26MAPROMS2| Catering, Conference Space and overnight Accommodations MA

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking prequalified vendors for a Master Agreement covering catering services, conference spaces, and overnight accommodations across the Commonwealth. This procurement (COMMBUYS Bid #BD-26-1026-DOE02-DOE01-118901) will establish a vendor list for DESE, Early Education and Care, Children's Trust Fund, Department of Higher Education, and other executive branch agencies. Vendors can bid on one or multiple service categories: catering, conference space, or overnight accommodations, with the ability to serve multiple Massachusetts counties. The contract runs from the approval date through June 30, 2030, with two potential 24-month renewals, and requires vendors to have a minimum of two years of business experience. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including a bid response form, municipal health licenses, reference letters, menu information, and pricing details. Key evaluation criteria include supplier diversity (5-25 points), references, service capabilities, sample quotes, dietary options, pricing clarity, and venue amenities. The bid will remain open for rolling enrollment until June 28, 2030, at 12:00 PM ET, with all submissions required through the COMMBUYS website.

The Commonwealth mandates a Supplier Diversity Program requiring bidders to commit at least 1% of contract sales to certified diverse businesses, including Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Disability-Owned, and LGBTQ+ Business Enterprises. At least 25% of evaluation points will be allocated to assessing the supplier diversity plan, with additional points awarded for higher commitment percentages. Vendors must use the Supplier Diversity Office Directory to verify potential partners and provide annual spending reports demonstrating compliance. The procurement encourages participation from Massachusetts-based small businesses, defined as having 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and gross revenues of $15 million or less. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the Commonwealth reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors to ensure service availability. Vendors must also comply with Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check requirements, particularly for personnel who may have direct contact with children in educational settings. The contract does not guarantee service purchases, with individual agencies responsible for their own invoicing and purchase orders.