RFP 2027-01 Executive Search Firm for College President_10-16-2026.docx

Request for Proposals (RFP)

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

RFP ISSUED:

Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST

BID DEADLINE-PROPOSALS DUE BY:

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm EST

MAIL or DELIVER SEALED BIDS TO:

Robert Norcott, Director of Administrative Services Massasoit Community College One Massasoit Blvd.

Brockton, MA 02302

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES 3

PART III QUALITY REQUIREMENTS 4

PART IV PRICE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 4

PART V NON- PRICE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 4

PART VI RFP EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA 6

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS – CONTRACTOR

AND WITH UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RFP #2027-01

EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM FOR COLLEGE PRESIDENT

PART I INTRODUCTION

A. Invitation

Massasoit Community College (hereinafter referred to as “MCC” or “the College”), an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, invites proposals from qualified organizations (hereinafter referred to as “Firm” or “Bidder”) to provide the services of an of an executive search firm for a college president. Such services include but are not limited to search organization and planning, recruitment of candidates, candidate evaluations, and coordination of the presidential appointment process as further detailed in the Scope of Services section of this RFP.

B. Background Information

Founded in 1966, Massasoit Community College offers students from southeastern Massachusetts and beyond access to more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs across arts, sciences, applied sciences, healthcare, and technology at locations in Brockton, Canton, Middleborough, and online. More than 8,000 students enroll for credit at Massasoit each year, and another 1,500 students enroll annually in non-credit community education or workforce development programs. In a typical academic year, more than 800 students graduate from MCC with associate degrees or professional certificates. Moreover, MCC students are provided access to wraparound services available on campus to support their success inside and outside of the classroom. For more information, visit www.massasoit.edu.

C. RFP Distribution

This RFP is being distributed electronically using the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ online solicitation system, COMMBUYS (https://www.commbuys.com). Additionally, public notices can be found in the Brockton Enterprise, MCC’s Public Records site, and the Brockton Campus purchasing area.

Firms are solely responsible for regularly reviewing COMMBUYS for any amendments, updates, or modifications made to this RFP. The College shall not be held responsible for, or provide accommodations to, Bidders who rely on outdated information. Any modifications to the body or specifications of this RFP, or any changes that alter its intent, are prohibited and may result in disqualification of the bid response.

D. RFP Timeline

The following is the detailed timeline for this RFP, Massasoit Community College reserves the right to modify this timeline at its sole discretion.

Deadline for Submitted Questions to rnorcott@massasoit.mass.edu

Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 2:00 pm EST

Bidder Presentations/Interviews with Evaluation Committee:

Committee will schedule with Firms.

Thursday, November 12, 2026 Friday, November 13, 2026 Monday, November 16, 2026 Tuesday, November 17, 2026

PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES

Massasoit Community College seeks to hire an executive search firm to assist in its search for a new College President. Services required include, but are not limited to:

· Recommend the approach and methodology to be used for the search and selection process, and work with the College to adjust that approach as needed for the College's unique needs

· Serve as a consultant to the College to develop and coordinate the search process, which includes establishing and recommending a timeline

· Serve as liaison between the College’s Search Committee and applicants

· Respond to requests from the College’s Search Committee within 24 hours

· Assist with the development of the position description

· Develop advertisements, brochures, and materials announcing the position

· Assist with the development of the screening and interviewing process

· Provide recommendations and ongoing assessment related to the search and selection process

· Coordinate regularly with the college on timelines, information and search process

· Provide recommendations and ongoing assessment related to the search and selection process

· Provide and submit reports to the College upon request

· Develop a qualified applicant pool for the position

· Recruit candidates to the position and actively pursue applicants from underrepresented groups

· Assist with the review and screening of applicants

· Coordinate the schedules for campus visits and interviews for finalist candidates

· Perform written reference checks and background checks for finalists

· Assist in providing information on contract and compensation packages including information on final candidate’s current salary and benefits

· Other related services

It is projected that the selected candidate will assume the duties of College President by June 1, 2027.

PART III QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

The quality requirements listed below must be addressed in the affirmative.

· Have experience in conducting nationwide searches for President.

· Have provided national executive searches for a public higher education clients (with preference for community colleges) in the previous 5 years.

· Have at least three (3) references from three (3) executive searches in the past five (5) years (with preference from community colleges).

· Dedicated staff or staff time (as stated in support staff responsibilities) to ensure prompt communication with college personnel and timely follow-through regarding timelines and obligations.

PART IV PRICE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Bidders shall complete the cost proposal form in Attachment H and submit this document in a sealed envelope as described in Part VII.C.2.

PART V NON-PRICE PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Bidders must submit in narrative form a 2-part sealed proposal according to the requirements of Part VII.C.2, addressing the following:

Part 1: Management Proposal

a. Describe the proposed project staffing/organization to be used during the project, including any subcontractors.

b. Project Lead: State the name, title or position, and telephone number of the individual who would have primary responsibility for the project resulting from the RFP. Disclose who within the firm will have prime responsibility and final authority for completing the work under the proposed contract. Name any other individuals proposed to provide service under the contract.

c. Support Staff: Identify names, responsibilities and qualifications of staff assigned to the project. Provide resumes or curriculum vitae for each of the named staff, which should describe everyone’s particular skills related to this project, education, experience, significant accomplishments, and any other pertinent information. The Contractor must commit any staff identified in its proposal to the assigned work. Any staff substitution(s) must have prior approval of the college.

d. Organization: Provide an organizational chart of your firm, indicating lines of authority for personnel involved in the performance of this potential contract, as well as any assignments of this staff to other programs or functions of the firm. This chart must also show lines of authority to the next senior level of management.

e. Describe your firm's particular strengths and experience in executive searches for the President of community colleges.

Part 2: Technical Proposal

a. Describe your firm's proposed approach and methodology for MCC, and how you interpret your role when filling executive leadership positions.

b. Identify any recommended strategies to ensure an appropriate and diverse pool of candidates, including advertising strategies, additional recruitment efforts, etc.

c. Identify methods used to ensure confidentiality during the search process and compliance with legal requirements.

d. Disclose any work your firm performs in support of applicants, paid or nonpaid, including placement services, candidate preparation, or coaching. Disclose any other work your firm is engaged in that would potentially be seen as a conflict of interest, including current searches for other educational entities.

e. Although the total cost of the consulting services contract will depend on finalization of the scope of services, submit information showing how fees are calculated, the rates of named consultants, the level of detail provided with billings, schedule of billings, and how they relate to completed work. Additionally, provide a sample invoice showing these details.

f. Provide examples of specific work products your firm created/assisted in creating for prior searching including, profile, job description, advertisements, interim reports, and applicant package.

g. Identify which educational entities in our target candidate market space, if any, you have restrictive "off-limits" agreements that would prevent you from recruiting executives from their organizations.

h. Provide a list of completed searches in New England since January 2022, with year of completion and status of placement.

i. It is permissible, but not required, to also include post-selection services and placement guarantees in the proposal, if applicable.

j. Provide a separate schedule indicating when the elements of work will be completed and when the list of candidates will be provided.

k. Include an overview of the process, project requirements, and description of proposed deliverables.

PART VI RFP EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

The Evaluation Committee will be comprised of at least two members of the Board of Trustees, who will review and evaluate the responses. The score weights will be as follows:

1. Management proposal (40%) should demonstrate:

(a) strong project team structure (10 points);

(b) supporting staff with relevant qualifications and experience (10 points); and

(c) the firm has relevant experience in meeting the Scope of Services outlined in Part II (20 points).

2. Technical proposal (40%) should demonstrate:

(a) Proposed approach and methodology for MCC (10 points);

(b) Quality of work plan, as outlined in Part V.2b-I (20 points); and

(c) Feasibility of proposed schedule and deliverables (10 points).

3. Pricing proposal (20%):

(a) Lowest bid awarded 20 points; and

(a) Higher point values derived by dividing lowest bid by each Firm’s bid and multiplying by 20.

4. All quality requirements in Part III are answered in the affirmative.

5. Selected Bidders shall plan for and be prepared to present to and/or interview with the Evaluation Committee, likely via videoconference, during the period of November 12 through November 17, 2026. Bidders shall make themselves available during this period. The College will notify Firms of the specific date, time, format, and any additional requirements for the presentation and/or interview.

MCC reserves the right to reject any or all responses to the RFP received as a whole or in part if it is deemed such actions are in the best interest of the College and/or Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

PART VII KEY RFP EVENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

A. Questions

1. General Instructions: It is the responsibility of all Firms to examine the entire RFP and to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.

a. The questions must be submitted by email and received by Robert Norcott, Director of Administrative Services at rnorcott@massasoit.mass.edu as soon as possible but no later than October 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm EST, as specified in Part 1.D. Any attempts to submit questions via phone or personal contact will be deemed improper and remain unanswered. Inquiries received after the specified date and time will not be accepted.

b. Submitted questions must include the RFP Number and Title in the subject line of the email. Massasoit assumes no liability for ensuring accurate, complete, and/or timely email transmission and receipt.

2. Questions and Responses: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and posted as an addendum to COMMBUYS at www.commbuys.com. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to frequently visit the website to obtain the most current and accurate information and documents. Only those responses issued in writing on this website will be considered binding.

B. Addenda

Massasoit reserves the right to amend or alter the RFP at any time prior to the deadline for submission. All addenda released regarding the RFP will also be posted on COMMBUYS, www.commbuys.com It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go the website to obtain addenda. Only those addenda posted on this website are considered binding. All addenda shall be covered in the RFP and shall be part of the contract.

C. Submission Requirements

1. RFPs Due: Proposals will be accepted by the College until Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm EST. At that time, the outer envelopes or packages will be opened, and the proposals will be publicly registered in the President’s Conference Room (A217), Administration Building, at MCC’s Brockton Campus. The contents of the Management, Technical, and Price Proposals will remain sealed until the evaluation process.

Any proposals submitted after this date and time will not be considered. Bidders should be aware that MCC will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day, so normal mail, delivery, and courier services may incur delays that week. Sole responsibility rests with the Bidder to ensure that Massasoit receives the Firm’s Proposal prior to this deadline. Massasoit Community College shall not be responsible for any delays or missed deliveries caused by common carriers. Any risks associated with physical delivery of the Firm’s Proposal are borne by the Firm.

If at the time of the scheduled opening, the College is closed due to uncontrolled events, such as inclement weather, fire, building evacuation, or some other unforeseen circumstance, the scheduled opening will be postponed until 2:00 pm EST on the next regular business day. Proposals will be accepted until that date and time.

2. Delivery Instructions: Bidders shall submit:

a) One (1) original and one (1) unbound paper copy of the Management and Technical Proposals in a sealed envelope or package, labeled “(FIRM NAME)-MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL PROPOSALS”;

b) One (1) original and one (1) copy of the Pricing Proposal in a separately sealed envelope, labeled “(FIRM NAME)-PRICING PROPOSAL”;

c) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing and Attachments A through G of the Required Forms specified in Part VII.C.5 must be completed and submitted with the proposal. These forms may be submitted separately, without being enclosed in the sealed Management and Technical or Pricing Proposal packages, provided they are included within the sealed outer envelope or package; and

d) The complete proposal, consisting of the Required Forms and both sealed envelopes, shall be enclosed in a single, outer envelope or package, securely sealed and clearly marked on the outside:

RFP #2027-01 EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM FOR COLLEGE PRESIDENT – DO NOT OPEN and mailed or delivered to:

Robert Norcott, Director of Administrative Services Massasoit Community College One Massasoit Blvd.

Brockton, MA 02302

Please note that electronically delivered proposals will not be accepted.

3. A Bidder’s Proposal must address all questions and offer solutions to specifications and criteria described in this RFP. The College reserves the right to disqualify any proposal(s) deemed incomplete or non-responsive. The College, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFP specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in evaluation of a proposal. Rephrasing of content provided in the RFP will, at best, be considered minimally responsive.

4. Firms shall refrain from providing additional information beyond those specified in the RFP for the purpose of extending their response. Additional materials not requested will not be considered part of the RFP and will not be evaluated. Include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as possible. All information must be presented in the same order and format as described in the RFP.

5. Required Forms and Documents:

The following forms shall be completed and signed by a person authorized to enter contracts on behalf of the Firm and must be submitted with the Proposal.

1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing

2. Attachment A: RFP Cover Page

3. Attachment B: Statement of Financial Strength

4. Attachment C: Certificate of Compliance with State Tax Laws and with Unemployment Compensation Contribution Requirements

5. Attachment D: Non-Collusion Certification

6. Attachment E: Debarment Certification

7. Attachment F: Experience Form

8. Attachment G: Business Reference Form

9. Attachment H: Pricing Form

PART VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. General Information

1. RFP Format: All Proposals must adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in the RFP and all written addenda issued by Massasoit Community College.

2. RFP Interpretation: Interpretation of the wording of this document shall be the responsibility of Massasoit and that interpretation shall be final.

3. RFP Materials: All materials submitted in response to the RFP shall become the property of MCC upon submission and will be considered as part of this RFP.

4. RFP Expenses: Issuance of the RFP does not commit Massasoit to issue an award or to pay expenses incurred by a Firm in the preparation of a response to the RFP.

5. RFP Modifications and Withdrawals: A Firm may modify or withdraw their Proposal by email notice to Robert Norcott, Director of Administrative Services at rnorcott@massasoit.mass.edu prior to the deadline. Each modification must be numbered in sequence and must reference the original RFP. Once the RFP deadline has passed all proposals become the property of Massasoit Community College.

6. RFP Minor Informalities and Irregularities: Massasoit, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor informalities and irregularities found in Proposals received in response to the RFP.

7. RFP Authorization, Pricing and Validity: The Firm’s Proposal must be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Firm and must contain a statement that the Proposal and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.

8. RFP Non-Appropriation Clause: The Firm’s Proposal must include non-appropriation clause language for state agencies. If the Firm does not have an existing standard non-appropriation clause for state agencies, please provide language that addresses this issue.

9. RFP Cancellation: MCC reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time before a contract has been executed and approved, in which event the College will reject all Proposals received in response to this RFP. Should the RFP be canceled, all expenses related to preparation of response to this RFP remain the responsibility of the Firm.

10. RFP Evaluation: The Firm will take careful note that in evaluating a Proposal submitted in response to this RFP, MCC will consider materials provided in the Proposal, and internal information of previous contract history with the Firm (if any). The College also reserves the right to consider other reliable references and publicly available information in evaluating a Firm’s experience and capabilities.

11. Massachusetts Public Records Law: All responses and information submitted in response to this RFP are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., Chapter 66, Section 10, and to Chapter 4, Section 7, Subsection 26(h). Any statements reserving confidentiality or privacy rights in submitted responses or otherwise inconsistent with these statues will be void and disregarded.

12. Applicable Laws: All applicable laws, whether herein contained, are included by reference. It is the Firm’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and to abide by them.

13. Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (“BHE”) Guidelines: The Contractor must comply with the Massachusetts BHE's Guidelines and Procedures for the Search, Selection, Appointment and Removal of State University and Community College Presidents.

B. Contract Term

Massasoit anticipates that work will begin on or about November 30, 2026, and conclude upon receipt of a signed employment contract and commencement of employment.

PART IX RFP RESPONSE AND PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

The Firm’s Proposal must follow the outline used below. Failure to use the outline specified in PART V, or failure to respond to all questions and instructions throughout the RFP, may result in the Proposal being disqualified as non-responsive or receiving a reduced score. The College, and its evaluation team, has sole discretion to determine whether a variance from the RFP specifications will result either in disqualification or reduction in scoring of a proposal. Rephrasing of the content provided in the RFP will, at best, be considered minimally responsive.

Firms are not to provide additional information beyond those specified in the RFP for the purpose of extending their response. Additional materials not requested will not be considered part of the RFP and will not be evaluated. Include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as possible. All information must be presented in the same order and format as described in the RFP.

A. Rule for Award

1. MCC reserves the right to accept the proposal deemed the best value for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the College. Best value is the result of common-sense procurement decision-making consistent with the Commonwealth’s procurement principles, which exist to balance and support the achievement of required outcomes, best quality, economic value, and timely performance.

2. The awarded Contract, if any, will be made within 90 calendar days after the RFP deadline to the Firm whose Proposal Massasoit deems to be the best value for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the College. The successful Firm will be notified by email or letter.

3. Issuance of the RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by Massasoit to award a contract, pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to the RFP, or pay costs incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other costs incurred by the Firm.

B. Acquisition Method

Fee for services.

D. Single or Multiple Vendors

Single.

E. Use by Single or Multiple Departments

The award of this RFP will be for Massasoit Community College only. Massachusetts state higher education institutions have the option to engage the competitively selected vendor for a similar service but through a separate and independent contract. Massasoit Community College will have no responsibility for other agency agreements or payments.

PART X CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS

A. Contract Authorization

The College requires advance approval by the College’s Board of Trustees, this approval must be in place prior to contract execution by the authorized college official.

B. Contract Documents

1. The awarded Firm will be required to execute a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Contract Form and submit a W-9 form. The Contract shall not be binding upon Massasoit Community College until it has been completely executed and a copy of such fully executed Contract is delivered to the Firm.

2. The Contract between Massasoit and the successful Firm will include as integral parts thereof: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Contract Form and the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, this RFP and amendments thereto, and the Firm’s response to the RFP.

3. In the event of a conflict in language between any of the above-mentioned documents, the provisions and requirements set forth or referenced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Contract documents and this RFP with the amendments shall govern. If an issue is addressed in the response that is not addressed in the RFP, no conflict in language shall be deemed to occur.

4. In providing services and performing under the Contract, the awarded Firm must act as an independent contractor and not as an employee of Massasoit.

5. It is expressly agreed and understood that the Contract shall not be deemed or construed to create a joint venture, partnership, agency or employer-employee relationship, or make Massasoit in any way responsible for the past, current or future debts, fees and/or losses of the Firm.

C. Contract Provisions

1. Contract Assignment

The Firm cannot assign or subcontract, in whole or in part, its rights or obligations under the Contract, without prior consent of Massasoit Community College. Any attempted assignment without said consent, shall be void and of no effect.

2. Contract Changes

The Contract, if awarded, shall not be modified, altered or changed except by mutual agreement. Confirmation must be in writing by an authorized representative of each party to the Contract.

3. Contract Payments

Payments shall be made for products/services that have been delivered and accepted by Massasoit. Payments shall be made only in arrears. No advance payments can be made to the Firm.

4. Contract Taxes

No charge will be allowed for federal, state, property, or municipal sales or excise taxes, from which Massasoit Community College is exempt by law. The Proposal price shall be net and shall not include the amount of any such tax.

Exemption certificates, if required, will be furnished on forms provided by Massasoit Community College.

5 Contract Breach

Massasoit Community College may terminate the Contract if the Firm fails to fulfill the required obligations or fails to comply with the contract provisions by giving written notice to the Firm at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the effective date of termination stated in the notice. The notice shall state the circumstances of the alleged breach and may state a period during which the alleged breach may be cured, which cure shall be subject to Massasoit Community College’s approval.

6 Confidential Information

During the performance of the Contract, the Firm may have access to sensitive and/or confidential information, the privacy of which is legally protected or the disclosure of which is legally prohibited. The Firm will be required to keep such information confidential to the fullest extent provided by state or federal law.

7 Indemnification

The Firm shall indemnify and hold harmless the College, its employees and agents from all claims, actions or demands arising from the acts or omissions of the Firm, its employees, or agents in the performance of its obligations under this or any subsequent Contract or agreement and doing business as authorized herein, including costs, attorney fees and expenses incurred by reason thereof.

8. Insurance

The Firm agrees to obtain and maintain in full force and effect a policy or policies of public liability and property damage insurance, in form and substance satisfactory to Massasoit Community College, under which Massasoit Community College is a named certificate holder and additionally insured party, and under which the insurer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the College, its employees and agents from any and all claims, actions or demands arising from the acts or omissions of the Firm, its employees or agents in the performance of its obligations for the entire term of the Contract. Each such policy shall be non-cancelable without thirty (30) days written notice to Massasoit Community College.

Certificate of insurance shall be delivered to the College within ten (10) days of award of contract. Massasoit Community College reserves the right to refuse performance under this contract if such certificate is not provided as specified above. If any policy is canceled, the Firm must obtain and provide the College with evidence of a replacement policy on equivalent terms as a condition to the Firm’s right hereunder to continue performance of the contract. The minimum limits of liability of such insurance shall be $5,000,000 bodily injury, personal injury and property liability combined single limit.

The Firm shall also obtain and provide the College with evidence of motor vehicle insurance with $5,000,000 bodily injury and property damage liability coverage and worker’s compensation insurance covering the work of the Firm hereunder or otherwise undertaken by the Firm in connection with the Contract. The Firm shall be responsible for obtaining evidence of motor vehicle insurance with $5,000,000 bodily injury and property damage liability coverage with respect to each agent and sub Vendor employed in connection with the Contract. Massasoit Community College shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss (by theft or otherwise) of or damage to fixtures or other property of the Firm, its agents, employees, vendors, licensees, visitors or invitees.

9. No Joint Venture

It is expressly agreed and understood that the Contract shall not be deemed or construed so as to create a joint venture, partnership, agency or employer-employee relationship, or make Massasoit Community College in any way responsible for the past, current or future debts, fees and/or losses of the Firm.

10. Force Majeure

The parties agree that, if by reason of strike or other labor disputes, civil disorders, inclement weather, pandemics, acts of God or other unavoidable cause, either party is unable to entirely perform its obligations, such non-performance shall not be considered a breach of the Contract.

11. Nondiscrimination in Employment

Nondiscrimination in Employment: The Firm shall not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, genetic information, maternity leave, military service, marital status or disability. The Firm agrees to comply with applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B and all administrative and executive orders, where applicable.

Massasoit Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies.

Massasoit prohibits sexual harassment including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the Massasoit Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

12. Employees

The Firm will provide adequate staff for the efficient operation of all aspects of the Contract with Massasoit Community College.

All workers performing services shall be employees of the Firm and shall not under any circumstances be considered employees of Massasoit Community College. The Firm shall provide and be responsible for all required services and benefits to its employees, including worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance.

13. Digital Technology Accessibility Requirements

The service provided by the Firm shall be accessible, functional, and usable for all individuals with disabilities and shall at a minimum comply with the standards and principles of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Authoring Guidelines, 2.0, level AA.

As part of its response (if applicable), the Firm will provide a VPAT or accessibility testing results for any pre-existing software, including third party software, that the Firm is delivering to the College.

14. Approval Requirements for College’s Data Systems and Processes

Any work or projects that interface with college data systems and processes must first be approved by the College’s Office of Information Technology Services.

15. Governing Law

The Contract, if awarded, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

It is understood that Massasoit Community College is a state institution and derives its operating funds from annual appropriations by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Multiple year contracts are subject to annual appropriations.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall be the proper venue for any litigation involving this Contract. The Contract specifications may not be varied unless specified in writing and signed by both parties.

All Firms and their employees must be aware of and comply with the requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law, and all other provisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Law and resultant codes, rules, and regulations from Commonwealth laws establishing the standards for business with the Commonwealth. In provisions for any dealings, transactions, sales contracts, services, offers, relationships, etc. involving the Commonwealth and/or Commonwealth employees. Failure to comply with those provisions may result in disqualification from the RFP process and in other civil criminal proceedings as required by law.

Paragraph headings are for convenience only and are not intended to expand or restrict the scope or substance of the provisions of this Contract.

16. Conflict of Interest

No officer or employee of the Commonwealth shall participate in any decision relating to this Request for Proposals or subsequent contract which affects his/her personal interest or the interest of any corporation, partnership, or association in which he/she is directly or indirectly interested; and no officer or employee of the Commonwealth shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in this a subsequent contract or in the proceeds thereof.

ATTACHMENT A – RFP COVER PAGE

Massasoit Community College

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search Firm’s Name:

Chief Executive - Name/Title:

Years of Operation:

Tel:

E-mail:

Headquarters Street Address:

Headquarters City/State/Zip:

(Provide information requested below if different from above)

Lead Point of Contact for Proposal - Name/Title:

Tel:

E-mail:

Headquarters Street Address:

Headquarters City/State/Zip:

· This RFP and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days from the date and time of the RFP opening.

· No personnel currently employed by MCC participated, either directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Bidder’s Proposal.

· No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Bidder to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a Proposal.

· The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting contract with MCC if they are awarded the contract.

· The undersigned is authorized to enter into contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named organization.

To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed Proposal is complete and accurate at the time of submission.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

ATTACHMENT B – STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STRENGTH

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

Under penalty and perjury of law, I ___________________________________, certify that (Print Name)

________________________________ is financially solvent and has been operating in the . (Business Name) black for at least the preceding three (3) years.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

ATTACHMENT C – CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH STATE TAX LAWS AND

WITH UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

Massasoit Community College

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 62C, S 49A, and M.G.L. Ch. 151 A, s. 19A, I ________________________________________ authorized signatory for (Name & Title)

______________________________________ whose principal place of business is at (Contracting Party)

(Address) do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that _________________________ (Contracting Party) has filed all state tax returns and paid all taxes required by law and has complied with all state laws pertaining to contributions to the unemployment compensation fund and to payments in lieu of contributions have complied with all laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to taxes.

Contracting Party's Social Security or Federal I.D. Number: _________________________

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

ATTACHMENT D – NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this Proposal has been made and submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

ATTACHMENT E – DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

The Firm certifies, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that the company and its principals: are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal or state department or agency; have not within a three (3) year period preceding the Contract been convicted of, or had a civil judgment rendered against them from commission of fraud, or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining or attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state or local) transaction or grant under a public transaction; violation of federal or state antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification, or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a government entity (federal, state or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed above; and have not within a three (3) year period preceding this Contract had one or more public transactions (federal, state or local) terminated for cause or default.

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

ATTACHMENT F – EXPERIENCE FORM

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

The Firm shall list ALL higher education presidential searches started in the past five (5) years. Each project listed should include the name and address of the institution, the start and end dates of the engagement, and a brief description of the services provided. Firms may attach experience descriptions to this form.

The format is shown below:

Institution: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Institution: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Institution: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

ATTACHMENT G – BUSINESS REFERENCE FORM

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

The Bidder shall provide three (3) presidential search references completed in the past five (5) years with preference from community colleges. References will be checked. Note: unfavorable references may be a basis for a determination that the Vendor is not a responsible Vendor.

Each project listed should include the name and address of the community college, the contact’s name, phone and email, the start and end dates of the engagement, and a brief description of the services provided.

Executive Search

Reference: _____________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Contact: ______________________________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Contact: ______________________________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Reference: _____________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Contact: ______________________________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Contact: ______________________________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

Contact: ______________________________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Engagement Start and End Dates: __________________________________________ Description of Services Provided: ___________________________________________

ATTACHMENT H – PRICING FORM

RFP #2027-01

Executive Search Firm for College President

Executive Search

THIS PRICING FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH YOUR DETAILED PROPOSAL IN A SEPARATELY SEALED ENVELOPE.

The total proposed price shall be a flat fee for the engagement, which covers the following:

· Serve as a consultant to the College to develop and facilitate the search process including establishing and recommending a timeline

· Serve as liaison between the College’s Search committee and applicants

· Respond to requests from the College’s Search Committee within 24 hours

· Assist with the development of the position description

· Develop advertisements and brochures announcing the position

· Assist with the development of the screening and interviewing process

· Provide recommendations and ongoing assessment related to the search and selection process

· Coordinate regularly with the college on timelines, information and search process

· Provide recommendations and ongoing assessment related to the search and selection process

· Provide and submit reports to the college upon request

· Develop a qualified applicant pool for the position

· Recruit candidates to the position; actively pursue applicants from underrepresented groups

· Assist with the review and screening of applicants

· Coordinate the schedules for campus visits and interviews for finalist candidates

· Perform written reference checks and background checks for finalists

· Assist in providing information on contract and compensation packages including information on final candidate’s current salary and benefits

· Other related services

The College will directly fund any costs associated with final candidate travel, as well as any Board of Trustees’ travel to finalists’ institutions.

A. The total proposed price is:

__________________________________________________________ dollars

B. List and quantify all other anticipated and optional expenses.

Proposal acknowledges addenda numbered (if applicable): ___________

Name (Print):

Title:

Authorized Signature:

Date:

REQUIRED CONTENTS AND FORMS CHECKLIST

_____ MANAGEMENT & TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, ONE ORIGINAL (1) AND ONE (1) UNBOUND COPY SUITABLE FOR SCANNING - (SEALED)

_____ COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS – CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZED

SIGNATORY LISTING

_____ ATTACHMENT A – RFP COVER PAGE

_____ ATTACHMENT B – STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STRENGTH

_____ ATTACHMENT C – CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH STATE TAX LAWS AND

WITH UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CONTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

_____ ATTACHMENT D – NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION

_____ ATTACHMENT E – DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

_____ ATTACHMENT F – EXPERIENCE FORM

_____ ATTACHMENT G – BUSINESS REFERENCE FORM

_____ ATTACHMENT H – PRICING FORM, ONE (1) ORIGINAL AND ONE (1) COPY – (SEALED)

_____ ALL CONTENTS LISTED ABOVED SEALED IN OUTER ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE AS SPECIFIED IN PART VII.C.2

The awarded Vendor will be required to sign/acknowledge and submit the following forms within ten (10) days of the date of award.

Certificate of Liability Insurance

Mass W-9 Form

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Standard Contract Form and Standard Contract Form Instructions (dated 2/23/26) can be reviewed at the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/lists/osd-forms

Please note that any changes to this document may result in a Vendor being considered non-responsive and disqualified from the process.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Terms and Conditions (dated 2/23/26) can be reviewed at the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/lists/osd-forms

Please note that any changes to this document may result in a Vendor being considered non-responsive and disqualified from the process.

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