MassDOT RFR Catering Services

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has issued a Request for Response (RFR) seeking qualified and permitted catering suppliers to support specific events across the state, with a focus on Suffolk County. The RFR outlines the requirements for respondents to provide menus, allergen information, pricing, and a copy of their current food/catering license. MassDOT will use a qualification-based selection process to evaluate bidders based on experience, references, food quality, and costs. Selected bidders will be placed on a MassDOT master-service agreement with an initial five-year duration and two optional two-year extensions. The RFR does not specify a maximum obligation for the contracts, and work will be billed on an hourly rate along with food costs, subject to review and approval on a per-event basis. MassDOT will make efforts to provide adequate timeframes for catering events, and the RFR includes a deadline for inquiries on August 7, 2023, and initial responses due by September 1, 2023.

The RFR includes a Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) preference, where SBPP-eligible businesses will be awarded the contract if they meet the best value criteria. Bidders must agree to participate in the Commonwealth's Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Prompt Payment Discount (PPD) programs. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has also provided a job aid to assist vendors in navigating the COMMBUYS system to successfully respond to this state and local contract opportunity.