CDT STP Invitation For Bid

Invitation For Bid (IFB)

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

PART 1 – BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS

FOR

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26 Structured Cabling Materials and Services

January 30, 2026

Issued by:

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

California Department of Technology

Part 1 of the solicitation contains the Bidder and bidding instructions, bid form instructions, solution requirements and instructions, and all other instructional/compliance information that the Bidder must meet in order to be considered responsive to the solicitation.

Part 2 of the solicitation contains all forms a Bidder must complete and return with its bid, including the administrative forms, qualification forms, requirement responses, and all exhibits/attachments discussed in Part 1.

Disclaimer: The original version and any subsequent solicitation addenda released by the Procurement Officer for this solicitation remain the official version. In the event of any inconsistency between the Bidder’s versions, articles, attachments, specifications, or provisions, the official State version of the solicitation in its entirety shall take precedence.

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

January 30, 2026

IFB

PART 1 – BIDDER INSTRUCTIONS

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

1. INTRODUCTION

This solicitation is being conducted under the authority of the California Department of Technology (CDT) pursuant to Public Contract Code (PCC) §6611 which provides the authority to use a competitive negotiation process when the State’s business need or the purpose of a procurement or contract is known, but negotiation is necessary to ensure that the State is receiving the best value or the most cost-efficient goods, services, information technology, and/or telecommunications.

This solicitation contains the instructions governing the requirements for a fixed price bid to be submitted by Bidders. Also, included in this solicitation is the required format and materials Bidders must follow when responding to this solicitation. This solicitation also addresses the requirements that Bidders must meet to be eligible for consideration, as well as Bidders’ responsibilities before and after award.

The following terms are used interchangeably throughout the solicitation documents: (1) “Contract” and “Agreement”; (2) “response” and “bids”.

1.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Invitation For Bid (IFB) (hereafter also referred to as “solicitation”) is to obtain bids from qualified Bidders to provide the State of California (hereafter referred to as “State”) with structured cabling materials and related services (hereafter referred to as "SCS"). Structured Cabling materials and related services shall include:

A. Group 1: Inside Plant Cabling B. Group 2: Outside Plant Cabling

Bidders may submit a Bid for one (1) or both Groups for structured cabling materials and services offerings in the format listed in EXHIBIT B: PRICE CATALOG. The Bidder must provide all line items for each group in which a bid is submitted, including Common line items applicable to both Groups.

Multiple Contractors may be awarded a contract as a result of this IFB. The Contracts will be available for use by State of California departments and any federal, city, county, special district, educational agency, tribal entity, local government, or corporation empowered to expend public funds. Establishing a multiple structured cabling services contract allows Ordering Agencies to procure materials and services through this Statewide Contract using the Order Request process.

The use of this contract is not mandatory by any state or local government agency/entity. The State makes no guarantee of purchases through this statewide agreement. Refer to SECTION 1.3.2.

PROPOSED ENVIRONMENT, of this IFB for more details.

The Contract Award, if made, will be in accordance with the methodology defined in SECTION 5.

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

EVALUATION. The respective State and Contractor responsibilities are further defined in the EXHIBIT A:

STATEMENT OF WORK .

1.2. TERM OF STATEWIDE CONTRACT

Effective upon approval of CDT, Office of Statewide Technology Procurement (OSTP), the base term of the Contract is four (4) years.

The State, at its sole discretion, may exercise its option to execute up to three (3), two (2)-year extensions for a maximum Contract term of 10 years (includes Base Contract term plus all optional extensions).

The Contractor shall not be authorized to deliver goods or commence performance of services described in this Agreement prior to the effective date. Any delivery of goods or performance of services by the Contractor that is commenced prior to the effective date shall be at no cost to the State.

The State is not obligated to use any or all of these options. The Agreement is of no effect unless approved by CDT and no work shall begin before full execution of the Agreement.

1.2.1. ELECTED OPEN PERIOD

The State reserves the right to elect to re-open this solicitation to add Contractors via an Elected Open Period (EOP).

The EOP will be implemented at the State’s sole discretion. The EOP participation for new Bidders may not occur sooner than 12 months after Contract award and not later than 12 months before expiration of the maximum contract term. Further, the EOP will not extend the original term of this Contract for new Bidders or incumbent Contractors.

The new Bidders participating must meet and adhere to all of the requirements identified in this solicitation. Evaluation of the new bids and Contract Award, if made, shall be in accordance with the original evaluation and award methodology in SECTION 5. EVALUATION.

Should the EOP occur, it will be announced on the State’s electronic procurement system, Cal eProcure, and notification will be provided to all incumbent Contractors.

1.3. CURRENT AND PROPOSED ENVIRONMENT

1.3.1. CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

Outside Plant Cabling is currently obtained by State of California departments and any city, county, special district, educational agency, local government body or corporation empowered to expend public

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions funds following internal procurement processes and through CDT’s Statewide SCS contract.

Inside Plant Cabling is obtained by agencies/entities stated above or by State departments and agencies utilizing the CDT's Statewide SCS contract or the CALNET statewide contract.

The CALNET contract is a separate statewide contract specifically for inside plant cabling services to be ordered to support Installs, Moves, Adds, or Changes of primary CALNET services.

The Statewide SCS contract expires August 18, 2026, and the State has elected to renew the contract through this solicitation process.

1.3.2. PROPOSED ENVIRONMENT

Contracts awarded as a result of this SCS solicitation provide the opportunity for Ordering Agencies to procure inside plant and/or outside plant materials and related services. The Contract will allow for efficient ordering and competitive pricing.

CDT will develop User Instructions for ordering procedures that shall be followed. The ordering requests may include additional terms and conditions at the discretion of the ordering agency/entity.

The Contract(s) awarded as a result of this IFB shall not of itself guarantee revenue or Customer orders for materials and/or services. Further, Contractors may lower their prices to be competitive, but they may not increase their prices beyond their contract-approved rates.

1.4. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

To comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the ADA, it is the policy of the State of California to make every effort to ensure that its programs, activities, and services are available to all persons, including persons with disabilities.

For persons with a disability needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the procurement process or for persons having questions regarding reasonable accommodations for the procurement process, you may contact the Procurement Officer identified in SECTION 2.2.1. PROCUREMENT OFFICER. You may also contact the State of California at the telephone numbers listed below.

Important: To ensure that we can meet your needs, it is best that we receive your request for reasonable accommodations at least 10 working days before the scheduled event, e.g., meeting, conference, workshop, etc., or deadline due date for procurement documents.

The California Relay Service Telephone Numbers are:

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

Relay Service Description Language Telephone Number

TTY/VCO/HCO to Voice

English

Spanish

1-800-735-2929

1-800-855-3000

Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO

English

Spanish

1-800-735-2922

1-800-855-3000

From or to Speech-to-Speech English & Spanish 1-800-854-7784

2. BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1. BIDDER ADMONISHMENT

This procurement will follow an approach designed to increase the likelihood of a successful bid and Bidder eligibility for an invitation to negotiation.

The Bidder should refer to SECTION 2.5. BIDDING STEPS to understand the phases applicable to this solicitation and SECTION 5. EVALUATION to understand the evaluation process. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to:

A. Carefully read the entire solicitation.

B. Submit questions in a timely manner.

C. Submit all required responses by the required dates and times specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY

ACTION DATES .

D. Abide by all procedures and requirements of the solicitation.

E. Not include conditional statements, assumptions, or exception language with bids.

F. Carefully review the solicitation requirements prior to submission of a bid to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

2.2. COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTACTS

The State uses an online procurement system known as Cal eProcure to communicate with prospective Bidders and suppliers. Information and ongoing communications for this solicitation will be posted by the State on the Cal eProcure website, www.caleprocure.ca.gov.

Oral communications by Agency/state entity officers and employees concerning this solicitation shall not

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

January 30, 2026 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/373586?return_path=%2Faccount%2Fworkflows%2Fstages%2F32177%3Fsub_stage%3Ddocuments#section-714109 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/373586?return_path=%2Faccount%2Fworkflows%2Fstages%2F32177%3Fsub_stage%3Ddocuments#section-714224 http://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/ be binding on the State and shall in no way excuse the Bidder of any obligations set forth in this solicitation.

2.2.1. PROCUREMENT OFFICER

The Procurement Officer is the State’s designated authorized representative regarding this procurement and is the sole point of contact.

Bidders are directed to communicate all correspondence regarding this procurement to both the Procurement Officer and the Secondary Procurement Officer at the contact information below.

Primary Procurement Officer: Lauren Neisen, (916) 205-4836, Lauren.Neisen@state.ca.gov

Secondary Procurement Officer: Michelle Cruz, (916) 800-2027, Michelle.Cruz@state.ca.gov

2.2.2. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT

Bidders requesting clarification of the intent, terms and conditions, content of this solicitation, or on procedural matters regarding the competitive bid process should submit questions and requests for changes using the format in ATTACHMENT 1: TEMPLATE FOR QUESTION SUBMITTAL/REQUEST FOR CHANGES via email addressed to the Procurement Officers listed in SECTION 2.2.1.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER.

If the Bidder believes that one or more of the solicitation requirements is onerous, unfair, or imposes unnecessary constraints on the Bidder proposing a less costly or an alternate solution, the Bidder may request a change to the solicitation by submitting, in writing, the recommended change(s) and the facts substantiating this belief and reasons for making the recommended change using ATTACHMENT 1:

TEMPLATE FOR QUESTION SUBMITTAL/REQUEST FOR CHANGES. Such request must be submitted to the Procurement Officer by the date specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES .

Written questions and requests for changes must be submitted, using Microsoft Excel or Word, by email to the Procurement Officers identified in SECTION 2.2.1. PROCUREMENT OFFICER, using the format in

ATTACHMENT 1: TEMPLATE FOR QUESTION SUBMITTAL/REQUEST FOR CHANGES.

The email must include the solicitation identification information from the solicitation title page in the subject line. To ensure a response, questions and/or requests for changes must be received in writing by the date(s) specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES . Question and answer sets will be posted to Cal eProcure and will not identify the submitters. At the sole discretion of the State, questions may be paraphrased by the State for clarity.

If a Bidder desires clarification or further information on the content of the solicitation, but whose questions relate to the proprietary aspect of its bid and disclosure exposes its bid to other Bidders, the

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

January 30, 2026 mailto:Lauren.Neisen@state.ca.gov mailto:Michelle.Cruz@state.ca.gov question may be submitted using the same criteria above with the notation, “CONFIDENTIAL.” The Bidder must explain why the question is sensitive in nature. If the State concurs that the disclosure of the question or the answer would expose the proprietary nature of the bid, the question will be answered and both the question and answer will be confidentially maintained. If the State does not concur with the proprietary nature of the question, the Bidder will be notified and may withdraw the question. If the question is not withdrawn, the question and response will not be confidentially maintained.

Only questions submitted in writing and answered in writing by the Procurement Officer shall be binding and official.

2.2.3. INTENT TO BID

Bidders that wish to participate in the solicitation should submit a completed ATTACHMENT 2: INTENT TO BID FORM by the date specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES .

This document shall be emailed to the Procurement Officer identified in SECTION 2.2.1.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER.

It shall be the Bidder’s responsibility to notify the Procurement Officers identified in SECTION 2.2.1.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER regarding any change to its Intent to Bid or the contact information. The State shall not be responsible for bid correspondence not received by the Bidder if the Bidder fails to notify the State, in writing, of any change pertaining to the designated contact person.

2.2.4. REQUEST INVITATION TO STATE'S FILE-SHARING SITE

Bidders will upload their bid response to the State's file sharing site. Requests to access the file sharing site shall be submitted to the Procurement Officers listed in SECTION 2.2.1. PROCUREMENT OFFICER.

Access to the file-sharing site will be granted within three (3) working days after receiving the email request and ATTACHMENT 3: CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT FORM.

Refer to SECTION 4.3. DELIVERY OF SUBMITTALS instructions to submit your firm's bid to the file-sharing site.

2.3. KEY ACTION DATES

Table 2.3-1 Key Action Dates (KAD) provides the key action dates and times by which actions must be taken or completed. If the State finds it necessary to change these dates or times, it will be accomplished via an addendum to this solicitation, with the exception of dates listed after the Bidder’s Last day to submit bid. Dates listed after the Bidder’s Last day to submit bid are estimated and may be adjusted without addendum to this solicitation. All times listed are for Pacific Time. Unless otherwise specified, all times are 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions

January 30, 2026 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/197069 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/197068?return_path=%2Faccount%2Fworkflows%2Fstages%2F16586%3Fsub_stage%3Ddocuments#section-498328

Table 2.3-1 Key Action Dates (KAD)

Item Action Date and Time

0. Pre-Release of Solicitation January 30, 2026

00.

Bidder's written feedback due and Request to meet with the State

February 19, 2026, 10:00 AM

000. Confidential discussions with each Bidder March 3 - 5, 2026

1. Release of Solicitation March 12, 2026

2. Last day to submit questions and request for changes regarding the bid using ATTACHMENT 1: TEMPLATE FOR

QUESTION SUBMITTAL/REQUEST FOR CHANGES

April 1, 2026, 10:00 AM

3. Release of potential addendum

April 10, 2026

4. Last day to submit ATTACHMENT 2: INTENT TO BID FORM and ATTACHMENT 3: CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

FORM

April 16, 2026

5.

Last Day for Bidders to request an invitation to the State's file-sharing site to submit a bid (Refer to SECTION 2.2.4.

REQUEST INVITATION TO STATE'S FILE-SHARING SITE

and SECTION 4.3. DELIVERY OF SUBMITTALS )

April 16, 2026

6. Last day to submit bid1 and be deemed eVAQ approved by

OSTP.

April 24, 2026, 10:00 AM

7. Evaluation Period April 27 - May 8, 2026

8. Confidential Negotiations with Bidder(s) TBD

9. Best and Final Offer Submission TBD

10. Estimated Contract Execution June 2026

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

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1 If Bidder does not have an approved OSTP eVAQ application on file with OSTP, it is recommended that Bidder allows a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the bid due date for the State to process and approve Bidder's eVAQ application.

2.4. RULES GOVERNING COMPETITION

This solicitation, the evaluation of responses, and the award of any resultant Contract shall be made in conformance with current competitive bidding procedures as they relate to the procurement of IT goods and services or telecommunications by public bodies in the State of California.

2.4.1. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOLICITATION

REQUIREMENTS

The State has established certain requirements with respect to bids to be submitted by prospective Contractors. The use of “shall,” “must,” or “will” (except to indicate simple futurity) in the solicitation indicates a requirement or condition that is mandatory.

Non-compliance with any non-negotiable requirement will disqualify a Bidder from further participating in Evaluation, Negotiations, and Contract Award.

Non-compliance with any mandatory requirement may disqualify a Bidder from further participating in Negotiations and Contract Award.

The words “should” or “may” in the solicitation indicate desirable attributes or conditions, but are non-mandatory in nature.

2.4.2. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS

This solicitation document includes, in addition to an explanation of the State’s requirements which must be met, instructions which prescribe the format and content of bids to be submitted and the model of the Contract to be executed between the State and the successful Bidder.

If a Bidder discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in this solicitation document, the Bidder shall immediately notify the Procurement Officer identified in SECTION 2.2.1.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, of such error in writing and request clarification or modification of the document.

If the solicitation document contains an error known to the Bidder, or an error that reasonably should have been known, the Bidder shall bid at its own risk. If the Bidder fails to notify the State of the error prior to the date fixed for submission of bids, and is awarded the Contract, the Bidder shall not be entitled to additional

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

Part 1 - Bidder Instructions compensation or time by reason of the error or its later correction. Modifications will be made by addenda issued pursuant to SECTION 2.4.6. ADDENDA.

2.4.3. EXAMINATION OF THE WORK

The Bidder should carefully examine the entire solicitation document and any addenda thereto, and all related materials and data referenced in the solicitation document or otherwise available to the Bidder, and should become fully aware of the nature and location of the work, the quantities of the work, and the conditions to be encountered in performing the work.

2.4.4. EXCLUSION FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No consultant shall be paid out of State funds for developing recommendations on the acquisition of IT and/or telecommunication products or services or assisting in the preparation of project documents, while in effect, if that consultant is to be a source of such acquisition or could otherwise directly and/or materially benefit from State adoption of such recommendations or the course of action recommended in the project documents. Further, no consultant shall be paid out of State funds for developing recommendations on the disposal of State surplus IT and/or telecommunication products if that consultant would directly and/or materially benefit from State adoption of such recommendations.

2.4.5. CONFIDENTIALITY

Bidder material becomes public only after the Notification of Award is released. If material marked “confidential,” “proprietary,” or “trade secret” is requested pursuant to the Public Records Act, the State will make an independent assessment whether it is exempt from disclosure. If the State disagrees with the Bidder, the State will notify the Bidder and give them a reasonable opportunity to justify their position or obtain a court order protecting the material from disclosure.

The Bidder should be aware that marking a document “confidential” or “proprietary” in a bid may exclude it from consideration for award and will not keep that document from being released after notice of award as part of the public record, unless a court has ordered the State not to release the document.

The content of all working papers and discussions relating to the Bidder’s bid shall be held in confidence indefinitely, unless the public interest is best served by an item’s disclosure because of its direct pertinence to a decision, agreement or the evaluation of the bid.

Any disclosure of confidential information by the Bidder is a basis for rejecting the Bidder’s bid and ruling the Bidder ineligible to further participate. Any disclosure of confidential information by a State employee is a basis for disciplinary action, including dismissal from State employment, as provided by Government

State of California California Department of Technology

IFB STP-SW-SCS-26

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Code §19570 et seq. Total confidentiality is paramount; it cannot be over emphasized.

2.4.6. ADDENDA

The State may modify the solicitation at any time prior to submission of bid by issuing an addendum.

Addenda will be numbered consecutively and released to all Bidders via Cal eProcure.

The Bidder is allowed five (5) working days to submit written questions regarding the addendum according to the instructions contained in SECTION 2.2.2. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

SOLICITATION DOCUMENT .

2.4.7. COST FOR DEVELOPING BID

Costs for developing bids are the responsibility entirely of the Bidder and shall not be chargeable to the State.

2.4.8. IRREVOCABLE OFFER

Bidder’s response to this solicitation shall constitute a firm offer, which shall remain irrevocable for not less than 120 calendar days following the Contract Award date specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES . In the event of a delay in Contract Award, a Bidder may extend the expiration date of its firm offer an additional 30 calendar days by written notice to the State.

This expiration date may be further extended by mutual agreement between the State and the Bidder, in order to accommodate processing time for required approvals and other solicitation-related reviews.

2.4.9. FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS

Bids that contain false or misleading statements, or provide references that do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the Bidder, may be the basis for rejecting the Bidder's bid. If, in the opinion of the State, such information was intended to mislead the State in its evaluation of the bid, and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this solicitation document, may be the basis for rejecting the Bidder’s bid.

2.5. BIDDING STEPS

The following instructions provide the steps to submit a response to this solicitation by interested Bidders.

Details surrounding bids are described further in SECTION 3. BID REQUIREMENTS.

The Bidder is expected to follow the format requirements and utilize all forms included in this solicitation necessary for its response. This solicitation also addresses the Bidder responsibilities and requirements it must meet to be eligible for consideration. If the Bidder fails to follow the provided instructions, the Bidder

State of California California Department of Technology

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January 30, 2026 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/44067#section-207751 https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/44067?return_path=%2Faccount%2Fworkflows%2Fstages%2F6850%3Fsub_stage%3Ddocuments#section-206346 may be disqualified from the solicitation process.

Refer to SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES to determine which phases and mandatory steps are included in this solicitation. SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES lists milestones, mandatory steps, and due dates for deliverables in this solicitation. Bidders must submit a pre-qualified Electronic Vendor Application of Qualifications (eVAQ) as detailed in SECTION 3.1.1.1. INCORPORATION OF EVAQ

REQUIREMENTS.

2.5.1. FINAL PHASE

The final phase consists of a bid (Mandatory) and, if requested by the State, a Best and Final Offer

(BAFO).

The purpose of the final phase is to obtain bids that are responsive in every respect. The bid is a mandatory step for all Bidders; all other steps are optional unless otherwise stated in SECTION 2.3. KEY

ACTION DATES .

The bid must be complete, and include all cost information, required signatures, contract changes issued by the State via an addendum and corrections made to those defects noted by the State in its review of the draft bid, if any. Bidders that submitted bids meeting the criteria identified in SECTION 6.

NEGOTIATIONS, will be eligible to receive an invitation to negotiate with the State.

The State, at its sole discretion, may request a BAFO from those Bidders that participated in the Negotiation Process as identified in SECTION 6. NEGOTIATIONS.

2.5.2. WITHDRAWAL AND RESUBMISSION/MODIFICATION OF BIDS

A Bidder may withdraw its bid at any time prior to the bid submission date by submitting a written notification of withdrawal signed by an authorized representative of the Bidder in accordance with SECTION 3.2.5. COVER LETTER (M). The Bidder may thereafter submit a new or modified bid prior to the submission date and time specified in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES . Modification offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered. Other than as allowed by law, bids cannot be changed after the deadline date and time designated for receipt, except as provided in the solicitation.

2.5.3. DISPOSITION OF BIDS

All materials submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the State of California.

All phases of the bid shall be retained for official files and will become a public record after the Notification of Award is posted.

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3. BID REQUIREMENTS

This section contains the mandatory and optional bid requirements that must be met in order to be considered responsive to this solicitation.

The documents that must be submitted with the Bidder’s bid are noted as “Mandatory” “(M)” in this section. Items labeled "(O)" are optional.

The bid requirements listed in this section are denoted as follows:

1. (M) Sections labeled as “Mandatory” or “M” are not negotiable. To be considered responsive to these requirements, all requirements identified as (M) must receive a response from the Bidder.

Failure to respond to any (M) requirements where indicated shall result in a “fail” and disqualification of the bid.

2. (O) Sections labeled as “Optional” or “O” are not required to be offered by the Bidder in order to be responsive to the solicitation requirements. A Bidder may choose whether to meet administrative requirements labeled as (O), such as those relating to preference points. However, if a Bidder offers any of these (O) requirements, the Bidder must meet the minimum requirements as stated in the section. The State will review responses to optional requirements and apply points, if applicable, in accordance with SECTION 5. EVALUATION.

3.1. PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

This section details the requirements necessary for Bidders to qualify for contract award. Failure to complete or comply will disqualify Bidder(s) and the State will not move forward with evaluating the bid, conducting negotiations and contract award. The State will not seek modifications or clarifications after bid submission due date for any prequalification requirements.

3.1.1. ELECTRONIC VENDOR APPLICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS (EVAQ)(M)

The State’s eVAQ is an external process to this solicitation. The intent of the pre-qualification is to process as much of the administrative requirements required to do business in the State of California in advance to streamline the solicitation process. Bidders are required to have an OSTP-approved eVAQ application on file prior to the Key Action Date for the Last day to submit bid (refer to SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES ) in order for your bid to be accepted for evaluations.

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure they have an OSTP-approved eVAQ and all applicable requirements and provisions for this solicitation are met. Failure to have an OSTP-approved eVAQ prior to bid submission due date will disqualify Bidder(s) and the State will not move forward with evaluating the bid, conducting negotiations and contract award. The State will not seek OSTP eVAQ modifications or

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The application can be accessed at https://cadtprod.service-now.com/vendor.

If the Bidder's firm is new to the eVAQ process, account registration is necessary and free of charge.

If a Bidder has an approved eVAQ on file, it is the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure:

1. The eVAQ is a CDT OSTP-approved eVAQ (not a Department of General Services (DGS) eVAQ).

2. All information required to be submitted with the OSTP eVAQ is up to date and valid.

All questions related to the OSTP eVAQ should be addressed to the Procurement Officer.

NOTE: The Bidder shall not upload the bid to the eVAQ portal.

3.1.1.1. INCORPORATION OF EVAQ REQUIREMENTS

The Contract(s) awarded as a result of the solicitation shall incorporate by reference all the requirements of the solicitation and the terms and conditions of the eVAQ. The Bidder’s OSTP eVAQ shall remain in effect throughout the life of the Contract, including all optional years.

In the event there is inconsistent requirements between the solicitation and the Bidder's OSTP approved eVAQ documents, the solicitation documents shall take precedence.

Verification of an approved OSTP eVAQ certification shall be submitted with ATTACHMENT 4: COVER LETTER FORM, and in accordance with SECTION 3.2.5. COVER LETTER (M).

3.2. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

This section contains the mandatory and optional administrative requirements that must be met in order to be considered responsive to this solicitation. Additional administrative requirements for this solicitation are processed through the OSTP electronic Vendor Application of Qualifications (eVAQ). Please refer to SECTION 3.1.1. ELECTRONIC VENDOR APPLICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS (EVAQ)(M) for more information.

3.2.1. CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT (M)

The Bidder must agree to the State’s confidentiality requirements by submitting a signed ATTACHMENT 3: CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT FORM, for the Bidder’s company. The completed confidentiality statement must be submitted as indicated in SECTION 2.3. KEY ACTION DATES .

The Bidder engaging in services pertaining to this solicitation, requiring contact with confidential State information or State customer information will be required to exercise security precautions for all such

State of California California Department of Technology

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3.2.2. PRIMARY BIDDER

An award, if made, will be to a primary Bidder. The awarded primary Bidder will be responsible for successful performance of all subcontractors and support services offered in response to this solicitation.

All State policies, guidelines, and requirements that apply to the primary Bidder also apply to subcontractors, as applicable to the products and services they provide and to their role as a subcontractor. Furthermore, the State will consider the primary Bidder to be the sole point of contact regarding contractual matters for the term of the resulting Contract. The Bidder shall not assign financial documents to a third-party without prior written approval by the State, and an amendment to the resulting Contract.

3.2.3. SUBCONTRACTORS

Nothing contained in the resulting Contract shall create any relationship between the State and any subcontractors, and no subcontract shall relieve the Contractor of its responsibilities and obligations. The Contractor is fully responsible to the State for the acts and omissions of the Contractor's subcontractors and of persons either directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor.

The Contractor shall not change subcontractor(s) and/or DVBE subcontractor(s) if such changes conflict with the work to be performed under this Contract. For DVBE subcontractor changes, the Contractor shall utilize another DVBE subcontractor. The State recognizes that changes to subcontractor(s) may be necessary and in the best interests of the State, however, advance notification of a contemplated change and the reasons for such change must be made to the State no less than seven (7) business days prior to the existing subcontractor’s termination. If this should occur, the Contractor should be aware that the State Contract administrator or designee must approve any changes to the subcontractor(s) prior to the termination of the existing subcontractor(s). This also includes any changes made between submittal of the bid and actual start of the Contract.

Contractor understands and agrees to comply with the requirements set forth in Military and Veterans Code, Section 999 et seq. that should award of this contract be based in part on their commitment to use the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) subcontractor(s) identified in their bid or offer, per Military and Veterans Code, Section 999.5(f), a DVBE subcontractor may only be replaced by another DVBE subcontractor and must be approved by both the awarding department and the Department of General Services (DGS) prior to the commencement of any work by the proposed subcontractor.

Changes to the scope of work that impact the DVBE subcontractor(s) identified in the bid or offer and

State of California California Department of Technology

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The State will not compensate the Contractor for any of the Contractor’s time or effort to educate or otherwise make the new subcontractor(s) ready to begin work on the contract.

The Contractor’s obligation to pay its subcontractors is an independent obligation from the State’s obligation to pay or to enforce the payment of any money to any subcontractor. Contractor is solely responsible for any payments to or claims made by subcontractors.

3.2.4. ABILITY TO PERFORM

Prior to award of the Contract, the State must be assured that the Bidder selected has all of the resources to successfully perform under the Contract. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel in the numbers and with the skills required; equipment of appropriate type and in sufficient quantity; financial resources sufficient to complete performance under the Contract; and experience in similar endeavors. If, during the evaluation process, the State is unable to assure itself of the Bidder’s ability to perform under the Contract if awarded, the State has the option of requesting from the Bidder any information that the State deems necessary to determine the Bidder’s responsibility. If such information is required, the Bidder will be so notified and will be permitted five (5) state business days to submit the information requested in writing.

Examples of the type of financial responsibility information requested may include annual reports and current audited balance sheets for the Bidder’s firm.

3.2.5. COVER LETTER (M)

The Bidder must complete and submit ATTACHMENT 4: COVER LETTER FORM with their bid.

A cover letter shall be considered an integral part of the bid and any bid form requiring a signature must be signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually. The signature block must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned bid may be considered non-responsive and may be the basis for rejecting the Bidder's response.

3.2.6. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT (M)

The Bidder must complete and submit ATTACHMENT 5: RESPONSE TO ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS. The Bidder must indicate its willingness and ability to satisfy these requirements by marking “Yes” in the “Bidder Agrees Yes/No” column. Answering “No” to any of the mandatory administrative requirements or not submitting the required documents may be considered non-responsive and may be the basis for rejecting the Bidder's bid.

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3.2.7. GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Contract awarded as a result of this solicitation shall automatically incorporate by reference the following:

• General Provisions - Telecommunications (Revised 06/06/2025)

As a condition of submitting a response to this solicitation, the Bidder agrees to abide by all terms and conditions of the solicitation as written. The Bidder is advised that deviations from the State-approved Terms and Conditions may be the basis for rejection of the Bidder’s bid.

3.2.8. GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (GENAI) DISCLOSURE

NOTIFICATION

The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI, while balancing the risks of these technologies.

Bidder must notify the State in writing if it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of a State system, (ii) risk to the State, or (iii) Contract performance. For avoidance of doubt, the term "materially impacts" shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) 4986.2.

Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves its right to seek any and all relief it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by a Bidder of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

The Bidder must complete and submit as part of the proposal response, ATTACHMENT 5: COVER LETTER FORM, notifying the State if it intends to provide or utilize GenAI by responding “Yes” or "No" in the “Bidder Agrees Yes/No” column.

3.2.9. BIDDER DECLARATION FORM (M)

The Bidder must complete and submit ATTACHMENT 6: BIDDER DECLARATION GSPD 05-105, with its bid. When completing the declaration, the Bidder must identify all subcontractors proposed for

State of California California Department of Technology

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https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd05-105.pdf

3.2.10. STATEMENT OF WORK

EXHIBIT A: APPENDIX A - STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) identifies and describes the tasks and responsibilities of the Contractor and the responsibilities of the State during the term of the Contract.

The Bidder must document its agreement with the State's SOW by checking the applicable boxes in ATTACHMENT 4: COVER LETTER FORM. The Bidder is advised that deviations to the SOW may be the basis for rejection of the Bid.

3.2.11. AMENDMENT

Any Contract executed as a result of this solicitation may be amended consistent with the terms and conditions of the Contract and by mutual consent of both parties, subject to approval by the Office of Statewide Technology Procurement.

3.2.12. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INFORMATION

In order to minimize the potential risk of default due to financial issues, the State reserves the right to request additional documentation throughout the life of the awarded Contract.

The State must be assured that the Contractor continues to have the financial resources to sustain its operations during the term of the Contract.

3.2.13. HARDWARE/EQUIPMENT

All equipment offered must be in current production. Used, shopworn, refurbished, demonstrator, prototype, or discontinued models are not acceptable.

3.2.14. SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS

Bidders who claim any of the socioeconomic program points will be evaluated to determine whether they submitted the required forms, documents, exhibits, attachments and/or the responses necessary to validate their qualification and eligibility for the claimed preference(s). If the State determines that the submitted information is insufficient or that the required documents do not otherwise validate the eligibility

State of California California Department of Technology

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January 30, 2026 https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd05-105.pdf https://sb.cityinnovate.com/account/solicitations/documents/44070 for points in any of the claimed programs, then the points for that program will not be added to the Bidder’s final overall bid score. If the State is able to validate the Bidder’s claim, the qualified preference points will be applied to the Bidder’s final overall bid score provided that the Bidder’s bid is not otherwise determined to be non-responsive to any mandatory requirements.

Completed Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise certification applications and required support documents must be submitted to the Department of General Services Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) no later than 5:00 p.m. on the bid due date, and the OSDS must be able to approve the application as submitted. Questions regarding certification should be directed to the OSDS at:

Office of Small Business and DVBE Services 707 Third Street, 1st Floor, Room 400 West Sacramento, CA 95606 Receptionist: (916) 375-4940 Fax (916) 375-4650

3.2.14.1. BIDDER'S PREFERENCE AND INCENTIVE DECLARATION (M)

The Bidder must complete and submit ATTACHMENT 8: BIDDING PREFERENCES AND INCENTIVES, with its bid. The Bidder must indicate on ATTACHMENT 8: BIDDING PREFERENCES AND INCENTIVES whether it is or is not claiming each socioeconomic program.

3.2.14.2. SMALL BUSINESS PREFERENCE (O)

The California Government Code §14835 et seq. requires that a five percent (5%) preference be given to Bidders who qualify as a Small Business (SB). The rules and regulations of this law, including the definition of a SB, or qualifying non-small business, are contained in Title 2, California Code of Regulations, §1896 et seq. The definition of nonprofit veteran service agencies qualifying as a SB is contained in §999.50 et seq. of the Military and Veterans Code.

If the Bidder is claiming a Small Business Preference, the Bidder must complete and submit the following with its bid:

1. ATTACHMENT 7: BIDDER DECLARATION GSPD 05-105;

2. ATTACHMENT 8: BIDDING PREFERENCES AND INCENTIVES; and,

3. ATTACHMENT 10: COMMERCIALLY USEFUL FUNCTION (CUF) CERTIFICATION.

A separate ATTACHMENT 10: COMMERCIALLY USEFUL FUNCTION (CUF) CERTIFICATION must be submitted for each SB, as applicable.

More information regarding the Small Business Preference may be found at:

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3.2.14.3. NON-SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (O)

A five percent (5%) response preference is available to Bidders who qualify as a non-small business claiming at least 25% California-certified small business subcontractor participation. If claiming the non-small business subcontractor preference, the Bidder’s response must include a list of the small businesses with which the firm commits to subcontract in an amount of at least 25% of the net bid price with one (1) or more California-certified small businesses. Each listed certified small business must perform a “commercially useful function” in the performance of the Contract as defined in Government Code §14838(b)(1)(2).

The preference to a non-small business firm that commits to small business or microbusiness subcontractor participation of 25% of its net bid price shall be given five percent (5%) of the highest responsive firm’s total score. A non-small business that qualifies for this preference, may not take an award away from a certified small business.

If the Bidder is claiming a non-small business using small business subcontractors, the Bidder must complete and submit the following with its bid for each SB Subcontractor:

1. ATTACHMENT 7: BIDDER DECLARATION GSPD 05-105;

2. ATTACHMENT 8: BIDDING PREFERENCES AND INCENTIVES; and,

3. ATTACHMENT 10: COMMERCIALLY USEFUL FUNCTION (CUF) CERTIFICATION.

A separate ATTACHMENT 10: COMMERCIALLY USEFUL FUNCTION (CUF) CERTIFICATION must be submitted for each SB, as applicable.

3.2.14.4. DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DVBE) PROGRAM

The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Goal Program for State contracts is established in Public Contract Code (PCC), §10115 et seq., Military and Veterans Code (MVC), §999 et seq., and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 2, §1896.60 et seq.

Information regarding the DVBE Program Requirements may be viewed at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/…