RFP for MCCA Human Resources and Operational Support Services_07152026_Final.pdf

MCCA Document Identifier: FY27MCEC101500000000 COMMBUYS BID Number: BD-27-1208-1208C-1208L-131429 COMMBUYS Alternate ID: HR RFP 2027

Request for Proposals

Massachusetts

Convention Center

Authority Boston, Massachusetts

Human Resources Advisory and Operational Support Services

Issued: July 15, 2026

Questions Due: 5:00 PM August 4, 2026

Proposals Due: 12:00 PM September 10, 2026

COMMBUYS UNSPSC Commodity Codes for this RFP:

• 80-10-00 Management Advisory Services

• 80-11-00 Human Resources Services

MASSACHUSETTS CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY

415 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (“Authority” or “MCCA”) is issuing this request for proposals

(“RFP”) seeking responses from qualified firms to provide comprehensive human resource (“HR”) advisory services, and personnel, labor, and operational support services.

The Authority seeks to establish one or more contractual relationships with firms capable of delivering human resource and operational support services on an as-needed basis to augment the knowledge and skills of the

MCCA by providing specialized expertise and support ongoing operations and strategic organizational initiatives. The firm shall demonstrate proven expertise in providing HR services and understanding of labor and employment laws. The firm will support and strengthen the Authority’s workforce management and organizational development goals, assist with, recruitment, retention, and employee engagement efforts, and provide flexible on-demand human resource and talent acquisition expertise.

This RFP does not require the Authority to contract with any firm. The Authority, in its sole discretion, has the right to make no, some, or unlimited requests for services and does not guarantee in any way the amount of services that will be requested of the firm. The selected firm (s) will provide the services to the Authority in response to the issuance of one or more task orders. As the need arises for HR advisory and operational support services, the MCCA will draft a task order describing the scope of work required. One or more of the selected firms will be asked to provide a proposed approach to the required work, along with a proposed budget to perform the work at the rates the firms quoted in response to this RFP. The MCCA will then determine whether to issue a task order to the consultant to perform the work.

Individuals performing services for the Authority may be considered “special state employees” subject to the provisions of the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law M.G.L. c.268A. MCCA’s Task Order Contractor

Agreement will require firms to certify, among other things, compliance with the Conflict of Interest law.

Proposals shall be submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the RFP, via www.COMMBUYS.COM BID Number: BD-27-1208-1208C-1208L-131429, not later than 12:00 PM, September 10, 2026. The Request for Proposals will be available on and after July 15, 2026, from

COMMBUYS.COM.

Questions or requests for information, clarification or interpretation of the bidding documents must be submitted online via the COMMBUYS Bid Q& A functionality and must be received not later than 5:00 PM., on August 4, 2026. No questions or requests for information, clarification or interpretation of the bidding documents will be entertained outside of the COMMBUYS Bid Q&A functionality.

Public Notice http://www.commbuys.com/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (“Authority” or “MCCA”) is issuing this request for proposals

(“RFP”) seeking responses from qualified firms to provide comprehensive human resource (“HR”) advisory services, and personnel, labor, and operational support services.

The Authority seeks to establish one or more contractual relationships with firms capable of delivering human resources and operational support services on an as-needed basis to augment the knowledge and skills of the

MCCA by providing specialized expertise and support ongoing operations and strategic organizational initiatives. The firm shall demonstrate proven expertise in providing HR services and understanding of labor and employment laws. The firm will support and strengthen the Authority’s workforce management and organizational development goals, assist with recruitment, retention, and employee engagement efforts, and provide flexible on-demand human resource and talent acquisition expertise.

The Authority intends to issue one or more firms an initial term contract for three (3) years. At its sole discretion, the Authority reserves the right to renew each contract for up to three (3) one-year extensions, subject to satisfactory contract performance and continued needs.

This RFP does not require the Authority to contract with any firm. The Authority, in its sole discretion, has the right to make no, some, or unlimited requests for services and does not guarantee in any way the amount of services that will be requested of the firm. The selected firm(s) will provide the services to the Authority in response to the issuance of one or more task orders. As the need arises for HR advisory and operational support services, the MCCA will draft a task order describing the scope of work required. One or more of the selected firms will be asked to provide a proposed approach to the required work, along with a proposed budget to perform the work at the rates the firms quoted in response to this RFP. The MCCA will then determine whether to issue a task order to the consultant to perform the work.

BACKGROUND

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is an independent public authority of the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts that owns and operates several public facilities primarily for conventions, tradeshows, and industry meetings. These facilities include the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the

Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center and the Boston Common Parking Garage in Boston, and the MassMutual Center and Parking Garage in Springfield. The Authority’s mission is to generate significant regional economic activity by attracting conventions, tradeshows, and other events to its world-class facilities while maximizing the investment return for the residents and businesses in the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts.

The Authority is governed by a 13-member board of directors. Nine members are appointed by the Governor, 2 members are appointed by the Mayor of Boston, and 2 (ex officio) members are the Secretary of Administration and Finance and the Collector-Treasurer of the City of Boston or their designees. The Authority’s board is responsible for appointing an executive director to serve as the Authority’s chief executive officer.

The Authority’s financing is governed by Section 10 of Chapter 152 of the Acts of 1997, which created the

Massachusetts Convention Center Fund (“CCF”) to provide funding for the Authority’s debt payments. The

CCF is funded through hotel tax receipts from certain hotels in Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, and Worcester;

a surcharge on vehicle rentals; a parking surcharge; a surcharge on sightseeing tours and cruises in Boston; and sales tax receipts from certain hotels and other retail establishments in Boston, Cambridge, and Springfield.

Furthermore, Section 439 of Chapter 26 of the Acts of 2003 expanded the use of CCF funds to include the payment for the net cost of operations and the cost of long-term capital maintenance.

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTIONS AND DEFINITIONS

1.1 In accordance with this Request for Proposals, including all documents bound herewith, the Massachusetts

Convention Center Authority hereby invites proposals for the contract identified above.

1.2 The instructions contained in this RFP are intended to assist offerors/proposers in the preparation of their proposals, to call attention to various legal requirements and to set forth certain conditions upon which offers are submitted and received.

1.3 Certain provisions of applicable statutes are summarized in this RFP. Whenever these instructions or any other documents contained in the RFP set forth or summarize applicable statutory provisions, whether or not the statutes have been specifically referred to, such summaries are for convenience only, do not purport to be complete or correct as summaries in any material particular, and shall in no respect supersede, expand or limit rights or duties of the Authority or offerors in matters governed by statute.

1.4 The following definitions shall apply in these instructions and in the other documents contained in this RFP:

1.4.01 The terms "Request for Proposals" and "RFP" shall include the Public Notice, this document entitled Request for Proposals, the Proposal Form, the Authority Task Order Contractor Agreement, any task order issued under the Authority Task Order Contractor Agreement, any other documents bound herewith, any documents specifically incorporated into any of the foregoing documents by reference, and all addenda issued prior to the opening of proposals.

1.4.02 The terms "Addenda" and "Addendum" shall mean written documents and/or drawings issued by the Authority prior to opening of proposals which supplement, modify, correct, explain, or interpret any other document contained in this RFP.

1.4.03 All definitions set forth in other documents in this RFP as therein defined are applicable to these instructions and to the other RFP documents.

1.5 Offerors/Proposers must thoroughly review this RFP and all associated bid-related documents and requirements to ensure a complete and complaint proposal submission. This includes careful review of the scope, minimum requirements, supplier diversity commitment, proposal submission requirements and the evaluation criteria. Offerors/Proposers are solely responsible for monitoring this RFP online at www.COMMBUYS.COM and for understanding all instructions, legal obligations and submission deadline requirements.

SECTION 2 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Offeror/Proposer may be engaged on an as-needed basis during the term of the contract through task orders that define specific scopes of work. The Scope of Services may include, but are not limited to the following:

2.1 Human Resources Advisory Support

• Support and collaborate with MCCA’s Human Resources officers and senior leadership team

• Review, assist, and provide support regarding HR analysis, guidance and recommendations that align with MCCA’s organizational goals

• Support organizational design and workforce planning

• Advise on sensitive personnel matters and risk mitigation

2.2 Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

• Support recruitment strategy and workforce planning

• Collaborate with MCCA’s Human Resources team to develop and update job descriptions and compensation benchmarks

• Assist with candidate sourcing, screening, and selection support

• Collaborate on senior leadership, executive-level or specialized job recruitment and selection processes

2.3 Employee Relations and Workplace Investigations

• Provide guidance on employee relations issues

• Conduct or support workplace investigations

• Advise on disciplinary actions and performance management

• Support conflict resolution and mediation

• Provide technical HR guidance, including assistance with any applicable federal and state requirements and/or recommendations

2.4 Employee Compensation, Benefits, and Classification(s)

• Conduct compensation analyses and benchmarking

• Support job classification and pay structure development

• Advise on benefits design and administration

2.5 Compliance and Policy Development

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

• Review MCCA workplace policies and assist in updating policies to assist MCCA’s Human

Resources Department and executive team, including recommendations for policy adjustments or process improvements.

• Support compliance with public sector requirements and regulations

• Provide compliance-related trainings or written advisories

2.6 Training and Organizational Development

• Design and conduct employee training programs (examples: management, compliance, DEI, workplace conduct)

• Support leadership development initiatives

2.7 Human Resource Systems and Process Improvement

• Evaluate and optimize HR systems (HRIS)

• Support system selection, implementation, or upgrades

• Assist and advise on HR workflows and documentation processes

• Develop metrics and reporting dashboards and analytics

2.8 Interim and Special Projects

• Review and assist with labor relations (if applicable)

• Other HR-related services as requested by MCCA

2.9 Payroll and HR Administration (As Needed)

• Coordinate payroll and finance functions

• Support HRIS data integrity and reporting

SECTION 3 – SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM

3.1 The Authority is committed to the promotion of supplier diversity in its procurement activities. Small businesses and certified vendors are encouraged to respond to this RFP, including those certified as:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise or Nonprofit Organization (MBE or M/NPO)

• Women-Owned Business Enterprise or Nonprofit Organization (WBE or W/NPO)

• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise or Nonprofit Organization (VBE or V/NPO)

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOBE)

• Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

• LGBT-Owned Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)

• Small Business Certified under the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP)

3.2 Certified vendors and SBPP businesses should identify their certification status in their proposal submission.

3.3 Additionally, this RFP incorporates the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Supplier Diversity Plan (SDP), pursuant to Executive Order 599, as part of its contract award and engagement requirements. All

Offerors/Proposers must submit the SDP Form with their proposal, indicating their percentage (%) commitment to subcontracting or partnering with certified diverse businesses such as MBEs, WBEs, VBEs, SDVOBEs, DOBEs and/or LGBTBEs. The total combined participation in the SDP for all categories must be at least eight percent (8%). The inclusion of the SDP program goals promotes the utilization of diverse businesses https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-599-reaffirming-programs-to-ensure-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-for-diverse-and-small-massachusetts-businesses-in-state-procurement-and-contracting contracting through business to business partnerships between the Authority’s prime contractor(s) and diverse businesses and may be either ancillary/operational or subcontracting relationships. Offerors/Proposers must list their partnerships with certified diverse businesses as part of their proposed submission by completing the SDP form included in this RFP as Attachment C, SDP Plan Form 1.

3.4 The Authority does not waive the SDP requirements during the procurement process. All Offerors/Proposers are highly recommended to search for potential partners in the Supplier Diversity Office Directory of Certified

Businesses and/or contact the Supplier Diversity Office directly for support at webmaster.sdo@mass.gov or

(617) 502-8843.

3.5 During the term of the contract, the Authority is available to assist the firm in identifying avenues of potential SDP participation to ensure best efforts towards achieving the goal of at least eight percent (8%) participation by certified diverse businesses.

SECTION 4 – NUMBER OF AWARDS AND CONTRACT TERMS

4.1 Term

The term of the Agreement that shall be awarded to the winning firm(s) will be three (3) years, with the

Authority reserving the right in its sole discretion to award two additional one (1) year extensions. The anticipated start date for the Agreement is November 1, 2026, and the anticipated end date of the base period is October 31, 2029.

4.2 The Agreement

The Offeror (s) / Proposer (s) selected by the Authority to perform the Scope of Services will be required to sign a contract with the Authority. A copy of that contract is included in this RFP as Appendix C. This contract will not be subject to negotiation and will only be modified post execution in accordance with its terms. The

Authority reserves the right to revoke or rescind any award at any time prior to the full execution of a formal written contract.

No Offeror/Proposer will be awarded a contract pursuant to this RFP if it is performing similar or related services to entities with interests potentially adverse to the Authority, including but not limited to vendors with existing contracts with the Authority. No Offeror/Proposer shall be eligible to receive an award pursuant to this

RFP if it is currently providing human resources or operational support to the Authority.

The Authority will select Offerors/Proposers based on the Authority’s determination of which proposals, from responsible and responsive Offerors/Proposers, are the most advantageous, taking into consideration price and the evaluation criteria set forth below.

4.3 The Agreement Value

The aggregate Agreement Value for all selected firm(s) shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) for the initial three (3) year period. If the Authority elects to award more than one Agreement, the Agreement

Value for each such Agreement shall be established by the Authority in its sole discretion. For any one (1) year https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx https://www.diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx mailto:webmaster.sdo@mass.gov extension that is awarded by the Authority, the then current not to exceed Agreement Value will be increased by

Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00). If the Authority elects to award more than one

Agreement, and further elects to extend more than one Agreement, the aggregate increases in Agreement Values of such Agreements shall not exceed Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00), and the allocation of such Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000.00) among such extended Agreements shall be made by the Authority in its sole discretion.

SECTION 5 – AVAILABILITY OF RFP DOCUMENTS

The RFP along with any addendum issued will be available via www.COMMBUYS.com BID Number: BD-27-

1208-1208C-1208L-131429.

The Authority in issuing this RFP does so only for the purpose of obtaining proposals on the work of this contract and does not expressly or impliedly confer a license or permission of any kind to any person for any other use thereof.

SECTION 6 – EXAMINATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

6.1 Before submitting a proposal, each Offeror/Proposer must thoroughly examine the RFP and familiarize themselves with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations that may in any manner affect cost, progress, or performance of the contract. There will be no pre-bid conference for this RFP. All questions and answers will be managed via the COMMMBUYS Bid Q&A functionally. Failure of an Offeror/Proposer to acquaint themselves with the RFP or related responses to received questions during the Q&A period shall in no way relieve the offeror of any obligation with respect to their proposal.

6.2 Each Offeror/Proposer shall promptly notify the Authority of any ambiguity, inconsistency, or error they may discover upon examination of the RFP. The submission of a proposal will constitute a representation by the offeror that they have complied with every requirement of this Section and that the RFP is sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey understanding of all terms and conditions for performance under the RFP.

SECTION 7- ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

7.1 Questions or requests for information, clarification or interpretation of the bidding documents must be submitted online via the COMMBUYS Bid Q& A functionality and must be received not later than 5:00 PM on

August 4, 2026. No questions or requests for information, clarification or interpretation of the bidding documents will be entertained outside of the COMMBUYS Bid Q&A functionality.

7.2 Clarifications or interpretations and any supplemental instructions or forms, if issued, will be issued in the form of a written addendum. Addenda will be posted to the RFP record on COMMBUYS. Each

Offeror/Proposer will be responsible for monitoring the RFP record on COMMBUYS to obtain any posted addenda and determining that they have received all addenda issued. Failure of any offeror to receive any such addendum shall not relieve such offeror from any obligation under their proposal as submitted. The Authority will endeavor to deliver notification of addenda to all parties via the COMMBUYS bid notification system. Each Offeror/Proposer shall be responsible for determining that they have received all addenda issued, and failure of any Offeror/Proposer to receive any such addendum shall not relieve such

Offeror/Proposer from any obligation under this proposal as submitted.

7.3 All addenda so issued shall become part of the RFP.

7.4 Oral clarifications or interpretations will be of no effect. The Authority will not be responsible for, and an offeror may not rely upon or use as the basis of a claim against the Authority or a consultant of the Authority, any information, explanation, or interpretation of the RFP rendered in any fashion except as herein provided.

7.5 Offeror/Proposers shall not contacts directly or indirectly any member or employee of the Authority in connection with this RFP. All questions or requests for clarification shall be directed through the COMMBUYS system. Contact with any member or employee of the Authority regarding this RFP made outside of the

COMMBUYS system is subject to disqualification.

SECTION 8 – SALES TAXES

8.1 The Authority represents that it is exempt from federal excise, state, and local taxes and that sales to the

Authority are exempt from Massachusetts state and use taxes. For more information, review the Massachusetts

Department of Revenue (DOR) guidelines on organizations exempt from the sales tax.

SECTION 9 – PREPARATIONS AND SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

9.1 Administrative Requirements: Each Offeror/Proposer must submit the following documents, as part of their proposal, in conformity with the procedures set forth in this RFP:

(a) The RFP Checklist (Attachment A)

(b) The signed Proposal Form (Appendix A)

(c) Qualifications Statement (see Section 12)

(d) Supplier Diversity Plan - SDP Plan Form 1(See Section 3 and Attachment C)

(e) Business Reference Form (Section 12 and Attachment B)

9.2 Each proposal shall be submitted with a cover sheet setting forth the name of the procurement, the name of the Offeror/Proposer submitting the proposal and the name and contact information for the firm’s point of contact. This information should appear as follows:

• Name of the Procurement

• MCCA Procurement Document Identifier

• COMMBUYS Bid#

• Name of the Offeror/Proposer

• Offeror/Proposer Contact Person Name and Contact Information

9.3 All blank spaces shall be filled, in ink or typewritten, in words or figures. All attachments listed in the

Schedule of Attachments shall be included with the Proposal Form. The total price set forth on the Proposal

Form shall, where indicated, be stated in both words and figures. In the event of a discrepancy between a price written in words and a price written in figures, the written words shall govern. In the event of a discrepancy between the indicated sum of any column of figures and the correct sum thereof, the correct sum shall govern.

The proposal shall state the legal name of the offeror and shall be signed in ink by a person or persons legally authorized to bind the offeror to a contract. The name and title of the person or person’s signing the proposal shall be typed or printed below the signatures. An executed Authority Task Order Contractor Agreement

DOES NOT have to be submitted with the proposal.

9.4 Executive Order 599 establishes a policy of promoting the award of state contracts in a manner that develops and strengthens Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). The Authority is incorporating compliance with Executive Order 599 with respect to the makeup of the Proposer team into the selection criteria for this contract. Accordingly, Offerors/Proposers must propose a Supplier Diversity Plan percentage commitment according to Section 3 Supplier Diversity Program. Offeror/Proposer must identify their supplier diversity commitment in the Supplier Diversity Plan Form 1.

9.5 Bid responses/proposals must be received in full by the bid opening date and time shown on

COMMBUYS ("Bid Opening Date/Time", i.e., the Deadline for Quotes/Bid Responses). Proposals received after the deadline will be ineligible for consideration and deemed non-responsive. Each bidder must submit all required bid response forms electronically through COMMBUYS. When submitting a quote/ proposal electronically through COMMBUYS, please allow sufficient time to complete any online forms and upload documents. If you are in the middle of uploading your proposal when the deadline is reached, the system will stop the process, and you will be unable to submit your Quote/proposal. It is recommended that Quotes/ proposals be submitted as far in advance as possible before the deadline to allow time to obtain assistance from the OSD Help Desk if needed.

9.6 All Offerors/Proposers are cautioned to allow ample time for submission of proposals. COMMBUYS is the

Authority’s sole method of receipt of proposals. The system automatically timestamps each submission.

Refer to attached COMMBUYS job aid titled Creating a Quote in COMMMBUYS Job Aid for instructions on how to submit an electronic response.

For technical support, Contact the Operational Services Division:

OSD Help Desk hours 8am – 5pm ET Monday – Friday OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov |1-888-627-8283 or 617-

720-3197

For training videos and webcast related to COMMBUYS, visit the OSD Vendor Resources page to access the following information:

• Vendor Training Overview

• Job Aids for Vendors

• Online Webinar mailto:OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov?Subject=COMMBUYS%20Question https://www.mass.gov/osd-vendor-training https://www.mass.gov/lists/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys https://app.screencast.com/g2ZDQhqpyr4M4

9.7 Proposal Format

Submitted responses should include the following information:

9.7.1 Offeror/Proposer Profile and Overview-a description of your areas of expertise and experience, including experience with the scope of services outlined above for any state authorities, state agencies, municipalities or other public sector entities.

9.7.2 Identify and describe the qualifications and experience of professionals who would be assigned to provide this scope of services to the Authority. Please identify who would be the lead point of contact and provide short biographies of the lead contact and team members tasked with providing services to the

Authority.

9.7.3 Describe your firm’s approach to service delivery and how your firm would manage varied and evolving scopes of work.

9.7.4 Describe your firm’s fee structure, including hourly rates and/or alternative pricing models.

9.7.5 Provide a list of representative clients.

9.7.6 Provide three (3) clients who may be contacted for references, including the names, titles, and contact information for the point of contact with each client. See Attachment B.

9.7.7 Please report any conflicts of interest, professional sanctions or other pending or threatened governmental or regulatory proceedings which would have an adverse impact on your eligibility or ability to provide the scope of services.

9.7.8 Any information which would serve to distinguish your firm from other firms submitting responses to this RFP.

9.7.9 All proposals must contain the following certification signed as part of the response:

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 any other organization, entity, or group of individuals.

SECTION 10 – RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS

10.1 All Offeror/Proposer are cautioned to allow ample time for transmittal of proposals. All proposals shall be submitted electronically through COMMBUYS on or before the deadline set forth in this RFP. COMMBUYS serves as the official timekeeping system for this RFP, and the system-generated timestamp shall be conclusive as to the timeliness of a proposal. Proposals received after the submission deadline will not be accepted or considered. Under no circumstances will the Authority accept late proposals submitted by email, courier, mail, hand delivery, or any other method.

10.2 The terms and conditions in the proposal must remain valid for not less than (1) one year from submission.

Any proposal may be withdrawn by the Offeror/Proposer or their duly authorized representative by utilizing the COMMBUYS Quote Withdrawal functionality and / or by contacting the OSD Help Desk for assistance prior to the proposal submission deadline. Instructional Job Aid on quote withdrawal can be found via this link: Withdraw, Reopen, and Resubmit a Quote in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

10.3 The Authority reserves the right to reopen this RFP and accept additional proposals on a rolling basis during any period if the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is in the best interest of the

Authority. During any rolling submission period, the Authority will review submissions received on the timetable and in order that the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, is in the best interest of the Authority.

10.4 Proposals will not be read publicly, but a register will be maintained of those consultants submitting timely proposals. The register of proposals will be open to public inspection.

10.5 By submitting a proposal, the Offeror/Proposer represents and certifies that neither it nor any of its principals is currently suspended, debarred, declared ineligible, or otherwise prohibited from contracting with any federal, state, or local government entity. It is the responsibility of each Offeror/Proposer to ensure the accuracy of this certification. The Authority reserves the right to verify if an Offeror/Proposer’s eligibility through any available federal, state or local debarment or exclusion database and reject any proposal submitted by an Offeror/Proposer that has been deemed ineligible.

SECTION 11 – REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

11.1 This RFP does not commit the Authority to select any respondent, to award any contracts, or to award any work under any task order. The Authority will not be responsible for any costs incurred either in preparing a response to the RFP or in procuring or contracting for any services or supplies.

11.2 The Authority reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any or all proposals received; to negotiate with any or all qualified respondents; to request modifications to proposals in accordance with such negotiations; to request supplemental or clarifying information from any or all respondents; or to cancel, amend or modify the RFP in part or in its entirety, all as the Authority in its sole judgment may deem to be in its best interest.

11.3 Every proposal which, in the Authority’s sole judgment, fails to meet the requirements of this

RFP; does not conform to statutory requirements; is materially incomplete, conditional or obscure; or contains material additions, deletions, alterations, errors, or other irregularities may be considered invalid and the Authority may reject any such proposal.

11.4 The Authority reserves the right to waive any formality of form or process as the Authority in its sole judgment may deem to be in its best interest.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/withdraw-reopen-and-resubmit-a-quote-in-commbuys

SECTION 12 – CONTENT OF PROPOSALS; SELECTION CRITERIA

12.1 In order to be deemed responsive and responsible, an Offeror/Proposer must demonstrate through its

Qualifications Statement that it meets the following minimum requirements:

12.1.1 The Offeror/Proposer must, as of the time of submission, maintain a physical office in

Massachusetts that is staffed and open five days a week throughout the year, holidays excepted.

12.1.2 The Offeror/Proposer must, as of the time of submission, have a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in human resources, labor relations, employment advisory services or a comparable field.

Experience in Massachusetts state or local government is preferred.

12.1.3 Individuals identified as having day-to-day supervisory responsibility for work on behalf of the

MCCA must, as of the time of submission, have a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in human resources, labor relations, employment advisory services or a comparable field. (Offerors/Proposers are not precluded from assigning more junior staff to work under a contract.)

12.2 Qualifications Statements shall contain the information set forth below.

12.2.1 Office. Provide the street address of the Massachusetts office that will administer this contract and describe the office’s staffing level and hours of operations.

12.2.2 Business history. Identify the organizational form and date of organization of the business and provide a brief history of the business.

12.2.2.1 Comparable Experience and References. Identify clients for whom the business has provided services substantially similar in scope and complexity to those requested in this RFP during the past ten (10) years. The Authority reserves the right to contact any or all references provided by the Proposer and may also contact other current or former clients who have knowledge of the Offerors/Proposers experience or past performance, whether or not identified by the

Offeror/Proposer as references. Offeror/Proposer must provide a minimum of three (3) references which includes:

12.2.2.1(a) The client name, 12.2.2.1(b) A brief description of the client, and

12.2.1(c) A telephone number, email address, and mailing address where the client can be reached, along with the name of an appropriate contact person

12.2.3 Background and experience in human resources advisory and support services. Submit a narrative describing the Offeror/Proposer approach to, and experience with, human resources advisory and support services, particularly on behalf of government organizations.

12.2.4 Background and experience in HR training and organizational development. Submit a narrative describing the Offeror/Proposer approach to, and background and experience with providing HR training and organizational development support, particularly on behalf of government organizations.

12.2.5 Background and experience managing HR compliance and policy development. Submit a narrative describing the Offeror/Proposer approach to, and background and experience with managing HR compliance and policy development, particularly on behalf of government organizations.

12.2.6 Background and experience conducting investigations. Submit a narrative describing the

Offeror/Proposer approach to, background and experience with conducting employee investigations and working with staff to resolve complex and sensitive matters, particularly on behalf of government organizations.

12.2.7 Background and experience with HR system and process improvements and compensation studies/benchmarking. Submit a narrative describing the Offeror/Proposer approach to, and background and experience with improving HR systems and processes, and conducting compensation studies and benchmarking. particularly on behalf of government organizations.

12.2.3 Project Manager Identify by name, address, and office location the project manager for this contract, providing a resume indicating that individual's experience in HR and operational support services.

SECTION 13 – EVALUATION CRITERIA

Offerors/Proposers must demonstrate:

13.1 Experience providing HR and operational support services to public sector or similarly regulated entities, including experience providing such services to Massachusetts public authorities and/or state agencies.

13.2 Knowledge of applicable employment laws and regulations.

13.3 Experience with unionized environments and public sector unions.

13.4 Experience with employees working under Collective Bargaining Agreements and knowledge of Civil

Service Rules and Procedures.

13.5 Experience with sensitive and confidential personnel matters.

13.6 Ability to provide multidisciplinary HR services.

13.7 Ability to provide multidisciplinary HR services.

13.8 Strong professional standards and risk management practices.

13.9 Experience with and success in meeting minority business enterprise and women business enterprise goals.

13.10 Each proposal will be rated in the following manner for items listed above in “ Scope of Services” and evaluations of the firm’s qualifications and relevant experience, understanding of public sector HR requirements, the Offeror/Proposer flexibility and scalability of proposed approach(es), strengths and depth of the proposed team submitted by the Offeror/Proposer, the Offeror/Proposer proposed costs and overall value, and references.

Each such rating shall be made in the Authority’s sole discretion.

• Highly Advantageous

• Advantageous

• Not Advantageous

• Unacceptable

Rating

Definition

Highly Advantageous Exceptional overall proposal with numerous strengths and no significant weaknesses.

• Significantly exceeds requirements.

• Multiple documented strengths.

• No significant weaknesses.

• Low performance risk.

Advantageous Solid proposal that meets requirements and demonstrates a high likelihood of success.

• Meets requirements and demonstrates capability.

• Strengths outweigh weaknesses.

• Acceptable performance risk.

Not Advantageous Proposal has weaknesses that diminish confidence but does not warrant rejection.

• Meets minimum requirements but contains meaningful weaknesses or risks.

• Limited value compared with competing proposals.

Unacceptable Proposal fails mandatory requirements or demonstrates inability to perform satisfactorily.

• Fails a mandatory requirement, minimum qualification, or evaluation criterion.

• Proposal is ineligible for award.

13.11 The Authority reserves the right to conduct interviews with all or only selected firms that submitted a proposal in response to this RFP. Any such interviews will be rated in accordance with the above rating system.

13.12 The Authority shall select the Offeror (s)/Proposer (s) to perform the Scope of Services that has/have the highest score(s) based on the rating system described above.

SECTION 14 – AWARD OF CONTRACT

14.1 The Authority will select firms based on the Authority’s determination in its sole discretion of which proposals, from responsible and responsive Offerors/Proposers, are the most advantageous to the

Authority, taking into consideration the evaluation criteria set forth above.

14.2 A “responsible” offeror is an Offeror/Proposer demonstrably possessing the capability to fully perform the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which assures good faith performance, and who is not debarred or suspended from bidding under Section 29F of Chapter 29 of the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.), or any other applicable law. A “responsive” offeror is an offeror/Proposer who has submitted a proposal which conforms in all respects with these instructions and the other requirements of the RFP.

14.3 No Offeror/Proposer will be awarded a contract pursuant to this RFP if it is performing similar or related services to entities with interests potentially adverse to the Authority, including but not limited to vendors with existing contracts with the Authority. No firm shall be eligible to receive an award pursuant to this RFP if it is currently providing human resources or operational supports to the

Authority.

14.4 Successful offerors will be notified in writing, by mail or otherwise, that their proposal has been accepted and that they have been awarded a contract. Successful offerors shall execute the Authority-Consultant Services

Agreement in the form included in the RFP and deliver a signed copy to the Executive Office of the Authority at

415 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 within five (5) days following notice of award.

APPENDIX A

PROPOSAL FORM

Name of Offeror:

By submitting this proposal, the undersigned represents to the Authority that it has examined and understands the RFP, including the specifications, the Authority- Consultant Services

Agreement, addenda (if any), and all other documents specifically incorporated therein, and that this offer is made with distinct reference and relation to all said documents. By submitting this proposal, the undersigned agrees that it shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts with respect to any actions arising out of or related to this proposal or any contract that may be entered into based upon this proposal, and that any such actions commenced by the undersigned shall be commenced in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The undersigned acknowledge their understanding that they cannot amend this proposal after transmittal to the Authority unless they withdraw this proposal and resubmit another proposal within the timeframe established by the RFP.

A. The undersigned proposes to provide services to the MCCA under the Authority-

Consultant Services Agreement in accordance with the following schedule of rates and charges:

B. This proposal includes Addenda numbered . (Please list all Addenda issued for this RFP.)

The undersigned agrees that, if selected as a contractor, they will, within five (5) days after notification of award by the Authority, execute the Authority – Consultant Services Agreement, and all others applicable documents and deliver same to the offices of the Authority in accordance with the RFP and the terms of this proposal.

Pursuant to Section 67A of Chapter 266 of the M.G.L., which prohibits in any matter relating to a public procurement the intentional making of a material statement that is false or the intentional omission or concealment of a material fact in a written statement, the undersigned certifies that all statements contained in this proposal are true and complete.

The undersigned certifies under the penalties of perjury that this proposal is in all respects bona fide, fair, and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used herein the word

“person” shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation or other business or legal entity.

The undersigned further certifies under penalty of perjury that neither said undersigned nor the respondent on whose behalf this proposal is submitted is presently suspended or debarred under the provisions of M.G.L. c.29, §29F, or any other applicable debarment provisions of any other chapter of the M.G.L. or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder.

The undersigned further certifies under the pains and penalties of perjury, pursuant to M.G.L.

c.62C, §49A (b), that the respondent on whose behalf this proposal is submitted has complied with all laws of this Commonwealth relating to taxes.

Date:

Print Name of Offeror

By:

Signature

Title

Business Address

City, State and Zip Code

Telephone: ( )

Social Security Number or

Federal Identification Email:

Number:

NOTE: If the applicant is a corporation, indicate state of incorporation; if a partnership, give full names and addresses of all partners; and, if an individual, give residential address if different from business address. [Attach additional pages if necessary.]

If a Corporation:

Name of Corporation:

Incorporated in what state:

President:

Treasurer:

Secretary:

If a Partnership: (Name all Partners)

Name of Partnership:

Name of Partner:

Residence:

Name of Partner:

Residence:

Name of Partner:

Residence:

If an Individual:

Name:

If an Individual Doing Business under a

Firm Name: Name of Firm:

Name of

Individual:

Business

Address:

Other Form of Business Organization:

APPENDIX B

Certification of Compliance with Massachusetts Tax Laws pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 62C, §49A

Under the pains and penalties of perjury, I hereby certify, as required by Massachusetts General

Law Chapter 62C, Section 49A, that:

Name of Corporation, Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship has complied with all laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting child support. The successful

Respondent also agrees to provide the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at closing.

Signature

Title

Date

APPENDIX C

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

Task Order Contractor Agreement

This Task Order Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into this day of

____, 2026 between the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, a body politic and corporate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Authority” or “MCCA”), with offices at 415 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, and , (the “Contractor”), a

[corporation/partnership] organized under the laws of having a usual place of business at

In consideration of the mutual agreements by the parties contained herein, the Authority and the contractor agree as set forth below.

ARTICLE 1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

1.1 The contract documents consist of this agreement and the other documents and specifications enumerated below or referred to in such other documents or specifications. The contract documents are all as fully a part of this agreement as if attached to this agreement or repeated herein. The contract documents are as follows, with terms used herein having the meanings assigned to such terms in such contract documents:

Request for Proposals, Including Addendum Numbered Specifications Contractor's Proposal

Contractor’s Qualification Statement

ARTICLE 2. SCOPE OF WORK

The MCCA may, from time-to-time, engage the services of Contractor to perform an assignment

(each assignment a “Task”) as such Task is defined and described in a statement of work signed by

Client and Contractor (each a “Task Order”). Each Task Order shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Except in unusual circumstances approved by MCCA’s Executive

Director or designee, any work performed by Contractor without a fully-signed Task Order for that work shall be considered to have been performed at the sole risk of Contractor and the MCCA shall have no obligation to pay for that work. Nothing herein shall obligate MCCA to engage Contractor for any assignment or the provision of any services.

ARTICLE 3. COMPENSATION

3.1. Contractor shall be compensated for services performed under this Agreement as set forth on the Task Order and in accordance with the Contractor’s proposal or another fee or rate method that has been determined to be equally or more advantageous to the MCCA and approved in writing by MCCA’s Executive Director or designee.

3.2. If for any reason, there will be a significant change in the services to be performed under a Task Order or the staff assigned, then an amendment to such Task Order may be submitted by

Contractor, provided that, no amendment shall be effective unless and until it has been signed and approved by MCCA’s Executive Director or designee.

3.3. The Contractor shall submit to the Authority a monthly invoice setting forth the amount due. The Authority shall review each such invoice and may make such exceptions or adjustments as may be necessary to bring such an invoice into conformity with the terms of the

Task Order and this agreement. Within thirty (30) days after submission of each such invoice, the Authority shall make payment to the contractor in the amount approved, subject to paragraph

3.4.

3.4. The Authority shall not be obligated to make any payment to the contractor hereunder if and to the extent that the contractor is in material default of its obligations hereunder; or any part of such payment is attributable to services which are not performed in accordance with this agreement, provided that payment shall be made as to the part thereof attributable to services which were performed in accordance with this agreement.

ARTICLE 4. FURTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR

4.1 The Contractor shall perform its services hereunder as expeditiously as is consistent with the standards of professional skill and care required by paragraph 4.6.

4.2 The Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Authority, its officers, members and employees from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, including actions for personal injury or wrongful death, actions for property damage, and any other types of claims asserted by third persons alleging a violation of law or for any other cause, arising from or related to the contractor's performance, acts, or operations relating to this agreement;

provided, however, that this obligation to defend, indemnify and hold harmless shall not apply, as to any liability, loss, expense or claim, to the extent the contractor demonstrates that such liability, loss, expense or claim is caused by the gross negligence of the Authority In no event will either party be liable for indirect, consequential, exemplary, or similar such damages.

4.3 The Contractor shall maintain throughout the duration of this agreement the following insurance:

4.3.1 Professional Liability coverage in an amount not less than One Million Dollars

($1,000,000)..

4.3.2 Worker’s Compensation Insurance, as required by law.

The Contractor shall provide a certificate of such insurance issued by a corporation licensed or authorized by the Commissioner of Insurance to do business in Massachusetts. In the event that the contractor represents that it is self-insured, the Contractor shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Authority which reasonably establishes that the Contractor has assets to support the amount self-insured.