Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants RFR: Refugee Employment and Skills Enhancement Training (RESET) Program

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

1 ASHBURTON PLACE, 5TH FLOOR, BOSTON, MA 02128

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE (RFR)

REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT and SKILLS ENHANCEMENT TRAINING (RESET) PROGRAM (formerly known as CRES Program)

June 15, 2026

COMMBUYS BID #: FY26-ORI-04

Management Group Category: Health, Human & Social Services/SERVICES – Employment Training or Support

Procurement and Program Contacts: Robin LaBranche and Leticia M. Ripalda

CONTENTS

1. RFR General Description and Procurement Questions (Pages 3 - 8)

1.1. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) and the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP)

1.2. Applicable Procurement Law

1.3. Summary of Procurement: Description and Scope of Services

1.4. Targeted Bidders

1.5. Targeted Geographic and Service Delivery Areas

1.6. Allowed Service Delivery Model

1.7. Anticipated Award

1.8. Acquisition Method

1.9. Number of Awards

1.10. Procuring Department Participation: Single or Multiple

1.11. Anticipated Duration of Contract

1.12. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding or Compensation for Expected Duration

1.13. Use of Federal Funds to Fund Contracts

1.14. Bidders’ Conference

1.15. Procedures For RFR Q&A on COMMBUYS

2. Instructions for Preparation of Response (Pages 8 - 10)

2.1. Program Narrative

2.2. Standard Attachments and Required Forms

2.2.1. Standard Attachments

2.2.2. Required Forms

3. Deadline and Instructions for Submission of Response (Page 10)

4. Uploading RFR Documents: Instructions (Page 11)

5. RFR – Required Specifications for Purchase of Service (POS) (Pages 12 – 19)

6. Specifications: Refugee Employment and Skills Enhancement Training (RESET) Program (Pages 20 – 31)

6.1. Introduction: MA Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP) and RESET

6.2. Participant Eligibility and Service Priorities for RESET

6.3. RESET Referrals: Coordination and Goals

6.4. RESET Scope of Services

6.5. Re/certification Benefit

6.6. Performance Measures and Program Outcomes: Attachment 2

6.7. Operational Requirements

7. BIDDER’S RESPONSE (Pages 31 – 39)

7.1. Bidder’s Cover Page (Attachment #1)

7.2. Project Abstract

7.3. Participant Demographics and Program Outcomes (Attachments #2 and #3)

7.4. Program Narrative (Max. 15 Pages)

7.4.1. Refugee Employment Experience and Case Scenarios

7.4.2. Program Design

7.4.3. Performance and Program Evaluation

7.4.4. Services during State or Federal Emergencies

7.4.5. RESET: Provider’s Partnerships and Collaborative Network Approach

7.5. Agency Assurances (Attachment # 4)

7.6. Line-Item Budget and Budget Narrative (Attachments # 5 and # 6)

7.7. Additional Attachments

7.8. Required Forms

8. EVALUATION CRITERIA (Pages 39 – 40)

9. CONTRACT EXECUTION AND SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS (Page 40)

Calendar of Events

Note: The above dates are tentative and subject to change at ORI’s sole discretion.

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE (RFR)

REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT and SKILLS ENHANCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

(RESET)

1. RFR GENERAL DESCRIPTION and PROCUREMENT QUESTIONS

1.1. Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) and the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP)

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) was established by St. 1992, c. 133, § 171; M.G.L. c. 6, §§ 205 through 208. ORI’s statutory purpose is to promote the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of the Commonwealth. To advance its statutory purpose, ORI administers a diverse portfolio of federally and state funded programs offering services designed to support successful integration, economic mobility, and long-term self-sufficiency. These services are delivered in a manner that is responsive to the cultural and linguistic needs of refugees and immigrants, reflecting ORI’s broader agency mission to welcome and empower all immigrants in Massachusetts to access resources, opportunities, and supports.

ORI is the state agency responsible for administering the federal refugee resettlement program, established pursuant to the federal Refugee Act of 1980; 8 USC 1521 et seq. As the designated state agency for refugee resettlement, and subject to available federal funds, ORI contracts with local refugee resettlement agencies and service providers throughout Massachusetts to provide a coordinated set of services which comprise the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Plan (MRRP). The purpose of the MRRP is to assist refugees to achieve durable self-sufficiency. ORI administers the MRRP consistent with federal requirements set by statute and federal regulation, as well as the policy directives of the Office for Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Through this procurement, ORI solicits bids for ORI’s Refugee Employment and Skills Enhancement Training (RESET) Program (formerly known as the Comprehensive Refugee Employment Services or CRES Program). RESET is a federally funded service component of the MRRP designed to provide an integrated model of ESOL/VESOL, employment and employability services, and workforce training opportunities to eligible refugees. RESET supports participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency through coordinated language acquisition, skills development, and employment pathways.

1.2. Applicable Procurement Law

This Bid is issued under the following law(s): MGL c.7, §22, §22N; c. 30, §51, §52; 801 CMR 21.00; 808 CMR 1.00 (Human and Social Services)

1.3. Summary of Procurement: Description and Scope of Services

Description

Under this Request for Response (RFR), the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (“ORI” or the “Purchasing Department”) is soliciting bids for the provision of employment services, direct ESOL/VESOL instruction, , training and supportive services for refugees and other ORR-eligible individuals participating in the Refugee Employment and Skills Enhancement Training (RESET) Program—a service component of the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP). The RESET Program was formerly referred to as Comprehensive Refugee Employment Services or CRES.

ORI’s RESET Program includes the following core components: employability assistance and employment services, employment-related case management to address barriers to employment, integrated language instruction, ESOL/VESOL education, and vocational/occupational training. These components are funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) through Refugee Social Services formula funding.

Note: ORI requires that RESET core service components be integrated and delivered concurrently at a single location.

The different service components of the RESET program are designed to support eligible participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency through coordinated pre-employment, training, and post-employment services. Specifically, the services are designed to:

a.) provide pre-employment services, including employability services, necessary for eligible newly arrived refugees to obtain employment as quickly as possible;

b.) assist eligible refugees with identifying professional career paths and referring them to Vocational Skills Training/Occupational Training (VST/OT), as needed; and c.) provide post-employment support, career laddering services, and other assistance to support eligible individuals and families in moving toward durable self-sufficiency.

For detailed description of eligible populations, please see Section 6.2. Participant Eligibility and Service Priorities for RESET Services.

Scope of Services

To support these program goals, RESET services outlined in this RFR consist of core and additional pre- and post-employment services delivered through an integrated service model that includes but is not limited to:

a.) intake and skills assessments, leading to completion of the Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP), including short- and long-term employment goals;

b.) employability services, including World-of-Work orientations and work groups;

c.) employment-related case management to address barriers to employment, including, but not limited to, childcare, transportation, benefits navigation support, financial stability support, behavioral health referrals, housing stabilization and additional referrals to other services;

d.) literacy and ESOL instruction offered at various proficiency levels;

e.) English for employment instruction offered at multiple proficiency levels;

f.) referrals to educational advancement programs, as appropriate, including HiSET, adult diploma, college, and certificate programs;

g.) access to credential evaluation and professional licensing support, including re/credentialing assistance, exam preparation and occupational pathways;

h.) access to short-term re/certification and vocational/occupational training tailored to the various refugee populations served;

i.) technology literacy skills support (aka digital literacy), as needed;

j.) resume creation and interview preparation;

k.) job development; including employer engagement and training center partnership development for formal and consistent pipelines and sector-based employment opportunities;

l.) job search, including but not limited to resume creation, interview preparation, job placement support and workplace readiness training;

m.) wrap-around job services offered in small group settings, including but not limited to retention support, workplace mediation, and early intervention for job stability;

n.) post-employment support, including 30- and 90-day follow-ups, retention monitoring employer check in;

o.) Six (6) and 12-month participants check-ins; and p.) career laddering opportunities, including but not limited to job upgrades and higher education assistance, whenever possible, wage progression track and career advancement planning as needed.

Applicants responding to the RESET RFR must, at a minimum, include all the above services in their proposals.

1.4. Targeted Bidders

This RFR seeks seasoned and experienced Refugee Employment Services (RES) providers with demonstrated expertise in serving refugee populations and a consistent, proven record of delivering integrated employment services and vocational skills trainings during the last three federal fiscal years (FFY24–FFY26 to date).

Refugee Employment Services (RES) are uniquely positioned to collaborate with Refugee Case Management (RCM) providers in delivering coordinated and non-duplicative services to recently arrived eligible refugee individuals, as required by 45 CFR § 400.75(a) and § 400.156(b). Therefore, special consideration will be given to established RES providers that have successfully demonstrated positive outcomes in placing refugees into employment and that have developed in-house vocational/occupational training, as well as formalized long-lasting partnerships with mainstream educational and training centers.

Note: This RFR is not intended for organizations seeking to develop such services for the first time within their local area.

The use of qualified RES providers in the implementation and delivery of refugee employment services helps ensure that services are culturally and linguistically appropriate, as required by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and enhances the effectiveness and maximization of the overall service system when using limited resources. ORI therefore expects to leverage RES providers to the maximum extent possible, recognizing the special and unique strengths of these organizations in delivering employment services to recently arrived refugee communities whenever contract bidders are otherwise equally qualified.

Note: Per ORR requirements contracted providers must obtain a DUNS number, unless they have one, before receiving a contract for RESET services. Proof of an organization’s DUNS number must be provided by selected bidders before ORI releases funding under this project.

Note: An organization with multiple office locations may submit a single, complete response covering all proposed sites. Applicants may submit one consolidated budget to support operations across all locations or separate budgets for each proposed site.

1.5. Targeted Geographic and Service Delivery Areas

This RFR seeks the services of seasoned RES providers with established local offices and integrated service delivery capacity in the counties where most refugees reside, including Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, Plymouth, Bristol, and Hampden Counties.

1.6. Allowed Service Delivery Model

RESET may be delivered through a hybrid service delivery model combining in-person and virtual services. However, it is expected that at least 80% of services will be delivered in person, unless ORI implements a change to this standard or in the event of a declared state or federal emergency, or other exceptional circumstance. RESET staff delivering direct services must abide by this service-delivery model.

1.7. Anticipated Award

The total award amount is contingent upon the availability of federal funding. ORI anticipates making awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, subject to change based on the availability of federal funds.

ORI intends to make a one-year funding commitment. Funding for subsequent years is subject to the availability of federal funds, refugee needs, the contractor’s full compliance with terms of the contract and satisfactory program performance.

ORI’s federal fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30.

1.8. Acquisition Method

The acquisition method(s) to acquire goods and/or services from this Bid is Fee for Service.

1.9. Number of Awards:

ORI anticipates awarding contracts to multiple qualified bidders to ensure statewide access to program services.

If, over the life of the Contract, ORI determines that additional Contractors should be added to meet the need for services statewide, these may first be drawn from qualified organizations that responded to this Bid but were not awarded contracts. If deemed to be in the best interest of the Commonwealth, the Bid may be re-opened to obtain additional Bid Responses.

1.10. Procuring Department Participation: Single or Multiple

Only the Procuring Department, that is ORI, may Contract under the RESET RFR.

1.11. Anticipated Duration of the Contract

The anticipated total contract period is October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.

ORI intends to make an initial award for a period of up to one year, with up to four additional one-year renewal options. Renewal of the contract is contingent upon the availability of federal funding, program needs, and satisfactory contractor performance.

No agreements for services will be executed after the expiration of the contract period.

1.12. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding or Compensation for Expected Duration

This Contract will have a Maximum Obligation Amount.

1.13. Use of Federal Funds to Fund Contracts

ORI will use 100% federal funds to fund contracts under RESET.

1.14. Bidders’ Conference

ORI will not hold a bidders’ conference for this RFR.

1.15. Procedures For RFR Q&A on COMMBUYS

The “Bid Q&A” provides the opportunity for Bidders to ask written questions and receive written answers from ORI regarding this Bid. Bidders’ questions must be submitted through the Bid Q&A found on COMMBUYS (see below for instructions) no later than the close of business on Friday, July 17, 2026. ORI reserves the right not to respond to questions submitted after this deadline. Written responses to questions submitted within the deadline will be posted on COMMBUYS within five (5) business days of receipt of the question. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify receipt of questions.

Please note that questions submitted to ORI using any other medium (including those that are sent by mail, fax, email, 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 question has already been posted.

Bidders are responsible for entering content suitable for public viewing since all questions are accessible to the public. Bidders must not include information that could be considered personal, security sensitive, inflammatory, incorrect, collusory, or otherwise objectionable, including information about the Bidder’s company or other companies. ORI reserves the right to edit or delete submitted questions that raise any of these issues or that are not in the best interest of the Commonwealth or this Bid.

To locate Bid Q&A, log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, and select the tab for “Bid Q&A.” Access the COMMBUYS Job Aid here: Using the Q&A Tab within a COMMBUYS Bid | Mass.gov

2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSE

The Response must include information on all sections and requirements of this RFR and address clearly and completely each item in the Bidder’s Response section.

Note: Proposals that fail to provide complete information on the Narrative section, any Standard Attachment or Required Form will result in loss of points in the evaluation of the Response.

Note: Proposals that fail to submit any Standard Attachment or Required Form will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed and may be disqualified.

2.1. Program Narrative

The program narrative must be paginated, on 8 ½ x 11 white paper, with 1” margins, using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced (bullets may be single spaced), and must not exceed 15 pages in length.

Note: Any narrative text beyond the page limit will not be considered in the review process.

Bidders must use the narrative outline in Section 5. BIDDERS RESPONSE of this RFR.

2.2. Standard Attachments and Required Forms

For the Bidder’s Response to be considered, it must include the Standard Attachments listed below. Additionally, there is a list of Required Forms that must be attached to the Response:

2.2.1. Standard Attachments

1. Bidder’s Cover Page (Form provided)

2. Chart 1: Participant Demographics for the previous 3 federal fiscal years (FFF24, FFY25, and FFY26 to date)

3. Chart 2: Employment Program Outcomes for the previous 3 federal fiscal years (FFY24, FFY25, and FFY26 to date)

4. Program Budget Form

5. Program Budget Narrative Justification

6. Your agency’s most recent organizational chart reflecting current organization and identifying the location(s) proposed for the RESET Program, including agency operational hours (days and times services will be available, indicating if services are in-person, remote or hybrid.

7. Resumes for management and program staff positions budgeted to the RESET Program or, for vacant positions, provide the corresponding job descriptions.

8. Program Activities proposed and Timeline Chart.

9. Include an index or outline of the Initial Employment Orientation curriculum.

10. Provide current weekly class schedule of ESOL, in-house training specifying proficiency levels, literacy classes, Vocational English for Employment, and digital literacy/technology use training. For each class, indicate whether services will be offered remotely or in person beginning October 1, 2026.

11. Provide a list of all current in-house Vocational Skills Trainings offered by the applicant organization, including a brief description of each training program. For each Vocational Skills Training identified, applicants must also include the following information.

· The number of times the training is offered during the fiscal year;

· The duration and schedule of the training;

· The curriculum or course outline for the training; and

· A sample lesson plan, including the corresponding instructional or teaching plan.

12. Provide a list of all mainstream educational institutions, training providers, and driver education centers to which your agency referred participants, or with which your agency partnered during FFY26 to provide training leading to industry-recognized licenses, certifications, or other employment-related credentials;

13. Provide a list of the current employers included in your agency’s employer network during FFY26 to date, including the industry or sector associated with each employer (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, etc.).

2.2.2. Required Forms

1. The most current documentation of the status of the fiscal conduit organization as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit entity

2. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Health and Human Services Fiscal Year 2027 Prequalification Package submission (only if bidder is not already prequalified by ORI or another EOHHS agency)

3. Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form

4. Electronic Funds Transfer Register form (only if bidder is not already registered)

5. Supplier Diversity Plan (SDP) Form for Purchase of Service

Note: All required forms are posted under the Forms and Terms section of the RFR on COMMBUYS.

3. DEADLINE and INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF RESPONSE

Responses are due no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026. All Responses to this Request for Response must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS, the Commonwealth’s electronic Market Center supporting online commerce between government purchasers and vendors. (ORI cannot accept Responses submitted by any other means.)

COMMBUYS Registration: In order to submit a Response (or “Quote” in COMMBUYS), vendors must register with COMMBUYS, even if they have previously done business with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For information on how to register, please see the Job Aid on COMMBUYS Vendor Registration at: Completing Vendor Registration in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain an active registration in COMMBUYS and to keep 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 Purchasing Department, including requests for clarification. The Purchasing Department and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s computer, network, or internet service provider (ISP), cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Bidder/Awarded contractor and the Purchasing Department to be lost or rejected by any means, including email or spam filtering.

4. UPLOADING RFR DOCUMENTS: INSTRUCTIONS

Responses are required to be submitted electronically in COMMBUYS. Instructions for creating and electronically submitting a Response (or “Quote”) are provided in the Job Aid at: Locating and Responding to Bid Solicitations in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

Only one submission per office location is allowed; multiple submissions for the same office location will result in disqualification. Bidders are required to limit the number of electronic files uploaded to no more than two (2), as follows:

· File One: Must contain the Bidder’s Cover Page, full Program Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative.

· File Two: Must contain all other Program documents, Standard Attachments and Required Forms.

To comply with the two-file submission requirement, applicants may need to convert and/or combine multiple documents into a single PDF file using PDF conversion or document-merging software. Many recent versions of Microsoft Office allow users to save documents directly in PDF format without the need for additional software.

ORI strongly recommends merging documents whenever possible, rather than manually scanning multiple documents into a single file, as scanned documents may result in reduced clarity, formatting quality, and overall readability.

5. RFR - REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS FOR PURCHASE OF SERVICE (POS)

Published Date: September 18, 2024

The following RFR provisions must appear in all Commonwealth competitive procurements conducted under 801 CMR 21.00. In general, most of the required contractual stipulations are referenced in the Standard Contract Form and Instructions and the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions for Human and Social Services (also referred to as Purchase of Service).

The terms of 801 CMR 21.00: Procurement of Commodities and Services and 808 CMR 1.00: Compliance, Reporting and Auditing for Human and Social Services, are incorporated by reference into this RFR. Words used in this RFR shall have the meanings defined in 801 CMR 21.00 and 808 CMR 1.00. Additional definitions may also be identified in this RFR. Other terms not defined elsewhere in this document may be defined in OSD’s Glossary of Terms. Unless otherwise specified in this RFR, all communications, responses, and documentation must be in English, and all cost proposals or figures in U.S. currency. All responses must be submitted in accordance with the specific terms of this RFR.

COMMBUYS Market Center. COMMBUYS is the official source of information for this Bid and is publicly accessible at no charge at www.commbuys.com. Information contained in this document and in COMMBUYS, including file attachments and information contained in the related Bid Questions and Answers (Q&A), are all components of the Bid, as referenced in COMMBUYS, and are incorporated into the Bid and any resulting contract.

Bidders are solely responsible for obtaining all information distributed for this Bid via COMMBUYS. Bid Q&A supports Bidder submission of written questions associated with a Bid and publication of official answers.

It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for:

· Any amendments, addenda, or modifications to this Bid, and

· Any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid.

The Commonwealth accepts no responsibility and will provide no accommodation to Bidders who submit a Quote based on an out-of-date Bid or on information received from a source other than COMMBUYS.

COMMBUYS Registration. To respond to a Bid, Bidders must register and maintain an active COMMBUYS Seller account. Bidders may elect to obtain a free COMMBUYS Seller registration which provides value-added features, including automated email notification associated with postings and modifications to COMMBUYS records.

All Bidders submitting a Quote (previously referred to as Response) in response to this Bid (previously referred to as Solicitation) agree that, if awarded a contract: (1) they will maintain an active seller account in COMMBUYS; and (2) in the event the Commonwealth adopts an alternate market center system, successful Bidders will be required to utilize such system, as directed by the procuring entity. Commonwealth Commodity Codes are based on the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC).

COMMBUYS introduces new terminology, with which bidders must be familiar to conduct business with the Commonwealth. To view this terminology and to learn more about COMMBUYS, please visit the Learn about COMMBUYS page on www.mass.gov

Multiple Quotes. Bidders may not submit Multiple Quotes in response to a Bid unless the RFR authorizes them to do so. If a Bidder submits multiple quotes in response to an RFR that does not authorize multiple responses, only the latest dated quote submitted prior to the bid opening date will be evaluated.

Quote Content. Bid specifications will prevail over any proposed Bidder terms entered as part of the Quote, unless otherwise specified in the Bid.

Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) for POS Contracts. Required for contracts with an estimated annual value greater than $250,000.00

Program Background Pursuant to Executive Order 599, the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) promotes business-to-business relationships between awarded Contractors, including health and human service providers, and diverse businesses and non-profit organizations (“SDP Partners”) certified or recognized by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO).

Financial Spending and Reporting Requirements All Bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant annual financial commitment (“SDP Commitment”) to partnering with one or more SDO-certified or recognized diverse business enterprise(s) or non-profit organization(s). Providers that are issued a contract from this procurement (Bid) will be required to submit an annual “Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form for Purchase of Service (POS)” with their Uniform Financial Report (UFR) through the Operational Services Division’s (OSD) eFiling site.

Providers that file a UFR exemption request are to submit the SDP Plan Form for POS with their exemption request. The plan will be evaluated yearly by the Commonwealth Department with the most Purchase of Service funding to a provider during the previous fiscal year. This Department commonly is referred to as the Principal Purchasing Agency (PPA).

No contract shall be awarded to a Provider without an SDP Commitment that meets the requirements stated herein. This requirement extends to all Providers regardless of their own supplier diversity certification.

SDP Commitment Goal for POS Providers It is desirable that Providers aim to direct at least 1% of their Commonwealth contract revenue toward spending with SDP Partners. The Provider’s percentage of spending with SDP Partner(s) for the prior fiscal year can be seen as “PERCENT (%) OF POS SPEND” on the completed “SDP Plan Form for POS” for that fiscal year.

SDP Plan Form Submission Requirements for this RFR Providers responding to this RFR are required to submit a copy of the “SDP Plan Form for POS” most recently filed via the OSD’s UFR eFiling website. If the content of the “SDP Plan Form for POS” being submitted with the response to this RFR deviates from the form filed via the UFR eFiling website or if the form was not filed, the Bidder is additionally required to submit the “SDP Plan Form for POS” via the UFR as a “Refile UFR/Piecemeal UFR Filing.”

Providers that do not currently hold POS contracts with Commonwealth Departments are to complete the Form and include it with their proposal. The “SDP Plan Form for POS” may be found at the COMMBUYS Bid Solicitation; File Attachments Section.

Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories and Directories 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)

Only spending with SDP Partners that appear in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs VetBiz Vendor 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 towards meeting a Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

It is always the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure they meet their SDP Commitment, and the SDO, and the issuing Department, assume no responsibility for any Contractor’s failure to meet its SDP Commitment.

Eligible Types of Business-to-Business Relationships Bidders and Contractors may engage SDP Partners as follows:

· Subcontracting, defined as a partnership in which the SDP partner is involved in the provision of products and/or services to the Commonwealth.

· Ancillary Products and Services, defined as a business relationship in which the SDP partner provides products or services that are not directly related to the Contractor’s contract with the Commonwealth but may be related to the Contractor’s own operational needs. 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. All provisions of this RFR applicable to subcontracting shall apply equally to the engagement of SDP Partners as subcontractors.

Program Flexibility The SDP encompasses the following provisions to support Bidders in establishing and maintaining sustainable business-to-business relationships meeting their needs:

· SDP Partners are not required to be subcontractors.

· SDP Partners are not required to be Massachusetts-based businesses.

· SDP Partners may be changed or added during the term of the contract, provided the Contractor continues to meet its SDP Commitment.

Evaluation of SDP Forms To encourage Bidders and Contractors 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. A portion of the score may also be allocated to the evaluation of additional equity and inclusion criteria relevant to health and human services, including but not limited to addressing racial disparities, health equity, as well as cultural and linguistic accessibility and proficiency; however, the total score allocation for such additional criteria may not exceed 10% of the total evaluation score

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.

Best Value Selection and Negotiation. The Procurement Management Team or PMT (also known as Strategic Sourcing Team or SST) may select the response(s) which demonstrates the best value overall, including proposed alternatives that will achieve the procurement goals of the department. If services are not rate regulated, the PMT and a selected bidder, or a contractor, may negotiate a change in any element of contract performance or cost identified in the original RFR or the selected bidder’s or contractor’s response, which results in a more cost effective or better value.

Bidder Communication. Bidders are prohibited from communicating directly with any employee of the procuring department or any member of the PMT regarding this RFR except as specified in this RFR, and no other individual Commonwealth employee or representative is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this RFR. Bidders may contact the contact person for this RFR in the event this RFR is incomplete or the bidder is having trouble obtaining any required attachments electronically through COMMBUYS.

Contract Expansion. If additional funds become available during the contract duration period, the department reserves the right to increase the maximum obligation or the number of units purchased to some or all contracts executed as a result of this RFR or to execute contracts with contractors not funded in the initial selection process, subject to available funding, satisfactory contract performance, and service need.

Costs. Costs which are not specifically identified in the bidder’s response, and accepted by a department as part of a contract, will not be compensated under any contract awarded pursuant to this RFR. The Commonwealth will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by bidders responding to this RFR.

Debriefing. POS requirement only. Non-successful bidders may request a debriefing from the department that issued the RFR. Department debriefing procedures may be found in the RFR. Non-successful POS bidders aggrieved by the decision of a department must participate in a debriefing as a prerequisite to an administrative appeal.

Debriefing/Appeals: Administrative Appeals to Departments. POS requirement only. Non-successful bidders who participate in the debriefing process and remain aggrieved with the decision of the department may appeal that decision to the department head. Department appeal procedures may be found in the RFR.

Debriefing/Appeals: Administrative Appeals to OSD. POS requirement only. Non-successful bidders who participate in the department appeal process and remain aggrieved by the selection decision of the department may appeal the department decision to the Operational Services Division. The basis for an appeal to OSD is limited to the following grounds:

1. The competitive procurement conducted by the department failed to comply with applicable regulations and guidelines. These would be limited to the requirements of 801 CMR 21.00 or any successor regulations, the policies in the OSD Procurement Information Center, subsequent policies and procedures issued by OSD, and the specifications of the RFR; or

1. There was a fundamental unfairness in the procurement process. The allegation of unfairness or bias is one that is easier to allege than prove, consequently, the burden of proof rests with the bidder to provide sufficient and specific evidence in support of its claim. OSD will presume that departments conducted a fair procurement absent documentation to the contrary.

Requests for an appeal must be sent to the attention of the Operational Services Division, Legal and Compliance Office, Room 1608, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 and be received within fourteen (14) calendar days of the postmark of the notice of the department head’s decision on appeal. Appeal requests must specify in sufficient detail the basis for the appeal. Sufficient detail requires a description of the published policy or procedure which was applied and forms the basis for the appeal and presentation of all information that supports the claim under paragraphs 1 or 2 above. OSD reserves the right to reject appeal requests based on grounds other than those stated above or those submitted without sufficient detail on the basis for the appeal.

The decision of the Operational Services Division shall be rendered, in writing, setting forth the grounds for the decision within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the appeal request. Pending appeals to the Operational Services Division shall not prohibit the department from proceeding with executing contracts.

Electronic Communication/Update of Bidder’s/Contractor’s Contact Information. It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder and awarded contractor to keep current on COMMBUYS the email address of the bidder’s contact person and prospective contract manager, if awarded a contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the PMT, including requests for clarification. The PMT 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 PMT to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). All Bidders must agree to participate in the Commonwealth Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program for receiving payments. Additional information about EFT is available on the Comptroller’s VendorWeb site located at: https://massfinance.state.ma.us/VendorWeb/vendor.asp.

Upon notification of award, Contractors are required to enroll in EFT by completing and submitting the “Authorization for Electronic Funds Payment Form” to the SST for review, approval, and forwarding to the Office of the Comptroller, unless already enrolled in EFT. A copy of the form will be supplied to the successful bidder upon award. This form, and all information contained on this form, shall not be considered a public record and shall not be subject to public disclosure through a public records request.

Executive Order 509, Establishing Nutrition Standards for Food Purchased and Served by State Agencies. Food purchased and served by state agencies must comply with Executive Order 509, issued in January 2009. Under this Executive Order, all contracts resulting from procurements posted after July 1, 2009, that involve the purchase and provision of food must comply with nutrition guidelines established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The nutrition guidelines are available at the Department’s website: Executive Order # 509 Guidance.

Filing Requirements. Successful bidders must have electronically uploaded their Uniform Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report (UFR), as required for current contractors, with the Operational Services Division to the UFR eFiling application for the most recently completed fiscal year before a contract may be executed and services begin. Other contractor qualification/risk management reporting requirements and non-filing consequences promulgated by secretariats or departments pursuant to 808 CMR 1.04(3) also may apply. In the event immediate services are required by a department, a contract may be executed and services may begin with the approval of OSD or the appropriate secretariat. However, unless authorized by OSD or the appropriate secretariat, the contractor will not be paid for any such services rendered until the UFR has been filed.

HIPAA: Business Associate Contractual Obligations. Bidders are notified that any department meeting the definition of a Covered Entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) will include in the RFR and resulting contract sufficient language establishing the successful bidder’s contractual obligations, if any, that the department will require to comply with HIPAA and the privacy and security regulations promulgated thereunder (45 CFR Parts 160, 162, and 164) (the Privacy and Security Rules). For example, if the department determines that the successful bidder is a business associate performing functions or activities involving protected health information, as such terms are used in the Privacy and Security Rules, then the department will include in the RFR and resulting contract a sufficient description of business associate’s contractual obligations regarding the privacy and security of the protected health information, as listed in 45 CFR 164.314 and 164.504 (e), including, but not limited to, the bidder's obligation to: implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that reasonably and appropriately protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the protected health information (in whatever form it is maintained or used, including verbal communications); provide individuals access to their records; and strictly limit use and disclosure of the protected health information for only those purposes approved by the department. Further, the department reserves the right to add any requirement during the course of the contract that it determines must be included in the contract to comply with the Privacy and Security Rules. Please see other sections of the RFR for further HIPAA details, if applicable.

Minimum Quote (Bid Response) Duration. Bidders’ Quotes made in response to this Bid must remain in effect for at least 90 days from the date of quote submission.

Public Records. All responses and information submitted in response to this RFR are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., c. 66, s. 10, and to c. 4, s. 7, ss. 26. Any statements in submitted responses that are inconsistent with these statutes shall be disregarded.

Reasonable Accommodation. Bidders with disabilities or hardships that seek reasonable accommodation, which may include the receipt of RFR information in an alternative format, must communicate such requests in writing to the contact person. Requests for accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. A bidder requesting accommodation must submit a written statement which describes the bidder’s disability and the requested accommodation to the contact person for the RFR. The PMT reserves the right to reject unreasonable requests.

Restriction on the Use of the Commonwealth Seal. Bidders and contractors are not allowed to display the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seal in their bid package or subsequent marketing materials if they are awarded a contract, because use of the coat of arms and the Great Seal of the Commonwealth for advertising or commercial purposes is prohibited by law.

Subcontracting Policies. Prior approval of the department is required for any subcontracted service of the contract. Contractors are responsible for the satisfactory performance and adequate oversight of its subcontractors. Human and social service subcontractors also are required to meet the same state and federal financial and program reporting requirements and are held to the same reimbursable cost standards as contractors.

Workplace Violence Prevention and Crisis Response Plan. 101 CMR 19.00, Workplace Violence Prevention and Crisis Response Plan, governs the procedures and criteria for workplace violence prevention and response plans for programs that provide direct services to participants that are operated, licensed, certified, or funded by a department, commission, office, board, division, institution, or other entity within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services under M.G.L. c. 6A § 16. Any direct service program that contracts with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) or the constituent agencies of EOHHS must comply with 101 CMR 19.00, including having a plan that meets the criteria set forth in 101 CMR 19.04, which is updated annually, available electronically, and provided to any human service worker upon request. The regulations and response plan guidelines are available at the following web site: https://www.mass.gov/regulations/101-CMR-1900-workplace-violence-prevention-and-crisis-response-plan-0.

6. SPECIFICATIONS: REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT and SKILLS ENHANCEMENT TRAINING (RESET) PROGRAM

6.1. Introduction: Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP) and RESET

The RESET program procured through this Request for Response (RFR) is a service component of the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP).

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants’ MRRP service model utilizes a collaborative systems approach to the delivery of pre- and post-employment services, including, but not limited to, refugee resettlement; refugee case management; employability and employment services; ESOL and VESOL instruction; vocational and occupational training; post-employment refugee community services; and additional integration supports. Through these coordinated services, MRRP provides refugees with a strong foundation from which to fully participate in the economic, civic, and social life of the communities in which they have resettled.

RESET is designed to promote employment for all refugees deemed employable, followed by post-employment services intended to help individuals and families move out of poverty and achieve basic economic self-sufficiency, as defined in RESET program requirements. In addition, RESET offers a diverse portfolio of Vocational Skills Trainings (VSTs) to assist participants in developing marketable skills and establishing successful career pathways that support long-term, stable economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on public assistance.

Any VST funded under RESET must be offered concurrently and fully integrated with other employment-related services, including employment training, job placement activities, employment-related case management focused on barrier removal, and ESOL/VESOL instruction, as needed.

6.2. Participant Eligibility and Service Priority for RESET

RESET program services may be provided to all ORR-eligible employable individuals between the ages of 18-65. ORR-eligible individuals include: refugees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, including Cuban Medical Professional Parolees, asylees; victims of trafficking who have received certification, eligibility or interim assistance letters from ORR, and certain other specified family members, certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are admitted into the U.S. as immigrants, certain Amerasians from Vietnam who are U.S. citizens, and Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants. See Policy Letter 16-1, 45 CFR 400.43, 45 CFR 400.111, and 45 CFR 400.208.

· For further reference ORR State Letters may be found at https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/policy-letters . Specifically, Policy Letter 16-1: https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/documentation-requirements-refugee-resettlement-program

· ORR regulations under the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) may be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400 Throughout this RFR the term “refugee” is used to refer to all of the categorically eligible groups identified above.

Grantees may provide services to ORR-eligible employable adults during their first five years following arrival in the United States. However, in accordance with 45 CFR 400.147, States and their contracted service providers are required to prioritize the delivery of social services to refugees in the following order, except in certain cases involving extreme individual circumstances:

a) All newly arriving refugees during their first year in the U.S. who apply for services (with priority given to RCA-Eligible participants),

b) Unemployed refugees who are not receiving cash assistance, and

c) Employed refugees in need of post-employment…