FY26 MDAR Departmental RFR- Online Exam Administration

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive online exam administration services through a Departmental Request for Response (RFR) scheduled for release on September 26, 2025. The procurement targets a vendor capable of administering approximately 2,500 exams annually, encompassing 30 different exams, with each exam containing 125 questions and ranging from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes in length. Current exam focuses include Pesticide Licensing and Spotted Lanternfly Training. The selected vendor must provide a sophisticated online exam platform with advanced security features such as facial recognition, proctoring, room screening, AI monitoring, and comprehensive examinee action restrictions. Required platform capabilities include allowing MDAR to access exam questions, deliver results within 24 hours, charge exam fees directly to examinees, customize exams, provide training videos, issue completion certificates, and generate detailed reporting. Evaluation criteria will emphasize overall response quality, vendor capacity, project team expertise, budget justification, project timetable, past experience with Commonwealth agencies, and prompt payment discounts. Key dates include questions due by October 17, 2025, and bid responses due by November 1, 2025, with an anticipated contract start date of January 1, 2026.

The procurement demonstrates a preference for Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) participants located in Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on Service-Disabled Owned (SDO) Certified businesses. Vendors must submit a comprehensive proposal including company background, business experience, pricing structure, and a Supplier Diversity Plan committing to spending at least 1% with diverse business enterprises. The contract will run from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2033, with no renewal options, and is structured as a small procurement with an estimated annual value under $250,000. While the solicitation is open to all businesses, SBPP participants who meet best value criteria will be prioritized for contract award. The Commonwealth requires vendors to complete registration on the COMMBUYS procurement platform and submit all documentation through this system. Vendors must also complete a Prompt Payment Discount Form, offering potential discounts for early payments, which may factor into the evaluation process. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) participation is encouraged, and vendors must be prepared to provide detailed company information, including tax identification and comprehensive business details.