there is no guarantee of funding for work performed prior to any contract effective date. Any awardee assumes all risk of the expenses should the Department deem the expenses not related to the awarded project and deny the request for reimbursement.

All contracts will end no later than June 30, 2027. Contract duration will be from Contract Effective Date through June 30, 2027, with no option for extensions.

4. DELIVERABLES, OWNERSHIP, AND CREDIT DUE

4A. Deliverables All deliverables shall be to further the Department’s goals of increasing the cash receipts, increasing recognition of Massachusetts agriculture, creating regional partnerships, and/or creating collaborative efforts across regional groups to promote and sustain “Buy Local” initiatives in Massachusetts.

MassGrown Logo and website must be incorporated with any consumer work and/or materials funded through this grant. The use of Department logos, including but not limited to the MassGrown Logo, may only be done with express written permission from the Department and may require the execution of a licensing agreement unless such terms of use are included in the contract with the Department.

4B. Condition of Funding: Final Invoice and Report

• To comply with End of Year Fiscal deadlines, the final invoice, and final report submission must be submitted to the Department no later than 30 days after the contract expiration of June 30, 2027.

• This Final Report must include, at a minimum, the following outcomes using both quantitative and qualitative measurements:

o Narrative describing the number of farms and/or fisheries impacted by work performed overall and/or with each specific project.

o Members at the beginning and end of the contract period, including types of memberships, if applicable: farms, other businesses, and individuals.

o If print or digital directory was developed, describe the number of printed/hits and distribution plan as well as the directory objectives and budget.

o Include a narrative describing activities performed that support the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan.

o Include a description of any workshops/educational sessions that were offered, their frequency, and the number of attendees.

o Report on MassGrown logo and/or website usage on any consumer work and/or materials funded through this grant.

o Describe the successes of the project grant and what lessons or challenges were encountered from the project grant work performed.

5. EVALUATION CRITERIA

5A. Evaluation Criteria Proposals must seek to meet one or more of the following objectives (as stated in Section 1- Performance and Contract Specifications) using either qualitative analyses or qualitatively describing how each objective contained within the applicant’s proposal shall be accomplished.

Proposals will be evaluated in the following areas:

1. The proposal clearly explains how it will increase cash receipts for farmers from local sales of agricultural products or other locally produced products from primarily local ingredients grown or made in the proposal’s respective region of the Commonwealth. (15 points)

2. The proposal Increases recognition of Massachusetts agriculture in one of the four geographic areas western, central, northeastern, and southeastern Massachusetts, by collaborating with https://www.mass.gov/massgrown agricultural/commodity associations and/or community initiatives to cross-promote efforts in that particular region. (15 points)

3. The work described within the proposal attracts regional partners among traditional and non-traditional groups to support and promote agriculture, the MassGrown and Fresher branding in the region.

(14 points)

4. The proposal includes projects which strengthen the sustainability of agricultural businesses through technical assistance, workshops or networking events. (14 points)

5. The region served through this project will impact a significant portion of the farms, farmland or farm-to-consumer retail locations of Massachusetts. (11 points)

6. The project furthers the marketing goals identified in the MA Local Food Action Plan. (8 points)

7. Final Reports from previous MDAR grant initiatives have been submitted in a timely manner consistent with the requirements of the grant initiatives goals. (5 points)

8. Successful completion of previous “Buy Local” campaign project initiatives. (5 points)

9. Does the work include new or adapted work from experiences learned from previous Buy Local grant awards. (5 points)

The Department reserves the right to consider the geographic distribution of awards or agricultural diversity as additional criteria.

6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS

6A. Application Submission Instructions

• This BID requires the submission of email proposals. All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission of their proposal by considering potential online impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume.

• The Department 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 email are time stamped by the OUTLOOK system clock, which is considered the official time of record of when submission is RECEIVED by the Department, not when it was SENT by the applicant. Please do not wait until just before the deadline to submit. Applications received after the deadline will not be eligible nor will extensions to the deadline be granted.

• Applications must be received by the Department by Friday, July 17, 2026 by 4:00 PM

• Email the application and supporting documentation to: MDARgrants@mass.gov

• All email submissions will receive an auto-email confirmation of submission

• Project proposals must include the following:

o A narrative describing how the proposal will achieve the Section 5A Evaluation Criteria listed above.

o A description of the qualitative analysis which shall be completed during or upon completion of work to assess the metrics established within the submitted proposal o A detailed budget providing line breakdown of costs associated with performing the work described in the proposal.

o **The budget MUST follow the budget template provided in Attachment A– “Project Summary & Specific Deliverables And Budget Category Narrative.”

o The application must be signed by an authorized signatory for the applicant’s organization.

o Proof of IRS non-profit status

**Failure to provide any of the materials listed below may result in the disqualification of the Proposal.

6B. Additional Contract Documentation

If selected, the Respondent will be required to submit the following forms to complete the contract:

o Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, including Commonwealth Terms and Conditions o Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form o Commonwealth W-9 tax information Form o Completed Electronic Funds Transfer Form

These forms do not need to be completed as part of the response. Assistance to complete these forms will be provided to Respondents selected to participate in the Program. These forms are available for review at www.mass.gov/osd or by request.

mailto:MDARgrants@mass.gov http://www.mass.gov/osd

7. DEADLINES & PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

Release of RFR June 8, 2026

Application Due Date Friday, July 17, 2026 by 4:00 PM

Estimated Award Date Award notifications are estimated September of 2026

Estimated Contract Start Date

Contracts are expected to begin on or around October 1, 2026. The Official CONTRACT START DATE is the date Countersigned by a Department official once the contract is signed and returned to the Department.

The effective start date of a contract shall be the latest of the following dates:

the date the Standard Contract Form has been executed by an authorized signatory of the contractor and the procuring department; the date of the secretariat or other approval(s) required by law or regulation; or a later date specified in the Standard Contract Form. Any work performed under the contract’s terms that begins before the effective date will be ineligible for reimbursement unless otherwise authorized by the Department in writing.

8. MISCELLANEOUS

Type of Procurement Grant

Use of This Procurement by Single or Multiple Departments

This RFR is a single-department procurement. All contracts awarded under this RFR will be utilized by MDAR.

Single or Multiple Contractors

Multiple

RFR Distribution Method

This RFR has been distributed by MDAR’s Farm and Market Newsletter, posted to the program’s website at www.mass.gov/agr, and by a distribution list of requested applicants.

This RFR has been distributed electronically via COMMBUYS. Every Applicant is responsible for checking COMMBUYS for any addenda or modifications to an RFR to which they intend to respond. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its subdivisions accept no liability and will provide no accommodations to Applicants who fail to check for amended RFRs and submit inadequate or incorrect responses. Potential Respondents are advised to check the “last change” field on the summary page of RFRs for which they intend to submit a response to ensure they have the most recent RFR files.

Respondents may not alter RFR language or any RFR component files.

Those submitting a proposal must respond in accordance to the RFR directions and complete only those sections that prompt a Respondent for a response.

Modifications to the body of this RFR, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this RFR are prohibited. Any unauthorized alterations will disqualify response.

List of Attachments A. Application Form

B. RFR Required Specifications https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources

AGR-BuyLocal-FY27

ATTACHMENT A:

PROJECT SUMMARY & SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

And

Budget Category Narrative

Organization Name:

Requested Funds:

Matching Funds:

Summary: Brief description of your overall grant proposal (2-4 sentences):

If the project contains multiple major goals/initiatives, please provide the Requested

Cost per goal/initiative, as well as list specific deliverables (not a Narrative) in the

Example Format below and add rows if needed.

Examples:

# Goal/Initiative and Specific Deliverables Cost

1 Social Media and Website Campaign:

• Produce and boost 20 Facebook ads promoting local crops.

• Produce 8 e-newsletters

$15,000

2 Technical Assistance:

• Grower Training Programs: Produce a series of 10 workshops

• Provide a minimum of 20 one-on-one farmer mentor sessions

$20,000

3 Produce Marketing Materials:

• design, print, and distribute 20K copies of Guide to Local Food & Farms

• design and print 10K PYO rack cards

$25,000

4 Etc.….

SEE a Separate Word version in the COMMBUYS posting for this Attachment A should you need to add additional rows or run into spacing restrictions or need further customization.

Project Title:

# Goal/Initiative with Specific Deliverables (include quantitative data where appropriate)

Cost

1. All expenses described in this Budget Narrative must be associated with expenses that will be covered for the Buy Local program.

List the organization’s employees whose time and effort can be specifically identified and easily and accurately traced to project activities that relate to your Buy Local program.

# Name/Title Level of Effort (# of hours OR % FTE) Funds

Requested

For each individual listed in the above table, describe the activities to be completed by name/title including approximately when activities will occur. Add more personnel by copying and pasting the existing listing or deleting personnel that aren’t necessary.

Personnel 1:

Personnel 2:

Personnel 3:

Personnel 4:

Add other personnel as necessary

BUDGET CATEGORY NARRATIVE

1. PERSONNEL

Personnel Subtotal

PERSONNEL JUSTIFICATION

Provide the fringe benefit rates for each of the project’s salaried employees described in the Personnel section that will be paid with Buy Local funds. If fringe rates vary, please provide justification below.

# Name/Title Fringe Benefit Rate Funds Requested

Provide an explanation of the breakdown of the above fringe rate(s).

2. FRINGE BENEFITS

Fringe Subtotal

FRINGE JUSTIFICATION

Explain the purpose for each Trip Request. Please note that travel costs are limited to those allowed by formal organizational policy; in the case of air travel, project participants must use the lowest reasonable commercial airfares. For recipient organizations that have no formal travel policy and for-profit recipients, allowable travel costs may not exceed those established by the Federal Travel Regulation, issued by GSA, including the maximum per diem and subsistence rates prescribed in those regulations. This information is available at http://www.gsa.gov.

# Trip Destination

Type of Expense (airfare, car rental, hotel, meals, mileage, etc.)

UOM (days, nights, miles) # of Units Cost per Unit

# of Travelers for the Expense

Funds Requested

For each trip listed in the above table describe the purpose of this trip and how it will achieve the objectives and outcomes of the project. Be sure to include approximately when the trip will occur. Add more trips by copying and pasting the existing listing or delete trips that aren’t necessary.

(Approximate Date of Travel MM/YYYY):

Trip 1

Trip 2

Trip 3

Add other Trips as necessary

3. TRAVEL

Travel Subtotal

TRAVEL JUSTIFICATION

http://www.gsa.gov/

Describe any General Purpose Equipment to be purchased or rented under the grant. ‘‘General Purpose Equipment’’ is tangible, nonexpendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds $5,000 per unit.

# Item Description Rental or Purchase

Acquire When?

Funds Requested

For each Equipment item listed in the above table describe how this equipment will be used to achieve the objectives and outcomes of the project. Add more equipment by copying and pasting the existing listing or delete equipment that isn’t necessary.

Equipment 1:

Equipment 2:

Equipment 3:

Add other equipment as necessary

4. EQUIPMENT

Equipment Subtotal

EQUIPMENT JUSTIFICATION

List the materials, supplies, and fabricated parts costing less than $5,000 per unit and describe below how they will support the purpose and goal of the Buy Local program.

Item Description Per-Unit Cost # of Units

Purchased Acquire When? Funds Requested

Describe the purpose of each supply listed in the table above purchased and how it is necessary for the completion of the project’s objective(s) and outcome(s).

5. SUPPLIES

Supplies Subtotal

SUPPLIES JUSTIFICATION

Contractual/consultant costs are the expenses associated with purchasing goods and/or procuring services performed by an individual or organization other than the applicant in the form of a procurement relationship. If there is more than one contractor or consultant, each must be described separately. (Repeat this section for each contract/consultant.)

Provide a list of contractors/consultants, detailing out the name, hourly/flat rate, and overall cost of the services performed. Please note that any statutory limitations on indirect costs also apply to contractors and consultants.

# Name/Organization Hourly Rate/Flat Rate Funds Requested

Provide for each of your real or anticipated contractors listed above a description of the project activities each will accomplish to meet the objectives and outcomes of the project. Each section should also include a justification for why contractual/consultant services are to be used to meet the anticipated outcomes and objectives. Include timelines for each activity.

Contractor/Consultant 1:

Contractor/Consultant 2:

Contractor/Consultant 3:

Add other Contractors/Consultants as necessary

6. CONTRACTUAL/CONSULTANT

ITEMIZED CONTRACTOR(S)/CONSULTANT(S)

Contractual/Consultant Subtotal

CONTRACTUAL JUSTIFICATION

Include any expenses not covered in any of the previous budget categories. Be sure to break down costs into cost/unit. Expenses in this section include, but are not limited to, meetings and conferences, communications, rental expenses, advertisements, publication costs, and data collection.

Item Description Per-Unit

Cost Number of Units

Acquire When? Funds Requested

Describe the purpose of each item listed in the table above purchased and how it is necessary for the completion of the project’s objective(s) and outcome(s).

7. OTHER

Other Subtotal

OTHER JUSTIFICATION

Indirect costs are any costs that are incurred for common or joint objectives that therefore, cannot be readily identified with an individual project, program, or organizational activity. They generally include facilities operation and maintenance costs, depreciation, and administrative expenses.

Indirect Cost Rate Funds Requested

Provide your Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate if your organization has one. If not, please provide justification for the selected indirect rate.

8. INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect Subtotal

INDIRECT JUSTIFICATION

TOTAL PROJECT Budget Summary

Expense Category Funds Requested

1. Personnel

2. Fringe Benefits

3. Travel

4. Equipment

5. Supplies

6. Contractual

7. Other

8. Indirect Cost

Total Amount Being Requested:

Applicant Match Amount: (if contributing)

Total Project Amount:

RFR - Required Specifications for Commodities and Services Revision Date: July 10, 2024

In general, most of the required contractual stipulations are referenced in the Standard Contract Form and Instructions and the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions. However, the following RFR provisions must appear in all Commonwealth departmental competitive procurements conducted under 801 CMR 21.00.

The terms of 801 CMR 21.00: Procurement of Commodities and Services are incorporated by reference into this RFR.

Words used in this RFR shall have the meanings defined in 801 CMR 21.00. Additional definitions also may be identified in this RFR. Other terms not defined elsewhere in this document may be defined in OSD’s Glossary of Terms. Unless otherwise specified in this RFR, all communications, responses, and documentation must be in English, all measurements must be provided in feet, inches, and pounds and all cost proposals or figures in U.S. currency. All responses must be submitted in accordance with the specific terms of this RFR.

1. COMMBUYS Market Center. COMMBUYS is the official source of information for this Bid and is publicly accessible at no charge at www.commbuys.com. Information contained in this document and in COMMBUYS, including file attachments, and information contained in the related Bid Questions and Answers (Q&A), are components of the Bid, as referenced in COMMBUYS, and are incorporated into the Bid and any resulting contract.

Bidders are solely responsible for obtaining all information distributed for this Bid via COMMBUYS. Bid Q&A supports Bidder submission of written questions associated with a Bid and publication of official answers.

It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for:

• Any amendments, addenda, or modifications to this Bid, and

• Any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid.

The Commonwealth accepts no responsibility and will provide no accommodation to Bidders who submit a Quote based on an out-of-date Bid or on information received from a source other than COMMBUYS.

2. COMMBUYS Registration. Bidders may elect to register for a free COMMBUYS Seller account which provides value-added features, including automated email notification associated with postings and modifications to COMMBUYS records. However, to respond to a Bid, Bidders must register and maintain an active COMMBUYS Seller account.

All Bidders submitting a Quote (previously referred to as Response) in response to this Bid (previously referred to as Solicitation) agree that, if awarded a contract: 1) they will maintain an active seller account in COMMBUYS; 2) they will, when directed to do so by the procuring entity, activate and maintain a COMMBUYS-enabled catalog using Commonwealth Commodity Codes; 3) they will comply with all requests by the procuring entity to utilize COMMBUYS for the purposes of conducting all aspects of purchasing and invoicing with the Commonwealth, as added functionality for the COMMBUYS system is activated; and 4) in the event the Commonwealth adopts an alternate e-procurement platform, successful Bidders will be required to utilize such system, as directed by the procuring entity.

Commonwealth Commodity Codes are based on the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC).

COMMBUYS uses terminology with which bidders must be familiar to conduct business with the Commonwealth. To view this terminology and to learn more about COMMBUYS, please visit the Learn about COMMBUYS Resources page on mass.gov.

3. Multiple Quotes. Bidders may not submit Multiple Quotes in response to a Bid unless the RFR authorizes them to do so. If a Bidder submits multiple quotes in response to an RFR that does not authorize multiple responses, only the latest dated quote submitted prior to the bid opening date will be evaluated.

4. Quote Content. Bid specifications for delivery, shipping, billing, and payment will prevail over any proposed Bidder terms entered as part of the Quote, unless otherwise specified in the Bid.

5. Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) Programs. Pursuant to Executive Order 599, the Commonwealth supports the use of diverse and small businesses through the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) and the Supplier Diversity http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/oversight-agencies/osd/glossary-of-terms.html http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/oversight-agencies/osd/glossary-of-terms.html http://www.commbuys.com/ https://www.mass.gov/learn-about-commbuys-resources?_ga=2.24616762.1416695406.1632336759-758386467.1632336759 https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-599-reaffirming-programs-to-ensure-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-for-diverse-and-small-massachusetts-businesses-in-state-procurement-and-contracting

Sensitivity level - low

Program (SDP). Based on the estimated value of the procurement, one of the above-mentioned programs shall be applicable to this RFR. For more information on the program that applies to this solicitation, see the body of this RFR.

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 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 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, http://www.mass.gov/sbpp.

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

7. Supplier Diversity Program (SDP)

Program Background. Pursuant to Executive Order 599, the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) promotes business-to-business relationships between awarded Contractors and diverse businesses and non-profit organizations (“SDP Partners”) certified or recognized (see below for more information) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).

All Bidders and Contractors are strongly encouraged to create a profile on the SDO’s Supplier Diversity Hub to access the Commonwealth’s supplier diversity resources and tools.

Financial Commitment Requirements. All Bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant financial commitment (“SDP Commitment”) to partnering with one or more SDO-certified or recognized diverse business enterprise(s) or non-profit organization(s). This SDP Commitment must be expressed as a percentage of contract sales resulting from this solicitation that would be spent with the SDP Partner(s).

After contract award (if any), the Total SDP Commitment shall become a contractual requirement to be met annually on a Massachusetts fiscal year basis (July 1 – June 30) for the duration of the contract. The minimum acceptable Total SDP Commitment in response to this solicitation shall be 1%. Bidders shall be awarded additional evaluation points for higher SDP Commitments.

No contract shall be awarded to a Bidder without an SDP Commitment that meets the requirements stated herein.

This requirement extends to all Bidders regardless of their own supplier diversity certification.

Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories https://www.mass.gov/sbpp https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-599-reaffirming-programs-to-ensure-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-for-diverse-and-small-massachusetts-businesses-in-state-procurement-and-contracting https://www.commbuys.com/bso/ http://www.mass.gov/sbpp http://www.mass.gov/sbpp http://www.mass.gov/sbpp mailto:sbpp@mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-599-reaffirming-programs-to-ensure-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-for-diverse-and-small-massachusetts-businesses-in-state-procurement-and-contracting https://www.mass.gov/sdp https://www.mass.gov/supplier-diversity-office https://www.mass.gov/supplier-diversity-office

SDP Partners must be business enterprises and/or non-profit organizations certified or recognized by the SDO in one or more of the following certification categories:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

• Minority Non-Profit Organization (M/NPO)

• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

• Women Non-Profit Organization (W/NPO)

• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE)

• Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprise (LBGTBE)

Eligible Types of Business-to-Business Relationships. Bidders and Contractors may engage SDP Partners as follows:

• Subcontracting, defined as a partnership in which the SDP partner is involved in the provision of products and/or services to the Commonwealth.

• Ancillary Products and Services, defined as a business relationship in which the SDP partner provides products or services that are not directly related to the Contractor’s contract with the Commonwealth but may be related to the Contractor’s own operational needs. These may include but are not limited to the following examples: professional services (e.g., IT, legal, advertising, HR, accounting etc.), maintenance services (e.g., cleaning, landscaping, tradespersons services, etc.), office expenses (e.g., office supplies, furniture, IT supplies, etc.). Anything declared as a business expense in which a certified vendor is used would qualify.

Other types of business-to-business relationships are not acceptable under this contract. If subcontracting is proposed, it must meet all the subcontracting provisions (if any) listed in this RFR.

Program Flexibility. The SDP encompasses the following provisions to support Bidders in establishing and maintaining sustainable business-to-business relationships meeting their needs:

• SDP Partners are not required to be subcontractors.

• SDP Partners are not required to be Massachusetts-based businesses.

• SDP Partners may be changed or added during the term of the contract, provided the Contractor continues to meet its SDP Commitment.

SDP Plan Form Requirements. All Bidders must complete the SDP Plan Form included in this solicitation and attach it to their bid response. In addition to proposing an SDP Commitment, each Bidder must propose one or more SDP Partner(s) to utilize to meet its SDP Commitment. Certified diverse Bidders may not list their own companies, their subsidiaries, or affiliates as SDP Partners and may not meet their SDP Commitment by spending funds internally or with their own subsidiaries or affiliates.

Bidders may propose SDP Partners that are:

• Certified or recognized by the SDO: Such partners appear in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) directory. After contract award (if any), spending with such partners will contribute to meeting the Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

• Certified by one of SDO’s recognized third-party certification bodies but not yet listed in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses: Such partners must be certified in eligible categories by one of SDO’s recognized third-party certification bodies, which include the City of Boston, the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC), the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), Disability: IN, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), or the National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) but have not yet opted to be listed in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses. In order to opt into SDO’s Directory of Certified Businesses, the SDP partner must follow the applicable expedited instructions on SDO’s Apply for Recognition as a Third-Party Certified Business webpage. Self-certification is not acceptable. While Bidders may list such proposed SDP Partners on their SDP Plans, spending with such partners will not contribute to meeting the Contractor’s SDP Commitment unless they apply for and are granted SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition. If proposed SDP Partners do not receive SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition, the Contractor must find alternative SDP Partners to meet the SDP Commitment.

• Not yet certified or recognized by the SDO or one of SDO’s recognized third-party certification bodies:

Such partners must be certified in eligible categories by other third-party certification bodies that are not yet recognized by the SDO, such as another city or state supplier diversity certification office, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, or the Women Business Enterprise National Council, but are not listed in the above-mentioned directories. Self-certification is not acceptable. While Bidders may list such https://www.sdo.osd.state.ma.us/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectory.aspx https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ https://www.boston.gov/departments/supplier-diversity#get-your-business-certified https://gnemsdc.org/certification/ https://gnemsdc.org/certification/ https://www.cweonline.org/ https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/supplier-diversity/get-certified/ https://nglcc.org/lgbtbe-certification/ https://nglcc.org/lgbtbe-certification/ https://www.navoba.org/certification https://nmsdc.org/login/?redirect_to=https://nmsdc.org/?page_id=47261 https://nmsdc.org/login/?redirect_to=https://nmsdc.org/?page_id=47261 https://www.wbenc.org/certification/ proposed SDP Partners on their SDP Plans, spending with such partners will not contribute to meeting the Contractor’s SDP Commitment unless they apply for and are granted SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition. If proposed SDP Partners do not receive SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition, the Contractor must find alternative SDP Partners to meet the SDP Commitment.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that their proposed SDP Partners obtain such certification or recognition by the SDO after contract award (if any). The issuing department and the SDO will not conduct outreach to proposed SDP Partners to ensure their certification. Furthermore, no guarantee may be made that a proposed SDP Partner will be certified, or regarding the time it may take to process a proposed SDP Partner certification.

Contractors may direct partners to the SDO’s homepage, www.mass.gov/sdo and the Certification Self-Assessment Tool for guidance on applying for certification.

It is desirable for Bidders to provide a description of supplier diversity businesses practices. Specifically, listing contact information for the individual or unit responsible for establishing and maintaining supplier diversity relationships, and including a written policy for establishing and maintaining supplier diversity relationships.

It also is desirable for Bidders to use the SDP Plan Form to describe additional creative initiatives (if any) related to engaging, buying from, and/or collaborating with diverse businesses. Such initiatives may include but not be limited to:

• Serving as a mentor in a mentor-protégé relationship.

• Technical and financial assistance provided to diverse businesses.

• Participation in joint ventures between nondiverse and diverse businesses.

• Voluntary assistance programs by which nondiverse business employees are loaned to diverse businesses or by which diverse business employees are taken into viable business ventures to acquire training and experience in managing business affairs.

Evaluation of SDP Forms. To encourage Bidders to develop substantial supplier diversity initiatives and commitments as measures valuable to the Commonwealth, at least 25% of the total available evaluation points for this bid solicitation shall be allocated to the evaluation of the SDP Plan submissions. Because the purpose of the SDP is to promote business-to-business partnerships, the Bidders’ workforce diversity initiatives will not be considered in the evaluation.

SDP Spending Reports. After contract award, Contractors must submit reports at least annually to demonstrate compliance with the agreed-upon SDP Commitment. To submit SDP spending reports using the Hub, Contractors must first create a profile in the Hub. Once registered, awarded contractors must report information such as, but not limited to, SDO or SDO-recognized SDP partner(s), spend with SDO partner(s), and total contract sales. Contractors must follow report submission instructions from the issuing department and the SDO.

SDP Spending Compliance. Only spending with SDP Partners that appear in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) directory shall be counted toward a Contractor’s compliance with their SDP Commitment. Spending with SDP Partners that do not appear in the directories above shall not be counted toward meeting a Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure they meet their SDP Commitment, and the SDO and the issuing department assume no responsibility for any Contractor’s failure to meet its SDP Commitment.

SDP Spending Verification. The SDO and the contracting department reserve the right to contact SDP Partners at any time to request that they attest to the amounts reported to have been paid to them by the Contractor.

Program Resources and Assistance. Contractors seeking assistance in the development of their SDP Plans or identification of potential SDP Partners may visit the SDP webpage, www.mass.gov/sdp, or contact the SDP Help Desk at sdp@mass.gov.

8. Agricultural Products Preference (only applicable if this is a procurement for Agricultural Products). Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2006 directs the State Purchasing Agent to grant a preference to products of agriculture grown or produced using locally grown products. Such locally grown or produced products shall be purchased unless the price of the goods exceeds the price of products of agriculture from outside the Commonwealth by more than 10%. For purposes of this preference, products of agriculture are defined to include any agricultural, aquacultural, floricultural, or horticultural commodities; the growing and harvesting of forest products; the raising of livestock, including horses;

raising of domesticated animals, bees, and/or fur-bearing animals; and any forestry or lumbering operations.

http://www.mass.gov/sdo https://www.mass.gov/forms/take-the-certification-self-assessment…