Due Diligence MassDOT 2025-2028 Construction Management Certificate 11.27.24.docx

Due Diligence Posting of Notice of Intent to Accept a Best Value Offer

MassDOT/Wentworth Construction Management Certificate Program

Response Requirement and Deadline All Interested Vendors and Offerors interested in responding to this Notice, regardless of prior communications with the Department, must submit a Response to this posting containing evidence of their qualification and interest. This includes the interested offeror. All required information must be submitted by 2:00PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, December 11, 2024, as follows:

If, after the posting deadline has passed, interest is generated by this Notice, the Department will review all Responses and will determine whether they will: (i) withdraw the notice and not accept the Offeror’s offer (and cancel the Notice of Intent) or (ii) accept the offer from the Offeror or (iii) accept an offer from another vendor offering a comparable or better value than the Offeror in their Response.

I. Purpose

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (“MassDOT”) and the Wentworth Institute of Technology (“WIT”) are entering into this Agreement to set forth the educational services to be provided by WIT, who will serve as the educational partner to MassDOT in delivering the MassDOT/Wentworth Construction Certificate Program (“CMCP”), a customized construction management certificate program for MassDOT employees. This partnership will combine WIT expertise in management and leadership education for the built environment with the applied industry experience of MassDOT, to create an interactive adult learning experience at the nexus of theory and practice. Curriculum design and delivery will be developed in collaboration with MassDOT ‘Subject Matter Experts, adding to the potential for programmatic impact through relevance, role models, and reality checks.

II. Term

This Agreement shall commence on January 2, 2025, and end in September 30, 2028, unless terminated earlier as provided herein. During the term of this Agreement, four annual cohorts will be delivered as follows.

Cohort Delivery Schedule

III. Certificate Description and Sequence

NON-DEGREE | PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

MASSDOT/WENTWORTH CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The CMCP will be run annually as a 7-week cohort containing seven 5-hour live training modules, held once per week. CMCP will offer a customized curriculum, blending in-classroom activities, case study practice, and team exercises, fostering the growth of participants' knowledge, skills, and abilities in construction management. The program will feature a collaborative teaching model which includes faculty, guest speakers, and subject matter experts from WIT, MassDOT, and industry leaders to provide participants with immediately applicable, career-enhancing knowledge through relevance, role models, and reality checks.

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

· Demonstrate an understanding of construction management principles and their application in real-world scenarios.

· Develop and implement effective project management strategies, including planning, execution, and monitoring of projects.

· Utilize project controls to monitor and control project performance, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

· Understand, interpret and utilize construction schedules to optimize project timelines and resource allocation

· Identify potential fraud risks and implement measures to prevent, address, and report fraudulent activities.

· Apply knowledge of environmental regulations and construction safety standards to maintain compliance and ensure safe working conditions.

· Apply quality assurance and quality control practices by understanding regulations, differentiating between testing types, using industry certifications, developing quality management plans, and conducting inspections.

· Accurately estimate project costs, utilizing various construction estimating techniques and tools.

· Interpret and apply the terms and conditions of construction contracts, ensuring all parties fulfill their contractual obligations.

IV. Training Sequence & Topics Covered:

Format: In-Person | Live Instruction

In-person class sessions with live instruction will be delivered weekly either at MassDOT Research and Materials, Hopkinton, MA or a MassDOT venue of choice. Students will engage in interactive lectures, case study practice, group exercises and discussions.

Time Commitment: 7 Weeks | 35 Hours Total

Participants commit to up to five (5) hours of live instruction once per week.

Credentials Awarded:

Upon completion of the program, participants will earn 3.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a certificate of completion. A CEU is not an academic credit; however, it is a nationally recognized standard of documenting the successful completion of non-degree professional training. One CEU is equivalent to ten instructional hours.

V. Enrollment

This course will be offered exclusively to MassDOT and their selected employees. MassDOT will be responsible for recruitment and will identify and communicate the list of participants they wish to enroll under this Agreement.

VI. Training Materials

WIT faculty will develop the curriculum format and educational materials (“Materials”) for all learning modules. WIT grants MassDOT and students a limited, revocable license to access to Brightspace, learning management software, for the purposes detailed in this Agreement. The Materials will be delivered in class and virtually with WIT providing educational content, expertise, technology, and program delivery.

VII. Scope of Services

WIT will serve as an educational partner to MassDOT to plan and deliver the CMCP. The educational services to be provided by WIT include the following:

Program Management:

· Provide a dedicated program manager to serve as the primary point of contact and planning partner for MassDOT. Responsibilities include, identifying and scheduling qualified faculty facilitators; coordinating a collaborative curriculum review and update between MassDOT, WIT faculty, and WIT instructional designers; preparing all digital and printed course materials; conducting post-program evaluation; and providing on-site staff support, as needed.

Curriculum Review & Updates:

· Collaborate with MassDOT to review and implement maintenance level updates to the program curriculum, as well as participant expectations and requirements annually.

Module Facilitation:

· Facilitate five (out of the seven) 5-hour program modules, including Project Management, Project Scheduling, Project Finances, Environmental Compliance & Safety, and Contracts.

· MassDOT will facilitate two of the seven program modules, including Fraud Training and QA/QC.

Course Materials:

· Provide participants with both printed and digital training materials via Wentworth’s learning management software, Brightspace.

Co-Branded Printed and Digital Credentials:

· Provide participants with both co-branded printed and verified digital credentials, that allow participants the ability to electronically share proof of their earned CEUs, upon successful completion of the program.

VIII. Annual Program Phases & Deliverables

July – September | Scheduling and Planning

· Select agreed-upon training dates

· WIT will confirm program faculty schedules.

· MassDOT will secure the training space.

October – November | Curriculum Preparation and Recruitment

· WIT will lead the collaborative process for curriculum review and updates.

· MassDOT will lead recruitment efforts to identify program participants.

January – March | Training

· WIT will register confirmed participants, coordinate access to Brightspace (our learning management software) and prepare course materials.

· MassDOT will manage participant communication throughout the program, managing participant and supervisor expectations, attendance, and any scheduling adjustments

· Facilitate the seven-module live training program.

March - April | Post-Program Assessment and Evaluation

· WIT will administer a post-program participant survey and conduct a stakeholder debrief meeting.

IX. Proposal Requirements

General Instructions

(a) Any assumptions, exceptions, deviations and/or conditions to these terms and conditions must be clearly indicated in the proposal. For each assumption, exception, deviation and/or condition, the Offeror must identify the term or condition, state the reason for the assumption, exception, deviation and/or condition, and provide any other information concerning the assumption, exception, deviation and/or condition. MassDOT reserves the right not to accept any assumption, exception, deviation and/or condition to this solicitation. If no assumption, exception, deviation and/or condition are taken, the proposal must affirmatively state that none have been taken.

(b) Proposals must include a Cover Letter signed by an individual who is authorized to contractually bind the Offeror. The cover letter must stipulate that the Offeror’s proposal is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFP.

Proposal Format The Offeror must provide a proposal that adequately addresses each of the two volumes, Technical and Cost/Price. The files should be in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat. All pages should be numbered with section and page numbers.

Proposal Content The Offeror should prioritize quality over quantity in the proposal, focusing on clarity, brevity, and logical organization. The proposal must provide sufficient information for MassDOT to evaluate the work and cost/price without requiring further discussions. Simply stating understanding or intent to comply with the RFP without supporting details is inadequate. The Offeror must meet all RFP requirements. While assumptions, exceptions, deviations, or conditions won't automatically make a proposal unacceptable, they may render it ineligible for award unless explicitly allowed by the RFP. MassDOT may consider any unauthorized assumptions, exceptions, deviations, or conditions as deficiencies.

Proposal Limitations The Offeror’s Volume 1 -Technical proposal must not exceed a total of 20 single sided pages. Excluded from the page count limitations are volume covers, title pages, tables of content, lists of tables/figures, glossaries, acronyms, abbreviation lists, prime Contractor submittal letter, subcontractor commitment letters, transmittal letters, and resumes. Resumes must not exceed three (3) pages. The Offeror may allocate the 20-page count limitation to the Volume 1 Technical Proposal at its own discretion. Pages submitted more than the 20-page limitation will not be reviewed or considered during the evaluation. There is no page limitation for Volume 2 – Cost/Price proposal.

Volume I – Technical Proposal Offerors must not include any price or pricing information in the Technical Volume including cover letters.

The technical proposal must be specific and in sufficient detail to enable an evaluation team to make a thorough evaluation to determine if the Offeror fully understands the requirement, and that the Offeror can meet all the requirements of SOW. If any portion of Volume I proposal includes work by a company or employee other than that of the Prime Contractor Offeror, the proposed subcontractor must be clearly identified and associated with the specific work which the subcontractor will perform.

Offerors are advised to submit a proposal that is clear and comprehensive without the need for additional explanation or information. Additional information may be requested from Offerors whose proposals are considered the most likely to receive award; however, it is the intent of MassDOT to award a contract based on initial offers received, without discussions or negotiations. Any proposal that does not explicitly comply with proposal instructions and RFP requirements may be considered non-responsive and removed from further consideration for contract award.

The evaluation will be based on two evaluation factors:

Factor 1 – Past Performance and Experience The Offeror must include Past Performance and Experience for at least one (1) and no more than three (3) recent relevant experiences that describe the Offeror’s, and the Offeror’s proposed subcontractors’, experience that is like that for the SOW requirements. In addition, explain why the experience is considered relevant to the SOW requirements. Offerors must demonstrate their full understanding of the requirements. The Offeror must provide one resume (no more than 3 pages) for each of the Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-PIs.

Factor 2 – Technical Approach The Offeror must provide their detailed approach to accomplishing the tasks listed in SOW. In doing so, the Offeror must:

· Demonstrate its knowledge and understanding of the task requirements.

· Provide a detailed approach to meet or exceed all task requirements.

A mere reiteration of the SOW as a response to this factor will not be acceptable.

Volume 2 – Cost/Price Proposal Offerors must provide sufficient information for MassDOT to evaluate the price proposal, ensuring consistency between the Technical and Cost/Price Volumes. The proposed cost/price must be reasonable and aligned with the work described in the SOW and Technical Volume. Any inconsistencies or unbalanced pricing must be explained.

Funding estimates should include a breakdown of Labor, Materials, and Travel costs. Assumptions, exceptions, or deviations affecting cost estimates must be detailed. All cost/price information should be in the Cost/Price Volume. While certified cost or pricing data is not required with expected price competition, MassDOT may request additional data and negotiate if competition is insufficient. Offerors must acknowledge the potential need to provide this data before the award.

The Offeror is responsible for demonstrating compliance with all evaluation factors.

X. Fees and Payment Terms

Total Cost: $252,000 ($63,000 per cohort)

Includes the full scope of services as outlined above to plan, deliver, and assess the CMPC training program, for one cohort per year over four years. The per cohort set cost includes up to 35 participants:

Total Cost Four (4) Cohorts Single Cohort Set Cost*

$252,000

$63,000

*Does not include variable food and catering services associated with an end of program certificate celebration.

Payment Terms: Four workshop delivery payments of $63,000 will be invoiced on an annual basis. Payment is due within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the invoice.

Late Payment: If payment is not received by the due date, Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the training program.

Substitutions: MassDOT may substitute a participant any time before the program's start date without additional charge. WIT may substitute faculty at their discretion.

Termination: Either party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, MassDOT shall reimburse WIT for all costs and non-cancellable commitments and expenses incurred by WIT’s preparation or performance of the services prior to the date of termination. Any unexpended funds previously paid by MassDOT will be refunded in full.

WIT reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any training program due to instructor illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, WIT will notify the MassDOT as soon as possible and find a suitable date to reschedule.

Rescheduling: If MassDOT cancels less than thirty (30) days before the program starts, WIT will work with MassDOT to find a suitable date to reschedule the program. MassDOT shall reimburse WIT for any additional costs or non-cancellable commitments and expenses incurred due to rescheduling. However, if the program is not rescheduled, 100% of the cost will be due.

Determination of Other Interested Vendors The intent of this posting is to determine if there are any other interested and qualified vendors. Any such vendors must:

· Submit documentation that they can provide a comparable or better offer.

Additional Terms Required for Doing Business with the Commonwealth

Quote Submission Method Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required. All Interested Vendors and Offerors 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 Interested Vendors and Offerors who are awarded a contract resulting from this Notice, 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.

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

· An online job aid on How to Create a Quote;

· Webcast video on How to Find Bids (Solicitations) and Submit Quotes (Responses) through COMMBUYS;

· Instructor-led trainings (ILT) and live webinar sessions on “How to Locate and Respond to Bids” may also be available. Check the OSD Training Courses schedule for Sellers/Business Entities for available locations, dates and times. Note that space is limited and pre-registration for trainings is required to attend. Follow instructions on the course schedule to register.

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.

image1.jpeg image2.JPG image3.JPG