DEP.BWR.RFQ.2025.WETO1.PRF77.CAT.D4.D5.F.amended.6.28.24.docx

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

executive office of energy & environmental Affairs department of environmental protection

One Hundred Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114

Request for Quotes (RFQ)

Off of OSD Statewide Contract PRF77 Category D4 (PO-22-1080-OSD03-SRC3-25040), Category D5 (PO-22-1080-OSD03-SRC3-25041), and Category F (PO-22-1080-OSD03-SRC3-25043)

Title: Erosion and Sediment Control Manual Update

Agency Document Number:

BWR-RFQ-2025-WET01

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Resources, Wetlands Program

June 18, 2024

AMENDED 6/28/2024

Title: Erosion and Sediment Control Manual Update MassDEP Project Manager Sarah Bower, Wetlands Resilience Stormwater Analyst Division of Wetlands and Waterways Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02144 sarah.e.bower@mass.gov

1.0 RFQ INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Procurement Scope and Description

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP or the Department) is soliciting proposals through this Request for Quotes (RFQ, also referred to as the Bid in this document) entitled, “Sediment and Erosion Control Manual Update,” from qualified environmental consulting firms off of OSD’s PRF77 Statewide Contract Category D4, Category D5 and Category F. Specifically, MassDEP seeks a qualified consultant to provide technical assistance and generally assist with updates and revisions to the, “2003 Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas” (referred to as the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual in this document). This procurement is funded through MassDEP’s Wetlands Program.

1.2 Background and Project Goals

MassDEP is amending its Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and Stormwater Management Handbook to promote environmental protection and public safety as the Commonwealth adapts to climate change. MassDEP issued proposed revisions to the regulations and Stormwater Management Handbook in December 2023 and accepted public comments on the revisions through April 30, 2024. Proposed revisions to the regulations will improve coastal resiliency against increasing flooding, storm damage, and runoff pollution, through updated stormwater management standards. The proposed revisions include but are not limited to: amending the existing stormwater standards to align with stormwater regulations with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit, updating precipitation data used in stormwater design, developing first-time standards to protect the coastal floodplain from storm damage and sea-level rise, and incorporating provisions to encourage the use of nature-based designs. The Stormwater Handbook serves as guidance on the Wetlands regulations relating to stormwater and has also been updated in accordance with the proposed regulation revisions.

Construction-site stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of impairments to wetlands. The Erosion and Sediment Control Manual serves as the state’s primary guidance on construction period erosion prevention and sediment control, but has not been updated since 2003. To ensure that related guidance also reflects the current state of science and supports climate resilience efforts, MassDEP is seeking to revise the Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas (referred to as the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual in this document). The Erosion and Sediment Control Manual is referenced frequently in the Stormwater Management Handbook (2023 Update) and is included as an appendix to the Handbook, and thus should also be updated in accordance with the proposed regulation revisions.

MassDEP is seeking technical assistance to revise the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual to:

1. Improve and modernize the guidance on erosion and sediment control practices, to reduce runoff pollution to wetlands and waterways during site development.

2. Align the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual with the Wetlands Protection Act regulations and updates to the Stormwater Management Handbook.

3. Explain the difference between MassDEP’s Construction Period Pollution Prevention Plan (CPPP) and the EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

4. Based upon the EPA’s Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Template, develop a revised state template that incorporates additional measures needed to comply with the CPPP and the updated Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

5. Develop a flow chart that outlines when requirements for applicable erosion and sediment control are needed (i.e., when a CPPP is needed and when coverage under the CGP is required).

6. Develop training materials to assist conservation commissions in reviewing CPPPs and SWPPPs.

The final, revised manual will be used to supplement guidance in the Stormwater Management Handbook updates for Stormwater Standard 8 requirements of the regulations (310 CMR 10.05(6)(k)8.). The areas of service to support these goals will generally include (see Section 3 for further specifications of tasks):

· Assign a project manager to coordinate tasks, collaborate with MassDEP, schedule work, and to maintain project records.

· Assess the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual in its entirety and identify technical gaps and necessary updates to the manual to prevent construction site erosion and sedimentation from entering wetlands.

· Compare MassDEP’s CPPP with the EPA’s SWPPP. Evaluate the conditions of a CPPP and a SWPPP and modify the Construction SWPPP template to ensure compliance with the CPPP.

· Prepare draft versions of the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, update graphics, and create a final version for publication.

· Develop guidance materials for conservation commissions on CPPPs and key construction period erosion prevention and sediment control practices.

1.3 Applicable Procurement Law

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

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

1.4 Number of Awards

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

1.5 Eligible Bidders and Entities

Eligible Bidders for this RFQ are confined to pre-qualified firms deemed eligible to provide environmental consulting services through Category D4, Category D5, and Category F of OSD’s PRF77 Statewide Contract. Any contract resulting from the Bid will be open to use by the Issuing Entity only, which is MassDEP.

1.6 Acquisition Method(s)

The acquisition method to acquire goods and/or services from this solicitation is Fee for Service.

1.7 Contract Duration

MassDEP anticipates contracting with the successful bidder in July 2024. All associated work activities must be completed on or before June 30, 2025. MassDEP reserves the right to re-negotiate the Scope of Work related to any tasks under any subsequent contract.

1.8 Estimated Value of the Contract

The estimated value of the contract is approximately $350,000, depending on the level of services agreed to under section 3.0.

Contract expenditures are subject to the availability of appropriations and/or funding. MassDEP reserves the right to terminate the contract due to lack of appropriations and/or funding. Further, this budget does not represent a guarantee of expenditures for this project.

2.0 ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

2.1 Written Questions via the Bid Q/A

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

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

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

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

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

2.2 Locating Bid Q/A

The Bid Q&A will be available on COMMBUYS.

2.3 Amendment Deadline

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

3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

Overview: Services rendered by the selected bidder shall be in accordance with the following Scope of Work. All deliverables shall be completed on or before June 30, 2025, or as otherwise noted and/or approved by MassDEP.

All deliverables are to be submitted as electronic files (e.g., Word, PDF, Excel, etc.), and two hard copies upon request. Traditional Contractor formatting and logo should not be included; however, acknowledgement will be included.

All meetings for this project can be performed by web-based video conference or teleconference, including the kick-off meeting (approximately 1.5 hours) and regular monthly coordination meetings (approximately 1.0 hours) to discuss progress, comments on draft deliverables, and identify/discuss next steps. Following each call, the selected bidder should prepare a summary of key discussion points and action items.

3.1 Scope of Work and Deliverables

During this contract, the selected bidder will be required to perform the following tasks, and to submit the following deliverables, for review and approval by MassDEP:

Task 1: Project Management

Throughout the course of this project, the selected bidder will ensure the successful execution of all tasks within this bid, coordinate tasks, collaborate with MassDEP, schedule work, and maintain project records. If specific meetings are envisioned as part of the workflow, bidders should propose the location, number, and purpose of each meeting as part of their bid response. At a minimum, MassDEP requires a monthly email update on major tasks, progress, challenges, and opportunities. A project kick-off meeting with MassDEP staff will be held within approximately two weeks from execution of the contract and written issuance of a Notice to Proceed. The agenda for the kick-off will include finalization of the scope of work and schedule dependent upon start date. Monthly project meetings and written summaries of key discussion points are also required from execution of the contract.

The contractor shall prepare and submit quarterly Supplier Diversity Plan (SDP) Prime Contractor Spending reports based on their approved PRF77 SDP Commitment Percentages. This report must be completed and submitted to MassDEP within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

Deliverables and Timeframe:

· Kick-off meeting within two weeks of the contract effective date to prioritize scope of work items, and monthly meetings to be held thereafter.

· Brief written summaries of key discussion points and action items following the kickoff meeting, as well as each monthly meeting.

· Monthly, or more frequent, written updates on work progress (acceptable in email format).

· All deliverables under Task 1 must be completed on or before June 30, 2025.

· SDP report must be completed and submitted to MassDEP within 45 days after the end of each quarter.

Task 2: Technical Review of the 2003 Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and Prepare Draft and Final Revised Versions

The selected bidder shall conduct a technical review of the Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Manual published in 1997 and reprinted in 2003 (also titled the Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and Suburban Areas), which may be found on the MassDEP website (EROSION (mass.gov)).

The review shall identify sections of the manual that require updates and determine technical gaps of the manual (not all specifications and/or sections of the manual may need to be updated). In addition, the selected bidder shall review and analyze the manual for any technical deficiencies and/or inconsistencies with the 2023 Draft Stormwater Management Handbook and its appendices. The selected bidder shall develop recommendations to address such technical deficiencies and/or inconsistencies. The selected bidder shall also develop schedules for routine and non-routine site inspections, to include in the final, updated manual to ensure the controls are maintained adequately to prevent sedimentation to wetlands from erosion.

The selected bidder shall then provide MassDEP with proposed, draft revisions to update the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual that address the current state of science and identify any technical gaps and/or inconsistencies. Prior to submitting the first draft updates to MassDEP, the selected bidder shall participate in monthly, or more frequent, coordination meetings with MassDEP and other identified parties (EOEEA, NRCS, etc.) to discuss the manual, any technical gaps, and proposed recommendations for updates. Following the monthly coordination meetings, the selected bidder shall provide written comments, recommendations, and questions on the proposed draft Erosion and Sediment Control Manual to MassDEP. The selected bidder should plan to prepare two (2) drafts if the Manual.

The selected bidder shall also identify any graphics, figures, and tables that should be updated. The selected bidder shall assume that approximately fifty (50) new graphics and figures will need to be prepared. This figure does not include the addition of or routine updates to text for existing graphics. The selected bidder must also develop a flow chart that outlines when requirements for applicable erosion and sediment control are needed, such as for a CPPP, the EPA CGP, or the EPA Dewatering and Remediation General Permit, among others.

At the request of the Department, the selected bidder shall schedule a final coordination meeting to discuss any additional comments on the draft versions. The selected bidder shall prepare the final document to incorporate additional comments from MassDEP from previous tasks. The final deliverable shall be in Word and PDF format and shall be saved as a document in web-format that is ADA accessible. Additional meetings for feedback by MassDEP shall be planned by the selected bidder.

The selected bidder shall also compile a final redline draft and Master List of all changes made to the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual as an index to be considered for inclusion in the final documents.

Deliverables and Timeframe:

· Schedule and lead monthly coordination meetings on a monthly or, as requested, a more frequent basis, with MassDEP and other identified parties.

· Provide written recommendations on the sections of the 2003 Sediment and Control Manual that require updates, and address how those sections will be revised. Also address any technical gaps in the Manual.

· Develop a flow chart that outlines when requirements applicable to erosion and sediment control need to be met. The flow chart shall be included in the 1st draft of revisions to the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

· Provide a 1st draft of the revised Erosion and Sediment Control Manual. Graphic updates are not required for the 1st draft.

· Provide a 2nd draft of the revised Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, reflecting MassDEP’s comments and feedback, with all changes tracked (redlined). This draft shall also include proposed updates to graphics and other associated examples to help project proponents understand the requirements. The 2nd redline draft shall be in an updated format, including but not limited to a cover, table of contents, appendices (if needed) and an overall, updated look.

· A final, redline draft (suitable for online posting if requested), reflecting all of MassDEP’s comments and feedback and the final changes to the manual.

· A final, clean Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, reflecting all of MassDEP’s comments and feedback.

· A high resolution, electronic copy of the final clean Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and final document, in a web-format that is ADA accessible.

· An index to the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

Deliverables under Task 2 must be completed by the dates indicated below, unless MassDEP approves an alternative schedule.

· September 27, 2024: Written recommendations to update the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

· November 29, 2024: 1st draft of the revised Erosion and Control Manual, as well as the flow chart outlining when applicable erosion and sediment control requirements are triggered.

· February 28, 2025: 2nd draft of revised the Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

· May 16, 2025: Scheduling of final coordination meeting.

· June 30, 2025: Final redline draft, final clean electronic Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, final Index, and a high- high resolution, electronic copy of the final clean Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and final document, in a web-format that is ADA accessible.

Task 3: Evaluate the CPPP and SWPPP and Modify the EPA’s Construction SWPPP Template to Ensure Compliance with the CPPP

The selected bidder will review the erosion and sediment control requirements from the Stormwater Management Handbook (including the 2023 Draft Handbook update) and the EPA’s CGP and develop a summary of key differences in erosion and sedimentation control requirements. Specifically, the selected bidder shall review the requirements of MassDEP’s Construction Period Pollution Prevention Plan (CPPP) and the EPA’s Construction General Permit (CGP) Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and identify any differences between the two plans. The selected bidder shall modify the EPA’s Construction SWPPP Template to ensure compliance with the CPPP. In the 2003 Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, the CPPP is referred to as the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan. A CPPP shall include conditions outlined in the 2023 Stormwater Handbook Update chapters 2.3.8 and 4.3.3 and sections of the 2003 Erosion and Sediment Control Manual on the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan. The selected bidder shall also develop recommended conditions for inclusion as General or Special Conditions in an Order of Conditions.

Deliverables and Timeframe:

· 1st draft of the written summary to be incorporated into the final updated Erosion and Sediment Control Manual describing the differences between erosion and sediment control requirements from the Stormwater Management Handbook/CPPPs and those from the CGP/SWPPPs, and how to review CPPPs and SWPPPs.

· 1st draft of the modified SWPPP template, that ensures compliance with CPPP requirements.

· 2nd draft of the written summary and modified template, which must reflect MassDEP’s comments and feedback, with all changes tracked (redlined).

· A final, written summary and modified template shall be included in the final, clean Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, and shall reflect MassDEP’s comments and feedback.

Deliverables under Task 3 shall be completed by the dates indicated below, unless MassDEP approves an alternative schedule.

· November 29, 2024: 1st draft of the written summary and SWPPP modified template.

· February 28, 2024: 2nd draft of the written summary and modified SWPPP template, with all changes tracked (redlined).

· June 30, 2025: The Final written summary and modified SWPPP template, to be included in the final Erosion and Sediment Control Manual.

Task 4: Outreach to Conservation Commission on CPPPs and Erosion and Sediment Control Measures

The selected bidder shall prepare a slide deck, to be used for training purposes, on CPPP requirements, and key erosion and sediment control practices, for MassDEP review. The selected bidder shall anticipate two (2) draft iterations of the slide deck, with an associated meeting with MassDEP to be held for each draft to discuss edits and feedback. Following review and comments from MassDEP, the selected bidder shall prepare a final updated slide deck incorporating MassDEP’s feedback.

Utilizing the completed deliverables from all Tasks the selected bidder shall develop a video recorded training session to provide guidance on erosion and sediment control to local conservation commissions. Coordination meetings, as required, shall be planned by the selected bidder for MassDEP’s feedback on the training video development. The selected bidder shall anticipate one (1) draft training video for review by MassDEP. Following review and comments from MassDEP, the selected bidder shall prepare a final updated training video incorporating MassDEP’s feedback.

The selected bidder shall also develop a simplified field guide for planners, municipal officials, and conservation commissions on construction period erosion prevention and sediment control. The simplified guide may include but is not to be limited to: guidance on what erosion and sediment control is; when key practices should be used; and, when inspection and maintenance practices are needed. The selected bidder shall anticipate two (2) draft iterations prior to finalizing the simplified field guide, with an associated meeting for each draft.

Deliverables & Timeframe:

· 1st draft of the slide deck summarizing CPPP requirements and key erosion and sediment control practices.

· 2nd draft of the slide deck, incorporating comments from MassDEP.

· Final version of slide deck, incorporating comments from MassDEP.

· 1st draft of the video recorded training session for conservation commissions.

· Video recorded training session for conservation commissions.

· 1st draft of the written, simplified field guide for conservation commissions, planners, and municipal officials. summarizing requirements and key concepts related to construction period erosion prevention and sediment control.

· 2nd draft of written, simplified field guide which must reflect MassDEP’s comments and feedback, with all changes tracked (redlined).

· A high resolution copy of the final, simplified field guide, incorporating MassDEP’s comments and feedback. The final guide must be in web-format that is ADA accessible.

· 500 hardcopies of the final, simplified field guide may be provided upon the request of MassDEP.

Deliverables under Task 4 shall be completed by the dates indicated below, unless MassDEP approves an alternative schedule.

· April 26, 2025: 1st draft of slide deck, simplified field guide, and video recorded training.

· May 31, 2025: 2nd draft of the slide deck and simplified field guide.

· June 30, 2025: Final slide deck, simplified field guide, and video recorded training session for conservation commissions.

3.2 Bidder Qualifications

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

· A significant understanding of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and Stormwater Management Handbook and proposed amendments;

· Demonstrated technical expertise in erosion prevention, sediment control, and stormwater management;

· A significant understanding of the EPA’s Construction General Permit and associated Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP);

· Ability to develop a user-friendly manual and articulate technical concepts;

· Excellent writing skills and technical writing experience; and

· Ability to perform the required tasks in the timeframe allotted.

3.3 Bidders’ RFQ Response; Purpose Content and Format

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

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

2. Proposals must also include a scope of services with tasks/activities, discrete deliverables, and a milestone schedule that addresses the task/deliverables set forth in section 3.1 above.

3. Proposals must include the Bidder’s proposed project team, including the proposed project manager and key project staff, including resumes that describe specific experience described in Section 3.3.

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

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

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

3.4 Compensation Structure/Pricing

3.4.1 Cost Tables

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

4.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

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

4.1 Mandatory Requirements

All project specifications outlined in Section 3.0 must be addressed in order for a Bid to be evaluated. Failure to address a specification may result in disqualification of the Bidder. The Department reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine if failure to address a specification is insignificant or can be easily corrected.

4.2 Evaluation Components

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

1. Quality and responsiveness of the proposal, including but not limited to completeness, organization, and conciseness.

2. Bidder’s overall qualification and experience.

3. Understanding of the requested services.

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

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

6. Technical approach, including the logic of the plan, clarity of the proposal, discrete project deliverables and results identified, and realistic Milestone schedule that adheres to the June 30, 2025, project completion deadline.

7. Cost effectiveness of the proposal.

8. Prior success of consultant’s projects.

5.0 HOW TO SUBMIT A QUOTE

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

5.1 Quote Submission Method

Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required.

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

5.2 COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

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

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

5.3 COMMBUYS Support

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

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

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

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

5.4 Bid Opening Date/Time

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

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