2. Evaluation Scorecard for DHE_Executive Firm Search.docx

This is an Evaluation Scorecard for an Executive Search Firm solicitation issued by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) to recruit a Commissioner. The scorecard establishes the criteria and scoring methodology that DHE staff will use to evaluate all proposals submitted in response to this solicitation (COMMBUYS Bid BD-27-1088-RGT01-RGT01-132912). Bidders must first meet two required qualifications to advance in the evaluation process: submission at or before the close date and time, and presentation of a holistic survey approach achievable within the fiscal year and budget. Following qualification verification, proposals are evaluated across six primary criteria, each with assigned point values and multipliers: track record of identifying and recruiting outstanding, results-oriented leaders from diverse backgrounds (20 points maximum); successful experience working collaboratively with state boards of higher education on commissioner or SHEEO searches with verifiable references (15 points maximum); knowledge of the commissioner role, board duties, and the state's educational and political context (15 points maximum); alignment of team member qualifications with scope of services requirements (15 points maximum); demonstrated ability to manage all logistics of a national SHEEO/system head search (15 points maximum); and proposed budget alignment with timelines and goals (15 points maximum). The evaluation rubric includes five performance levels: Non-Responsive (0 points), Unsatisfactory (1 point), Below Average (2 points), Average (3 points), Above Average (4 points), and Outstanding (5 points).

The maximum total points available are 100, with an additional 10-point bonus available under the Small Business Program Plan for bidders registered and approved on COMMBUYS as small business vendors applying to an RFR Bid valued under $250,000. The scorecard notes that DHE will comply with Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) policy supporting small businesses as applicable and may consider prior experience with bidders and publicly available information. Disbarred bidders are ineligible to submit proposals. While DHE has provided detailed requirements and expected deliverables and prefers tightly aligned responses, the agency will consider alternate vendor proposals that frame the project differently or present best value to the Commonwealth.