2-2026-01QA - Introduction and General Instructions.pdf

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. General Description of Work:

Del Mar College is seeking quotes from qualified Proposers to procure one (1) CNC Machine Compact Toolroom for the Engineering and Mechatronics laboratory to help supplement the program’s needs. The program is looking for a machine that will provide the students with hands-on experience. The scope of work provided within Bonfire provides details on the equipment and services required.

1.2. Points of Contact: Respondent communications with the College regarding this solicitation shall be with the buyer assigned to the Solicitation.

Iliana Amaya Buyer

Via Bonfire Opportunity Q&A

Any communications to members of the Del Mar College Board of Regents or College employees other than the assigned buyer between the publication of this solicitation and the Vendor Selection may be grounds for disqualification of a respondent from consideration for this Solicitation.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. Del Mar College is herein referred to as "the College”, or "Owner".

2.2. The party responding to this request is referred to as “Proposer” or "Vendor" or “Contractor” or "Respondent" or “Respondents" or “Offeror”.

2.3. “Solicitation” may be defined as “Competitive Sealed Proposals”, “Request for Proposal”, “Invitation for Bid”, “Request for Qualifications” or “Quotes”.

2.4. “Proposal” is defined as Competitive Sealed Proposal that includes, Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ”), Price Proposals (“Bid”), addendum and any other related information.

2.5. The Statement of Work may be referred to as “SOW” and is the questionnaire and other information provided by a respondent that identifies their qualifications.

2.6. A Price Proposal may be referred to as the “bid” (or “Bid” or “Offer”) and is a lump price to complete the Project and any other requested documentation. Price Proposals and supporting documentation shall be submitted electronically via the College’s Bonfire Portal as instructed herein.

2.7. Equipment ("the Equipment") is defined to include all equipment, components, hardware, software, supplies and related accessories for a completely operative system as described or properly inferred from the College's specification and Vendor's proposal.

2.8. “Days” are defined as calendar days unless otherwise noted.

2.9. “Responsible” is defined as a contractor, business entity, or individual who is fully capable to meet all of the requirements of the Solicitation and subsequent contract; and it must possess the full capability, including financial and technical, to perform as contractually required and must be able to fully document the ability to provide good faith performance.

2.10. “Responsive” is defined as a contractor, business entity or individual who has submitted a bid or Quote that fully conforms in all material respects to the RFQ and all of its requirements, including all form and substance.

2.11. “Bonfire Portal” or “Bonfire” is the Electronic bidding software used to manage solicitations.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS and INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

3.1. Bids must be received at the place and by the closing date and time stated in the description section within Bonfire and are subject to change by addenda at the College’s sole discretion.

Late bids will not be considered unless it is determined by the College that such action will not unduly delay the procurement of the item and would be in the best interests of the College.

The College's decision in the matter of late bids is final and conclusive.

3.2. E-mailed, facsimile or telephone responses to this bid invitation will not be accepted.

3.3. Shipping Terms: All prices should be quoted F.O.B. Destination. Charges for freight, shipping, handling, etc. must be included with the price of the material or added as a separate line item.

If freight charges (or an amount for estimated freight charges) are not shown separately, it will be assumed for purposes of bid evaluation that the price quoted includes all applicable charges for freight, shipping, handling, etc., and such charges will not be later paid if invoiced.

3.4. Bid Prices: Bid unit price on quantities specified, extend and show total price. In case of arithmetic errors, unit price shall govern. List and deduct from price any trade, educational or other discounts not based on early payment. Discounts based on early payment will not be considered in award determination.

3.5. Additional Goods or Services: The College reserves the right to add additional goods or services similar to the original scope of work upon written agreement of both parties.

3.6. Delivery: Delivery of goods shall be made during normal working hours only, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Friday, exclusive of official holidays, unless alternate arrangements are made with Del Mar College Central Receiving (telephone 361- 698-1917.)

3.6.1. Any equipment drop-shipped shall be clearly marked with the Purchase Order Number.

The shipping ticket shall identify items by line-item number, so that proper identification can be made.

3.7. Specifications: Unless otherwise stated, any catalog, brand name or manufacturer’s reference used in this Invitation is descriptive, not restrictive, and used only to indicate the type and quality of goods or material required. Bids on brands of like nature and quality will be considered. If no exception is taken to specifications shown, bidder will be required to furnish brand names, numbers, etc., as shown on the invitation. If bidding on other than the referenced item, bid must show manufacturer or trade name and description of product offered and illustrations and descriptions of product offered should be made a part of the bid.

In those few instances where it is in the best interest of the College to acquire a specific catalog, brand or manufacturer's reference then the specified items only must be provided. Such items shall be identified in the specifications, drawings, or schedules by the notation "must match existing" or "no substitutions" or words to that effect.

3.8. Proposed Conditions: No Proposer shall stipulate any conditions not required on the Quote Form.

3.9. Questions and Requests for Clarification: Requests for clarification concerning this solicitation must be submitted online through the Bonfire “Opportunity Q&A” section. The cutoff date to submit a question is posted in Bonfire.

3.10. Quote Due Date: Quotes must be received at the place and by the closing date and time posted in Bonfire. Late Quotes will not be considered unless it is determined by the College that such action will not unduly delay the procurement of the item and would be in the best interests of the College. The College's decision in the matter of late Quotes is final and conclusive.

3.11. Offer and Prices Firm: Bidder's offer and prices will be considered as guaranteed firm for sixty (60) days from the date the bid is due unless otherwise stipulated by bidder on the bid form. By submission of a bid, a Bidder agrees that any bid not properly withdrawn prior to the time and date specified for receipt of bids shall constitute an irrevocable offer which may be accepted by the College within the period that the offer and prices are guaranteed firm.

3.12. Withdrawal of Bids via Bonfire - A Quote may not be modified, withdrawn, or canceled by a Respondent for a period of 60 days after the last date specified for receipt of Quotes. Prior to the time and date designated for receipt of bids, any bid submitted may be modified, or withdrawn electronically via the College’s e-Builder Portal. Withdrawn bids may be resubmitted up to the date and time for receipt of bids.

3.13. Duty to Inquire: Respondent, by submitting a Quote, represents that it has read and understands the Solicitation and that its Offer is made in compliance with the Solicitation.

Respondents are expected to examine the Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Respondent's risk. Respondent assumes responsibility for any patent ambiguity in the Solicitation that Respondent does not bring to the College's attention.

3.14. Addendums - Responses to inquiries which directly affect an interpretation or change to this Solicitation will be issued in writing by addendum (amendment) and provided via the “Public Notices” section in Bonfire. All such addenda issued prior to the time that responses are to be received shall be considered part of the Solicitation. Respondents must acknowledge all addenda through the Bonfire Portal. Only those inquiries the College replies to in the form of a written addendum shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarification will be without legal effect.

3.15. Quote Preparation Costs: The College will not be liable for costs incurred by Respondents prior to issue of a contract for the work or services described herein; this includes costs incurred on preparation of bid and responses to this request for quote.

3.16. Reservation of Rights ‐ The College expressly reserves the right to:

3.16.1. Reject or cancel any or all Quotes;

3.16.2. The College reserves the right to waive minor deviations or irregularities in bids which (1) do not affect the price, quality, etc. of the articles to be furnished, and (2) do not prejudice the rights of other bidders. A waiver of one irregularity does not constitute waiver of any other irregularity;

3.16.3. Waive as an informality, minor deviations from specifications for goods or services at a lower price than other quotes meeting all aspects of the Specifications if it is determined that total cost is lower and the overall function is not impaired;

3.16.4. Reissue a Solicitation;

3.16.5. Consider and accept an alternate quote as provided herein when most advantageous to the College;

3.17. Changes: The College may direct changes in the specifications or scope of work by issuing a written change order to Contractor. If any such change causes an increase or decrease in the cost of the services provided hereunder or time required to complete the Project, an equitable adjustment shall be made, as applicable, to the contract price or delivery schedule. No equitable adjustment shall be made for any claim of cost increase involved in any change unless the change was approved and confirmed in writing by the College. Contractor waives all claims for equitable adjustment not made within 10 working days, Monday through Saturday, after the basis for such claim has first arisen.

3.18. Tax Exempt - Del Mar College is exempt from all Federal Excise and Transportation Taxes, as well as the State of Texas Limited Sales Tax. An exemption certificate will be furnished upon request. The contractor shall take such steps and execute such instruments as may be necessary to enable the College to claim its exemption from the State of Texas Limited Sales Tax for materials used under this contract. All savings resulting from such tax exemption shall be for the benefit of the College.

3.19. Public Information Act - Documentation and other material submitted in connection with this request for quotes or any resulting contract may be subject to public disclosure pursuant to Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (the “Public Information Act”).

If a Vendor believes that its response, or parts of its response, may be exempted from disclosure under Texas law, the Vendor must specify page-by-page and line-by-line the parts of the response, which it believes, are exempt. In addition, the Vendor must specify which exception is applicable and provide detailed reasons to substantiate the exception.

The determination of whether information is confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act is the duty of the Office of Attorney General (“OAG”). The College must provide the OAG sufficient information to render an opinion and therefore, vague and general claims to confidentiality by the Vendor are not acceptable. The College shall comply with the opinions of the OAG. The College assumes no responsibility for asserting legal arguments on behalf of any Vendor. Vendors are advised to consult with their legal counsel concerning disclosure issues resulting from this procurement process and to take precautions to safeguard trade secrets and other proprietary information.

3.20. No offer to contract: Individuals or business entities receiving this RFQ are hereby notified that this is a request for quotes only, and does not constitute an offer by the College to enter into a contract, nor does this RFQ create any obligation on the part of the College to any person or entity responding to this RFQ.

3.21. Contract Documents: Contract(s) arising from this solicitation may be in the form of a College purchase order. The purchase order will incorporate by reference, this solicitation, any addenda thereto, and the successful contractor’s quote. These articles shall collectively constitute the agreement and shall become a part of the purchase order as if fully set forth therein. In case of conflict between the documents, the order of precedence shall begin with the most recent dated document (highest precedence) followed, in date sequence, by older dated documents.

3.21.1. The College’s purchase order.

3.21.2. The terms and conditions of the SOW

3.21.3. The College's RFQ plus any addenda and the quote documents, which are the successful quote plus any changes made during clarification, technical or price discussions and/or a best and final offer (BAFO).

3.22. Contract Amendments: No modification or amendment to the agreement shall become valid unless approved in writing by an official change order issued by the College’s Purchasing Department.

4. FORM OF QUOTE - QUOTE CONTENT

4.1. Listed below are the items required in your response and shall be submitted electronically through Bonfire.

4.1.1. Cover Letter

Upload a signed cover letter that specifically proposes to provide the services described in this RFQ and Bid Specifications.

The letter must confirm that all elements of the RFQ have been reviewed and understood, that the services proposed fully meet or exceed the College's requirements, and that Vendor's quote documents shall, at the option of the College, become a legally binding and essential portion of a final purchase contract between the Contractor and the College. The letter should also state the quote expiration date.

The letter may also explain the reasons why the Respondent believes that it is best suited to provide these services and include other information deemed important. The letter must be signed by an officer of the company with authority to make such a quote to the College.

4.1.2. Questionnaires - Bidder shall respond using the Online Questionnaires provided within Bonfire.

4.1.2.1. 2026-01Q Company Information and Reservation of Rights (Q-45DG)

4.1.2.2. 2026-01Q Scope of Work Questionnaire (Q-05CN)

4.1.2.3. 2026-01Q All Certifications Questionnaire (Q-49CJ)

4.1.3. Questionnaire Supplemental Information - Some information will not fit in the cell provided within the questionnaire. You may upload in the optional requested information section answers or other supporting information.

Make sure to clearly identify the question that the response pertains to.

Respondents are highly encouraged to not enter “see attached”. Please enter basic information within the questionnaire and only use the upload to provide additional information.

4.1.4. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions - Bidder shall list any exceptions they take to the terms and conditions provided with this RFQ using the comment section in the questionnaire provided within Bonfire.

4.1.5. Exceptions to Specifications – For exceptions to specifications provided with this RFQ, upload a document in the Supplemental Information section of Requested Information. You must clearly identify the section of the specification you are taking exception to.

4.1.6. Proposer Certification Form - Bidder shall respond to the online certification questionnaire provided within Bonfire.

4.1.7. Quote Form

4.1.7.1. Bidders shall submit their prices electronically in the bid table through Bonfire’s online portal using 2026-01Q Bid Table (BT-67WX).

4.1.7.2. Bidders shall provide a base price that includes all required accessories and supplies to make the unit functional.

4.1.7.3. Proposer shall upload a list of all items included in the base price.

4.1.7.4. Please provide pricing for options the College may want to consider using the line item quote option in the pricing information group.

4.1.7.5. Do not mention pricing in any other section. Failure to follow this requirement may result in disqualification of a Proposer from consideration for this contract.

5. REVIEW OF QUOTES - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

5.1. This is a request for quotes, not a request or invitation for sealed bid. A request for quotes differs from a bid in that the College is seeking a solution to the requirement described in this document and its attachments, if any, rather than a bid or quotation on a product meeting firm specification for the lowest price. As such, the lowest priced quote will not guarantee an award recommendation.

Quotes will be evaluated based on objective criteria formulated by the College on the most important features of a product or desired outcome of a service. Cost is only one, and not necessarily a principal, component in selection of a contractor or vendor. The quote evaluation criteria should be viewed as standards which the College will use to measure how well a vendor's proposed product, service, method or technique meets the requirements and needs of the College.

5.2. The College will thoroughly review all quotes received. One or more Proposers may be requested to provide additional information or clarify ambiguity. At the College's discretion, an award may be made without discussion based on the quotes initially submitted or after discussions with those Proposers which, in the College's judgment, are within a competitive range. If a competitive range is established, it will consist of the quote or quotes which have a more reasonable chance of being selected for award than other quotes not in the competitive range.

Action on quotes not in the competitive range will be deferred pending an award and the College reserves the right to include additional quotes in the competitive range if deemed in its best interest. The College reserves the right to award multiple contracts, or to reject any and all quotes and re-solicit or temporarily or permanently abandon the procurement, as deemed in its best interests. If a contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the responsible and responsive Proposer(s) whose quote(s) is (are) most advantageous to the College.

5.3. When selecting the most advantageous Quote, the College will consider Texas Education Code § 44.031(b) as well as the factors listed below. Submission of a quote indicates Proposer's acceptance of the College's evaluation factors and Proposer's recognition that the College will make objective judgments about the merits of each quote compared to these factors.

5.3.1.Vendor Qualifications Max 30 points

5.3.2.Proposed Equipment and Services Max 40 points

5.3.3.Pricing Max 30 points

TOTAL 100 POINTS