RFR-27-05773 Work Authorization Counsel Support

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) Purchasing Department is requesting proposals for work authorization counsel support under RFR-27-05773, with responses due November 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET. This procurement is restricted to Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) participants; SBPP-eligible firms will be awarded if they meet best value criteria, and non-SBPP bidders will be evaluated only if no SBPP respondent meets evaluation standards. SBPP eligibility requires principal place of business in Massachusetts, at least one year in business, 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and gross revenues of $15 million or less (three-year average).

The scope is outside counsel with minimum five years' specialized expertise in employment-based immigration law to assess work authorization sponsorship options for current or prospective EOTSS employees. Deliverables include case fact review, evaluation of visa pathways (including H-1B), identification of employer obligations and constraints, written recommendations comparing viable options with timelines and cost estimates, staff consultation meetings, and potential assistance with application preparation if the agency proceeds. The contract is single-award, designated for EOTSS use only, with an initial eight-month term covering 2026 through FY27 and no renewal options. Estimated contract start is December 7, 2026.

Evaluation criteria include specialized immigration and government experience, timeline alignment, transparent cost structure, active Massachusetts law license, professional liability insurance, clean bar association standing, and conflict-of-interest review. Responses must include cover letter with statement of interest, firm profile with attorney biographies, detailed pricing proposal with line-item breakdown and hourly rates, estimated hours, flat-fee rate option, and filing fee estimates. Contractors must provide Professional Liability Insurance Certificate, executed Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, Massachusetts Substitute W-9, and Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing. Questions are due October 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET, with responses posted by October 26. Payment is Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt; contractors must submit a Prompt Pay Discount Form specifying early-payment discount percentages.