RFP 27-01 Executive Search Firms

Cape Cod Community College is requesting proposals from executive search firms to manage recruitment for the College President position under RFP 27-01, with sealed proposals due August 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EST and questions due July 29, 2026. Award is anticipated by August 26, 2026, with contract execution by September 2, 2026.

The scope encompasses the complete recruitment and selection process: developing position descriptions and advertisements, recruiting and screening applicants with emphasis on diversity, conducting reference and background checks, coordinating campus visits and interviews, and presenting a minimum of eight qualified candidates to the Search Committee. The firm must demonstrate familiarity with Massachusetts Board of Higher Education guidelines and the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Respondents must be regularly engaged in executive recruitment with demonstrated success at community colleges and maintain sufficient staffing for prompt communication. Three references from public higher education institutions—preferably community colleges—where the firm provided successful presidential search services within the last five years are required.

Proposals will be evaluated on seven criteria: project approach, quality of work plan, schedule feasibility, deliverables description, team structure, staff qualifications, and relevant experience, each worth up to three points for a maximum of twenty-one points. Technical proposals must not exceed twenty pages and include six original copies; pricing and technical proposals must be submitted in separate sealed envelopes. Pricing must use the provided Price Proposal Form with detailed budget narratives explaining fees, rates, and costs. The award will be made to the responsive and responsible respondent offering the best overall value, not necessarily the lowest price.

If required, presentations and interviews will be held between August 13–21, 2026. All proposals become property of Cape Cod Community College and are subject to Massachusetts public records disclosure. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts standard contract form and W-9 form must be executed within five working days of award notification.