18-Paternity Testing Services RFP v1.0.pdf

Request for Proposal

PATERNITY TESTING SERVICES

RFP Number: 302–27–02246

CLASS: 193 ITEM: 89

CLASS: 475 ITEM: 95

CLASS: 920 ITEM: 30

CLASS: 948 ITEM: 48

CLASS: 952 ITEM: 48

CLASS: 961 ITEM: 50

Posting Date: September 9, 2025

Office of the Attorney General

State of Texas i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3 PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

3.1 Communication and Questions

3.2 Schedule of Events

3.3 Solicitation Conference Information

3.4 Authority

3.5 Addendum

3.6 Attachments and Forms

3.7 HUB Subcontracting Probability Statement

4 OVERVIEW

4.1 Background

4.2 Scope of Work

5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

5.1 Initial Term and Renewal

5.2 Option to Extend

6 STATEMENT OF WORK

6.1 General Solution and System Requirements

6.2 Materials for Self-Collection

6.3 Contractor Sampling Locations

6.4 Scheduling Sample Collection

6.5 Sampling

6.6 Genetic Testing

6.7 Results Reporting

6.8 Litigation Support

6.9 Court Orders, Subpoenas, or Requests

6.10 Optional Services

6.11 Training Requirements

6.12 Implementation Requirements

6.13 Transition Requirements at Contract Termination

6.14 Contract Reporting

6.15 Deliverables Acceptance Process

6.16 Operational Deliverables

7 CONTRACT MANAGMENT

7.1 Performance Management

7.2 Financial Statements

7.3 Controlled Correspondence

7.4 Notices and Liaison

7.5 Contract Managers

7.6 Cooperation with the OAG

7.7 Problem Resolution and Corrective Action Process

7.8 Subcontracting Approval Required

7.9 No Assignment by the Contractor

7.10 Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse

7.11 Dispute Resolution Process for Claims of Breach of Contract

7.12 Business Continuity and/or Disaster Recovery Requirements

8 BACKGROUND REVIEWS

9 INVOICING

9.1 Submitting Invoices

9.2 Required Information and Supporting Documentation for Invoice

9.3 Invoice Schedule

9.4 Invoice Review

9.5 Billing at Contract Termination or Conclusion

10 AWARD

11 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

ii

12 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

12.1 Response Information

12.2 Response Submission

12.3 Response Contents

13 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT

14 INFORMATION PROTECTION PROVISIONS

14.1 General

14.2 Data Security

14.3 Physical and System Security

14.4 Security Audit

14.5 Security Incidents

14.6 Remedial Action

14.7 Commencement of Legal Action

15 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

15.1 Financial Matters

15.2 Amendment

15.3 Termination of the Contract

15.4 Federal Terms and Conditions

15.5 Certifications

15.6 General Responsibilities

15.7 Special Terms and Conditions

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 1 OF 67

1 INTRODUCTION

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the agency responsible for the operation and management of the Texas Child Support Program, as set forth in Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.

The OAG is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain the services of a Contractor for in-state and out-of-state paternity deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing services, including Sample collection, Genetic

Testing Results Reporting, and litigation support services.

This procurement will award a Contract to one (1) Contractor to provide in- and out-of-state Sample collection, Genetic Testing services, and related litigation support for the OAG Child Support Division

(CSD). Out-of-state services must include international Sample collection. Additionally, the Contractor will supply buccal Sample Collection Kits to OAG Field staff for OAG-supervised Self-Collection.

2 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

When capitalized, the following terms have the meaning set forth below. All other terms have the meaning set forth in the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh edition.

Table 1: Terms and Definitions

Term Definition

AABB American Association of Blood Banks

Addendum or

Addenda

Modification(s) or clarification(s) to the RFP issued by the OAG and posted on the

ESBD.

Alleged Father A man who alleges himself to be, or is alleged to be, the genetic father or a possible genetic father of a Child, but whose paternity has not been determined.

The term does not include: a Presumed Father.

BAFO Best and Final Offer

BC/DR Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery

Business Day

The days (Monday through Friday) on which the OAG is open for business.

The OAG is closed for business on the scheduled holidays indicated below. If a scheduled holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday is generally not observed. The

OAG Contract Manager or designee will communicate any variation from the standard holiday schedule as it becomes known.

Holiday When Observed

New Year’s Day January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Third (3rd) Monday in January

Presidents’ Day Third (3rd) Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day First (1st) Monday in September

Veterans’ Day November 11

Thanksgiving holidays Fourth (4th) Thursday & Friday in November

Christmas holidays December 24, 25 and 26

Business Hours On Business Days, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Local Time

Case A collection of people associated with a IV-D child support Case, child support order, or court hearing. This typically includes a custodial parent, dependent(s), and a non-custodial parent and/or Presumed Father. Every child support Case has a unique Case Identification (ID) number.

Child

An individual of any age whose parentage may be determined under state law

[Texas Family Code § 160.102(3)].

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 2 OF 67

Term Definition

Contract Any contract resulting from this RFP, consisting of the Contract document(s) as described in Section 11 Contract Documents

Contract

Operations

A division within the CSD that provides support services for the lifecycle of a contract from solicitation development and contract award through contract management and completion.

Contractor The vendor(s) awarded the Contract(s) resulting from this RFP. Also referred to as

Vendor.

Contractor

Agent(s)

Contractor’s officials, employees, agents, consultants, subcontractors, subsidiaries, affiliates, representatives, and all other persons that perform

Contract services on Contractor’s behalf.

Controlled

Correspondence

Numbered and tracked correspondence regarding Contract-related issues.

CSD Child Support Division of the Office of the Attorney General

DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Definition of Done All acceptance criteria for all User Stories in the Sprint have been demonstrated by the Sprint Team and accepted by the Product Owner. For Joint Testing and

Release Readiness Sprints, all test scenarios have been executed, demonstrated, and accepted by the Product Owner.

Deliverable An artifact or collection of artifacts and/or documents the Contractor is required to produce.

EIR Electronic Information Resources

Emergency

Collection

A Sample collection expedited by the Contractor, on a date and at a time and place specified by the OAG, when needed to collect a Sample from a Member who may soon be unavailable.

ESBD Electronic State Business Daily, available online at http://www.txsmartbuy.gov.

Genetic Testing An analysis of an individual’s genetic markers to exclude or identify a man as the biological father of a Child or a woman as the biological mother of a Child [Texas

Family Code § 160.102(8)].

HUB Historically Underutilized Business

HUB

Subcontracting

Plan (HSP)

A written plan identifying whether a Contract will be self-performed or include the use of subcontractors, which HUB and non-HUB subcontractors will be used, how much of the Contract each subcontractor will receive, and how subcontractors were selected.

ID Identification

Key Staff Any staff in a management or decision-making position regarding the Contract.

Key Staff includes the Implementation Project Manager, Contract/Engagement

Manager, and Project/Operational Manager.

Local Time Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT), as is then prevailing, in Austin, Texas

Member A party to an OAG Child Support Case.

NIGP National Institute of Governmental Purchasing

Non-Standard

Sample Collection

A Sample collection requiring the Contractor to travel to a site not covered under the definitions of Standard Sample Collection or Emergency Collection.

OAG Office of the Attorney General

OAG Data All data and information (i) conveyed to Contractor, whether intentionally or unintentionally, by or on behalf of OAG, (ii) obtained, developed, or produced by

Contractor in connection with this Contract, or (iii) to which Contractor has access in connection with provision of the Contract Services.

http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 3 OF 67

Term Definition

Originating Field

Office

The CSD field office initiating the paternity testing request.

Presumed Father A man who, by operation of law under Texas Family Code §160.204, is recognized as the father of a Child until that status is rebutted or confirmed in a judicial proceeding [Texas Family Code § 160.102(13)].

Prime Contractor

Progress

Assessment

Report (PAR)

A form that documents compliance with the HSP and provides the identity and amount paid to HUB and non-HUB subcontractors.

Product Owner A person who represents the CSD business stakeholders and, in collaboration with the Sprint Team, is responsible for defining project success. Product Owner acceptance of User Story and acceptance criteria indicates that the Sprint has met the Definition of Done.

Respondent Any individual, partnership, or corporation submitting a Response. Unless the

Contract clearly indicates otherwise, all terms and conditions of this Contract that refer to Respondent apply with equal force to Contractor.

Response A Respondent’s submission to this RFP

Results Reports A Deliverable made up of the original, completed Customer Authorization and

Chain of Custody Form(s) and the Genetic Testing results of an Alleged Father, mother and one (1) or more children where testing is performed at the same time.

Request for

Proposal (RFP)

A formal document issued by the OAG to the market or vendor community requesting information or proposal for goods or services (this document) .

Sample An individual specimen of tissue, cell, and/or blood containing DNA suitable for use in paternity testing.

Sample Collection

Kit

A kit that includes all materials necessary to collect Samples of cheek cells from a minimum of three (3) individuals. Sampling Collection Kits should include extra materials for additional individuals who require testing on a Case.

Scrum

Team/Sprint

Team

A small, self-organized, self-contained, value-driven group of full-time team members who are organized around a mission. Scrum Team is referred to as a

“Sprint Team” in the CSD Agile environment.

Self-Collection A Sample collected by the individual using the Sample Collection Kit with supervision by an OAG representative.

Source Document Images and any other electronic records needed to verify timeliness, accuracy, compliance, and completeness of work performed during the Quality Assurance

(QA) review, which include, but are not limited to, Customer Authorization and

Chain of Custody Form(s), Genetic Testing Results Report and related images, emails, facsimiles, etc.

Sprint A set period of time during which work must be developed, tested, readied for production, and meet the Definition of Done.

Standard Sample

Collection

A Sample collection taken by the Contractor from a designated Contractor location, field office, or courthouse covered by the Contract.

State Fiscal Year

(SFY)

Texas State Fiscal Year, September 1 through August 31

User Story Captures the human-centered user requirements that must be developed, tested, demonstrated, and deployed. The User Story will include detailed requirements, including specific acceptance criteria.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 4 OF 67

3 PROCUREMENT INFORMATION

3.1 Communication and Questions

Direct all communication and questions regarding this RFP using the Bonfire link below. ANY

COMMUNICATION WITH THE OAG MADE OUTSIDE OF THIS PROCESS MAY RESULT IN CONTRACTOR

DISQUALIFICATION.

Respondents must access the OAG Bonfire portal and either log in to their existing account or create a new account to view the RFP documents, submit questions, and submit Responses. The OAG Bonfire portal can be accessed at https://texasoag.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/185392.

General communications concerning this RFP will be distributed to the participating Respondents via the

OAG Bonfire portal and/or email. Each participating Respondent is solely responsible for monitoring the

OAG Bonfire portal and email for these communications.

However, in accordance with Texas Government Code § 2155.083 and 34 Texas Administrative Code

§20.220, state agencies are required to post contract award notices on the Electronic State Business

Daily (ESBD) for procurements exceeding $25,000; therefore, the official contract award notice will be posted to the ESBD and participating Respondents will be solely responsible for monitoring the ESBD for the status of the contract award and will not be contacted individually by the OAG.

Any questions submitted will be answered at the sole discretion of the OAG in a Question and Answer document. Only answers provided in writing by the OAG shall be considered official. All questions should, to the degree possible, cite the specific RFP section and paragraph number(s) to which the question refers.

Information other than the materials constituting this RFP, the Question and Answer document(s), and any Addendum shall not be binding on the OAG.

Respondents must not contact OAG personnel directly concerning this RFP. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification.

3.2 Schedule of Events

The OAG reserves the right to change the dates shown below.

Table 2: Schedule of Events

Event Date/Time

Solicitation Conference September 17, 2025; 2:00 p.m. Local Time

Deadline for Submission of Questions September 25, 2025; 5:00 p.m. Local Time

Question and Answer Document Posted Early-October 2025

Deadline for Submission of Responses October 31, 2025; 5:00 p.m. Local Time

Expected OAG Evaluation of Responses November 2025 – January 2026

Expected Time Period for Discussions (if applicable) January 2026 – February 2026

Expected Contract Award Date Early-April 2026

3.3 Solicitation Conference Information

A Solicitation Conference is scheduled for the date and time listed in Section 3.2, Schedule of Events.

Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Participants may submit questions in advance of the conference. All questions must be submitted by the

Deadline for Submission of Questions found in Table 2: Schedule of Events.

There will be an opportunity to ask additional questions at the conference, and the OAG will continue to accept written questions until the Deadline for Submission of Questions as listed in Section 3.2, Schedule of Events. The OAG may provide a response during the Solicitation Conference. However, answers will be considered official only if they are posted in an Addendum.

The conference will be conducted via Teams Link:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2606939652911?p=TDqqXNOVMYKS0ahmov https://texasoag.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/185392 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2606939652911?p=TDqqXNOVMYKS0ahmov

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 5 OF 67

All participants must sign into the conference with their First Name, Last Name, and Organization listed in their display name.

3.4 Authority

This procurement will be conducted in accordance with the State Purchasing and General Services Act

(Title 10, Subtitle D, Chapters 2151 through 2176, Texas Government Code) and the rules of the

Comptroller of Public Accounts Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) including, but not limited to, the procedures prescribed by the SPD.

3.5 Addendum

Should an addition or correction become necessary after an RFP is issued, an Addendum relaying the necessary information will be posted on the ESBD. Respondents are responsible for periodically checking the ESBD for addenda or additional information. Respondents must acknowledge the Addendum by returning the signature page of the Addendum with the Response.

3.6 Attachments and Forms

This RFP includes the following attachments and forms.

Table 3: Attachments

# Attachment

1 Certificate of Destruction for Contractors and Vendors

2 Security Incident Report for Contractors and Vendors

3 CSD Field Offices and Storefronts

4 CSD Required Sample Collection Locations

5 Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form

6 File Transfer Data

7 Prime Contractor Progress Assessment Report

Table 4: Forms

# Form

A Respondent’s Execution of Proposal and Assurances (with Certification)

B Pricing

C Past Performance References

D Canceled Contract References

E Respondent Release of Liability (to Reference)

F Certification Regarding Lobbying

G Intentionally Left Blank

H Respondent Information Form

I Preference to Texas and United States Products and Texas Services

J Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Questionnaire

K Contractor's Proposed Sample Collection Locations

3.7 HUB Subcontracting Probability Statement

It is the policy of the OAG to promote and encourage contracting and subcontracting opportunities for

State of Texas certified Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in compliance with Texas

Government Code, §2161.001-253 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, Division 1, §20.285. Respondents are encouraged to become HUB-certified. State of

Texas HUB Certification Application Forms are located at https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php.

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2151.htm https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2151.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214411 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214411 https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 6 OF 67

Definitions for State of Texas HUB certifiable businesses can be found in TAC, Title 34, Part 1, Chapter

20, Subchapter D, Division 1, §20.282; more information is on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

Please ensure that the potential HUB subcontractor’s status is “A” (Active).

The OAG has determined that there are probable subcontracting opportunities in the scope of the work for this RFP.

The HUB goal for this procurement is 26%.

The OAG has provided a list of potential areas of subcontracting based on the OAG’s understanding of this procurement request. Respondents are not limited to the potential subcontracting areas listed below. The OAG is relying upon the Respondent’s expertise to fully identify subcontracting opportunities that best align with their organization and this RFP. Respondents who intend to subcontract are responsible for identifying all areas that will be subcontracted. In accordance with TAC, Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, Division 1, §20.282, a subcontractor is defined as a person who contracts with a prime contractor to work or contribute toward completing work for a governmental entity.

The following is a list of potential areas of subcontracting by National Institute of Governmental

Purchasing (NIGP) class and item codes based upon the requirements of this procurement.

Table 5: NIGP Codes

Class Item Description

193 89 Test Kits and Supplies, Chemistry (not otherwise classified)

475 95 Vacuum Blood-Collecting Sets, Tubes, Tube-Holders and Needles

920 30 Image Processing and Conversion Services

948 48 Health Care Services (Not Otherwise Classified)

952 48 Genetic Parentage Testing Services (DNA)

961 50 Legal Services; Expert Witness Testimony

To be considered responsive, Respondents must complete and return a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) with all Responses. If the Response does not include a completed HSP, the Response will be rejected as a material failure to comply with advertised specifications. All prime vendors (HUB or Non -HUB) are required to comply.

Additionally, the Contractor must update the HSP during the course of the Contract should any changes occur.

• The HUB Subcontracting Plan on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website guides the

Respondent through the various fields and assists them in completing the HSB correctly:

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php.

• The Centralized Master Bidders List – HUB Directory Search allows Respondents to search for

HUB vendors by NIGP class and item: https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp.

• NIGP codes can be found in the NIGP Commodity Book:

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/nigp/.

• Minority and women-owned business association resources are available for subcontracting solicitation notices to State of Texas HUB vendors. See https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/resources.php.

As a condition for payment and to document compliance with the HSP, the Contractor must include the

Prime Contractor Progress Assessment Report (PAR) with each invoice submitted. All HUB and non -HUB subcontractors must be listed on the PAR, whether payment is issued to the subcontractors or not. See

Attachment 7, Prime Contractor Project Assessment Report for a sample.

https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214408 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214408 https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/ https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214408 https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=06%2F25%2F2025&recordId=214408 https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/forms.php https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/nigp/ https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/resources.php

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 7 OF 67

4 OVERVIEW

4.1 Background

The Texas Child Support Division is currently the largest child support program in the United States by both caseload and dollars collected. The CSD provides services for approximately one (1) out of every four (4) children who receive child support in the state of Texas, collects over $4.4 billion annually for

Texas families, and currently has over 1.4 million Cases.

Paternity determination is a crucial step in the lifecycle of a child support Case. It is the precursor to establishing support orders and affects all parties in a child support Case. Paternity is established by either a signed valid Acknowledgement of Paternity or by an adjudication by a court (Texas Family Code

§160.102(5)). The results of Genetic Testing, if in accordance with the Uniform Parentage Act, are admissible in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage (Texas Family Code § 160.621).

4.2 Scope of Work

In general, to assist in the OAG’s effort in determining paternity, the Contractor will provide paternity testing services, which will include:

• Distributing buccal swab Sample Collection Kits to field offices, in the amounts and timeframe determined by the OAG

• Providing qualified Sample collection staff (including phlebotomists) and Sample collection draw sites, for both in- and out-of-state services

• Shipping collected Samples to testing facilities

• Performing Genetic Testing of all Samples collected

• Drafting Results Reports (in the form and manner requested by OAG)

• Electronic imaging of all submitted forms and documentation, including Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Forms and Genetic Testing results

• Transferring data and image files electronically via secure transmission

• Providing expert witness testimony and other litigation support, as requested by OAG

• Training designated OAG staff

The OAG-CSD is divided into ten (10) regions, as follows; the State Office located in Austin, Texas, thirty -eight (38) field offices and twenty-three (23) storefronts which deal directly with CSD customers, ten (10)

Regional Administrative Offices, and three (3) regional Enterprise Customer Service Centers located throughout the State. CSD Cases may include Cases in which one or more Members are incarcerated, not in Texas, or out of the country. Attachment 3, CSD Field Offices and Storefronts lists the field offices grouped by regions. These locations are subject to change.

The OAG does not maintain separate data on the number of paternity Cases that include individuals who are out of the country. The OAG makes no guarantees or assurances to refer any specified quantity of

Cases to the Contractor for Genetic Testing.

Table 6: OAG Paternity Testing Services Totals* below contains totals from all ten (10) regions for paternity testing services over the past three (3) State Fiscal Years (SFY). Table 7: OAG Staff Collections contains the totals by region.

Table 6: OAG Paternity Testing Services Totals*

SFY

OAG Staff

Supervised

Collections

Genetic

Test

Results

Inmate

Collections

Posthumous

Collections

Contractor DNA

Sample

Collections

Out-of-State

Collections

Emergency

Collections

Litigation

Support

Services

2022 4460 9338 2317 0 23392 2034 0 0

2023 2914 8119 1676 0 23935 1002 0 0

2024 2250 7800 1466 0 21241 976 0 0

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 8 OF 67

Table 7: OAG Staff Collections*

Region SFY 2022 SFY 2023 SFY 2024

1 617 685 655

2 23 23 21

3 1414 601 544

4 0 3 2

5 283 119 122

6 1953 901 392

7 16 70 234

8 0 26 13

9 141 477 255

10 13 9 12

Total 4460 2914 2250

*The historical volumes are provided to allow all Respondents to compete on an equal basis. These volumes are intended for bidding purposes only. Actual operational volumes may differ. There is no guarantee that these volumes will remain constant or represent the volumes the Respondent might actually process in any of the years covered by the Contract term(s).

5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

5.1 Initial Term and Renewal

The Contract will begin when signed by all Parties, and the initial term will end on August 31, 2029. The

Contract may be renewed for two (2) optional one (1) year term(s) with the first optional renewal term beginning on September 1, 2029. and concluding on August 31, 2030. The decision to renew the

Contract will be at the sole and absolute discretion of the OAG. Such renewal(s) will be subject to the requirements of the Contract, with the sole and limited exception that the original date of termination will be extended pursuant to this provision. By submission of a Response to this Request for Proposal, a

Respondent agrees to be bound to perform the services described within, at the rates specified in the

Contract, for the initial term of the Contract and for any renewal term which the OAG may elect to exercise.

5.2 Option to Extend

The Contractor agrees that the OAG may require continued performance, beyond the initial or any renewal Contract term, of any of the services described within, at the rates specified in the Contract, for the purpose of awarding a contract and transitioning services to a new service provider without service disruption. The OAG may require continued performance for a series of thirty (30) calendar day increments. Such extension of services will be subject to the requirements of the Contract, with the sole and limited exception that the original date of termination will be extended pursuant to this provision.

During the Contract transition extensions, the Contractor will be compensated for services for as long as the Contractor is providing such services. Once a service is transitioned from the Contractor to a new service provider, payment to the Contractor will cease. The OAG may exercise this option upon thirty (30) calendar days' written notice to the Contractor.

6 STATEMENT OF WORK

6.1 General Solution and System Requirements

6.1.1 Unless otherwise stated, the Contractor’s solution will include all supplies, materials, labor, facilities, equipment, travel expenses and staff necessary to perform the services specified in this RFP.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 9 OF 67

6.1.2 The Contractor and its subcontractors will not request or accept advance payments or deposits from any individual ordered to submit Samples for paternity testing under this Contract.

6.1.3 Imaging

6.1.3.1 The Contractor will create a clear and readable electronic image of any hard copy Source

Documents. Images should be no greater than 300 dpi and be in a searchable PDF format.

6.1.3.2 If the OAG determines that an electronic image is unreadable, the Contractor will re-image the item within five (5) Business Days of the OAG’s request. Unclear and unreadable images shall be re-imaged until a clear, readable image is established.

6.1.4 Source Document Standards

6.1.4.1 The Contractor will provide the OAG with Source Documents no later than ten (10)

Business Days after the request.

6.1.4.2 Source Documents will be provided at no additional cost to the OAG.

6.1.4.3 The Contractor will retain all Source Documents until all contractual remedies have been resolved. In no event will the Contractor dispose of any Source Document earlier than ninety (90) calendar days from the date of creation of the Source Document file. The

Contractor must request and receive approval from the OAG via Controlled

Correspondence prior to disposing of any Source Documents.

6.1.5 Contractor System Requirements

6.1.5.1 The Contractor will provide a system that allows the OAG to view, search, and print OAG

Case-related information as described in this section.

6.1.5.2 The Contractor will provide OAG staff with view-only access to all OAG Data residing on the Contractor’s system.

6.1.5.3 The Contractor’s system will provide real-time updates for appointment status (show/no-show) and Sample collection status.

6.1.5.4 The Contractor’s system will provide Case-status data. This Case-status data will be in a format subject to OAG approval and will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Originating Field Office

2. OAG Case ID number

3. First and last name of each Case Member

4. Each Member’s relation to the Case

5. Each Member’s Date of Birth

6. Date DNA Sample was collected from each Member

7. Status of the request

8. Type of request (e.g., in-state, out-of-state, military, etc.)

9. Genetic Testing results (inclusion and exclusion)

10. Appearance indicator for a scheduled Sample collection (show /no show)

11. Scheduled collection date

12. Rescheduled collection date (i.e., if the individual rescheduled and for what date)

13. Comments/Notes Field (any comments/notes related to the Case)

14. Images of Source Documents

6.1.5.5 The Contractor’s system will allow the OAG to search by any combination of the following criteria.

1. Originating Field Office

2. OAG Case ID

3. First and last name of Case Member

4. Date collection occurred

5. Collection status

6.1.5.6 The Contractor’s system will allow OAG staff to define and perform customizable queries.

6.1.5.7 The Contractor will provide a web-based Sample Collection Kit supply order system.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 10 OF 67

6.1.5.8 The Contractor’s system will present OAG Case data and images in a readable, scalable, and printable format.

6.1.5.9 The Contractor will send the OAG a daily, to include weekends, interface file identified in

Attachment 6, File Transfer Data. Record updates will include, but not be limited to:

• Actions taken by the Contractor on OAG requested Sample collections

• Times/dates of Sample collections scheduled by the Contractor

• No-shows

• Lost/damaged Samples

• Scheduling issues

• Collection irregularities

• Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf) images of original documentation

• Results

6.1.5.10 The Contractor will send images of the Results Report in a separate file that corresponds with the record updates included in the daily interface file.

Emails containing confidential data (personal identifiable information) must be encrypted. (See Section

14.3.8.1 for requirements)

6.1.5.11 Any additional details not defined in this section or in Attachment 6, File Transfer Data will be determined during implementation. Information included in Attachment 6, File

Transfer Data is subject to change prior to or during implementation.

6.1.5.12 The OAG will send a daily interface file to the Contractor, identified in Attachment 6, File

Transfer Data.

6.1.6 Staffing

6.1.6.1 The Contractor will identify an operational management team no later than the first (1st) day after Contract award.

6.1.6.1.1 The Contractor will retain specifically identified Operational Manager(s) for the term of the Contract. The Operational Manager(s) will serve as the initial point(s) of contact for any inquiries made by the OAG.

6.1.6.1.2 The Contractor will notify the OAG immediately upon the termination of a member of the operational teams.

6.1.6.2 New Key Staff assigned by the Contractor or its subcontractors to perform the required services must have qualifications for the assigned position that are equal to or exceed the qualifications of the person being replaced. The Contractor will submit replacements for approval by the OAG.

6.1.6.3 The Contractor will notify the OAG Contract Manager, via Controlled Correspondence, fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of any planned changes to Key Staff.

6.1.6.4 Approval of new implementation or operational team staff is at the sole discretion of the

OAG.

The Contractor will provide experts who will serve as designees of the testing laboratory for purposes of the Uniform Parentage Act, who will be capable of certifying the validity of the Results Report, and who will be available to provide litigation support services per Section 6.8, Litigation Support.

6.1.6.5 The Contractor will provide trained and qualified staff to perform Sample collection as required by the OAG (e.g., if a blood draw is required for any reason, the Contractor will provide an American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), or equivalent, certified phlebotomist to conduct the collection).

6.2 Materials for Self-Collection

6.2.1 General Sample Collection Materials Requirements

6.2.1.1 The Contractor will provide OAG staff with all materials required for Sample collection, Sample packaging, and shipping, including:

• Sample Collection Kits

• Instant print cameras

• Camera film

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 11 OF 67

• Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form. See Attachment 5, Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form.

• Self-addressed, self-sealing shipping envelopes or containers that provide breakage protection and maintain the integrity of the Sample

6.2.1.2 The Contractor will provide materials for Self-Collection to CSD locations identified in

Attachment 3, CSD Field Offices and Storefronts. These locations are subject to change.

6.2.2 Sample Collection Kit

6.2.2.1 Sample Collection Kits will contain materials for a minimum of three (3) Members

(Mother, Child, Alleged Father). Additional materials should be provided to sample children or other Members in the event there are more than three (3).

6.2.2.2 Sample Collection Kits must be color-coded such that each Member using a Sample

Collection Kit will receive unique color-coded envelopes, buccal swabs, and self-adhesive labels.

6.2.2.3 The Contractor will provide Sample Kit materials within five (5) Business Days of the request.

6.2.2.4 The Contractor will accept for replacement incomplete or otherwise unusable kits returned by the OAG. The OAG will not be liable for any costs associated with returned kits.

6.2.3 Instant Print Cameras

6.2.3.1 The Contractor will provide three (3) instant print cameras and film for each CSD location performing Self-Collection.

6.2.3.2 The instant print cameras must produce photographs with self-adhesive or provide an equal or better adhesive solution for affixing photographs to the Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form.

6.2.3.3 The Contractor will repair or replace any cameras that become inoperable.

6.2.4 Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form

6.2.4.1 The Contractor will provide a Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form for completion at every Sample collection.

6.2.4.2 The Contractor will follow the format provided by the OAG for the Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form. For a sample, see Attachment 5, Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form. This form must include:

• Name and photograph of each person whose Samples are taken

• Name of each person who collected the Samples

• Physical address/location where the Samples were collected

• Date of each collection

• Driver’s license or any government issued ID number(s) for each person sampled

• Case ID number

• CSD identifier indicating the relevant court and CSD location

• Authorization from each person whose Samples are collected

• Person who witnessed the collection

• Person who packaged the Samples

6.3 Contractor Sampling Locations

6.3.1 Office and Courthouse Sampling Locations

6.3.1.1 Contractor staff will conduct Sample collections at the locations and times listed in

Attachment 4, CSD Required Sample Collection Locations and Form K, Contractor’s

Proposed Sample Collection Locations.

6.3.1.2 Locations listed in Attachment 4, CSD Required Sample Collection Locations are subject to change at the OAG’s sole discretion.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 12 OF 67

6.3.1.3 The OAG will provide sixty (60) Business Days’ advance notice when requesting office and courthouse locations or times not previously specified in the Contract. See

Attachment 4, CSD Required Sample Collection Locations.

6.3.2 Contractor Sampling Locations

6.3.2.1 The Contractor will provide Sample collection locations and conduct Sample collections at its locations (as approved by OAG).

6.3.2.2 The Contractor will provide a communication channel between the CSD and the collection location.

6.3.2.3 At a minimum, the Contractor will provide the number of Sample collection locations per region as provided in Form K, Contractor’s Proposed Sample Collection Locations.

6.3.2.4 The Contractor will not change the total weekly hours that have been established for

Sample collection for any given location without the prior written consent of the OAG

Contract Manager.

6.3.2.5 The Contractor will request changes to Sample collection days, times, and locations via

Controlled Correspondence thirty (30) Business Days in advance of proposed changes.

The OAG reserves the right to deny any request.

6.3.2.6 Locations will be professional environments as defined by the AABB or equivalent designation by another accrediting body as authorized by Texas Family Code §160.503.

6.3.2.7 Locations will provide secure, private, and sanitary conditions for Sample collection.

6.3.2.8 The Contractor will secure all Samples prior to shipment to the approved designated testing facility. “Secure” means to hold behind a locked door and in a locked safe or storage container.

6.3.2.9 The Contractor will secure and maintain buccal swabs according to AABB specimen collection standards or equivalent standard by another accrediting body as authorized by

Texas Family Code §160.503.

6.3.2.10 The Contractor will send blood Samples to the testing facility on the same day as the collection. Overnight storage of blood Samples at collection locations is not permissible.

6.4 Scheduling Sample Collection

6.4.1 Standard Sample Collection Scheduling

6.4.1.1 The OAG will communicate scheduled Sample collection request information via the OAG outgoing daily interface file sent by CSD to the Contractor.

6.4.1.2 The Contractor will communicate updates to scheduled Sample collection requests to the OAG via the incoming daily interface file sent by the Contractor to the OAG.

6.4.1.3 The OAG may send child support customers to a Contractor’s location for Sample collection without prior scheduling. Unscheduled child support customers will provide the Contractor with the following at a minimum:

• First and Last Name

• Date of birth

6.4.2 Inmate Sample Collection Scheduling

6.4.2.1 The Contractor will notify the OAG of the scheduled date and time for inmate Sample collections no later than the Business Day following the date scheduling was completed.

6.4.2.2 The Contractor will notify the OAG of all scheduling complications or delays within one

(1) Business Day of encountering the complication/delay.

6.4.2.3 The Contractor will complete Sample collections for inmates within thirty (30) Business

Days of Sample collection request.

6.4.3 Out-of-State Sample Collection Scheduling

6.4.3.1 Out-of-state scheduling and coordination includes Cases where Members reside outside of Texas and outside of the United States.

6.4.3.2 The Contractor will notify the OAG of scheduled out-of-state Sample collection dates and locations within one (1) Business Day of scheduling.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 13 OF 67

6.4.3.3 The Contractor will complete all out-of-state Sample collections within thirty (30)

Business Days of Sample collection request.

6.4.4 Out-of-State and Inmate Sample Collection Rescheduling

6.4.4.1 In the event a Member fails to appear for a scheduled Sample collection, the Contractor will reschedule the Sample collection as soon as possible.

6.4.4.2 The Contractor will notify the Originating Field Office of the rescheduled Sample collection date within one (1) Business Day of rescheduling.

6.4.4.3 If a Member fails to appear three (3) times (the initial scheduled Sample collection dates and two (2) rescheduled Sample collection dates), the Contractor will cease rescheduling efforts and notify the Originating Field Office of the Member’s failure to appear.

6.4.5 Emergency Sample Collection Scheduling

The OAG may require Sample collections at specific dates and times (“Emergency Collection”).

Emergency Collection may include military deployments, extraordinary circumstances outside of the CSD’s control, or other situations requiring short notice to be given to the Contractor and inflexibility with schedule options.

The Contractor will conduct Emergency Collections on the date, time, and location specified by the Originating Field Office via the OAG outgoing daily interface file.

6.4.6 Posthumous Sample Collection Scheduling

The Contractor will schedule and conduct posthumous Sample collections within the timelines requested by the Originating Field Office.

6.5 Sampling

6.5.1 General Requirements

6.5.1.1 The Contractor staff will follow all AABB Sample collection standards, or equivalent standards by another accrediting body as authorized by Texas Family Code §160.503.

6.5.1.2 At the sole discretion of the OAG or as required by any court, the Contractor may be directed to collect Samples at a specific time and place, such as a residential home, designated by the OAG or by the court.

6.5.1.3 The Contractor will complete a Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form for each OAG Case as part of the Sample collection process.

6.5.1.3.1 If an adult Member does not have a government-issued photo ID, the

Contractor will request and record additional information obtained from the adult subject’s social security card or other requested ID, if available.

6.5.1.3.2 If an adult has neither a government-issued photo ID nor a Social Security card, the Contractor will record and legibly photocopy or photograph any ID documents.

6.5.1.3.3 If a Sample collected by the Contractor fails to contain enough genetic material for testing or the collected Sample fails to arrive at the laboratory in suitable condition for testing, the Contractor will re-collect the Sample at its own expense.

6.5.1.4 The Contractor will send Samples to a designated testing facility in support of another state’s paternity testing program. This situation occurs when a Member resides in Texas and is required to provide a DNA Sample to establish paternity for a Case in another state.

6.5.1.5 The Contractor will place collected Samples in appropriate receptacles labeled with:

• The Member’s full name

• Contractor’s ID number

• Date and time the Sample was collected

• Initials and the signature of the Sample collector http://www.aabb.org/sa/standards/Pages/rt.aspx

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 14 OF 67

6.5.2 Shipping of Samples

6.5.2.1 The Contractor will arrange for the safe, secure and prompt delivery of Samples to a testing facility.

6.5.2.2 The Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with Sample shipments to its own or another testing facility.

6.5.2.3 The Contractor will notify the OAG by the end of the next Business Day of any lost, harmed, or otherwise unusable Samples.

6.6 Genetic Testing

6.6.1 The Contractor will test Samples in a laboratory located within the United States that is accredited by the AABB or meets equivalent standards by another accrediting body as authorized by Tex. Family Code §160.503.

6.6.2 The Contractor will store and maintain all Samples following AABB Specimen Collection

Standards and Genetic Testing protocols (or equivalent protocols by another accrediting body as authorized by Texas Family Code §160.503).

6.6.3 The Contractor will test Samples in a facility designed to ensure the integrity of the analyses and the Samples.

6.6.4 The Contractor will test Samples in a facility with security control systems in place that include surveillance cameras, intrusion alarms, and key cards, documented and limited to the personnel designated by laboratory management.

6.6.5 The Contractor will perform Genetic Testing on Samples collected using methodologies and laboratory practices in accordance with the Texas Family Code Ch. 160 Uniform Parentage Act, Subchapter F Genetic Testing.

6.6.6 The Contractor will maintain in a usable condition all autoradiographs and instrumental printouts associated with a Case. After ninety (90) calendar days from the date of creation of the above-referenced documents, the Contractor may request approval from the OAG via Controlled

Correspondence to dispose of any said documents. The Contractor must not dispose of any documents until the OAG approves the request.

6.6.7 The Contractor will ensure that an exclusion from the Probability of Paternity (as defined in Texas

Family Code 160.102(14)) conforms to acceptable standards such as AABB or equivalent standards by another accrediting body as authorized by Texas Family Code §160.503.

6.6.8 Sample Collection Errors

6.6.8.1 The Contractor will track OAG Self-Collection errors and provide this information to the

OAG in a quarterly report with the following data (see Attachment 6, File Transfer Data):

• The total number of Self-Collection errors made by the Originating Field Office

• OAG staff supervising the collection

• Type of collection error (contamination, degradation, insufficient yield, missing signature, etc.)

6.6.8.2 As soon as possible, but not exceeding five (5) Business Days from the date a Sample is determined to be unusable for testing, the Contractor will:

6.6.8.2.1 Notify the OAG Originating Field Office and the OAG Contract Manager

6.6.8.2.2 Identify the problem with the Sample (insufficient genetic material, poor

Sample quality, damaged packaging, chain-of-custody issues, etc.)

6.6.8.2.3 Determine a resolution and coordinate with the OAG Contract Manager to implement the resolution

6.6.8.2.4 Arrange a re-collection of Samples if the original Sample was collected by the

Contractor’s staff.

Paternity Testing Services RFP, v1.0 PAGE 15 OF 67

6.7 Results Reporting

6.7.1 General Results Reporting Requirements

6.7.1.1 The Contractor will create an electronic Results Report that includes the following minimum documentation to establish a reliable chain of custody:

• Customer Authorization and Chain of Custody Form

• Genetic Testing results

• Name of each person who received the Samples in the testing laboratory

• Dates the Samples were received

• Name of the qualified Genetic Testing expert who prepared the Results Report

• Member Photographs

6.7.1.2 The Contractor will provide consultation to the OAG as needed concerning the interpretation of Genetic Testing results in individual Cases submitted pursuant to the

Contract.

6.7.1.3 With the Results Report, the Contractor will provide for each adult listed on the Genetic

Testing results one (1) copy of informational materials explaining the Genetic Testing process and the results provided.

6.7.2 Results Reporting Time Frames

6.7.2.1 The Contract must provide electronic Results Reports to the OAG no later than seven (7)

Business Days after receiving all Samples for a Case.

6.7.2.2 The electronic Genetic Testing results will be viewable by the OAG on the Contractor’s system within seven (7) Business Days after receiving all Samples for a Case.

6.8 Litigation Support

6.8.1 The Contractor will provide the expert witness (or designee) who prepared the Genetic Testing results, to appear and give testimony regarding any matter concerning such reports in any proceeding, including but not limited to a deposition. If the expert is unavailable, the Contractor will notify the OAG of any substitutions and changes.

6.8.2 The Contractor will arrange for such expert to appear and give testimony at the time and in the place directed by a court or requested by OAG.

6.8.3 The Contractor will provide litigation support services that will include, but not be limited to, a demonstration of the testing process which will be conducted at a deposition or a trial in a contested paternity Case.

6.8.4 The direction of such a demonstration will be solely the responsibility of the Contractor, without intervention by the OAG. Representatives of the OAG may be present to ask questions and conduct examination of the experts whose testimony is offered. The demonstration will include representative Samples of trial exhibits, including methods for the visual display of information, along with other techniques and equipment available to the Contractor’s experts for use in such proceedings.

6.8.5 The Contractor will comply within the time specified for discovery requests or court orders, forwarded to the Contractor by the OAG, for information necessary to support the opinions rendered by the Contractor’s experts.

6.8.6 The Contractor will accept sole responsibility for their failure to comply with any discovery requests or court…