MassDOT Due Diligence Posting of Intent to Accept a Best Value Offer from MITRE Corporation

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division is seeking to contract with MITRE Corporation for professional services in advanced autonomous aviation through a best value offer procurement. The proposed contract will span three years with a total estimated value of $3,000,000, focusing on translating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), Counter UAS (c-UAS), and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into actionable implementation plans. Key deliverables include developing UAS operations (particularly Beyond Visual Line of Sight capabilities), creating c-UAS detection tools, establishing a National c-UAS Center of Excellence, and strategically planning advanced aviation transportation capabilities statewide. Evaluation criteria appear to emphasize MITRE's unique qualifications as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center with extensive government technical expertise. The solicitation requires online quote submission via COMMBUYS, with all required information to be submitted by 3 PM on June 30, 2025. MassDOT reserves the right to accept, modify, or reject offers based on the responses received, with the procurement covering Suffolk County and potentially extending statewide.

The procurement includes specific diversity and small business requirements, mandating a minimum 1% financial commitment to supplier diversity through the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP). To qualify for the small business purchasing program, businesses must have their principal place of business in Massachusetts, be in operation for at least one year, employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and have gross revenues of $15 million or less. Certified diverse business enterprises, including minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, are encouraged to participate, with at least 25% of evaluation points allocated to assessing supplier diversity initiatives. Vendors must use electronic funds transfer (EFT) and may offer prompt payment discounts to potentially improve their competitive position. The contract requires compliance with various state executive orders and regulatory requirements, with annual reporting on supplier diversity commitments. MITRE Corporation is positioned as the preferred vendor due to its unique capabilities, though the due diligence posting suggests an open competitive process for fairness and transparency.