18-0093 I-Pass Distribution RFP Final.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Contract # 18-0093

I-PASS Distribution and Back-End Support Services

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Illinois Tollway I-PASS Distribution and Back-End Support Services

BidBuy #19-557THA-BUSSY-B-4599

In compliance with the State and Federal Constitutions, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the State of Illinois does not discriminate in employment, contracts, or any other activity.

The State of Illinois encourages prospective vendors to consider hiring qualified veterans and Illinois residents discharged from any Illinois adult correctional center, in appropriate circumstances.

State of Illinois RFP 1 Introduction V.19.1

The Illinois Tollway is an administrative agency of the State of Illinois which exists to provide for the construction, operation, regulation, and maintenance of a system of toll highways within the State of Illinois. The Tollway’s main revenue is derived from the tolls it collects from users. The Tollway is also empowered to enter into contracts; acquire, own, use, lease, operate, and dispose of personal and real property, including rights of way, franchises, and easements;

establish and amend resolutions, by-laws, rules, regulations, and toll rates; acquire, construct, relocate, operate, regulate, and maintain the Tollway system; exercise powers of eminent domain and condemnation; raise or lower toll rates; and contract for services and supplies, including services and supplies for the various patron service areas on the Tollway system. Tollway funds are not appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

The Illinois Tollway requests proposals from responsible Offerors to meet its needs. A brief description is set forth below for the Offeror’s convenience, with detailed requirements in subsequent sections of this solicitation. If interested and able to meet these requirements, the State appreciates and welcomes an Offer.

Brief Description:

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (“Tollway”) is requesting Offers/Proposals from responsible Offerors who can provide the following services to support the I-PASS program:

• Inventory management and distribution support systems to effectively supply, monitor, and track I-PASS transponders and gift cards supplied to or replaced at up to 500 retail locations in the Tollway’s service territory.

• Delivery, transport and logistics services to supply and replace transponders and gift cards at retail locations.

• Secure warehousing facilities to control, monitor and track a minimum of four (4) months supply of transponder and gift card inventory.

• Design and printing materials/services for packaging of transponders and instructional inserts.

• Environmentally certified disposal services for returned/obsolete transponders.

• Optional fulfillment and shipping services to support distribution of transponders to I-PASS customers outside of the Tollway’s service territory.

• Optional distribution to retail locations of interlocking mounting strips used to adhere transponders to vehicle windshields.

• Optional services may be required to include packaging and distribution support for vending machines at up to

200 locations in our service territory.

Illinois Tollway I-PASS Distribution and Back-End Support Services

BidBuy #19-557THA-BUSSY-B-4599

In compliance with the State and Federal Constitutions, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the State of Illinois does not discriminate in employment, contracts, or any other activity.

The State of Illinois encourages prospective vendors to consider hiring qualified veterans and Illinois residents discharged from any Illinois adult correctional center, in appropriate circumstances.

State of Illinois RFP 2 Introduction V.19.1

The resulting contract with the awarded Offeror shall have an initial term of five (5) years. In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions exceed ten (10) years. 30 ILCS 500/20-

60. Subject to the maximum total term limitation, the Illinois Tollway has the option to renew for the following terms:

five (5) years.

Contract Goal to be Achieved by the Vendor: This solicitation includes a specific BEP utilization goal of 25% and VOSB/SDVOSB goal of 3% based on the availability of BEP and VOSB/SDVOSB certified vendors who perform or provide the anticipated services and/or supplies required by this solicitation. In addition to the other award criteria established for this solicitation, the Illinois Tollway will award this contract to a Vendor that meets these goals or makes good faith efforts to meet these goals. These goals are also applicable to change orders and allowances within the scope of work provided by the BEP and VOSB/SDVOSB certified vendor. If Vendor is a BEP and VOSB/SDVOSB certified vendor, the entire goal is met and no subcontracting with a BEP and VOSB/SDVOSB certified vendor is required; however, the Vendor must submit a Utilization Plan indicating that the goal will be met by self-performance.

Please read the entire solicitation package and submit a bid for evaluation in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package must be completed in full and submitted along with the price proposal which will constitute the bid. Do not submit the instructions pages with bids. Bidders should keep the instructions and a copy of their bids for future reference.

Please read the entire solicitation package and submit an Offer in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package must be completed in full and submitted along with the technical response and price proposal which combined will constitute the Offer. Do not submit the instruction pages with Offers.

Forms A, Forms B, BEP Utilization Plan, and VSB Utilization Plan may be downloaded from the Chief Procurement Officer for General Service’s website at https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx .

These sections are a material part of this solicitation, and must be returned when applicable with a Offeror’s Offer.

Offers that do not adhere to the form and content of the Request for Proposal requirements may not be considered.

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx

OUTLINE

State of Illinois RFP 3

V.16.1

SECTION 1.

Part Instructions for Submitting Offers ............................................................................................................................ A.

Process Changes Resulting from BidBuy ................................................................................................... A.1.

Conflict Between Information in Paper Format and BidBuy .................................................................... A.2.

How to Enter Information ......................................................................................................................... A.3.

Published Procurement Information ........................................................................................................ A.4.

Information Contact .................................................................................................................................. A.5.

Offeror Questions and Agency Response ................................................................................................. A.6.

Required Meetings .................................................................................................................................... A.7.

Offer Due Date, Time and Address for Submission of Offers ................................................................... A.8.

Organization Required .............................................................................................................................. A.9.

Submission of Offers ............................................................................................................................... A.10.

Security ................................................................................................................................................... A.11.

Small Business Set-Aside ......................................................................................................................... A.12.

Minority Contractor Initiative ................................................................................................................. A.13.

Federal Funds .......................................................................................................................................... A.14.

Employment Tax Credit........................................................................................................................... A.15.

Governing Law and Forum ...................................................................................................................... A.16.

Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment ...................................................................... A.17.

Reservations ............................................................................................................................................ A.18.

Award ...................................................................................................................................................... A.19.

References .............................................................................................................................................. A.20.

Invoicing Address .................................................................................................................................... A.21.

Protest Review Office ............................................................................................................................. A.22.

Evaluation Process .................................................................................................................................. A.23.

Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Participation and Utilization Plan ........................... A.24.

Veteran Small Business Participation and Utilization Plan ..................................................................... A.25.

BidBuy Terminology ................................................................................................................................ A.26.

Selection of Vendor.................................................................................................................................................. B.

Offer to the State of Illinois ....................................................................................................................................... C.

Specifications/Qualifications/Statement of Work ..................................................................................................... D.

State of Illinois RFP 4

V.16.1

SECTION 2

Pricing ...................................................................................................................................................................... E.

SECTION 3.

Standard Terms and Conditions ................................................................................................................................. F.

Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions ................................................................................... G.

State Supplemental Provisions ................................................................................................................................. H.

Subcontractor Disclosure ........................................................................................................................................... I.

References ................................................................................................................................................................ J.

Exhibits A - D……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….…pg. 54

The following sections (FORMS A, FORMS B, BEP Utilization Plan, VSB Utilization Plan, Letter of Intent) of the solicitation may be found on the CPO’s website at:

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx

FORMS A

Complete this section if you are not using an Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) Registration #

Business and Directory Information ........................................................................................................................... 1.

Illinois Department of Human Rights Public Contracts Number .................................................................................. 2.

Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois ..................................................................................... 3.

Standard Certifications .............................................................................................................................................. 4.

State Board of Elections ............................................................................................................................................ 5.

Disclosure of Business Operations in Iran ................................................................................................................... 6.

Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest ............................................................................................................ 7.

Taxpayer Identification Number ................................................................................................................................ 8.

FORMS B

Complete this section only if you are using a valid IPG Registration #

To ensure that you are registered in the IPG, search for your business name in the IPG Registered Vendor Directory at https://ipg.vendorreg.com/. If your company does not appear in the search results, then you are not registered in the IPG. Submission of Forms B without a valid IPG Registration # may result in disqualification of the offer.

Illinois Procurement Gateway Registration # and expiration date ............................................................................... 1.

Certification Timely to this Solicitation or Contract .................................................................................................... 2.

Disclosures of Lobbyists and Contracts ................................................................................................................... 3-4.

Signature .................................................................................................................................................................. 5.

Taxpayer Identification Number ............................................................................................................................... 6.

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx https://ipg.vendorreg.com/

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

State of Illinois RFP 5 Section 1. Part A.Instructions

Download from the CPO’s website and complete these documents if this RFP contains a

Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal.

BEP Utilization Plan

Letter of Intent Template

Download from the CPO’s website and complete these documents if this RFP contains a

Veteran Small Business Program (VBP) goal.

Veteran Small Business Utilization Plan

Letter of Intent Template

State of Illinois RFP 6

SECTION 1.

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

A.1. PROCESS CHANGES RESULTING FROM BIDBUY: BidBuy is the new electronic procurement system being used by agencies under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services. With the implementation of BidBuy, some procurement processes have changed. In some instances, BidBuy entirely replaces the State’s previous procurement processes. In others, the past instruction or process remains unchanged or is augmented by BidBuy.

The State publishes Requests for Proposals (RFP) in BidBuy. BidBuy consists of public webpages that may be referred to as the “Bulletin” or information “on BidBuy”. BidBuy also permits vendors to create password protected Seller Accounts allowing electronic quoting for some procurement methods. The RFP, along with other attachments and information on BidBuy, constitutes the State’s solicitation. The State does not accept electronic offers submitted through BidBuy in response to RFPs. Offerors must continue to submit offers in paper format and in accord with the instructions for submission. Offerors must pay special attention to the instructions found on BidBuy as they augment the information in this RFP. Offerors shall read the entire contents of this RFP and direct any questions to the Information Contact found on the BidBuy posting.

A.2. CONFLICT BETWEEN INFORMATION IN PAPER FORMAT AND BIDBUY: If the State provides information in paper format (i.e. the RFP and other attachments) that is different or in conflict with the information the State provides on BidBuy, then the information in paper format is presumed to represent the State’s intent. If the Offeror provides information in paper format that is different or in conflict with the information the Offeror provides in BidBuy through their Seller Account, then the information in paper format shall represent the Offeror’s intended submission.

A.3. HOW TO ENTER INFORMATION: Type information in the red text form fields (i.e. ) provided. If the information requested does not apply to the Offeror’s situation, then enter “N/A” into the text form field. Please enter the requested information or N/A into every text form field.

A.4. PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION: The State publishes procurement information, including solicitations, awards, and amendments, on the General Services Illinois Procurement Bulletin, also referred to as the Bulletin or BidBuy (https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/). Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Offeror is responsible for monitoring the Bulletin. The State will not be held responsible if Offeror fails to receive the optional e-mail notice of future amendments to the solicitation.

A.5. INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual listed in the “Info Contact:” on the Bulletin posting shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Offerors should only communicate with the Information Contact. The State shall not be held responsible for information provided by or to any other person.

https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/

State of Illinois RFP 7

Suspected errors should be immediately reported to the Information Contact. Do not discuss, directly or indirectly, the solicitation or any Offer with any State officer or employee other than the Information Contact.

A.6. OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than questions raised at the Offeror Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than as noted in the “Bulletin Description” on the Bid published in BidBuy.

Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Amendment to the original solicitation on the Bulletin; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on the State. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

A.7. REQUIRED MEETINGS

In the Bulletin posting, the Agency may schedule a Pre-Bid Conference or Site Visit as the “Pre Bid Conference:”.

Is attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference/Site Visit Mandatory? Yes

If attendance is mandatory, Offeror (current Vendor included) will be disqualified and considered Non- Responsive if Offeror does not attend, is not on time, leaves early or fails to sign the attendance sheet. Offeror must allow adequate time to accommodate security screenings at the site.

A.8. OFFER DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: Each solicitation contains the Offer Due Date and Time appearing as the “Bid Opening Date:” on the Bulletin posting. Offers will be opened at the “Submit/Deliver Offers To:” address provided below on the “Bid Opening Date:”

A.8.1. Offer Firm Time: The Offer must remain firm for 180 days from opening.

A.8.2. Submit/Deliver Offers To: Label (outside of envelopes/containers):

Agency: Illinois Tollway “Sealed Offer – Do Not Open”

Attn: Procurement

Project Title: #18-0093 I-PASS Distribution and Back-End Support Services

BidBuy Bid #: 19-557THA-BUSSY-B-4599

Address: 2700 Ogden Avenue Due Date & Time: As published in BidBuy.

City, State Zip: Downers Grove, IL 60515 Offeror Name

Offeror City, State Zip

State of Illinois RFP 8

A.9. ORGANIZATION REQUIRED: Offers may be submitted in as few as four and as many as seven packets.

Please follow these instructions carefully. Separately seal and label each packet.

A.9.1. Packet 1 shall contain the Offeror’s response to the Specifications/Qualifications/Statement of Work provided in Section 1, Part D.

A.9.2. Packet 2 shall contain Offeror’s Pricing provided in Section 2, Part E.

A.9.3. Packet 3 shall contain the Offeror’s Offer found in Section 1, Part C, and applicable forms found in Section 3, Parts F through J.

A.9.3.1. Exceptions must be provided on Agency’s Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions form (Section 3, Part G) or must be in a substantially similar format.

Agency discourages taking exceptions. State law shall not be circumvented by the exception process. Exceptions may result in rejection of the Offer.

Additional Offeror Provisions may be stated on this form and should not include exceptions to Agency specifications, terms and conditions, or any other part of this solicitation. This is supplemental information that supports an Offeror’s position; for example, an Offeror’s licensing agreement.

A.9.3.2. The Agency may state additional terms and conditions to contracting in the State Supplemental Provisions (Section 3, Part H).

A.9.4. Packet 4 shall contain either Forms A or Forms B. Forms A contains eight forms and shall be returned by Offerors that are not registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

Forms B consists of two pages and a one page Taxpayer Identification Number. Forms B is only returned by Offerors that have a valid IPG registration number with expiration date and elect to not use the forms found in Forms A.

A.9.5. Packet 5 shall contain a redacted copy of the Offer.

A.9.5.1. Offeror should provide a redacted copy of the Offer, if applicable, that removes material considered to be a trade secret or competitively sensitive, confidential, or proprietary.

See F.9. in Standard Terms and Conditions, Section 3, Part F.

A.9.6. Packet 6 shall contain a response to the Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities participation requirements. Packet 6 is only returned if a Business Enterprise Program goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.9.7. Packet 7 shall contain a response to the Veteran Small Business (VSB) participation requirements. Packet 7 is only returned if a VSB goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

State of Illinois RFP 9

V.19.1

A.10. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: The Offer must be submitted in separately sealed packets as indicated below and clearly labeled with the Request for Proposal title, the BidBuy reference number, the packet number, the Offeror’s name and the wording: “Sealed Offer – Do Not Open.” The separately sealed packets may be submitted together in one mailing/shipping box or may be submitted separately in individual/shipping boxes. Do not put the entire Offer on a single CD or USB flash drive. Pricing must always be on a separate CD or USB flash drive unless otherwise instructed.

Subject Matter # of Originals # of Hard Copies # of CDs or USB flash drives

SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT

OF WORK – PACKET 1 One (1) Four (4) One (1)

PRICING – PACKET 2 One (1) Four (4) One (1)

SECTION 1 Part C (OFFER) and applicable forms in SECTION 3 – PACKET 3 One (1)

Four (4) One (1)

FORMS A or FORMS B – PACKET 4 One (1) One (1) One (1)

REDACTED OFFER – PACKET 5 One (1) One (1) One (1)

MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION

PLAN – PACKET 6

One (1) One (1) One (1)

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND

UTILIZATION PLAN – PACKET 7 One (1) One (1) One (1)

A.11. SECURITY: Performance Bond: $N/A. If a performance bond is required, Offeror must submit the Performance Bond to the Solicitation Contact within ten (10) days after award. The bond must be from a surety licensed to do business in Illinois. An irrevocable letter of credit is an acceptable substitute. The form of security must be acceptable to the State.

A.12. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: In the Bulletin posting, if “Yes” is shown to the question “Is this subject to Small Business Set-Aside?”, then Offeror must be qualified by the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time Offers are due in order for the Offer to be evaluated. For complete requirements and to qualify Offeror’s business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program, please visit the CPO’s website at (https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/Sell2Illinois.aspx).

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/Sell2Illinois.aspx

State of Illinois RFP 10

V.19.1

A.13. MINORITY CONTRACTOR INITIATIVE: The State requires a fee of $15 to cover expenses related to the administration of the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Any Offeror awarded a contract of $1,000 or more under Section 20-10, 20-15, 20-25 or 20-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS

500) is required to pay a fee of $15. The Comptroller shall deduct the fee from the first check issued to the Vendor under the contract and deposit the fee in the Comptroller’s Administrative Fund. 15 ILCS 405/23.9.

A.14. FEDERAL FUNDS: The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds. Upon notice of intent to award, the percentage of goods and/or services involved that are Federally funded and the dollar amount of such Federal funds will be disclosed.

A.15. EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT: Offerors who hire qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders may be eligible for tax credits. 30 ILCS 500/45-67 and 45-70. Please contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (217-524-4772) for information about tax credits.

A.16. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM: Illinois law and rules govern this solicitation and any resulting contract.

Offeror must bring any action relating to this solicitation or any resulting contract in the appropriate court in Illinois. This document contains statutory references designated with “ILCS”. Offeror may view the full text at (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp). The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS

500) and the Standard Procurement Rules (44 ILL. ADM. CODE PART 1) are applicable to this solicitation and may be respectively viewed at (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7) and (http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html).

A.17. PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: Offers become the property of the State and late submissions will not be returned. All Offers will be open to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Offeror requests in its Offer that the State treat certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The State will not honor requests to keep entire Offers confidential. Offerors must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the State will disclose the successful Offeror’s name, the substance of the Offer, and the price.

If Offeror requests confidential treatment, Offeror must submit additional copy/copies (see Instructions for Submitting Offers in Section A.10.) of the Offer with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must tell the general nature of the material removed, and shall retain as much of the Offer as possible. In a separate attachment, Offeror shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis or bases under Illinois law, including a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure.

Offeror will hold harmless and indemnify the State for all costs or damages associated with the State defending Offeror’s request for confidential treatment. Offeror agrees that the State may copy the Offer to facilitate evaluation, or to respond to requests for public records. Offeror warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.

A.18. RESERVATIONS: Offeror must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Offer and all activities to ensure compliance. The State reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all Offers, award by item/services, group of items/services, or grand total, and waive minor defects. The State may http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7) http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html

State of Illinois RFP 11

V.19.1 request a clarification, inspect Offeror’s premises, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of the Offer, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. The State may request Best & Final Offers when appropriate. The State will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, and terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the State and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code, rules and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that Offeror provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with the State. If an Offeror does not comply with requests for information and cooperate, the State may reject the Offer as Non-Responsive to the solicitation. Submitting an Offer does not entitle Offeror to an award or a contract. Posting Offeror’s name in a Bulletin notice does not entitle Offeror to a contract. The State is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any Offer. Awarded Offeror(s) shall not commence, and will not be paid for any billable work undertaken prior to the date all parties execute the contract, unless approved in writing in advance by the State Purchasing Officer or the Chief Procurement Officer (or designee).

A.19. AWARD: The State is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. If the State issues an award, the award will be made to the Responsive and Responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the specified criteria unless otherwise permitted by the Illinois Procurement Code and Illinois Administrative Code. However, if the State does not consider the Price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable price, then the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State will determine whether the price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget and other relevant factors. The State will post a notice to the applicable Bulletin identifying the apparent most Responsive and Responsible Offeror.

A.20. REFERENCES: Yes No. If “Yes” is marked, Offeror must provide references from established private firms or government agencies other than the procuring Agency, who can attest to Offeror’s experience and ability to perform the contract that is the subject of this solicitation. Offeror must provide the name, contact information and a description of the supplies or services provided using the References form found in Section 3, Part J.

Type and Number of References: Four (4) from established private firms or government agencies, (two of each type preferred) other than the procuring agency. Offerors shall provide the name, contact information and a description of the supplies or services provided.

A.21. INVOICING ADDRESS: The awarded Vendor shall invoice at the completion of the contract unless invoicing is tied in the contract to milestones, deliverables, or other invoicing requirements agreed to in the contract. The Bulletin posting contains the “Bill-to Address:” where invoices should be sent.

Vendor shall not bill for any taxes unless accompanied by proof that the State is subject to the tax. If necessary, Vendor may request the applicable Agency’s Illinois tax exemption number and Federal tax exemption information.

State of Illinois RFP 12

V.19.1

A.22. PROTEST REVIEW OFFICE: Offeror may submit a written protest to the Protest Review Office following the requirements of the Standard Procurement Rules. 44 ILL. ADM. CODE 1.5550. For protests related to specifications, the Protest Review Office must physically receive the protest no later than fourteen (14) days after the solicitation or related addendum was posted to the Bulletin. For protests related to rejection of individual proposals or awards, the protest must be received by close of business no later than fourteen (14) days after the protesting party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Protest Review Office’s information is as follows:

Chief Procurement Office Email: eec.legalstaff@illinois.gov Attn: Protest Review Office 401 S. Spring Street Facsimile: (217) 558-1399 Suite 515 Stratton Office Building Illinois Relay: (800) 526-0844 Springfield, IL 62706

A.23. EVALUATION PROCESS: The State determines how well Offers meet the responsiveness requirements.

The State will rank Offers, without consideration of price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation. Offerors who fail to meet minimum requirements or who receive fewer than the minimum required points, if any, will not be considered for price evaluation and award.

The State evaluates three categories of information: responsibility, responsiveness, and price. The State considers the information provided and the quality of that information when evaluating Offers. If the State finds a failure or deficiency, the State may reject the Offer or reflect the failure or deficiency in the evaluation.

A.23.1. RESPONSIVENESS: A responsive Offeror is one who submits an Offer that conforms in all material respects to the Request for Proposal, and includes all required forms.

A.23.1.1. Subcontractor Disclosure: If the Offer includes any subcontractors, then Offeror shall complete the Subcontractor Disclosure form found in Section 3, Part I.

A.23.1.2. References: If references are required, then Offeror shall complete and return the References form in Section 3, Part J.

A.23.1.3. If completing Forms B, then responsiveness may include and may not be limited to:

• Valid Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date

• Disclosure of lobbyists for Offeror and parent entity(ies)

• Disclosure of pending and current contracts

• Certifications timely to this solicitation

A.23.1.4. If completing Forms A, required forms may include and may not be limited to:

mailto:eec.legalstaff@illinois.gov

State of Illinois RFP 13

V.19.1

• Business and Directory Information: Offeror shall complete and return the Business and Directory Information form in Forms A, Part 1, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

• Illinois Department of Human Rights Public Contracts Number: Offeror shall complete and return the IDHR Public Contract Number form in Forms A, Part 2, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

• Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois: A person (other than an individual acting as a sole proprietor) must be a duly constituted legal entity prior to submitting an offer and authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in Illinois prior to execution of the contract. For more information, see Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois in Forms A, Part 3.

• Standard Certifications: Offeror shall complete and return the Standard Certifications form in Forms A, Part 4, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

• State Board of Elections Registration: Vendor or Offeror may be prohibited from making political contributions and be required to register with the State Board of Elections. For more information, see State Board of Elections in Forms A, Part 5.

• Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran: Offeror shall complete and return the Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran form in Forms A, Part 6, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

• Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest: Offeror shall complete and return the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest form in Forms A, Part 7, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

• Taxpayer Identification Number: Offeror shall complete and return the Taxpayer Identification form in Forms A, Part 8, or with Forms B.

A.23.1.5. The State will determine whether the Offer meets the stated requirements. Minor differences or deviations that have negligible impact on the price or suitability of the supply or service to meet the State’s needs may be accepted or corrections allowed.

If no Offeror meets a particular requirement, the State may waive that requirement.

A.23.1.6. When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered with proof that the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality, performance and desired characteristics.

A.23.1.7. The State will determine whether the Offer complied with the instructions for submitting Offers. Except for late submissions, and other requirements that by law

State of Illinois RFP 14

V.19.1 must be part of the submission, the State may require that an Offeror correct deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.23.2. RESPONSIBILITY: A Responsible Offeror is one who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and who has the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. The State determines whether the Offeror is a “responsible” Offeror; an Offeror with whom the State can or should do business. For example, the State may consider the following:

A.23.2.1. A “prohibited bidder” includes any person assisting an employee of the State of Illinois by reviewing, drafting, directing, or preparing any invitation for bids, a request for proposal, or request of information, or providing similar assistance unless such assistance was part of a publically issued opportunity to review drafts of all or part of these documents. For purposes of this section, an employee of the State of Illinois means one who, by the nature of his or her duties, has the authority to participate personally and substantially in the decision to award a State contract.

No person or business shall submit specifications to a State agency unless requested to do so by an employee of the State. No person or business that contracts with a State agency to write specifications for a particular procurement need shall submit a bid or proposal or receive a contract for that procurement need.

Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a vendor from bidding or offering to supply developing technology, goods or services after providing the State with a demonstration of the developing technology, goods, or services; provided the subject of the demonstration to the State represents industry trends and innovation and is not specifically designed to meet the State's needs. Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a person or business from submitting a bid or offer or entering into a contract if the person or business: (i) initiates a communication with an employee to provide general information about products, services, or industry best practices and, if applicable, that communication is documented in accordance with Section 50-39 of the Illinois Procurement Code or (ii) responds to a communication initiated by an employee of the State for the purposes of providing information to evaluate new products, trends, services, or technologies.

A.23.2.2. Other factors that the State may evaluate to determine responsibility include, but are not limited to: political contributions, certifications, conflict of interest, financial disclosures, taxpayer identification number, past performance in business or industry, references (including those found outside the Offer), compliance with applicable laws, financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal opportunity compliance, payment of prevailing wages if required by law, capacity to produce or sources of supply, and the ability to provide required maintenance service or other matters relating to the Offeror’s ability to deliver in the quality and quantity within the time and price as specified in this solicitation.

A.23.2.3. Awarded Offerors must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the contract and must provide proof

State of Illinois RFP 15

V.19.1 upon request. The State may require a performance bond if, in the opinion of the State, it ensures performance of the contract. The State may terminate the contract, consistent with the termination for cause provision of the contract, if the vendor lacks the financial resources to perform under the contract.

A.23.2.4. The State may require that an Offeror correct any deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.23.3. PRICE: The State identifies the lowest priced Offer that meets the responsibility and responsiveness requirements.

A.24. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. If this solicitation is for non-construction supplies or services and contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan shall render the Offer non-responsive. 30 ILCS 575/4(f). All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Liaison prior to submission of proposals.

BEP Liaison: Yvette Riley

Phone Number: 312-814-1089

Email Address: Yvette.Riley2@illinois.gov

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting BEP requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified by the Department of Central Management Services as BEP vendors prior to the Bid Opening Date.

Go to https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/bep/pages/default.aspx for complete requirements for BEP certification. Go to https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ to search for certified BEP vendors.

A.25. VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by military veterans. If this solicitation contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan may render the Offer non-responsive. All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Veteran Small Business Liaison prior to submission of proposals.

Veteran Small Business Liaison: Marlene Vick

Phone Number: 630-241-6800 extension 1949

Email Address: mvick@getipass.com

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified mailto:Yvette.Riley2@illinois.gov https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/bep/pages/default.aspx https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ mailto:mvick@getipass.com

State of Illinois RFP 16

V.19.1 by the Department of Central Management Services as VOSB or SDVOSB vendors prior to Bid Opening Date.

Go to https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/Pages/VeteranownedBusinesses.aspx for complete requirements for VOSB or SDVOSB certification. Go to https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ to search for certified VOSB and SDVOSB vendors.

A.26. BIDBUY TERMINOLOGY AND GUIDANCE: BidBuy is an online e-procurement system. There may be some difference between the procurement terminology used in this solicitation and the terms used in BidBuy. Please learn more about BidBuy by accessing the online resources found here:

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/New-Vendor.aspx.

-END OF INSTRUCTIONS-

https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/Pages/VeteranownedBusinesses.aspx https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/New-Vendor.aspx

SELECTION OF VENDOR

State of Illinois RFP 17 Section 1. Part B. Selection of Vendor V.19.1

B. SELECTION OF VENDOR

B.1. The State may award to the most Responsive/Responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the below criteria.

B.2. The State determines how well Offers meet the Responsiveness requirements. The State ranks Offers, without consideration of Price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation. Offerors who receive fewer than the minimum required points will not be considered for Price evaluation and award.

B.3. If the State does not consider the Price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable Price, the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State determines whether the Price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget, and other relevant factors.

B.4. The chart below shows the elements of Responsiveness that the State evaluates, their relative weights in point format and any minimum point requirements.

B.4.1. The total number of points for Responsiveness is 350. Offerors who do not receive a minimum of 250 of the total Responsiveness points will not be considered for price evaluation and award.

B.4.2. RESPONSIVENESS ELEMENTS

ELEMENTS WEIGHT

Milestones and Deliverables (See Section D.3):

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to accept inventory and provide a secured area where all inventory will be kept and have adequate facility space to accommodate a minimum of four (4) months supply of transponder inventory.

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to be responsible for the distribution of transponders and gift cards for sale at all retail outlets, including possible distribution of mounting strips, and develop a reporting and tracking system to report back to the Tollway.

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to produce all printing of cartons, inserts, a Privacy Agreement, activation instructions, owner’s manuals, removable labels on cartons, and transponder labels. Offeror shall also demonstrate its ability to create new design artwork for the carton for Tollway review.

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to maintain and deploy a disaster recovery plan including a plan for supply of physical inventory to retail locations.

Offeror shall also demonstrate its ability to manage the disposal of returned/replaced transponders, including but not limited to; return verification, tracking and disposal.

State of Illinois RFP 18

V.19.1

ELEMENTS WEIGHT

Offeror shall supply a succession plan for end of contract term that includes, at a minimum, reconciliation and transfer of all inventories.

Reporting, Status and Monitoring (See Section D.3):

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to provide, install and maintain an existing software application solution that is capable of communicating with retail locations, retail store management and Tollway management and that meets the minimum requirements as set forth in the RFP.

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to procure and manage supporting communications infrastructure to ensure that the proposed distribution and inventory management solution meets all the requirements of this RFP.

Offeror shall demonstrate its ability to create and manage an inventory system that will track transponders, replacement transponders, and gift cards by retail store for sales and inventory tracking.

Offeror shall also demonstrate its ability to perform tracking and reconciliation of all inventory, including, but not limited to, transponder sales, transponder replacements, transponder disposals, and gift cards, physical counts and provide detailed reporting.

Experience (See Section D.1):

Offeror shall demonstrate its experience distributing goods/products to a network of retailers with a minimum of 50 locations and their ability to provide just-in-time inventory management and delivery to the minimum locations required.

Financial (See Section 4, Tab 4):

Offeror shall provide the last three (3) most recent Year End financial statements outlining a satisfactory financial position to support the requirements as outlined in this RFP.

Total Points 350

State of Illinois RFP 19

B.5. The total number of points for Price is 50. The State will determine Price points using the following formula:

Maximum Price Points X (Lowest Price/Offeror’s Price) = Total Price Points

B.6. The maximum number of points is 400. (Responsiveness 350 + Price 50).

OFFER TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

State of Illinois RFP 20 Section 1. Part C. Offer to the State of Illinois V.19.1

C. Project Title: #18-0093 I-PASS Distribution and Back-End Support Services / Reference #: BidBuy Reference # 19-557THA-BUSSY-B-4599

The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Offeror hereby submits this Offer to perform in full compliance with the subject solicitation. By completing and signing this Form, the Offeror makes an Offer to the State of Illinois that the State may accept.

Offeror should use this Form as a final check to ensure that all…