RFR MTRS Tax and Technical Legal Counsel

The Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (MTRS) is requesting responses for Special Tax Counsel and/or Technical Legal Counsel services under a Small Business Purchasing Program set-aside, with quotes due August 28, 2026 and questions due August 18, 2026. SBPP-registered participants receive award preference if they meet best-value evaluation criteria; non-SBPP bidders are evaluated only if no qualified SBPP bidder is identified.

Special Tax Counsel must evaluate proposed state and federal legislation, assist in federal filings, and provide legal advice on tax laws applicable to qualified governmental defined benefit and contribution plans under Internal Revenue Code sections 401(a), 403(b), and 457. Technical Legal Counsel must negotiate, draft, interpret, and enforce software licensing and service subscription agreements related to the MTRS's MyTRS pension administration system update being developed by Vitech Systems Sub LLC.

The estimated maximum budget is $30,000 per year. Compensation is based on hourly rates for personnel performing work plus reasonable expenses, with rates fixed for the contract term and renewals contingent upon agreement to new rates not exceeding 15% year-over-year increases. The initial contract term is two years with two options to renew for two years each, for a maximum total duration of six years. The estimated contract start date is October 20, 2026. This is a limited-user contract restricted to the MTRS only. Payment is made within 45 days of invoice receipt.

Successful bidders must demonstrate significant experience advising public retirement systems. Technical counsel applicants must show substantial experience with software licensing agreements and Massachusetts state agency contracting. Evaluation criteria include firm and individual attorney experience and qualifications, competitive cost, three required business references directly related to scope of services, submission of required forms, and potential interviews with selected candidates.

Respondents must complete the Supplier Diversity Program Plan Form committing to spending a minimum of one percent of contract sales with certified diverse businesses, submit a Massachusetts Form W-9, provide three business references, and submit a Prompt Pay Discount Form specifying early-payment discount percentages. All responses must be submitted electronically via COMMBUYS.