25_301_RFP.pdf

RFP #25-301 Copier Leaser Services RFP Due: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m.

Request for Proposals

RFP Item #25-301

Copier Lease Service

For Augusta, Georgia - Various Departments

Until further notice All RFP openings, conferences, and evaluation meetings will be conducted by electronic teleconferencing via ZOOM.

Instructions are enclosed.

Sec. 1-10-50. Sealed bids selection method:

Bid acceptance and bid evaluation. Provided that the bids are delivered to the Procurement Director at the time, place, and under the conditions contained in the Invitation for Bids, the bids shall be conditionally accepted without alteration or correction pending evaluation.

To Ensure Timely Deliveries, It Is The Responsibility Of The Vendor To Ensure Their Bid Submittal Is Received By The Time Specified Above. All Submittals MUST Be Received During Our Normal Office Hours From 8:30 A.M. To

5:00 P.M., Monday Through Friday.

One Original and One Copy Electronic Copy of RFP shall be submitted

Thanks for doing business with us . . .

Andy Penick, Procurement Director

535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901

Rev. 8/11/2025

Table of Contents

Request for Proposal

Instruction to Submit

Purpose Viewing of the Augusta Code

Compliance with Laws Proposal for All or Part Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Policy Augusta Georgia License Requirement Terms of Contract

Notice to All Proponents Required to be returned with your submittal. Both documents must be notarized

Attachment B Must return the 2 pages Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Requirements

Request for Proposal Specifications

Revised 9/6/24

Request for Proposals

Request for Proposals will be received at this office until Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM Meeting ID:

815 5619 5442; Passcode: 952879 furnishing:

RFP Item #25-301 Copier Services for Augusta, GA – Procurement Development

RFPs will be received by: The Augusta Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of:

Augusta Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605

Bid documents may be obtained on the Augusta, Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCBid (http://appweb2.augustaga.gov/NewARCBid/ARCBid.html), Euna OpenBids (https://network.demandstar.com) and Georgia Procurement Registry (https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/index). Bid documents may also be obtained at the offices of Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 535 Telfair Street – Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 (706-821-2422). Addenda will also be posted on the above listed website.

All questions must be submitted in writing by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 5:00 P.M. No RFP will be accepted by email; all must be received by mail or hand delivered. All submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

No RFP may be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after bids have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder(s.

Request for proposals (RFP) and specifications. An RFP shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the procurement. All specific requirements contained in the request for proposal including, but not limited to, the number of copies needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waivable or modifiable by the Procurement Director. All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission.

Please mark RFP number on the outside of the envelope.

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify.

They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

Bidders are cautioned that acquisition of RFP documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of RFP documents from unauthorized sources places the proponent at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base their qualifications.

Correspondence submitted via mail or email as follows:

Augusta Procurement Department Attn: Andy Penick, Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

Publish:

Augusta Chronicle October 23, 30, November 3, 2025 Metro Courier October 23, 2025

Revised:10/02/24 cc Tameka Allen Administrator

Revised: 10/02/24 mailto:procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov http://gma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0yMjUwOTU1JnA9MSZ1PTUxODY3MTg3MiZsaT0yMTQ3NjI3Nw/index.html

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

ELECTRONIC ZOOM INFORMATION

The Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department conducts Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings to award quality contracts for Augusta. Proposers may participate in our Public RFP Pre-Proposal Conferences and Openings via webcast or teleconference by following the instructions outlined below:

ELECTRONIC RFP INSTRUCTIONS

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device

RFP Opening - RFP Item #25-301 Copier Lease Services

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m.

ZOOM RFP Opening:

1. Go to https://zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 815 5619 5442; Passcode: 95287925273

2. Passcode: 952879

3. Teleconference: Telephone number: 646 876 9923

OFFICIAL RFP RESULTS will Post within 5 Days

For Assistance: Please Contact the Bid and Contract Team at (706) 821-2422 https://zoom.us/join https://zoom.us/join

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMIT

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this document is to

provide general and specific information for use by vendors in submitting a proposal to supply Augusta, Georgia with equipment, supplies, and or services as listed above. All proposals are governed by the Augusta, Georgia Code.

1.2 Viewing the Augusta Code: All proposals are

governed and awarded in accordance with the applicable federal and state regulations and the Augusta, Georgia Code. To view the Code visit Augusta’s website at www.augustaga.gov or http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=68 5 Guidelines & Procedures.

1.3 Compliance with laws: The Proponent shall

obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman's compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by federal, state or Augusta, Georgia statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the Proponent and Augusta, Georgia shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof.

1.4 Proposal’s For All Or Part: Unless otherwise

specified by Augusta, Georgia or by the proponent, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA RESERVES THE

RIGHT TO MAKE AWARD ON ALL ITEMS, OR ON

ANY OF THE ITEMS ACCORDING TO THE BEST

INTEREST OF AUGUSTA, GEORGIA. Proponent may restrict his proposal to consideration in the aggregate by so stating but must name a unit price on each item submitted upon.

1.5 All protest shall be made in writing to:

Attn: Andy Penick Director of Procurement 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901, Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov

Revised 8/11/2025

1.6 Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE)

Policy: Court Order Enjoining Race-Based Portion of DBE Program Augusta, Georgia does not have a race or gender conscious Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program for projects having Augusta, Georgia as the source of funding. Augusta does enforce mandatory DBE requirements of federal and state agencies on contracts funded by such agencies and has a DBE Program to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal and state mandated DBE requirements for certain DOT, FTA, FAA, and other federal and state assisted contracts as required by 49 C.F.R. Part 26, et. seq. and/or 49 C.F.R. Part 23, et. seq. This DBE program is only for DOT, FTA and FAA assisted contracts and other federal or state funded contracts having mandatory DBE requirements. (See Article 13 of the Augusta, GA.

Code.)

Augusta, Georgia prohibits any language in any solicitation, bid or contract that is inconsistent with the July 21, 2011, Court Order in the case, Thompson Wrecking, Inc. v. Augusta Georgia, civil action No. 1:07-CV-019. Any such language appearing in any Augusta, Georgia solicitation, bid or contract is void and unenforceable.

A copy of this Order can be reviewed at www.augustaga.gov home page.

1.7 Augusta, Georgia License Requirement: For

further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

General Contractors License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-41, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

Utility Contractor License Number: If applicable, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §43-14, or be subjected to penalties as may be required by law.

1.8 Terms of Contract: (Check where

applicable)

[ ] (A) Annual Contract [ ] (B) One time Purchase.

[X] (C) Other file://///augunity01/procurementcommon/th13290/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/2015%20Bid%20Information/15-172A%20Temporary%20Staffing%20Services/www.augustaga.gov http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/index.aspx?NID=685%20%20Guidelines%20&%20Procedures http://www.augustaga.gov/

NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS

ADHERE TO THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS AND DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FORMS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Attachment B is a consolidated document consisting of:

1. Business License Number Requirement (must be provided)

2. Acknowledgement of Addenda (must be acknowledged, if any)

3. Statement of Non-Discrimination

4. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Prime Proponent/Offeror

5. Conflict of Interest

6. Contractor Affidavit and Agreement (E-Verify User ID Number must be provided)

Attachment B Must be Notarized & Two (2) Pages Must be returned with your submittal - No Exceptions.

Business License Requirement: Proponent must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. Your company’s business license number must be provided on Page 1 of Attachment B. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a contract. For further information contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

Acknowledgement of Addenda: You Must acknowledge all Addenda. See Page 1 of Attachment B.

E-Verify * User Identification Number (Company I.D.) The recommended awarded vendor will be required to provide a copy of Homeland Security’s Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). Contractors, Bids, RFPs, RFPs - Any contractors performing the physical performance of services” for your city, including those that respond to bids or requests for proposals, must submit an E-Verify affidavit. Your city cannot consider any contractors, even as part of a bidding or RFP process, unless they have given you the appropriate E-Verify contractor affidavits.

Contractors are defined as those who provide any “physical performance of services,” which means any performance of labor or services for a public employer using a bidding process or by contract that costs over $2,499.99 in value between December 1 and November 30 of any given year. Typically, eligible contracts may include: New construction or the demolition of structures/roads Routine operation, repair, and maintenance of existing structures. Any contracts for labor and service that exceed $2,499.99. Contracts for the purchase of goods without any services provided are not subject to these E-Verify requirements.

The city, each contractor, and each subcontractor have different roles and responsibilities in the E-Verify process. The city collects E-Verify affidavits from the contractor. The contractor collects E-Verify affidavits from its subcontractors. The subcontractors collect E-Verify affidavits from its sub-subcontractors. Independent contractors (those with no employees) do not need to supply E-Verify information. Instead, they will provide a driver’s license or state identification card from states on the “compliant” list created by the Georgia Attorney General. Those contractors and subcontractors that fill out the affidavits are responsible for the accuracy of the information. The city does not need to confirm that the E-Verify information is correct. The liability for incorrect information is on the contractor or subcontractor. NOTE: The authorization date can be found within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta Benefit Application (S.A.V.E. Program) (Must Be Returned With Your Submittal)

The successful proponent will submit the following forms to the Procurement Department no later than five (5) days after receiving the “Letter of Recommendation” (Vendor’s letter will denote the date forms are to be received)

1. Georgia Security and Immigration Subcontractor Affidavit

2. Non-Collusion Affidavit of Sub-Contractor

3. PLEASE NOTE GEORGIA LAW CHANGE: E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

WARNING: Please review “Notice to Proponent” regarding Augusta Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program Proponent Requirements.

Vendors are cautioned that acquisition of proposal documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of proposal documents from unauthorized sources places the proposer at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.

Proposals are publicly opened. It is your responsibility to ensure that your company has met the Specifications and Licenses requirements prior to submitting a proposal.

Rev. 04/09/21

Attachment B

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Augusta, Georgia Augusta Procurement Department ATTN: Procurement Director 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605

Name of Proponent: _______________________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ______________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________________Email: ________________________________

Do You Have A Business License? Yes: ______ No: ______

Augusta, GA Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): ______________________________________

And/or Your State/Local Business License # for your Company (Must Provide): _____________________________

Utility Contractors License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________ MUST BE LISTED ON FRONT OF ENVELOPE

General Contractor License # (Must Provide if applicable): _______________________________________________

Additional Specialty License # (Must Provide if applicable): ______________________________________________

NOTE: Company must be licensed in the Governmental entity for where they do the majority of their business. If your Governmental entity (State or Local) does not require a business license, please state above (Procurement will verify), your company will be required to obtain a Richmond County business license if awarded a BID.

For further information regarding Augusta, GA license requirements, please contact the License and Inspection Department @ 706 312-5050.

List the State, City & County that issued your license: ___________________________________________________________

Acknowledgement of Addenda: (#1) ____: (#2) ____: (#3) ____: (#4) ____: (#5) ____: (#6) ____: (#7) ____: (#8) ____:

NOTE: CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX (ES) - ADD ADDITIONAL NUMBERS AS APPLICABLE

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The undersigned understands that it is the policy of Augusta, Georgia to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned covenants that we have not discriminated, on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin or ethnicity, with regard to prime contracting, subcontracting or partnering opportunities.

The undersigned covenants and agrees to make good faith efforts to ensure maximum practicable participation of local small businesses on the proposal or contract awarded by Augusta, Georgia. The undersigned further covenants that we have completed truthfully and fully the required forms regarding good faith efforts and local small business subcontractor/supplier utilization.

The undersigned further covenants and agrees not to engage in discriminatory conduct of any type against local small businesses, in conformity with Augusta, Georgia’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program. Set forth below is the signature of an officer of the proposer/contracting entity with the authority to bind the entity.

The undersigned acknowledge and warrant that this Company has been made aware of understands and agrees to take affirmative action to provide such companies with the maximum practicable opportunities to do business with this Company;

That this promise of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect without interruption;

That the promises of non-discrimination as made and set forth herein shall be and are hereby deemed to be made as part of and incorporated by reference into any contract or portion thereof which this Company may hereafter obtain and;

That the failure of this Company to satisfactorily discharge any of the promises of nondiscrimination as made and set forth herein shall constitute a material breach of contract entitling Augusta, Georgia to declare the contract in default and to exercise any and all applicable rights remedies including but not limited to cancellation of the contract, termination of the contract, suspension and debarment from future contracting opportunities, and withholding and or forfeiture of compensation due and owing on a contract.

Non-Collusion of Prime Proponent

By submission of a proposal, the vendor certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the proposal have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the proposal have not been knowingly disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or to any competitor.

(c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or corporation to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. Collusions and fraud in proposal preparation shall be reported to the State of Georgia Attorney General and the United States Justice Department.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

Rev. 4/09/21

Conflict of Interest PAGE 2 OF 2 By submission of a bid, the responding firm certifies, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

1. No circumstances exist which cause a Conflict of Interest in performing the services required by this BID, and

2. That no employee of the County, nor any member thereof, not any public agency or official affected by this BID, has any pecuniary interest in the business of the responding firm or his sub-consultant(s) has any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance related to this BID. By submission of a bid, the vendor certifies under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief:

(a) The prices in the bid have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communications, or agreement, for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other vendor or with any competitor.

(b) Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the bid have not knowingly been disclosed by the vendor prior to opening, directly or indirectly, to any other vendor or competitor.

c) No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the vendor to induce any other person, partnership, or cooperation to submit or not to submit a bid for the purpose of restricting competition. For any breach or violation of this provision, the County shall have the right to terminate any related contract or agreement without liability and at its discretion to deduct from the price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, payment, or consideration.

Contractor Affidavit and Agreement: Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b) (l)

GEORGIA E-Verify and Public Contracts: The Georgia E-Verify law requires contractors and all sub-contractors on Georgia public contract (contracts with a government agency) for the physical performance of services over $2,499 in value to enroll in E-Verify, regardless of the number of employees. They may be exempt from this requirement if they have no employees and do not plan to hire employees for the purpose of completing any part of the public contract. Certain professions are also exempt. All requests for proposals issued by a city must include the contractor affidavit as part of the requirement for their bid to be considered.

The undersigned contractor ("Contractor") executes this Affidavit to comply with O.C.G.A § 13-10-91 related to any contract to which Contractor is a party that is subject to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and hereby verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, attesting as follows:

a) The Contractor has registered with, is authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program;

b) The Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period, including any renewal or extension thereof;

c) The Contractor will notify the public employer in the event the Contractor ceases to utilize the federal work authorization program during the contract period, including renewals or extensions thereof;

d) The Contractor understands that ceasing to utilize the federal work authorization program constitutes a material breach of Contract;

e) The Contractor will contract for the performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the Contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(a), (b), and (c);

f) The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that this Affidavit shall be incorporated into any contract(s) subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 13-10- 91 for the project listed below to which Contractor is a party after the date hereof without further action or consent by Contractor; and

g) Contractor acknowledges its responsibility to submit copies of any affidavits, drivers' licenses, and identification cards required pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 to the public employer within five business days of receipt.

Georgia Law requires your company to have an E-Verify*User Identification Number (Company I.D.) on or after July 1, 2009.

For additional information or to enroll your company, visit the State of Georgia website:

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ and/or http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10 1.pdf

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number: E-VERIFY REQUIRED FOR ALL CONTRACTS OVER $2,499.00 Date of Authorization

** (E-Verify Number) _________________________________ __________________________

Name of Contractor Name of Project / RFP Number

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – RICHMOND COUNTY CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT

Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on ___________________, _________, 20________ in ___________________ (City), _______________ (State).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF ____________________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: NOTARY SEAL

The undersigned further agrees to submit a notarized copy of Attachment B and any required documentation noted as part of the Augusta, Georgia Board of Commissions specifications which govern this process. In addition, the undersigned agrees to submit all required forms for any subcontractor(s) as requested and or required. I further understand that my submittal will be deemed non-compliant if any part of this process is violated.

You Must Complete and Return the 2 pages of Attachment B with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized.

https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/ http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/rules/300_10%201.pdf

You Must Complete and Return with Your Submittal. Document Must Be Notarized

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program

Affidavit Verifying Status for Augusta, Georgia Benefit Application By executing this affidavit under oath, as an applicant for an Augusta, Georgia Business License or Occupation Tax Certificate, Alcohol License, Taxi Permit, Contract, or other public benefit as reference in O.C.G.A. Section 50-36-1, I am stating the following with respect to my bid for an Augusta, Georgia contract for

[RFP Project Number and Project Name]

[Print/Type: Name of natural person applying on behalf of individual, business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

[Print/Type: Name of business, corporation, partnership, or other private entity]

1.) _________ I am a citizen of the United States.

OR

2.) _________ I am a legal permanent resident 18 years of age or older.

OR

3.) _________ I am an otherwise qualified alien (8 § USC 1641) or nonimmigrant under the Federal Immigration and

Nationality Act (8 USC 1101 et seq.) 18 years of age or older and lawfully present in the United States. *

In making the above representation under oath, I understand that any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit shall be guilty of a violation of Code Section 16-10-20 of the Official Code of Georgia.

Signature of Applicant

Printed Name

*Alien Registration Number for Non-Citizens

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE ___________ DAY OF ______________, 20____

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _____________________________ NOTARY SEAL

Note: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL

REV. 2/17/2016

TRADE SECRET STATUS AFFIDAVIT

Augusta, Georgia

All documents, data, letters and generated information received by Augusta, Georgia constitutes a “public record” and is subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA"). O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. However, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18- 72(a)(34), "[an] entity submitting records containing trade secrets that wishes to keep such records confidential under this paragraph shall submit and attach to the records an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information in the records constitute trade secrets pursuant to Article 27 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 [O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq.].”

O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4) defines “Trade secret" as “…information, without regard to form, including, but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing, a process, financial data, financial plans, product plans, or a list of actual or potential customers or suppliers which is not commonly known by or available to the public and which information:

A. Derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

B. Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.”

Therefore, the records listed below and attached hereto, that were submitted with _______________________response to Augusta, Georgia Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, or Request for Qualified Contractor ______________are marked confidential pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4):

• (List specific information that the supplier wishes to withhold and how that information constitutes a trade secret)

• Additional trade secret information requested to be withheld

• Your company is requested to send a redacted copy of your submittal.

Under penalty of perjury, acknowledging that O.C.G.A. §16-10-71 provides a penalty of a fine of up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment of one to five years, I attest that the specific information in the records listed above constitutes trade secrets pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761(4), and request that Augusta, Georgia not disclose this protected information under the Georgia Open Records Act ("GORA").

Signature:

[Signatory Name in Print] [Signatory’s Title] [Company Name]

_______________________________ Date: ______________________________________ [Signatory’s Title]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE

ME ON THIS ______ DAY OF

_____________, 202_.

__________________________________ My Commission Expires: ______________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Return Page Only if Applicable

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program Ordinance Requirements Notice To All Bidders (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) Shall apply to ALL Bids regardless of the dollar amount In accordance with the Commission Action on 7/25/24 and the adoption of Ordinance No. 7945 Chapter 10C of the AUGUSTA, GA, CODE, Contractors agree to collect and maintain all records necessary to Augusta, Georgia to evaluate the effectiveness of its Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program and to make such records available to Augusta, Georgia upon request. The requirements of the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program can be found at www.augustaga.gov. In accordance with AUGUSTA, GA. CODE, Contractors shall report to Augusta, Georgia the total dollars paid to each subcontractor, vendor, or other business on each contract, and shall provide such payment affidavits, regarding payment to subcontractors, if any as required by Augusta, Georgia.

Such utilization reports shall be in the format specified by the Director of Compliance and shall be submitted at such times as required by Augusta, Georgia. Required forms can be found at www.augustaga.gov. If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, please contact the M/WBE Program office at (706) 821- 2406. Failure to provide such reports withing the time period specified by Augusta, Georgia shall entitle Augusta, Georgia to exercise any of the remedies set forth, including, but not limited to, withholding payment from the Contractor and/or collecting liquidated damages.

SHALL APPLY TO PROJECTS IN EXCESS OF $300,000

Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program (Continued) Sec. 1-10-138. Race and Gender-Conscious Efforts Contract-by-Contract Subcontractor Goals The City, through the Goal Setting Committee (GSC), will set specific, separate percentage-based MBE and WBE subcontracting goals on a contract-by contract basis for Prime contracts in Construction, Architecture & Engineering, Professional Services, and Other Services valued in excess of $300,000. The City shall establish such goals based upon the type of contract, the type of subcontracting work that will be required, and the availability of M/WBE firms to perform the work for that specific contract.

The GSC shall not establish subcontracting goals on contracts where (a) there are no subcontracting opportunities identified for the contract; or (b) there are not at least three (3) MBE and/or WBE firms that are available and capable to perform a CUF for the overall subcontracting opportunities on the contract.

Good Faith Efforts (GFE) Requirements and Guidance 1.Achievement of subcontracting goals or documentation of Good Faith Efforts applies to every Contract for which such goals are established. The Bidder shall submit a compliance plan detailing its achievement of the goals or its Good Faith Efforts to meet the goals. The compliance plan shall be due at the time set out in the solicitation documents.

2.When a Bidder cannot achieve the goals, its compliance plan shall document its GFE to achieve the goals. The Director of Compliance will determine whether the Bidder has made such GFE.

Bid Documents All bid documents shall require bidders or proponents to submit with their bid the following written documents, statements, or forms, which shall be made available by the Procurement Department.

• Proposed Letter of Intent MBE/WBE.

• Proposed MBE/WBE Utilization Plan.

• Documentation of Good Faith Efforts Form (in the event the bidder will not meet the MBE and WBE goals).

Failure to submit the above documentation shall result in the bid being declared non-responsive.

Sec. 1-10-154.Exceptions In accordance with § 1-10-8, on federally funded projects or contracts, the M/WBE Program shall only be utilized when authorized by the applicable federal (and/or Georgia) laws, regulations, and conditions relating to that project or contract. To the extent that there are any conflicts between any such laws, regulations, or conditions and the provisions of the M/WBE Program, the federal (and/or Georgia) guidance shall control.

NOTE: All forms should be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope, labeled M/WBE Forms, Company’s Name & Bud number

For questions and or additional information, please contact:

Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program

535 Telfair Street, Suite 530 Augusta, Georgia 30901

(706) 821-2406 mwbe@augustaga.gov

Website: https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged- Business-Enterprise

REV. 9/6/24

mailto:mwbe@augustaga.gov https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise https://www.augustaga.gov/83/Disadvantaged-Business-Enterprise

SECTION I

INSTRUCTION TO PROPOSERS

Augusta, Ga, invites qualified vendors to submit a proposal to provide multi-functional devise (MFD) copiers and copier/printer maintenance for various Augusta, Georgia departments. Your submittal should respond to, and be based on, the information included in this Request for Proposal.

Responses will be received in the office of the Director of Procurement at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 605, Augusta, GA 30901 until Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. The RFP must be submitted in a sealed package and labeled with firm’s name and the name of the project - RFP 25-301 Copier Leases Service. Vendors are required to submit one (1) marked unbound original and one (1) electronic copy on thumb drive of the RFP.

RFP Opening will be via ZOOM– Meeting ID: 815 5619 5442; Passcode: 952879.

No RFP will be accepted by email, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. If RFP is forwarded by mail or other second party delivery, the sealed envelope containing the submittal bust be enclosed in an envelope addressed to:

Andy Penick, Director Procurement Department

535 Telfair Street - Room 605

To ensure timely deliveries, all submittals must be received during our normal office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No deliveries will be accepted prior to 8:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., as the building is closed to the public and delivery services outside of these hours.

RFP Packages may be obtained at the Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department, at the address listed above.

All firms responding are cautioned to read this Request for Proposals (RFP) carefully for understanding and request clarification from Augusta, Georgia on any questions pertaining to this RFP. The Proposer should examine all documents and requirements of the services requested to become fully informed. Failure to examine these areas will not relieve the successful Proposer of its obligation to furnish all products and services necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract. After RFPs have been submitted, the vendor shall not assert that there was a misunderstanding concerning the quantities of work or of the nature of the work to be done.

All questions must be submitted to the Procurement Department in writing to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov by Tuesday, November 4, 2025 @ 5:00 P.M. Issues and responses addressed in any other manner will not be considered valid or binding in consideration of proposals or any subsequent contract negotiations. Failure to provide all the requested information may cause the submittal to be rejected as non-responsive.

Failure to provide all the requested information may cause the RFP to be rejected as non-responsive. An official authorized to bind the firm to the terms and provisions of the RFP must sign. The Proposer’s response must include a service proposal and fee proposal as well as all other information requested in this RFP. The fees must be the full cost to Augusta. Augusta, Georgia will consider the degree to which each Proposer has submitted a complete Service and Fee Proposal without irregularities, excisions, special conditions, or alternative proposals for any item unless specifically requested in the RFP.

The contract will be awarded, if awarded, to the most responsive and responsible Proposer. If an award of contract is made as a result of this solicitation, contract will be made on the basis of the response which best satisfies the intent of this Request for Proposals and other factors considered in the best interest of the Owner. Negotiations may be undertaken with those firms who proposal shows them to be qualified, responsible, and capable of performing the work. The Owner will consider professional qualifications and related experience to determine which proposal would be in Owner’s best interest if a contract were made. The Owner reserves the right to consider proposals or modification thereof received at any time before the award is made if such action is in the interest of the Owner.

Any interested qualified firm and/or party is requested to make a response to accomplish the Scope of Services described herein. The response is to be signed by a duly authorized official of the firm and must be submitted in the time, manner and form prescribed.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all statements received as the result of this request. The Owner also maintains the right to negotiate with any firm, as necessary, to serve the best interests of Owner. The Owner will not be liable for any costs incurred by the firm prior to the signing of a contract.

An official authorized to bind the firm to the terms and provisions of the proposal must sign the proposal. No RFP may be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after RFP have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful proposer(s). The information contained in this RFP defines and describes the services requested.

The proposal shall be no more than forty (40) pages in length, excluding cover letter, required forms, tabs, and appendices. All documents will be typewritten on standard 8 x 11 white paper. Exceptions to the minimum page limit would be schematics, exhibits, photographs or other information necessary to facilitate Augusta’s ability to accurately evaluate the proposal.

The Proposer must package and seal its proposals so that they will not be damaged in mailing. Proposers are reminded that under Georgia law, all opened documents fall under the Open Records Act and are subject to inspection by the public. Accordingly, proprietary information and/or data cannot be withheld from public inspection. All proposals and supporting documents will be submitted in accordance with the specifications. See the Trade Secret Affidavit. Vendors are required to submit a redacted copy of their RFP submittal for any trade secret information contained in their RFP submittal.

It is Augusta’s intent to evaluate the proposals based on service merit and price and to choose the Proposer whose proposal provides the highest value to Augusta. Augusta reserves the right to waive any irregularities, reject any and/or all proposals, in whole or in part, when, in Augusta’s opinion, such rejection is in the best interests of Augusta.

The Owner will evaluate all statements received from firms with respect to evidence that the goals and objectives of the project are fully understood. The firm’s demonstrated technical capability and other qualifications, as described herein, will also be assessed. The Owner will then make their recommendation to the Augusta Commission for their consideration and final approval.

NOTE: Augusta reserves the right to accept a proposal, as submitted, and upon Commission approval enter into a contractual agreement with that selected Proposer. Consequently, it is imperative that all Proposers submit the best service and cost offer in the initial submission.

SECTION II

SCOPE OF SERVICES

General Scope of work/current contract:

This contract provides for the installation, maintenance and service support of 221 total MFD’s deployed in various Augusta Departments. The pricing for this agreement is predicated by determining a combined monthly copy volume of all 221 devices with a single monthly invoice for all usage. The 221 units produce an average volume of 648,925 b/w volume and 177,001 color copies/prints per month (see chart below for breakout by year).

A list of the copiers currently in place is included as Exhibit 2. The chart includes the equipment ID number, model number, serial number, location, date of installation, average monthly volume black copies, average monthly volume for color copies per month, and accessories included in the current configuration. Locations listed are subject to change as re-organization and right sizing takes place. The quantities in this RFP for copiers, supplies, and services are ESTIMATES only. Actual number of service request for copiers may be or less than the quantities listed in Exhibit 2. The vendor furnished services and supplies will be in direct proportion to the actual numbers and volume ranges of copiers required by the Augusta Commissioners.

Augusta does not guarantee to utilize a specific quantity of copiers or copies.

Vendor is also to have the following resources available for Augusta on an as needed basis:

• Wide Format Engineering/Poster Printers and Scanners

• Specialty Printers such as “check printing units”

• Desktop Personal Printers (both color and b/w)

• Public use MFDs with print release stations and vended systems

The chart below is an overview of the current fleet and includes the average monthly volume black/white AMV B/W) and color copies (AVM Color) consumed per year models.

Expiration Total AMV AMV

Date Devices B/W Color

Main Fleet-expired 109 261,485 53,760

2025 10 18,712 12,928

2026 22 38,243 30,058

2027 44 185,402 50,845

2028 14 79,053 12,620

2029 22 78,687 16,990

Totals 221 661,582 177,201

Production Print Devices

In addition to supporting the departmental MFDs, the vendor will be required to have available production print devices. Listed below are the current models currently in place.

Expiration Print Shop AMV AMV

Date B/W Color

1/5/2021 KB ACURIO C2070 Press 1500 12000

1/5/2021 KM BH C658 800 3400

3/1/2024 KM Pro 6120 B/W Press 24000 N/A

July 2030 BHC751I – Procurement 1650 6295

The vendor will also be required provide a management program on selected units. This program will be used for account management and cost recovery

The contract includes all required hardware, service support, parts, labor and all consumable supply items (excludes paper), emergency repair services, normal repair service, periodic preventive maintenance, operator training services, consulting services, and account management software for the agreement term.

Initial and ongoing training is to be included in proposed costs. The current contract is the benchmark for the product line of copiers required. A copy of the draft contract is included in the RFP as EXHIBIT 4.

Augusta’s current fleet consist of devices that have varying term expiration dates. The successful vendor will be required to replacer/refresh the current equipment on a transitional basis. The award will be used to replace the units as their current contract expires. Current replacement/refresh schedule is a follows:

Expired Leases 109 devices 2025 10 devices 2026 22 devices 2027 44 devices 2028 14 devices 2029 22 devices

Total 221 devices

Agreement Term:

The contract will be overseen by the Augusta Procurement Department with the assistance of the Information Technology Department. It is the intent of Augusta to enter into a one (1) year contract with option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year terms.

Tentative Timeline Thursday, October 23, 2025 Release RFP to the marketplace Tuesday, November 4 2025 Deadline for written questions by 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 RFP due in Procurement Department by 11:00 a.m.

Friday, November 14, 2025 Evaluation November 2025 Copier Presentation/Demonstration December 2, 2025 Recommendation to Augusta Commission Note: Dates are subject to change

Third party lease/financing

Under the terms and conditions of the RFP Augusta will NOT accept billing/invoices from any third party/financing entity that the successful vendor may choose to work with. All financial aspects of this program are to be administered and delivered by the successful contractor/vendor.

“Right sizing of equipment”:

Under the current RFP/contract it is the vendor’s responsibility to assure that the proper equipment is installed to accommodate the monthly copy/print volume of the location. Should the needs change in any location the vendor must agree to upgrade/downgrade the equipment as deemed necessary with no increase in monthly cost. The rightsizing, upgrading/downgrading of equipment will depend on the growth and demand of the departments. The vendor will be expected to adhere to the needs of the department.

Equipment Replacement Guarantee and Maintenance

The current contract requires that the supplier replace any unit that does not operate to the end users satisfaction due to service failures with any additional cost to the customer. This Total Satisfaction Guarantee is applicable for the entire equipment term.

The responsibility for maintaining copiers furnished under the contract in serviceable condition shall be solely that of the contractor. The vendor shall provide preventive maintenance services, without any action on the part of Augusta to ensure that the copiers furnished are maintained in serviceable condition. Vendor shall submit a maintenance plan with the proposal.

During normal working hours (between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays observed by Augusta, the vendor shall respond to verbal service calls within four working hours after notification of malfunction. The response time on a service call starts when authorized personnel place a call to the contractor’s technician. Response time ends when a service technician appears at the requesting location to repair the malfunctioning equipment. In cases where any copier cannot be repaired within eight

(8) working hours after notification of malfunction as detailed above, the vendor shall provide a replacement machine of equal or greater capability within sixteen (16) additional working hours until the repair of the original machine is completed.

All consumable supplies shall be included in the copier lease contract. Consumable supplies shall include toner, staples, fuser, print cartridges and developer. Vendor shall be responsible for replenishing supplies within two days of request.

The vendor shall provide training for copiers operators at the time of installation of the machines and shall make available operator training for machine users at each location. When notified by the Augusta, Georgia Procurement Department representative, the contractor shall supply additional operator training on an as needed basis within 3-5 working days of such request. Such additional training is specified only to maintain sufficient numbers of qualified operators due to personnel turnover.

Each copier shall have the manufacturer’s serial number permanently and legibly stamped or affixed on a major component in a readily accessible location. In addition, each copier shall be permanently and legibly marker in an easy to find location with the manufacturer’s name or trademark and model number of the machine.

Upon receipt by the…