RFR Statewide Gas Assessment (19DPUSGAMY4).pdf

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

One South Station Boston, MA 02110

Request for Response (RFR)

Document Title: Consultant Services Related to a Statewide Assessment of Gas Pipeline Safety Conducted on

Behalf of the Department of Public Utilities

Document Number: 19DPUSGAMY4

October 4, 2018

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that can be found on www.COMMBUYS.com. All Bidders are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms and requirements for the entire Bid, which are all incorporated into the Bid. Bidders may also contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE. The Helpline is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal, state and Suffolk county holidays.

http://www.commbuys.com/ mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us

1 RFR INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Procurement Scope and Description

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a third-party evaluator (the “Evaluator”) to conduct an independent statewide examination of the safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system. The examination will assess gas pipeline safety throughout the Commonwealth to evaluate the integrity of the gas distribution system on a statewide basis and make recommendations for improvements. The examination will complement, but not duplicate, the investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is focused on the September 13, 2018 gas incident in Merrimack Valley and its potential causes.

The Evaluator will examine the following areas: (1) the physical integrity and safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system; and (2) the operation and maintenance policies and practices of the Commonwealth’s seven investor-owned gas distribution companies and four municipal gas companies, with respect to the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system. The Evaluator will issue a report that will include, but not be limited to, opportunities for improvement in each of these areas.

In light of Governor Baker’s declaration of emergency issued on September 14, 2018, emergency directive issued by the DPU Chair on September 26, 2018, and the urgent need to assess pipeline safety to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the public and prevent damage to property, this procurement is being conducted on an expedited basis with the expectation of completion of an initial report within 90 to 120 days of contract execution.

1.2 Background Information

The DPU’s Pipeline Engineering and Safety Division (“Pipeline Safety Division”) is responsible for safety oversight of seven investor-owned natural gas companies and four municipal gas departments in Massachusetts. As a certified agent of the U.S. Department of Transportation (“US DOT”), the Pipeline Safety Division enforces federal and state safety regulations pertaining to natural gas distribution pipelines within the Commonwealth. The Pipeline Safety Division also enforces the Department’s pipeline safety regulations and the state’s Dig Safe program. An outside evaluation of the scope prescribed in this RFR will aid the DPU’s public safety missions.

1.3 Applicable Procurement Law

This Bid is issued under the following law(s):

MGL c. 7, § 22; and 801 CMR 21.01(2)(a) & 21.05

1.4 Number of Awards

The target maximum number of Contractors: Multiple. DPU anticipates awarding a single contract but may award multiple if a joint proposal is submitted by two or more Bidders, or it is otherwise in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

1.5 Adding Contractors after Initial Contract Award - Calendar Rule Type - Open Procurement

If, over the life of the Contract, the Strategic Sourcing Team (SST) determines that additional Contractors should be added, these may first be drawn from qualified companies that responded to this Solicitation but were not awarded contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth, the Solicitation may be reopened to obtain additional bids.

1.6 Eligible Entities

Any contract resulting from this Bid will be open for use to the Issuing Entity Only.

1.7 Acquisition Method(s)

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

1.8 Contract Duration

The initial term of any Contract resulting from this Solicitation will be one (1) year, plus any time increment necessary to end that year on the same date as the end of the Commonwealth’s fiscal year (i.e., June 30). DPU will have an option to renew for up to one (1) year. The actual duration of the Contract will depend on the length of time needed to complete the statewide assessment, produce a written report(s), and conduct follow-up activities as needed.

1.9 Estimated Value of the Contract

The estimated value of purchase(s) resulting from this Bid is in excess of $150,000 for the initial one-year period of the Contract. The Commonwealth makes no guarantee that any commodities or services will be purchased from any Contract resulting from this Bid. Any estimates or past procurement volumes referenced in this Bid are included only for the convenience of Bidders, and are not to be relied upon as any indication of future purchase levels.

2 ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT CALENDAR

EVENT DATE

Solicitation: Release Date October 4, 2018

Deadline for submission of questions October 5, 2018, 5pm

Estimated date for DPU to respond to questions

October 8, 2018, 12noon

Bid amendment deadline/online Quote submission begins.

DPU reserves the right to amend this RFR at any time prior to the date the responses are due. Any such amendment will be posted to the Commonwealth’s procurement website, CommBuys (www.commbuys.com). Bidders are advised to check this site regularly, as this will be the sole method used for notification of changes.

October 8, 2018, 5pm

Deadline for Quotes/Responses (Bid Opening Date/Time) in COMMBUYS

October 11, 2018

Contract: Estimated Contract Start Date

October 22, 2018

2.1 Written questions via the Bid Q&A on COMMBUYS

The Bid Q&A provides the opportunity for Bidders to ask written questions and receive written answers from the SST regarding this Bid. All Bidders’ questions must be submitted through the Bid Q&A found on COMMBUYS or emailed to meng.you@mass.gov (see RFR Section 5.1 for instructions). Questions may be asked only prior to the deadline for submission of questions stated in the estimated procurement calendar. DPU reserves the right not to respond to questions submitted after this date. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify receipt of questions. To reduce the number of redundant or duplicate questions, Bidders are asked to review all questions previously submitted to determine whether the Bidder’s question has already been posted.

Please note that any questions submitted to the SST using any other medium (including those that are sent by mail, fax, or voicemail, etc.) will not be answered.

Bidders are responsible for entering content suitable for public viewing, since all of the questions are accessible to the public.

All answers are final when posted. Any subsequent revisions to previously provided answers will be dated.

It is the responsibility of the prospective Vendors and awarded Vendor to keep current an active registration on COMMBUYS and the email address of the Vendor’s contact person and prospective Contract Manager, if awarded a Contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from DPU, including requests for clarification. DPU and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Vendor’s/awarded Vendor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Vendor’s/ awarded Vendor’s computer, network or internet service provider (“ISP”) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Vendor/ awarded Vendor and DPU to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

2.2 Locating Bid Q&A

Log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, acknowledge receipt of the Bid, and scroll down to the bottom of the Bid Header page. The Bid Q&A button allows Bidders access to the Bid Q&A page.

2.3 Amendment Deadline

The SST reserves the right to make amendments to the Bid after initial publication. It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for any amendments, addenda or modifications to this Bid, and any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid. The SST and the Commonwealth accepts no responsibility and will provide no accommodation to Bidders who submit a Quote based on an out-of-date Bid or on information received from a source other than COMMBUYS.

3 SPECIFICATIONS

The selected Evaluator will conduct an independent statewide examination of the safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system. See Attachment A for a more detailed Scope of Services.

Specific tasks will include the following:

o Conduct an assessment of the physical integrity and safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system, including without limitation an assessment of system designs of low/medium/high pressure mains and associated service lines and their degree of compliance with state and federal standards;

o Conduct an assessment of the operation and maintenance policies and practices of investor-owned and municipal gas companies in the Commonwealth, with respect to their respective gas distribution systems, including without limitation an assessment of written policies and procedures for pipeline construction safety protocols and incident response;

mailto:meng.you@mass.gov the sufficiency of personnel, including inspectors, and management structures to ensure the operationalization of safety and incident response protocols; the operating pressure of each gas distribution company’s system and its flow rates, including maximum allowable operating pressure and response procedures in the event of abnormalities; and the degree of compliance with the Dig Safe statute;

o Complete a representative sample of site inspections to supplement the assessments described above;

o Identify any potential weakness or deficiencies in the areas described above and provide recommendations for improvements;

o Solicit and gather input from a diverse group of affected stakeholders, including local, state or federal officials; representatives from the Commonwealth’s gas companies, labor representatives; and residents as part of the information gathering phase of this project;

o Produce a report summarizing all findings from the statewide assessment and recommendations for improvements;

o Provide regular progress reports to DPU and EEA, including through in-person meetings or calls conducted at a frequency to be determined by the parties.

Bidders are encouraged to propose additional or different areas of investigation to more effectively achieve the overall goal of evaluating: (1) the physical integrity and safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system; and (2) the operation and maintenance policies and practices of the Commonwealth’s gas companies. Bidders are also invited to submit joint proposals with partners or subcontractors if appropriate for achieving the RFR’s goals.

Bidders must include in their proposals an expected timetable for completion of the statewide assessment. Bidders are free to propose a phased approach, so long as an initial report of findings is produced within 90 to 120 days of contract execution. DPU reserves the ability to negotiate a final scope of work, which includes a phased approach based on subject matter, region, or other criteria.

3.1 Bidder Qualifications

3.1.1 Experience

Consultants wishing to be selected must have demonstrate experience and expertise with gas utility matters, including examinations of gas pipeline infrastructure, state and federal gas regulations and statutes, and the operation, maintenance and repair of gas pipeline infrastructure. Consultants with specific experience with large-scale gas pipeline safety assessments and/or experience with audits of policies and procedures or legal compliance matters will be strongly preferred.

3.1.2 Proposed Staffing

Bidders must submit resumes and hourly rates for all staff members who will be engaged in this project for DPU. Bidders are required to complete and submit Attachment B, Bidder Submission Form, which includes the hourly rates that the bidder proposes to charge if the bidder is awarded a Contract by DPU. Bidders should also indicate the extent to which each individual has familiarity with the relevant topic areas.

3.1.3 Description of Proposed Methodology

Bidders must submit a description of the proposed methodology for conducting the statewide assessment of gas pipeline safety required by this RFR. Bidders should indicate any prior experience with similar assessments and may attach any relevant work product (maximum 2).

Bidders must also propose a timetable that satisfies the expedited nature of this engagement.

3.1.4 Conflicts and Litigation (Conflicts Disclosure)

The following information must be provided as part of the Conflicts Disclosure form to be submitted as part of the Quote (see RFR Section 5.5.1).

Bidders must identify any past, pending, or threatened litigation or administrative, state ethics board, or similar proceedings to which the Bidder or any staff member who will be engaged in this project for DPU is a party, and which would either materially impair the ability of the staff member to perform the services described herein or materially affect the financial condition of the staff member or the Bidder.

Any Contracting Bidders selected must not have any conflicts of interest that under applicable ethics laws or rules of professional responsibility would prevent them from representing DPU.

All Bidders must identify each and every consultancy or business relationship between:

(i) your firm and all staff members assigned to the engagement, as well as any proposed subcontractors/partners and their assigned staff members; and (ii) any investor-owned or municipal gas companies in the Commonwealth and any of their affiliate entities during the past five (5) years. This disclosure should include, without limitation, engagements to complete internal audits, performance assessments, or regulatory filings, and provide a brief description of the nature of the engagement. Bidders must indicate whether engagement under this RFP would require the consent of the former client(s) in each of the prior matters disclosed.

3.1.5 Business References

Bidders are required to complete the Business Reference form with three references. Bidders are encouraged to include references from other governmental entities.

3.2 Compensation Structure/Pricing

All-inclusive hourly rate for each bidder-provided staff person that will perform work under the Contract will remain in effect for initial year of the Contract with a cap on percentage increases after that date. In addition, the Bidder may propose a blended hourly rate for services provided by the Bidder. All reimbursements will be negotiated as part of the final Scope of Work. Commuting expenses will not be reimbursed. Payments are subject to Comptroller office bill payment policies.

Monthly invoicing will be required. See Attachment B to provide this information with the quote.

4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1 Evaluation of Proposals

DPU reserves the right to negotiate final prices and performance specifications within the scope of this RFR during the period of the contract(s).

4.1.1 Mandatory requirements

Mandatory Specifications must be met in order for a Bid to be evaluated and may be used to disqualify Bidders. In addition, certain mandatory specifications have desirable components to them that may be evaluated. DPU reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine if non-compliance with a Mandatory Specification is insignificant or can be easily corrected.

Bid sections that include terms such as: “must”, “shall”, “will” and “required” are “mandatory.”

Failure to meet the requirements of a mandatory specification without providing an alternate that is acceptable to the evaluators may result in the disqualification of a Bidder's proposal.

4.1.2 Desirable specifications

Desirable specifications may be scored according to the Evaluation Criteria.

RFR specifications prefaced with language such as: "desirable", "could," "can," "should," "preferably," "prefers," "suggested," and "requested" identify a desirable or discretionary item or factor that is considered by DPU to be "desirable." DPU has listed all desirable specifications which will receive points in the evaluation criteria.

4.1.3 Initial Evaluation Process

Bidder proposals will be evaluated by a team of DPU and EEA employees. This team will evaluate every proposal submitted by the deadline date that has met the Mandatory Specifications and select a Qualified Contractor based on the thoroughness and completeness of the RFR response; demonstrated experience in any subject areas relevant to this engagement;

quality of the proposal for conducting the required pipeline safety assessment; past performance;

proposed rates; and, at DPU’s discretion, professional references and Bidder presentations/interviews. DPU reserves the right to limit the number of Bidders interviewed and to request samples of prior work product. Geographic location may also be considered.

4.1.4 Selection/Utilization Method

This RFR does not constitute a guarantee that DPU will engage any Bidder; and there is no guarantee of any expenditures being made to Bidder(s). DPU reserves the right to seek additional information including, but not limited to, further explanation of Bidder expertise in the desired area and review of similar recently completed work by the Bidder.

4.2 Supplier Diversity Plan (formerly Affirmative Market Plan) (minimum of 10% weight)

Bidders responding to this RFR are required to submit a Supplier Diversity Plan. Requirements for the Supplier Diversity Plan are included in RFR Section 7 (Appendix 2).

5 HOW TO SUBMIT A QUOTE

All Bidders may begin creating and compiling Quote materials as soon as the Bid with all attachments is in the Sent document status. Bidders are instructed not to submit Quotes before the Bid Amendment Deadline has been reached (see Estimated Procurement Calendar).

5.1 Quote Submission Method

Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is highly desirable. All Bidders registered on COMMBUYS must submit Quotes online using tools available only to Sellers registered in COMMBUYS. COMMBUYS provides Seller registration functionality at no charge. To register, go to www.COMMBUYS.com and click on the “Register” link on the front page. All Bidders who are awarded a contract resulting from this Bid, if any, will be required to maintain an active account during the duration of the Contract, by reviewing their registration information regularly and maintaining its accuracy.

If a Bidder is not registered on COMMBUYS at the time this solicitation is posted, the Bidder must make best efforts to complete the registration and submit a Quote through COMMBUYS. Alternatively, the Bidder may submit the Quote by email to meng.you@mass.gov, provided that the Bidder completes the COMMBUYS registration within three (3) business days of submission.

http://www.commbuys.com/ mailto:meng.you@mass.gov

5.2 COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

The following resources are provided to assist Bidders in submitting Quotes:

Appendix 9, Instructions for Vendors Responding to Bids Electronically through COMMBUYS, which is part of this document;

Training sessions focused on online Quote submission, if offered, are noted in the Estimated Procurement Calendar;

An online job aid on How to Create a Quote;

Webcast video on How to Find Bids (Solicitations) and Submit Quotes (Responses) through COMMBUYS.

5.3 COMMBUYS Support

Technical assistance is available during the procurement process. Every effort is made to respond to inquiries within one business day.

Website: Go to www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys and select the COMMBUYS Resource Center link offered under Key Resources.

Email: Send inquiries to the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us

Telephone: Call the COMMBUYS Help Desk at 1-888-MA-STATE (1-888-627-8283). The Help Desk is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal and state holidays.

Bidders are advised that COMMBUYS will be unavailable during regularly scheduled maintenance hours of which all users will be notified.

5.4 Bid Opening Date/Time

All Bids must be received before the specified date, month, year and time displayed as the Bid Opening Date/Time in the Header Information section of the Bid in COMMBUYS. Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as applicable. All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission by considering potential online submission impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. DPU is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission.

5.5 Quote Contents

Bidders must comply with the requirements below.

5.5.1 Response Submission Requirements

The following six (6) components specific to this RFR must be included with your response:

A. Bidder Submission Form, Attachment B (Word Document) B. Bidder Expertise and Experience (PDF or Word Document) C. Description of Proposed Methodology for Conducting Statewide Assessment (PDF or

Word Document) (see RFR Section 3.1.3) D. Conflicts Disclosure form (PDF or Word Document) (see RFR Section 3.1.4) E. Completed Bidder Reference form (PDF or Word Document) (see RFR Section 3.1.5) F. Resumes for all staff who will be engaged in this project for DPU. Bidders should also indicate the extent to which each individual has familiarity with specific topics or areas of specialization that may be relevant for this engagement.

Bidders must assign names to each document submitted to correspond with the categories above, and, if applicable, shall be uploaded to COMMBUYS under the same names.

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/procurement-info-and-res/conduct-a-procurement/commbuys/job-aids-for-sellers.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhUTNokbhfY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhUTNokbhfY http://www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys mailto:COMMBUYS@state.ma.us

Bidders are required to read and agree to the terms of the following standard forms attached to the Bid, but are instructed not to submit these completed forms with their Quotes. By submitting a quote, the submitter attests that s/he is an agent of the Bidder with authority to sign on the Bidder’s behalf, and that s/he has read and assented to each document’s terms, including the forms listed below. Completion and submission of these forms will be required only after contract award:

Standard Contract Form

Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing

Request for Taxpayer Identification and Verification (Mass. Substitute W9 Form)

Electronic Funds Transfer Sign Up Form

Prompt Payment Discount Form (or as part of Standard Contract Form)

Each attachment including confidential or personally identifiable information must be marked as a “confidential” attachment when submitted.

5.5.2 Electronic Signatures

Quotes submitted via COMMBUYS must be signed electronically by the Bidder or the Bidder’s Agent by accepting the terms and conditions of the bid on the “Terms & Conditions” tab of the Bid in COMMBUYS. By selecting “Save & Continue” on the “Terms and Conditions” tab after accepting the terms and conditions of the bid, the submitter attests that s/he is an agent of the Bidder with authority to sign on the Bidder’s behalf, and that s/he has read and assented to each document’s terms.

5.5.3 Ink Signatures

Original ink signatures are required only after contracts have been awarded. The Commonwealth requires Contractors to submit original ink-signature versions of the following forms:

Standard Contract Form

Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing

Request for Taxpayer Identification and Verification (Mass. Substitute W9 Form)

Electronic Funds Transfer Sign Up Form

Prompt Payment Discount Form (or as part of Standard Contract Form)

Successful Bidders must submit the above forms with ink signatures within seven (7) calendar days of award notification or their contract may not be executed by the Commonwealth. Bidders who have previous contract(s) with the Commonwealth and have up-to-date, ink-signature versions of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions and Request for Taxpayer Identification and Verification (Mass. Substitute W9 Form) on file with the Office of the State Comptroller may submit copies of the signed forms. However, a new Standard Contract Form and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing with original ink signatures must be submitted for each new contract.

5.6 Additional Quote Terms

5.6.1 Prohibition regarding contract terms

Bidders must not, as part of their Quote, propose additional contractual terms, or supplemental or clarifying language pertaining to contractual terms, even if the proposed additions/clarifications are not in conflict with the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the Standard Contract Form, or other documents comprising this RFR. Contractors who wish to propose additional non-conflicting contractual terms, or supplemental or clarifying language, must provide all such terms in their responses for consideration by the issuing entity.

5.6.2 Required Terms for all RFRs

See attachment containing RFR Section 6 (Appendix 1), which is incorporated by reference into this RFR.

5.6.3 RFR - Required Specifications

See attachment containing RFR Section 7 (Appendix 2), which is incorporated by reference into this RFR.

5.6.4 Instructions for Execution and Submission of Commonwealth Standard Forms

See attachment containing RFR Section 8 (Appendix 3), which is incorporated by reference into this RFR.

5.6.5 Instructions for Vendors Responding to Bids Electronically through COMMBUYS

See attachment containing RFR Section 9 (Appendix 4), which is incorporated by reference into this RFR.

ATTACHMENT A – Scope of Services

The third-party evaluator (the “Evaluator”) chosen under this RFR will conduct an independent statewide examination of the safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system. The examination will assess gas pipeline safety throughout the Commonwealth to evaluate the integrity of the gas distribution system on a statewide basis and issue a report summarizing all findings and making recommendations for improvements.

The questions that DPU seeks to answer through this engagement are as follows:

Physical Integrity of the Statewide Gas Distribution System

1. Are the gas distribution companies’ respective system designs of low/medium/high pressure mains and associated service lines compliant with applicable federal and state regulations?

2. Are there weaknesses or deficiencies (e.g., leaks, corrosion, asset condition, etc.) in the distribution system, and if so, what are recommendations for system changes? Are the gas distribution companies already addressing these changes pursuant to law, policy or regulation?

3. Based on a representative sample of site inspections, are there any additional distribution system weaknesses or deficiencies not otherwise identified through an assessment of system design?

4. Is the current inspection and replacement work optimized to properly manage risk?

Operation and Maintenance Policies and Practices of Gas Distribution Companies

1. What is the current level of adoption of best industry safety management practices, including API

RP 1173, and what is the overall commitment to integrating safe practices in all distribution system operations and maintenance?

2. How adequate are the gas distribution companies’ written operation and maintenance policies and procedures for their respective distribution systems, including policies and procedures for pipeline construction safety protocols and incident response?

3. Are there sufficient personnel, including inspectors, and management structures and communication protocols in place at the gas distribution companies to ensure that safety and incident response protocols can be operationalized in all circumstances, including catastrophic situations?

4. What is your assessment of the operating pressure of each gas distribution company’s system and its flow rates, including maximum allowable operating pressure, any restrictions in pressure, flow and capacity, and the adequacy of response procedures in the event of abnormalities?

5. What is each gas distribution companies’ degree of compliance with the Dig Safe statute, including compliance with notifications and inspections for pipeline construction?

6. Does the company keep effective records, including system maps, in such a way to complement all safety and incident response protocols?

7. Are there weaknesses or deficiencies in (a) any of the operation and maintenance policies, procedures and practices evaluated or, (b) the ability to operationalize policies and procedures in all circumstances, and if so, what are recommendations for improvement?

8. Based on a representative sample of site inspections, are there any additional weaknesses or deficiencies not otherwise identified through an assessment of written policies and procedures?

If approved by DPU, the Evaluator will conduct such additional or different areas of investigation deemed necessary to more effectively achieve the overall goal of evaluating: (1) the physical integrity and safety of the Commonwealth’s gas distribution system; and (2) the operation and maintenance policies and practices of the Commonwealth’s gas companies. The Evaluator shall also solicit and gather input from a diverse group of affected stakeholders, including local, state or federal officials;

representatives from the Commonwealth’s gas companies; labor representatives; and residents as part of the information gathering phase of this project.

The Evaluator may conduct the assessment in phases, provided that an initial report of findings is produced within 90 to 120 days of Contract execution. DPU reserves the ability to negotiate a final scope of work, which includes a phased approach based on subject matter, region, or other criteria.

Attachment B – Bidder Submission Form

Bidders must complete and submit this form with their response in order for their bid to be considered.

1. Bidder General Information Provide the following information about your firm:

Company Information Use this column for the answer

Company name

Street address, city, state, zip

Main phone number

Website

2. Designated Contract Manager Bidders must provide the contact information requested below for the designated Contract Manager who will be responsible for the overall management, reporting and for ensuring adherence to the performance measures of this contract during normal business hours.

Contract Manager Use this column for the answer

Name, Title

Phone number (office and mobile, if available)

Fax number

Email

3. Bidder Expertise and Experience

1. General firm information and summary of experience (RFR Section 3.1.1). Please use this box to provide the required information or attach a separate document. The box will expand to accommodate your responses.

2. List of key personnel to be assigned responsibility for this project (RFR Section 3.1.2).

Include a summary of their background and training with a focus on services listed in the RFR, identify the main point of contact, and specify the role of each individual in the proposed project.

Please use this box to provide the required information or attach a separate document. The box will expand to accommodate your response.

3. Description of Proposed Methodology (RFR Section 3.1.3). Describe in detail the Bidder’s proposed methodology for conducting the statewide assessment of gas pipeline safety as required by this RFR. Please indicate any prior experience with similar assessments and attach any relevant work product (maximum 2 samples; please provide electronic links in lieu of full documents where available). Please use this box to provide the required information or attach a separate document. The box will expand to accommodate your response.

4. All Inclusive Hourly Rates for Each Staff Member Who Will Provide Services if Bidder is Awarded a Contract:

Staff Name Position/Title Hourly Rate Resume

Attached* Relevant Experience /

Topic Area(s)

*Resumes must be submitted for all staff identified in this form.

6. Proposed Blended Rate (If applicable)

Please describe in the space provided your proposal for a blended hourly rate, as mentioned in RFR Section 3.2.

7. Certification Bidders must be prepared to submit signed originals of the MA Standard Contract Form, the MA Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, the MA Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Massachusetts Substitute W-9 Form, NOT the IRS Version), and the MA Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing within ten (10) business days of notice that they have been selected for contract award.

I hereby certify that I have read the RFR “19DPUSGAMY4” and all documents referenced therein, that this proposal is in compliance with all mandatory requirements, and that all RFR specifications requiring the Bidder’s agreement, and/or the Contractor’s actions if awarded a Contract, will be met.

☐ I am an authorized signatory of the company, and I have read and agreed with the above terms.

Name:

Title:

Date: