Waquoit Bay Boat Build RFR Final 4.28.25.pdf

Updated: August XX, 2021

ISSUE DATE: April 28, 2025

Purchasing Department DCR / Waquoit Bay Reserve

Address PO Box 3092 / 131 Waquoit Highway

City, State Zip Code Waquoit, MA 02536

Procurement Contact Person Sheri Hall

Telephone Number 774-255-4260

Fax Number NA

E-Mail Address Sheri.hall@mass.gov

RFR Name/Title Waquoit Bay, Boat Building Contract

RFR Number DCR 959

COMMBUYS Bid Number BD-25-1020-DCRCU-DC250-115221

1. Description or Purpose of Procurement:

The vendor under this MSA will be authorized to supply boat building services, boat and navigational equipment, parts, and supplies as necessary to provide a 24’ welded aluminum high speed landing craft with specialized parameters as noted in this RFR. This request is being submitted as these services are not currently covered by any statewide or departmental contract. This request is necessary to support the Reserve’s unique research program funded under Waquoit Bay’s annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) federal grant.

2. Applicable Procurement Law

Check Appropriate

Box (“X”):

Type of Purchase Applicable Laws

Executive Branch Goods and Services

Goods and Services MGL c. 7, § 22; c. 30, § 51, § 52; 801 CMR

21.00

Human and Social Services MGL c. 7, § 22, § 22N; c. 30, § 51, § 52; 801

CMR 21.00; 808 CMR 1.00

Legal Services MGL c. 30, § 51, § 52 and § 65; c. 7, § 22;

and 801 CMR 21.01(2) (b)

Grants MGL c. 7A, § 7; St. 1986 c. 206, § 17; 815

CMR 2.00

3. Acquisition Method:

mailto:Sheri.hall@mass.gov

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE

Waquoit Bay, Boat Building Contract

RFR # DCR 959 / COMMBUYS Bid# BD-25-1020-DCRCU-DC250-115221

Check All Applicable (“X”): Category

Fee-For-Service

Outright Purchase

Rental (not to exceed 6 months)

Term Lease

License

Other: Four payments, each corresponding to a completed task.

4. Whether Single or Multiple Contractors are Required for Contract:

Check One (“X”):

Single Contractor

Multiple Contractors

a. Estimated Number of Awards

The target maximum number of Contractors is 1; the Purchasing Department may award more or fewer contracts, if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

b. Adding Contractors after initial Contract Award [N/A]

If, over the life of the contract, the Purchasing Department determines that additional Contractors may be added, these may be drawn from qualified companies that responded to this Solicitation and not awarded Contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth, the Solicitation may be reopened to obtain additional Bids.

5. Entities Eligible to Use the Resulting Contract

Check One (“X”): Eligible Entities

Limited User Contract – Restricted to Use by Defined Entities Only. Any Contract(s) resulting from this Bid will be open for use by the issuing Purchasing Department and the following other entities:

• [N/A]

Limited User Contract – Restricted to Use by Issuing Entity Only.

6. Expected Duration of Contract (Initial Duration and any Options to Renew):

Contract Duration

Number of Options Number of

Years/Months Instructions

Initial

10 months

This contract will expire on December 31, 2025, in accordance with Waquoit Bay’s federal grant funds allocated for this project.

Renewal Options

NA

Total Maximum Contract

10 months

7. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding, or Compensation:

Estimated Value of Procurement: $149,000

8. Contract Performance and Business Specifications:

Scope of Services:

The following Scope of Work is for a 24' welded aluminum high speed landing craft, detailed drawings will be submitted for approval prior to construction.

General Specifications:

Hull Length: 24 feet Beam: +- 8.5 feet Transom Deadrise: + -16 degrees Person and Cargo Capacity: Approx. 2000 lbs.

Propulsion: Single 200hp Suzuki Four Stroke Outboard Motor Fuel Capacity: up to 125 gallons Bow Door Clearance: 70 inches Bottom Plating: ¼ inch 5086-H116 Side Plating: ¼ inch 5052-H32 Deck Plating: 3/16 inch 5052-H32 Centerline Vertical Keel (CVK): 3/8" x 4" 6061-T6

Welding:

The hull and superstructure shall be constructed of marine grade aluminum and MIG welded throughout.

All weld seams in the hull shall be welded 100%, both interior & exterior.

An argon inert shielding gas shall be used for all aluminum welding to ensure proper weld penetration and reduce the occurrence of weld porosity.

Welding shall be performed in accordance with American Welding Society Structural Welding Code for Aluminum. All surface areas shall be mill finish, with no grind marks, splatters, or blemishes.

Hull Package:

24' modified vee hull landing craft incorporating a 70" wide bow door.

Hull shall include two structural bulkheads; the forward collision bulkhead shall be watertight. the deck shall be self-bailing with scuppers aft.

A watertight inspection hatches shall be installed to provide access to all below deck compartments and shall be sealed with gaskets.

Hull:

1¼" Sch 40 pipe safety railings shall be installed 32" above main deck along port & starboard sides from stern to midship.

Two (2) large pipe drains in the stern shall create a self-bailing main deck. Drains and scuppers shall be sized and installed in accordance with ABYC deck drainage requirements.

One (1) 1/4" x 4" Beaching wear plate shall be installed on the bow forefoot.

Six (6) 1O" welded aluminum cleats shall be installed. (3 Per Side)

A¾" an aluminum double pad eye shall be welded on centerline of the bow.

The transom shall be setup for outboard power and set at 103 degrees off baseline for proper outboard trim.

The motor well shall be self-bailing via two 2.5" pipe drains running out through transom. Drains shall be equipped with rubber flappers to divert water from entering slop well when operating the boat in reverse.

The stern shall incorporate port and starboard corner rigging lockers, framing the motor well. Lockers will house batteries and fuel filter systems and offer general storage. Both lockers will be outfitted with welded aluminum gasketed weatherproof hatches.

The hull shall incorporate a pipe gunnel and a half pipe spray rail mid-way down the bulwark’s length of the hull.

Console:

A 48" wide 3-sided console T-top with safety glass fixed windows shall be installed aft on centerline with 55" wide x 72" long roof.

Center console locker shall have a door with gasket seal and will lock in the closed position. One (1) 15" x 24" welded aluminum deck hatches shall be installed on the main deck.

Two (2) Diver's Dream Mini 2.25 lb. zinc anodes shall be installed on brackets that are welded to the transom.

One (1) Set of tie down rails shall be installed. Tie down rails consist of 1.25" sch 40 pipe installed above the main deck on port and starboard sides with 4" of clearance below the pipe.

The main deck shall include the applicable mounts and reinforcements for the future inclusion of a bow mounted A-Frame. (structure and prep only)

Angled aluminum control console, and a flush mounted bolt on console access panel on the forward side of the console for ease of maintenance and future upgrades.

The alt side of the console shall include 3/16" welded aluminum weatherproof hatches with 1 -1/2" angle aluminum frame, key lockable 316 series stainless-steel "T" handle latches, welded 100mm aluminum hinges with grease fitting and stainless-steel pins, and 1/8" thick PORON neoprene hatch seal.

The T-top roof shall incorporate 1" pipe roof railings, and vertical grab rails on port and starboard sides.

Two (2) Cup holders shall be installed at the console.

A two-person upholstered leaning post/seat, with a fold-down footrest shall be installed at the console.

Davit:

A 3" pipe davit rated at 500lbs. working load shall be installed. Davit is 80" high with 42" reach, swivels 360 degrees and is lockable every 90 degrees.

A maximum capacity plaque stating the vessels maximum safe transverse heeling moment shall be installed along with an inclinometer.

A Them stainless steel manual hand crank winch shall be installed on the davit. Winch is spooled with 30' of stainless-steel line terminating with an eyelet and shackle.

A glass-reinforced nylon open face snatch block rated at 700Ibs. deadweight shall be supplied.

Towing:

A 3" Sch 80 aluminum pipe tow bit with 1" 316 stainless crucifix pin shall be installed alt on centerline.

The towing bitt shall be sized to accept one round turn and three figure eights of the towline.

Stern guards and Platforms:

Small, welded aluminum swim step shall be installed on the port and starboard sides of the transom.

Electrical System:

The vessel's electrical system shall be 12vDC.

Cables should be routed in wire-ways wherever possible. Wherever exposed to potential damage, cables shall be protected with rubber.

Electrical cable shall be sized in accordance with the American Boat & Yacht Council.

All electrical cables shall be marked in accordance with the markings in electrical drawings. All electrical switches shall be of a heavy-duty type and properly insulated.

The electrical system shall be grounded. In any case the hull shall not be used as part of a galvanic feeding loop.

12y DC Accessories:

One (1) 12V 6 position waterproof distribution panel shall be installed on the console.

One (1) 12V self-parking windshield wiper shall be installed on the forward windshield. The wiper assembly consists of a fully sealed, marine rated wiper motor fitted with a heavy-duty pantographic wiper arm and matching blade.

One (1) 12V air trumpet horn shall be installed with momentary push button on dash. One (1) 12VDC power receptacle with weather cover shall be installed.

One (1) Dual USB outlet with weather cover shall be installed in the vessel. Outlet has one USB A and one USB-C port.

Lighting:

LED navigation lights shall be installed to USCG requirements.

One (1) 12V LED red/white dome light shall be installed over the operator.

Two (2) Rigid Industries D-Series Pro 3" LED Flood lights shall be installed on the T-top roof. Each is rated at 3168 lumens of output.

One remote controlled Spotlight located atop the wheelhouse.

Divers Door:

A 36” wide divers door shall be installed aft of the davit allowing a load to be swung inboard from the davit. The door shall be fitted with hinges and latches to secure in both the open and closed positions. A replaceable rubber gasket seals the side door watertight when closed.

Bow Door:

A 70-inch-wide drop-down gasketed bow door shall be installed to enable personnel and equipment transport. The hull shall incorporate port and starboard bow lockers framing the door opening.

An electric bow door winch with brake shall be installed on the port side bow locker for opening and closing the bow door, switch to be mounted on center console.

A 35-foot stainless steel winch cables run through stainless steel cheek pulleys on each side of the door providing equal tension on both sides when opened and closed. Aluminum roller sheaves shall be installed on the gunnel.

The bow door shall be outfitted with two (2) ¾" stainless steel positive locking pins to prevent the bow door from opening while underway.

A replaceable rubber gasket seals the bow door watertight when closed.

The inside face of the bow door shall be double plated for a smooth working surface.

Fuel System:

A 125-gallon non-integral fuel tank shall be installed complete with fill, vent, 12V sender and fuel level gauge on console. Fuel tank shall be built from ¼" plate, pressure tested to 4 psi and bolted into hull framing using doublers and stainless-steel fasteners. 12” Inspection hatches to be above the tank sending unit

One (1) fuel filter/water separator shall be installed complete with shut off valve. Filter to be Racor 320 or equivalent.

Fuel system shall comply with U.S. diurnal emission standards.

Outboard Engine

A single 200 HP Suzuki four-stroke outboard engine (Model DF200ATXS) with 25" shaft and stainless-steel propeller shall be installed.

A hydraulic steering system shall be installed. Installation includes a helm pump, steering cylinder and lines.

A two-battery engine start bank shall be installed. Batteries are connected by a selector switch, allowing the engine to be started via either battery or with both batteries in parallel.

The main helm station shall be installed with mechanical single-engine binnacle control, throttle and shift cables, Suzuki SMG4 digital display, and key switch with emergency shutoff lanyard.

Vessel speed and fuel data to the SMG4 digital display shall be supplied pertinent data via a GPS signal and Wema fuel level sender.

Sea Trials:

Vessel shall undergo testing (Sea Trials) after completion to verify proper function and performance of all systems.

Trailer:

Vessel shall include one (1) 7,000Ib capacity galvanized tandem axle bunk trailer complete with disc brakes, ball receiver, manual strap winch, safety chain, heavy duty jack stand, DOT approved lighting, spare tire with carrier.

Paint and Graphic Markings:

A U.S. Coast Guard rating placard shall be installed at the dash.

A bow door warning placard shall be installed adjacent to the bow door.

The hull shall be bottom painted.

Shipping:

Shipping of the completed vessel and trailer to Waquoit Bay, MA shall be provided.

Documentation and Keys:

One (1) Operation & Maintenance Manual shall be supplied with the craft. Includes OEM technical literature for all supplied equipment, operator/safety instructions, as-built boat drawings, as-built electrical system drawings.

Vessel to include two (2) complete ignition key sets.

Original Bill of Sale and Manufacturer's Statement of Origin documents shall be delivered with the boat conveying free and clear title(s).

Fiscal Terms:

Tasks for this build will be broken down into 4 separate sections and equal payments given accordingly.

Each of these milestones will be reviewed and approved, in writing, by Waquoit Bay’s Forest and Park Supervisor III (FPIII):

Installment #1: Design plans are received from vendor and approved by FPIII Installment #2: Three months into build and signed off on by FPIII Installment #3: Six months into build and signed off on by FPIII Installment #4: Completion of build as per agreed upon specifications and signed off on by FPIII

9. Small Business Purchasing Program REQUIRED

Program Background

The Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) was established pursuant to Executive

Order 523 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 https://www.mass.gov/sbpp https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-523-establishing-the-massachusetts-small-business-purchasing-program https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-523-establishing-the-massachusetts-small-business-purchasing-program issuing department to award this Small Procurement to one or more SBPP participating business(es) as described below.

SBPP Award Preference

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.

SBPP Compliance Requirements

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their SBPP status is current at the time of submitting a response and throughout the life of any resulting contract. Misrepresentation of SBPP status will result in disqualification from consideration, and may result in debarment, contract termination, and other actions. To learn more about the SBPP, including how to apply, visit the SBPP Webpage.

Program Resources and Assistance

Bidders and Contractors seeking assistance regarding SBPP may visit the SBPP webpage, http://www.mass.gov/sbpp, or contact the SBPP Help Desk at sbpp@mass.gov.

https://www.commbuys.com/bso/ http://www.mass.gov/sbpp http://www.mass.gov/sbpp mailto:sbpp@mass.gov

10. Supplier Diversity Plan (SDP) Plan N/A (SDP NOT REQUIRED)

Program Background

Pursuant to Executive Order 565, the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) promotes business-to-business relationships between awarded Contractors and diverse businesses and non-profit organizations (“SDP Partners”) certified or recognized (see below for more information) by the Supplier

Diversity Office (SDO).

Financial Commitment Requirements

All Bidders responding to this solicitation are required to make a significant financial commitment (“SDP

Commitment”) to partnering with one or more SDO-certified or recognized diverse business enterprise(s) or non-profit organization(s). This SDP Commitment must be expressed as a percentage of contract sales resulting from this solicitation that would be spent with the SDP Partner(s).

After contract award (if any), the Total SDP Commitment shall become a contractual requirement to be met annually on a Massachusetts fiscal year basis (July 1 – June 30) for the duration of the contract. The minimum acceptable Total SDP Commitment in response to this solicitation shall be 1%. Bidders shall be awarded additional evaluation points for higher SDP Commitments.

No contract shall be awarded to a Bidder without an SDP Commitment that meets the requirements stated herein. This requirement extends to all Bidders regardless of their own supplier diversity certification.

Eligible SDP Partner Certification Categories

SDP Partners must be business enterprises and/or non-profit organizations certified or recognized by the SDO in one or more of the following certification categories:

• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

• Minority Non-Profit Organization (M/NPO)

• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

• Women Non-Profit Organization (W/NPO)

• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)

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

• Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprise (LBGTBE) https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-565-reaffirming-and-expanding-the-massachusetts-supplier-diversity-program https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-the-supplier-diversity-program-sdp https://www.mass.gov/supplier-diversity-office https://www.mass.gov/supplier-diversity-office

Eligible Types of Business-to-Business Relationships

Bidders and Contractors may engage SDP Partners as follows:

• Subcontracting, defined as a partnership in which the SDP partner is involved in the provision of products and/or services to the Commonwealth.

• Ancillary Products and Services, defined as a business relationship in which the SDP partner provides products or services that are not directly related to the Contractor’s contract with the

Commonwealth but may be related to the Contractor’s own operational needs.

Other types of business-to-business relationships are not acceptable under this contract. All provisions of this RFR applicable to subcontracting shall apply equally to the engagement of SDP Partners as subcontractors.

Program Flexibility

The SDP encompasses the following provisions to support Bidders in establishing and maintaining sustainable business-to-business relationships meeting their needs:

• SDP Partners are not required to be subcontractors.

• SDP Partners are not required to be Massachusetts-based businesses.

• SDP Partners may be changed or added during the term of the contract, provided the

Contractor continues to meet its SDP Commitment.

SDP Plan Form Requirements N/A

All Bidders must complete the SDP Plan Form included in this solicitation and attach it to their bid response. In addition to proposing an SDP Commitment, each Bidder must propose one or more SDP

Partner(s) to utilize to meet its SDP Commitment. Certified diverse Bidders may not list their own companies, or their subsidiaries or affiliates, as SDP Partners and may not meet their SDP Commitment by spending funds internally or with their own subsidiaries or affiliates.

Bidders may propose SDP Partners that are:

• Certified or recognized by the SDO: Such partners appear in the SDO Directory of Certified

Businesses or in the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs VetBiz Vendor Information Pages directory.

After contract award (if any), spending with such partners will contribute to meeting the

Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

https://www.sdo.osd.state.ma.us/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectory.aspx https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/basic-search/

• Not yet certified or recognized by the SDO: Such partners must be certified in eligible categories by a third-party certification body, such as another city or state supplier diversity certification office, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women Business

Enterprise National Council, Disability: IN, or the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), but are not listed in the above-mentioned directories. Self-certification is not acceptable. While

Bidders may list such proposed SDP Partners on their SDP Plans, spending with such partners will not contribute to meeting the Contractor’s SDP Commitment unless they apply for and are granted SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition. If proposed SDP Partners do not receive SDO supplier diversity certification or recognition, the Contractor must find alternative

SDP Partners to meet the SDP Commitment.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that their proposed SDP Partners obtain such certification or recognition by the SDO after contract award (if any). The issuing department and the

SDO will not conduct outreach to proposed SDP Partners to ensure their certification. Furthermore, no guarantee may be made that a proposed SDP Partner will be certified, or regarding the time it may take to process a proposed SDP Partner certification. Contractors may direct partners to the SDO’s homepage, www.mass.gov/sdo and the Certification Self-Assessment Tool for guidance on applying for certification.

It is desirable for Bidders to provide an SDP Focus Statement that describes the Bidder’s overall approach to increasing the participation of diverse businesses in the provision of products and services under this proposal/contract (subcontracting) and in the Bidder’s general business operations (ancillary products and services). Such a description may include but not be limited to:

• A clearly stated purpose or goal.

• Specific types of diverse and small businesses targeted.

• Which departments/units within the business are responsible for implementing supplier diversity.

• Types of opportunities for which diverse and small businesses are considered.

• Specific measures/methods of engagement of diverse and small businesses.

• An existing internal supplier diversity policy.

• Public availability of the Bidder’s supplier diversity policy.

It also is desirable for Bidders to use the SDP Plan Form to describe additional creative initiatives (if any) related to engaging, buying from, and/or collaborating with diverse businesses. Such initiatives may include but not be limited to:

• Serving as a mentor in a mentor-protégé relationship.

• Technical and financial assistance provided to diverse businesses.

• Participation in joint ventures between nondiverse and diverse businesses.

https://nmsdc.org/mbes/mbe-certification/ https://www.wbenc.org/certification/ https://www.wbenc.org/certification/ https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/supplier-diversity/get-certified/ https://www.nglcc.org/get-certified file:///C:/Users/bborchrote/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/002B2JQ1/www.mass.gov/sdo https://www.mass.gov/forms/take-the-certification-self-assessment

• Voluntary assistance programs by which nondiverse business employees are loaned to diverse businesses or by which diverse business employees are taken into viable business ventures to acquire training and experience in managing business affairs.

Evaluation of SDP Forms

To encourage Bidders to develop substantial supplier diversity initiatives and commitments as measures valuable to the Commonwealth, at least 25% of the total available evaluation points for this bid solicitation shall be allocated to the evaluation of the SDP Plan submissions. Because the purpose of the

SDP is to promote business-to-business partnerships, the Bidders’ workforce diversity initiatives will not be considered in the evaluation.

SDP Spending Reports and Compliance

After contract award, Contractors shall be required to provide reports demonstrating compliance with the agreed-upon SDP Commitment as directed by the department, which in no case shall be less than annually.

Spending with SDP Partners that appear in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses or in the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs VetBiz Vendor Information Pages directory shall be counted toward a Contractor’s compliance with their SDP Commitment. Spending with SDP Partners that do not appear in the directories above shall not be counted toward meeting a Contractor’s SDP Commitment.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure they meet their SDP Commitment. The SDO and the issuing department assume no responsibility for any Contractor’s failure to meet its SDP Commitment.

SDP Spending Verification

The SDO and the contracting department reserve the right to contact SDP Partners at any time to request that they attest to the amounts reported to have been paid to them by the Contractor.

Program Resources and Assistance

Contractors seeking assistance in the development of their SDP Plans or identification of potential SDP

Partners may visit the SDP webpage, www.mass.gov/sdp, or contact the SDP Help Desk at sdp@mass.gov.

11. Environmentally Preferable Products https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/basic-search/ https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/basic-search/ http://www.mass.gov/sdp mailto:sdp@mass.gov

Products and services purchased by state agencies must be in compliance with Executive Order 515, issued October 27, 2009. Under this Executive Order, Executive Departments are required to reduce their impact on the environment and enhance public health by procuring environmentally preferable products and services (EPPs) whenever such products and services perform to satisfactory standards and represent best value, consistent with 801 CMR 21.00. In line with this directive, all Contracts, whether departmental or statewide, must comply with the specifications and guidelines established by OSD and the EPP Program. EPPs are products and services that help to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, protect public health and the environment, and promote the use of clean technologies, recycled materials, and less toxic products. Bid responses must identify how a contractor meets these goals.

12. Evaluation Criteria

Contractors must submit responses that meet all the submission requirements of the RFR. Only responsive proposals that meet the submission requirements will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by the evaluation team according to the evaluation criteria. Additional information may be requested for evaluation purposes.

https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-515-establishing-an-environmental-purchasing-policy?_ga=2.237660352.1741219494.1633353146-758386467.1632336759

13. Instructions for Submission of Responses:

Only electronic quotes submitted via COMMBUYS will be accepted in response to this RFR. Responses must be sent via the “Create Quote” functionality in COMMBUYS. For instructions concerning how to submit a Quote, please see Appendix B.

Any submission that fails to meet the submission requirements of the RFR will be found non-responsive without further evaluation unless the evaluation team, at its discretion, determines that the non-compliance is insubstantial and may be corrected. In these cases, the evaluation team may allow the vendor to make minor corrections to the submission.

14. Estimated Procurement Calendar

Procurement Activity Date Time

Announcement of Intent to Procure

Bid Release Date 04/28/2025 12:00 PM

Deadline for Submission of Questions through COMMBUYS “Bid Q&A”

05/5/2025 5:00 pm

Official Answers for Bid Q&A published

(Estimated)

05/6/2025 5:00 pm

Bid Amendment Deadline / Online Quote

Submission Begins. Bid documents will not be amended after this date.

05/7/2025 5:00 pm

Deadline for Quotes/Bid Responses (“Bid

Opening Date/Time” in COMMBUYS)

05/14/2025 1:00 PM

Notification of Apparent Successful

Bidder(s) (Estimated)

05/15/2025

Estimated Contract Start Date 06/01/2025

Bidders are required to monitor COMMBUYS for changes to the procurement calendar for this Bid.

a. Online Questions (Bid Q&A)

Written Questions must be entered using the “Bid Q&A” tab for the Bid in COMMBUYS no later than the

“Online Questions Due” date and time indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above). The issuing department reserves the right to not respond to questions submitted after this date. It is the

Bidder’s responsibility to verify receipt of questions.

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain an active registration in COMMBUYS and to keep current the email address of the Bidder’s contact person and prospective contract manager, if awarded a contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the Purchasing Department, including requests for clarification. The Purchasing

Department and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Bidder’s/awarded

Contractor’s designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s computer, network, or internet service provider (ISP) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Bidder/Awarded contractor and the Purchasing

Department to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

Written Responses to Questions will be released on or about the “Responses to Questions Posted

Online” date indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above).

(Written questions and responses will be posted on the Bid Q&A Tab for this Bid in COMMBUYS.)

b. Bid Amendment Deadline [N/A]

The Purchasing Department reserves the right to make amendments to the Bid after initial publication.

It is each Bidder’s responsibility to check COMMBUYS for amendments, addenda, or modifications to this Bid, and any Bid Q&A records related to this Bid. The Purchasing Department 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.

c.Quotes (Bid Responses) Deadline (Bid Opening Date/Time)

See the Quotes (Bid Responses) Deadline (Bid Opening) Date and Time indicated in the Estimated

Procurement Calendar (above).

d. Estimated Contract Start Date

The approximate start date will be schedule on or before March 1, 2025. This is the approximate start date. The actual start date will be the Contract Effective Date which is the date the Contract is executed by the parties.

15. Required Forms

Responses to this RFR must contain the following:

Check if applicable (“X”)

Form/Document Notes/Instructions (If any)

Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

Request for Taxpayer Identification Number & Certification (Massachusetts Substitute W-9 Form)

Standard Contract Form and Instructions

Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing

Authorization for Electronic Funds Transfer Electronic Submission

Additional Environmentally Preferable Products/Practices

Electronic Submission

Supplier Diversity Plan Form (SDP Plan Commitment)

Electronic Submission

Prompt Payment Discount Form Electronic Submission

Business Reference Form Electronic Submission

The above attachments are available as part of the Bid record on COMMBUYS

(WWW.COMMBUYS.COM).

http://www.commbuys.com/

16. RFR Attachments

Appendix A: Required Specifications https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-of-commodities-and-services

Appendix B: Electronic Quote Submission Instructions https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-for-vendors-responding-to-bids

Appendix C: Required Specifications for Information Technology [N/A] https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-for-information-technology/download

Appendix D: RFR – Other Specifications

Effective June 15, 2021, for all 1) CTR forms, including the Standard Contract Form, W-9s, Electronic

Funds Transfer (EFT) forms, ISAs, and other CTR-issued documents and forms, or 2) documents related to state finance and within the statutory area of authority or control of CTR (i.e. contracts, payrolls, and related supporting documentation), CTR will accept signatures executed by an authorized signatory in any of the following ways: 1. Traditional “wet signature” (ink on paper); 2.

Electronic signature that is either: a. Hand drawn using a mouse or finger if working from a touch screen device; or Page 2 b. An uploaded picture of the signatory’s hand drawn signature 3.

Electronic signatures affixed using a digital tool such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign. If using an electronic signature, the signature must be visible, include the signatory’s name and title, and must be accompanied by a signature date. Please be advised that typed text of a name not generated by a digital tool such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign, even in computer-generated cursive script, or an electronic symbol, are not acceptable forms of electronic signature.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-of-commodities-and-services https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-for-vendors-responding-to-bids https://www.mass.gov/doc/instructions-for-vendors-responding-to-bids https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfr-required-specifications-for-information-technology/download