21PSX0064_Dec_9_24_solicitation_doc.pdf

Solicitation Number: 21PSX0064

Institutional Mattresses

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

State of CT - DAS Procurement

September 24, 2021 - November 10, 2021

Page:2

General Header Information

21PSX0064

No. 21PSX0064 Title: Institutional Mattresses Start Date: September 24, 2021 at 12:00:00 PM EDT End Date: November 10, 2021 at 2:00:00 PM EST Vendor Q&A Start Date: September 24, 2021 at 12:15:00 PM EDT Vendor Q&A End Date: October 05, 2021 at 5:00:00 PM EDT Estimated Total Value:

Who can respond to this bid? : All Vendors Description: institutional mattresses for DOC, DMHAS, Education percentage off cost model Delivery Terms: Free On Board Destination Payment Terms: Net 30 Days Payment Notes: Net 25 Days for DAS Certified Small and Minority Businesses Contact Information: State of CT - DAS Procurement

Elizabeth Basso State of CT Dept. of Administrative Services Procurement, Suite 1202 450 Columbus Boulevard Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: 860-713-5611 Elizabeth.Basso@ct.gov

Contact Details: If you have any questions, please contact:

Elizabeth Basso State of CT Dept. of Administrative Services Procurement, Suite 1202 450 Columbus Boulevard Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: 860-713-5611 Elizabeth.Basso@ct.gov

Selected Categories:

Page:3

Header Custom Fields:

21PSX0064

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

Instructions Instructions IMPORTANT: The following electronic signature requires supplier agreement in order to respond to an Invitation to Bid (ITB). Suppliers responding to any other solicitation type are not required to agree. The individual submitting this electronic signature must be authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the company and must be listed as such in the company's corporate resolution/vendor authorization documents. Please keep in mind that the person listed as "authorized" must be the same person submitting their electronic signature when completing their company's submittal.

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN SOLICITATIONS ON

BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:

I am duly authorized to sign documents on behalf of this company.

By selecting “I Agree” in the drop down box below, I confirm and understand that an electronic signature is taking place and I intend to be bound by and authenticate this electronic record, and attest to the statements contained within. I hereby certify that all information supplied is true to the best of my knowledge and belief, subject to the penalties of false statement.

I agree,I disagree

In addition, the above-named respondent fully acknowledges and agrees with the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation and related contract. If the above named respondent is awarded a contract for the goods and/or services called for in the solicitation, the respondent’s electronic signature will mean that the respondent shall be bound by and perform fully in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the solicitation and contract. Further, if the above named respondent is awarded a contract, then upon DAS’ posting of the award in CTSource (Award Date), the solicitation response is accepted and the above named respondent and DAS shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the contract.

I agree,I disagree

The respondent hereby certifies under penalty of false statement that all the information supplied is complete and true.

I agree,I disagree

Page:4

SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS

Supplier Solicitation Response End Date Suppliers are reminded that all solicitation responses must be made in accordance with the end date and time listed in the solicitation. Please allow sufficient time to upload your solicitation response as responses not fully uploaded by the end date and time will not be considered. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation message that will display that the response was submitted.

Requirements Tab Suppliers are reminded to click on the “Requirements” tab to access notifications and specific solicitation requirements that affect Supplier responses. Please refer to the CTsource system

“Help” functionality or training documents on the State Contracting Portal titled "How to Respond to

Solicitations" for additional guidance.

Supplier Award Requirements Suppliers are reminded that prior to contract award, a supplier will be required to update specific information in the Supplier's CTsource account. Please refer to the "Additional Required Attributes and Attachment" section of the CTsource "Supplier Registration Portal User Guide" for additional guidance.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Addendum 1 - Bidder Questions & Answers Addendum 1 adds Bidder Questions & Answers. See document uploaded.

Addendum 2 - Additional Bidder Question & Answer Addendum 2 adds Bidder Questions & Answers. See document uploaded.

Addendum 3 Addendum 3 extends the bid opening. And the addendum adds revised Excel spreadsheet updating field properties.

Do not modify the format of the spreadsheet. Only input data in the defined cells. Upload this spreadsheet to CTSource as an attachment (Attach Document tab).

Addendum 4 Addendum 4 extends the bid opening to November 10, 2021.

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/CTSource/Documents/CTsource-Supplier-Registration-Portal-User-Guide-Final.pdf

Page:5

Solicitation Requirements:

21PSX0064

SOLICITATION OVERVIEW

Background The State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (“DAS”) is issuing this Solicitation pursuant to its authority under CGS 4a-2, 4a-52 and 4d-2.

The resulting Contract covers the requirements of all using state agencies, political sub-divisions, towns and municipalities, schools and not-for-profit organizations for the purchase of institutional mattresses.

The resulting Contract will replace the current Contract 12PSX0329, which expires on December

31, 2021. The Contract and pricing may be viewed at https://webprocure.perfect.com/wp-web-public/#/contractboard/contracts/454?customerid=51. Executive branch invoices generated against the current Contract totaled approximately $2 million over four years.

The Contract shall provide finished mattresses which may be subject to inspection by the

Department of Consumer Protection for compliance with current Connecticut statutes for the manufacture of bedding. These laws are available at the Department of Consumer Protection website (http://www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp).

SOLICITATION OBJECTIVES

Description of Objectives All Products must be hermetically sealed (no stitching) 100% sealed seams, flame retardant

(exceeds California Technical Bulletins 117, 129, 603), odor resistant, antimicrobial properties built in, virus barrier, foam core (no egg crate).

The Contractor shall provide only new Goods. Refurbished, reconditioned, restored, renovated or otherwise named mattresses do not qualify as “new”.

The Contractor shall provide third party test reports or a general certificate of conformity for all products under this Contract as required by the Client Agency upon Client Agency request.

SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS

Questions and Communication

1. Questions for the purpose of clarifying this Solicitation must be received no later than September 15, 2021 5:00 pm (ET) and must be directed to Elizabeth Basso, via email at elizabeth.basso@ct.gov.

2. Answers to questions received by the due date and time will be posted as an Addendum on or around

September 20, 2021.

3. During the period from your organization’s receipt of this Solicitation, and until a contract is awarded, your organization shall not contact any employee of the State of Connecticut concerning this procurement except in writing directed to Elizabeth Basso, via email elizabeth.basso@ct.gov.

https://webprocure.perfect.com/wp-web-public/#/contractboard/contracts/454?customerid=51 https://webprocure.perfect.com/wp-web-public/#/contractboard/contracts/454?customerid=51 http://www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp

Page:6

Public Opening This Solicitation is subject to a Public Opening that will be conducted online. Pricing submitted will be available for public view within twenty-four (24) hours after the solicitation due date and time.

Bid Requirements

1. Provide a list of state or federal mattress contracts Bidder currently holds or has held within the past five (5) years with annual sales in dollars for each

2. Describe Bidders return and refund policy

3. Bidder shall include current manufacturers authorization for product lines bid

4. Bidder shall include Price List to be used with percentage off items.

5. Provide proof of company’s financial stability in the form of filed tax returns or a signed statement of financial stability from a CPA on CPA’s letterhead.

Pricing Pricing shall be as requested on Exhibit B, Price Schedule. Percentage off shall be based on the

Price List included with Bid response.

All Pricing shall include all packing, packages and include transportation charges fully prepaid by

Contractor, Freight on Board (FOB) destination.

Bidders shall fully complete the Price Schedule for all items bid.

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

Mandatory Extension to State entities Contractor shall offer and extend the Contract (including pricing, terms and conditions) to political sub-divisions of the State (towns and municipalities), schools, and not-for-profit organizations

Brand Name Specifications or References The use of the name of a manufacturer or of any particular make, model or brand in describing an item does not restrict respondents to that manufacturer or specific article unless limited by the term "no substitute".

However, the article being offered must be of such character and quality so that it will serve the purpose for which it is to be used equally as well as that specified, and the respondent shall warrant to the State that it is fit for that purpose. Solicitation responses on comparable items must clearly state the exact article being offered including any and all applicable options and the respondent shall furnish such other information concerning the article being offered as will be helpful in evaluating its acceptability for the purpose intended.

If the respondent does not indicate that the article offered is other than as specified, it will be understood that the respondent is offering the article exactly as specified. Respondents must submit complete documentation on the specifications and quality levels of the products. Solicitation responses submitted that do not contain this documentation are subject to rejection.

Quantities and/or Usage

Page:7

Quantities and/or Usages Any quantities set forth in this Solicitation are estimated quantities and/or usages only and in no way represent a commitment and/or intent to purchase any particular amount. Actual quantities may vary and will be identified on individual purchase orders issued by the requesting entity

Contract Separately / Additional Savings Opportunities DAS reserves the right to either seek additional discounts from the Contractor or to contract separately for a single purchase, if in the judgment of DAS, the quantity required is sufficiently large, to enable the State to realize a cost savings, over and above the prices set forth in Exhibit B, whether or not such a savings actually occurs.

Security and/or Property Entrance Policies and Procedures Contractor shall adhere to established security and/or property entrance policies and procedures for each requesting Client Agency. It is the responsibility of each Contractor to understand and adhere to those policies and procedures prior to any attempt to enter any Client Agency premises for the purpose of carrying out the scope of work described in this Contract.

DAS Supplier Diversity Program - Partial Set Aside It is the intention of the state to award 50% of this contract to only Connecticut Small Business Enterprises

(SBE) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) certified by the State of Connecticut’s Department of

Administrative Services/Supplier Diversity Program, pursuant to Connecticut General Statute 4a-60g. SBE and MBE Respondents are required to be certified at the time of the solicitation opening and are requested to provide a copy of their company’s current certification certificate with their response.

Further information about the Supplier Diversity Program can be found at the following link:

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/Services/For-Agencies-and-Municipalities/Procurement/Supplier-Diversity

Standard Wages Contractors shall comply with all provisions of Connecticut General Statues 31-57f, Standard Wage Rates for Certain Service Workers and shall pay wages in accordance with the current wage rates provided by the

Department of Labor. Information regarding this Statute and how and when it applies can be obtained from

DOL’s web site at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/standardwage.htm . Questions concerning the provisions and implementation of this act should be referred to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division, 200 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114 (860) 263-6790 or his designated representative. A link to the Standard Wages can be reached at:

http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/prevailing-rates/service/rates-service.htm

ITB Solicitation Standard Terms and Conditions

Page:8

The following Standard Terms and Conditions govern the Invitation to Bid (ITB) solicitation issued by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Incorporated by reference into these Standard

Terms and Conditions are applicable provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes, including but not limited to, those in Title 4a, Chapter 58 or Title 4d, Chapter 61 and applicable provisions of the

Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, including but not limited to, those that begin with and follow Section 4a-52-1 or 4d-3-1.

Respondents shall comply with the statutes and regulations as they exist on the date of their ITB response and as they may be modified from time to time during the term of the Contract, as it may be amended.

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute 4a-60b, DAS, at its sole discretion, may elect to solicit ITB response pricing through a Reverse Auction.

Submission of ITB Responses:

1. All solicitation documents must be submitted on-line through CTsource and will be accepted as your official ITB response submission by DAS. If DAS receives additional submissions of your ITB responses in any other method, DAS will reject those submittals.

2. Solicitation of responses must be submitted on-line using the forms specified by DAS and must be submitted no later than the due date and time specified in the solicitation. Paper Bids, telephone, email or facsimile responses will not be accepted in response to a solicitation.

Respondents are cautioned that there may be additional documents, attachments or requirements posted on CTsource at any time. All documents must be reviewed and required information provided. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the ITB response.

3. ITB solicitations received after the due date and time specified in each ITB solicitation will not be accepted for consideration.

4. A respondent will not be allowed to post or resubmit a bid response after the due date and time specified in the ITB solicitation. Incomplete bid forms may result in the rejection of the bid response. Amendments to bid responses received by DAS after the due date and time specified for opening of solicitations will not be considered. With the exception of pricing submission through

Reverse Auction participation, ITB responses may be electronic or handwritten and then uploaded in CTsource. All bid response shall be signed by a person duly authorized to sign bids on behalf of the respondent. Unsigned ITB responses may be rejected.

5. Conditional bid responses are subject to rejection in whole or in part. A "conditional bid response" is defined as one limiting or modifying any of the terms and conditions and/or specifications of the ITB solicitation.

6. Alternate bid responses will not be considered unless the ITB specifically requests alternate bid responses. An alternate bid response is one which is submitted in addition to and is not dependent upon the respondent’s primary response to the ITB solicitation.

Page:9

7. In the event of a discrepancy between the unit price and the extension, the unit price shall govern. Prices should be extended in decimal form, not fractions, to be net, and shall include transportation and delivery charges fully prepaid by the Contractor to the destination specified in the ITB solicitation, and subject only to cash discount.

8. Pursuant to Section 12-412 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State of Connecticut is exempt from the payment of excise, transportation and sales taxes imposed by the Federal

Government and/or the State. Such taxes must not be included in bid prices.

9. All bid responses will be opened publicly on the date specified in the ITB solicitation and, upon award, are subject to public inspection.

10. The successful respondent shall be bound by the terms and conditions of the form contract attached to the ITB solicitation. The respondent fully acknowledges and agrees with all of the terms and conditions contained in this Standard Terms and Conditions agreement, the accompanying ITB solicitation, the Contract and any other exhibits or attachments to this ITB solicitation and Contract.

Further, if the respondent is awarded a contract for the deliverables called for in the ITB solicitation, the respondent’s signature on any documents related to this ITB solicitation, shall mean that the respondent shall be bound by and perform fully in accordance with all of the terms and conditions set forth in the ITB solicitation, these Standard Terms and Conditions, and the Contract as if the respondent had actually executed this Standard Terms and Conditions form and the Contract itself.

Guaranty or Surety:

11. Bid and or performance bonds may be required. Bonds must meet the following requirements:

Corporation - must be signed by an official of the corporation above their official title and the corporate seal must be affixed over the signature; Firm or Partnership - must be signed by all the partners and indicate they are “doing business as”; Individual - must be signed by the owner and indicated as “Owner”. The surety company executing the bond or countersigning must be licensed in Connecticut and the bond must be signed by an official of the surety company with the corporate seal affixed over their signature. Signatures of two witnesses for both the principal and the surety must appear on the bond. Power of attorney for the official signing the bond for the surety company must be submitted with the bond.

Samples:

12. The quality of accepted bid samples does not supersede the specifications for quality in the ITB solicitation unless the sample is superior in quality. All deliveries shall have at least the same quality as the accepted bid sample.

Page:10

Samples are furnished free of charge. Respondents must indicate if their return is desired, which

DAS shall do or cause to be provided that they are returned at respondent’s sole cost and expense, FOB respondent’s destination, and that they have not been made useless by testing. If they are made useless by testing, the State may dispose of the samples as it deems to be appropriate.

Samples may be held for comparison with deliveries.

Award:

13. Award of a contract will be made to the lowest responsible qualified respondent and shall be based on quality of the deliverables to be supplied, their conformance with specifications, delivery terms, price, administrative costs, past performance, and financial responsibility.

DAS may reject any respondent in default of any prior contract or guilty of misrepresentation or any respondent with a member of its firm in default or guilty of misrepresentation.

DAS may correct inaccurate awards resulting from clerical or administrative errors.

Respondents have 10 days after notice of award of the Contract to refuse acceptance. After 10 days the Contract will be binding on the Contractor. If the Contractor rejects the award within the 10 day period, DAS will award the Contract to the next lowest responsible qualified respondent.

Contract:

14. Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that this ITB solicitation of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part include a notice of the consulting agreement representation requirements described in Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Accordingly, contractors are notified as follows:

14. (a) No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a contract for the purchase of goods or services, which contract has a total value to the State of fifty thousand dollars or more in any calendar or fiscal year, unless the contract includes representations described in subsection (b) of

4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes as follows:

14. (b) 1. Each contract shall include a representation whether any consulting agreement has been entered into in connection with any such contract. Such representation shall be required if any duties of the consultant included communications concerning business of a state or quasi-public agency, whether or not direct contact with a state agency, State or public official or State employee was expected or made.

"Consulting agreement" means any written or oral agreement to retain the services, for a fee, of a consultant for the purposes of (A) providing counsel to a contractor, vendor, consultant or other entity seeking to conduct, or conducting, business with the State, (B) contracting, whether in writing or orally, any executive, judicial, or administrative office of the State, including any department, institution, bureau, board, commission, authority, official or employee for the purpose of solicitation, dispute resolution, introduction or requests for information or (C) any other similar activity related to such contracts.

Page:11

“Consulting agreement” does not include any agreements entered into with a consultant who is registered under the provisions of Chapter 10 of the Connecticut General Statutes concerning the

State’s Codes of Ethics, as of the date such contract is executed.

14. (b) 2. Such representation shall be sworn as true to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing the contract and shall be subject to the penalties of false statement.

14. (b) 3. Such representation shall include the following information for each consulting agreement listed: the name of the consultant, the consultant's firm, the basic terms of the consulting agreement, a brief description of the services provided, and an indication as to whether the consultant is a former state employee or public official. If the consultant is a former State employee or public official, such representation shall indicate his or her former agency and the date such employment terminated.

14. (c) If a contactor refuses to agree to the representations required under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes, then the state agency shall not award the contract to such contractor and shall award the contract to the next highest ranked contractor or seek new ITB responses.

15. Section 4-252 (the “Statute”) of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the ITB solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation requirements described in the Statute. Accordingly, pursuant to the

Statute, contractors are notified as follows:

15. (a) The terms “gift,” “quasi-public agency,” “state agency,” “large state contract,” “principals and key personnel” and “participated substantially” as used in this section shall have the meanings set forth in Section 4-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

15. (b) No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a large state contract unless such contract contains the representation described in Section 4-252(c) of the Connecticut General

Statutes as follows:

15. (c) Any principal or key personnel of the person, firm or corporation submitting a bid or proposal for a large State contract shall represent:

Page:12

15. (d) That no gifts were made by (A) such person, firm, corporation, (B) any principals and key personnel of the person, firm or corporation, who participates substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiated State contracts, or (C) any agent of such person, firm, corporation or principals and key personnel, who participate substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiating state contracts, to (i) any public official or State employee of the state agency or quasi-public agency soliciting bids or proposals for state contracts, who participates substantially in the preparation of bid solicitations or requests for proposals for State contracts or the negotiation or award of State contracts, or (ii) any public official or State employee of any other state agency, who has supervisory or appointing authority over such state agency or quasi-public agency; That no such principals and key personnel of the person, firm or corporation, or agent of such person, firm or corporation or principals and key personnel, knows of any action by the person, firm or corporation to circumvent such prohibition on gifts by providing for any other principals and key personnel, official, employee or agent of the person, firm or corporation to provide a gift to any such public official or state employee; and (iii) that the person, firm or corporation is submitting bids or proposals without fraud or collusion with any person.

15. (e) Any respondent that does not agree to the representations required under Section 4-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall be rejected and the state agency or quasi-public agency shall award the contract to the next lowest responsible qualified bidder or seek new bids.

16. Section 4-252a of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the ITB solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation requirements described therein. Accordingly, pursuant to the Section 4-252a of the Connecticut

General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

16. (a): The terms “quasi-public agency,” and “state agency,” have the same meanings as provided in Section 1-79 of the Connecticut General Statutes, “large state contract,” as used in this section shall have the meanings set forth in Section 4-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

16. (b): No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a large state contract unless such contract contains a certification as follows:

Contractor has not made a direct investment of twenty million dollars or more in the energy sector of Iran on or after October 1, 2013, as described in Section 202 of the Comprehensive Iran

Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, and has not increased or renewed such investment on or after said date.

17. The existence of the Contract shall be determined in accordance with the requirements set forth above. However, the award of the Contract is not an order to ship. Contractors may not begin to perform under the awarded Contract until the Contractor and the State have executed the Contract and thereafter the Contractor receives a written purchase order from an appropriate State entity.

Page:13

18. Section 9-612 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the ITB solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation and certification requirements described therein. Accordingly, pursuant to the Section 9-612 the

Connecticut General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

a. The State Elections Enforcement Commission’s notice advising prospective state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions is located at the Internet link https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms.

b. No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a state contract unless such contract contains a representation that the chief executive officer or authorized signatory of the contract has received the State Elections Enforcement Commission's notice advising prospective state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions.

c. No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a state contract unless such contract contains a certification that:

i. Any principal of the state contractor or prospective state contractor submitting a bid or proposal for a state contract shall certify that neither the contractor or prospective state contractor, nor any of its principals, have made any contributions to, or solicited any contributions on behalf of, any party committee, exploratory committee, candidate for state-wide office or for the General Assembly, or political committee authorized to make contributions to or expenditures to or for the benefit of such candidates, in the previous four years, that were determined by the State Elections Enforcement

Commission to be in violation of subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of section 9-612 of the Connecticut General Statutes, without mitigating circumstances having been found to exist concerning such violation. Each such certification shall be sworn as true to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing the certification, subject to the penalties of false statement. If there is any change in the information contained in the most recently filed certification, such person shall submit an updated certification not later than thirty days after the effective date of any such change or upon the submittal of any new bid or proposal for a state contract, whichever is earlier.

ii. Any principal of the state contractor or prospective state contractor submitting a bid or proposal for a state contract shall disclose on the certification all contributions made by any of its principals to any party committee, exploratory committee, candidate for state-wide office or for the General

Assembly, or political committee authorized to make contributions to or expenditures to or for the benefit of such candidates for a period of four years prior to the signing of the contract or date of the response to the bid, whichever is longer, and certify that all such contributions have been disclosed.

https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms

Page:14

19. Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a of the Connecticut General Statutes require that this ITB solicitation of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part include a nondiscrimination affirmation certifying that the contractor understands the obligation of Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a of the

Connecticut General Statutes that require contractor to maintain a policy for the duration of the contract to assure that the contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of subsection (c) of 4a-60 and subsection (b) of 4a-60a. The authorized signatory of the contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of these obligations by either (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the contract, or (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online response to a bid or proposal question which asks if the contractor understands its obligations.

The above-named respondent fully acknowledges and agrees with the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation and related contract. If the above-named respondent is awarded a contract for the goods and/or services called for in the ITB solicitation, the respondent’s electronic signature will mean that the respondent shall be bound by and perform fully in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the solicitation and contract.

I Agree,I Disagree

SOLICITATION SELECTION CRITERIA

Solicitation Award Methodology DAS may award by individual item, group of items, or the entirety of all items. DAS may also reject any and all solicitation responses in whole or in part, and waive minor irregularities and omissions if, in the judgment of DAS, the best interest of the State will be served.

Lowest, Responsible Qualified Respondent Pursuant to CGS 4a-59 and DAS Procurement Regulations 4a-52-8 and 4a-52-18, the award shall be made to the lowest, responsible qualified Respondent. The following factors, in descending order of relative importance, will be considered in the evaluation to determine the lowest, responsible qualified bidder:

a. Pricing

b. The conformity of the supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services to the specifications

c. Bidder’s past performance

d. Bidder’s financial responsibility

e. Delivery Terms

f. Manufacturer authorization

Micro Business Preference

Page:15

The contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified Respondent.

The qualities of articles to be supplied, their conformity with the needed specifications, their suitability to the requirements of the State government and the delivery terms will be taken into consideration, and the life-cycle costs and trade-in or resale value of the articles may be considered where it appears to be in the best interest of the State. In determining the lowest responsible qualified Respondent, a price preference of up to ten per cent (10%) may be given for the purchase of the goods or services from micro businesses, or up to fifteen per cent (15%) in the case of "veteran-owned" (as described below) micro businesses. Micro business means a business with gross revenues not exceeding three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the most recently completed fiscal year. To be considered for the ten percent (10%) price preference, Respondents must submit prior to the solicitation due date a copy of their Internal Revenue Service tax return form for the most recently completed fiscal year, confirming the amount of their gross revenues for that fiscal year.

Failure to provide such tax return prior to the solicitation due date will deny Respondent consideration for the ten per cent (10%) price preference. For Respondents who have not yet filed their tax return for the most recently completed fiscal year, in lieu of a tax return, a letter from a Certified Public Accountant attesting to the Respondent’s gross estimated revenues for the most recently completed fiscal year will be accepted. To be considered for the fifteen per cent (15%) price preference, Respondents must submit prior to the solicitation due date a copy of their current certification from the Connecticut State Department of Veteran

Affairs as to both "veteran-owned" and "micro business" status. "Veteran-owned" micro business means a micro business of which at least fifty-one per cent (51%) of the ownership is held by one or more "veterans" of the "armed forces." In accordance with Section 27-103(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes, "veterans" means any person honorably discharged, or released under honorable conditions, from active service in the armed forces and "armed forces" means the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air

Force and any reserve component thereof, including the Connecticut National Guard. Interested

Respondents may obtain the Certification Application by visiting: www.ct.gov/ctva and selecting “Veteran

Owned Micro Business” option. Failure to provide such certification prior to the solicitation due date will deny

Respondent consideration for this price preference.

Page:16

Questionnaire:

21PSX0064

Company Information Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Detail full name and title of the individual legally authorized to sign solicitations on behalf of the company.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Is your company a micro-business or Veteran's owned micro-business? Upon identifying your company as micro-business or veteran owned micro-business, pertinent documents must be returned with this solicitation as described in the “Requirements” tab;

“Solicitation Selection Criteria”; “Micro-business Preference”.

Contractors that do not include the required documentation with their bid submission will not be considered for this preference.

Type DROP DOWN Is Required Y

If you are a state employee, what is your position, agency, agency address. If you are not a State Employee, enter N/A

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Contractor Debarment and/or Suspension Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Is the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, currently debared, disqualified or suspended from proposing or contracting with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any other governmental entity?

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Does the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, have a debarment, disqualification or suspension proceeding pending with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any other governmental entity?

Page:17

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Has the Contractor, any company official or any subcontractor to the Contractor received notices of debarment and/or suspension from contracting with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any governmental entity. If yes, said notices must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Disclosure Statement of Criminal Convictions and/or Disciplinary Action Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Is the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, subject to any criminal convictions, guilty pleas or nolo contenderes against your company and any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members and LLC managers. Any criminal convictions must be disclosed in a attachment when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Has your company or any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members or LLC managers been subject to administrative actions either pending review by the state or determinations that the state has made against your company or any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members or LLC managers? This would include court judgements, actions, suits, claims, demands, investigations and legal, administrative or arbitration proceedings pending in any forum. Include a listing of any actions or orders pending or resolved with any state agency such as the Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, etc. Such information should be for the last three (3) years. The listing must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO

Page:18

Is Required Y

OSHA

Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

In accordance with C.G.S. § 31-57b, the contractor certifies that all of the statements herein contained below have been examined and are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. Has your company been cited for three (3) or more willful or serious violations of any Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act or of any standard, order or regulation promulgated pursuant to such act, during the three year period preceding the solicitation, provided such violations were cited in accordance with the provisions of any State Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and not abated within the time fixed by the citation and such citation has not been set aside following appeal to the appropriate agency of court having jurisdiction.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Has your company received one or more criminal convictions related to the injury or death of any employee in the three-year period preceding this solicitation? A list of violations must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Nondiscrimination Description: Nondiscrimination Affirmation

Page:19

Does the Contractor understand its obligations under C.G.S. Section 4a-60 Nondiscrimination and affirmative action provisions in awarding agency, municipal public works and quasi-public agency project contracts and C.G. S. Section 4a-60a, Provisions re nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation required in awarding agency, municipal public works and quasi-public agency project contracts including that Contractor will be required to maintain a policy for the duration of the contract to assure that the contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of C.G.S. Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a? --------------------- ----------- Note: State agency or quasi-public agency cannot execute a state contract unless supplier provides an affirmative response in accordance with CGS Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Page:20

Documents:

21PSX0064 Price Schedule.xlsx

Contract and Exhibits 21psx0064 final1.pdf

21PSX0064 Institutional Mattresses Question.pdf

V2 21PSX0064 Institutional Mattresses Question.pdf

Copy of 21PSX0064 Price Schedule - REVISED.xlsx

Page:21

Item Specifications Solicitation has been designated as having no line items.

Page:22