RFP- MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling - 1 Final.pdf

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RFP# MAPC BHA Low-Voltage Cabling - 1
Solicitation number
BD-26-1217-MAP03-MAP03-130724
Issued by
Suffolk County, Massachusetts

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RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling - 1

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on behalf of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) for network installation, low-voltage cabling, and asbestos abatement work at five BHA properties containing 1,212 residential units across Boston, Massachusetts. The five sites include Archdale (285 units, 6 buildings), West Broadway (484 units, 20 buildings), South Street (132 units, 9 buildings), Lower Mills (178 units, 1 building), and West Broadway Homes (133 units, 14 buildings). The project scope encompasses cabling and construction hardware/equipment, labor for cabling and construction tasks, asbestos abatement labor with licensed contractors, and configuration and installation labor. Proposals are due July 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET via the COMMBUYS website. Mandatory proposer conferences are scheduled for June 29, July 1, and July 2, 2026, with optional site visits coordinated by June 2, 2026. The RFP information became available June 18, 2026. The selected contractor must commence work immediately upon contract execution and complete all cabling, configuration, installation, and abatement work by the date specified in the proposal. Contract award is anticipated for mid-July 2026.

The cost proposal must be itemized and fixed-price, broken down by site and labor classification, with all costs and expenses included for 90 days validity. Bid deposits of 5% of the proposal amount are required, either as bid bonds or certified checks. Performance bonds and payment bonds (100% of contract amount) are required from the selected contractor. The project is funded through grant funds from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Partnership Program. Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws apply to all services, and contractors must comply with OSHA safety requirements, including 10-hour construction safety and health certifications for all applicable employees. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, employers' liability of $500,000, bodily injury liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate, excess umbrella liability of $1,000,000, and errors and omissions of $1,000,000. Payment will be made upon completion and approval of deliverables, with a standard 45-day turnaround from invoice approval. Proposers may submit alternative network design proposals if they demonstrate significantly lower costs or shorter timelines while maintaining Wi-Fi 6 minimum standards and fiber extension to all residential units.

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RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

For

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)

On behalf of: The Boston Housing Authority

Request for Proposals (RFP) Team Lead:

Nathan Powell - npowell@mapc.org

Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Apartment Wi-Fi Program

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LEGAL NOTICE

Request for Proposals

RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, on behalf of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), invites proposals for RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1 for network installation, cabling, and related abatement work at selected BHA properties. RFP information will be available starting 2:30 PM ET on

June 18, 2026 by contacting Nathan Powell at npowell@mapc.org. Massachusetts Prevailing Wage

Laws apply to all services. Bid deposits are required. Proposals must be submitted electronically via

CommBUYS before July 30, 2026 at 3PM ET. MAPC and BHA reserve the right to accept or reject any and all proposals.

Advertisements placed as follows:

MAPC Posted by: June 18, 2026

COMMBUYS Posted by: June 18, 2026

3 | P a g e

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 RFP Overview and Timeline

1.2 MAPC, MassTech Collaborative, and MBI

1.3 Disclosure of Information

2. GOODS AND SERVICES REQUIRED

2.1 Overview

2.2 Scope of Services and Specifications

2.2.1 BHA Properties

2.2.2 Cabling Specifications

2.2.3 Abatement Specifications

2.2.4 Other Assumptions

3. PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

3.1 How to Submit a Proposal

3.2 Proposal and Submission Instructions

3.3 Proposal Requirements

3.4 Questions

3.5 Mandatory Proposer’s Conference

3.6 Optional Site Visit

4. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

4.1 Process

4.2 Rule for Award

4.3 Criteria

4.4 Evaluation

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS

5.1 General Information

5.2 Insurance

5.3 Payment for Services Rendered

5.4 Proposer Wages, Mileage, and Supplies

5.5 Indemnification

5.6 Subcontractors

5.7 Bid Deposit Required

5.8 Performance Surety Bond Required

5.9 Payment Bond Required

5.10 Employment and Labor Rates

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5.11 Responsibility for Safety, Health, and First Aid

5.12 Publicity and News Releases

5.13 Ownership and Confidentiality of Work Product

5.14 Accountability

5.15 Acceptance

5.16 Posting of Modifications/Addenda to RFP

6. Product and Performance Terms

6.1 Quality Requirements

6.2 “Or Equal”

6.3 Warranty

6.4 Method of Acquisition

6.5 Delivery

6.6 Returns

6.7 Invoicing and Payment

6.8 Change Orders and Adjustments

Attachment A – Required Forms

Authorized Proposer’s Signature and Acceptance Form

Certificate of Non-Collusion

Certificate of Tax Compliance

Certificate of Compliance with M.G.L. c. 151B

Certificate of Non-Debarment

Labor Harmony and OSHA Training Certifications

Attachment B – Wireless Network Designs

Attachment C – Network Equipment List

Attachment D – Asbestos Abatement Specifications

Attachment E – Property Details

Attachment F – Prevailing Wage Documentation

Attachment G – Scoring Matrix

ATTACHMENT H – SITE SIGNAL SURVEY RESULTS

ATTACHMENT I - CONTRACT

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 RFP Overview and Timeline

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), acting as an agent of the Massachusetts Technology

Collaborative through the Digital Equity Partnership Program, and on behalf of the Boston Housing

Authority (Partner), seeks Proposals from qualified Proposers for the network installation, cabling, and related environmental abatement work at selected BHA properties listed below in Section 2.2.1.

Activity Date RFP Available and Posted on MAPC.org and COMMBUYS June 18, 2026

Mandatory Proposers Conference June 29, 2026, 1 PM ET

July 1, 2026, 3 PM ET

July 2, 2026, 10 AM ET

RSVP Deadline for Optional Site Visit July 2, 2026, 5 PM ET

Deadline for Questions July 16, 2026, 3PM ET

Deadline for Proposal Submissions July 30, 2026, 3PM ET

Optional Proposer Interviews and Clarifications July 3-5, 2026

Award Contract Mid July 2026

1.2 MAPC, MassTech Collaborative, and MBI

MAPC is a public entity created under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B Section 24. It has been selected by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative to implement the Municipal Digital Equity Partnership Program through a grant that MAPC has received from MassTech. This program is designed to address digital equity by providing free in-home broadband access to residents of low-income and public housing across Massachusetts. The program provides funding, project management, and procurement support to fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks, which provide residents with equal or superior service than what is available from commercial ISPs, at no cost to residents. Through a competitive evaluation process, MAPC selects and partners with eligible low-income property owners/entities to facilitate the installation of public

Wi-Fi throughout their selected properties. MAPC facilitates the public procurement process for all goods and services necessary to provide Wi-Fi at these selected sites.

MassTech is an independent public instrumentality of the Commonwealth chartered to serve as a catalyst for growing its innovation economy. MassTech brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to advance technology-focused solutions that lead to economic growth, job creation, and public benefits. For additional information about Mass Tech and its programs and initiatives, please visit their website at www.masstech.org.

MBI is the central broadband program for the Commonwealth. The primary mission of MBI is to extend affordable, robust, high-speed Internet access to homes, businesses, schools, libraries, http://www.mapc.org/ https://mapc365.sharepoint.com/sites/DigitalAccess/Shared%20Documents/MBI%20Digital%20Equity%20Partnerships%20Program/Procurement%20and%20Project%20Management/Procurement%20Folders/3.%20North%20Adams/Managed%20Services,%20Installation,%20and%20Configuration/1.%20Draft%20IFB-RFP%20and%20Addenda/www.masstech.org

6 | P a g e medical facilities, government offices and other public places across Massachusetts. For more information about MBI and its programs and activities generally, please visit the web site at www.massbroadband.org. MBI and MassTech are collectively referred to as “Mass Tech

Collaborative” or “MassTech”.

1.3 Disclosure of Information

Any and all responses, applications, data, materials, information and documentation submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of MAPC, MassTech, and the Partner, and shall be subject to public disclosure. As public entities, MAPC, MassTech, and the Partner are subject to the

Massachusetts Public Records Law. There are very limited and narrow exceptions to disclosure under the Public Records Law. If a Proposer wishes to have their submission treated as confidential, the Proposer must submit a written request to the RFP Team Lead identified in this RFP no later than

5:00 p.m. ten (10) business days prior to the required date of submission of this RFP. The request must precisely identify the information and/or documentation that is the subject of the request and provide a detailed explanation supporting the application of the statutory exemption(s) from the public records cited by the Proposer. MAPC will issue a written determination within five (5) business days of receipt of the written request. If MAPC approves the request, the Proposer shall clearly label the relevant information and/or documentation as “CONFIDENTIAL” in their RFP response. Any statements in an RFP response reserving any confidentiality or privacy rights that is inconsistent with these requirements and procedures will be disregarded.

2. GOODS AND SERVICES REQUIRED

2.1 Overview

Proposers are expected to perform all necessary cabling and installation work needed to facilitate the provision of in-unit Wi-Fi at the BHA Properties identified in Section 2.2.1, based on the network designs provided in Attachment B and equipment listed in Attachment C and optionally by self-proposed design alternatives as laid out in Section 2.2.4. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Cabling and Construction – The Proposer will be responsible for providing all cabling and construction services to upfit the BHA properties with the necessary cabling to implement the provided network design and associated equipment list.

o The Proposer can subcontract any amount of cabling work to any qualified subcontractor if disclosed in accordance with Section 5.6 - Subcontractors.

o Proposed cabling equipment and design must meet the requirements in Section

2.2.2 - Cabling Specifications.

o The Proposer is also expected to mount and install network equipment as listed in

Attachment C, alongside any post-contract alterations based on potential mutually agreed upon design changes.

• Abatement – The Proposer will be expected to perform or subcontract the abatement of known asbestos within the buildings in this portfolio as identified in environmental testing reports provided in Attachment D.

o The Proposer can subcontract any amount of the abatement work to any qualified subcontractor if disclosed in accordance with Section 5.6 Subcontractors. Proposed https://mapc365.sharepoint.com/sites/DigitalAccess/Shared%20Documents/MBI%20Digital%20Equity%20Partnerships%20Program/Procurement%20and%20Project%20Management/Procurement%20Folders/3.%20North%20Adams/Managed%20Services,%20Installation,%20and%20Configuration/1.%20Draft%20IFB-RFP%20and%20Addenda/www.massbroadband.org

7 | P a g e asbestos work must meet the requirements in Section 2.2.3 Abatement

Specifications.

2.2 Scope of Services and Specifications

2.2.1 BHA Properties

The selected BHA properties consist of 1,212 units across 5 sites owned by BHA, all within Boston, MA. Full address information is available in Attachment E. All available to-scale drawings and blueprints can be found in Attachment F.

BHA properties are grouped into sites as follows:

1. Archdale

• Service Location: Several Addresses, Roslindale, MA 02131 [Addresses available in

Attachment E]

• Number of Buildings: 6

• Number of Residential units: 285

• Common Areas to Cover: 1

• Office Areas to Cover: 1

2. West Broadway

• Service Location: Several Addresses, South Boston, MA 02127 [Addresses available in

Attachment E]

• Number of Buildings: 20

• Number of Residential Units: 484

• Common Areas to Cover: 0

• Office Areas to Cover: 0

3. South Street

• Service Location: Several Addresses, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 [Addresses available in

Attachment E]

• Number of Buildings: 9

• Number of Residential Units: 132

• Common Areas to Cover: 0

• Office Areas to Cover: 0

4. Lower Mills

• Service Location: 2262 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester MA 02124

• Number of Buildings: 1

• Number of Residential Units: 178

• Common Areas to Cover: 1

• Office Areas to Cover: 1

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5. West Broadway Homes

• Service Location: Several Addresses, South Boston, MA 02127 [Addresses available in

Attachment E]

• Number of Buildings: 14

• Number of Residential Units: 133

• Common Areas to Cover: 1

• Office Areas to Cover: 0

2.2.2 Cabling Specifications

The Proposer must include a detailed cabling proposal including:

• Itemized material requirements.

• Itemized labor requirements.

• Detailed task breakdown.

• Detailed timelines.

Note:

• All cables must be tested and certified for performance.

• All cables must be properly labeled.

• A post-installation wiring diagram must be provided.

In servicing the needs of this scope, the aspects of the work that are considered construction are defined under M.G.L Chapter 149 as ‘the construction, reconstruction, installation, demolition, maintenance or repair of a building’, and under M.G.L. Chapter 30, § 39M as ‘the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling or repair of any public work.’ Examples of construction related tasks include, but are not limited to:

• The coring and installation of conduit between the maintenance rooms on each floor;

• Securing and/or affixing raceway conduit to building walls;

• Securing and/or affixing equipment to building walls or equipment;

• ‘Running’ or ‘laying’ low-voltage cabling (Cat 6a, fiber, coax, etc.), that is affixed directly to any building surface;

• Securing and/or affixing of wall mounted network racking equipment;

• Securing and/or affixing of Access Point mounting brackets;

• Trenching and/or microtrenching;

• Laying underground utility lines;

• Installing, repaving and/or resurfacing a roadway, sidewalk, or parking lot; and

• Other earthwork projects.

Examples of non-construction related installation tasks include:

• Securing equipment into already affixed wall mounted network racks;

• Securing Access Points to already existing mounting brackets;

• Connecting low voltage cabling to equipment; and

• Provisioning access points and other equipment with network configuration.

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The selected Proposer is expected to provide all construction and cabling work, with the option of subcontracting this work in accordance with the terms detailed in Section 5.6. The proposer shall identify the classification of labor required and conform with Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law and other requirements as listed in Section 5.10, Section 5.11, and Attachment F.

2.2.3 Abatement Specifications

Removal of asbestos-containing building materials will be required prior to installation of cabling and associated equipment. Asbestos abatement is required to be performed by a Massachusetts

Department of Labor Standards licensed Asbestos Contractor. The selected Proposer will be required to subcontract with a MA DLS licensed Asbestos Contractor using the provided network designs and Asbestos Abatement Specification to remove all asbestos-containing material that may be disturbed by this work the Proposer is expected to include detailed information on how asbestos abatement will take place including but not limited to:

• Disclosure of all entities performing any abatement related activities (e.g. waste removers, and abatement subcontractors, if applicable, following guidelines set forth in Section 5.6.)

• Timeline of work, including a detailed timeline of site-by-site work plan post-approval

• Relevant credentials of entity performing abatement activities

• Details on expected resident impact as work is being carried out, including estimated time residents need to be out of unit while work is being performed.

Given the populations served by these public housing buildings, abatement plans that minimize resident disturbance/displacement are highly preferred. We also expect abatement work to be efficiently scheduled alongside general cabling work.

The Asbestos Abatement Specification is attached in Attachment D. All costs and entities associated with the necessary abatement work shall be included in the vendor’s original proposal. Vendors should provide a separate asbestos abatement cost for each development.

2.2.4 Other Assumptions

The proposer may choose to submit alternative design plans for any and all sites, if they believe that their proposed design alternative(s) can be completed at a significantly lower cost and/or significantly shorter timeline than the provided network designs in Attachment B. If a Proposer wishes to submit design alternatives, they are expected to submit associated cost summaries and associated timelines for both the provided design plans and their submitted alternatives.

Design alternatives must meet the following requirements:

• All wireless access points must be a minimum of Wi-Fi 6 with 5GHz support.

• Fiber must extended to every residential unit, with heavy preference for designs that limit alterations to the equipment list in Attachment C.

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3. PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

3.1 How to Submit a Proposal

All Proposals must be submitted electronically as a PDF(s) via the Massachusetts Operational

Services Division COMMBUYS website (www.commbuys.com) utilizing the following naming convention:

Proposal for RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1_INSERT PROPOSER’S NAME

The Proposal submission must contain all required documents as indicated below. It must contain scanned copies of original ink signatures, or electric signatures by the person authorized to sign the

Proposal. All original copies shall be kept securely, and the Proposer must be able to produce original copies upon request.

Proposers must register in COMMBUYS as a Seller in order to submit a Proposal.

Hard copy, faxed, or emailed submissions will not be accepted. Proposal must be submitted via the

COMMBUYS website (www.commbuys.com) prior to the exact due date and time as read on the clock of the Massachusetts Operational Service Division’s COMMBUYS Procurement Market Center. Late

Proposals will not be considered.

It is strongly recommended that Proposals are submitted in advance of the due date and time.

Create an Account

For this RFP, responses are to be submitted online via the Massachusetts Operational Services

Division COMMBUYS website (link to homepage).

To submit a Proposal you must first create an account. It is advised that Proposers create an account in advance. Account issues should be directed to COMMBUYS support (link).

Find the RFP

Once you have created an account, search for this RFP:

NAME: RFP# MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1

PURCHASER: Nathan Powell

ORGANIZATION: Metropolitan Area Planning Council

SOLICITATION DOCUMENT NUMBER: BD-26-1217-MAP03-MAP03-130724

Create Your Proposal

If this is the first time starting your submission, select ‘Create New’ in the far right corner under the

Quotes column. If you are continuing a previously started response, select the link to your response.

This will bring you to your ‘quote’. You will notice 9 tabs (in order) underneath the heading: General;

Items; Questions; Subcontractors; Notes; Terms & Conditions; Attachments; and Summary. You are not required fill out all the information for each tab. You are only required to submit the requested information detailed in the RFP via an attachment.

http://www.commbuys.com/ http://www.commbuys.com/ https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml https://www.mass.gov/learn-about-commbuys

11 | P a g e

To attach your Proposal, select the ‘Attachments’ tab, click ‘Add File’. All required documents, forms, and materials should be submitted via this attachment(s).

Only the dash special character is accepted by the system so ensure that your files do not include other special characters.

Once your file is uploaded, click ‘Save and Exit’ to upload another file if needed.

Submitting your Proposal

Once you have attached all necessary documents, you are ready to submit your Proposal. Click the

‘Summary’ tab and scroll to the bottom and click ‘Submit Quote’.

Questions and Issues

If you encounter any issues with your COMMBUYS account, visit the COMMBUYS support page for assistance (link).

If you encounter any issues with submitting your response, or if you find any of the guidance above to be inaccurate, please contact Michael Pearce at mpearce@mapc.org. Questions regarding Proposal submission only will be accepted up to 2 business days before the due date and time of this RFP.

The submittal of all other questions must adhere to the timeline outlined in this RFP.

3.2 Proposal and Submission Instructions

Proposers are cautioned to read this RFP carefully and to conform to its requirements. Failure to comply with the requirements of this RFP may serve as grounds for rejection of a Proposal.

All Proposals, including all Required Submissions, must be submitted electronically, in Adobe

Portable Document (PDF) format and include:

1. Proposal, which shall include requirements outlined in Section 3.3;

2. Required Forms (from Attachment A)

a. Authorized Proposer’s Signature and Acceptance Form;

b. Certificate of Non-Collusion1;

c. Certificate of Tax Compliance2;

d. Conflict of Interest Certification;

e. Certificate of Compliance with M.G.L. c. 151B;

f. Certificate of Non-Debarment;

g. Labor Harmony and OSHA Training Certifications;

1 Thie Certificate of Non-Collusion is a required form. The failure to include this signed form will automatically result in disqualification of a proposal.

2 The Certificate of Tax Compliance is a required form. The failure to include this signed form will automatically result in disqualification of a proposal.

https://www.mass.gov/learn-about-commbuys

12 | P a g e

3. Bid Deposit, as outlined in Section 5.7

4. Signed Contract (from Attachment H)

The following requirements and cautions apply to all Proposals and all forms.

• The Proposal must be signed by a duly authorized officer(s) eligible to sign contract documents for the firm. Proof of such authorization must be included.

• The Proposal must indicate the contracting entity, which must also be the signatory on all documents.

Proposers should be aware that joint responsibility and liability will attach to any resulting contract and failure of one party in a joint venture to perform will not relive the other party or parties of total responsibility for performance.

3.3 Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include the information below.

1. Proposer’s Qualifications and Experience

a. Proposers must include a description of their qualifications and experience. This description should include:

i. A description of the Proposer’s experience providing the specified services and products described in Section 2.

ii. A description of the assigned project team who shall administer, coordinate, and manage this project. This description should also include the resumes for the Project Manager and project team.

iii. A description of the Project Manager’s overall availability for the project. This availability may be expressed as a percentage (total time of the project/Project Manager’s availability = percentage of time Project Manager is available for project).

2. (Optional) Network Design Overview

a. A Network Design Overview is a summary of the Proposer’s network solution. The proposed network solution must meet all the specifications listed in Section 2.2.4.

Proposers may submit one design per site.

b. The Network Design Overview must provide a narrative summary of the network design, and any changes to the equipment list needed to fulfill the design. Proposers should be as detailed as necessary for the evaluation team to determine the overall quality of the solution and whether or not the solution will meet the requirements outlined in Section 2.2.4.

i. The Network Design Overview must include a detailed analysis that clearly shows that the Proposer has properly utilized the on-site Wireless Site Survey

Data provided in Attachment H. Proposers should include their methodology and process for how this data was utilized in creating their Network Design

Overview.

c. Proposer should accurately describe the location of network equipment and cabling infrastructure per property. This should include the precise location and orientation of Access Points. Highlight any equipment or infrastructure that is located in or requires access to residential units.

3. Itemized Cost Summary – One Per Site

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i. The Cost Summary must be an all-inclusive itemized fixed price proposal, including all costs and expenses related to this engagement. The cost summary should be broken down by site for all included costs.

ii. The Partner will not pay any costs or expenses not included in the Cost

Summary.

iii. The Cost Summary must be good for ninety (90) Days from the date submitted.

b. The Cost Summary must segment and itemize each of the following items. The Cost

Summary must include the Proposer’s proposed payment schedule based on the project deliverables. Payments will not be made until deliverables are received and approved by the Partner.

i. Cabling and Construction Hardware/Equipment – Includes low-voltage cabling, patch panels, workboxes, conduit, fiber cabling any necessary hardware/equipment not already included in Attachment C.

ii. Cabling and Construction Labor – The proposer shall identify the classification of labor required and conform with Massachusetts Prevailing

Wage Law and other requirements as listed in Section 5.10, Section 5.11, and Attachment F.

1. Cabling and Construction Labor expenses can be itemized based on project milestones as determined by the Proposer.

iii. Asbestos Abatement Labor – The proposer shall provide quotes for all costs related to abatement work including costs for physical abatement work, paperwork filing with MassDEP, if necessary, and any other necessary costs related to this work. All entities being paid for these services should be identified within the proposal within the guidelines of Section 5.6. This labor also must conform with Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law and other requirements as listed in Section 5.10, Section 5.11, and Attachment F.

iv. Configuration and Installation Labor – An itemized breakdown of the installation and configuration labor. Configuration and Installation Labor expenses can be itemized based on project milestones as determined by the

Proposer.

v. Proposers opting in to submit design alternatives must adhere to these requirements per the provided design plans and equipment list AND their design alternatives, highlighting cost differentials and identifying any additional costs which can include, not are not limited to:

1. Additional network equipment

2. Environmental testing

4. Project Timeline –

a. The Proposer must include a Project Timeline for the delivery of the proposed work.

The Proposer should use the date in which a contract is executed as the first date

(date 0) of their submitted timeline. The submitted timeline must not be altered unless otherwise agreed upon by the Partner and the successful Proposer. Timelines should provide detail on whether the Proposer intends to have multiple crews working on different sites in parallel, and what work will be done in sequence. The

14 | P a g e successful Proposer is expected to begin work immediately following contract execution.

b. Proposers should also clearly state any hardware/equipment included in their cost summary that may be subject to supply chain challenges and not available within forty-five (45) days of contract award.

5. References

a. Proposers must include at least three (3) references. References should be from public sector clients within the last three (3) years. Use a separate sheet(s) clearly marked "REFERENCES" to provide the following information for each reference:

Customer Name

Years as a customer

Street

City, State, Zip

Contact Person

Telephone number

3.4 Questions

Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted by electronic mail to the Team Lead listed on the title page at the e-mail address listed. Questions must include the Subject Line: “Questions – RFP#

MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling – 1”. All questions must be received by the deadline identified in

Section 1.1 above.

3.5 Mandatory Proposer’s Conference

Slots for the mandatory Proposer’s Conference that be held virtually are as follows:

June 29, 2026, 1-2 PM ET

July 1, 2026, 3-4 PM ET

July 2, 2026, 10-11 AM ET

All interested vendors are expected to RSVP to Nathan Powell at npowell@mapc.org by Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5 PM ET for one of these slots. Any slots with no RSVPS at this time will be cancelled. Zoom information for all meetings are below:

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC, Line 9) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Vendor's Conference: RFP - MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling - 1

Time: Jun 29, 2026 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84299608361?pwd=CLl9l5etR5M7mTvO0k7t2OUMFQn04l.1

Meeting chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84299608361 mailto:npowell@mapc.org

15 | P a g e

Meeting ID: 842 9960 8361

Passcode: 937541

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC, Line 9) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Vendor's Conference: RFP - MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling - 1

Time: Jul 1, 2026 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83458538537?pwd=ilNNDzfxLbCG0UuyIiV23PKW6ZcCif.1

Meeting chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/83458538537

Meeting ID: 834 5853 8537

Passcode: 059656

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC, Line 9) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Vendor's Conference: RFP - MAPC BHA Low Voltage Cabling - 1

Time: Jul 2, 2026 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82288223096?pwd=dSstB3aaP7bXA1Uh0zJbX75qOI2Hz8.1

Meeting chat link https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/82288223096

Meeting ID: 822 8822 3096

Passcode: 047825

3.6 Optional Site Visit

If a vendor deems it necessary to visit one or more of the selected BHA properties, we ask that they

RSVP to an optional site visit by sending a list of the properties they are interested in visiting to

Nathan Powell at npowell@mapc.org by 5PM ET on Thursday, June 2, 2026. Site visits will be coordinated and scheduled based on requested properties. Please note that there will be at most one site visit scheduled per requested property which will be scheduled based on the availability of onsite staff.

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4. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

4.1 Process

MAPC, MassTech, and the Partner have determined that identification of the most advantageous

Proposal for the goods and services outlined in Section 2 requires comparative judgement of factors in addition to cost. An Evaluation Committee selected by MAPC will evaluate Proposals and determine the highest scoring of those received.

MAPC may request additional clarifying information from Proposers during this evaluation process.

As part of the selection process, MAPC may invite Proposers to attend an interview where they would answer specific questions regarding their Proposal and other related questions. The Partner will promptly notify the Proposer and award the contract(s) upon conclusion of the evaluation process. In its sole discretion, MAPC and the Partner may choose to enter into a negotiation period with one or more Proposer(s) and then ask the Proposer(s) to submit a best and final offer.

4.2 Rule for Award

The contract for the goods/services identified in Section 2 of this RFP will be awarded based on best value, to be determined through the evaluation process using the criteria detailed below.

4.3 Criteria

Selection of a Proposer to provide the goods and services sought herein may be based on criteria that include but are not limited to:

• Qualifications and experience of the Proposer and subcontractor(s) and the primary personnel identified to by the Proposer that will provide the goods and/or services.

• Record of experience in providing similar goods and/or services to other clients.

• Demonstrated understanding of the goods and/or services by the Proposer and the reasonableness of the Proposer’s approach to providing the goods and/or services.

• Knowledge, skills and experience to be evaluated include knowledge of and experience in low voltage cabling and abatement, particularly for public sector clients.

• Reasonableness of the Cost Summary.

• Reasonableness of the proposed project schedule for providing the goods and/or services.

• Status of Proposer and/or subcontractor(s) as a minority business enterprise, women’s business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise, veteran business enterprise, or a labor surplus area firm.

The order of these factors does not generally denote relative importance. The goal of this RFP is to select and enter into a contract with the Proposer that will provide the best value for the goods and/or services to achieve MAPC, MassTech, and the Partner’s goals. MAPC and the Partner reserve the right to consider such other relevant factors as they deems appropriate in order to obtain the

“best value”.

4.4 Evaluation

Scoring Matrix included as Attachment G.

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5. GENERAL CONDITIONS

5.1 General Information

If a Proposal fails to meet any material terms, conditions, requirements or procedures, it may be deemed unresponsive and disqualified. MAPC and the Partner reserves the right to waive omissions or irregularities that it determines to be not material. Lack of debarment status by either the state or federal government is also required.

The contract resulting from this procurement will contain certain standard provisions, including mandatory federal flow down provisions. The selected Proposer shall sign a contract substantially in the form attached hereto as Attachment H.

It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to determine and adhere to such terms, conditions, and requirements, if applicable, as prescribed in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) forms 5369, 5369-A, 5370, and/or 5370-EZ, and to incorporate those in the submitted Proposal and any subsequent contract.

It shall also be the responsibility of the Proposer to adhere to Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and

12432, and any submitted Proposal and subsequent contract shall be consistent with the relevant provisions therein.

This RFP, in its current form and as amended by MAPC, does not commit MAPC or the Partner to select any Proposer(s), award any contracts for services pursuant to this RFP, or pay any costs incurred in responding to this RFP. MAPC and the Partner reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to withdraw the RFP, to engage in preliminary discussions with Proposers, to accept or reject any or all Proposals received, to request supplemental or clarifying information, to negotiate with any or all qualified Proposers, and to request modifications to Proposals in accordance with negotiations, all to the same extent as if this were a Request for Information. MAPC and the Partner reserve the right to cancel all or part of this solicitation. The issuance of this solicitation does not imply any commitment to purchase any product or services from any Proposer.

a. On matters related solely to this RFP that arise prior to an award decision by the Partner, Proposers shall limit communications with MAPC and/or the Partner to the Procurement

Team Leader and such other individuals as MAPC may designate from time to time. No other

MAPC employee or Partner representative is authorized to provide any information or respond to any questions or inquiries concerning this RFP. Proposers may contact the

Procurement Team Leader for this RFP in the event this RFP is incomplete.

b. MAPC may provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of materials in an alternative format, for Proposers with disabilities or other hardships. Proposers requiring accommodations shall submit requests in writing, with supporting documentation justifying the accommodations, to the Procurement Team Leader. MAPC reserves the right to grant or reject any request for accommodations.

c. Proposals shall be treated by MAPC and the Partner as an accurate statement of Proposer’s capabilities and experience. Should any statement asserted by the Proposer prove to be inaccurate or inconsistent with the foregoing, such inaccuracy or inconsistency shall constitute sufficient cause for MAPC and/or the Partner to reject the Proposal and/or terminate of any resulting contract.

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/5369.PDF https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/5369-A.PDF https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/5370.pdf%22%20%EF%B7%9FHYPERLINK%20%22https:/www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/5370.pdf https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/5370EZ.pdf https://archive.mbda.gov/page/executive-order-11625.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12138.html https://0.0.48.144/

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d. Costs that are not specifically identified in the Proposer’s response and/or not specifically accepted by the Partner as part of the contract will not be compensated under any contract awarded pursuant to this RFP.

e. MAPC and the Partner reserve the right to amend the resulting contract at any time prior to execution. Proposer should review the contract as they are required to specify any exceptions to the contract and to make any suggested counterproposal in their Proposal. A failure to specify exceptions and/or counterproposals will be deemed an acceptance of the contract’s general terms and conditions, and no subsequent negotiation of such provisions shall be permitted.

f. Proposal prices must remain firm for 90 days after the Proposal opening, however, it is anticipated that the contract(s) for this solicitation will be awarded within thirty (30) days of the Proposal opening (the contract is enclosed with the RFP). This time may be extended by mutual consent of the selected Proposers and MAPC. Upon award, the engagement must commence immediately upon execution of the contract(s) with the selected Proposer.

g. This RFP, as well as the successful Proposer’s response will become part of the contract(s).

h. The Partner is the awarding entity that will sign the contract(s) and to whom invoices will be submitted and by whom the Proposer will be paid. All prices quoted shall be exclusive of

Massachusetts sales tax and use tax and federal excise tax from which the Partner is exempt.

i. It is the responsibility of all Proposers to examine the entire RFP and seek clarification of any item or requirement that may not be clear and to check all responses for accuracy before submitting a Proposal. Negligence in preparing an offer confers no right of withdrawal after the due time and date.

j. Erasures, interlineations or other modifications in the Proposal shall be initialed in original ink by the authorized person signing the offer.

k. Periods of time, stated as a number of days, shall be calendar days unless otherwise indicated.

5.2 Insurance

The selected Proposer and appropriate subcontractors shall at all times during the term of the contract(s) maintain insurance in full force and effect acceptable to MAPC and the Partner that satisfies the minimum requirements outlined below. The selected Proposer agrees to furnish MAPC and the Partner with certificates of insurance or other evidence satisfactory to MAPC and the Partner if requested and to list MAPC, the City of Boston, and the Boston Housing Authority as additionally insured parties.

Workers Compensation & Employers Liability Statutory

Employer’s Liability $500,000

Bodily Injury Liability $1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate

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Excess Umbrella Liability $1,000,000 each occurrence

Errors and Omissions $1,000,000

5.3 Payment for Services Rendered

The goods and/or services procured through this RFP are funded by grant funds from the

Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity

Partnership Program. Payment to the selected Proposer will not be made until goods and/or services are received in full and the receipt of satisfactory goods and/or services is confirmed by the

Partner. The standard turnaround time for payment to the selected Proposer from the time of invoice approval and goods and/or services acceptance is a minimum of 45 days. The Partner will make all necessary effort to expedite payment cycles but will not be liable for slow payment cycles.

5.4 Proposer Wages, Mileage, and Supplies

Total contract costs must include mileage, supplies, and materials. Billing will occur upon completion of deliverables with all required backup documentation.

5.5 Indemnification

The Proposer shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend MAPC, MassTech, MBI, the City of Boston, the Partner and their officers, agents, and employees from all liability of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses for all actions or claims resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or property arising directly or indirectly as a result of any error, omission, negligent, or wrongful acts of the Proposer, subcontractor(s), or anyone directly or indirectly employed by them in performance of this contract.

5.6 Subcontractors

The use of subcontractors with specialties in the areas referenced in Section 2 is acceptable. If the

Proposer intends to perform any or all work related to this contract through subcontractor(s), said subcontractor(s) names, business affiliations, and addresses must be attached with the Proposal and referenced to the appropriate work to be performed. Proposers will take all appropriate steps to assure that minority firms, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. The selected Proposer is responsible for the satisfactory performance and adequate oversight of its subcontractors and ensure the legal and contractual compliance of named subcontractor(s). Use of subcontractor(s) not named in the Proposal is prohibited.

5.7 Bid Deposit Required

Proposers shall provide a bid deposit with their Proposal equal to 5% of the amount of the Price

Proposal. The bid deposit may be in the form of a bid bond from a licensed surety, or a certified treasurer’s or cashier’s check payable to the Partner from a responsible bank or trust company. If submitting in the form of a bid bond from a licensed surety, a scanned copy of the bond must be submitted in the Price Proposal that is uploaded to COMMBUYS by the identified RFP due date and time. If submitting in the form of a certified treasurer’s or cashier’s check, the original check must be received by MAPC at 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 no later than the identified RFP due date and time. Scanned checks and cash will not be accepted. Following award to the selected Proposer, checks of those Proposers who were not awarded the contract will be shredded. If the selected

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Proposer provided a scan of their bid bond with their Price Proposal, it is required that the original hard copy bond be sent to the Partner within 7 business days of the contract award.

5.8 Performance Surety Bond Required

The Proposer awarded the contract will be required to furnish an original hard copy Performance

Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract award, payable to the Partner. The Bond must be from a surety company licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. The Bond must be received by the Partner at XX within 5 business days from the date of notification of contract award. Bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract.

5.9 Payment Bond Required

If the contract price exceeds $25,000, a Payment Bond will be required from the Proposer awarded the contract. The Payment Bond must be in the amount of 100% of the contract award, payable to the Partner. The Bond must be from a surety company licensed by the Massachusetts Division of

Insurance. The original hard copy Bond must be received by the Partner at XX within 5 business days from the date of notification of contract award. Bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract.

5.10 Employment and Labor Rates

The work contracted for through this RFP is subject to the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law:

M.G.L. c. 149, §§ 26 - 27; c. 5, § 1; c. 71, § 7A and c. 121B, § 29B. More information on the

Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law can be found on the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s website: Prevailing Wage Program | Mass.gov. The selected Proposer must comply with the Massachusetts law regarding prevailing wage rates, as well as any other provisions related to employment conditions referenced in M.G.L. c.149, §§26-27.

THE PREVAILING WAGE SCHEDULE FOR THIS PROJECT IS ATTACHED AS ATTACHMENT D. GENERAL

AND SUB-CONTRACTORS MUST PAY NO LESS THAN THESE RATES TO COVERED WORKERS. UPDATE

SCHEDULES MUST ALSO BE POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE WORKSITE DURING THE LIFE

OF THE CONTRACT.

The Weekly Payroll Record Form and Weekly Statement of Compliance must accompany any invoice submitted to the Partner for the work as is described in this RFP. These documents should be filled out for each week that prevailing wages were paid to workers. A photocopy of all workers’ OSHA certification cards, as well as any apprentice’s ID cards, should also be submitted. See Prevailing

Wage Program | Mass.gov for the most current Weekly Payroll Record Form and Weekly Statement of Compliance.

5.11 Responsibility for Safety, Health, and First Aid

The Proposer shall ensure that their employees and agents comply with all applicable health and safety laws, rules and regulations without limitation, including but not limited to the Federal, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), and

Proposer’s company safety regulations as issued and included with this Proposal.

The Proposer shall be responsible for ensuring that all work performed under his supervision, or work that the Proposer subcontracts, in conjunction with this procurement is in compliance with all applicable safety, building and electrical codes.

https://www.mass.gov/prevailing-wage-program https://www.mass.gov/prevailing-wage-program https://www.mass.gov/prevailing-wage-program

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The Proposer is responsible for the provision of temporary bathroom facilities and/or will ensure that the use of publicly provided facilities on-site are done so with acceptable sanitary and hygiene practices.

5.12 Publicity and News Releases

The selected Proposer shall not make any pronouncements or news releases pertaining to this solicitation for Proposals or the award of a contract for this Proposal without prior approval from

MAPC and the Partner.

5.13 Ownership and Confidentiality of Work Product

Upon completion of this project, the work product in its entirety becomes the property of MAPC, Mass

Tech Collaborative, and the Partner. All electronic documents must have the ability to be accessed and updated when needed.

5.14 Accountability

The selected Proposer will work under the direct supervision and direction of and the Partner or its designee.

5.15 Acceptance

A schedule of deliverables will be included in the contract with the selected Proposer. Copies of all interim deliverables will be provided to the Partner, or its designee, at times agreed upon in the contract. The Partner, or its designee, reserves the right to either accept the deliverable or request modifications. Final project deliverables are also subject to these “acceptance” terms.

5.16 Posting of Modifications/Addenda to RFP

Notice of this RFP has been posted electronically on the MAPC and COMMBUYS websites. Upon request to the RFP Team Lead, the RFP will be provided to all interested parties. If MAPC determines that it is necessary to revise any part of this RFP, or if additional data is necessary to clarify any of its provisions, an addendum will be shared electronically with all parties that requested the RFP. It is the responsibility of each potential Proposer to check their email for any addenda or modifications to the RFP. MAPC accepts no liability and will provide no accommodation to Proposers who submit a response based on an out-of-date RFP. A copy of all addenda that are issued should be included in the Proposal and each addendum should be initialed in the bottom left corner of the first page of the document by the Proposer. Proposers should contact the RFP Team Lead via e-mail if they believe an addendum has not been received.

6. PRODUCT AND PERFORMANCE TERMS

6.1 Quality Requirements

All products must be new and fully serviceable and suited to their intended use consistent with the manufacturers' specifications and representations, and any representations made by selected

Proposer(s). Used and previously opened items will not be accepted.

6.2 “Or Equal”

An item at least equal to one or more that are named or described above may be offered by a

Proposer.

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The naming of any commercial name, trademark, or other identification shall not be construed to exclude any item or manufacturer not mentioned by name or as limiting competition but shall establish a standard of quality only. An item equal to one or more that are named or described in the Specifications may be offered by a Proposer. An item shall be considered equal to the item so named or described if (1) it is at least equal in quality, durability, appearance, strength and design,

(2) it will perform at least equally the function imposed by the general design for the use intended, and (3) it conforms substantially to the requirements of the specifications with only minor deviations immaterial to the requirements of the preceding conditions (1) and (2). The name and manufacturer’s published product specifications establishing product equality must accompany “Or

Equal” Proposals. Acceptance of “Or Equal” Proposals shall be at the sole discretion of whose decision shall be final.

6.3 Warranty

The Proposer is required to provide a manufacturer warranty on all purchased parts.

6.4 Method of Acquisition

All purchases shall be outright purchases. Leases, lease-purchases and credit-based purchases are specifically not authorized. The Partner will issue purchase orders.

6.5 Delivery

All goods and/or services must be delivered per BHA “Ship To” instructions.

All deliveries must be signed for by a properly authorized person at the “Ship To” address on the purchase order. Proposers will not be paid for deliveries left without proper signatures.

The Proposer acknowledges and agrees that it is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to secure all items delivered to the ”Ship To” location. Shipping arrangements must be proposed and accepted, in writing, by the Partner to accept and store supplies.

The Proposer is responsible for the security of all tools, supplies, and equipment brought on-site for the purpose of completing the contracted work throughout the duration of the project. MAPC, Mass

Tech Collaborative, and Partner shall not be responsible or liable for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of any tools, supplies, equipment, or other items belonging to the Proposer.

6.6 Returns

The selected Proposer shall unconditionally accept and pick-up or ship, at the Proposer’s expense, any and all items found to be damaged or not in compliance with the specifications, model numbers, descriptions or other representations upon which a contract is awarded. Returns shall be promptly credited. Cash returns shall not be tendered.

6.7 Invoicing and Payment

The payment schedule for this project will be on a reimbursement basis according to a deliverables schedule consistent with the Proposer’s Cost Summary and as negotiated at the time a fixed price contract is signed.

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