Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 Program Equity Partners RFR

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is soliciting responses from approximately six Equity Partners for its Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 Program under RFR BID-27-1042-ENV-ENV01-133468 (Project FY27CLIM0039), with responses due November 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM through COMMBUYS. Bidders must submit a Supplier Diversity Plan committing a minimum of 1 percent of contract sales to Supplier Diversity Office-certified diverse businesses or non-profit organizations, and at least 25 percent of evaluation points are allocated to that plan. Addendum 1, dated October 19, 2026, clarifies how individuals can demonstrate that commitment without certified partners.

Eligible bidders are individuals, sole proprietors, or organizations providing staff, with demonstrated experience in equity-centered community engagement, diversity and inclusion training, community partnerships, vulnerability assessment, and municipal governance. Equity Partners embed environmental justice, equity, and community engagement into climate resilience work alongside Planning Vendors and municipal Core Teams through an eight-step MVP 2.0 process from February 2027 through February 2028, each supporting approximately 4–7 communities. Responsibilities include advising on Planning Vendor and Core Team selection, facilitating GEAR Tool data discussions, recruiting Community Liaisons, leading social vulnerability sessions, supporting outreach to vulnerable populations, and vetting seed projects. Addendum 2, dated October 22, 2026, revises Step 2 (Identifying Lived Expertise) to 10 hours per community from 5, and Step 7 (Selecting a Seed Project) to 8 hours from 7.

The estimated total value for all Equity Partners is at or below $480,000 for the 17-month initial term, paid fee-for-service monthly. The contract includes three optional one-year renewals, for a maximum term of 4.5 years. Bidders must provide hourly rates for each proposed Equity Partner and budget estimates for travel within Massachusetts.

Evaluation allocates 55 points to qualifications and experience, 25 points to the Supplier Diversity Plan, 10 points to prior projects and writing samples, and 10 points to cost details. Selected bidders must attend interviews, estimated for the week of November 16, 2026, and may be required to negotiate through December 31, 2026. Contract execution is estimated for February 1, 2027. Questions on the diversity requirements go to sdp@mass.gov or 617-272-0480.