Gaming to Gambling Research Services

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is requesting responses for Gaming to Gambling Research Services, with proposals due August 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. SDO-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs) receive award preference and are reviewed first, followed by SBPP participants and other SDO-certified businesses; all bidders are eligible. All bidders must complete a Supplier Diversity Plan committing to a minimum of 1% of contract sales with SDO-certified or recognized diverse businesses or non-profit organizations, with higher commitments earning additional evaluation points.

The scope is a comprehensive study examining the conversion of gaming to gambling, with emphasis on impacts affecting youth and young adults aged 20 and under and impacts on problem gambling. The research must address the current landscape of gaming and gambling-like products, existing policies and regulations across jurisdictions, structural features of simulated gambling products, utilization patterns and migration rates, advertising and marketing practices, gambling-related harms, and policy recommendations for harm reduction. The deliverable is a final report with findings and recommendations plus a public presentation to the Commission.

The estimated total procurement value does not exceed $100,000. The contract duration is one year initially with one optional one-year renewal, for a maximum of two years from execution, with an estimated start date of September 2026. Evaluation criteria allocation is 65% for the bidder's general response (methodology, experience, knowledge translation, and diversity), 10% for price (with prompt payment discounts factored in), and 25% for diversity certification and the Supplier Diversity Plan. Questions are due July 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST, with official answers published approximately July 22. Responses must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS and include the budget spreadsheet, business references, prompt payment discount form, environmentally preferable products form, and the Supplier Diversity Plan form.