DCR 994_Campground_Firewood_RFR.docx

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Department of Conservation & Recreation 10 Park Plaza, Suite 6620 Boston, MA 02116

Request for Response (RFR)

Document Title: Campground Firewood, Kindling, and Firewood Packaging for Massachusetts State Parks Rate Contract

COMMBUYS Bid Number: BD-26-1020-DCRCU-DC250-129213

Agency Document Number: DCR 994

May 18, 2026

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that may be found on COMMBUYS (www.COMMBUYScom). Bidders are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms, and requirements for the entire Bid, which are incorporated into the Bid. Bidders also may contact the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov or by phone at 1-888-MA-STATE (627-8283). The OSD Help Desk is staffed from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time, except during federal, state, and Suffolk county holidays.

Table of Contents Page iv Document Sensitivity Level: High during development; Low once published.

RFR Introduction and General Description Procurement Scope and Description The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is soliciting Bidders for the acquisition of kiln dried firewood, kindling, and firewood packaging for Massachusetts State Park campgrounds. This contract will replace DCR 839.

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

· MGL c. 7, § 22; c. 30, § 51, § 52; and 801 CMR 21.00 (Goods and Services) Number of awards The target maximum number of Contractors is one. This is a target number; the Strategic Sourcing Services Team (SSST) may award more or fewer Contracts if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

Adding Contractors after initial Contract award If, over the life of the Contract, the SSST determines that additional Contractors should be added, these may first be drawn from qualified companies that responded to this Bid but were not awarded contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth, the Bid may be reopened to obtain additional Quotes. This solicitation will allow for “rolling enrollment,” which means that proposals may be submitted and may be evaluated at any time after the initial deadline of the solicitation. DCR also reserves the right to suspend the review of additional submissions or close the solicitation for new responses entirely if it deems that the number of contractors awarded at that point adequately meets DCR’s needs and/or funding limitations.

Eligible Entities

Limited User Contract – Restricted to Use by Issuing Entity Only. Any contract resulting from this Bid will be open for use by the Issuing Entity Only.

Acquisition Method(s) The acquisition method(s) to acquire goods and/or services from this Bid are Outright Purchase.

Contract Duration The expected duration of this contract is as follows:

Initial Duration

3years

Total Maximum Contract Duration

5 years

No goods may be ordered and no new leases, rentals, maintenance, or other agreements for services may be executed after the Contract has expired.

Estimated Value of the Contract The estimated value of purchase(s) resulting from this Bid is $2,000,000. The Commonwealth makes no guarantee that any commodities or services will be purchased from any Contract resulting from this Bid. Any estimates or past procurement volumes referenced in this Bid are included only for the convenience of Bidders and are not to be relied upon as any indication of future purchase levels.

Estimated Procurement Calendar

Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as displayed on the COMMBUYS system clock displayed to Bidders after logging in. If there is a conflict between the dates in this Procurement Calendar and dates in the Bid’s Header, the dates in the Bid’s Header on COMMBUYS shall prevail. Bidders are responsible for checking the Bid record, including Bid Q&A, on COMMBUYS for Procurement Calendar updates.

Providing Draft Catalog Information The Contractor will be required to work with the SSSL and OSD’s COMMBUYS staff to develop the data and/or capabilities for specified Eligible Entities to place orders from the Contractor through COMMBUYS.

After contract execution and prior to contract start date, the Contractor will be required to complete an Excel catalog template provided by the SSSL. The template will include, but will not be limited to, the following fields to be fully completed by the Contractor:

· Item description

· UNSPSC Family and Segment numbers

· UNSPSC Class number

· Unit of Measure

· Unit Price In completing the catalog template, the Contractor may be required to follow product naming conventions, include keywords, and use units of measures specified by the SSSL to ensure consistent use of the resulting catalogs across all Contractors. The Contractors also will be required to revise and resubmit the completed catalog template based on SSSL’s comments. Additional information on this requirement is located in RFR Section 3.7 COMMBUYS Catalog Enablement and Updates.

Specifications Product 1. Firewood bundles with plastic wrap and handles.

1. Wood Type: 100% Hardwood (i.e. oak, beech, ash, maple, cherry, birch, etc.). No Softwoods or low-density hardwoods such as Pine, Hemlock, Butternut, Basswood, Cottonwood, or Poplar should be included.

2. Wood dimensions: Firewood shall be cut to 16” lengths. A maximum split size must not exceed 6 inches in cross section.

3. Moisture Content: Firewood needs to be delivered to the campgrounds with a moisture content no higher than 20% wet-basis. DCR reserves the right to perform tests upon firewood at the vendor’s plant or upon delivery and reject any product that does not meet specifications.

4. Packaging: Package size is .75 cubic feet of tightly packed sticks of wood per bundle. Packaging should be of shrink wrap or equivalent durable wrapping material with a securely affixed carrying handle.

5. Phytosanitation: Firewood needs to be heat treated to meet all current state and federal regulations for forest pests and diseases. Documentation is required for bid evaluation and vendors may be required to attain additional compliance agreements over the life of the contract. Vendors should contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services for additional information about compliance agreements.

6. Delivery: Delivery is required to DCR campgrounds statewide. Delivered orders are required to be palletized. The vendor will be responsible for unloading firewood and setting pallets at grade in a location at the discretion of the park supervisor.

7. Pallet Return: Vendor is responsible for removing empty pallets.

8. Order Minimums: The vendor shall not set any minimum order size requirements.

9. Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any firewood bundles that DCR identifies as defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect, or other pest infestations, etc.

Alternate 1A: Product 1 Firewood Bundles with biodegradable plastic wrap and handle.

Products to meet specifications 1.1-1.9 above. Alternate to include biodegradable plastic wrapping.

Product 2. Firewood bundles with corrugated paper box package

1. Wood Type: 100% Hardwood (i.e. oak, beech, ash, maple, cherry, birch, etc.). No Softwoods or low-density hardwoods such as Pine, Hemlock, Butternut, Basswood, Cottonwood, or Poplar should be included.

2. Wood dimensions: Firewood shall be cut to 16” lengths. A maximum split size must not exceed 6 inches in cross section.

3. Moisture Content: Firewood needs to be delivered to the campgrounds with a moisture content no higher than 20% wet-basis. DCR reserves the right to perform tests upon firewood at the vendor’s plant or upon delivery and reject any product that does not meet specifications.

4. Packaging: Package shall:

a. Contain 0.75 cubic feet of tightly packed sticks of firewood per box

b. Be constructed of corrugated cardboard with a package size of 16”x10”x10”

c. Printed with a design approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation using two colors of ink and the brown paper box.

d. Sealed with paper tape.

5. Phytosanitation: Firewood needs to be heat treated to meet all current state and federal regulations for forest pests and diseases. Documentation is required for bid evaluation and vendors may be required to attain additional compliance agreements over the life of the contract. Vendors should contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services for additional information about compliance agreements.

6. Delivery: Delivery is required to DCR campgrounds statewide. Delivered orders are required to be palletized. The vendor will be responsible for unloading firewood and setting pallets at grade in a location at the discretion of the park supervisor.

7. Pallet Return: Vendor is responsible for removing empty pallets.

8. Order Minimums: The vendor shall not set any minimum order size requirements.

9. Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any firewood bundles that DCR identifies as defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect, or other pest infestations, etc.

Alternate 2A: Product 2 Firewood Bundles, kindling, and fire starter with corrugated paper box package.

To include:

1. Products to meet specifications 1-9 above.

2. Kindling, hardwood and/or softwood, kiln dried to specification 2.5 packed into the void space at the top of the box

3. A solid fire starter which is common for starting wood campfires. No liquids or gels are acceptable.

Alternate 2B: Product 2 Firewood Bundles and kindling with corrugated cardboard box package.

To include:

1. Products to meet specifications 1-9 above.

2. Kindling, hardwood and/or softwood, kiln dried to specification 5, packed into the void space at the top of the box Alternate 2C: Product 2 Firewood Bundles, kindling, and fire starter with corrugated paper box package supplied by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

To include:

1. Product to meet specifications 1-9 above. Box packaging (section 2.4 a-c) provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and paper tape provided by the vendor.

2. Kindling, hardwood and/or softwood, kiln dried to specification 5, packed into the void space at the top of the box

3. A solid fire starter which is common for starting wood campfires. No liquids or gels are acceptable.

Alternate 2D: Product 2 Firewood Bundles and kindling with corrugated paper box package supplied by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

To include:

1. Product to meet specifications 1-9 above. Box packaging (section 2.4 a-c) provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and paper tape provided by the vendor.

2. Kindling, hardwood and/or softwood, kiln dried to specification 5, packed into the void space at the top of the box Product 3. Kindling

1. Wood Type: Harwood or softwood

2. Wood dimensions: 8” or 12” or 16” lengths are acceptable. Sized less than 4 inches in cross section.

3. Moisture Content: Kindling needs to be delivered to the campgrounds with a moisture content no higher than 20% wet-basis. DCR reserves the right to perform tests upon the kindling at the vendor’s plant or upon delivery and reject any product that does not meet specifications.

4. Packaging: A plastic mesh bag or corrugated paper box similar to Product 2 with known material and volume specified by the vendor in the product quote.

5. Phytosanitation: Kindling needs to be heat treated to meet all current state and federal regulations for forest pests and diseases. Documentation is required for bid evaluation and vendors may be required to attain additional compliance agreements over the life of the contract. Vendors should contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services for additional information about compliance agreements.

6. Delivery: Delivery is required to DCR campgrounds statewide. Delivered orders are required to be palletized. The vendor will be responsible for unloading product and setting pallets at grade in a location at the discretion of the park supervisor.

7. Pallet Return: Vendor is responsible for removing empty pallets.

8. Order Minimums: The vendor shall not set any minimum order size requirements.

9. Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any kindling bundles that DCR identifies as defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect, or other pest infestations, etc.

Product 4. Firewood Packaging Packaging boxes for campground firewood made of corrugated paper. Constructed with a package size of 16x10x10 inches. With strength to withstand the weight of 0.75 cubic feet of kiln dried firewood. Printed with a design approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation using two colors of ink and the brown paper box.

Product 5. Kindling Packaging Packaging boxes for campground firewood made of corrugated paper. Constructed with a package size of 16x10x10 inches, 12x5x5 inches, or suitable alternative. Printed with a design approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation using two colors of ink and the brown paper box.

Bidder Qualifications Company certifications and affiliations Please provide any applicable phytosanitation documentation from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.

Company experience Please provide an overview of the business experience producing campground firewood.

Brand name or equal Unless otherwise specified in this Bid, any reference to a particular trademark, trade name, patent, design, type, specification, producer, or supplier is not intended to restrict this Bid to any manufacturer or proprietor or to constitute an endorsement of any commodity or service, and the department may consider clearly identified offers of substantially equivalent commodities and services submitted in response to such reference.

Quantity, size, shape, color, material See Product Specifications in Section 3.

Operational and other requirements

1. Delivery: Delivery is required to DCR campgrounds statewide. Delivered orders are required to be palletized. The vendor will be responsible for unloading firewood and setting pallets at grade in a location at the discretion of the park supervisor.

2. Pallet Return: Vendor is responsible for removing empty pallets.

3. Order Minimums: The vendor shall not set any minimum order size requirements.

4. Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any firewood bundles that DCR feels are defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect or other pest infestations, etc.

Performance specifications, durability, disclosures, and recalls Bids must include a price per bundle of delivered firewood.

This is a rate contract. Vendors have the ability to adjust pricing annually by notifying the department in writing of any rate updates prior to the start of the camping season. The annual deadline for updated rates is May 1st.

Bids must include a standard quantity of bundles per pallet.

Bids must include any price breaks available on large quantity deliveries.

Bids must include language stating that there is no minimum order requirement.

Bids, if possible, provide pricing for alternate options listed in the product specifications in section 2.

As stated in Section 3.1.5:

Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any firewood bundles that DCR identifies as defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect or other pest infestations, etc.

Approvals and standards Please provide any applicable phytosanitation documentation from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services and/or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.

Service Specifications Delivery is required to DCR campgrounds statewide.

Pallet Return: Vendor is responsible for removing empty pallets.

Small Business Purchasing Program

OPTIONAL FOR PROCUREMENTS WITH ANNUAL VALUE OVER $250,000

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

SBPP Award Preference While all businesses, no matter the size or principal place of business, may submit responses to this solicitation, should an SBPP participant respond and meet the best value criteria as described in this solicitation, the SBPP participant shall be awarded the contract. The Strategic Sourcing Services Team (SSST) 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.

Supplier Diversity Program MANDATORY FOR PROCUREMENTS WITH ANNUAL VALUES EXCEEDING $250,000 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 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 or non-profit organization. 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 total SDP Commitment acceptable in responses 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 in the following two ways:

· 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. 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, 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 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 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 & Compliance 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 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. 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.

Environmental Specifications Executive Order 515, Establishing an Environmental Purchasing Policy Products and services purchased by state agencies must comply 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. Questions concerning the EO or the appropriate specifications may be directed to OSD’s EPP Procurement Program, www.mass.gov/epp. The Order may be seen at https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-515-establishing-an-environmental-purchasing-policy.

Environmental plan Beginning the first year of the Contract and throughout the life of the Contract, awarded Bidders must agree to work with the SSST to examine the feasibility of implementing an environmental plan. The objective of this requirement is to actively encourage suppliers to incorporate sustainable practices throughout their business operations and further market such practices to Contract users. Such a plan may include, but not be limited to, the following:

· Implementing energy efficiency initiatives at the corporate level in line with Executive Order 484, such as lighting retrofits, purchase of energy from renewable sources, use of bio-heat fuel, and other energy reduction technologies.

· Encouraging environmental initiatives at the corporate and/or manufacturing level for the purpose of reducing the impact of manufacturing on the environment; such as clearly identifying recycled content of packaging on the packaging, providing product life cycle assessments, working toward the elimination of ozone-depleting chemical usage in the manufacturing or refining process (where applicable), and conducting internal environmental auditing related to pollution control.

· Adopting standards and/or obtain certifications, where applicable, for product development and manufacturing processes such as, but not limited to. LEED, ISO 14001, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Protocol, Green Seal, Environmental Choice, and others.

· Using alternative fuel vehicles for delivery or transportation purposes and/or vehicles equipped with diesel emission control devices and operating such vehicles with guidance on anti-idling initiatives.

· Working with the SSST to develop and distribute information and/or materials to Commonwealth customers about the Awarded Bidder’s/Contractor’s environmental practices and initiatives throughout the term of the Contract.

· Developing a plan to implement the recycling of materials used or produced in normal business operations.

· The SSST may award points to Bidders who provide evidence that measures and initiatives such as these are in place within their operations, and/or for written proposals submitted with their Quote detailing a commitment to action contingent upon receipt of a Contract award. (See the Additional Environmentally Preferable Products / Practices form on COMMBUYS).

Compensation Structure/Pricing Bids must include a price per bundle of delivered firewood.

This is a rate contract. Vendors have the ability to adjust pricing annually by notifying the department in writing of any rate updates prior to the start of the camping season. The annual deadline for updated rates is May 1st.

Bids must include a standard quantity of bundles per pallet.

Bids must include any price breaks available on large quantity deliveries.

Bids must include language stating that there is no minimum order requirement.

Bids , if possible, provide pricing for alternate options listed in the product specifications in section 2.

As stated in Section 3.1.5:

Quality Control: Vendor will replace or credit any firewood bundles that DCR identifies as defective from the standpoint of packaging, moisture content, inferior species, mold, insect or other pest infestations, etc.

Cost tables Compensation will be based solely on the cost tables or catalogs supplied by the Bidder and accepted by the SSST and incorporated into a catalog on COMMBUYS Cost tables must contain all goods and services to be provided on this Statewide Contract. Compensation will be based on these cost tables, which will form the basis for the Contractor’s catalog in COMMBUYS.

Commodities Bids must include a price per bundle of delivered firewood.

Bids must include a standard quantity of bundles per pallet.

Bids must include any price breaks available on large quantity deliveries.

Bids, if possible, provide pricing for alternate options listed in the product specifications in section 2.

Unscheduled updates to commodities/services/pricing process and approvals The vendor should make every available effort to provide constant pricing for the summer camping season. The Department recognizes that the production and transport of bundled firewood is significantly influenced by the price of energy. If geopolitical events or natural disasters cause significant price increases in energy the contractor may submit updated pricing in writing during the camping season. These price increases will be subject to Departmental approval.

Scheduled or automatic price adjustments Vendors have the ability to adjust pricing annually by notifying the department in writing of any rate updates prior to the start of the camping season. The annual deadline for updated rates is May 1st.

Fuel surcharge provision See above: Unscheduled updates to commodities/services/pricing process and approvals COMMBUYS Catalog Enablement and Updates COMMBUYS enables specified Eligible Entities to place orders using online catalogs. Contractors will be required to participate in the creation and maintenance of such catalogs as described below. Throughout the life of the contract, the SSST reserves the right to revise the COMMBUYS catalog structure and type to optimize ordering by Eligible Entities.

The set of Items published as part of the Bid with pricing provided by the Bidder(s) and accepted by the SSST will become basis for the contract catalog. To enable more effective ordering of items covered by the contract, throughout the life of the contract, the Contractor may be required to revise, or assist the SSSL in revising, the item descriptions or other information associated with the Items included in this Bid.

Other Terms Reporting Contractors are responsible for compliance with all contract reporting requirements including, but not limited to, Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) and other contract reports, as required by this contract.

Orders Online/web capability Prior to the Contract Start Date, the Contractor will establish and enable a COMMBUYS-compatible online catalog, which may be hosted in COMMBUYS or by the Contractor. The catalog must utilize the Commonwealth’s commodity codes based on the United Nations Uniform Product and Service Code (UNSPSC) and must provide specified Eligible Entities with the capability to order only those products and/or services authorized by the vendor’s contract with the Commonwealth from the Contractor using COMMBUYS. The Contractor is required to maintain the catalog for the duration of the contract and must receive prior approval from the SSSL before posting updates or changes to the catalog, which must be consistent with the terms of the contract.

Alternatives Contractors may propose alternatives for equivalent, better, or more cost-effective performance than specified under the Contractor’s original Quote at any time during the life of the Contract.

Failure to perform contractual obligations See: Standard Contract Form, Terms and Conditions

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP – BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, related events, and significant tourist events such as Sail Boston and the 250th Anniversary of the United States will be held throughout the region. Matches and Fan Fest and other possible 250th Celebration activities are scheduled through June, July and August 2026. DCR will be imposing work and/or traffic restrictions as necessary to minimize impacts during these periods when, as determined by DCR, the Contractor’s operations could impact vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. No additional compensation will be allowed for work restrictions, nor will the Contractor have any claim for related costs, direct or indirect. The Contract time determinations have accounted for potential work restriction during this period and Contractor’s should plan accordingly. Any necessary or emergency work required during this time will require DCR approval.

Commonwealth Executive Department - Accessibility Contract Language for Digital Assets The Commonwealth is legally obligated under multiple federal laws, its own Constitution, state statute and Governor-issued Executive Orders to ensure non-discrimination and equal access to state services on the part of people with disabilities and to provide reasonable accommodations to state employees with disabilities. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Enterprise Digital Accessibility Policy drives ongoing efforts to make Massachusetts’ Digital Assets, including those delivered by a third-party, accessible and usable by all persons as required by state and federal laws. Where a Deliverable includes a Digital Asset, such Deliverable must meet the Commonwealth’s Digital Accessibility Standards.

The Commonwealth’s Digital Accessibility Standards include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 level A and AA developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Where a Contractor delivers a Digital Asset to the Commonwealth, including any Digital Asset ancillary to a Deliverable that is itself not a Digital Asset, the Contractor must comply with the digital accessibility obligations set forth in the Vendor Digital Accessibility Contract Language and Vendor Digital Accessibility Testing Obligations, and any subsequent versions or amendments.

During the RFQ bidding process and upon request, Contractor shall cooperate and provide the Commonwealth, or any third-party digital accessibility service provider procured by the Commonwealth, access to test its digital product(s) for accessibility at no additional cost to the Commonwealth. The digital product(s) must be available to the Commonwealth for evaluation prior to purchase and on an ongoing basis.

Audit During the term of this Agreement and for a period of six years thereafter, The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, its auditors, the Operational Services Division, the Office of the Inspector General, or other authorized representatives shall be afforded access at reasonable times to Contractor’s accounting records, including sales information on any system, reports or files, to audit all records relating to goods sold or services performed pursuant to this Agreement. If such an audit indicates that Contractor has materially overcharged The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, then the Contractor shall remit the overcharged amount and be responsible for payment of any costs associated with the audit.

Evaluation criteria Mandatory requirements Contractors must submit responses that meet all the submission requirements of the RFR. All Potential Bidders must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) and meet all the requirements set by the DOR to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including but not limited to registration with the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Corporations department. Only responsive proposals that meet the submission requirements will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by the evaluation team according to the evaluation criteria. Only responsive proposals submitted via COMMBUYS will be considered. Additional information may be requested via email for evaluation purposes.

Mandatory Specifications must be met for a Bid to be evaluated and may be used to disqualify Bidders. In addition, certain mandatory specifications have desirable components that may be evaluated by the SSST. The SSST reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine if non-compliance with a Mandatory Specification is insignificant or may be easily corrected.

Mandatory requirements

1. Phytosanitation: Firewood needs to be heat treated to meet all current state and federal regulations for forest pests and diseases. Documentation is required for bid evaluation and vendors may be required to attain additional compliance agreements over the life of the contract. Vendors should contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services for additional information about compliance agreements.

2. Wood Type for firewood (kindling exempt): 100% Hardwood (i.e. oak, beech, ash, maple, cherry, birch, etc.). No Softwoods or low-density hardwoods such as Pine, Hemlock, Butternut, Basswood, Cottonwood, or Poplar should be included.

Desirable specifications See products and alternates in Section 3.

Price Please note that price will carry a significant weight in the evaluation process.

Supplier Diversity Plan Bidders responding to this RFR are required to submit a Supplier Diversity Plan. Requirements for the Supplier Diversity Plan are included in Section 3. At least 25% of the total available evaluation points for this bid solicitation shall be allocated to the evaluation of the SDP Plan submissions.

HOW TO SUBMIT A quote

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

Quote Submission Method Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required.

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

COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions The following resources are provided to assist Bidders in submitting Quotes:

· An online job aid on How to Create a Quote

· Job aid on How to Find Bids (Solicitations) and Submit Quotes (Responses) through COMMBUYS.

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

Website: Go to www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys to access COMMBUYS resources, including new bid postings, job aids, and training schedules for buyers, among others.

Email: Send inquiries to the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov Telephone: Call the OSD Help Desk at 1-888-MA-STATE (1-888-627-8283). The Help Desk is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Eastern Time, except on federal and state holidays.

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

Bid Opening Date/Time All Bids must be posted in COMMBUYS before the specified date, month, year, and time displayed as the Bid Opening Date/Time in the Header Information section of the Bid in COMMBUYS. Times are Eastern Time. All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for Bid submission by considering potential online submission impediments such as Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. OSD is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission.