AD Project # 202508300 Dept. of Children and Families, Auburn, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, etc.

The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) is seeking a ten-year office lease for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish a service office in Worcester County. The procurement targets approximately 23,600 square feet of usable area, with flexibility to accept spaces between 21,500 and 25,500 square feet located within specific municipalities including Auburn, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Clinton, Grafton, Harvard, Lancaster, Milbury, Shrewsbury, Sterling, West Boylston, or Worcester. The proposed facility will serve DCF's operational needs, including administrative spaces for 152 staff, social work clusters, client service areas, and support infrastructure such as conference rooms, interview spaces, and specialized areas like a children's secure suite. Proposals are due by January 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with an anticipated occupancy date of August 2026. DCAMM will conduct site visits for competitive proposals and evaluate submissions based on comprehensive criteria including building conditions, accessibility, sustainability, and alignment with agency operational requirements.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the RFP indicates a preference for proposals from Gateway Cities and environmental justice areas. The Commonwealth encourages participation by underrepresented groups and gives first consideration to historic properties. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the lease requires the proposing landlord to provide a turnkey space with comprehensive improvements, including systems furniture, telecommunications infrastructure, and specialized room configurations. The total project budget is not explicitly stated, but the lease will cover ten years of occupancy with monthly rental rates calculated per usable square foot. The landlord must meet extensive requirements, including maintaining $2,000,000 in comprehensive commercial general liability insurance, complying with state building codes, and ensuring full accessibility in accordance with ADA standards. Proposers must also warrant the remediation of any hazardous substances and provide electric vehicle charging stations where possible.