MAPC 2024 Academic Research Services RFI

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), working with Tufts University, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore innovative approaches for municipal governments and other public agencies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to more easily procure academic research services from the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area's many world-class academic institutions. The purpose of this RFI is to gain input from accredited local academic institutions regarding their existing partnerships with public entities, their interest in a potential procurement solution to streamline such procurements, and the potential benefits of such a solution. MAPC is seeking feedback on the elements that should be included in an ideal procurement solution to maximize its utility to the participating institutions. The RFI is targeted at the cities and municipalities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, particularly the Boston metropolitan area, including Suffolk County. There are no specific quantities, response dates, or award information provided in the RFI document, and the contract term and any renewal options are not specified.

The RFI does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. There are also no details provided on any incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure or technology that may require integration. Furthermore, the RFI does not include any information on possible award values or budget ranges.