FINAL_FY24 Tech Review Services RFR_11.2023.pdf

Request for Responses

Massachusetts School Building Authority

Address: 40 Broad Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02109

Telephone: (617) 720-4466; Fax (617) 720-5260

Web Address: http://www.massschoolbuildings.org

RFR File Number: MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024

RFR Contact Person: Graham Waters, Procurement & Contracts Manager

SECTION I. SUMMARY

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”) is seeking Responses from architectural and/or engineering firms or individuals interested in providing technical services assistance to the MSBA in conjunction with MSBA-funded public K-12 school construction projects and/or to otherwise assist the MSBA with services associated with the delivery and implementation of the MSBA’s grant program.

Subject to the provisions of SECTION VI(A), the MSBA may qualify a single Respondent or multiple Respondents for a period of three (3) years beginning July 1, 2024 and may subsequently award a single contract or multiple contracts to one or more of those qualified Respondents under this Request for Responses (“RFR”) during that three (3) year period.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE), Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, LGBT Business Enterprise, Minority Nonprofit Organization (M/NPO), or Women Nonprofit Organization (W/NPO) firms are encouraged to submit Responses.

The MSBA intends to qualify a single Respondent or multiple Respondents upon a “Best Value” basis taking into consideration qualifications, experience, capacity, ability to provide timely services, references, approach to providing the services requested, commitment to diversity, and price.

The MSBA reserves the right to select more than one firm to perform work within the scope of services described in this RFR. The MSBA’s award of contract to a firm pursuant to this RFR, however, shall not be a guarantee of any particular amount of work or a particular division of the work described in the RFR. Contract award and the assignment of work to any particular firm shall be within the sole discretion of the MSBA.

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A. OBJECTIVES

The firm(s) selected will provide technical services assistance to the MSBA in conjunction with the design and construction of MSBA-funded public K-12 school construction projects and/or to assist the MSBA with services associated with the delivery and implementation of the MSBA’s grant program. The MSBA may qualify a single Respondent or multiple Respondents under this RFR and may award a single contract or multiple contracts to any qualified Respondent. The specific scope of services for each assignment is at the sole discretion of the MSBA.

B. SCOPE OF WORK CATEGORIES

The MSBA anticipates that the scope of services for any selected firm(s) will include but may not be limited to the following:

1. Design and Construction Document Review - Perform detailed technical review of design and construction documents including but not limited to studies, preferred schematic designs, schematic designs, design development documents, sixty-percent construction documents, ninety-percent construction documents, and other related design and construction materials prepared by consultants for local school districts to assess compliance with MSBA guidelines and programmatic criteria, building codes, procurement statutes, and other regulations. Copies of select MSBA design submission review templates are included for reference. The templates included in (Attachment “F”) are provided for information only and need not be completed by Respondents.

2. Senior Study Assessments - Assist the MSBA in the assessment and associated reporting of existing school facilities for districts seeking MSBA funding. Examine both the physical condition of the facility as well as programmatic issues that may be impacting the delivery of the district’s educational program. Tasks may include analyzing building capacity, assessing current design features impacting building occupants, assessing the potential ability of the facility to support an appropriate educational program; and, assessing current maintenance practices in conjunction with the conditions of the existing facility.

3. Post Occupancy Evaluations – Assist the MSBA in performing post occupancy evaluations at previously constructed schools in a format acceptable to the MSBA.

Associated site visits are intended to be performed through a one-day non-invasive evaluation of programmatic utilization, operations and maintenance practices, and building systems operation. Selected respondent(s) will be responsible for understanding the existing conditions, collecting end-user data, building performance and utility data. Selected respondent(s) will utilize MSBA’s standard tools to capture/input collected data and to produce standard reports.

4. Special Studies – Assist the MSBA in the review of various documents, contracts, procedures, and advisories required for potential modification, development, and/or implementation of the MSBA’s grant program, including, but not limited to, the development, maintenance, and implementation of technical design guidelines, standards, and/or regulations; carry out and/or direct special technical studies in

MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024 3 cooperation with MSBA personnel; evaluate changes in the project scope and budget between sequential design submittals; assist the MSBA in the development and participate in training programs targeting programmatic, procedural, and technical issues designed to enhance and develop K-12 school construction and modernization procedures and policies; conduct evaluations and studies of potential school design issues and concepts, building code revisions, and proposed legislation and regulations to determine potential impact on MSBA programs; participate in the preparation of documentation to be submitted/presented to the MSBA’s Board of Directors, Subcommittees, and Designer Selection Panel (“DSP”); assist in the modification, development, and implementation of MSBA’s sustainable design guidelines, standards, and regulations; and assist in other related assignments.

Respondents must indicate if there are certain scope items in Section B that are not preferable and Respondents do not wish to be considered. The firm(s) selected may be required to advise and represent the MSBA in assisting local school districts, Owner’s Project Managers (“OPM”), and design consultants as they translate locally developed educational program goals and objectives into cost-effective school construction projects seeking MSBA funding.

C. FEES

The specific scope of services and fee for each work order that is awarded to a qualified Respondent will be negotiated and, at the discretion of the MSBA, will be performed on a lump sum or on an hourly fee basis which may also include a “Not to Exceed” price.

Pursuant to Section V (B), the Respondent must provide lump sum prices for each of the listed specified tasks and hourly rates which the MSBA may choose to pay the Respondent for the completion of any special studies that are requested by the MSBA. Subject to the MSBA’s decision to revise a Respondent’s prices and/or rates, which decision is exclusively within the MSBA’s discretion, these lump sum prices and hourly rates will apply to the completion of each task or study that is directed by the MSBA during the period identified in Section I. Proposed lump sum prices and hourly rates will be considered by the MSBA as part of its determination of “Best Value” as outlined in Section III (A) (6).

SECTION II. MSBA BACKGROUND

Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2004 established the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

The MSBA is an independent public authority not subject to the supervision and control of any other executive office, department, commission, board, bureau, agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The MSBA’s Board consists of the State Treasurer, who serves as chair, the Secretary of Administration and Finance, the Commissioner of Education, and four additional members appointed by the State Treasurer.

Prior to the establishment of the MSBA, the Department of Education administered and managed the former school building assistance program. Chapter 208 eliminated the former program and created a new program for school building construction, renovation and repair projects (the “Program”), administered by the MSBA. The new Program provides assistance to cities, towns, regional school districts and independent agricultural and technical schools to finance school building projects. The MSBA has adopted regulations necessary to

MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024 4 administer the Program and to review and approve applications for reimbursement for school building construction projects.

For more information about the MSBA and its program, please visit our website at www.massschoolbuildings.org and refer to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 70B, Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2004, and 963 CMR 2.00 et seq.

SECTION III. GENERAL INFORMATION

All terms, conditions, requirements, and procedures included in this RFR must be met for a Response to be qualified as responsive. The MSBA reserves the right to waive or permit cure of non-material errors or omissions. The MSBA reserves the right to modify, amend or cancel the terms of this RFR at any time. All Responses must be submitted in accordance with the specific terms of this RFR.

A. SPECIFICATIONS

1. Respondent Communication. All communication regarding this RFR must be in writing via email to the contact person designated in Section III of the RFR. Any individuals and/or firms that intend to submit a Response are prohibited from contacting any employee of the MSBA other than the contact person regarding this RFR. Failure to observe this rule will result in disqualification. Furthermore, no other individual MSBA employee or representative is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this RFR. Respondents should notify in writing the contact person for this RFR in the event it appears incomplete, or the Respondent is having trouble obtaining any required attachments electronically through COMMBUYS or from the MSBA’s website.

2. Reasonable Accommodation. Respondents that seek reasonable accommodation because of disabilities or other hardship, which may include the receipt of RFR information in an alternative format, may communicate such requests in writing via email to the contact person. Requests for accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

3. Public Records. All Responses and related documentation and information submitted in Response to this RFR are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66, §10; c. 4, §7(26)(h), regarding public access to such documents. Any statements in submitted Responses that are inconsistent with the provisions of these statutes will be void and disregarded. Respondent agrees that the MSBA shall not be liable under any circumstances for the subsequent disclosure of any information submitted to it by Respondent pursuant to this RFR and/or in connection with any contract executed between Respondent and the MSBA as a result of the RFR process.

Respondents are advised that all proposals are deemed sealed, and therefore their contents will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to competing Respondents until the evaluation process has been completed and the contract has been awarded.

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4. Submission of Proposed Materials and Virtual Presentation. All materials, representations, and submissions made within the proposal and at virtual presentation are subject to becoming part of the contract binding the selected Respondent to uphold the materials, representations, and submissions made by the selected Respondent within the proposal and at the virtual presentations, if any.

5. Conflict of Interest. Prior to award of any contract and/or qualification, the

Respondent shall certify in writing that no relationship exists between the Respondent and the procuring or contracting agency that interferes with fair competition or is a conflict of interest, and no relationship exists between the Respondent and another person or organization that constitutes a conflict of interest. No official or employee of the MSBA who exercises any function or responsibility in the review or approval of the undertaking or carrying out of this project shall, prior to the completion of the project, voluntarily acquire any personal interest, either directly or indirectly, in this contract or proposed contract.

The Respondent shall provide assurance that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest, either directly or indirectly, which will conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of its services hereunder. The Respondent shall also provide assurances that no person having any such known interest shall be employed during the performance of this contract.

The MSBA will not contract with any firm that provides or is seeking to provide designer services to a city, town, or regional school district in connection with a construction, renovation or repair project funded in part by the MSBA. Individuals performing services to the MSBA may be considered “special state employees” subject to the provisions of the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law (M.G.L.

268A). The selected Respondent(s) must comply with the requirements set forth in MG.L. c. 268A. The MSBA’s Master Services Agreement requires contractors to certify, among other things, compliance with the Conflict of Interest Law.

6. Best Value Selection and Negotiation. The MSBA will select the Response(s) that demonstrates the “Best Value” overall, including proposed alternatives that will achieve the procurement goals of the MSBA. The MSBA and the selected Respondent(s) may negotiate a change in any element of contract performance or cost identified in the original RFR or the selected Respondent’s Response.

7. Costs. The MSBA will not reimburse any individual or firm for any costs associated with the preparation or submittal of any Response to this RFR or for any travel and/or per diem incurred in any presentation of such Responses. Costs that are not specifically identified in the Respondent’s submission and accepted by the MSBA as part of a contract will not be compensated.

8. MSBA Website and COMMBUYS. This RFR has been distributed electronically using the COMMBUYS system and can be accessed at www.COMMBUYS.com. RFR Attachments that are referenced are available either as separate files along with the RFR, or in the COMMBUYS Forms and Terms Section. The RFR and Attachments are also available at the MSBA’s website: www.massschoolbuildings.org

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Respondents are solely responsible for obtaining and completing required attachments that are identified in this RFR and for checking COMMBUYS and the MSBA’s website for any addenda or modifications that are subsequently made to this RFR or attachments. The MSBA accepts no liability and will provide no accommodation to Respondents who fail to check for amended RFRs and submit inadequate or incorrect Responses. Respondents are advised to check the MSBA’s website and COMMBUYS "last change" field on the summary page of RFRs for which they intend to submit a Response to ensure that they have the most recent RFR files.

Respondents may not alter (manually or electronically) the RFR language or any RFR component files. Modifications to the body of this RFR, specifications, terms and conditions, which change the intent of this RFR, are prohibited and may disqualify a Response.

9. Validity of Response. Responses must remain in effect for at least 180 days from the submission deadline and thereafter until either the Respondent withdraws the Response in writing, a contract is executed with Respondent, or the procurement is canceled, whichever occurs first.

10. Prohibition against Distribution of Information. Any Respondent awarded a contract under this RFR is prohibited from selling or distributing any information collected or derived from the contract and/or procurement process, including lists of participating or eligible MSBA employee names, telephone numbers, or addresses, including email addresses.

11. Right to Modify. The MSBA reserves the right to modify, amend, or cancel the terms of this RFR at any time prior to the closing date. The MSBA reserves the right to negotiate with the selected Respondent(s) as to any element of cost or performance, including without limitation, elements identified in the RFR and/or the selected Response in order to achieve the best value for the MSBA.

12. Limit on Provision of Design Services. If a Respondent is selected to provide technical review services for the MSBA, that Respondent will forfeit the opportunity to apply to provide design services on MSBA funded school construction projects for the duration of the Respondent’s contract with the MSBA. MGL Chapter 268A may also impose additional limitations on a successful respondent and each respondent should review that Chapter to understand the nature of any such limitations.

B. PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

The following is the tentative time schedule for the MSBA’s selection of recognized architectural, egineering and construction firms and individuals interested in providing Technical Review services for the MSBA. All dates are subject to modification by the MSBA with notice.

Issuance of RFR: Thursday, November 9, 2023 Question Deadline: Friday, November 17, 2023 Responses to Questions Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 RFR Response Deadline: Thursday, December 14, 2023 (3:00 PM)

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Virtual Presentations (If conducted): February 19 through February 23, 2024 Award of the Contract: April 2024

Questions concerning this RFR may be submitted to the RFR Contact Person in writing via email (No Telephone Calls):

Graham Waters

Attn: MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024

40 Broad Street, Suite 500 Boston, MA 02109

E-Mail Address: Procurement@massschoolbuildings.org

SECTION IV. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Contents of the Response

All Responses to this RFR must include the following information:

1) Mandatory Cover Letter: Each Response must be accompanied by a cover letter of not more than two pages. Each Respondent must certify in the cover letter that it meets the minimum qualification of Section V of this RFR. The letter, which shall be considered an integral part of the submission, shall be signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the firm contractually, giving his or her title. The letter must acknowledge Addenda to the RFR, if any, and certify that all information contained in the Response is accurate and complete. Inaccurate or incomplete information may adversely affect the evaluation of the submission.

2) Firm History: A description of each firm associated with the Respondent’s team and their respective roles and history.

3) Qualifications Statement: A statement of the team’s qualifications and prior experience as a team providing the types of services requested in this RFR. Subject to a limitation of three (3) pages.

4) Professional Experience: A description of the professional experience of the key personnel who would be assigned to the MSBA for this project, including subcontractors and joint venturers, if applicable. All Responses also must include a resume and contact information for each of the key personnel who will be providing services to the MSBA. All Respondents also must identify the individual(s) who will have primary responsibility for contacts and communications with the MSBA. The MSBA reserves the right to reject the use of any personnel, within its sole discretion.

5) Approach to Providing Services: Provide a three (3) page description of the firm’s approach to providing the Scope of Work described in Section I, Item B, specifically addressing any timelines described in this RFR. Also, all Responses must include a table that describes the role of each member of your professional team that will be assigned to work on this project.

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6) Statement of Limitations: Provide a statement clearly describing any limitations to the submitted Response (such as scope of proposed services, geography, etc.). Please note that any limitations or qualifiers may adversely affect a Respondent’s likelihood of being selected and/or being assigned to a project.

7) Business References: Respondents must identify three (3) client references for which the bidder has performed similar services as the services described in this RFR.

8) Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form: The MSBA is committed to developing and strengthening Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE), Disability-Owned Business Enterprises, LGBT Business Enterprises, Minority Nonprofit Organizations (M/NPO), and Women Nonprofit Organizations (W/NPO) and expanding equal opportunity in the primary and secondary industries affected by this RFR. Please note, completion of a Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form (Attachment D) by a Respondent is NOT mandatory for the purposes of the MSBA’s review of a Response. However, if a Respondent is a certified SDO business or has an SDO partner, the Respondent should complete the form to the extent possible.

Respondents that clearly demonstrate the intent to further the development of the business enterprises and organizations listed above or the existence of a relationship which does further those goals may receive favorable consideration. If the Form is not completed or provided with a Response, the MSBA will assume that it was omitted intentionally.

9) Anti-Discrimination Policy: Each Respondent must include a detailed copy of its policy relative to affirmative actions/equal opportunity and the prohibition of discriminatory employment practices.

10) Authorized Respondent’s Signature and Acceptance Form: If the Respondent is a corporation, partnership, or other business entity, complete (Attachment “A”) as indicated.

11) Invest in Massachusetts Data Form: The MSBA encourages investment in our local economy and is committed to advancing the creation and preservation of jobs in the Commonwealth. Consequently, all Respondents must submit an Invest in Massachusetts Data Form (“IMD Form”) (Attached “E”).

12) Mandatory Certifications: (an example of a comprehensive certification statement is attached as (Attachment “B”)):

a. Certification of Compliance with Massachusetts Child Care Laws.

b. Certification of Compliance with the Revenue Enforcement and Protection

Program.

c. Certification Regarding Companies Doing Business in Northern Ireland.

d. Certification of Disclosure.

e. Certification of No Conflicting Relationship.

f. Certificate Statement Regarding Criminal Actions and Pending Litigation

g. Certification of Good Standing and Licensure

h. Certification of Solvency

i. Certification of Minimum Qualifications

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j. Statement of Compliance with RFR Requirements

k. Statement of Confidentiality

B. Instructions for Submission

Responses and Attachments to this RFR must be submitted electronically by the submission deadline or the response will not be considered. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Responses and attachments must be submitted by email to Procurement@massschoolbuildings.org no later than December 14, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.

EST. Responses should not exceed 25MB in size.

When responding to this RFR, firms should take note of the following provisions.

a) Responses should include the information and documents listed in Section IV, Item A – “Contents of the Response.”

b) The MSBA reserves the right to request additional information from firms responding to this Request. Additionally, upon reviewing the Responses the MSBA may decide to have certain firms make virtual presentations.

c) The MSBA reserves the right to reject any and all Responses to this request, to waive any minor informality in a Response, to request clarification of information from any firm responding and to affect any agreement deemed by the MSBA to be in the MSBA’s best interest with one or more of the firms responding. The MSBA reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFR at any time. All Responses and their contents will become the sole property of the MSBA upon receipt by it.

d) The duration of any contract that may result from this RFR will be for three (3) years with a one-year option to renew, at the MSBA’s discretion.

C. Submission Format Requirements

Respondents are cautioned to read carefully and conform to the requirements for this specific RFR. Failure to comply with the provisions of this RFR may serve as grounds for rejection of a Response.

a) All Responses must be submitted by email to Procurement@massschoolbuildings.org The specific organization and orientation of the Response is at the Respondent’s discretion, but it is recommended that the Response be laid out in such a manner that the reader doesn’t need to be constantly rotating the proposal.

b) Submissions must be limited to 10 pages, plus the cover letter, appendix for resumes, a detailed copy of your firm’s policy relative to the prohibition of discriminatory employment practices, affirmative actions/equal opportunity, the use of M/WBE’s, and the Mandatory Certifications listed above in Section IV, Item A(12).

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c) Submissions must be in a font of 12 points or larger.

d) Responses must be delivered to:

MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs2024

40 Broad Street, Suite 500

Boston, MA 02109 ATTN: Graham Waters, Procurement & Contracts Manager

Procurement@massschoolbuildings.org

e) Any and all data, materials, and documentation submitted to the MSBA in Response to this RFR shall become the MSBA’s property and shall be subject to public disclosure under the Massachusetts Public Records Act. In this regard, Respondents are required to sign the Authorized Respondent’s Signature and Acceptance Form, set forth as “Attachment A” hereto.

RESPONDENTS PLEASE NOTE: BY EXECUTING THE AUTHORIZED

RESONDENT’S SIGNATURE AND ACCEPTANCE FORM AND SUBMITTING A

RESPONSE TO THIS RFR, RESPONDENT AGREES THAT THE MSBA SHALL

NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF

ANY MATERIALS SUBMITTED TO THE MSBA PURSUANT TO THIS RFR OR

UPON RESPONDENT’S SELECTION AS A PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTOR.

D. Disqualification

a) Late Proposals. Proposals that are received after the deadline date and time shall be disqualified. A hard copy or facsimile Response will not qualify as a “submission”.

b) Nonresponsive Proposals. Proposals which are not responsive, or which fail to comply with mandatory requirements of the RFR, may be deemed nonresponsive and shall be disqualified. Nonresponsive proposals shall include, but not be limited to, those that fail to address or meet any mandatory item and those submitted in insufficient number. The MSBA reserves the right to disqualify from consideration those Responses that are submitted in an incorrect format if the MSBA determines, in its sole discretion, that the formatting error is prejudicial to the interests of other Respondents and fair competition.

c) Collusion. Collusion by two or more Respondents agreeing to act in a manner intended to avoid or frustrate fair and open competition is prohibited and shall be grounds for rejection or disqualification of a proposal or termination of this contract.

d) Debarred Bidders or Subcontractors. A Respondent who is currently subject to any Commonwealth or federal debarment order or determination shall not be considered for evaluation by the Procurement Team. If a bidder’s proposal is dependent upon the services of a named subcontractor and the disqualification of

MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024 11 this named subcontractor would materially alter the proposal, then that proposal shall be deemed unresponsive if the named subcontractor is found to be debarred.

Proposals that indicate that subcontractors will be used but do not rely on any specifically named subcontractor shall not be deemed unresponsive if the disqualification of a proposed subcontractor will not materially alter the proposal.

SECTION V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EVALUATION

PROCESS

The RFR Evaluation Process will be conducted in two phases. MSBA staff will complete the Phase One Review for all submitted Responses. The purpose of the Phase One Review is to eliminate any Respondents that do not meet the minimum qualifications and/or whose Responses are nonresponsive to the requirements of the RFR. Responses that are deemed to be complete and responsive based on the Phase One Review will be submitted to a committee of MSBA staff for additional review. The Phase Two Review will evaluate the Responses based on highly advantageous, advantageous and not advantageous ratings. The selection committee will make a recommendation of the qualified firms and/or individuals to the Executive Director of the MSBA who will then accept or reject the recommendation. The MSBA reserves the right to require virtual presentations and interviews of Respondents as part of its review if the MSBA determines in its sole discretion that it is in the best interests to do so.

(Phase One and Phase Two Reviews of this RFR will be Conducted Separately.)

A. PHASE ONE REVIEW

Minimum Qualification. Each Respondent must certify in its cover letter that it meets the following minimum qualifications. Any Respondent that fails to include such certification in its Response will be rejected without further consideration.

1. Respondent must be a qualified Designer within the meaning of M.G.L.

Chapter 7C, Section 44, employing a registered architect or engineer responsible for and being in control of the services to be provided by this RFR. Please refer to M.G.L. Chapter 7C, Section 44 for the definition of Designer. In M.G.L. Chapter 7C, Section 44, “registered” means registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

B. PHASE TWO REVIEW

Qualifications Other Than Price. In addition to the specific requirements set forth below, all Respondents must demonstrate that they have significant experience, knowledge, and abilities with respect to public construction projects, particularly K-12 school projects in Massachusetts. The MSBA will evaluate Responses based on criteria that shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1) Supplier Diversity Program – Advantageous and Not Advantageous

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a) Advantageous (5 points) – Respondent clearly demonstrates, through the information provided in Attachment D, its intent to develop a relationship with SDO certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE), Disability-Owned Business Enterprises, LGBT Business Enterprises, Minority Nonprofit Organizations (M/NPO), or Women Nonprofit Organization (W/NPO) in performing the services identified in this RFR. Points awarded for this section will be based on the information provided by the Respondent in Attachment D.

b) Not Advantageous (0 points) – Respondent does not demonstrate the existence of or an intent to develop a relationship with one or more businesses certified in the above-mentioned supplier diversity categories to perform the services identified in this RFR.A rating of “Not Advantageous” on this component shall not prevent the MSBA from selecting a Respondent who otherwise demonstrates the knowledge, experience, and capacity to perform the requested scope of services.

Respondents that do not complete Attachment D will not receive points under this section.

2) Demonstrated Experience – To be evaluated as Highly Advantageous, Advantageous, or Not Advantageous based on information contained in the response and/or information provided by references, regarding the firm’s history, qualifications statement, and professional experience.

a) Highly Advantageous (15 points): The Respondent has at least ten (10) years of experience performing services associated with the tasks indicated in Section B of this RFR as a significant portion of the firm’s business and details extensive experience in the Response.

b) Advantageous (8 points): The Respondent has at least five (5) years of experience performing services associated with the tasks indicated in Section B of this RFR as a significant portion of the firm’s business and details extensive experience in the Response. Construction administration may be substituted for some of the tasks indicated in Section B of this RFR.

c) Not Advantageous (0 points): The Respondent has fewer than five (5) years of experience performing services associated with the tasks indicated in Section B of this RFR as a significant portion of the firm’s business and details extensive experience in the Response.

3) Knowledge and Understanding of Public Construction Documentation and Administration – To be evaluated as Highly Advantageous, Advantageous, or Not Advantageous based on the information provided in the response and/or information provided by references regarding the firm’s history, qualifications statement, and professional experience.

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a) Highly Advantageous (15 points): The information presented in the firm’s Response demonstrates extensive knowledge and understanding of publicly procured and funded building projects in Massachusetts including all of the following: preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents, sustainable design features, construction administration and project closeout.

b) Advantageous (8 points): The information presented in the firm’s Response demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and understanding of publicly procured and funded building projects in Massachusetts including all of the following: preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents, sustainable design features, construction administration and project closeout.

c) Not Advantageous (0 points): The information presented in the firm’s Response demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of publicly procured and funded building projects in Massachusetts including all of the following: preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents, sustainable design features, construction administration and project closeout.

4) Knowledge and Understanding of Development and Evaluation of K-12 School Projects – To be evaluated as Highly Advantageous, Advantageous, or Not Advantageous based on the content in the response and information provided by references, regarding the firm’s history, qualifications statement, and professional experience.

a) Highly Advantageous (15 points): The information presented demonstrates extensive knowledge and understanding of the evaluation and development of K- 12 school projects including all of the following:

review of educational plans, evaluation and development of feasibility studies and alternatives analysis, preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents; sustainable design features as they relate to school facilities; community outreach processes in securing local project authorizations; construction administration;

project closeout; and post occupancy evaluations.

b) Advantageous (8 points): The information presented demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the evaluation and development of K-12 school projects including all of the following:

review of educational plans, evaluation and development of feasibility studies and alternatives analysis, preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents; sustainable design features as they relate to school facilities; community outreach processes in securing local project authorizations; construction administration;

project closeout; and post occupancy evaluations.

c) Not advantageous (0 points): The information presented demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding of the evaluation and development of K-12 school projects including all of the following: review of

MSBA-RFR-TechRevSrvs-2024 14 educational plans, evaluation and development of feasibility studies and alternatives analysis, preparation of schematic design and detailed design and construction documents; sustainable design features as they relate to school facilities; community outreach processes in securing local project authorizations; construction administration; project closeout; and post occupancy evaluations.

5) Approach to Providing Services – To be evaluated as Highly Advantageous, Advantageous, or Not Advantageous based on the approach to providing services indicated in the Response.

a) Highly Advantageous (15 points): The Respondent’s experience and written approach to providing the services requested in this RFR demonstrate a clear, detailed and comprehensive understanding of MSBA’s building process, guidelines, and contract requirements for Owner’s Project Managers (OPM) and Designers and the proposed plan clearly addresses the Respondent’s approach to meeting the objectives stated in the RFR and Attachments.

b) Advantageous (8 points): The Respondent’s experience and written approach to providing the services requested in this RFR demonstrate a reasonable understanding of MSBA’s building process, guidelines and contract requirements for Owner’s Project Managers (OPM) and Designers and the proposed plan addresses the Respondent’s approach to meeting the objectives stated in the RFR and Attachments

c) Not Advantageous (0 points): The Respondent’s experience and written approach to providing the services requested in this RFR do not demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the MSBA’s building process, guidelines and contract requirements for Owner’s Project Managers (OPM) and Designers and/or the proposed plan fails to clearly present the Respondent’s approach to meeting the objectives stated in the RFR and Attachments.

6) Capacity and Organizational Structure – To be evaluated as Advantageous or Not Advantageous based on the professional experience indicated in the Response.

a) Advantageous (15 points): Respondent demonstrates the adequacy, quality and depth of its personnel resources to support the satisfactory and timely performance of the services sought in this RFR and to provide quick turnaround on urgent tasks.

b) Not Advantageous (0 points): Respondent does not demonstrate the adequacy, quality and depth of personnel resources that would be required to support the satisfactory and timely performance of the services sought in this RFR and to provide quick turnaround urgent tasks.

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7) Invest in Massachusetts – To be evaluated as Advantageous and Not Advantageous based upon the percentage of work-hours that will be performed in Massachusetts in connection with any contract arising out of its Response.

a) Advantageous (5 points): A Respondent submits an IMD Form certifying that 50% or more of the work-hours performed in connection with any contract arising out of its Response will be performed in Massachusetts.

b) Not Advantageous (0 points): A Respondent submits an IMD Form certifying that less than 50% of the work-hours performed in connection with any contract arising out of its Response will be performed in Massachusetts.

Price (0 to 10 Points). The MSBA will award between 0 and 10 to each Respondent points depending upon the value of the price response as determined by the MSBA:

1) Lump Sum Prices for Specified Tasks. Respondent must list a Lump Sum Price to complete each of the following Tasks. Each Lump Sum Price for a Task must also include an estimate of the percentage of work for each Task that will be performed by a Principal Architect/Engineer, a Project Manager (“PM”)/Principal Architect/Engineer, or a Senior Architect/Engineer. Respondent should be advised that these Prices will be used by the MSBA as part of its Evaluation Process; however, the MSBA has the discretion to negotiate Revised Prices for any Task.

Task 1 – Design and Construction Submittal Reviews

a. Detailed Technical Review of Preferred Schematic Design Documents $______ per review

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

ii. PM/Principal Architect/Engineer %______

iii. Senior Architect/Engineer %______

b. Detailed Technical Review of Schematic Design Documents $______ per review

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

c. Detailed Technical Review of

Design Development Documents $______ per review

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

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d. Detailed Technical Review of 60%

Construction Documents $______ per review

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

e. Detailed Technical Review of 90% Construction Documents $______ per review

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

Task 2 - Senior Study Assessments

a. Senior Study Assessment, Report, and Management $______ per assessment

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

Task 3 – Post Occupancy Evaluations

Post Occupancy Evaluations $______ per evaluation

i. Principal Architect/Engineer %______

Task 4 - Special Studies

Hourly Rates for Special Studies. Respondent must list the hourly rates that the Respondent will charge to complete any Special Studies that are ordered by the MSBA. Respondent should be advised that these Rates will be used by the MSBA as part of its Evaluation Process; however, the MSBA has the discretion to negotiate Revised Rates for any Special Study.

Title Rate/Hr.

a. Principal Architect/Engineer $______

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b. Project Manager/Principal Architect/Engineer $______

c. Senior Architect/Engineer $______

C. Virtual Presentations

After reviews, the MSBA shall have the option to invite one or more Respondents to make virtual presentations, either remote or in-person. Virtual presentations provide the MSBA with an opportunity to evaluate a Respondent through the presentation of their proposal. The MSBA may limit the number of virtual presentations conducted.

Respondents will not be informed of their preliminary ranking, if any, at the time of the virtual presentations. After virtual presentations the MSBA reserves the right to adjust any preliminary ranking.

The time allotments and format shall be the same for all virtual presentations.

Respondents will be given a maximum of 30 minutes to present their proposals followed by a 15-minute question and answer period. The MSBA will give notice of at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of an virtual presentation. The MSBA may waive the location and medium requirements of an virtual presentation upon the written request of a Respondent due to special hardships, such as a Respondent that requires a reasonable accommodation due to disability or that has limited resources.

In these circumstances the MSBA may conduct virtual presentations through an alternative written or electronic medium (e.g., telephone, video conference, TTY, or Internet). The MSBA may require the Respondent’s assigned key personnel to conduct the virtual presentation.

A Respondent is limited to the presentation of material contained in its Response, with the limited exception that a Respondent may supplement its Response to address specific questions posed by the MSBA and provide clarification of information contained in its Response. A Respondent’s failure to agree to an virtual presentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.

SECTION VI. COMPONENTS OF THE PROCUREMENT

A. DURATION AND RENEWAL OPTIONS

The MSBA intends to select one or more qualified Respondents to provide the services solicited in this RFR for a three-year term. The MSBA may, at its discretion, extend the term for up to one additional year, under the same terms and conditions.

The selected Respondent(s) will be required to execute the standard Master Services Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment “C.” RESPONDENTS ARE

REQUIRED TO SPECIFY ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THE MASTER SERVICES

AGREEMENT AND TO MAKE ANY SUGGESTED COUNTERPROPOSAL WITH

THEIR RESPONSE. A FAILURE TO SPECIFY EXCEPTIONS AND/OR

COUNTERPROPOSALS WILL BE DEEMED AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE

MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THE MSBA

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SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO ACCEPT ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THE MASTER

SERVICES AGREEMENT.

B. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS SPECIFICATIONS

1. Rejection of Proposals

The MSBA reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted under this solicitation.

2. Withdrawn/Irrevocability of Responses

A firm may withdraw and resubmit a Response prior to the deadline. No withdrawals or re-submissions will be allowed after the deadline.

3. Subcontracting and Joint Ventures

Respondents must obtain prior approval from the MSBA for subcontracting any portion of the Contract. Respondent’s intention to subcontract or partner or joint venture with other firm(s) must be clearly stated in the Response. The MSBA reserves the right to reject any and all subcontracts, partners, or joint venture firms.

4. Price Limitation

The Respondent must agree that no other customer of similar size and similar terms and conditions shall receive a lower price for the same commodity and service during the contract period, unless this same lower price is immediately effective for the MSBA. The Respondent must also agree to provide current or historical pricing offered or negotiated with other governmental or private entities at any time during the contract period upon the request of the MSBA.

5. Security Breach Law, M.G.L. c. 93H

The bidders hereby acknowledge and agree to comply with the requirements and responsibilities, including those of providing notice and Response, as set forth in G.L. c.

93H concerning Security Breaches and any regulations implemented to effectuate security of “personal information” as defined in § 1 of G.L. c. 93H.

SECTION VII. ATTACHMENTS

This RFR consists of a 19-page Request for Responses and the following Attachments:

Attachment A: Authorized Respondent’s Signature and Acceptance Form Attachment B: Certification Statement Attachment C: Master Services Agreement Attachment D: Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form Attachment E: Invest in Massachusetts Form Attachment F: MSBA Design Submission Review Templates

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SECTION VIII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

It is recommended that Respondents refer to chapter 70B of the Massachusetts General Laws, chapters 201, 208, and 210 of the Massachusetts Acts of 2004, and 963 CMR 2.00 et seq. for additional information about the MSBA.

Your interest in working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority is appreciated.

Mary L. Pichetti Executive Director