Department of career services request for training services RFR

The Massachusetts MassHire Department of Career Services (MDCS) is seeking a training provider to deliver a comprehensive Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) certification program for its career center staff across the Commonwealth. The procurement is structured as a fee-for-service contract with an anticipated duration of one year, starting September 1, 2025, and concluding June 30, 2026. The training aims to enhance MDCS staff skills in career counseling, resume writing, and job placement services, targeting 150 participants in each certification program distributed across 22 MassHire Career Centers. The selected vendor must be a recognized organization specializing in professional resume writing and career coaching certification, with facilitators who are certified professionals. The training can be delivered through virtual instructor-led sessions, e-learning modules, or a blended approach, and must include interactive learning activities, assessments, and access to online tools. Performance metrics include a mandatory certification pass rate of 70% or higher. Bidders must submit electronic quotes via COMMBUYS by July 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with potential bidder presentations scheduled for July 28-29, 2025, and a contract award estimated for August 15, 2025.

The solicitation appears to have flexibility for various types of organizations to respond, with no explicit set-aside designations mentioned. Bidders must be registered in COMMBUYS and can submit questions through the platform until July 11, 2025. The cost sheet indicates potential pricing flexibility, with current line items for training, materials, evaluation, certification, and on-site costs set at $0.00, suggesting potential negotiation or a potentially no-cost training program. The procurement emphasizes the Commonwealth's commitment to supplier diversity, with the Standard Contract Form incorporating a Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) plan option. Contractors will be required to complete standard Massachusetts state contract documentation, including a W-9 form, Electronic Funds Transfer authorization, and a Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing. The total number of participants across both certification programs is 300, with training locations spanning major Massachusetts cities including Boston, Cape & Islands, Fall River, Framingham, Brockton, New Bedford, Holyoke, Lowell, and Worcester.