MPA 604 Training and Technical Assistance Services

The State of Rhode Island, through the Division of Purchases, is seeking qualified vendors to establish a Master Price Agreement (MPA) for Training and Technical Assistance Services (MPA 604) covering Providence County and the entire state. The procurement aims to create a qualified vendor list for providing comprehensive training and technical assistance services, including product development and refinement, direct training, technical assistance, and evaluation services for the Department and its service providers and partners. Vendors must submit technical proposals electronically through Ocean State Procures by October 26, 2021, at 2:00 PM GMT, with a vendor Q&A period running from September 28 to October 7, 2021. The initial contract period will commence approximately December 1, 2021, for one year, with potential renewal options for up to four additional 12-month periods based on vendor performance and funding availability. Evaluation criteria will focus on vendors' technical qualifications, background, experience with similar projects, and the relative merits of their proposals. Vendors must demonstrate expertise in developing and delivering training materials, providing technical assistance, and conducting comprehensive service evaluations.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside requirements and restrictions, mandating that a minimum of 10% of the dollar value be awarded to certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBEs). Vendors must be registered in the Ocean State Procures system and maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1 million in general liability, $100,000 in workers' compensation, $1 million in automobile liability, and $2 million in professional liability coverage. The Master Price Agreement will be accessible to all state agencies, quasi-governmental organizations, Rhode Island municipalities, and Legislative and Judicial branches, with no guaranteed minimum purchase amounts. A 1% contract administrative fee will be applied to all purchase orders issued under the MPA, effective January 1, 2020. While no specific budget range or award value was explicitly stated in the solicitation documents, the open-ended nature of the MPA suggests flexibility in project scoping and potential funding. Vendors will be selected through a competitive process, with individual project pricing determined through subsequent mini-bid processes when specific needs arise.