Optometry RFR 2026

The Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke is requesting responses for optometry services to provide comprehensive in-house eye care for veteran residents under RFR Optometry 2026, with responses due July 24, 2026 and questions due July 10. The facility operates under the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP), which provides award preference to SBPP-registered businesses that meet best value criteria and are Massachusetts-based, in business for at least one year, employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and demonstrate gross revenues of $15 million or less based on a three-year average.

The Veterans Home currently operates 128 beds and is transitioning to an expanded 234-bed facility with adult day health services for 50 additional veterans, with anticipated occupancy in fall or winter 2026. The scope includes routine examinations, medical eye care, diabetic evaluations, glaucoma and cataract monitoring, eyeglass prescriptions, and bedside or wheelchair-accessible services. Responses must address qualifications and experience in long-term or geriatric optometry, Massachusetts licensure, malpractice insurance, scheduling availability, billing capabilities, Medicare participation, and business references.

The department intends to award a single contract with a two-year initial term and four one-year renewal options, for a maximum duration of six years, with an estimated contract start date of October 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize demonstrated experience, professional references, provider availability and responsiveness, insurance participation and billing capabilities, and ability to deliver portable and bedside services. Pricing will be evaluated based on vendor-generated rate sheets for services. All responses must be submitted electronically through COMMBUYS. The awarded contractor must invoice third-party insurers directly; insurance denials are not billable to the Veterans Home. The contractor must comply with HIPAA, Workplace Violence Prevention and Crisis Response Plan compliance under 101 CMR 19.00, enroll in Electronic Funds Transfer, and file Uniform Financial Statements with the Operational Services Division before contract execution. The contract manager is Melanie Gentile, Chief Financial Officer, 413-552-4703, Melanie.Gentile@mass.gov.