23MLD008_Addendum__2.pdf

arb.ca.gov 1001 I Street • P.O. Box 2815 • Sacramento, California 95812 (800) 242-4450

Notice to Prospective Proposers

Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 23MLD008

“Zero Emission Equipment Roadshow”

ADDENDUM NO. 2

March 15, 2024

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is issuing this Addendum No. 2 to correct the deadline of receipt of proposal date on page 1 of the RFP. All changes to the RFP are shown as follows: additions in bold and underlined; deletions in strikethrough. All other information in the RFP shall remain the same.

All other information in the RFP shall remain the same.

This addendum, along with the RFP is published online in the California State Contracts Register at https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx. To ensure receipt of any addenda that may be issued, interested parties are encouraged to register online at https://caleprocure.ca.gov Any questions are to be addressed to the contact listed below:

Contact: Alissa Loyola Phone: (279) 216-0686 Email: alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov

Thank you.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx https://caleprocure.ca.gov/ mailto:alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (SECONDARY METHOD)

Notice to Prospective Proposers RFP No. 23MLD008 REVISED 03/15/2024

February 21, 2024

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 23MLD008, titled, “Zero Emission Equipment Roadshow”. In submitting your proposal, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

This RFP is published online in the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) at https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx. To ensure receipt of any addenda to this RFP that may be issued, interested parties are encouraged to register online at:

https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) deadline for receipt of proposals is April 25 9, 2025 2024, no later than 3:00 p.m. All proposals received late will be rejected. File size cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB). The naming convention of the proposal must be in the following format: “RFP 23MLD008 [Insert vendor name] Proposal”. Proposals must be received on or before the date and time specified herein at email addresses provided below:

EMAIL RFP Proposal to:

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov CC: aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov

You are advised that you are responsible for ensuring that your proposal is received by the above listed contact person by the time and date required. Any proposal reaching the contact person after the deadline date and time will be rejected.

In the opinion of CARB, this RFP is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions, notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies, or need any clarifying information, contact the person listed below. All questions must be submitted in accordance with the RFP instructions contained herein and sent via email directly to the below listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

Contact: Alissa Loyola Email: alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov

We appreciate your interest in this project and hope to receive a proposal from you if this is within your area of expertise.

California Air Resources Board RFP No. 23MLD008

Table of Contents

SECTION PAGE

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK 4

A) Purpose 4 B) Background 5 C) Scope of Work 5

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION 5

A) RFP Key Action Dates 5 B) Questions Regarding RFP Requirements 6 C) General Proposal Requirements 6 D) Submission of Proposals 7 E) Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals 8 F) Proposer Responsibilities 8 G) Signature 10 H) Disposition of Proposals 10 I) Socio-Economic and Preference Programs 11

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL) 14

A) Technical Proposal Requirements 14

1) Minimum Qualifications 14

2) Title Page 15

3) Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment 15

4) Table of Contents 15

5) Summary 16

6) Minimum Qualifications Response 16

7) Required Attachments 16

8) References 16

9) Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 16

10) Subcontracts / Subcontractors 16

11) Technical Portion 16

a) Management Plan 17

b) Methodology (Approach to Work) 17

c) Work Plan and Work Schedule 17

d) Personnel / Experience 22

e) Page Headers and Page Numbering 22

B) Cost Proposal Requirements 22

1) Cost Detail 23

2) Page Headers and Page Numbering 23

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD 23

A) Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1) 23 B) Technical Evaluation (Phase 2) 23

1) Scoring Criterion Guidelines 24

2) Cost Points 24

3) Proposal Evaluation Form 26 C) Proposal Rejection 28 D) Selection 29 E) Notice of Proposed Award 29

F) Standard Conditions of Service 30 G) Post Award Requirements 30

ATTACHMENTS

1) Required Attachment Checklist 32

2) Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213) 33

Exhibit A, Scope of Work 34 Exhibit A, Attachment 1 – List of Previous Stops of The Road

Show

Exhibit A, Attachment 2 – Sample Schedule Segment 1 49 Exhibit A, Attachment 3 – Release of Liability Waiver 50 Exhibit A, Attachment 4 – Required Talking Points 51 Exhibit A, Attachment 5 – Progress Report 52 Exhibit A, Attachment 6 – Final Report 53 Exhibit A, Attachment 7 – Technical Proposal 54

Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions 55 Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Contractor Cost Sheet 56 Exhibit C, General Terms and Conditions (GTC 04/2017) 57 Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions 58 Exhibit E, Additional Provisions 65

3) Proposer References Form 68

4) Payee Data Record (STD 204) 69

5) Payee Data Record (STD 205) 71

6) Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) 73

7) California Civil Rights Laws Certification 77

8) Darfur Contracting Act Certification 78

9) Bidder Declaration Form 79

10) CA DVBE Bid Incentive Instructions 81

11) Contractor Cost Sheet 83

12) Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications 87

13) COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification 88

14) Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 89

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK

A. Purpose

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from experienced and qualified contractors to provide zero-emission lawn and garden equipment demonstrations to landscaping organizations (Organizations) using the Zero-Emission Equipment Roadshow (Roadshow) and to increase Organizations’ awareness of both the vast amount of available commercial-grade zero-emission lawn and garden equipment and the feasibility of a complete transition to zero-emission lawn and garden equipment by an Organization. The Contractor shall use the zero-emission lawn and garden equipment contained in the Roadshow to demonstrate the feasibility of zero-emission alternatives to internal-combustion-engine-powered equipment in commercial applications. Additionally, the Contractor shall gather feedback from each Organization that the Roadshow visits to help understand the current opinions that landscapers have regarding the zero-emission equipment that is in the Roadshow. The data collected will inform CARB regulation and incentive program development and implementation.

The contract term shall be for three (3) years (36 months) from the actual start date of the Agreement. The total budget for the entire contract is $450,000.00. Proposals exceeding this amount may be deemed non- responsive and ineligible for award.

For a detailed description of the work to be performed, please refer to Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement. No work shall begin until all required signatures and approvals are obtained, and the CARB Contract Manager provides direction.

B. Background

This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial-grade zero-emission lawn and garden equipment as a replacement for gasoline-powered equivalents. A transition from internal combustion engines to zero-emission equipment (ZEE) is needed to achieve further emission reductions from small off-road engines (SORE) and help attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone.

While ZEE for residential applications has been available for decades, equipment for commercial users is newer to the market. A recent CARB survey has found that ZEE already comprises over half of residential lawn and garden equipment in California.

Adoption among commercial users has remained low, at only twelve percent of commercial-grade lawn and garden equipment. Blowers have seen the largest penetration of ZEE among commercial users at 24%, while chainsaws, lawnmowers and riding mowers are all at under 5% ZEE.

CARB staff has been helping demonstrate the use of ZEE in commercial applications through projects in conjunction with manufacturers. No individual manufacturer or entity has been promoted through such projects. This project aims to increase the use of zero-emission alternatives to internal-combustion-engine-powered equipment among commercial lawn and garden operators by offering more users the opportunity to test

ZEE.

CARB has a trailer with up to ten brands of commercial-grade ZEE, which will be loaned to various landscaping groups to allow them to try equipment before they make any decision to purchase equipment. Equipment sales are not part of this project, and CARB does not sell lawn and garden equipment. Feedback on equipment and data on Organizations’ purchase of ZEE will also be collected. The feedback and purchase data from this project will be used to inform SORE rulemaking and incentive programs.

C. Scope of Work

The objective of this contract is to utilize the Roadshow to bring awareness to the quality of the currently available commercial-grade zero-emission equipment.

Additionally, the Roadshow will demonstrate the feasibility of a landscaping organization transitioning to a zero-emission lawn and garden equipment fleet.

For a detailed description of the work to be performed, please refer to Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION

This section contains instructions for the submission of your proposal. It is the responsibility of the proposer to carefully read and follow all proposal requirements within this RFP.

Compliance with the RFP instructions is mandatory for your proposal to be considered for award. Failure to comply with the RFP instructions may cause your proposal to be deemed non-compliant and non-responsive, thus ineligible for award.

A. RFP Key Action Dates

Below is the tentative time schedule for this RFP. CARB reserves the right to modify the RFP and/or change dates and times at its sole discretion, prior to the date fixed for submission of proposals, by the issuance of an addendum that will be posted on the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

1. CARB reserves the right to modify or cancel in whole or any part of this solicitation.

2. Clarifications to the solicitation will only be provided in the form of a written addendum to all Proposers.

RFP Key Actions Dates Time (PST) RFP available to prospective Proposers 02/21/24 N/A Written Questions Submittal Deadline 03/06/24 5:00 p.m.

Question and Answers Addendum Posted 03/13/24 5:00 p.m.

Final Date for Proposal Submission/Receipt by CARB 04/09/24 3:00 p.m.

Complete Evaluation of Proposals 04/23/24 N/A https://caleprocure.ca.gov/

Posting of Intent to Award Notice(s) (Notice is posted for five [5] business days) 04/30/24 N/A

Agreement sent to successful Proposer 05/08/24 N/A Signed Agreement returned to CARB for counter-signature 05/22/24 N/A

Agreement Approved and Executed – work begins 06/15/24 N/A

RFP Key Action Dates listed above are estimates only, and subject to change at CARB’s sole discretion. No work shall begin until all required approvals and signatures, including the Department of General Services (DGS) Office of Legal Services, if applicable, are obtained.

B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements

All questions or concerns related to the RFP requirements must be directed electronically to:

Administrative Services Division Acquisitions Branch Contact: Alissa Loyola Email: alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov

Questions must be received by the date and time specified under Section II, A. Key Action Dates. Answers to all questions submitted will be in the form of an addendum posted to the DGS California State Contracts Register (CSCR) website https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx by the date and time specified under Section II, A. Key Action Dates. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum to all parties/participants. All questions must be submitted referencing the RFP number in the subject line, directly to the above listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

C. General Proposal Requirements

1. Proposals should provide straightforward and concise descriptions of the Proposer’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. The proposal must be complete and accurate. Omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements will be sufficient cause for rejection of a proposal.

2. Proposals must be submitted for the performance of all services described herein.

Any deviation from the work specifications (Section Ill, Proposal Requirements, and Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement) may cause a proposal to be rejected.

mailto:aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

D. Submission of Proposals

1. Proposals must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated in Section II, A.

Key Action Dates and must be addressed as follows in Item 2.

Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered and will be rejected.

2. Delivery Instructions

Responses to this RFP shall be submitted to CARB at the following email addresses provided below in Section 2.b. in PDF format, cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB) and include:

a. One (1) copy containing the Technical Proposal and all other required elements along with the Cost Proposal.

b. Submit to the following email addresses and reference the RFP number in the subject line.

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: alissa.loyola@arb.ca.gov

3. Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if it meets the proposal requirements contained in Section lV, Proposal Requirements (Technical). Failure to meet the requirements for the RFP may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

4. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all proposals and may waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal. The State’s waiver of immaterial defect shall in no way modify the RFP document or excuse the Proposer from full compliance with all requirements if the Proposer is awarded the Agreement.

5. CARB may modify the RFP up to the specified time of the date fixed listed for submission of proposals by the issuance of an addendum to all parties who received a proposal package. Any addendum(s) will be issued through the Cal eProcure system.

6. The State reserves the right to reject all proposals.

7. More than one (1) proposal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different name will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that any Proposer has submitted more than one proposal for the work contemplated herein will cause the rejection of all proposals submitted by that Proposer. If there is reason to believe that collusion exists among the Proposers, none of the participants in such collusion will be considered in this or future procurements.

mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov mailto:aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov

E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals

1. A Proposer may modify a proposal after its submission by withdrawing its original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline.

The Proposer modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

2. A Proposer may withdraw its proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to CARB signed by the Proposer or an agent authorized in accordance with Section II, G., titled “Signature”. A Proposer may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to proposal submission deadline.

F. Proposer Responsibilities

1. Proposers should carefully examine the entire RFP, with special attention to the tasks and deliverables found in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

Proposers shall investigate obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the requirements.

2. Before submitting a response to this RFP, the Proposer should review their response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to complete and submit all required attachments as listed on Attachment 1.

3. Costs incurred for developing proposals and in anticipation of award of the Agreement are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be charged to

CARB.

4. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to promptly notify CARB’s contract analyst identified in the solicitation, in writing, by e-mail, if the Proposer believes that the solicitation is unfairly restrictive, contains errors or discrepancies, or is otherwise unclear. Notification must be done immediately upon receipt of the solicitation in order that the matter may be fully considered, and appropriate action taken by CARB prior to the closing time set to receive solicitation responses. Such notification must be submitted no later than the question-and-answer period referenced in Section II, A. Key Action Dates. All such correspondence received after the question-and-answer deadline will not be considered.

5. Proposer is responsible to review, read, understand, and comply in full with the

State’s General Terms and Conditions along with the Contractor’s Certification Clauses (CCC) as listed at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page- Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract- Language.

6. Each proposal must constitute an irrevocable offer for a period of at least 180 working days after proposal submission.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language

7. The Proposer must provide evidence to show that members of the team possess the specific qualifications, competence, experience, resources, and business integrity necessary to carry out the work under the contract as expected. Examples of evidence include, but are not limited to: résumés, letters of reference, and project summaries that highlight the team’s specific experience. Proposers must complete Attachment 3, Proposer References Form.

8. The Proposer must own and operate a legitimate business. If required by law, the

Proposer must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State. All businesses that are required to be registered with the California Secretary of State must be registered prior to date of Agreement award. Evidence of registration shall be submitted with the proposal.

9. In the event that any license(s) and/or permit(s) expire at any time during the term of this agreement, Proposer agrees to provide CARB with a copy of the renewed license(s) and/or permit(s) within thirty (30) days following the expiration date. In the event the Proposer fails to keep in effect at all times all required license(s) and permit(s), the State may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, terminate this Agreement upon occurrence of such event.

10. It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in Section 17030 of the Business and Professions Code.

11. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Payee Data Record (STD

204), Attachment 4, to determine if the selected proposer is subject to state income tax withholding, pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 18662.

This form can be found on the Internet at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fm c/pdf/std204.pdf. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 and/or Payee Data Record Supplemental STD 205 (if applicable) Attachment 5, has been returned to CARB. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std205.pdf

12. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, page one (1) of the Contractor

Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017), Attachment 6, or the form can be obtained via the Internet at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of- Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

13. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the California Civil Rights Laws

Certification, Attachment 7.

14. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Darfur Contracting Act Certification, Attachment 8.

15. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Bidder Declaration Form, Attachment 9.

http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std205.pdf https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language

16. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Contractor Cost Sheet, Attachment 11. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

17. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications, Attachment 12. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

18. As part of CARB’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of its employees, CARB is requesting all vendors / Contractors who perform work in person or on site to provide certification that the vendor’s / Contractor’s employees and subcontractors have provided documentation to the vendor / Contractor that the employees are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the CDC), or have obtained a negative COVID-19 test result within seventy-two (72) hours of in-person or on-site work. The vendor / Contractor does not need to provide the documentation of employees’ or subcontractors’ vaccination status or negative test result to CARB. If no employees or subcontractors of the vendor / Contractor will interact with any CARB employees or perform work on site, CARB requests the vendor / Contractor certify to this effect.

Additionally, all Contractors who perform services under a contract with CARB are expected to, at their own expense, comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, all laws, regulations, and public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification, Attachment 13.

19. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement, Attachment 14. The Proposer shall require each of its employees or officers who will be involved in the performance of this Agreement to agree to the terms and the terms of the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement.

G. Signature

1. All documents requiring signatures contained in the original proposal package must have original or electronic signatures.

2. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign the required Cover Letter for the proposal. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned proposal may be rejected.

H. Disposition of Proposals

Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the State of California and will be regarded as public records under the

California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and subject to review by the public. The State cannot prevent the disclosure of public documents.

I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs

1. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive – Optional This solicitation does not require a minimum amount of DVBE participation.

However, you are strongly encouraged to either become certified, if eligible, or to subcontract a portion of the work to a certified DVBE. If a prime proposer is a certified DVBE or commits to subcontracting with DVBE(s), the proposal may be eligible to receive a proposal preference provided that the DVBE provides a commercially useful function as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 1896.61(l). For evaluation purposes only, the State shall apply an incentive to proposals that propose California certified DVBE participation as identified on Attachment 10, titled California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Bid Incentive Instructions and confirmed by the State. Proposers claiming the DVBE incentive must complete and return the Disabled Veteran Business Declarations form found at: http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf

The incentive amount varies in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation offered. The minimum requirement is 1% with a maximum of 5% DVBE participation and the incentive will be equal to the participation offered as defined below:

Confirmed DVBE Participation of:

DVBE

Incentive:

1% to 1.99% inclusive 1% 2% to 2.99% inclusive 2% 3% to 3.99% inclusive 3% 4% to 4.99% inclusive 4%

5% or Over 5%

2. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference – Optional

If Proposer is claiming the 5% certified SB or MB preference or is committing to subcontract 25% or more of their net proposal price to one or more certified SB or MB (Non-small business preference [NSB]), list firm names on Attachment 9 (GSPD-05-105 Bidder Declaration) and attach a copy of the certification. Additional References: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/.

Questions regarding the certification approval process or the SB program should be directed to the Department of General Services, Procurement Division at (800) 559- 5529 or (916) 375-4940. For the 24-Hour Recording & Mail Request call (916) 322- 5060.

SB, MB or NSB proposers using the SB preference shall be granted a preference consisting of 5% of the highest responsible proposal’s total score.

http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf http://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/

3. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

a. Government Code (GC) Section 4530 (TACPA) provides that California based companies shall be granted a 5% preference whenever a state agency prepares a solicitation for services in excess of $100,000. The preference(s) shall apply if the worksite is not fixed by the government agency and the proposer can demonstrate and certify, under the penalty of perjury, that at least 90% of the total labor hours required to perform the services shall be performed at an identified worksite located in a distressed area (TACPA). TACPA preferences will only be applied if this procurement results in more than one responsive proposal receiving a passing narrative proposal score.

b. Additional work force preferences ranging from 1% to 4% can be earned by eligible proposers that agree to hire 5% to 20% of persons with a high risk of unemployment or those living in a targeted employment area or that are enterprise zone eligible to perform a specified percentage of the contract work.

c. The granting of TACPA preference cannot displace an award to a certified small business.

d. Proposers seeking TACPA preference must submit a completed STD 830 - Target Area Contract Preference Act Request https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std830.pdf. Preference Request https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0525.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0526.pdf with their proposal. The applicable preference request form must include the following:

i. All appropriate certifications. (TACPA). The proposing firm’s name and the name of all suppliers and subcontractors that will work with the proposer to fulfill the terms of the contract along with the addresses of each of the worksite(s) and estimated labor hours;

ii. County census tract number and block group number;

iii. Proposer’s original signature; and

iv. A checkbox marked to identify the additional 1% to 4% preference sought for hiring persons with a high risk of unemployment.

e. TACPA preference cannot be granted if:

i. The lowest proposed cost does not equal or exceed $100,000 for the entire term;

ii. The work site or any part thereof is fixed or preset by the State;

iii. The services involve construction or a public works project; or

iv. A proposer who has claimed a TACPA preference and is awarded the contract will be obligated to perform in accordance with the preference(s) requested, provided the preference was granted in obtaining the contract.

f. Firms receiving preference must:

https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std830.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0525.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0526.pdf

i. Report their labor hours to the State and reference the state contract on which the award is based for the specific reporting requirements.

g. Proposers wishing to learn more about TACPA requirements, designated work site(s) or enterprise zones in California should contact the appropriate office of the Department of General Services at (916) 375-4940. DGS will attempt to determine TACPA eligibility within two working days.

4. Preference and Incentive Application – Optional

a. DVBE Incentive Points are factored by multiplying a Proposer’s DVBE participation commitment percentage (%) by the total possible points that could be awarded (see Table 1 below). This amount is then added to the Proposer’s total points. In the Table 2 sample below, Proposer B received a 60-point incentive (.05% commitment x 1200 total points available), which was added to its total points resulting in its proposal ranking as first in line for award. Proposer C’s 2% commitment resulted in its receiving 24 incentive points and making its proposal rank as second in line for award.

b. Preference is calculated by multiplying 5% of the highest scoring NSB proposer, and adding those points to SB proposers and NSBs subcontracting 25% or more to a SB. In the Table 2 sample below, the calculation is based on Proposer B’s 1155 points x .05 resulting in 57.75 additional points added to the certified SBs (A and C).

c. Under the High Score Method, it is possible to displace a high point certified SB with the application of the DVBE Incentive.

TABLE 1: HIGH SCORE METHOD SAMPLE

Available points example using sliding scale:

Administrative: 200 points Technical: 400 points

Cost: 600 points Total: 1200 points

Possible Maximum 60 points DVBE incentive calculated as follows:

Confirmed DVBE Participation Possible Points Calculation:

1% - 1.99% inclusive 1% X 1200 = 12 2% - 2.99% inclusive 2% X 1200 = 24 3% - 3.99% inclusive 3% X 1200 = 36 4% - 4.99% inclusive 4% X 1200 = 48

5% and Higher 5% X 1200 = 60

TABLE 2: HIGH SCORE METHOD SAMPLE RESULTS

Proposer A B C Responsive/Responsible Yes Yes Yes

Total Points 1050 1155 1125 Eligible Preference SB None SB

SB Preference Points Applied

57.75 0 57.75

Subtotal 1107.75 1155 1182.75 Rank 3 2 1

Confirmed DVBE Participation

No (0%) Yes (5%) Yes (2%)

Incentive Points Applied None 60 24 Adjusted Points 1107.75 1215 1206.75

New Rank 3 1 2

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL)

A. Technical Proposal Requirements

The proposal must contain the following components, information and documents outlined below. Each requirement’s location must be listed in the Proposal’s Table of Contents. Also see Section II, D. Submission of Proposal, for general submittal details.

1. Minimum Qualifications

The Proposer must provide a detailed response, outlining information as to how the Proposer meets each of the minimum qualifications listed below. The Proposer must provide their detailed response on Attachment 12, Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications. Proposals that do not meet the minimum qualifications will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for award.

a. Proposer must have at least five (5) years’ experience operating commercial grade outdoor power equipment, including but not limited to: Lawn Mowers, String Trimmers, Hedge Trimmers, Chainsaws, Pole Saws, Pole Hedge Trimmers, and Leaf Blowers.

b. Proposer must have at least one (1) year of experience conducting outreach and/or presentations with landscaping crews.

c. Proposer must have at least two (2) years’ experience operating battery-electric commercial-grade outdoor power equipment including but not limited to: Lawn Mowers, String Trimmers, Hedge Trimmers, Chainsaws, Pole Saws, Pole Hedge

d. Proposer must propose driver(s) who all have a valid California Driver’s License with no more than two (2) points in the last two (2) years. Proposer must provide a copy of an official DMV printout detailing all proposed driver(s) history within the last year.

e. Proposer must have at least five (5) years’ experience transporting a trailer to different locations within California.

f. Proposer must provide proof the company will be using a vehicle to tow a 20-foot enclosed trailer to different Organizations throughout California, or include the name of the subcontractor in Attachment 5, Bidder Declaration to provide the moving of the trailer to a subcontractor.

2. Title Page

The purpose of this page is to provide information needed by CARB administrative staff. It must contain the following items:

a. The title of the proposal, which must be the same as the title of the RFP;

b. The number of the RFP, 23MLD008; and

c. The date of proposal.

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment

The cover letter must not be more than two (2) pages, in Arial size 11-point font or similar, and must include the following paragraph and the signature of the representative authorized to make the proposal on behalf of the firm:

“The enclosed proposal is submitted in response to the above referenced Request for Proposal 23MLD008, including any addenda. Through submission of this proposal, we agree to all of the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal and agree that any inconsistent provisions in our proposal may result in a lower score, up to and including disqualification. We have carefully read and examined the Request for Proposal and have conducted such other investigations as were prudent and reasonable in preparing the proposal. We agree to be bound by statements and representations in our proposal.”

The cover letter must be provided on the company’s letterhead and include the following information and statements:

a. The name and address of your company [NOTE: You may use a Post Office box, but please provide your company's street address];

b. The name, title, and signature of a company official authorized to bind the proposal; and

c. Name, email and/or phone number for the Proposer’s contact for CARB inquiries related to the proposal.

4. Table of Contents

5. Summary

The abstract shall be no longer than one (1) page. Include a brief description of the proposed project briefly summarizing the main point of the various sections of the proposal, including the features and benefits of the proposal.

6. Minimum Qualifications Response

Provide a response, outlining detailed information demonstrating how the Proposer meets each of the minimum qualifications listed in Section III, A. Submit applicable documentation on Attachment 12, Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications.

7. Required Attachments

The Technical Proposal must include all of the completed attachments listed in Attachment 1, Required Attachment checklist.

8. References

Each proposer must provide at least three (3) (program to determine) references detailing previous experience related to the goals and objectives outlined in the RFP.

References must be provided using Attachment 3, Proposer References Form.

Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal may cause your proposal to be rejected and deemed non-responsive. Attachment 3 may be copied for additional references.

9. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement

Proposer and each member of Proposer’s technical staff proposed to work on this project must sign and submit Attachment 14, Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement with your proposal.

10. Subcontracts/Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor. Please use Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD 05-105), to list all subcontractors used for this project. All subcontracts must be approved by CARB, and no work shall be subcontracted without the prior written approval of the State. The cost of the subcontract work is to be itemized in the Cost Proposal as described below in the section entitled Cost Proposal Requirements, and not in the Technical Proposal.

11. Technical Portion

The proposer shall demonstrate their understanding of the questions, or needs, that CARB is seeking to have addressed. The technical approach and work plan are considered the heart of the proposal and will receive a high level of scrutiny. This part of the proposal will be evaluated to ensure all tasks and deliverables, listed in the Scope of Work, are included and responsive. The technical portion of the Proposal must include a written response to all scoring elements listed in the sample Proposal Evaluation form, Section IV, B.3, and must include the following:

a. Management Plan

The Proposer shall provide a project management plan including the management structure and project organization. The Proposer shall designate, by name, the Contract Manager to be employed. The selected Proposer shall not cause the substitution of the Contract Manager without prior written approval of the State. Proposers should include methods to measure project progress against the project management plan to maintain project schedule.

b. Methodology (Approach to Work)

The Proposer shall describe their methodology and approach to the work, identify specific techniques and methodologies that will be used and specific administrative and operational management expertise that will be employed in order to accomplish the tasks listed in this RFP under Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to the work described in this RFP.

The Proposer shall demonstrate their knowledge in the subject of the RFP and lay the groundwork for the actual work to be performed for this project. The Proposer shall provide a detailed description of the overall approach and methodologies utilized to accomplish the tasks listed in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement, Exhibit A.

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule

The Proposer shall develop a Work Plan and Work Schedule that allows all tasks to be completed within the timeframes outlined in the Scope of Work. The Work Plan and Work Schedule shall identify each major task, necessary subtasks, and milestones by which progress can be measured and payments made. The Work Plan shall specify the estimated hours to accomplish each task and the Work Schedule shall provide the responsible party for performing the task, and anticipated dates of completion.

The Work Plan and Work Schedule must reflect the total project timeline of 36 months.

The Work Plan shall indicate how the supervision and oversight will be conducted for ensuring that the project will remain on schedule and that the distribution of workload is appropriate.

See Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement, for details on the tasks required.

A work plan schedule format is provided below:

Task

RESPONSIBLE PARTY

(PRIME OR

SUBCONTRACTOR)

DATE OF

COMPLETION

Task 1: Outreach to potential locations to take the roadshow, present potential Organizations to CARB staff for review and approval Execution Task 2: Develop Schedule Segment 1, which must include 3 locations to which to take the Roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 1 to CARB staff for review and approval.

45 days upon contract execution

Task 3: Provide a sample demonstration to CARB staff

60 days after contract initiation

Task 4: Complete Schedule Segment 1

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 1

Task 5: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 1

Task 6: Develop Schedule Segment 2, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 2 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 2

Task 7: Complete Schedule Segment 2

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 2

Task 8: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days of the completion of Schedule Segment 2

Task 9: Develop Schedule Segment 3, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 3 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 6

Task 10: Complete Schedule Segment 3.

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 3

Task 11: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days of the completion of Schedule Segment 3

Task 12: Create Schedule Segment 4, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 4 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 9

Task 13: Complete Schedule Segment 4

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 4

Task 14: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 4

Task 15: Develop Schedule Segment 5, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 5 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 12

Task 16: Complete Schedule Segment 5

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 5

Task 17: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 5

Task 18: Develop Schedule Segment 6, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 6 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 15

Task 19: Complete Schedule Segment 6

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 6

Task 20: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 6

Task 21: Develop Schedule Segment 7, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 7 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 18

Task 22: Complete Schedule Segment 7

Must be completed in

Schedule Segment 7

Task 23: Prepare a report received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 7

Task 24: Develop Schedule Segment 8, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 8 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 21

Task 25: Complete Schedule Segment 8

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 8

Task 26: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 8

Task 27: Develop Schedule Segment 9, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 9 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 24

Task 28: Complete Schedule Segment 9

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 9

Task 29: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 9

Task 30: Develop Schedule Segment 10, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 10 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 27

Task 31: Complete Schedule Segment 10

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 10

Task 32: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 10

Task 33: Develop Schedule Segment 11, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 11 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 30

Task 34: Complete Schedule Segment 11

Must be completed in

Schedule Segment 11

Task 35: Prepare a report received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 11

Task 36: Develop Schedule Segment 12, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 12 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 33

Task 37: Complete Schedule Segment 12

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 12

Task 38: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 12

Task 39: Develop Schedule Segment 13, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 13 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 36

Task 40: Complete Schedule Segment 13

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 13

Task 41: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 13

Task 42: Develop Schedule Segment 14, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 14 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 39

Task 43: Complete Schedule Segment 14

Must be completed in accordance with Schedule Segment 14

Task 44: Prepare a report summarizing the feedback received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 14

Task 45: Develop Schedule Segment 15, which must include 3 locations to take the roadshow. Submit Schedule Segment 15 to CARB staff for review and approval.

50 days of the completion of Task 42

Task 46: Complete Schedule Segment 15

Must be completed in

Schedule Segment 15

Task 47: Prepare a report received to date

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 15

Task 48: Prepare final report including feedback and observations from the Roadshow

30 days after the completion of Schedule Segment 15

d. Personnel / Experience

For this criterion, reviewers will rate the Proposer’s experience in conducting similar or related work described in the Scope of Work, and how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to this project as outlined in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how previous experience will be applied to the development of this project.

The Proposer shall list technical staff (specify staff name) who will be working on the project. Include their titles, qualifications, a summary of similar work or studies performed, a resume for each technical staff person, a statement indicating how many hours each professional will be assigned to the Agreement and what tasks each professional will perform. The selected Proposer shall not cause key members of the project team to be substituted without prior written approval of the State.

The Proposer shall demonstrate experience and breadth of knowledge in working with landscape professionals to determine their equipment needs, including zero-emission equipment, batteries and chargers, to complete their work tasks and how skill developed in previous related work will be applied to this project as described in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

The Proposer shall prior experience and abilities in working with landscape professionals to determine their equipment needs, including zero- emission equipment, batteries and chargers.

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Technical Proposal, including cover pages, Table of Contents, references and resumes, and the Bidder Declaration Form GSPD-05-105 (Attachment 9) shall have the following header and page numbering format in the upper right-hand corner:

Technical Proposal

Exhibit A, Attachment 1 Page ## of ##

B. Cost Proposal Requirements

The cost breakdown (Cost Proposal) shall be included in the Technical Proposal. Cost Proposals shall include the following required information: Budget, and Preference Program Documents (See Section lI, I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs) and at a minimum, all information listed in Cost Detail (below). Proposers must use the Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet.

All costs must be provided for each task and deliverable. The proposed costs should be broken down into the outline in the Work Plan and Work Schedule for the purpose of this cost proposal submittal.

CARB’s budget for the proposed contract is limited to $450,000.00. Any cost proposals exceeding this amount will be disqualified and ineligible for award. Proposers shall submit a cost proposal for all tasks described in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

1. Cost Detail

a. Itemized Tasks – Using Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet, provide firm-fixed costs for specific tasks listed in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

For all tasks, the Proposer must include all items such as labor, personnel, subcontractors, travel, meetings, materials, reports, and tax, if applicable, as necessary to perform and complete the tasks on the Contractor Cost Sheet, Attachment 11.

b. Subcontracts / Subcontractors – If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal, a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor. Additionally, all subcontractors proposed to be used for this project must be identified on Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form.

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Cost Proposal; the Bidder Declaration Form GSPD-05-105 (Attachment 9); and, if applicable, any forms pertaining to…