RFR 2026 DOI 006 third referee appointee

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance is soliciting qualified third referees to establish a pre-qualified pool for fee-for-service appointments under RFR 2026 DOI 006, with responses due October 16, 2026. Bidders may respond to one or both of two service categories: review of fire and casualty insurance agent contract cancellations, modifications, or expirations under M.G.L. c. 175, § 163, and review of disputes regarding the amount of loss in fire insurance claims under M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 99–100H.

A Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) award preference applies to vendors meeting criteria: principal place of business in Massachusetts, minimum one year in business, 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and annual gross revenues of $15 million or less based on a three-year average.

Qualified vendors must be Massachusetts residents with knowledge of applicable insurance statutes and be willing to serve as disinterested third referees. There is no direct contract value; fees are determined through cost proposals and governed by M.G.L. c. 175, § 101B, with amounts varying based on the scope and duration of individual reference proceedings. The initial contract duration is up to five years, with the Division retaining an option to renew for up to three additional one-year terms upon 30 days' written notice before termination. Contract start date is November 2, 2026. No subcontracting is permitted; use of services is limited to the Division of Insurance only.

Evaluation criteria include experience as a third referee, knowledge of Massachusetts insurance laws and regulations, familiarity with trends and techniques relevant to the reference process, general suitability, dedicated staff time, available resources, ability to produce timely written decisions, scope of prior referee or arbitration services, cost competitiveness, and quality of references. Bidders must maintain quoted fee rates for a minimum of 12 calendar months.

Questions are due September 21, 2026 through COMMBUYS Bid Q&A, with official answers published by October 7, 2026. Responses must include executed Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, a Standard Contract Form, a Massachusetts Substitute W-9, a Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing Form, three business references, a Prompt Pay Discount Form, an Environmental Practices Form, and an Environmental Practices Form.