DDS Statewide Catering

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services is seeking qualified and permitted catering suppliers to be added to a pre-qualified vendor list for statewide events. This solicitation, identified as BD-26-1023-1023C-1023L-118780, establishes a rolling enrollment master service agreement where selected vendors will provide food preparation, delivery, on-site setup, and breakdown services across the state. Bidders must submit their responses electronically via the COMMBUYS portal by August 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Required submission materials include detailed menus, allergen information, valid catering licenses, cost structures, and completed administrative forms such as the Massachusetts Substitute W-9 and EFT Authorization Agreement. The selection process emphasizes the Supplier Diversity Program, with a mandatory minimum commitment of 1 percent of the total project value to diverse suppliers to avoid disqualification. Evaluation factors include the number of certified minority, women, veteran, or disadvantaged-owned business partners, historical spending with diverse suppliers, and the quality of the vendor's formal diversity policy. The contract is structured as a rate-based agreement with no maximum obligation, meaning total value is determined by actual service usage. Awarded contractors must comply with strict state regulations, including the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Department of Public Health licensing, and the Prompt Payment Discount requirements.