MPA 368 Arbitration and Mediation Services

The Rhode Island Department of Administration, Division of Purchases is seeking to establish a Master Price Agreement (MPA) for Arbitration and Mediation Services through an Open Enrollment Vendor Assessment (OEV). The solicitation aims to create a qualified vendor list of arbitrators and mediators who can provide labor management services to state agencies as an alternative to traditional litigation for resolving disputes. Qualified vendors will be expected to offer dispute resolution services outside of court settings, with the ability to provide quotes for specific projects when requested by state agencies. The initial contract period will run from September 30, 2024, through December 31, 2027, with the potential for one additional 12-month renewal based on vendor performance and funding availability. Vendors must submit proposals by October 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM EST, with a vendor Q&A period running from September 30, 2024, to October 15, 2024. The evaluation process will be conducted on a pass/fail basis, and vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system to submit proposals and receive potential awards.

The solicitation encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs), with requirements that at least one of three quotes for specific projects must come from certified MBE/WBE/VBE vendors when available. Vendors must maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1 million in general liability, $2 million in professional liability, workers compensation, and $1 million in automobile liability. A 1% contract administrative fee will be withheld from all invoices to support the state's eProcurement system. The agreement has statewide applicability and can be utilized by political subdivisions, higher education institutions, municipal/state schools, and quasi-public agencies. There is no guaranteed minimum level of purchasing activity, and selection of vendors will be at the sole discretion of user agencies based on factors such as price, expertise, and availability. Vendors must submit quarterly reports detailing invoiced amounts within 45 days of each calendar quarter's end, and the state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards.