RFR - 2016 EEC Research and Evaluation Consulting Services 003

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through its Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), is seeking to establish a list of qualified researchers, evaluators, and consultants, either individuals or organizations, to provide data, conduct research, and perform periodic studies, surveys, and evaluations of EEC program initiatives. The scope of services will vary depending on the specific project, which EEC will identify at the time of contract award. Consultants may be required to advise EEC on data collection methods, research policy issues, and program outcome evaluations. EEC intends to evaluate responses submitted by bidders within 30 days of receipt, and the expected duration of any resulting contracts is up to seven years, with an initial term of five years and two optional two-year renewal periods. Pricing for the consulting services will be negotiated on a unit basis (hourly rate) or project basis (by deliverables), depending on the type and scope of work.

The contract opportunity is open to all qualified vendors, but EEC has outlined specific requirements for Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) participation. Bidders must identify any planned partnerships with certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBE), and commit to a specific percentage of contract spending with these SDP partners for the life of the contract. EEC reserves the right to seek cost estimates from multiple vendors prior to entering into a contract, but no details on award values or budget ranges are provided. The Commonwealth does not guarantee that services will be purchased under this RFR, and a new RFR will be posted prior to December 31, 2023.