REPOST RFR 2026 DOI 006 THIRD REFEREE APPOINTEE 10.26.26

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance ("Division") seeks to create a pool of pre-qualified individuals ("Qualified Vendors") to act as third referees appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance ("Commissioner") to review and evaluate insurance company cancellation, modification or expiration of independent fire and casualty insurance agent contracts in accordance with M.G.L. c. 175, § 163 and/or to act as third referees appointed by the Commissioner to review and evaluate disputes involving the amount of loss in fire insurance claims in accordance with M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 99 through 100H.

This RFR is a repost of a previous opportunity and is intended to replace the previous bid BD-27-1027-1FED-1FED-133333.

The Qualified Vendor must: (1) have knowledge of M.G.L. c. 175, § 163 and/or M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 99 through 100H; (2) be a disinterested person; (3) be a resident of the Commonwealth; and (4) be willing to act as third referee in accordance with M.G.L. c. 175, § 163 and/or M.G.L. c. 175, § 100B.

The insurance agent and the insurance company each select a referee in accordance with M.G.L. c. 175, § 163. The third referee is appointed by the Commissioner. Such third referee shall be a disinterested party and a resident of the Commonwealth. The third referee shall serve as chairman and the three referees shall meet, hear evidence and issue a signed written decision, in accordance with the law. [...] The three referees shall meet to hear evidence and issue a written award in accordance with M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 101 and 101A.

The Bidder may apply to provide services in one or more of the above named Service Categories in their submissions.

**Online Quote Submission via COMMBUYS is required.** Bidders must prepare only one (1) submission in response to this RFR. Responses to this RFR must consist of two (2) separate documents: a Business Response and a Cost Proposal. Bidders shall prepare a separate Cover Letter for each.

All Responses must include a fully executed *Commonwealth Terms and Conditions*. All Bidders must also complete, execute and return the *Standard Contract Form* as an attachment to their Response.

Evaluation

The award shall be based on responses received and the best value as determined by the PMT. The Cost Proposal shall be evaluated after the Business Response is evaluated.

Contract term

The initial duration of this Contract is up to five (5) years. The Division may renew this Contract beyond its initial term for up to three (3) additional one (1) year terms.

Insurance

The Bidder must agree, while a member of the pool of Qualified Vendors, to maintain at the Bidder's expense, all insurance required by law for professional malpractice and/or personal injury, as well as insurance for its employees.

Responses received after the deadline shall be disqualified.