RFR for Pharmaceutical Expertise

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission is requesting responses for pharmaceutical expertise consulting under RFR-HPC-2025-001, with responses due July 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The RFR supports the Commission's newly established Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA) under Chapter 342 of the Acts of 2024, which analyzes pharmaceutical spending, develops policy recommendations, and supports drug price negotiations through the Commission's Drug Pricing Review Program.

Contractors will provide subject matter expertise on pharmaceutical regulation and policy across drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, payers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and supply chain entities; conduct research and analysis; draft memos and reports; and provide related services as requested. The Commission anticipates awarding one or more contracts with an estimated value not to exceed $40,000 for the initial contract term running through June 30, 2027, with options to renew annually or in increments for up to six additional years. Contracts will be structured as hourly rate agreements with proposed rates inclusive of all work, materials, expenses, travel, overhead, and ancillary charges.

The Commonwealth supports the Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) and may provide special consideration to SBPP-registered participants that meet best value criteria. All bidders must participate in the Commonwealth's Electronic Funds Transfer program and offer prompt payment discounts unless documented hardship prevents participation.

Evaluation criteria allocate 40 points to demonstrated expertise in pharmaceutical regulation, 20 points to overall responsiveness and quality of approach, 20 points to evidence of high-quality deliverables on pharmaceutical policy, and 20 points to pricing including prompt payment discounts. An additional five points are available through the Climate and Environmental Practices form.

Submissions must include a Letter of Interest, Commonwealth Standard forms, a description of approach and relevant experience (maximum two pages), a staffing plan with hourly rates, resumes for key personnel, and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Key personnel will be designated as special state employees and must comply with the Commonwealth's conflict-of-interest law, including mandatory training within thirty days of execution. Written questions are due July 9, 2026; responses will be posted by July 10, 2026. Anticipated contract awards are July 21, 2026, with an estimated start date of July 23, 2026.