Entertainer RFR

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke is soliciting experienced entertainers and performance groups to provide onsite entertainment services to resident veterans through Request for Response (RFR) RFRENTERTAIN2026. The procurement seeks performers capable of delivering diverse entertainment options including magic, music, slide shows, and dancing on an as-needed basis, with each performance session lasting 60-120 minutes. Entertainers must bring their own equipment, maintain professionalism, and adhere to facility policies and infection prevention protocols. The evaluation criteria focus on bidder experience and schedule flexibility as primary assessment factors for contractor selection. Required submissions include the Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing form, Performer Form, Prompt Payment Discount Form, Business Reference Form, W-9, and Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization Agreement form. Responses are due by August 31, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. via COMMBUYS electronic submission, with the apparent successful bidder(s) notification estimated for September 1, 2026, and contract commencement on September 1, 2026.

The contract carries an initial five-year term with one renewal option for an additional five years, extending through August 31, 2036, for a maximum total duration of ten years. This procurement is subject to the Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), which provides preference to SBPP-participating businesses that meet best value criteria and eligibility requirements including a Massachusetts principal place of business, at least one year in business, 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and gross revenues not exceeding $15 million based on a three-year average. Compensation is structured as a rate-per-session fee that bidders must submit with their proposals, with invoices submitted electronically to the VHH Business Office upon performance completion. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issues payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 45 days from invoice receipt; however, vendors may request accelerated payment by identifying a Prompt Pay Discount percentage. The facility is transitioning from a current 128-bed operation to a new 234-bed facility with adult day health services for an additional 50 veterans, expected to be operational in fall/winter 2026, indicating potential for expanded entertainment programming opportunities.