Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Request for Proposals
Human Resources Consultation Services
Proposal Due Date: November 26, 2018
The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), a 501©(3) organization is seeking proposals from qualified independent human resource consultants to provide integrated Human Resource Consultant services. The successful proposer will provide human resources support services for MassMEP staff. The scope of the engagement will include the auditing of financial statements and internal controls for several fund groups.
To be considered, three (3) copies of the proposal must be received by the Center Director, Kathie Mahoney, MassMEP, 100 Grove Street, Suite 108, Worcester MA 01605 by Monday, November 26, 2018. Envelopes shall be clearly marked “Human Resources Consultant Proposal.” Proposals received after that time and date shall not be accepted.
Mass MEP reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, parts thereof, and to further make modifications as it deems in the best interest of Mass MEP. It also reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted and to use any ideas in a proposal regardless of whether that proposal is selected. Submission of a proposal indicates acceptance by the firm of the conditions contained within this request for proposals.
All questions shall be submitted in writing and directed to Kathie Mahoney, Center Director, MassMEP. Responses from MassMEP that substantially alter this RFP will be issued in the form of a written addendum to all those who have contacted MassMEP with a formal initial expression of interest. All proposals submitted shall remain open to acceptance for sixty days from their opening.
Published: Worcester Telegram
Introduction
The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (“MassMEP”) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization able to leverage a vast array of public and private resources and services that are available to every manufacturing enterprise in Massachusetts. The program’s mission is to provide assistance and training to help small to medium size manufacturers grow, improve their manufacturing and business strategies and processes, adopt advanced technologies, increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness.
Anticipated Scope of Work
The successful proposer shall provide human resources support to MassMEP management staff. The proposed scope of work described below represents MassMEP’s initial concept of the work anticipated and deliverables requested. The scope will be discussed in detail with selected respondent(s) to develop an agreed upon project scope that incorporates the approach, desired objectives, timeline and monetary constraints.
The Contractor will provide ongoing support to the MassMEP management team to address routine and expected human resource issues, including but not limited to one or more of the following:
- Provide on-demand general human resources consultation services and compliance assistance.
- Conduct background checks (e.g. criminal, child abuse, credit, etc.) based on recommended protocols as part of MassMEP’s hiring process.
- Assists with new employee hiring, staff performance appraisals and termination, in consultation and recommendation to the MassMEP staff.
- Review and update employee handbook. This includes ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws.
- Make recommended changes on policies.
- In conjunction with the Center Director, provide quality job descriptions, postings, and evaluation tools when required.
- Develop correct documentation and/or documentation for basic and advanced human resources function.
- Provide relevant interview questions for job postings, if requested.
- Ensure compliance with exempt/non-exempt positions.
- Prepare all required documentation for on-boarding new personnel.
Proposals submitted in response to this section of the RFP may provide recommended changes to the scope of work or other suggestions that will reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing the final deliverables. However, proposers should provide a response to this RFP fully in compliance with the defined scope of work.
Contract Term
MassMEP is seeking a one year agreement with four successive one-year renewals or extensions upon mutual agreement of the parties.
Experience
The contractor must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in providing human resource services and consultation and, if applicable, must maintain current SHRM certifications related to human resources services.
Proposal Requirement
In addition to the above, please prepare a letter or proposal that responds to the following requests:
- Submit at least five references who can attest to the company’s experience as it relates to providing human resource services. The references must include contact name, title, address, e-mail address, telephone number and services used.
- Provide a brief description of the HR procedures to be followed, presented in a form which will aid in evaluating your company’s understanding of the needs and requirements of a small business without a formal HR office. Include any preliminary review of the organization for standard practices.
- Provide evidence of knowledge of the regulations and personnel laws related specifically a small employer in Massachusetts. (MassMEP has 36 employees)
- Indicate the maximum total fee your firm will charge for the requested services. Final payment shall become due only after the submission of all required reports.
Selection Criteria
A MassMEP Committee will review submissions, may or may not hold interviews, and rank proposals. MassMEP is not bound by the lowest cost proposal, but may accept the proposal that is considered the best value for MassMEP. The MassMEP Committee will negotiate terms for a contract to complete the tasks with the top ranked proposer. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, negotiations with that firm will be suspended and negotiations opened with a second firm.
Evaluations will be based on criteria outlined herein which may be weighted by MassMEP in a manner it deems appropriate. All proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria. The criteria used will be:
- Responsiveness to the RFP
MassMEP will consider all the material submitted to determine whether the consulting firm’s offering is in compliance with the RFP documents.
- Ability to Perform Required Services
MassMEP will consider all the relevant material submitted by each firm, and other relevant material it may otherwise obtain, to determine whether the firm is capable of providing services of the type and scope specific to the RFP. The following elements may be given consideration by MassMEP in determining whether a firm is capable:
- The ability and capacity of the consulting firm and the skills, experience, and availability of the specific individuals to be assigned to MassMEP to perform the services required;
- The quality of performance by the consulting firm on previous and similar contracts and such other information as may be secured and considered relevant by MassMEP including information obtained from references provided; and
- The ability of the consulting firm to present professional work; the skill of the consulting firm as demonstrated by samples of similar work and/or references from similar organizations.
- References.
Communications in Reference to this RFP
Any communication in reference to this RFP should be made in writing or e-mail and directed to:
Kathie Mahoney
Center Director
MassMEP
100 Grove Street, Suite 108
Worcester MA 01605
Telephone: 508-831-7020
Fax: 508-831-7215
E-mail: kathiem@massmep.org
Web post & FAQ’s (if applicable): www.massmep.org