DOER RFQ-ENE-2026-015_REVISED.pdf

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES

ELIZABETH MAHONY, COMMISSIONER

100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114

Request for Quote (RFQ)

Document Title: Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC)

Consulting Services

COMMBUYS Bid Number: BD-26-1041-ENE01-ENE01-121012 Agency Document Number: RFQ-ENE-2026-015

Issued October 7, 2025

Revised October 22, 2025

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that can be found on www.COMMBUYS.com. All Bidders are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms and requirements for the entire Bid, which are all incorporated into the Bid. Bidders may also contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE. The Helpline is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal, state and Suffolk County holidays.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources – RFQ-ENE-2026-015 Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) Consulting Services

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I. Introduction

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply to create a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all residents, businesses, communities, and institutions. This request for quotes (RFQ) is being issued by DOER on behalf of the Grid Modernization Advisory Council.

II. Background

DOER, acting on behalf of the Grid Modernization Advisory Council, is seeking to retain a qualified entity, or team of entities, (Contractor) to provide technical consultant services for the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC). As provided for in the scope of work (Scope of Work), DOER is conducting this Request for Quotes (RFQ) on behalf of the GMAC and will manage any contract (Contract) resulting from this RFQ.

The DOER, acting on behalf of the GMAC, is seeking technical consulting services for the purpose of supporting GMAC activities for calendar year 2026. This Contract builds upon 2.5 years of work to date and the completion of the first cycle of GMAC convenings and ESMP review. On November 11, 2023, the GMAC reviewed and provided 88 recommendations on the Electric Distribution Companies’ (EDCs’) inaugural draft ESMPs.1 On August 29, 2024, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a Phase I Order approving the filed ESMPs as strategic plans. On June 13, 2025, the DPU issued a Phase II Order approving a subset of the proposed investments and an interim cost-recovery mechanism. All past activities of the GMAC and meeting materials are available on the GMAC website here: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/grid-modernization-advisory-council-gmac. The GMAC will engage in activities in calendar year 2026 that support its ability to understand, monitor, and communicate information on the implementation of the inaugural ESMPs and prepare for its review and assessment of the next draft ESMPs that will be submitted to the GMAC for review in February 2029.

The selected Contractor will be a crucial partner and resource in helping the GMAC achieve and fulfill its obligations as set forth in statute and the following Scope of Work. GMAC statutory duties from G.L c. 164, section 92C include:

Encouraging least-cost investments in the electric distribution systems Encouraging alternatives to the investments or alternative approaches to financing investments that will facilitate the achievement of the statewide greenhouse gas emission limits and sublimits under chapter 21N

Increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement in the grid planning process Reviewing and providing recommendations on EDC ESMPs

The selected Contractor will support the GMAC’s ability to understand progress on 2024 ESMP implementation and collaborate with the EDCs on grid planning topics to promote GMAC’s statutory requirements. This work includes summarizing EDC filings and reports, developing

1 https://www.mass.gov/doc/gmac-final-report/download

3 | P a g e engaging GMAC meeting agendas to promote collaborative discussion, providing technical analysis at the discretion of the GMAC, and producing educational stakeholder materials on grid planning elements. The selected Contractor shall develop workplans and budgets for consulting services to the GMAC on an annual basis. DOER will manage the Contractor’s work, on behalf of the GMAC, pursuant to any contract resulting from this RFQ.

Proposals will be considered that include the entire Scope of Work. DOER prefers team applications, or applications with specified subcontractors, where a single applicant would otherwise not adequately demonstrate experience in both the administrative AND technical areas.

III. Procurement and Contact Information

A. Type of Procurement

The contract (Contract) will be a Fee for Service subject to 801 CMR 21 and Statewide contract PRF74 Energy, Climate Action, and Facility Advisory Services.

B. RFQ Distribution Method

This RFQ has been distributed electronically using the COMMBUYS system. It is the responsibility of every potential respondent to check COMMBUYS for any addenda or modifications to an RFQ to which they intend to respond. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its subdivisions accept no liability and will provide no accommodations to respondents who fail to check for amended RFQs or submit inadequate or incorrect responses.

Respondents may not alter RFQ language or any RFQ component files. Those submitting a proposal must respond in accordance with the RFQ directions and complete only those sections that prompt a respondent for a response. Modifications to the body of this RFQ, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this RFQ, are prohibited. Any unauthorized alterations will disqualify a response.

C. PRF74 – Energy Consultant Services

Work awarded as a result of this RFQ is pursuant to Statewide Contract PRF74 – Energy, Climate Action, and Facility Advisory Services Designated DOER (PRF74). As such, all terms, conditions, contract rules, and pricing established in PRF74 shall apply. Additional information concerning PRF74 can be found in the User Guide: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/professional-services

D. Massachusetts Public Records Law

All proposals and information submitted in response to this RFQ are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10, and to Chapter 4, Section 7, and Subsection

26. Any statements in submitted proposals that are inconsistent with these statutes shall be disregarded.

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E. No Guarantee of Resulting Contract

The Commonwealth makes no assurance that any services will be purchased from any contract resulting from this RFQ.

F. Questions and Answers

All questions must be submitted through COMMBUYS.

G. Contact Information

Responses to this RFQ will be received by:

Procurement Contact: Julia Fox Department of Energy Resources 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: 617-626-7313 E-mail: Julia.Fox2@mass.gov RFQ Name: Grid Modernization Advisory Council Consulting Services RFQ File Number: RFQ-ENE-2026-015

Milestone Date

DOER Issues Notice September 16, 2025

DOER Issues RFQ October 7, 2025

Deadline for Submitting Questions October 17, 2025

DOER Answers Questions October 22, 2025

RFQ Response Due November 10, 2025 at 5:00PM EST

Selection of Winning Response* December 1, 2025

Execution of Contract with DOER December 18, 2025

* Dates after RFQ Response Due date are anticipated dates. All dates are subject to change.

IV. Scope of Work

The DOER is seeking a Contractor team to support the activities of the GMAC during the next calendar year (2026). It is preferred if the team is comprised of multiple consultants that can add expertise in areas relevant to the Contract, which include project administration, meeting organization, stakeholder engagement and facilitation, and technical expertise in topics related to grid modernization, distribution system planning, and equity. The Contractor team should demonstrate a high sensitivity to managing budget and expenses and be familiar with managing subcontractors and anticipating project needs in order to manage to come in at or under budget.

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Further, Contractor teams that can demonstrate successful communication and management plans amongst subcontractors and DOER are preferred. DOER is seeking applicants that include:

Dedicated personnel to support both administrative and technical elements of the Contract.

A project manager to coordinate and oversee all duties and responsibilities of subcontractors and serve as the primary point of contact with DOER. The project manager should be highly organized, effectively manage multiple streams of work, prepare meeting agendas for DOER-Contractor check-ins, provide budget updates, anticipate and alert the DOER team to any potential upcoming challenges to address and resolve, serve as a collaborative partner in suggesting solutions to challenges or next steps as needed, and regularly report on Contractor team deliverable progress and timelines.

Stakeholder engagement and facilitation experts with experience working with public stakeholder working groups and providing meeting facilitation services, as needed. The GMAC is an 18-person Council with representatives from diverse backgrounds. A successful Contractor will be able to advise DOER on GMAC management and also interface directly with Council members while maintaining a collaborative and productive environment. Part of this role may be to support running GMAC meetings and recommend action items to further the GMAC’s statutory activities.

Technical experts with subject matter expertise on grid modernization, electric distribution system planning, and equity. The technical experts should be familiar with Massachusetts regulatory processes, the electric distribution companies, and the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate policies. The specific technical work to be conducted by the consultant is subject to GMAC approval of its workplan (see the Meeting Schedules page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/gmac-meeting-schedules for the draft 2026 GMAC Workplan). The technical analysis will support annual objectives as defined by the GMAC in its annual workplans.

A website development and maintenance team to maintain the GMAC website, providing comprehensive services such as backups, malware scanning, hack detection and prevention, and regular plugin updates. The team should also upload GMAC meeting files regularly to meet Open Meeting Law requirements. The current GMAC website is hosted on WordPress and must meet WCAP 2.2 AA compliance standards. Any design or development updates should ensure user accessibility and reflect the aesthetic of the Mass.gov platform.

The GMAC is currently developing a workplan that will set out GMAC consultant activities for CY2026. The GMAC will discuss the workplan at its meeting on September 18th and is expected to finalize the CY2026 Workplan by October 30, 2025. The following Contractor tasks are based on the draft CY2026 Workplan. Tasks A and B are not anticipated to change, while there may be modifications to Tasks C-F pending discussion by the GMAC. The draft CY2026 Workplan can be on the GMAC meeting schedules page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/gmac-meeting-schedules.

A. Project Management, Administration, and Planning B. GMAC Meeting Support C. Objective 1: Collaborate on EDC Short-Term Forecasting D. Objective 2: Promoting Affordability and Cost-Effective Investment Alternatives E. Objective 3: Biannual Report/Cost Recovery Filing Review

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F. Objective 4: Tracking Grid Modernization in Massachusetts G. Workplan Support for CY2027

A. Project Management, Administration, and Planning

The Contractor will have a dedicated project manager to ensure all subcontractor work is completed. The Contractor will provide regular updates to DOER on project timelines, upcoming tasks, and budget.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Coordinate and oversee work performed by subcontractors to ensure delivery of timely, quality-assured/quality-controlled, coordinated services within budget. This should include a designated project manager that monitors and tracks work across subcontractors, reviews and ensures accuracy and appropriateness of subcontractor invoices and expenses, communicates directly with DOER, and is responsible for timely and concise reporting on Contractor activities.

b. Manage the maintenance of existing WordPress-hosted website for the GMAC that contains information on all relevant GMAC resources, including GMAC, Executive Committee, and other Committee meeting materials.

c. Provide and communicate review timelines for DOER regarding materials for GMAC meetings, public education, technical analysis, and strategic planning. For specific work projects, this may include progress reports to summarize Contractor activities and progress on agreed upon deliverables.

d. Lead check-ins with DOER staff on GMAC project tasks, budget, and time allocation.

e. Provide agendas in advance of check-in meetings.

f. Support preparation and development of filing materials for the annual Department of

Public Utilities budget request, including but not limited to, monthly invoices, summary of executed tasks and spend by cost category, proposed upcoming tasks and estimated future spend by cost category, and responses to any information requests made by the Department.

g. Track and monitor the implementation of the 2026 GMAC Workplan and provide DOER with insights on potential developments to GMAC activities leading up the next draft ESMPs in 2029.

h. Support facilitation of one-on-one or small group discussions with GMAC members to evaluate effectiveness of ongoing GMAC activity and develop priorities for future GMAC activities.

i. Ensure recommended GMAC activities fulfill statutory objectives.

j. Assist DOER with onboarding support for new GMAC members, including but not limited to, an orientation meeting, a library of recommended materials to review, and office hours.

k. Serve as a partner in foreseeing potential challenges to GMAC management, administration, and planning and proactively propose solutions to DOER.

l. Provide administrative support to the GMAC, including developing and managing relevant meeting agendas.

m. Support planning and execution of end-of-year stakeholder event that will provide interested stakeholders an overview of ESMP implementation progress, as well as a readout of work products ready for public engagement from the GMAC’s 2026 workplan.

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B. GMAC Meeting Attendance

The Contractor will attend GMAC meetings and subcommittee meetings as needed, including the existing Executive Committee and Equity Working Group and any new subcommittees determined by the GMAC.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Attend GMAC and subcommittee meetings as needed.

b. Record meeting minutes at the full GMAC, Executive Committee meetings, Equity

Working Group meetings, and other Committee meetings as required and in accordance with Open Meeting Law requirements.

c. Provide, as needed, support with virtual and hybrid meeting technologies.

d. Provide opportunities for GMAC office hours for GMAC or Subcommittee members to speak with the Contractor as needed.

C. Objective 1: Collaborate on EDC Short-Term Forecasting

The Contractor will support a GMAC activity to better understand the EDC’s short-term (5- to 10-year) forecasting practices, methods, and assumptions, including key inputs such as step loads, electrification impacts, and DER impacts. The Contractor will support the preparation of a GMAC resolution at the end of CY2026 that memorializes learnings, discussion points, identifies observations from the GMAC, and describes GMAC priorities and initial recommendations for forecasts in the next draft ESMP review.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Recommend GMAC meeting presentation items, issue framing, and outcomes from meeting discussions. Work with DOER to assess changes in meeting agendas as needed.

b. Coordinate presentation materials from internal and external speakers for GMAC and subcommittee meetings in advance.

c. Plan and coordinate with EDCs on specific forecasting information to be presented to the GMAC through 2026. Elements may include forecasting scope, timing, data, sector level assumptions, and how forecasts inform EDC capital investments.

d. Facilitate invitations to external speakers to discuss forecasting topics at DOER and GMAC’s discretion, such as representatives from ISO New England, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC), the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC), and Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance

(BERDO).

e. Develop recommended questions for GMAC meetings to generate discussion on forecasting processes and elements amongst GMAC members and invited speakers.

f. Develop a summary of EDC forecasting practices, methods, and sector level assumptions.

g. Synthesize GMAC member observations and recommendations discussed during GMAC meetings to support the development of a GMAC resolution on EDC short-term forecasts.

h. Prepare initial draft of GMAC resolution based on synthesized observations and recommendations.

i. Support facilitation of GMAC discussion and revisions to the draft resolution. Support finalizing the resolution.

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j. Support DOER in strategically planning potential next steps of reviewing EDC demand assessments, sensitivity analyses, and investment reprioritization based on forecasts.

D. Objective 2: Promoting Affordability and Cost-Effective Investment Alternatives

The GMAC is interested in exploring bill impacts resulting from ESMP and core investments. The GMAC will use this analysis to understand the potential impacts to ratepayers and begin to explore ways to encourage least-cost investments. The Contractor will support this analysis and support the GMAC in focusing on how to encourage least-cost investments in the distribution system and/or alternative approaches to financing investments.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Work with DOER, the Equity Working Group, and the EDCs to determine the data necessary to perform bill impacts analysis.

b. Recommend GMAC and subcommittee meeting presentation items, issue framing, and outcomes from meeting discussions. Work with DOER to assess changes in meeting agendas as needed.

c. Coordinate with EDCs and external presenters such as the Interagency Rates Working Group, to discuss the current affordability landscape and any preexisting analysis on investments and bill impacts.

d. Produce summary educational factsheets for key stakeholders.

e. Support discussion on options for reducing costs and bills, including non-wires alternatives, DERs, alternative financing, benefit-cost analysis, etc.

f. Collaborate with EDCs to understand their current practices for identifying and selecting least-cost investments.

g. Provide support for GMAC public stakeholder sessions, including agenda development, presentation materials development, speaker coordination, notetaking, and additional tasks as needed.

E. Objective 3: Biannual Report/Cost Recovery Filing Review

The GMAC will monitor ESMP implementation through review of the EDC biannual reports and cost recovery filings and the Contractor will develop summary documents to educate GMAC members and other stakeholders engaged in ESMP activities. The Contractor and GMAC will analyze if there is any additional information required for its review and will assess the extent to which the reports meet GMAC expectations.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Track and analyze EDC progress on the goals, programs, investments, and plans based on the legislatively required biannual reporting process the EDCs must submit to the DPU and Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. Monitor and report alignment of ESMP implementation with GMAC priorities, including its statutory requirements.

b. Review and recommend modifications to key performance indicators and performance metrics, including equity metrics, program tracking data, and program strategies. Consider current metrics reporting requirements and processes through relevant ongoing dockets.

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c. Review and present summary reports on annual ESMP cost recovery filings.

d. Communicate ideas and information effectively through oral and written presentations

(e.g., Microsoft Office Power Points and Excel Spreadsheets), and other written documents.

e. Develop summaries of March and September ESMP biannual reports and May cost recovery filings.

f. Present summaries at GMAC meetings and support facilitation of GMAC member discussion.

g. Synthesize GMAC member observations discussed during GMAC meetings to include in summary memos.

h. Provide support for GMAC public stakeholder sessions, including agenda development, presentation materials development, speaker coordination, notetaking, and additional tasks as needed.

F. Objective 4: Tracking Grid Modernization in Massachusetts

The Contractor will support the development of stakeholder materials to communicate knowledge of and alignment around concurrent activities related to grid modernization, including but not limited to related DPU dockets and working groups.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Develop visually inviting tracker of concurrent grid modernization activities.

b. Communicate ideas and information effectively through oral and written presentations

(e.g., Microsoft Office Power Points and Excel Spreadsheets), and other written documents. This will require the ability to effectively translate and communicate complex technical information to a more general audience.

c. Facilitate monthly updates on ESMP related topics to be provided by GMAC members.

G. Workplan Support for CY2027

The GMAC will develop a CY2027 workplan during CY2026. This workplan will outline the GMAC Contractor duties for CY2027, including any additional administrative or technical analysis necessary to support defined GMAC objectives. The Contractor will support the development of this workplan and a budget request to the Department of Public Utilities to fund consultant-driven activities.

Duties in this task may include:

a. Support facilitation of small group discussions to develop a list of priorities for GMAC activities.

b. Support DOER and the GMAC in developing draft workplan containing CY2027 objectives and activities. The workplan should include key tasks and consultant support that are directly related to the activities. The workplan should also include key milestones and deadlines for the tasks and estimated budget for each task.

c. Facilitate collaborative discussion on draft workplan and revise draft workplan based on GMAC feedback.

d. Develop CY2027 budget filing request to the Department of Public Utilities outlining CY2026 actual spend by category and proposed spend by category for CY2027. The

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Contractor shall work with DOER and the GMAC to determine CY2027 activities and appreciate budget for each activity.

e. Based on GMAC discussions in preparing the CY2026 workplan, the following tasks may be discussed as potential elements of the CY2027 workplan:

i. Present to the GMAC on technical topics related to distribution system planning as needed and within the technical experience of the Contractor, such as:

1) Review and assess EDC 2050 demand assessments and sensitivity analyses

2) Review and assess EDC Climate Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs) and Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Plans (CVRPs)

3) Analyze locational impacts of distribution system infrastructure and approved ESMP investments to evaluate impact to understand distributional equity impacts.

ii. Recommend best practices from across the country for grid modernization and distribution system planning topics as relevant to GMAC activities. Consider local and state circumstances in the review of best practices and identify what is or is not applicable to the Commonwealth.

iii. Clearly and transparently present research and analysis as directed by the GMAC that support the GMAC’s ability to provide recommendations on the EDCs’ ESMPs. Analysis should support ESMP objectives such as:

1) maximize customer benefits and demonstrate cost-effective investments in the distribution grid,

2) support investments to enable interconnection of, and communication with, distributed energy resources and transmission-scale renewable energy resources,

3) facilitate electrification of buildings, transportation and other sectors,

4) improve grid reliability and resiliency, and

5) minimize or mitigate impacts on ratepayers.

iv. Provide relevant information on Massachusetts distribution system planning, including the ability to speak on relevant procedural history and technical grid knowledge.

v. Propose next steps for technical analysis related to equity at the discretion of the GMAC and GMAC Equity Working Group.

V. DELIVERABLES

Key deliverables as discussed above and as directed by DOER shall be completed by the selected Contractor. Such deliverables include:

Project Management, Administration, and Planning o A hosted and continuously updated website for the GMAC, consisting of meeting materials, meeting information, and contact information o Regular reporting on project timelines and budget o Regular management of GMAC and Subcommittee materials development o Regular internal check in meeting agendas sent to DOER in advance

11 | P a g e o CY2027 Department of Public Utilities budget request, including but not limited to, monthly invoices, summary of executed tasks and spend by cost category in CY2026, proposed upcoming tasks and estimated future spend by cost category, and responses to any information requests made by the Department.

o Support for end-of-year stakeholder event.

GMAC Meeting Support o Attendance and/or presentations to the GMAC as needed o Meeting minutes in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law

Objective 1: Collaborate on EDC Short-Term Forecasting o Summary document on EDC forecasting elements and processes, including an overview of short-term forecasts and demand assessments, targeted to GMAC members and other stakeholders engaged in ESMP activities o Synthesis of GMAC member observations and recommendations on short-term forecasting o Initial draft of GMAC resolution o Final GMAC resolution

Objective 2: Promoting Affordability and Cost-Effective Investment Alternatives o Summary factsheet on bill impacts results o Support for bill impacts analysis and cost-effective investment discussions

Objective 3: Biannual Report/Cost Recovery Filing Review o Continuous tracking of the ESMPs, including but not limited to biannual reports and annual recovery filings in 2026 and 2027 o Summary memos on reports including synthesis of GMAC member observations

Objective 4: Tracking Grid Modernization in Massachusetts o Summary document on grid modernization in Massachusetts which includes an overview of elements, ongoing processes, a summary of relevant activities over the last year, how stakeholders can engage, and a list of activities coming up in the next year.

Workplan Support for CY2027 o 2027 GMAC Workplan containing objectives and activities approved by the

GMAC

o CY2027 consulting budget request filing to the DPU

VI. CONTRACT INFORMATION

A. Funding availability/duration of contract

The maximum amount of funding for any contract resulting from this RFQ is an amount not to exceed three hundred and forty thousand dollars ($340,000). DOER anticipates that any contract(s) awarded pursuant to this RFQ to begin on the date of execution and end on December 31, 2026, with the option to renew for two, one-year periods. The contract is subject to available funding.

The GMAC must annually submit to the Department of Public Utilities a proposed budget for the “retention of expert consultants and reasonable administrative costs.” G.L. c. 164, § 92C(c). The

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Department must allocate sufficient funds for the GMAC’s consulting services and administrative costs under G.L. c. 25, § 19, provided that the budget cannot exceed one percent of the annual energy efficiency funds authorized pursuant to G.L. c. 25, § 19. G.L. c. 164, § 92C(c). DOER reserves the right to hire a Contractor for a limited scope of work if necessary to meet the budget parameters.

B. Contract Expansion

If additional funds become available during the contract duration period, DOER reserves the right to increase the maximum obligation to the contract executed as a result of this RFQ, with related additional tasks to be determined by mutual written agreement consistent with the terms of statewide contract PRF74.

C. Contractor’s responsibility and invoicing

The selected Contractor will be responsible for timely completion of the requirements described above and as directed by DOER. The selected Contractor must assume overall responsibility for coordinating and completing all deliverables contained in the resultant contract. All invoices must be submitted to DOER on a schedule and in a format to be agreed upon by DOER and the selected Contractor. Invoices shall include sufficient back-up documentation to support the amount being invoiced.

D. The Commonwealth’s responsibility

DOER’s Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all tasks undertaken by the selected Contractor, including but not limited to developing of a Statement of Work and schedule; reviewing, commenting on, and approving deliverables; coordinating with DOER and other program staff; and approving invoices promptly.

VII. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Respondents to this RFQ-ENE-2026-015 must respond via the COMMBUYS web portal and must also submit an electronic proposal to Julia.Fox2@mass.gov by 5:00 P.M. EST on November 10, 2025. Late proposals will not be accepted. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Proposals should not be submitted in an elaborate format that includes expensive binders or graphics. Unnecessary attachments beyond those sufficient to present a complete, comprehensive, and effective response will not influence the evaluation of the proposal. Each page of the proposal should state the name of the bidder and the page number.

Responses that do not include all of the information outlined below may be disqualified. The DOER may ask applicants (Applicants) to provide additional information or to participate in an

13 | P a g e interview. Once the award is made, all submissions are subject to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10, and to Chapter 4, Section 7 and Subsection 26.

Respondents must provide the following sections in their proposal. All responses must include a Transmittal Letter, Executive Summary, Narrative Section, and Cost Proposal as defined below:

1. Transmittal Letter (1-page limit): The transmittal letter should highlight any special features of the response and include the name, phone number, and email for the Applicant’s point of contact and must identify this PON by number (RFQ-ENE-2026-015). The transmittal letter should acknowledge any Amendments to this RFQ posted on COMMBUYS and be signed by a representative of the Applicant who has the authority to bind the Applicant.

2. Executive Summary (1-page limit): The executive summary must contain the key components of the response, including the Contractor’s name, names of key personnel that will be involved in the project and their respective roles, and a brief description of the organization’s experience with similar technical consulting and administrative services.

3. Narrative Section (15-page limit): The narrative section will be comprised of the section as outlined below.

a. Contractor Qualifications and Experience

i. A description of the project team and key partners. List of key individuals that are part of the project team. Organizational structure for the team and project management structure. Resumes for individual team members may be attached and do not count toward the fifteen-page limit.

ii. Discussion of project team and key partners’ recent experience with administrative and technical consulting services, including descriptions of which team members will support different tasks in the Scope of Work.

iii. Availability of key team member(s) to participate in technical consulting services immediately and long-term availability of member(s) for on-going administrative and technical services.

iv. Examples, including a client list, of previous projects that demonstrate experience with similar analyses, consulting for similar governmental entities, or other relevant experience.

b. The proposed approach to provide technical consulting services for the GMAC;

administrative assistance, overview of elements to consider, key risk factors and potential pitfalls.

c. Respondents must provide overall project pricing based on hourly rates for personnel assigned to the project. In no instance can any hourly rate exceed the maximum billing rates established in PRF74. Respondents must include any and all ancillary services in the project price. The DOER under no circumstance will pay

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d. The proposal should include the Contractor’s proposed plan to manage budget appropriately, including through the strategic use of team members and subcontractors based on billing rates to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned to meet project needs while minimizing expense.

4. Cost Proposal (2-page limit): A cost proposal, broken out by task listed in the deliverables, staff person, and hourly rate. Respondents must provide project‐based pricing instead of the maximum billing rates established in PRF74. Contractors must include any and all ancillary services in the project price. DOER under no circumstance will pay additional invoices related to project‐based procurement. Proposals that include partnerships must designate one party as the lead contractors and identify the team of subcontractors.

5. Supporting Documents: Respondents are strongly encouraged to provide supporting documents related to their participation in similar processes, including but not limited to past/current client lists, sample reports or analysis, or stakeholder engagement processes.

Proposals that include partnerships must designate one party as the lead contractor and identify the team of subcontractors.

Applicant Qualifications and Experience:

At a minimum the selected Contractor’s qualifications and experience should include the following elements. A selected Contractor’s qualifications and types of experience may be met through one or more subcontracting relationships. If the Contractor (including subcontractors) has comparable qualifications to those that are listed below but does not have the exact qualifications, the bid should explain so.

Experience in managing stakeholder working groups, including facilitation expertise with council members, government officials, and members of the public

Experience in understanding, processing, and communicating technical information and recommendations to a mixed technical and non-technical audience

Experience in communicating ideas, recommendations, and other information effectively through oral and written presentations (e.g., Microsoft Office Power Points and Excel Spreadsheets), and other written documents

Experience in developing recommendations and supporting a stakeholder group reach consensus around recommendations

Experience participating in or tracking regulatory processes Experience managing project schedules and budgets, including regular communication with clients under tight timelines Experience providing administrative support to stakeholder groups, including website management, agenda development, minutes taking, and hybrid meeting facilitation Experience in supporting the development, tracking, and evaluating long-term strategic plans If applicable, experience managing and coordinating subcontractors

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Knowledge about distribution system planning and grid modernization efforts, including about technical grid components and planning practices

Knowledge of DPU regulatory proceedings, rules and precedents and show demonstrable experience participating in such regulatory proceedings

Knowledge about relevant Massachusetts distribution system procedural history, metrics and data reporting currently available, and the Commonwealth’s 2050 goals, such as the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sublimits

Knowledge about the Massachusetts Electric-Sector Modernization Plans (ESMPs) Knowledge about evaluating the cost-efficiency of distribution system programs and investments, including alternatives to investments or alternative approaches to financing investments

Knowledge about distribution system cost allocation mechanisms and performance incentives and penalties

VIII. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

The selected Contractor shall demonstrate the experience, ability, and skills to complete projects of this type on time and within budget.

All proposals received by the due date and meeting the requirements established in this RFQ will be reviewed and evaluated by DOER. The evaluation will include, but will not be limited to, the following criteria:

Effectiveness of the proposed approach: Respondent’s proposed approach demonstrates understanding of the tasks and a logical approach. Respondent demonstrates understanding and sound approach to proposed Scope of Work.

Likelihood of proposal to achieve outcomes: Respondent’s proposal, hours allocated to each task, and team composition suggests likelihood of proposal to achieve outcomes and produce deliverables on schedule.

Respondent’s experience with similar projects and relevant subject matter: Respondent team has demonstrated experience including background, knowledge, and experience with the tasks and subject matter described in the Scope of Work, above.

Specific experience with supporting stakeholder working groups.

Extent to which the proposed budget demonstrates the best value to the Commonwealth, including consideration of total cost and hourly rates for team members.