University of Massachusetts Lowell

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1 University of Massachusetts Lowell UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CL14-HT-0009 SEPTEMBER 12, University Overview UMass Lowell is a comprehensive nationally recognized doctoral-level research university. Located in the culturally rich city of Lowell, the campus offers its more than 14,000 students 20 doctoral, 32 master s, and 120 bachelor s degrees in fine arts, humanities, social and applied sciences, education, engineering, health, environment, and management. Campus life revolves around a state-of-the-art recreation center and sports arena, 130 vibrant student organizations and 50 musical ensembles. Experiential learning opportunities for students include internships, co-ops, and international exchanges. The campus engages with the community and partners with industry, other educational institutions and the non-profit sector to advance research, provide public service and enrich the student educational experience. Research expenditures in 2010 approached $60 million. To learn more about UMass Lowell, visit To help facilitate our continued success as a nationally recognized research institution and to strengthen our relationship with the Massachusetts congressional delegation and federal agencies, as well as develop and advance our federal research agenda, the University is seeking the services of a qualified government relations firm. 2. Scope UMass Lowell request proposals from qualified consultants to provide and assist in developing UML s federal government affairs agenda the following services, including but not limited to: 2.1 Coordinate regularly scheduled calls and meeting with designated University staff to formulate Congressional and federal governmental goals and objectives in furtherance of the University s mission 2.2 Coordinate and advance UML s federal legislative and government affairs agenda Coordinate briefings and meetings as needed with designated UML administrators, faculty and staff and members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and their staffs in Washington, DC, and the respective district offices Coordinate briefings with designated UML administrators, faculty and staff with representatives from the Department of Defense and other federal agencies Identify and advance congressional or federal executive branch opportunities benefitting UML ' s programs Identify and advance programmatic opportunities within federal agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency for grants and other funding or programmatic resources. 1

2 2.3 Coordinate closely with UML s Research Office to stay apprised of research priorities for the campus in order to appropriately match federal agency and corporate pass-through funding opportunities with UML s research strengths. 2.4 Identify and monitor key legislative and governmental activities relevant to UML Monitor and track pending legislation that may affect UML and its programs Provide real time updates and monthly reports on pending legislation, and on activities undertaken to support UML s federal research and legislative priorities, with particular emphasis on legislation that affects UML. 2.5 Develop and manage a comprehensive strategy for third party relationship partnership and alliance building Work with designated UML faculty and staff to build relationships and professional alliances with mutually interested business government and other institutional leaders. 3. Minimum Qualifications and Review Any government relations firm selected will demonstrate that it has significant government relations experience and well-developed relationships with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the various identified federal agencies with which UML interacts or should interact going forward based on the Agency's mission and client needs, and evolving issues. The firm(s) also will demonstrate employment of adequate numbers of experienced professional and administrative support staff, as well as adequate support systems to provide high-quality services efficiently, effectively, and quickly. In addition, the selected firm(s) will demonstrate compliance with, and dedication to, equal opportunity employment laws. 3.1 In particular, the following criteria will be used (although not necessarily in this order) to review submissions submitted in response to this RFP Competitive cost of services, including time charges and out-of-pocket costs, or monthly retainer fee; Breadth and depth of experience in working with institutions of a similar size and proven track record Ability to commit the necessary time and staff The ability to tap the expertise of a number of professional staff in the government relations firm with appropriate experience to provide these services The quality and variety of references provided for the government relations firm The ability of the government relations firm and individual staffs to deliver the highest quality government relations services in an efficient, timely, effective and useful manner The location of an office in Washington, D.C Registration as a lobbyist with the federal government Experience representing Massachusetts-based clients 2

3 4. Submission Requirements 4.1. Government relations firms shall submit the following information, as well as any other relevant information the firms can offer A short general description of the government relations firm, including its size, date of organization, areas of practice, types of clients, and location of all available offices The government relations firm's qualifications to provide the services required by this RFP including, without limitation, demonstrated satisfaction of the Minimum Qualifications summarized above A list, by name, title, practice areas of expertise, and level of experience, of the individual professional staff that will provide the services described in this RFP Hourly rates proposed for each individual who would be assigned to provide these services and any proposals for alternative methods of billing for services; e.g., caps, a flat fee, a flat rate, a monthly retainer, etc Additional charges (including rates), if any, for direct out-of-pocket expenses and disbursements (e.g., telecopying, printing, photocopying, telephone charges, messenger service. etc.). Airfare, accommodations, and other travel-related expenses shall not be subject to markup The names of entities, including the names and telephone numbers of the contact persons, which are or have been clients of the government relations firm which may be contacted by the Agency as references for the proposing firm. If possible, provide references that represent the broad range and depth of the firm's experience in UML ' s areas of interest Whether such firm qualifies as a MBE/WBE under Massachusetts law and provide information regarding such firm's equal opportunity policies and practices regarding minority, women and disabled hiring and promotion Whether such firm qualifies as a MBE/WBE under Massachusetts law and provide information regarding such firm's equal opportunity policies and practices regarding minority, women and disabled hiring and promotion Evidence that the proposing government relations firm maintains professional liability or such other insurance Evidence that the proposing government relations firm is a registered lobbyist with the federal government Submissions must be formatted as follows: One(1) original All pages must be 8 ½ x Proposal Rejection The University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received in whole or in part if it is deemed such action is in the best interest of The University and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 3

4 6. Preparation of Proposals Proposals must be signed, where instructed, in ink and costs typewritten or in ink. Facsimile signatures are unacceptable. Proposals which are priced or signed in pencil may be rejected as non-responsive. Proposers are cautioned that errors, alterations, or corrections on the submitted proposal must be initialed by the person signing the proposal or his/her authorized designee. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the proposal for those items erased, altered, or corrected and not initialed. Telephone and or Fax proposals will not be accepted. 7. Certification of Tax Status Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 62C, Section 49 A, the proposer certifies under penalties of perjury that to the best of the proposer's knowledge and belief, they have filed all state tax returns and paid all state taxes required by law. 8. Certification of Non-Collusion Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 7, Section 22 (20), the proposer certifies under penalties of perjury that their proposal is in all respects bona fide, fair, and made without collusion or fraud with any person, joint venture, partnership, corporation or other business or legal entity. 9. Proposer's Representations Each proposer by submitting its proposal represents that: The proposal document and specifications have been read and understood by the proposer The proposal is based upon the items described in the bidding documents and specifications without exceptions The proposal has been arrived at independently and is submitted without collusion 10. Proposal Documents and Bid Opening Proposals will be accepted until 11:00AM on, Wednesday, September 25, All proposals will be opened publicly at the date and hour stated in the proposal at the UMass Lowell Purchasing Department: Please provide proposal in pdf format to no later than on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 11:00AM Late proposals will not be considered, and will be placed, unopened, in the proposal file. We strongly encourage you to contact the Purchasing Office by telephone or prior to the proposal opening to confirm that your proposal has been received by the Purchasing Department. The general Purchasing Office phone number is (978) or address is All communication should reference RFP No. CL14-HT Contact Person All questions from prospective proposers concerning this RFP must be submitted via by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 to Heather Tziotziouras via to Inquiries received after the specified date and time will not be accepted. It is the intent of UMASS LOWELL to its response to all written questions to all proposers of record. UMASS LOWELL will extend the due date by written addendum if such information significantly amends this or makes compliance with the original proposed due date impractical. 4

5 12. Amendments The Purchasing Department reserves the right to amend, alter, or cancel the proposal at any time prior to the deadline for submissions of proposals. If such action is necessary, all potential proposers who have received or requested a copy of the proposal will be notified of the changes to be made in writing and whether the proposal opening date will be extended. 13. Debriefing Any Vendor may request a debriefing within one (1) week after receiving notification of award, to discuss the Selection Committee's evaluation of its proposal. Request for debriefing shall be made in writing to the Director of Purchasing Manager. Debriefing shall not include discussions of any competing proposals. 14. Massachusetts Public Record Law All proposals and related documents submitted in response to this RFP are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10 and to M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Subsection 26, regarding public access to such documents. Statements in the proposal response that are inconsistent with those statutes will be disregarded. Any additional questions regarding the Public Records Law should be directed to the Public Records Division at: (617) during regular business hours. You may also access various Public Records Division publications through the Internet at: Transfers and Subcontracting The Vendor may not subcontract, in whole or in part, any portion of this contract without the written consent of the University. 16. Nondiscrimination in Employment and Affirmative Action The Contractor shall not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, religion, physical or mental handicap, or sexual orientation. The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable Federal and State statutes, rules and regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment including but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and M.G.L. c.151b. 17. Vendor Not Employee of UMASS Lowell The Vendor, or his employees or agents performing under the agreement, are not to be deemed to be employees of UMASS LOWELL nor to be agents of UMASS LOWELL in any manner whatsoever. The Vendor will not hold himself out as, nor claim to be, an officer or employee of UMASS LOWELL and will not make any claim, demand, or application to or for right or privilege applicable to an officer or employee of UMASS LOWELL, including, but not limited to, workmen's compensation coverage, unemployment insurance benefits, social security benefits, or retirement membership or credit. 18. Termination: Without Cause. This Contract may be terminated without cause by either party by giving written notice to the other at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the effective date of termination stated in the notice. 5

6 With Cause. If Contractor breaches any material term or condition stated herein or fails to perform or fulfill any material obligation required by this Contract, the University may terminate this Contract by giving written notice to the Contractor stating the circumstances of the breach at least seven (7) calendar days before the effective date of termination stated in the notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the notice of termination provided by the University may state a period during which the alleged breach may be cured by the Contractor, which cure shall be subject to approval by the University. In the event of a breach by Contractor, Contractor may be subject to any and all applicable contract rights and remedies available to the University. Applicable statutory or regulatory penalties may also be imposed. 19. Tax Exemption: Any material purchased by the University of Massachusetts Lowell is to be exempt from Massachusetts Sales Tax (Massachusetts Sales Tax Exemption Number ). 20. Confidentiality: The Contractor shall comply with all laws and regulations relating to confidentiality and privacy as defined by M.G. L. c66a, including but limited to any rules or regulations of UML. 21. Publicity, Publications, Reproduction and Use of Contract Products or Materials Unless provided otherwise by law or UML, title and possession of all data, reports, programs, software, equipment, furnishings, and any other documentation or product paid for with UML funds shall vest with UML at the termination of the Contract. The Contractor shall at all times obtain the prior written approval of UML before it, any of its officers, agents, employees or subcontractors, either during or after termination of the Contract, makes any statement bearing on the work performed or data collected under this Contract to the press or issues any material for publication through any medium of communication. If the Contractor, or any of its subcontractors, publishes a work dealing with any aspect of performance under the Contract, or of the results and accomplishments attained in such performance, UML shall have a royalty-free non-exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use and to authorize others to use the publication. The Contractor shall use reasonable means to inform the public that UML provides financial support for its operations and services by explicitly stating on publicity material, stationery, posters and other written materials, and on its premises the following: "This program is supported in part (in full) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts Lowell." 22. Term of Agreement The initial agreement shall be for three (3) years with a University option to extend on a yearly basis after the original term for an additional two (2) One (1) year increments. 6

7 Attachment A Proposal Offer CL14-HT-0009 Proposers are required to sign this form and submit it with their bid proposal. To the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the undersigned proposes to provide services for the University of Massachusetts Lowell in accordance with the terms specified below and the terms of this request: CL14- HT-0009 The undersigned also hereby declares that it is the only person or persons interested in this proposal, that the proposal is made without any connection with other persons making any bid for the same work; that no person or persons directly or indirectly interested in this proposal, or in any contract which may be made under it, is expecting profits to arise therefrom; and without directly or indirectly influencing or attempting to influence any other person bidding for the same work; and that this proposal is made with distinct reference and relation to the specifications prepared for this case and herein mentioned. The undersigned declares that, in regard to the conditions affecting the work to be done, this proposal is based solely on their own investigations and research and not in reliance upon any representations of any employee, officer, or agent of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Company/Firm Name of Bidder: Name of Signatory (Person signing below): Contact Name: Contact Telephone Number: Contact Business Address: Contact City and State: Contact Address: Authorized Signature: Printed Name and Title: Date of Offer: Duration of Offer (minimum 90 Days) 7

8 Attachment B - Statement of State Tax Compliance Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 62C, S 49A, as amended by Chapter 233 of the Acts of 1983, Section 36, I Name & Title authorized signatory for Contracting Party whose principal place of business is at Address do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that has complied with all laws Contracting Party of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to taxes. Contracting Party's Social Security or Federal I.D. Number Authorized Signature* Date *must be signed in ink 8

9 Attachment C - Certification of Non Collusion The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this Bid or Proposal has been made and submittedin good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club, or other organization, entity, or group of individuals. Authorized Signature* Printed Name of person signing bid or proposal*) (Name of business) *must be signed in ink 9

10 Attachment D-Company Information and Signature Required Company Name: Company Address: Tel. # Fax # Are you () Woman Owned Business () Minority Owned Business () Individual/Sole Proprietorship () Partnership () Government () Non-profit Organization () Corporation () Disadvantaged Business () Other (specify) Tax I.D./ FEIN # - - or S.S.N.# (if individual) - -. Signature of owner or authorized officer*: Please print name: Title: Date submitted: / / *must be signed in ink 10

11 VENDOR BIDDER CHECK LIST AS A QUALIFIED BIDDER, HAVE YOU INCLUDED: Proposal Offer (Attachment A) Statement of State Tax Compliance (Attachment B) Certificate of Non Collusion (Attachment C) Company information and signature page (Attachment D) Bid Material delivered No Later than 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25, Bids received after this date and time will not be accepted. 11

Masconomet Regional School District Audit Services Request for Quote

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