(035) LSTA Evaluator RFP_FINAL.pdf

Request for Proposal

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form

Page 1 of 83 pages

SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO:

Department of State R.A. Gray Building 500 South Bronough Street, Room 428 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2150

AGENCY RELEASE DATE:

June 8, 2026

SOLICITATION TITLE: SOLICITATION NO:

Consultant Services for a Five-Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program

DOS-RFP-26/27-035

REPLIES WILL BE

OPENED:

July 2, 2026. (Eastern Standard Time) and may not be withdrawn within:

Days after such date and time.

I certify that this Response is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies or equipment, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this response and certify that I am authorized to sign this reply for the

Respondent and that the Respondent is in compliance with all requirements of the Request for Proposal, including but not limited to, certification requirements. In submitting a response to an agency for the State of Florida, the Respondent offers and agrees that if the response is accepted, the Respondent will convey, sell, assign or transfer to the State of Florida all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may now or hereafter acquire under the Anti-trust laws of the United

States and the State of Florida for price fixing relating to the particular commodities or services purchased or acquired by the

State of Florida. At the State’s discretion, such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing agency tenders final payment to the Respondent.

RESPONDENT NAME:

RESPONDENT MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY – STATE – ZIP: *Authorized Representative’s Signature

PHONE NUMBER:

TOLL FREE

NUMBER:

*Name and Title of Authorized Representative

FAX NUMBER:

EMAIL ADDRESS: *This individual must have the authority to bind the Respondent.

FEID NO.:

TYPE OF BUSINESS ENTITY (Corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.):

DOS-RFP-26/27-035

Consultant Services for a Five Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION MATERIALS

1.1 PURPOSE………………………………………………………………………………………….…….5

1.2 DEFINITIONS………………………………………………………………………………

1.3 CONTRACT TERM…………………………………………………………………………………

1.4 SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS…………………………………………………………

1.5 PROCUREMENT OFFICER…………………………………………………………….……………..6

1.6 CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION……………………………………………………….……………..6

SECTION 2 – SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW……………………………………………………………………….………..7

2.2 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS……………………………………………………………….…….….7

2.3 TIMELINE OF EVENTS AND ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION…………………………..……….7

2.4 CONTRACT FORMATION……………………………………………………………….…………….8

2.5 DISCLOSURE OF PROPOSAL CONTENTS………………………………………….…………….9

2.6 CLARIFICATION PROCESS…………………………………………………………….…………….9

2.7 DIVERSITY………………………………………………………………………………………………9

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

3.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS……………………………………………………………………….…10

3.2 VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS………………………………………………………………………..…..10

3.3 ALERNATE REPLIES……………………………………………………………………………...….10

3.4 BUSINESS REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT………………………………………………...…..10

3.5 MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE REGISTRATION………………………………………….….…

3.6 FLORIDA SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 PROCESS………………………………….…………..…...11

3.7 CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM………………………….………11

3.8 OFFICE OF SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT…...…………………………………………….………..11

3.9 LICENSES, PERMITS, OTHER CHARGES…………………………………………………….…..12

3.10 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (E-VERIFY)…………………………………….…12

3.11 SUBCONTRACTING………………………………………………………………………….……….12

3.12 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL…………………………………………………………….……………12

3.13 VENDOR’S DUTIES TO ASSERT EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURE

AS A PUBLIC RECORD…………………………………………………………………………….…12

3.14 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND DISCLOSURE………………………………………….………..13

SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL CONTENT

4.1 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS…………….……….14

4.2 SECTION – ADMINISTRATIVE QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS……………………….………14

4.3 SECTION TWO - TECHNICAL REPLY PROPOSAL……………………………………….……..14

4.4 SECTION THREE – PRICE PROPOSAL…………………………………………………….……..16

SECTION 5 – PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 MANDATORY RESPONSIVENESS REQUIREMENTS……………………………………...…...17

5.2 HOW TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL……………………………………………………………………18

5.3 DELIVERY OF PROPOSAL…………………………………………………………………………..18

5.4 PROPOSAL OPENING………………………………………………………………………………..19

5.5 PROPOSAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW……………………………………………………

SECTION 6 – SELECTION METHODOLOGY

6.1 PROPOSAL EVALUATION…………………………………………………………………………...22

6.2 EVALUATION CRITERIA………………………………………………………………….………….22

6.3 IDENTICAL SCORING OF REPLIES………………………………………………………………..24

6.4 BASIS OF AWARD…………………………………………………………………………………….24

6.5 POSTING OF NOTICE OF AGENCY DECISION………………………………………………….24

Consultant Services for a Five Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program

Attachments:

Attachment A – Sample Contract (see separate attachment in VIP)

Attachment B – Statement of Work/Technical Specifications

Attachment C – Price Proposal Sheet

Attachment D - PUR 1000 General Contract Conditions

Attachment E - PUR 1001 General Instructions to Respondents

Attachment F - PUR 1355 Foreign Country of Concern Attestation

Attachment G – PUR 2024 Use of Coercion for Labor or Services

Attachment H – PUR 7801 Vendor Certification Form (see separate attachment in VIP)

Forms:

Form 1 – Mandatory Responsiveness Requirements

Form 2 – Contact Information Form 3 – Past Performance and Experience

Form 4 – Subcontracting

Form 5 – Drug Free Workplace Certification

Form 6 – Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Form 7 – Non-Disclosure Affidavit Form 8 – Statement of No Involvement

Consultant Services for a Five-Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program

Things to Keep in Mind When Responding to a Solicitation

1. Read the entire document. Note critical items such as: mandatory requirements; sample(s) required; supplies/services required; submittal dates; number of copies required for submittal; funding amount and source; contract requirements (i.e., contract performance security, insurance requirements, performance and/or reporting requirements, etc.).

2. Note the Procurement Officer's name, address, phone numbers and e-mail address. This is the only person you are allowed to communicate with regarding the Solicitation and is an excellent source of information for any questions you may have.

3. Attend the Pre-Bid conference. (If applicable)

4. Take advantage of the “question and answer” period. Submit your questions to the Procurement Officer by the due date listed in the Solicitation Timeline and view the answers given in the formal “addenda” issued for the Solicitation. All addenda issued for a Solicitation are posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) website (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids) and will include all questions asked and answered concerning the Solicitation.

5. Follow the format required in the Solicitation when preparing your Proposal. Provide point-by-point response to the required sections in a clear and concise manner.

6. Provide complete answers/descriptions. Read and answer all questions and requirements.

Don’t assume the Department or evaluation committee will know what your company capabilities are or what items/services you can provide, even if you have previously contracted with the Department. The Replies are evaluated based solely on the information and materials provided in the Proposal.

7. Check the VIP website for Solicitation addenda. Before submitting your Proposal, check the VIP website to see whether any addenda were issued for the Solicitation. Some addenda require that you sign and return them with the Proposal.

8. Review and read the Solicitation document again to make sure that you have addressed all requirements. Your original Proposal and the requested copies must be identical and be complete. The copies are provided to the evaluator/evaluation committee members and will be used to score your Proposal.

9. Submit your Proposal on time. Note all the dates and times listed in the Solicitation Timeline and within the document, and be sure to submit all required items on time. Faxed, emailed or late Replies may not be considered.

SECTION 1- INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS

1.1 Purpose

The Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services (Division) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure competitive proposals from qualified vendors who are able to conduct a five-year evaluation of library development in Florida.

Florida's Division of Library and Information Services promotes, enhances and provides library, records management and archival services by connecting individuals, agencies, libraries, educational institutions and businesses to vital informational, cultural and learning resources. The Division provides direct library services to the state government; develops and provides statewide library, archival and records management services. The Division also provides technical assistance and promotes statewide resource sharing with its cooperative partners. Working in partnership with archivists, librarians, records managers, governmental officials and citizens, the Division seeks to assure access to materials and information of past, present and future value to enable local libraries and agencies to provide effective information services for the benefit of the people of Florida.

The accomplishments of the Division are impacted by a number of factors and require continuous reassessment of Florida’s citizen needs in light of dynamic changes. As with other public services, demographic and economic factors influence the nature of the Division’s role and activities. Florida continues to face challenges of shifting technological needs, population growth, illiteracy, rural isolation, and aging.

The Division, per Florida Statutes Chapter 257.12, is the state library administrative agency that receives federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funding to support library development in Florida. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which administers the LSTA grant program, enforces the legislation and regulations which require the Division to conduct an independent five-year evaluation of programs funded with grant funds, and to also submit a five-year state plan of services and programs to be conducted with LSTA funding.

Section 9134 (c) of IMLS’ authorizing legislation directs State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) to “independently evaluate, and report to the Director regarding, the activities assisted under this subchapter, prior to the end of the 5-year plan.”

This evaluation provides SLAAs an opportunity to measure progress in meeting the goals set in their approved Five-Year Plans with a framework to synthesize information across all state reports in telling a national story. (Guidelines for IMLS Grants to States Five-Year Evaluation 2023-2027 - OMB Control Number: 3137- 0090)

A State Plan is a document that identifies a State’s library needs, sets forth the activities to be taken toward meeting the identified needs supported with the assistance of Federal funds made available under the LSTA, and provides assurances that the officially designated SLAA has the fiscal and legal authority and capability to administer all aspects of any award under the Grants for States program. 20 U.S.C. § 9122(5).

A consultant will be hired to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects funded with LSTA funds and measure whether or not Florida has achieved, partly achieved or not achieved the goals set in its current LSTA five year plan. The consultant will work collaboratively with the Division to complete the project. The total budget for the entire project cannot exceed $75,000.

The submitted Response must comply with all of the terms and conditions described in this Request for Proposal (RFP).

The minimum requirements are contained herein in Attachment B – Statement of Work/Specifications and Requirements for Project.

1.2 Definitions

The following terms used in this RFP, unless the context otherwise clearly requires a different construction and interpretation, have the following meanings:

1. Certified Minority Business Enterprise: A business which has been certified by the Florida Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Development, in accordance with Section 287.0943 (2)(e), Florida Statutes and Chapter 60A-9, Florida Administrative Code.

2. Contract: The agreement entered into between the Department and the successful Respondent after completion of the Request for Proposal process.

3. Deliverable: A tangible, specific, quantifiable and measurable event or item that must be produced to complete a project or part of a project directly related to the scope of services.

4. Department: The Florida Department of State. (DOS)

5. Division: Division of Library and Information Services (DLIS)

6. FY: The State of Florida’s Fiscal Year, July 1 through June 30.

7. Mediation: Staff involvement in the requesting process.

8. Proposal: All information and materials submitted by a Respondent in response to this

RFP.

9. Respondent: A vendor that has submitted a bid, proposal, or reply that conforms in all material respects to the solicitation.

10. Vendor Information Portal (VIP): The system which allows all state agencies to advertise solicitations and exceptional purchases on MyFlorida.com. It also permits registered vendors to receive automatic email notification of solicitation advertisements, addendums to solicitation, and exceptional purchases.

1.3 Contract Term

The resulting Contract shall be in effect from the date of execution through June 30, 2027, unless cancelled earlier in accordance with the terms of the contract. The resulting Contract may not be renewed.

1.4 Special Accommodations

Any person with a qualified disability requiring special accommodations due to a disability should contact the Procurement Officer at 850-245-6581 at least five (5) business days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at 800-955-8771 (TDD).

1.5 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer is the sole point of contact as described in PUR 1001, Section 21.

David Shufflebotham, Procurement Officer

Florida Department of State, Division of Administrative Services, Purchasing Office

500 S. Bronough Street, Suite 428

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

Phone: 850-245-6581 Email: Purchasing@dos.fl.gov

***PLACE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF ALL EMAILS

TO THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER. ***

1.6 Contract Documentation

This purchase shall be accomplished by execution of a contract.

END OF SECTION 1

SECTION 2 – SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 General Overview

The RFP is a method of competitively procuring a commodity or contractual service under Chapter 287, Florida Statutes. Vendors can submit formal questions in writing to the Procurement Officer by the deadline listed in Section 2.3, Timeline of Events and

Addendum to Solicitation.

2.2 Questions and Answers

Respondents will address all inquiries regarding this solicitation to the Procurement Officer, via email, during the Question and Answer period. The deadline for submission of questions is reflected in Section 2.3, Timeline of Events and Addendum to Solicitation.

If the Department makes changes based on questions received, the Department will issue an addendum to the solicitation.

The Department requests that all questions have the solicitation number in the subject line of the email. Questions are requested to be submitted in the following format:

Question # RFP Section RFP Page # Question

2.3 Timeline of Events and Addendum to Solicitation

The table below contains the Timeline of Events and Addendum to the Solicitation for this solicitation. The dates and times within the Timeline of Events and Addendum to the

Solciitation are subject to change. The Department reserves the right to adjust the schedule and will notify participants in the solicitation by posting an addendum on the VIP.

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to check for any changes on the VIP. All changes to the Timeline of Events will be made through an addendum to the solicitation.

Respondents are responsible for submitting all required documentation by the dates and times (Eastern Standard Time) specified below. The Department reserves the right to modify this solicitation by issuing an addendum posted on the VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check VIP for any changes.

DATE TIME ACTION LOCATION

June 8, 2026

N/AT

Release of Solicitation

Electronically Posted:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.co m/search/bids

June 15, 2026

4:00 P.M.

EST

Deadline for Vendor

Written Questions

Division of Administrative Services

Purchasing@dos.fl.gov mailto:Purchasing@dos.fl.gov

June 25, 2026

N/A

Anticipated Date for

Department’s Response to Vendor Written

Questions

Electronically Posted:

July 2, 2026

10:00 A.M.

Deadline for Receipt of

Vendor Proposal

Florida Department of State

500 S. Bronough Street, Suite 428

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

July 2, 2026

10:30 A.M.

Proposal Opening

– Conference Call

Telephone: 1-888-585-9008 and enter code 666-567-017# when directed

July 9, 2026

Evaluation Team Briefing

Conference Call

(This is meeting is open for public attendance via telephone)

500 S. Bronough Street, Suite 428

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 or telephone

1-888-585-9008 and enter code 666-

567-017 #

July 15, 2026-

July 17, 2026

Evaluations Commence

Internal Only

July 22, 2026

Evaluation Team

Debriefing Conference

Call

(This is meeting is open for public attendance via telephone)

500 S. Bronough Street, Suite 428

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 or telephone

1-888-585-9008 and enter code 666-

567-017 #

July 29, 2026

Anticipated Notice of

Intent to Award

Electronically Posted

2.4 Contract Formation

The Department may issue a Notice of Intent to Award to the successful Respondent.

However, no Contract shall be formed between a Respondent and the Department until the

Department signs the Contract. The Department shall not be liable for any work performed before the Contract is effective.

The Department intends to enter in a Contract with a Respondent pursuant to 6.4 Basis of Award section of this solicitation. No additional documents submitted by a Respondent will be incorporated in the Contract unless it is specifically identified, incorporated by reference, and approved by the Department. If a n y a d d i t i o n a l documents are submitted by the Respondent, the additional documents will not be considered for the Basis of Award.

2.5 Disclosure of Proposal Contents

All documentation supplied to the Department as part of a Proposal becomes the exclusive property of the Department and will not be returned to the Respondent unless withdrawn prior to the deadline to submit Proposals in accordance with the modification or withdrawal of Proposal requirements in Section 5.5, Proposal Administrative Review. Selection or rejection of a Proposal shall not affect this right.

The State of Florida shall have the right to use all ideas, or adaptations of ideas, contained in any Proposal received in response to this RFP. Selection or rejection of a Proposal shall not affect this right.

2.6 Clarification Process

The Department may request clarification from the Respondent for resolving ambiguities or questioning information presented in its Proposal. Clarifications may be requested throughout the solicitation process. The Respondent’s answer to requested clarifications must be in writing and must address only the information requested. The Respondent’s answer to requested clarifications must be submitted to the Department within the time specified by the Department in the request.

2.7 Diversity

The Department is dedicated to fostering the continued development and economic growth of minority-, veteran-, and woman-owned small businesses. Participation of a diverse group of Respondents doing business with the State is central to the Department’s effort. To this end, minority-, veteran-, and woman-owned small business enterprises are encouraged to participate in the State’s procurement process as both prime contractors and subcontractors.

END OF SECTION 2

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

3.1 General Instructions

The General Instructions to Respondents is the PUR 1001, 2006 version, which is incorporated by reference and can be accessed at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Inst ructions_to_Respondents.pdf

Section 3 and 5 of PUR 1001 are inapplicable and are replaced as follows:

Section 3. Electronic Submission of Response

Responses shall be submitted in accordance with Section 5.2, How to Submit a

Proposal, of this solicitation.

Section 5. Question

Questions shall be submitted in accordance with Section 2.2, Questions and Answers of this solicitation.

3.2 Verbal Instructions

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Respondent as a result of any discussions with any State employee. Only those communications that are in writing from the Department’s Procurement Officer identified in Section 1.5, Special Accommodations of this RFP shall be considered a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Department. Only written, signed communications from Respondents will be recognized by the Department as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the Vendor.

3.3 Alternate Replies

Alternate replies and exceptions to this solicitation are not permitted. If the Respondent has any issue with the requirements or terms and conditions of this solicitation, such issues shall be presented to the Department and addressed by the Department during the ques t i on an d ans we r phas e o f t h e so l i c i t a t ion . Including a l t e rna t e rep l ies o r exceptions to this solicitation in any proposal may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive to the solicitation.

3.4 Business Registration Requirement

Under the provisions of Title 36, Chapters 605-623, Florida Statutes, in order to do business in the State of Florida, corporations (and other business designations) are required to be registered and in good standing with the Department of State, Division of

Corporations prior to execution of a contract agreement. Contact the Division of

Corporations at 850.245.6900.

3.5 MyFloridaMarketPlace Registration

The awarded Respondent(s) must have completed the MyFloridaMarketPlace registration process prior to the issuance of a purchase order. For additional information, please visit:

ht t ps: / / ve ndor . m yf lor i dam ar k et p lac e. com https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

The following United Nations Standard Products and Services Code(s) (UNSPSC) are provided to assist potential Respondents in their registration efforts:

80101606: Project Monitoring and Evaluation

80111509: Job Evaluation Service

80101500: Business and Corporate Management Consultant Services

86101703: Library or documentation training

86141704: Library or documentation services

86132000: Management education and training services

86132200: Educational support services

86141500: Educational guidance services

86141501: Educational advisory services

3.6 Florida Substitute Form W-9 Process

State of Florida vendors must register and complete an electronic Florida Substitutes

Form W-9. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) receives and validates the information vendors provide on the Form W-9. For instructions on how to complete the Florida

Substitute Form W-9, please visit:

https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/AA/StateAgencies/documents/W-

9Instructions022212.pdf

3.7 Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program

The State supports and encourages initiatives to keep the workplaces of Florida’s suppliers and vendors drug-free. Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, provides that, where identical tie proposals are received, preference shall be given to a proposal received from a

Respondent that certifies it has implemented a drug- free workforce program. If applicable, Respondent shall sign and submit Form 5 (Drug-Free Workplace Certificate) to certify that the Respondent has a drug-free workplace program. The Vendor shall describe how it will address the implementation of a drug-free workplace in offering the items of proposal.

In the event that the Department receives identical Proposals from two (2) or more responsive Respondents with drug-free workplace programs, the final determination of the award shall be decided through the toss of a coin in a public meeting.

3.8 Office of Supplier Development

The Office of Supplier Development has standing to protest, pursuant to Section 287.09451, F.S., in a timely manner, any proposed contract award in competitive bidding for contractual services and construction contracts that fail to include minority business enterprise participation, if any responding respondent has demonstrated the ability to achieve any level of participation, or any contract award for commodities where, a reasonable and economical opportunity to reserve a contract statewide or district level, for minority participation was not executed or, an agency failed to adopt applicable preference for minority participation. Any low respondent with no participation may be deemed not in

“good faith.”

Office of Supplier Development

Florida Department Management Services https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/AA/StateAgencies/documents/W-9Instructions022212.pdf https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/AA/StateAgencies/documents/W-9Instructions022212.pdf

4050 Esplanade Way, Suite 380

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0950

Telephone: 850-487-0915

Fax: 850-922-6852

Email Address: osdhelp@dms.fl.gov

3.9 Licenses, Permits, Other Charges

The successful Respondent shall pay for any and all licenses, permits, other charges and taxes required for the Contract, and shall comply with all laws, ordinances or other requirements applicable to the work specified during the term of this Contract.

3.10 Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify)

Pursuant to State of Florida Executive Order No. 11-116, Vendor is required to utilize the

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment of all new employees hired by the Vendor during the contract term.

Only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization may perform work on this contract. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Pursuant to section 448.095, F.S., the Contractor shall register with and use the E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees. A public employer, contractor, or subcontractor may not enter into a contract unless each party to the contract registers with and uses the E-Verify system.

E-Verify is fast, free and easy to use – and it’s the best way employers can ensure a legal workforce. For more information, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/ase visit.

3.11 Subcontracting

The successful Respondent shall not subcontract, assign, or transfer any work identified under the resulting Contract without prior written consent of the Department. The awarded

Respondent will be the prime service provider and shall be responsible for all work performed and all Contract deliverables.

3.12 Copyrighted Material

Copyrighted material will be accepted as part of a technical proposal only if accompanied by a waiver that will allow the Department to make paper and electronic copies necessary for the use of Department staff and agents. It is noted that copyrighted material is not exempt from the P u b l i c Records Law, Chapter 119, and Florida Statutes.

3.13 Vendor’s Duties to Assert Exemption from Disclosure as a Public Record

Any Proposal content submitted to the Department which is asserted to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record shall be clearly marked “exempt,” “confidential,” or

“trade secret” (as applicable), with the statutory basis for such claim of exemption specifically identified in writing on each and every such page. Failure to segregate and so clearly identify any such content shall constitute a waiver of any claimed exemption as applied to the portion of the Proposal or other document in which the content is set forth.

An entire page or paragraph in which such information appears should not be marked

“exempt”, “confidential” or “trade secret” unless the entire page or paragraph consists of such confidential information. Only the confidential portions(s) should be identified and marked. Respondents are to indicate where confidential information begins and ends.

Any claim of exemption from public disclosure is waived upon submission, unless addressed as set forth above. The Department will attempt to afford protection from disclosure of any trade secret as defined in Section 812.081(1)(c), Florida Statutes, or

Section 688.002, Florida Statutes, where identified as such in the Proposal, to t h e extent permitted under Section 815.045, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 119, Florida

Statutes. Each Respondent acknowledges that the protection afforded by Section

815.045, Florida Statutes, is incomplete, and hereby agrees that no remedy for damages may arise from any disclosure by the Department.

It will be the responsibility of the Respondent to defend the confidentiality of its trade secrets through the judicial process.

3.14 Conflict of Interest and Disclosure

The award hereunder is subject to the provisions of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes.

Respondents must disclose with their Replies whether any officer, director, employee or agent is also an officer or an employee of the Department, the State of Florida, or any of its agencies. (Form 5 - Disclosure Statement Conflict of Interest Disclosure). All firms must disclose the name of any state officer or employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the Respondent's firm or any of its branches or affiliates. All Respondents must also disclose the name of any employee, agent, lobbyist, previous employee of the Department, or other person, who has received or will receive compensation of any kind, or who has registered or is required to register under

Section 112.3215, Florida Statutes, in seeking to influence the actions of the Department in connection with this procurement. The selected Respondent shall be required to provide written notification to the Department within five (5) working days of the discovery of any potential conflict of interest. The Department reserves the right to make an independent determination as to whether or not a conflict of interest exists.

END OF SECTION 3

SECTION 4 – PROPOSAL CONTENT

Each Proposal shall be prepared simply and economically, following the instructions contained herein. Note: Fancy binding of replies, colored displays in replies, and promotional material are not desired. There is no intent to limit the content of the Proposal and additional information deemed appropriate by the Respondent may be included. However, cluttering the Proposal with irrelevant material makes the review more difficult.

All Proposals and associated forms must be signed and dated in ink by a duly authorized representative of the Respondent. All Proposals and related documents submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of the State of Florida.

4.1 Special Instructions for the Preparation of Proposals

The instructions for this solicitation have been designed to help insure that all Proposals are reviewed and evaluated in a consistent manner, as well as to minimize costs and reply time. Any and all information submitted in variance with these instructions is subject to not being reviewed or evaluated. Proposals are to be divided into three (3) sections:

• SECTION ONE: Administrative Qualification Documents

• SECTION TWO: Technical Response

• SECTION THREE: Price Proposal

4.2 SECTION ONE – Administrative Qualification Documents

Tab 1 – Attachments, Forms and Certifications

Responses to this RFP should include the following original documents and certifications:

1. Acknowledgement Form (Page 1 of this RFP)

2. Form 1 – Mandatory Responsiveness Requirements

3. Form 2 – Contact Information

4. Form 4 – Subcontracting

5. Form 5 – Drug Free Workplace Certification

6. Form 6 – Conflict of Interest Disclosure

7. Form 7 – Non-Collusion Affidavit

8. Form 8 – Statement of No Involvement

9. Form 9 – Security Acknowledgement

10. Form 10 – Non-Disclosure Agreement

11. Proof of Business Registration (must be provided prior to Contract execution- see

Section 5.1.6, Proposal Submittal Requirements)

[Please note – Attachment C and Form 3 are required in separate Sections as detailed below]

4.3 SECTION TWO – Technical Response

Failure of the Respondent to provide any of the information required in this section of the

Proposal may result in a score of zero for that c r i t e r i a of the evaluation or may result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive and rejected.

This section should be prepared by each Respondent utilizing 8.5” x 11” paper. All pages should be consecutively numbered.

Using the description of work outlined in Attachment B, Statement of Work/Technical

Specifications, Respondents should prepare their Proposals in the order of the outlines below, with the sections tabbed for ease of identification and review.

Tab 1: Executive Summary

Each Respondent must prepare and include an Executive Summary that summarizes the key points from the Respondent’s Proposal. The Executive Summary must begin with company/division’s street address; and size of business, CBEs status, and a summary of the key points from the Respondent’s Proposal.

Tab 2: Client Reference Form

Each Respondent must complete and include Form 3, the Client Reference Form for three (3) customers to whom Respondent has provided commodities and/or contractual services of similar scope and size as those identified in the RFP. If the Respondent is a current or former Contractor to the Department, the Respondent may indicate this information on a separate document, however, this shall not count as one (1) of the three (3) required Client References.

Tab 3: Work Samples

The Respondent will provide two (2) samples of similar projects completed within the past five (5) years.

Tab 4: Professional Experience

The Respondent must list three (3) separate and verifiable clients. The purpose of this section is to provide the Division with a basis for determining the Respondent’s direct experience that is relevant to the requirements of this solicitation.

Each Respondent should provide details on three (3) similar contract executed in the last five (5) years that are of scope to the services sought in this RFP. Please be sure to identify all relevant similarities or differences to such contracts when compared to the services sought in this RFP. The Division desires a concise but thorough description of relevant experience, not a voluminous description of all contracts.

It is mandatory that the Respondent provide documentation of past performance. Such documentation is to include:

T1.1 Overall Experience.

A. Provide three previous work product examples similar in scope to the services requested in this RFP.

B. Describe the number of years and month of experience with the requested services in each of the following categories:

• Experience in evaluating library programs and services. Include a description of the methodology used in the evaluation.

• Experience in evaluating long-range or five-year plans. Include a description of the methodology used in the evaluation.

C. Describe extent of this type of work performed for any of the follow that apply:

• State Library Administrative Agency

• State Agency

• Governmental Entity

• Public Library

• Academic Library

T1.2 Qualifications. This section should present the qualifications of the Respondent and Respondent’s team. The following topics must be addressed:

• Provide names and resumes of all members of the evaluation team.

Include the number of years they have been with the Respondent company and experience with evaluating library services.

T1.2 Project Approach and Methodology.

• Describe how you will evaluate the effectiveness of programs funded with Library Services and Technology Act Funds administered by the Division of Library and Information Services. Provide details pertaining to the methodology to be used.

• The methodology should provide for input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders (using focus groups) and the extent that information gathered will lead to a thorough evaluation, which will allow the Division to develop a resulting plan that represents responsiveness and innovation.

• Include a project plan that covers all phases of project implementation including, but not limited to deliverables, milestones, timelines, and responsibilities.

4.4 SECTION THREE: Price Proposal

Tab 1 - Attachment C - Price Proposal Sheet

Each Respondent shall use the form provided as Attachment C, Price Proposal Sheet, to provide fixed price rates for the services requested in this RFP.

The prices provided shall include the cost of all necessary activities to accomplish the services outlined in the RFP and the Proposals hereto, including, but not limited to MFMP transaction fees; miscellaneous expenses; and the application of all multiples (i.e. overhead, fringe benefits, etc.), travel, and incidental expenses. Failure by the Respondent to provide a price on Attachment C may result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive, and therefore, the Proposal may be rejected. Footnotes, notations, and exceptions made to Attachment C may not be considered.

Respondents must not include any technical response information or alternative terms and conditions within the Price Proposal Sheet. Proposals that include such information in the Price Sheet will be rejected as non-responsive.

END OF SECTION 4

SECTION 5 – PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Mandatory Responsiveness Requirements

The Department will not evaluate Proposals from Respondents that do not meet the minimum requirements listed below. The Respondent’s Experience and Ability narrative and Proposed Technical Response will be addressed during the evaluation phase and will not be evaluated for the determination of responsiveness.

Provide a signed Form 1 - Mandatory Responsiveness Requirements, and provide the required documentation requested in this subsection.

5.1.1 The Respondent must certify that the person submitting the Proposal and its pricing is authorized to respond to this RFP on the Respondent’s behalf.

5.1.2 The Respondent must certify that the Respondent will accept the Contract terms and conditions as stated herein, without qualifications or exception.

5.1.3 The Respondent must certify that the Respondent is in compliance with Section 9 of the PUR 1001 form as modified by Section 3.1 herein.

5.1.4 The Respondent must certify that the Respondent is not a Discriminatory Vendor or

Convicted Vendor as defined in Sections 7 and 8 of the PUR 1001.

5.1.5 The R e s p o n d e n t must certify the Respondent is not on the Scrutinized

Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott

Israel List, and is not participating in a boycott of Israel.

Note: The certifications required in subsections 5.1.1 through 5.1.5 are to be accomplished through the execution of Form 1 – Responsiveness Requirements.

5.1.6 The Respondent must submit proof of Articles of Incorporation, or other legal recognition as a business entity by a state or territory of the United States, and/or

Florida Department of State Registration.

Note: Florida Statutes require out-of-state business entities transacting business in

Florida to register or obtain authorization from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, to transact business in this state. See sections

605.0903, 607.1501, 607.1503, 620.1902, 620.1903, or either applicable statute(s). If not already registered or authorized, the Respondent agrees to attain such authorization within seven (7) business days of notice of award, should the Respondent be awarded.

Website: www.sunbiz.org

5.1.7 The Respondent must submit their Proposal in accordance with Section 4 of this RFP.

5.2 How to Submit a Proposal

Respondents s h a l l submit the proposal in (a) properly marked, sealed box(es) containing the following:

5.2.1 One (1) signed original un-redacted bound version of the Proposal (excluding

Attachment C, Price Proposal Sheet), with three (3) un-redacted, bound copies.

5.2.2 One (1) signed original Price Proposal Sheet (Attachment C) in a separate sealed 8.5 x 11 manila envelope.

5.2.3 One (1) scanned copy of the entire Proposal in and Attachment C, Price Proposal

Sheet in Adobe (.pdf) on a CD or USB flash drive.

Note: Large files may be scanned as separate files.

5.2.4 If applicable, one (1) electronic redacted copy of the entire Proposal on a CD or

USB flash drive (as described in Section 3.13, Copyrighted Material of this RFP).

Electronic files should be logically named and easily mapped to the hard copy submittal.

The electronic media should be clearly labeled in the same manner as the hard copies.

If a Respondent fails to submit the electronic, signed copies with its Proposal, the Department reserves the right to contact the Respondent by telephone for submission of this document via email. This right will be exercised only when the Proposal has met all other requirements of the solicitation.

5.3 Delivery of Proposal

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to ensure their Proposal is delivered to the proper place and by the deadline stipulated in the Timeline of Events and Addendum to Solicitation.

Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package by U.S. Mail, express or expedited courier delivery service, private courier, or hand delivery.

http://www.sunbiz.org/

Notwithstanding Section 3 of the “State of Florida PUR 1001 (10/06) General

Instructions to Respondents”, the Department of State does not accept Electronic

Submission of Responses via email.

The DOS Building is a secured facility. If you are hand-delivering the Proposal, please allow for sufficient time to gain access into the building. PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE

EXACT TIME SPECIFIED WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. The Department’s clocks will provide the official time for Proposal receipt. The shipping package should be addressed as follows:

Attention:

David Shufflebotham, Procurement Officer

Florida Department of State, Division of Administrative Services, Purchasing Office

500 S. Bronough Street – Room 428

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

Respondent’s Name

Solicitation Number: RFP No.: DOS-RFP-25/26-098

Title: Consultant Services for a Five-Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology

Act Grant Program

Proposal Opening: July 2, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. EST

The Department is not responsible for opening improperly marked Proposals.

5.4 Proposal Opening

A public opening will be conducted at the time and date specified in Section 2.3, Timeline of Events and Addendum to Solicitation in the Purchasing Office, Suite 428 located at R.A.

Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough Street, Room 428, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-0250.

The public opening will be conducted on the time and date specified in Section 2.3, Timeline of Events and Addendum to Solicitation, and public can attend via conference call by using the information below.

Conference Call Number: 1-888-585-9008 Room Number: 666-567-017

After the public opening, the name(s) of all Respondents submitting Proposals shall be made available to interested parties upon request to the Procurement Officer.

5.5 Proposal Administrative Review

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals failing to meet mandatory responsiveness requirements, or containing material deviations, or separate portions, and to waive any minor irregularity, technicality, or omission if the

Department determines that doing so will serve the State’s best interest. Additionally, the

Department reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to re-solicit if in the best interest of the Department.

Respondents are responsible for thoroughly reviewing the specifications of this RFP

5.5.1 Non-Responsive Replies

Each Respondent shall submit a Proposal that meets all material requirements of this RFP. The Department will review Proposals to determine the material requirements as outlined in the RFP. The Department seeks to maximize competition and reserves the right to seek clarification from Respondents to obtain non-material information to complete a responsiveness review. Failure of a Vendor to provide required information may cause a Respondent to be deemed Non-

Responsive and therefore be disqualified from further consideration.

Non-Responsive Proposals may include, but are not limited to, those which: fail to utilize, complete, and/or submit the mandatory prescribed forms; include terms and conditions contrary to the requirements of this solicitation; do not contain original authorized signatures; contain Technical or Proposal information contrary to those outlined in this RFP; and are not in conformance with the requirements and instructions contained herein.

A NON-RESPONSIVE PROPOSAL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNLESS, AT THE

DEPARTMENT’S DISCRETION, THE DISCREPANCY DOES NOT PREVENT

REVIEW OF THE PROPOSAL BY THE DEPARTMENT AND CAN BE EASILY

AND QUICKLY REMEDIED.

The Department reserves the right to waive minor irregularities in a Proposal. A minor irregularity is a variation of a technical nature to this RFP which does not affect the price of the Proposal or give the Respondent(s) a substantial or unfair advantage over other Vendors. At its sole discretion, the Department may request a Respondent to provide clarifying information or additional materials to correct a minor irregularity.

However, the Department will not request, and the Respondent shall not provide, additional materials that affect the price of the Proposal or give the Respondent an advantage or benefit not provided to all responding Vendors.

5.5.2 Disqualification for Non-Responsibility

The Department reserves the right to utilize sources other than those identified by the Respondent to obtain additional information regarding the Respondent’s capability of fully performing a contract for the services outlined in this RFP as well as its integrity and reliability to assure good faith performance. Information obtained from additional sources may be used to determine whether the Respondent is a responsible vendor. The Department will reject the Proposal submitted by any

Respondent deemed irresponsible.

Such additional sources may include, but are not limited to, news sources; court filings;

internet searches; and online-reports available from state or federal agencies.

Factors that may result in finding that the Respondent is not a responsible vendor include, but are not limited to, filing for bankruptcy or insolvency; conviction of a crime by any corporate officer involving fraud; dishonesty, unfair or deceptive trade practices; bid or price fixing; or any other offense related to corporate business practices or having a contract with any state or governmental entity terminated for breach or for failure to perform within the past three (3) years.

5.5.3 Material Deviations

The Department has established certain requirements with respect to Proposals to be submitted by Respondents. A deviation is material if, in the Department's sole discretion, the deficient Proposal is not in substantial accord with this RFP requirements, provides an advantage to one Respondent over other Respondents, has a potentially significant effect on the quantity or quality of items proposed, or on the cost to the Department, or otherwise adversely impact the Department’s interest.

Material deviations cannot be waived and will be the basis for rejection of a Proposal.

5.5.4 Changes to Proposal

No substitutions, variations or changes to contract terms, conditions or specifications will be permitted or acknowledged unless approved, in writing, by the Department’s

Purchasing Office. Rule 60A-1.002(11), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), specifically prohibits modification of a Proposal after Proposals are opened.

Therefore, any changes or variations to the original contract terms, conditions or specifications must have the written approval of the Purchasing Office prior to the opening date.

5.5.5 Withdrawal of Proposal

A Respondent may withdraw a Proposal by written notice to the Department on or before the deadline specified in Section 2.3, Timeline of Events and Addendum to

Solicitation. Such written notice is to be submitted to the Procurement Officer.

5.5.6 Proposal Preparation Cost

The Department is not liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in responding to this RFP, including those for oral presentations, if applicable.

END OF SECTION 5

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

SECTION 6 - SELECTION METHODOLOGY

The Department evaluation team will consist of at least three (3) persons who collectively have experience and knowledge in the program areas and service requirements to conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of all Proposals received in response to this RFP.

6.1 Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated using the criteria set forth in this section.

Evaluators will not search through the Proposals for information that is missing from a section being reviewed, so it is important for the Respondent to carefully follow the RFP organization and content specified in Section 4, Proposal Content. The Department will attempt to clarify ambiguous or inconsistent information with a clarification request(s).