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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

MASSABILITY

40 BROAD ST., BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 02109

Request for Quote (RFQ) Education and Training, Capacity Building, and Leadership Development for MassAbility 27

COMMBUYS Bid #: BD-27-1071-AO-02021-131245

Agency Doc #: MBYEDU&TRAIN27

RELEASE DATE: 07/09/2026

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a complete Bid (also referred to as Solicitation) that can be found on COMMBUYS (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 OSD Helpdesk at osdhelpdesk@mass.gov or the OSD Helpdesk line 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:osdhelpdesk@mass.gov

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PROCUREMENT CALENDAR & DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

(BIDDER SUBMISSIONS VIA

COMMBUYS):

DATE & TIME (EST): Monday July 13,2026 at 4:00 PM

EST

QUESTION & ANSWERS

(MASSABILITY RESPONSES VIA

COMMBUYS):

DATE & TIME (EST): Friday July 17,2026 at 4:00 PM

EST

RESPONSE SUBMISSION:

(SUBMISSION DEADLINE VIA

COMMBUYS)

DATE & TIME (EST): Friday July 24,2026 at 4:00 PM

EST

CONTACT INFORMATION

PURCHASING ENTITY: MassAbility

PROGRAM LEAD: KATHLEEN BIEBEL

EMAIL: mby-procurement@mass.gov

COMMBUYS HELP DESK: OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov |1-888-627-8283 OR 617-720-

PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

ELIGIBLE BIDDERS

This RFQ is restricted to users on the following Statewide Contract:

PRF76 Categories 2 and 3

RFQ NAME:

Education and Training, Capacity Building, and Leadership Development

ALTERNATE ID (AGENCY DOC #): MBYEDU&TRAIN27

SHORT DESCRIPTION To provide education and training, capacity building, and leadership development capacity across the agency

RFQ RELEASE DATE

TOTAL PROCUREMENT PERIOD: August 17,2026 through August 16,2029.

ACTIVITY CODES 2200

OBJECT CODES 2021/2007

ANNUAL TOTAL CONTRACT VALUE $ 145,000.00

mailto:mby-procurement@mass.gov mailto:OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov

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NOTICE OF AWARD

(COMMUNICATION VIA

COMMBUYS)

ESTIMATED DATE: Thursday August 06, 2026

Bidders are prohibited from communicating directly with any MassAbility employee regarding this RFQ except as specified in this RFQ, and no other individual Commonwealth employee or representative is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this RFR. Bidders may contact MassAbility’s CFO (Mauricio.Vasquez@mass.gov) if this RFQ is incomplete or information is missing. Bidders experiencing technical problems accessing information or attachments stored on COMMBUYS should contact the OSD Help Desk (see the document cover page for contact information).

I. Anticipated Number of Awards:

CHECK ONE (“X”) NUMBER OF VENDORS

☐ SINGLE CONTRACTOR

MULTIPLE

CONTRACTORS

MassAbility may award several vendors for Categories 2 and 3. MassAbility may award Categories 2 and 3 to the same vendor(s) or may select different vendors. MassAbility reserves the right to award multiple vendors for Categories 2 and 3 depending on the need. An award letter is not a guarantee that services will be requested; projects will be based on agency need, availability of funds and if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

II. Expected Duration of Contract:

CONTRACT DURATION

INITIAL DURATION August 17, 2026, through August 16,2028

RENEWAL OPTIONS One (1), One (1) year renewal option

TOTAL MAXIMUM DURATION

(CANNOT EXTEND BEYOND RFR END DATE) August 17/2026 through August 16,2029

III. Anticipated Funding The Current Year Budget for the resulting contract is up to: $145,000.00 The Total Budget for this contract is up to $435,000.00

IV. Availability of Funds

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All services provided under this RFQ are subject to appropriation and the availability of funds. In the event of a reduction, delay, or reallocation of funding, MassAbility will communicate with the Vendor(s) as early as practicable and may modify the scope of services, funding levels, or requirements. MassAbility may request the Vendor(s) to confirm ability and willingness to continue performance under any modified terms.

MassAbility may suspend, modify, or terminate a contract, in whole or in part, if MassAbility’s needs change such that services can no longer be appropriately provided under the original terms of this procurement, or if other circumstances arise requiring a significant change in services. In such cases, MassAbility will work with the Vendor, to the extent feasible, to support an orderly transition that prioritizes the agency’s needs.

CHECK ONE (“X”) WILL FEDERAL FUNDS BE USED TO FUND ANY PART OF CONTRACT(S)?

☐ No

☒ Yes

Any funds designated in the contract budget that are unspent in any fiscal year will not be available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.

The funding for any contract resulting from this procurement is conditioned upon receipt of federal and state funds.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Procurement Description

1.1 Purpose and Background

1.2 Scope of Work

1.3 Pricing and Compensation

1.4 Billing and Invoicing

2.0 Performance Requirements and Monitoring

3.0 Bidder Response & Evaluation Criteria

3.1 Scored Criteria

3.2 Bidder Response

4.0 Administrative Requirements

4.1 Submission of Bidder Response

4.2 Best Value Selection and Negotiation

4.3 Amendments to Solicitation

4.4 Alterations

4.5 Interviews and Oral Presentations

4.6 Best and final Offer (BAFO)

4.7 Requests for Correction or Clarification Terms

4.8 Ownership of Submitted Quotes

4.9 Public Records

4.10 Criminal Offender Record Check (CORI)

4.11 Privacy and Security

4.12 COMMBUYS Support

4.13 Small Business Purchasing Program

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1.0 Procurement Description

This RFQ is issued under the authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Statewide Contract PRF76 Management Consultants, Program Coordinators and Planners Services.

Only Vendors qualified and in good standing under that Statewide Contract are eligible to submit responses. The terms, conditions, specifications, and requirements of the underlying Statewide Contract are incorporated by reference into this RFQ. In the event of a conflict between this RFQ and the Statewide Contract, the terms of the Statewide Contract shall govern unless otherwise specified.

Purpose and Background MassAbility is committed to ensuring our workforce have access to a wide array of education and training, capacity building, and leadership development opportunities to support the knowledge, understanding, and skills of our staff to work effectively and provide robust services to individuals with disabilities in the Commonwealth. Through this RFQ, MassAbility is seeking vendors to provide an array of expertise in areas including, but not limited to, educational and training opportunities; programmatic and agency capacity building; and leadership, coaching, and communication development opportunities.

Statement of Work The purpose of this Request for Quote (RFQ) is for MassAbility to have the ability to engage in future work addressing our education and training, capacity building, and leadership development needs. MassAbility has 3 distinct needs as detailed below (Service 1; Service 2;

Service 3); bidders may apply to provide one, two, or all three Services.

These include:

Service 1. Professional Development and Training (Category 3)

MassAbility requires vendors to provide consultation, training design, and delivery of training to MassAbility staff, across all divisions, to support the agency’s learning priorities. Selected vendor(s) will work closely with the Office of Learning and Engagement to provide subject matter experts to deliver practical and pragmatic knowledge and skills practice in various growth areas to support program operations and enhancement; growth areas are reassessed overtime. Vendors will be expected to offer learning opportunities in a variety of ways: in-person, live-online (Zoom platform), e-learnings, micro lessons, etc. Bidders should address two or more growth areas in their responses. For example, growth areas may include (but are not limited to):

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• Providing Effective Customer Service and Resource Facilitation to the Disability Community o Interview techniques for engaging with individuals who present with challenging and complex needs.

o Communication strategies and techniques o Effective intake with the disability community

• Enhancing Case Management and Service Delivery o Writing effective service case notes o Trauma-informed supervision and service delivery o Supporting individuals with a criminal or sex offender background navigating housing and employment challenges

• Enhancing essential Hard and Soft Skills for the modern workplace o Time management & organizational skills o Conflict resolution and interpersonal conflict o Data informed decision-making skills

• Managing and Innovating with Technology in a Hybrid Workplace o Enhancing use of software applications (e.g., Teams, Zoom, Outlook) o Incorporating AI into the workplace o Maximizing use of MassAbility systems and platforms (e.g., OnBase, CMDB, MassAchieve)

Additional Considerations

• Delivery Mechanism: While trainings are primarily delivered through virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams) there are times when trainings will be in-person for content that requires more hands-on interaction and engagement. Vendors will have access to MassAbility’s virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom Webinar, Teams).

• Marketing: The vendor will create and provide all marketing collateral (e.g., constant contact invites, flyers) and provide MassAbility with the original source files of all materials.

• Content Development: The vendor will create all session materials and provide MassAbility with original source files. All content will be reviewed and approved by MassAbility prior to use in any trainings. Materials may include:

o PowerPoints and/or other related training materials.

o Digital marketing materials describing session topics and registration information.

• Accessibility: Vendor will ensure all materials conform to the latest Web Content

Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and Section 504 and Section 508 guidelines for Accessibility. This includes ensuring materials interface with screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), and have closed captioning, etc. where applicable. Any costs associated with above accessibility expectations are the responsibility of the vendor and should be inclusive within proposed rates/costs to MassAbility. MassAbility will manage registration logistics, ASL

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 8 and CART services, and provide vendors a list of attendees’ names to create Certificates of Attendance.

• Registration and Attendance Tracking: Vendors will support MassAbility in managing registration and attendance tracking for all workshops/trainings such as creating certificates of attendance and other related tasks

• Learner Considerations: The vendor(s) will be mindful that MassAbility staff (primary audience) include individuals of all educational backgrounds, race/ethnicities, disability statuses, etc. The approach and learning objectives should prioritize methodologies proven successful with adult learners and embrace the diversity of learners.

• Evaluating Success: The vendor(s) will develop and implement evaluations to assess outcomes and series effectiveness. A report outlining the findings and proposed changes will be provided to MassAbility. Vendor(s) will deliver a report, upon series completion outlining learner outcomes, engagement data (e.g., # of attendees per session, # of sessions completed), and proposed next steps.

• Ownership: MassAbility shall retain full ownership and is entitled to possession of the products, data, reports, and records created because of this RFQ and any modifying Agreements thereafter. The vendor acknowledges that it does not retain any intellectual property rights in the deliverables related to this RFQ, including proprietary data, and shall not disclose such data to any third party without the prior written consent of MassAbility or otherwise required by law.

Service 2. Capacity Building (Category 2)

MassAbility requires consultant support, sometimes informed and/or delivered by subject matter experts, to support the design, implementation, and coordination of program and/or agency specific initiatives to increase capacity in targeted areas. For this RFQ, there are two distinct asks:

• A) General capacity building support. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Model fidelity integration – Building internal mechanisms (e.g., fidelity checklists, peer reviews) to ensure programs are delivered as intended.

• Supervision structures – Supporting the establishment and execution of structured, reflective supervision models to support staff.

• Data to practice feedback loops – Developing and implementing supports for staff to analyze data and incorporate into service delivery strategies.

• Participant-centered and equitable program design – Developing formalized structures, service delivery models, and program materials that support inclusion and equity.

• Continuous quality improvement – Developing formalized processes and program workflows to ensure alignment with meeting program and agency goals and expectations.

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• B) Deaf culture and employment capacity building support. Currently MassAbility has the need for a subject matter expert in Deaf culture, Deaf employment, and vocational rehabilitation to support the design, implementation, and coordination of a specialized Employment Apprenticeship Program for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. This work should address:

o Systems Advisory Services – serving as a subject matter expert on Deaf culture, communication access, and community norms to ensure MassAbility’s program design and services delivery are culturally affirming and effective.

o Candidate Identification – working with the Business Relations Director and the Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCDs) to establish systems to identify and refer eligible participants for the apprenticeship program.

o Apprenticeship and Accommodation Liaising and Education – Advising Business Relations staff and employers on strategies to foster inclusive workplaces for deaf employees.

o Marketing and Communications – Partnering with MassAbility’s Communications Unit on marketing, communication, and language strategies.

Key deliverables for Deaf culture and employment capacity building include:

o Bi-weekly meetings with the Assistant Commissioner of Career Services and Workforce Development.

o An Employer Accommodation Guide – draft due by September 30, 2026, final due by March 31, 2027.

o Program progress reports (addressing placements, outcomes, etc.) – due quarterly to the Commissioner.

o Delivery of Deaf Awareness trainings, at a minimum, twice during engagement.

o Year-end program evaluation summary – due June 30, 2027.

Timeline – The Deaf culture and employment capacity building support is expected to span from the beginning of the contract period through June 30, 2027. The agency may choose to extend the work based on identified and emerging needs and/or available funding.

Bidders responding to Service 2 can respond to either or both elements A and/or B.

Service 3. Leadership Development (Category 3)

• One-on-one coaching o Designed to support individual staff around developing and honing their leadership skills.

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 10 o Should include but is not limited to: Alignment meeting with staff, supervisor and coach; Discovery and Intake; mid- and end-engagement review and report out meetings.

o Vendor will provide a regular schedule of leadership coaching over a defined period of time.

o Vendor will use leadership discovery/coaching tools (e.g., DISC), as well as provide relevant articles, as needed in the coaching process.

o Vendor will provide email support/correspondence as needed with the staff during business hours.

• Team leadership development, team building, change management, communication, and/or coaching o Designed to support identified staff through a team approach, with focus on skills development in leadership, team building, managing change management, effective communication, and coaching.

o Should include but is not limited to topics specific to: developing self;

developing others; developing a team; conflict navigation; delegation;

effective communication strategies.

o Vendor will use team leadership development tools (e.g., DISC), as well as provide relevant articles, as part of the team leadership development process.

o Vendor will provide email support/correspondence as needed to team leaders during business hours.

o Vendor will provide an example of what a team development engagement could look like.

o Vendor will, as needed and requested, present to agency executive leadership on model and approach, and provide updates throughout the period of engagement o Vendor will document leadership development and coaching work to memorialize the intent and specific activities of the engagement.

• Environmental Scan o Designed to identify barriers and facilitators within MassAbility systems to then articulate findings to programs and manager to support positive and productive change.

o Assess and document components including but not limited to: policies and procedures; workplace culture; change management; training and supervision; and leadership and management.

o Engage staff through surveys, interviews, and focus groups o Document overall program analysis and recommendations for short-term and long-term action items; document leadership and management-focused analysis and recommendations.

o Present analyses and recommendations to leadership, program staff, and other identified stakeholders.

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 11 o As needed, facilitate implementation sessions with relevant stakeholders to execute bridge-building actions, designed to build alignment of purpose and strengthen working relationships between fiscal and program stakeholders.

o Document a plan/policy/practice to memorialize the process with codifying documents that capture agreed-upon processes and tools to carry forward.

o Vendor will provide an example of what an environmental scan engagement could look like.

For each Service proposed the Vendor should provide a general idea of costs (e.g., hourly rates, deliverable-based costs). MassAbility understands that specifics regarding final rates and costs are project dependent and variable.

MassAbility will execute a Statement of Work (SOW) for every project goal with selected Vendor(s). The SOW will define the final scope, deliverables, timelines, staffing expectations, and payment structure associated with the resulting contract.

Pricing and Compensation This is a fee-for-service contract. Pricing and compensation will be agreed to and described in a resulting SOW. Vendors submitting quotes must include proposed hourly rates and/or deliverable rates specific to the elements of Services 1, 2, and/or 3. Vendors are encouraged to reference Statewide Contract PRF76 on all quotes and invoices. Pricing and compensation may be negotiated on a project-by-project basis.

Billing and Invoicing The Vendor shall submit invoices in accordance with the resulting Statement of Work (SOW), the applicable Statewide Contract requirements, and any additional instructions issued by MassAbility. Invoices must include sufficient details to support the requested payment, including applicable dates of service, deliverables completed, rates, units, or other supporting documentation as required by MassAbility.

All invoices must include:

• MassAbility Contract Number

• Vendor Name

• MassAbility Contact Name

• Date(s) of Service or Deliverable Completion

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• Invoice Number and Invoice Date

All invoices must reference Statewide Contract PRF76. MassAbility reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation prior to payment approval.

The Vendor shall submit invoices monthly for approved services delivered during the prior month. Unless otherwise specified, invoices must be submitted no later than the 15th calendar day following the end of the billing period.

All services funded within a fiscal year must be completed by June 30 of that fiscal year unless otherwise authorized by MassAbility. Invoices for fiscal year services must be submitted no later than July 31 of such fiscal year unless otherwise specified.

Services may not begin until all required contractual documents, including the applicable Statement of Work, have been fully executed by the parties. No prepayment will be made for products not yet delivered or services not yet rendered.

All invoicing for services provided under this RFR shall be submitted through Payment Vouchers (PVs) in accordance with MassAbility’s invoicing procedures. Detailed billing instructions and documentation requirements will be provided prior to the contract start date.

The Vendor is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all PVs. Vendors must submit invoices no later than fifteen (15) days following the close of each calendar month or within 15 days of deliverable acceptance. Issues and errors raised by MassAbility must be acknowledged and resolved within 10 (ten) business days of inquiry. Unresolved issues/errors may result in the imposition of sanctions and penalties.

All services must be delivered by June 30th of that fiscal year for payment under this RFR to be honored. All invoices must be received no later than July 31st in order to be processed.

Reimbursement is limited to contractually authorized services that have been delivered and properly documented. Required supporting documentation must substantiate the type, date, duration, and completion of services, and may include service logs, attendance records, progress notes, deliverable acceptance confirmation, and any other documentation specified by MassAbility.

2.0 Performance Requirements and Monitoring

MassAbility will monitor Vendor performance throughout the term of the resulting contract to ensure compliance with the requirements of the RFQ, the applicable Statewide Contract, and the resulting Statement of Work (SOW). Vendors will be required to meet regularly with MassAbility to review their performance under this contract. At a minimum, the Vendor

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 13 must participate in quarterly performance review meetings, which may occur more frequently during the initial program year and/or during periods of program development. At MassAbility’s discretion, additional individuals may participate in these reviews.

Performance reviews will address, as applicable to the identified project goal(s), performance measures, targets, and outcomes; communication and coordination with MassAbility; and overall contract compliance and adherence to service specifications.

Vendors will be expected to deliver services in a timely, professional, and effective manner consistent with the requirements identified in the SOW. Depending on the nature of the procurement, performance monitoring may include:

• Timeliness of service delivery

• Responsiveness and communication

• Quality and completeness of deliverables

• Compliance with required timelines

• Accuracy of reporting and billing

• Customer or stakeholder satisfaction

• Progress toward identified project or service objectives

Vendors may be required to submit periodic progress reports, status updates, or other supporting documentation as identified in the SOW.

Vendors must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations, and with any additional policies or procedures issued by MassAbility during the term of the contract.

Consistent with MassAbility’s commitment to continuous improvement, MassAbility will collaborate regularly with awarded vendors to strengthen contract management, improve outcomes, and adjust service delivery based on evidence of what is effective. To support this work, MassAbility may request additional data or metrics as needed to inform compliance monitoring, trend analysis, and performance evaluation.

Where concerns are identified through these reviews or through ongoing monitoring and can be corrected, the vendor will be given an opportunity to develop and implement a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). If a vendor’s performance is inadequate or breaches the terms of this solicitation including any incorporated attachments and agreements, MassAbility may suspend or terminate the contract.

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Corrective actions are intended to support timely improvement and successful contract performance. If concerns are not resolved despite corrective efforts, or if serious performance, quality, or professional conduct issues arise, MassAbility may take further action, up to and including modification, suspension, or termination of all or part of the contract.

3.0 Bidder Response & Evaluation Criteria

MassAbility will review each response using a clear and consistent evaluation process to understand how well each response meets the goals and requirements of this RFQ. Responses will be assessed based on the criteria outlined in this section. This process is intended to be fair, transparent, and focused on selecting vendors that are well-positioned to deliver effective services and positive outcomes.

Scored Criteria A Review Team will review, evaluate, and score each response based on the requirements listed below. Responses must clearly and fully address each required area within the stated page limit. Attachments, appendices, or work descriptions not specifically requested, or that exceed the stated page limits, will not be reviewed.

Responses will be evaluated primarily on the information provided in the Bidders Response.

Because all eligible Bidders are already qualified under the applicable Statewide Contract, evaluation will focus primarily on the Bidder’s proposed approach, staffing, responsiveness, and overall value for the requested work.

Consistent with a best-value procurement approach, MassAbility may also consider documented past performance, when available and relevant, including prior contract compliance, service quality, and demonstrated outcomes.

3.1.1 Rating Scale

Below Expectations 0 Points Response does not address the requirement, lacks sufficient detail, demonstrates significant gaps, or raises concerns regarding the Bidder’s ability to successfully perform the work.

Meets Expectations 1 Point Response adequately addresses the requirement and demonstrates the Bidder’s ability to successfully perform the work as described in this RFQ.

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Exceeds Expectations

2 Points Response clearly and thoroughly addresses the requirement, demonstrates a strong understanding of the work, and provides added value, strengths, or efficiencies that would benefit MassAbility.

Bidder Response

3.1.2 Page Limit and Format

Bidder responses must be no longer than 5 pages for each Service responding to (i.e., 1 Service = 5 pages; 2 Services = 10 pages; 3 Services = 15 pages). Responses should be single spaced with 12-point font.

3.1.3 Requirement 1: Proposed Approach and Implementation

Bidders should describe their proposed approach to delivering the Scope of Work outlined in Section 1 of this RFQ. Responses will be evaluated based on:

• Understanding of the requested work

• Feasibility and quality of the proposed approach

• Ability to meet timelines and deliverables

• Overall alignment to MassAbility’s needs

3.1.4 Requirement 2: Relevant Experience and Staffing

Bidders should demonstrate relevant experience performing work of similar scope and complexity. Responses may include:

• Relevant project experience

• Experience in comparable environments or populations

• Qualifications of proposed staff

• Availability and capacity to perform the work

Relevant experience may be supported through customer references demonstrating successful delivery of comparable work.

3.1.5 Requirement 3: Cost Response

Bidders must submit pricing consistent with the requested Scope of Work and any required pricing structure identified in this RFQ. Cost proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Overall reasonableness of pricing

• Alignment between proposed cost and proposed approach

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• Perceived value to MassAbility

4.0 Administrative Requirements

Submission of Bidder Response

4.1.1 File Format and Naming Conventions

All response documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or PDF formats. Zipped files and other formats will not be accepted.

All attachments that are uploaded in COMMBUYS must include the company name of the Bidder and the Solicitation Bid number.

4.1.2 Instructions for Submission of Forms and Questions

All responses must be submitted electronically using the online submission tools available to Bidders registered in COMMBUYS.

MassAbility will process the standard contract form electronically when possible.

Bidders should not submit signed copies of the standard contract form or the contractor authorized signatory listing posted on COMMBUYS with their proposal. These forms are posted for informational purposes only.

All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission in consideration of potential online submission impediments including internet traffic, internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. MassAbility is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission. Bids submitted via COMMBUYS are time-stamped by the COMMBUYS system clock which is considered the official time of record.

4.1.3 Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required

All Bidders 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 home or landing page. Bidders who are awarded a contract resulting from this Bid, if any, will be required to maintain an active COMMBUYS account for the duration of the Contract, by reviewing their registration information regularly and maintaining its accuracy.

4.1.4 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

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“Terms and Conditions” tab in COMMBUYS. Bidders do this by selecting “Save and Continue” on the “Terms and Conditions” tab after accepting the terms and conditions of the bid. By agreeing to this the submitter attests that they are an agent of the Bidder with authority to sign on the Bidder’s behalf, and that they have read and assented to each document’s terms.

Best Value Selection and Negotiation The Procurement Review Team or PRT may select the response(s) which demonstrates the best value overall, including proposed alternatives that will achieve the procurement goals of the department. The PRT and a selected bidder, or a contractor, may negotiate a change in any element of contract performance or cost identified in the original RFQ or the selected bidder’s or contractor’s response which results in lower costs or a more cost effective or better value than was presented in the selected bidder’s or contractor’s original response.

Amendments to Solicitation MassAbility reserves the right to make amendments to the solicitation after the initial publication. It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for any amendments, addenda, or modifications to this Bid. MassAbility and the Commonwealth accept 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.

Alterations Bidders may not alter (manually or electronically) the Bid language, or any Bid component files, except as directed in the RFQ. Modifications to the body of the Bid, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this Bid are prohibited and may disqualify a bid submission.

Interviews and Oral Presentations MassAbility reserves the right to conduct interviews or oral presentations to support or clarify Bidder responses with any or none of the Bidders. Bidder must attend the interview or presentation with essential project personnel. Failure of a Bidder to complete a scheduled interview or presentation may result in a rejection of that Bidder’s proposal.

Best and final Offer (BAFO) At its sole discretion, MassAbility may invite one or more Bidders to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) prior to award.

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Requests for Correction or Clarification Terms MassAbility, in its sole discretion and pursuant to 801 CMR 21.06(8), may determine whether a Bidder is eligible for a Response correction or clarification.

MassAbility shall determine whether to allow a correction of minor informalities in a Response. Minor informalities are matters of form rather than substance and include clerical errors or minimal or insignificant mistakes that can be corrected without prejudice to other Bidders. If a Bidder requires a correction or clarification, they may request in writing to MassAbility this requirement. If the mistake is discovered by MassAbility, MassAbility may request a correction or clarification of the Bidder in writing.

Ownership of Submitted Quotes MassAbility shall be under no obligation to return materials submitted by a Bidder in response to this Bid. All materials submitted by Bidders become the property of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will not be returned to the Bidder. The Commonwealth reserves the right to use any ideas, concepts, or configurations that are presented in a Bidder’s Quote, whether or not the Quote is selected for Contract award.

Quotes stored on COMMBUYS in the encrypted lockbox are the file of record. Bidders retain access to a “read-only” copy of this submission via COMMBUYS, as long as their account remains active. Bidders also may retain a traditional paper copy or electronic copy on a separate computer, or network drive or separate media, such as CD or DVD, as a backup.

Public Records All information, documents, and attachments submitted as a response to this RFQ are considered a public document subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., c.

66, s. 10, and to c. 4, sec. 7, sec. 26. Please be aware that checking the “confidential” box in COMMBUYS may not bar these documents from release as a public record pursuant to these statutes once the procurement is awarded, unless statutorily exempt from disclosure.

Criminal Offender Record Check (CORI) Employees of awarded bidders are also subject to regulations requiring Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) checks in accordance with Executive Office of Health and Human Services (“EOHHS”) regulations at 101 CMR 15.00. A Massachusetts CORI check is required for any person employed by EOHHS or an EOHHS-agency or their vendor programs whose position entails the potential for unsupervised contact with individuals receiving services from MassAbility. Additional guidance, forms, and information for https://www.mass.gov/doc/801-cmr-21-procurement-of-commodities-or-services-including-human-and-social-services/download

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 19 organizations subject to the CORI regulations may be found at 101 CMR 15.00, including guidance on how to properly process EOHHS mandated CORI checks, is available at:

https://www.mass.gov/lists/guidance-and-information-for-organizations-subject-to-the-cori-regulations-at-101-cmr-1500. A copy of the EOHHS CORI regulations at 101 CMR 15.00 may be accessed at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/criminal-offender-record-checks-effective-april-21-2017/download.

Privacy and Security In performance of its duties under the Contract, awarded Bidders shall comply with all obligations, and awarded Bidders must comply with M.G.L. c. 66A, M.G.L. c. 93H, M.G.L. c.

6, §84, 107 CMR 2.00 et seq.; 34 CFR 361.38; and the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules (45 CFR Part 160 and Part 164, Subparts A and E), 42 CFR 431, Subpart F, 42 CFR Part 2, and any other applicable federal or state law or regulation pertaining to the use, disclosure, maintenance, privacy, confidentiality or security of Protected Information (“PI”), which shall be defined as any “personal data” as defined in M.G.L. c. 66A, any “personal information” as defined in M.GL. c. 93H, and any other individually identifiable information that is treated as confidential under State or Federal Law (including, but not limited to, any state and federal tax return information) that the awarded Bidder uses, maintains, discloses, receives, creates, transmits or otherwise obtains in connection with its performance of its duties. Any PI created or maintained by the awarded Bidder pursuant to the Contract, shall only be used for the purposes stated in the Contract. As of the Contract effective date, the awarded Bidder shall implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that reasonably and appropriately protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PI and that prevent use or disclosure of such PI other than as provided for the Contract.

COMMBUYS Support For support using COMMBUYS, refer to the following link for OSD official resources for Vendors: https://www.mass.gov/lists/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys

Small Business Purchasing Program Program Background

The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) was established pursuant to Executive Order 599 to increase state contracting opportunities with small businesses having their principal place of business within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Pursuant to the SBPP, it is the intention of the issuing department to award this Small Procurement to one or more SBPP participating business(es) as described below.

SBPP Award Preference https://www.mass.gov/lists/guidance-and-information-for-organizations-subject-to-the-cori-regulations-at-101-cmr-1500 https://www.mass.gov/lists/guidance-and-information-for-organizations-subject-to-the-cori-regulations-at-101-cmr-1500 https://www.mass.gov/doc/criminal-offender-record-checks-effective-april-21-2017/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/criminal-offender-record-checks-effective-april-21-2017/download https://www.mass.gov/lists/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys https://www.mass.gov/sbpp https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-523-establishing-the-massachusetts-small-business-purchasing-program

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 | 20

While all businesses, no matter the size or principal place of business, may submit responses to this solicitation, should an SBPP participant respond and meet the best value criteria as described in this solicitation, the SBPP participant shall be awarded the contract. The Strategic Sourcing Services Team (SSST) will not evaluate submissions from non-SBPP participants unless no SBPP Bidder meets the SSST’s best value evaluation criteria.

SBPP Participation Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in this procurement as an SBPP participant, an entity must meet the following criteria, and be marked as an SBPP-registered business in COMMBUYS:

1. Have its principal place of business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

2. Been in business for at least one year;

3. Employ a combined total of 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in all locations, or employees work less than a combined total of 26,000 hours per quarter;

and

4. Have gross revenues, as reported on appropriate tax forms, of $15 million or less, based on a three-year average.

Non-profit firms also must be registered as a non-profit or charitable organization with the MA Attorney General’s Office and be up to date with all filings required by that office and be tax exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

https://www.commbuys.com/bso/