Advertising Equity Audit RFR To Post.docx

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE

Advertising Equity Audit Services

RFR# 2026-MGC-AEA/COMMBUYS# BD-27-1068-1700-1-131018

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE

Advertising Equity Audit Services

RFR# 2026-MGC-AEA/COMMBUYS# BD-27-1068-1700-1-131018

ISSUE DATE JULY 1, 2026

1. Description or Purpose of Procurement:

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (“MGC” or “Commission”) is seeking the services of one qualified entity to conduct an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising practices in the Asian community that includes assessing engagement in any practices that may be considered predatory.

Background The Commission is charged with the regulatory oversight of casino gaming, sports wagering, and horse racing wagering in the Commonwealth. To guide its work, the Commission adopted the following mission statement:

“The mission of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is to regulate the legal casino, horse racing, and sports wagering industries with integrity and transparency. Our goal is to maximize consumer protections, minimize negative impacts, and promote responsible gaming through regulation, research and informed policy making. The Commission endeavors to create a fair and safe gaming environment in the Commonwealth while fostering economic benefits and a diverse workforce for its licensees, residents, and businesses.”

The gaming law directs the Commission to develop an annual research agenda “in order to understand the social and economic effects of expanding gaming in the Commonwealth and to obtain scientific information relative to the neuroscience, psychology, sociology, epidemiology and etiology of gambling.” G.L. c. 23K, §71. Further, the sports wagering law expanded the scope of the agenda to include sports wagering related issues. G.L. c. 23N, §23.

Objectives

Purpose of Procurement In 2021, the report Unpacking the Root Causes of Problem Gambling in the Asian Community: Asian CARES Research Report, was presented to the MGC. This community-engaged research was motivated by the desire to fill in the gap of understanding how problem gambling manifests in the Asian community and to understand whether existing programs, services, and interventions are adequately serving this immigrant community. This report provides an in-depth look at gambling’s harmful impacts on family and community as it pertains specifically to the Asian community. This report also looks at the role of the casinos in exacerbating gambling in the Asian community and whether this community is being adequately served.

The MGC’s Responsible Gaming Framework is intended to inform gambling regulation in Massachusetts and provide an overall orientation to responsible gaming practice and policy adopted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and gaming licensees, and is based on the commitment by the MGC and its gaming licensees to the guiding value of ethical and responsible behavior. The Framework notes that “gaming licensees should develop and implement strategies to ensure advertising and promotions are delivered in a responsible manner,” and additionally notes that “community engagement is an important feature of corporate social responsibility.” In describing approaches to at-large community engagement, the Framework encourages “utilization of findings from MGC-sponsored research and Massachusetts Department of Public Health-funded problem gambling prevention and treatment programs to inform ethical and responsible practices.”

The Asian CARES report noted that “many in the community feel as though the casino uses purposeful strategies in their advertising, buses, and environment that leads some down the road of addiction.” A key recommendation from the report was to “fund an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising in the Asian community that includes assessing whether they are engaged in any predatory practices.” An additional recommendation from the report was to “fund research or an equity audit of whether the casino buses are ethical and moral. Include key community leaders on a Steering Committee to design and oversee the equity audit.” The MGC seeks the services of one qualified entity to conduct an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising practices in the Asian community that includes assessing engagement in any practices that may be considered predatory.

Applicable Procurement Law

Executive Branch Goods and Services

2. Acquisition Method:

3. Whether Single or Multiple Contractors are Required for Contract:

Check One (“X”):

a. Estimated Number of Awards The target maximum number of Contractors is 1; the Commission may award more contracts or choose not to award a contract, if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

b. Adding Contractors after initial Contract Award If, over the life of the contract, the Commission determines that additional Contractors should be added, these may be drawn from qualified companies that responded to this Solicitation and were not awarded Contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commission, the Solicitation may be reopened to obtain additional Bids.

4. Entities Eligible to Use the Resulting Contract

· [Identify additional Eligible Entities by name]

5. Expected Duration of Contract (Initial Duration and any Options to Renew):

Initial Duration

Total Maximum Contract Duration

6. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding, or Compensation:

Estimated Value of Procurement: Not to exceed $175,000 for the entirety of the project.

7. Contract Performance and Business Specifications:

Scope of Services:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is seeking the services of one qualified entity to conduct an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising practices in the Asian community that includes assessing engagement in any practices that may be considered predatory. The scope shall also include equity and ethical considerations related to the use of buses (casino buses) for the sole purpose of transporting persons from the Asian community to the casino.

Audit Approach

Team composition and the overall approach to the project should consider the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR focuses on social, structural, and physical environmental inequities through the active involvement of community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in all aspects of the research process. Partners contribute their expertise to enhance understanding of a given phenomenon and integrate the knowledge gained with action to benefit the community involved. CBPR shows promise as an approach that can be used to work toward the reduction of health disparities.[footnoteRef:2] [2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2774214/ ]

Consistent with the principles of community-engaged research, the audit approach and research questions shall be developed by the community through a community-driven process. As part of this project, the applicant organization MUST either be an organization with significant experience serving Asian communities or be collaborating with such an organization.

The Commission strongly encourages a collaborative approach with cross-sectional representation and a multi-disciplinary approach. In addition to the requirement that the applicant organization MUST either be an organization with significant experience serving Asian communities or be collaborating with such an organization, applicants should seek to build a team that includes representation from the following:

· Community members,

· Community-based service providers, agencies, or assemblies of people with a common focus;

· Public health agencies or institutes serving the community, and;

· Academic researchers and/or entities experienced in conducting equity audits

The proposal should clearly detail the framework selected for the equity audit and preliminary proposed research questions, as well as how the proposed methods will answer each proposed research question.

Deliverables:

Final project deliverables will include:

· Report providing findings of an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising practices in the Asian community that includes assessing engagement in any practices that may be considered predatory;

· Public presentation of the final report and recommendations delivered to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Please note that the MGC contracts with research reviewers, collectively known as the Research Review Committee (RRC), to serve in an advisory capacity to the MGC and contracted researchers. This committee is composed of experts in relevant fields. Members of the RRC serve as consultants to the MGC. They are charged with conducting gaming research peer review and providing the MGC and research teams with advice and feedback on gaming research methods and analysis. Timelines for review of reports by the RRC, as well as submission of the final report, will be finalized during contract negotiations.

Bidder Qualifications Bidders must demonstrate or confirm their ability to meet the bidder qualifications below.

The teams and individuals selected to carry out the research should have the following qualifications and experience:

· As part of this project, the applicant organization MUST either be an organization with significant experience serving Asian communities or be collaborating with such an organization.

· In-depth knowledge of methods in the related subject areas

· In-depth knowledge of advertising and marketing strategies

· Experience and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research

· Experience and expertise in garnering community input and understanding for research impacting communities

· Understanding of the gambling landscape in Massachusetts

· Understanding the mission and goals of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

· Demonstrated experience in knowledge translation for a range of target audiences

· Understanding the associations and influence of social determinants of health on behaviors, behavioral outcomes, and health outcomes

· Knowledge of other bodies of research work in the areas of problem gambling

· Demonstrated experience designing, managing and coordinating complex projects

· Illustration of a commitment to diversity through composition of research team and/or participants, partnerships, and/or use of certified diverse vendors/subcontractors on the project Influences on the Research

· Applicants are requested to disclose perceived potential influences that are directly or indirectly related to research of gaming/gambling.

· List funding sources and topics of study for work done within the last 3 years.

· If there is a perceived or potential influence, how would the applicant mitigate potential influences on the research?

Performance Measures:

For the awarded bidder, continued qualification based on performance:

· Monthly reports on performance, as assessed through monthly meetings between the vendor and relevant MGC staff, will be reviewed by the Contract Manager. These monthly meetings also present opportunities for MGC and the vendor to work collaboratively to address barriers that may arise in the research process as appropriate. MGC staff are also available between meetings as needed.

· Vendors should be responsive in their engagements with MGC.

· Vendors must submit timely invoices.

· Complaints by study stakeholders, participants, and/or MGC staff will be taken into consideration and may lead to vendor suspension or termination.

Failure to perform contractual obligations may result in Corrective Action, Suspension and/or Termination Vendor may be terminated or suspended from this Contract for poor performance, failure to perform, non-responsiveness, non-compliance, fraud or other cause by the Strategic Sourcing Team (SST). Contractors may be terminated from the Contract with cause with thirty (30) days prior written notice or without cause with sixty (60) days prior written notice.

8. Small Business Purchasing Program and SDO Certification Program Program Background The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) was established pursuant to Executive Order 523 to increase state contracting opportunities with small businesses having their principal place of business within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Executive Order 599 was established for reaffirming programs to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion for diverse and small Massachusetts Businesses in State Procurement and Contracting. Pursuant to the SDO Certification Program and SBPP, it is the intention of the issuing department to award this Small Procurement to one or more SDO Certified or SBPP participating business(es) as described below.

SBPP or SDO certified MBE, WBE, VBE Award Preference MGC has spending targets for Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) or Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) as well as Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) vendors. MGC may prioritize award preference as needed to help ensure sufficient spend in applicable categories. Please see section 14. “Evaluation Criteria” of this RFR for specific evaluation preference in award.

While all businesses, no matter the size, SDO certification standing, or principal place of business, are encouraged to submit responses to this solicitation, the contract shall nonetheless be awarded based upon the preference stated in section 14. “Evaluation Criteria” of this RFR.

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.

SDO Certification Program Eligibility Businesses may take the certification self-assessment but should contact the Supplier Diversity Office regarding their eligibility for the diversity certification program.

Minority-, Women-, and Veteran-Owned firms that are not currently certified but would like to be considered as an M/W/VBE for the purpose of this RFR should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the RFR closing date and submit proof of documentation of application for consideration with their bid proposal.

SBPP and SDO certified MBE, WBE, VBE Compliance Requirements It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their SBPP or SDO Certification Program status is current at the time of submitting a response and throughout the life of any resulting contract. Misrepresentation of SBPP or the SDO Certification Program 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. To learn more about the SDO Certification Program, including how to apply, visit the SDO 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.

Bidders and Contractors seeking assistance for SDO Certification Program may visit the Supplier Diversity Office webpage or call in at 617-502-8843 or contact SDO online at webmaster.sdo@mass.gov.

9. Supplier Diversity Plan (SDP) Plan Program Background Pursuant to Executive Order 565, 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).

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 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.

Other types of business-to-business relationships are not acceptable under this contract. All provisions of this RFR applicable to subcontracting shall apply equally to the engagement of SDP Partners as subcontractors.

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, or 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 U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs VetBiz Vendor Information Pages directory. After contract award (if any), spending with such partners will contribute to meeting the Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

· Not yet certified or recognized by the SDO: Such partners must be certified in eligible categories by a third-party certification body, such as another city or state supplier diversity certification office, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women Business Enterprise National Council, Disability: IN, or the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), but are not listed in the above-mentioned directories. 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.

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 an SDP Focus Statement that describes the Bidder’s overall approach to increasing the participation of diverse businesses in the provision of products and services under this proposal/contract (subcontracting) and in the Bidder’s general business operations (ancillary products and services). Such a description may include but not be limited to:

· A clearly stated purpose or goal.

· Specific types of diverse and small businesses targeted.

· Which departments/units within the business are responsible for implementing supplier diversity.

· Types of opportunities for which diverse and small businesses are considered.

· Specific measures/methods of engagement of diverse and small businesses.

· An existing internal supplier diversity policy.

· Public availability of the Bidder’s supplier diversity policy.

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 and Compliance After contract award, Contractors shall be required to provide reports demonstrating compliance with the agreed-upon SDP Commitment as directed by the department, which in no case shall be less than annually.

Spending with SDP Partners that appear in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs VetBiz Vendor Information Pages 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. 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.

10. Environmentally Preferable Products Products and services purchased by state agencies must be in compliance with Executive Order 515, issued October 27, 2009. Under this Executive Order, Executive Departments are required to reduce their impact on the environment and enhance public health by procuring environmentally preferable products and services (EPPs) whenever such products and services perform to satisfactory standards and represent best value, consistent with 801 CMR 21.00. In line with this directive, all Contracts, whether departmental or statewide, must comply with the specifications and guidelines established by OSD and the EPP Program. EPPs are products and services that help to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, protect public health and the environment, and promote the use of clean technologies, recycled materials, and less toxic products. Bid responses must identify how a contractor meets these goals.

Bidders will submit the completed Environmentally Preferable Products Form as part of their response.

11. Mandatory Components of Bidder’s General Response Bidder’s General Response must contain all of these components. Bidders should merge these components into one Response document (either Word or PDF format) and submit it along with all items highlighted in red in Section 18 of the “Required Forms” table of this RFR.

A. Company Overview Company Name

Headquarters Location

URL of Company Web Site

Contact Name

Contact Title

Contact Email Address

Contact Phone Number

B. Proof of Small Business Purchasing Program and/or SDO Certification Program While all businesses, no matter the size, SDO certification standing, or principal place of business are encouraged to submit responses to this solicitation, if SBPP or SDO certified, Bidders General Response must contain documents proving their status as a Small Business Purchasing Program and/or SDO Certification Program vendor.

C. Description of Project (please do not include confidential or sensitive information in the application as the submissions are considered public records once they are received by the Commission)

Application content

1. Project Summary One-half page maximum The Project Summary must contain a summary of your proposal. It should be a self-contained description of the project, containing a statement of objectives and the methods to be employed. It should be informative to other persons working in the same or related fields and, insofar as possible, understandable to a scientifically or technically literate lay reader. This Summary must not include any proprietary/confidential information.

2. Specific Aims One-half page maximum State concisely the goals of your proposal. Summarize the potential impacts that the results of the project will exert on Massachusetts (in terms of health outcomes, policies, programs, and/or practice) and the research field(s) involved. Describe how the proposed project will build upon or contribute to existing research efforts and inform next steps for the Commonwealth.

3. Project Strategy Ten-page maximum Describe the project strategy considering the instructions provided below. Cite published details in the Project Strategy section and provide the full reference in the Bibliography.

· Approach: Describe the overall strategy, methodology, research questions, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project and answer proposed research questions. Describe how the proposed approach is grounded in the relevant literature, will address the proposed research questions, and incorporate data sources and key stakeholder input as listed in this RFR.

· Significance: Describe how the proposed approach will result in an equity audit about responsible gambling and responsible advertising practices in the Asian community that includes assessing engagement in any practices that may be considered predatory.

· Innovation: Describe any new or novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies to be used.

· Protection of Human Subjects: If applicable, summarize your plan to protect human subjects and obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

4. Experience and Expertise Four-page maximum Please illustrate your bidder qualifications as outlined in Section 7, above. Describe your organization’s mission and how it is positioned to carry out the proposed project, as well as experience managing and coordinating complex projects. Describe the personnel working on this project and how they will contribute to the project, as well as experience of key personnel with qualitative and quantitative research and experience conducting research related to gambling and other fields relevant for this RFR in the Commonwealth. Describe the organization’s experience and expertise with garnering community input and understanding for research impacting communities.

5. Knowledge Translation and Exchange[footnoteRef:3] [3: Language related to knowledge translation and exchange throughout this document from recommendations from GREO, as well as the Canadian Institutes for Health Research: Guide to Knowledge Translation Planning at CIHR: Integrated and End-of-Grant Approaches - CIHR (cihr-irsc.gc.ca)]

One-page maximum Describe how findings from this project may impact or influence health outcomes, policy or practice. Describe a plan to share information with key stakeholders and the community, and to use information to inform policy or practice. The plan should include how knowledge will be exchanged among team members throughout the course of the project and how key community stakeholders will be involved in interpreting and disseminating results, as well as informing and implementing recommendations. The plan should also include:

· Goals related to knowledge dissemination and implementation of audit recommendations;

· Details about intended audience of the findings, as well as information and decision-making needs of the intended audience;

· What strategies will be used to reach the intended audience;

· Members of the team responsible for disseminating findings and/or partnering to implement recommendations and applicable experience in this area;

· Resources dedicated to knowledge translation and exchange.

6. Diversity One page maximum Provide a brief summary describing the members of the team and specific roles. Additionally, the applicant should demonstrate knowledge of promoting health and racial equity in the engagement of community members.

7. Subcontractor description (if applicable) Describe in detail any work to be performed by subcontractors. Include their gambling and/or other research experience, work with selected population subgroups, and related letters of agreement for this work. Specify contracted expenditures in the budget justification and plans. Subcontractors are subject to the approval of the MGC and the vendor is ultimately responsible for managing subcontractor performance.

Bidders must demonstrate or confirm the ability of any subcontractors to meet the bidder qualifications below.

· As part of this project, the applicant organization MUST either be an organization with significant experience serving Asian communities or be collaborating with such an organization.

· In-depth knowledge of methods in the related subject areas

· In-depth knowledge of advertising and marketing strategies

· Experience and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research

· Experience and expertise in garnering community input and understanding for research impacting communities

· Understanding of the gambling landscape in Massachusetts

· Understanding the mission and goals of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

· Demonstrated experience in knowledge translation for a range of target audiences

· Understanding the associations and influence of social determinants of health on behaviors, behavioral outcomes, and health outcomes

· Knowledge of other bodies of research work in the areas of problem gambling

· Demonstrated experience designing, managing and coordinating complex projects

· Illustration of a commitment to diversity through composition of research team and/or participants, partnerships, and/or use of certified diverse vendors/subcontractors on the project

· Influences on the Research

· Applicants are requested to disclose perceived potential influences that are directly or indirectly related to research of gaming/gambling.

· List funding sources and topics of study for work done within the last 3 years.

· If there is a perceived or potential influence, how would you mitigate potential influences on the research?

8. Influences on Research Bidder must provide a response to Influences in the Bidder Qualifications section above.

D. Pricing Proposal Bidder must also include in their submission their cost response as part of the Project Plan Proposal Budget Worksheet which can be found as an attachment to this COMMBUYS posting. Overall value and detailed budget narrative will be taken into consideration.

Budget guidelines and justification

· Provide a budget plan following the template in Appendix D.

· Attach a budget narrative justification for each cost category.

· If the bidder is proposing an indirect rate, the indirect rate will be no more than 25% E. Example of Related Previous Work

· As an example of your previous work, provide a copy of a final equity audit, research report, program evaluation report, or program improvement report you’ve prepared.

12. Business Reference Form Provide at least three past or current business references (A client of similar business need is suggested but not required). Bidders must submit these references using the Business Reference Form attached to this bid posting in COMMBUYS. MGC may contact these references at its own discretion.

13. Prompt Pay Discount Form Prompt Payment Discounts (PPD). All bidders responding to this procurement must agree to offer discounts through participation in the Commonwealth Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) initiative for receiving early and/or on-time payments, unless the bidder can provide compelling proof that it would be unduly burdensome. PPD benefits both contractors and the Commonwealth. Contractors benefit by increased, usable cash flow as a result of fast and efficient payments for commodities or services rendered. Participation in the Electronic Funds Transfer initiative further maximizes the benefits with payments directed to designated accounts, thus eliminating the impact of check clearance policies and traditional mail lead time or delays. The Commonwealth benefits because contractors reduce the cost of products and services through the applied discount. Payments that are processed electronically can be tracked and verified through the Comptroller’s Vendor Web system. The PPD form can be found as an attachment for this Bid on COMMBUYS.

Bidders must submit agreeable terms for Prompt Payment Discount using the PPD form within their proposal, unless otherwise specified by the SST. The SST will review, negotiate or reject the offering as deemed in the best interest of the Commonwealth.

The requirement to use PPD offerings may be waived by the SST on a case-by-case basis if participation in the program would be unduly burdensome on the bidder. If a bidder is claiming that this requirement is a hardship or unduly burdensome, the specific reason must be documented in or attached to the PPD form.

Bidders must submit a completed Prompt Payment Discount Form as part of their response. This form may be found attached to this bid posting in COMMBUYS

14. Evaluation Criteria Evaluation of Responses and Bidder Selection Contractors must submit responses that meet all the submission requirements of the RFR. Only responsive proposals that meet the submission requirements will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by the evaluation team according to the evaluation criteria. Additional information may be requested from any or all bidders for evaluation purposes.

One or more representatives of the MGC will evaluate bidder’s response to this RFR. The Responses will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy all submission requirements. The MGC reserves the right to reject a Response for any reason. The MGC will then evaluate the Responses in their entirety in order to determine which Response constitutes the best overall Proposal and best value for the MGC.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the MGC may request oral presentations with those vendors whose proposals offer the best overall options for the MGC, if the MGC believes such a presentation or presentations will be helpful in selecting the bidder that will be awarded the contract. MGC may also choose to allow Bidders the opportunity to submit a Best And Final Offer (BAFO). Once a successful bidder has been notified of its selection, the MGC will begin negotiations to reach a contractual agreement.

The following evaluation criteria will be considered in determining the successful applicant(s).

· Methodology: The Commission will consider the strength and feasibility of the proposed strategy, the methodology, and the analysis in addressing the proposed research questions.

· Experience and Expertise: The successful applicant will build a team that leverages the strengths of a range of partnerships and expertise in applicable methods, subject areas, and managing complex projects. As part of this project, the applicant organization MUST either be an organization with significant experience serving Asian communities or be collaborating with such an organization.

· Knowledge Translation and Exchange: The findings from this research are intended to provide maximum benefit to people, policy and practice. The applicant will have a plan to ensure the research reaches the right people and is clearly understood.

· Diversity: Along with any SBPP or SDO certification, the successful applicant will illustrate a commitment to diversity illustrated through composition of research team and/or participants, partnerships, and/or use of certified diverse vendors/subcontractors on the project, etc. Applicants should seek to build a diverse research team that includes racial/ethnic and gender representation from key stakeholders identified in this RFR. Additionally, the applicant will demonstrate knowledge of promoting health and racial equity in the engagement of community members.

· Cost Effectiveness and Scalability: The efficiency of the project in the context of the work proposed will be considered. Additionally, the Commission may ask the applicant to propose an alternative scope of work based on fiscal constraints of the Commission.

Score Weighting

· Components of Bidder’s General Response is 65% - A Bidder that demonstrates stronger qualifications, better methodology, more experience and expertise and /or better strategies for knowledge translation and exchange will be evaluated more favorably.

· Price is 10% - Bidder should submit their pricing for research-related services. Price and overall value will be factored into the score. Prompt Payment Discount percentages will be factored against this pricing.

· Diversity Certification and Supplier Diversity Plan is 25% -

· All Bidders should demonstrate a commitment to diversity illustrated through composition of research team and/or participants, partnerships, and/or use of certified diverse vendors/subcontractors on the project, etc. Applicant should demonstrate knowledge of promoting health and racial equity in the engagement of community members.

· Bidders that are SDO certified MBE, WBE or VBE will receive award preference and will be reviewed first. If a bidder that is SDO certified MBE, WBE or VBE does not offer best value then SBPP bidders and other SDO certified bidders will be reviewed. If SBPP and other SDO certified bidders do not offer best value, then all other bidders will be reviewed.

· All bidders regardless of SDO certification must complete and submit the SDP Plan Form. Bidders may not submit themselves as partners listed in the SDP Plan Form.

Best Value Selection and Negotiation The SST may select the Quote(s) which demonstrates the best value overall, including proposed alternatives, that will achieve the goals of the procurement. The SST and a selected Bidder may negotiate a change in any element of Contract performance or cost identified in the original RFR or the selected Bidder’s Quote which results in lower costs or a more cost effective or better value to the Commission than was presented in the selected Bidder’s original Quote.

15. Instructions for Submission of Responses:

Only electronic quotes submitted via COMMBUYS will be accepted in response to this RFR. Responses must be sent via the “Create Quote” functionality in COMMBUYS. For instructions concerning how to submit a Quote, please see Appendix B.

Any submission that fails to meet the submission requirements of the RFR will be found non-responsive without further evaluation unless the evaluation team, at its discretion, determines that the non-compliance is insubstantial and may be corrected. In these cases, the evaluation team may allow the vendor to make minor corrections to the submission.

Requisite Forms for Submission of Response can be found in Section 18 of this RFR.

16. Estimated Procurement Calendar

Bidders are required to monitor COMMBUYS for changes to the procurement calendar for this Bid.

a. Online Questions (Bid Q&A) Written Questions must be entered using the “Bid Q&A” tab for the Bid in COMMBUYS no later than the “Online Questions Due” date and time indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above). The issuing department reserves the right to not respond to questions submitted after this date. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify receipt of questions.

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain an active registration in COMMBUYS and to keep current the 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 Purchasing Department, including requests for clarification. The Purchasing 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 Purchasing Department to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

Written Responses to Questions will be released on or about the “Responses to Questions Posted Online” date indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above).

(Written questions and responses will be posted on the Bid Q&A Tab for this Bid in COMMBUYS.)

b. Bid Amendment Deadline The Purchasing Department reserves the right to make amendments to the Bid after initial publication. It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for amendments, addenda, or modifications to this Bid, and any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid. The Purchasing Department and the Commonwealth accept 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.

c. Quotes (Bid Responses) Deadline (Bid Opening Date/Time) See the Quotes (Bid Responses) Deadline (Bid Opening) Date and Time indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above).

d. Estimated Contract Start Date This is the approximate start date. The actual start date will be the Contract Effective Date which is the date the Contract is executed by the parties.

17. Required Forms Responses to this RFR must contain the following documents. Bidders responding to this posting must submit requisite items in red font to COMMBUYS before the bid deadline.

(REQUIRED AFTER AWARD)

Electronic Submission

(REQUIRED AFTER AWARD)

Electronic Submission

The above attachments are available as part of the Bid record on COMMBUYS (WWW.COMMBUYS.COM).

18. RFR Attachments Appendix A: Required Specifications https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-of-commodities-and-services Appendix B: Electronic Quote Submission Instructions https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-for-vendors-responding-to-bids

Appendix C: RFR – Other Specifications Acceptable Forms of Signature Effective June 15, 2021, for all 1) CTR forms, including the Standard Contract Form, W-9s, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) forms, ISAs, and other CTR-issued documents and forms, or 2) documents related to state finance and within the statutory area of authority or control of CTR (i.e. contracts, payrolls, and related supporting documentation), CTR will accept signatures executed by an authorized signatory in any of the following ways: 1. Traditional “wet signature” (ink on paper); 2. Electronic signature that is either: a. Hand drawn using a mouse or finger if working from a touch screen device; or Page 2 b. An uploaded picture of the signatory’s hand drawn signature 3. Electronic signatures affixed using a digital tool such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign. If using an electronic signature, the signature must be visible, include the signatory’s name and title, and must be accompanied by a signature date. Please be advised that typed text of a name not generated by a digital tool such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign, even in computer-generated cursive script, or an electronic symbol, are not acceptable forms of electronic signature.

Appendix D: Budget Spreadsheet image1.jpg