25260036N-AZ Page 1 of 39 Rev. 04/01/22

INVITATION TO NEGOTIATE (ITN) & PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

POSTING DATE: PURCHASING CONTACT:

October 28, 2025 Amanda Zarko, Senior Procurement Agent 407-320-0237 or Email: zarkoaz@scps.k12.fl.us

ITN NUMBER & TITLE: 25260036N-AZ

District Firewall Solution

ITN DUE DATE & TIME: December 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST

Proposal opening will be via WebEx and dial-in only at meeting number (access code): 2308 184 2367, meeting password: KZvPubHs982 or call 1-415-655-0003.

NOTE: PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE ITN DUE DATE AND TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

PRE-SOLICITATION MEETING: Voluntary – November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST, via WebEx and dial-in only at WebEx meeting number (access code): 2318 750 7135, password: TJxwcH2mN84, or call 1-415-655-0003.

The School Board of Seminole County, Florida, solicits your company to submit a Proposal on the above-referenced goods and/or services. All terms, specifications and conditions set forth in this invitation are incorporated by this reference into your response. A Proposal will not be accepted unless all conditions have been met. In the event of a conflict between the General Purchasing Terms and Conditions and any subsequent Special Conditions included herein or attached hereto, the Special Conditions will have precedence. All Proposals must have an authorized signature in the space provided below. All Proposals must be received in the Vendorlink portal, www.myvendorlink.com, by the “Proposal Due Date & Time” referenced above. The School Board is not responsible for bidders’ failure to upload their bids by the due date and time.

THE FOLLOWING MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED, AND RETURNED AS PART OF YOUR PROPOSAL.

PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT THIS FORM, SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED AGENT OF THE

PROPOSER.

LEGAL COMPANY NAME (AS REGISTERED IN WWW.SUNBIZ.ORG OR AS REGISTERED IN YOUR STATE):

MAILING ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

FEDERAL EMPLOYER’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (FEIN): ______________________________________________________________________

SPIN (SERVICE PROVIDER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER): _________________________________________________________________________

FCC REGISTRATION NUMBER: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: _______________________________________ E-MAIL: _________________________________________

I CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPOSAL IS MADE WITHOUT PRIOR UNDERSTANDING, AGREEMENT, OR CONNECTION WITH ANY OTHER PROPOSER SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL FOR THE SAME MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, AND IS IN ALL RESPECTS FAIR AND WITHOUT COLLUSION OR FRAUD. I AGREE TO ABIDE TO ALL CONDITIONS OF THIS ITN AND CERTIFY THAT I AM AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THIS ITN FOR THE PROPOSER.

TYPED OR

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: _____________________________________ PRINTED NAME: ___________________________________________

TITLE: ____________________________________________________ DATE: ______________________________________________________

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

400 East Lake Mary Boulevard Sanford, Florida 32773-7127

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I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) is to solicit proposals from qualified vendors for a new district firewall solution.

II. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. E-RATE. All Proposers must be registered with the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) Schools & Libraries and provide their Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN) as part of this proposal.

A. FUNDING. For E-Rate eligible schools and libraries, funding for contracted services will come, in part, from Federal Universal Service E-Rate funds. It is the intent of SBSC to apply for reimbursement for all E-Rate eligible services.

B. FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND E-RATE PROGRAM. Proposers shall be responsible for understanding USAC and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-Rate eligibility rules and are required to identify any cost that doesn’t meet the E- Rate eligibility rules. Any cost that doesn’t meet the eligibility rules should be classified as ineligible costs.

a) Any Proposer responding to this bid will be required to submit its assigned SPIN

(Service Provider Identification Number) and FCC Registration Number, as part of its response. Proposers without a SLD SPIN number or FCC Registration Number MUST obtain one before responding to this bid. An FCC registration number can be obtained from the FCC web site. Proposers must also disclose in their bid response if they have been “red-lighted” by the FCC during the two-year period prior to the issuance of this bid. Proposers must also disclose whether they have been the subject of audits or investigations by USAC, the FCC, DOJ or any other investigator associated with the E-Rate program during the five years prior to the issuance of this bid.

b) Proposers must be familiar with the requirements of the Federal Universal Service Fund E-Rate program and must fully comply with those rules. To comply with E-Rate requirements, the Contractor(s) shall maintain all records, correspondence, receipts, vouchers, memoranda, and other data relating to services provided under the contract. All records referenced above and any required under the document retention requirements of the Federal Communications Commission shall be retained for at least ten (10) years after the last day of the delivery of discounted services, such information shall be subject to inspection and audit by SBSC and/or SLD / USAC and / or their contractors.

c) Pursuant to 47 CFR 54.516, proposers shall be subject to audits and other investigations to evaluate proposers’ compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for the E-Rate program, including those requirements pertaining to what services and products are purchased, what services and products are delivered, and how services and products are being used. The Proposer shall assume responsibility for its subcontractors’ compliance with the FCC requirements for document retention and auditing. The proposer shall include (in all its subcontractor agreements for services) provisions requiring subcontractors to maintain the above-described records and allowing SBSC and / or SLD / USAC and / or their contractors the same right to inspect and audit the same records as set forth herein.

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d) To comply with E-RATE Category 2 rules, no equipment or services will be purchased by SBSC before April 1, 2026.

2. CONTRACT TERM. The agreement will be effective upon Board approval for a period of three years (3) years and may be renewed for an additional two-year period upon agreement by all parties.

3. ITN SCHEDULE. Please see Attachment “A,” ITN Tentative Schedule of Events.

4. PRE-SOLICITATION MEETING. A voluntary pre-solicitation meeting will be held for all interested Proposers in accordance with the date, time, and location on page 1, of this ITN. An overview of the solicitation process and review of scope of services will be conducted including a question and answer opportunity for the Proposers.

III. SCOPE OF WORK OR SERVICES.

Seminole County Public Schools (SBSC) seeks proposals for a comprehensive Next Generation Firewall solution, including the purchase, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of three

(3) firewall appliances with advanced malware protection. The deployment requires one Active/Active High Availability (HA) pair at the Education Support Center (ESC) data center and one standalone appliance at the Oviedo High School (OHS) data center. This turn-key solution must meet the District's evolving network security needs.

The solution must support approximately 60,000 students, 8,000 staff, and 80,000-100,000 concurrent devices (including district-owned and BYOD). SBSC operates two data centers (ESC and OHS), each serving as an internet gateway. Current internet bandwidth is 14 Gbps per site, expected to grow to 20 Gbps per site over the next five (5) years. Each data center features physical 40 Gbps Wide Area Network (WAN) connections.

The proposed firewalls must provide edge/perimeter security and remote VPN access, integrating high-speed interfaces (10/25/40/50/100/400 Gbps capable) for current and future needs across inside, outside, WAN, and DMZ zones. The contract includes hardware, three (3) years (with optional five (5) years) of maintenance, warranty, and support services (training, technical support, software updates, advanced malware protection) managed via a GUI/web portal.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW:

A. Deployment: Propose three (3) Next Generation Firewall appliances: one Active/Active HA pair for the ESC data center and one standalone appliance for the OHS data center. The solution must be routed and in-line; Layer 2 load-balanced solutions are not acceptable.

B. Security Services: Appliances must include comprehensive security services: Gateway Antivirus/Malware, Intrusion Prevention, Application Control, Domain Reputation/Botnet Filtering, Database Security, Sandboxing, and SSL Deep Packet Inspection.

C. Professional Services: Include services for turn-key implementation, configuration, testing, and migration of relevant firewall policies/objects from the current platform.

SPECIFICATIONS:

A. Quality: Only the best commercial practices and highest quality materials/workmanship are acceptable. Omissions in detail imply adherence to these standards.

B. Turn-Key: Provide all necessary hardware, software, and services for a complete, operational solution connecting the District's infrastructure to the internet.

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C. Managed Services: Include any managed services needed for initial deployment and production cutover.

D. Training: Provide training for up to (3) designated district administrators.

E. HA Configuration: The ESC deployment requires an Active/Active HA pair; OHS requires a standalone appliance.

F. Environment: SBSC provides adequate power (standard 110V) and rack space.

G. Support: A 24/7/365 technical support center is mandatory.

H. Term: Include all licensing, technical support, and warranty for a three (3) year term and optional five (5) year term.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

A. Capacity: Support current and future throughput needs for ~68,000 users and up to 100,000 devices securely.

B. Performance: Maintain high traffic volumes with low latency.

C. Hardware Optimization: Appliances must utilize optimized hardware (ASICs or specialized processors) for networking, security, and content scanning tasks concurrently without performance degradation, using a single-pass architecture.

D. Firewall Throughput: Minimum processing capability of 175 Million packets per second (Mpps) (64-byte UDP).

E. Interfaces: Each appliance requires, at minimum:

* Four (4) ports capable of 40/100 Gbps (e.g., QSFP+/QSFP28).

* Ten (10) ports capable of 10/25/50 Gbps (e.g., SFP56/SFP28/SFP+).

* Four (4) ports capable of 10/25 Gbps (e.g., SFP28/SFP+).

F. Transceivers: Include sufficient transceivers for initial deployment across all appliances, minimum Eight (8) 40-GbE QSFP+ and Twelve (12) 10-GbE SFP+.

G. VPN Throughput: Minimum 100 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput per appliance.

H. SSL VPN Users: Support at least 30,000 concurrent SSL VPN users per appliance/HA pair.

I. Concurrent Sessions: Support at least 70 Million concurrent TCP sessions per appliance/HA pair.

J. SSL Inspection Sessions: Support at least 7 Million concurrent SSL inspection sessions per appliance/HA pair.

K. Threat Protection Throughput: Minimum 40 Gbps throughput with key security services enabled (e.g., NGFW Threat Protection).

L. Segmentation: Support at least 500 security zone segments.

M. Operating System: Must run a hardened OS on a dedicated hardware appliance (not virtualized) using stream-based inspection.

N. Certification: Must possess ICSA Labs certification or equivalent.

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O. Verification: Provide 3rd party test reports (e.g., NSS Labs) substantiating minimum performance claims.

OPERATION MODE:

A. Control: Support zone-based ACLs, policy-based NAT/PAT, and operate in routing/NAT mode.

B. Protection: Include Flood/DoS mitigation, TCP reassembly, SYN cookie, IP spoofing, and malformed packet protection.

C. Flexibility: Support transparent, tap, Layer 2, and Layer 3 modes; support 802.1Q VLAN tagging in all applicable modes.

D. Bandwidth: Support standard link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad) and logical tagged/untagged Ethernet interfaces.

E. Routing: Support static, RIPv2, OSPF, and BGPv4 (with MD5 authentication) routing protocols.

F. Forwarding: Support policy-based forwarding (based on zone, source/destination port, application, user/group via AD/LDAP/RADIUS).

G. Management: Support SNMPv3.

H. Updates: Signature updates must be automatic. Firmware/software updates must be non-disruptive (via HA for ESC).

HIGH AVAILABILITY (HA) - ESC Pair Only:

A. Mode: Support Active/Active HA.

B. Security: Encrypt HA heartbeat and control traffic.

C. Synchronization: Synchronize sessions, certificates, VPN SAs, signatures, configurations, and FIB tables between HA members.

REPORTING:

A. Appliance: Include a separate, robust centralized reporting appliance (physical or virtual) providing end-to-end traffic visibility.

B. Reports: Offer diverse canned and customizable reports/logs with near real-time data visibility.

C. Detail: Generate reports based on applications, URLs, IPs, devices, users, threats, or combinations thereof, including detailed user web history.

D. Scheduling: Support manual ad-hoc and scheduled (daily, weekly, monthly) report generation.

E. Export: Reports must be exportable (CSV, PDF) and emailable on a schedule.

POLICY BASED CONTROLS:

Support policy control based on: Port/Protocol, Application/Category, User/Group, IP Address, Country Code; support SSL decryption and IPv4/IPv6/Multicast rules.

LAYER 7 APPLICATION CONTROL/SECURITY POLICY:

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A. Identification: Classify Layer 7 applications across all ports, regardless of evasion tactics.

B. Database: Provide a searchable, up-to-date application list with details. Dynamic updates must not require reboot/restart.

C. Blocking: Provide customizable block pages for end-users.

D. User Integration: Support user/group identification (AD, LDAP, RADIUS) for application policy enforcement.

ANTIVIRUS / ANTI-SPYWARE / VULNERABILITY THREAT PROTECTION:

A. Inspection: Use single-pass, stream-based inspection for AV/AS threats.

B. Exploit Prevention: Block known network and application-layer vulnerability exploits. Database updates must be dynamic without requiring reboot/restart.

VPN:

A. Site-to-Site: Support up to 40,000 IPsec site-to-site tunnels.

B. SSL VPN: Support up to 30,000 concurrent SSL VPN user sessions.

C. Client Support: SSL VPN client required must support Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and Android minimum.

D. Deployment: Include a reliable method/platform for deploying SSL VPN clients and policies.

E. Traffic Routing: SSL VPN clients must route ALL internet traffic through the firewall for inspection.

F. Authentication: Authorize, identify, and authenticate SSL VPN users/devices, integrating with Microsoft Active Directory (MS AD) groups.

DATA FILTERING:

Support file identification by signature (not extension) and unpack zipped files for inspection.

USER IDENTITY AWARENESS:

A. Policy: Create security policies based on AD Users/Groups in addition to IP addresses.

B. Identification Methods: Support agentless user identification. Must include multiple methods like AD integration (plugin/SSO agent), RADIUS accounting integration, and a web-based captive portal.

Correlate logs with user identity in real-time. Separate solutions for user ID support are acceptable.

C. Authentication Services: Support AD, LDAP, RADIUS, Kerberos, and client certificates.

SSL/SSH DECRYPTION:

A. Performance: Identify, decrypt, and inspect SSL/SSH Layer 7 traffic with minimal user impact.

B. Exemptions: Allow exemptions from decryption based on categories, users, and specific sites.

C. Modes: Support decryption in tap, transparent, Layer 2, and Layer 3 modes.

D. Certificate Authority: Utilize certificates issued by the District's Microsoft CA.

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IDS/IPS:

Configure integrated IDS/IPS capabilities using multiple application classification mechanisms based on deep packet inspection.

MODERN MALWARE PREVENTION:

A. Automation: Support automated signature generation for newly discovered malware.

B. Control: Provide in-line blocking of malware infection and command/control traffic (inbound and outbound).

C. Sandboxing: Utilize a cloud-based virtualized sandbox environment to execute and analyze unknown files across multiple OS/application versions.

D. File Types: Support analysis of major file types (PE, MS Office, PDF, Java, APK).

BANDWIDTH MANAGEMENT/TRAFFIC SHAPING:

Prioritize, guarantee minimum, set maximum, or restrict bandwidth based on categories, URLs, IP addresses, MS AD groups, and users.

INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (IPv6) REQUIREMENTS:

A. Co-existence: Support simultaneous IPv4 and IPv6 operation.

B. Information: Detail any additional requirements (patches, licenses, hardware, services) needed for full IPv4/IPv6 co-existence.

C. Vendor Qualification: Vendor must demonstrate qualifications and experience in designing and implementing IPv4/IPv6 firewall configurations and projects, utilizing certified personnel for the proposed solution.

All equipment must be new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM); used or refurbished equipment is unacceptable.

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND AWARD.

The recommendation of the Evaluation Committee is advisory only and shall be submitted to the superintendent for review and recommendation for action to the School Board of Seminole County, Florida. The Superintendent reserves the right to recommend that all submittals be rejected, and a new ITN be issued or to submit such other recommendation to the School Board that the Superintendent deems to be in the best interest of the School Board.

In accordance with Florida Statute 286.0113, the oral interviews, presentations, and evaluation committee meetings will be exempt from the public meeting requirement (F.S. 286.011) in cases where the following activities occur:

1. Any portion of a meeting at which a negotiation with a vendor is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation, at which a vendor makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation, or at which a vendor answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation are exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.

2. Any portion of a team meeting at which negotiation strategies are discussed is exempt from s.

286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution.

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A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record. The recording of, and any records presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever occurs earlier.

1. SCORING THE PROPOSALS.

A. The Evaluation Committee shall consist of a representative of the Business Advisory

Committee, a School Board Member (Non-voting member), Director of Information Services, Supervisor, I.S. Operations, Administrator, IS Network Architecture, Administrator, IS Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Security Analyst, and Procurement Agent (Non-voting member). The Purchasing Department will facilitate the process and be the point of contact for all issues. No attempt should be made by Proposers to contact or influence any committee member directly or indirectly. The Evaluation Committee shall score the entire process.

B. An adjectival scoring system shall be applied throughout the evaluation process for the evaluation of the written responses and the oral presentation/informal interviews. A score of zero (0) is the least favorable and a score of four (4) is the most favorable in all sections.

C. The Respondent’s response will be scored by Evaluation Committee members in accordance with the following scale:

0 = Unsatisfactory: Not responsive to the question.

1 = Below Minimum Standards: Responsive to the question but below acceptable standards.

2 = Marginal: Minimal acceptable performance standards and responsive to the question.

3 = Satisfactory: Above minimum performance, Effective and Responsive to the question.

4 = Exceeds Expectations for effectiveness and responsiveness to the question.

NOTE: The Evaluation Committee member’s score will be multiplied by the “weighted value” assigned to the different sections listed here, resulting in the total score for that section.

2. CRITERIA AND WEIGHTS. The weight for each criterion is indicated in parenthesis for each section and is the multiplier that will be applied to the scoring as indicated in 1. B. and 1.C.

above.

V. WRITTEN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS.

Proposer shall upload one (1) digital electronic portable document format (PDF) proposal to the VendorLink portal (https://www.myvendorlink.com/) no later than the date and time specified on page 1, of this solicitation. Each response shall be organized and presented in the following sequence and will include the following as a minimum:

Tab 1 – Proposer’s Profile and Submittal Letter – (Non-Scored)

a. ITN Submittal Letter signed by authorized agent of the business/corporation with proof of authorization from business.

b. A brief profile of the Proposer, including:

1. A brief history of the business, 25260036N-AZ Page 9 of 39 Rev. 10-23-24

2. Organizational structure of business,

3. Ownership interests,

4. Active business venues (counties, states, etc.),

5. Present status and projected direction of business,

6. Designation of the legal entity by which the business operates and documentation from the appropriate state’s agency, andProposer’s legal entity type (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation, Limited Liability Corporation, etc.).

Proposers who are required to be registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations or who are incorporated within the State of Florida must furnish their Florida document number, and a screen shot of their “active” status. All registered Proposers must have an active status in order to be eligible to do business with the School Board. Proposers doing business under a fictitious name, on page 1, must submit their offer using the company’s complete registered legal name; example: ABC, Inc. d/b/a XYZ Company. To register with the State of Florida, visit: www.Sunbiz.org. For non-Florida businesses, submit documentation from the state in which the business was formed, including their state’s document number and a screen shot of their current, date-identified “active” status.

Tab 2 – Experience of Personnel / Satisfying Scope of Services– (Weighted Value 5)

The overall qualifications/resumes of the key personnel providing the service requested, including firewall data migration, implementation and training, and experience in services herein addressed.

Tab 3 – Technical Approach and Compliance with Specifications – (Weighted Value 30)

The Proposer’s ability to illustrate its understanding of the task, its approach to completing the task, and its ability to comply with specifications in ITN Section III., Scope of Work or Services (pages 3 thru 7). Provide implementation plan and supporting documents.

Tab 4 – Technical Support Services – (Weighted Value 15)

A. Describe your ticketing process for low, high, and urgent priority support requests.

B. How would the District submit tickets and how are these tickets monitored and tracked?

C. What is the response time for tickets during business hours, non-business hours, holidays, and emergency situations?

D. Where is the primary support call center located?

E. Does the ticketing system allow for individual staff accounts with ticket history?

F. Does the support site have live chat capability?

Tab 5 – References – (Weighted Value 5)

Provide a minimum of three (3) references from owner representatives for projects that Proposer has provided or is providing services which are similar in scope to this ITN. Reference forms shall be current, dated within one (1) year of this solicitation. The reference from the owner representative must be provided on Attachment “I”, Reference Form and include details regarding your Proposer’s role, level of service provided, etc. Forms from School Board of Seminole County staff shall not be considered.

Tab 6 – Price Schedule (Weighted Value 40)

The fee schedule proposed for the services (Exhibit B – Price Schedule) as outlined in this ITN and clarified through addenda. This is the initial pricing. The short-listed firms may be provided with the opportunity to submit a Best and Final Fee Schedule as defined in the definitions and in Section VI, Oral Interview or Presentation Evaluation Criteria, Item 4. Any ineligible E-Rate product(s), service(s), or component(s) bundled with eligible products or services must be listed separately from the eligible products or services. Prices for these ineligible products or services must be allocated out of the price

25260036N-AZ Page 10 of 39 Rev. 10-23-24 for the eligible services. Allocations must comply with USAC rules which specify that the allocation methodology must be based on tangible criteria and reach a realistic result.

Tab 7 – Confidential Materials, Bond, Audited Financial Statements, and Litigation Information

- Weighted Value: Pass/Fail (a score of Fail for this section will disqualify your submittal).

Confidential materials shall be submitted in this section – any materials that Respondent asserts as “trade secrets” shall be segregated, clearly labeled and accompanied by an executed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Confidential Materials (Attachment “E”) and provided in a separate envelope and/or flash drive.

A. Financial Stability. Each Respondent is required to submit documentation to demonstrate that their business is fiscally and operationally sound, with sufficient human and financial resources necessary to (1) fulfill the implicit and explicit contractual obligations identified in this solicitation and (2) provide the level of services required by the specifications that result from the solicitation process. Respondent shall submit the following documentation with their submittal to avoid disqualification.

Respondents are required to submit the following checked items (if both 1 and 2 are checked then Respondent may submit either 1 or 2):

1. Preferred Documentation: Respondent shall provide a commitment letter from their surety with their submittal. Commitment letter shall:

a. be written by a surety that (1) holds a certificate of authority authorizing it to write surety bonds in Florida with a minimum A.M. Best’s Rating of “A-” (or industry equivalent),

b. be on the surety’s letterhead,

c. be countersigned by a licensed Florida agent appointed by the surety, and

d. state that the surety will provide a fidelity bond. The actual amount of the fidelity bond will be established during the negotiation phase.

The surety shall also maintain a current certificate of authority as an acceptable surety on Federal bonds in accordance with U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570, current revision. If the amount of the bond exceeds the underwriting limitations set forth in Circular 570, in order to qualify, the net retention of the surety company shall not exceed the underwriting limitation in Circular 570 and the surety shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Board that the amount in excess of the net retention is protected by co-insurance, reinsurance, or other methods in accordance with Treasury Circular 297, Revised September 1, 1978 (31 CFR Section 223.10, Section 223.11).

IMPORTANT: The required value of the bond may increase or decrease during the negotiation phase and/or contract term if the contract value changes. SBSC shall determine the actual amount of the bond, based upon the final specifications agreed in the award. Surety will be required to provide fidelity bond through a licensed Florida agent within ten

(10) days after the Board’s approval of the final agreement.

2. Substitute Documentation: Audited Financial Statements.

a. Submit the Respondent’s two (2) most recent fiscal years’ complete, audited Financial

Statements, including income statement, balance sheet, statement of owner’s equity, statement of cash flows, management analysis and discussion, and financial notes sections.

b. Provide the name, title, address and phone number of the financial officer of the Respondent responsible for providing this information.

c. The Respondent’s audited financial statements will be evaluated by the District’s Chief Financial Officer(s) and/or designee(s) to determine the Respondent’s ability to meet the implicit and explicit contractual obligations identified in this solicitation and provide the level of services required by the specifications that result from the solicitation process.

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3. No Financial Documentation Required.

Pending Litigation Disclosure. Each respondent is required to provide disclosure of any current or pending litigation on the Respondent’s letterhead. Respondent shall disclose any material changes in the business operations of the Respondent, including without limitation any pending bankruptcy proceedings, bankruptcies, receiverships, mergers, acquisitions, stock acquisitions or spin-offs which have occurred within the last three (3) years and any material pending or threatened litigation. If appropriate, discuss the impact of these changes on the Respondent’s financial or managerial ability to perform the noted tasks under this Contract.

Tab 8 – Exceptions to Draft Services Agreement (Non-Scored)

Provide any exceptions to the District’s standard agreement (Attachment “L”). While the School Board reserves the right to negotiate any term or condition during the negotiation process, the Proposer agrees that its offer assumes that the terms and conditions of the draft contract apply. The School Board reserves the right to reject any proposed exception to the District’s standard agreement or any other agreements Proposer requests the School Board to incorporate into the final contract resulting from this ITN. In addition, Proposers must provide any and all documentation or agreements that you anticipate requesting the School Board to incorporate into the final agreement or sign as a result of this ITN award.

Tab 9 – Addenda (Non-Scored)

Any addenda issued subsequent to the release of this solicitation must be signed and returned with the Proposer’s proposal. Failure to return signed addenda may be cause for the proposal to be considered non-responsive.

Tab 10 – Required Documents (Non-Scored)

Insurance Coverage: Attach evidence of required insurance coverage or proof of insurability in the amounts indicated in Attachment “L” Draft Services Agreement. If available, a properly completed ACORD Form is preferable. Final forms must contain the correct solicitation and/or project number and School Board of Seminole County, Florida contact person. Proposers that have owner/operators that have filed a "Notice of Election to be Exempt" shall submit a copy with the proposal. Incorporated and unincorporated Proposers that qualify for an exemption under the Florida Worker’s Compensation law in Chapter 440 Florida Statutes shall submit an executed waiver relieving the School District of liability in the event they are injured while providing goods and/or services to the School District.

Respondent shall provide the following documents in order listed below (Non-Scored):

Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) & Proposal Acknowledgement (page 1) Attachment “B” Drug Free Workplace Certification Attachment “C” Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions Attachment “D” Conflict of Interest Form: All respondents shall properly complete, have notarized and attach with their proposal the attached notarized disclosure statement.

Attachment “E” Non-Disclosure Agreement for Confidential Materials.

All materials that qualify as “trade secrets” shall be segregated, clearly labeled and accompanied by an executed Non-disclosure Agreement for Confidential Materials shall be submitted in this section.

Attachment “F” Certification Statement - Prohibition against Contracting with Scrutinized Companies Attachment “G” Emergency/Storm Related Catastrophe Agreement Attachment “H” Prohibition Against Contingent Fees Attachment "J” Vendor Affidavit Regarding the Use of Coercion for Labor and Services

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Attachment "K” Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment Certification (if required)

VI. INTERVIEW AND/OR PRESENTATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

After an evaluation of the written proposals, the evaluation committee may conduct interviews or presentations from a short list of vendors. If this is determined, your company will be contacted for the interview or presentation, which may occur on the date listed in Attachment “A.” Again, this is an optional interview or presentation that will be determined by the evaluation committee.

VII. SCORING: An adjectival scoring system shall be applied throughout the evaluation process for the evaluation of the written responses and the oral presentation/informal interviews. A score of zero (0) is the least favorable and a score of four (4) is the most favorable in all sections.

The Proposer’s interview, presentation, demonstration, etc. will be scored by Committee members in accordance with the following scale:

0 = Unsatisfactory: Not responsive to the question.

1 = Below Minimum Standards: Responsive to the question but below acceptable standards.

2 = Marginal: Minimal acceptable performance standards and responsive to the question.

3 = Satisfactory: Above minimum performance, Effective and Responsive to the question.

4 = Exceeds Expectations for effectiveness and responsiveness to the question.

All presentations shall include at minimum:

1. Relevant Experience – (Weighted Value 15) The Proposer’s demonstration of its’ experience with Florida School Boards and/or other political subdivisions.

2. Approach, Methodology and Compliance with Specifications – (Weighted Value 30) The Proposer’s demonstration of its’ approach, methodology and compliance with technical specifications detailed in ITN Section III., Scope of Work or Services.

3. Technical Support Services – (Weighted Value 15) The Proposer’s demonstration of Technical Support Services.

4. Best and Final Offer (BAFO) Fee Schedule – (Weighted Value 40) The best and final fee schedule proposed for the services as outlined in this ITN, clarified through addenda and short-list meeting discussions. The BAFO should be delivered to the Purchasing Representative as instructed in writing by the Purchasing Representative. The School Board reserves the right to ask for multiple BAFOs.

ATTACHMENTS

“A” ITN Tentative Schedule of Events “B” Drug Free Workplace Certification Form “C” Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier

Covered Transactions “D” Conflict of Interest “E” Non-Disclosure Agreement for Confidential Materials “F” Certification Statement Prohibition against Contracting with Scrutinized Companies “G” Emergency/Storm Related Catastrophe Agreement “H” Prohibition Against Contingent Fees “I” Reference Form “J” Vendor Affidavit Regarding the Use of Coercion for Labor and Services “K” Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment Certification (if required) “L” Draft Services Agreement (Separate Document)

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Exhibits to Draft Services Agreement:

“B” Price Schedule “C” Report of Unsatisfactory Materials and/or Service

GENERAL PURCHASING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

***Please Read Carefully***

These general terms will apply to all purchases by the District as a result of an award hereunder. In the event of a conflict between this section and subsequent sections herein, the provisions of any subsequent sections shall be specific to the goods or services requested and shall have precedence.

The titles used are for convenience only; the Proposer is responsible for understanding and complying with all terms and conditions herein.

1. DEFINITIONS.

A. The School Board of Seminole County, Florida may be referred to as the “Board,” “School Board,” “District,” or “SBSC” herein. The School Board of Seminole County, Florida (“SBSC”) is also known as “Seminole County Public Schools” (“SCPS”).

B. The term “Proposer” shall refer to the company, individual, or organization that responded to this solicitation.

C. The term “Contractor” shall refer to any successful awardees hereunder.

D. The terms “Proposal” and “Submittal” shall refer to the documents provided by the

Proposer in response to this solicitation.

2. DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS. The School Board of Seminole County Florida (SBSC) has approximately 10,000 employees and over 67,000 students. The District currently operates a total of 78 schools and ancillary facilities.

3. CONTACT / LOBBYING. All questions for additional information regarding this ITN must be directed to the designated Procurement Agent noted on page one. Prospective Proposers, their employees, agents or representatives shall not contact nor lobby any member of the Seminole County School Board, Superintendent, members of the Evaluation Committee, or staff regarding this ITN prior to posting of the final tabulation and award recommendation on the website. Any such contact shall be cause for disqualification and rejection of your proposal.

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Proposer is subject to the provisions of Chapter 112 Florida Statutes. The Proposer must disclose with their response the name of any company owner, officer, director, agent or representative who is also an employee of the School Board or their immediate family which owns any interest of any amount in the Proposer’s company, partnership, or agency.

5. POSTING OF ITN CONDITIONS/SPECIFICATIONS. This ITN will be posted for review by interested parties on the VendorLink website and this link can be located on the District’s website: https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/ and will remain posted up to and including the Due Date of this ITN. In accordance with Florida Statutes 120.57(3), with respect to a protest of the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in a solicitation, including any provisions governing the methods for ranking bids, proposals, or replies, awarding contracts, reserving rights of further negotiation, or modifying or amending any contract, the notice of protest shall be filed in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the solicitation. Failure to file a specification protest within the time prescribed in Florida Statutes 120.57(3) will constitute a waiver of proceeding under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/

25260036N-AZ Page 14 of 39 Rev. 10-23-24

6. ADDENDA, CLARIFICATIONS & INTERPRETATIONS.

A. Any questions concerning terms, conditions or specifications will be directed to the designated Procurement Agent referenced on the Proposer’s Acknowledgement. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies shall be brought to the attention of the designated Procurement Agent in writing at least ten (10) workdays prior to the due date of the ITN.

Failure to do so, on the part of the Proposer will constitute an acceptance by the Proposer of any consequent decision.

B. An addendum to the ITN shall be issued and posted for those interpretations that may affect the eventual outcome of this ITN. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to assure the receipt of all addendum issued. No person is authorized to give oral interpretations of, or make oral changes to the ITN. Therefore oral statements given before the ITN due date will not be binding. The School Board will consider no interpretations binding unless provided for by issuance of an addendum. Addenda will be posted on the VendorLink website and this link can be located on the District’s website:

https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/ at least five workdays prior to the due date. The Proposer shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda by signing and enclosing said addenda with their proposal.

C. The School Board reserves the right to seek clarifications and any information deemed necessary for proper evaluation of submissions from all Proposers deemed eligible for Contract award, and for the Proposer to withdraw items with obvious mistakes.

7. ITN OPENING AND FORM. ITN openings will be public on the date and time specified on the Proposer’s Acknowledgment form. All proposals received after the time indicated will be rejected as non-responsive and returned unopened to sender. It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure their proposal is received timely; SBSC is not responsible for late or missed delivery by third party delivery services. Proposals by Email, fax, telegram, or verbally by telephone or in person will not be accepted. The public opening will acknowledge receipt of the proposals only, details concerning pricing or the offering will not be announced.

8. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTATION & PUBLIC RECORDS. Meetings involving Oral Presentations by Proposers or negotiations are closed to the Public. Responses to this solicitation, and recordings of oral presentations or negotiations shall become “public records” upon award recommendation or thirty (30) days after opening the final replies, whichever is earlier and shall be subject to public disclosure consistent with Chapter 119 Florida Statutes.

Proposers must invoke the exemptions to disclosure provided by law in response to this solicitation, and must identify the data and other material to be protected, and must state the reasons why such exclusion from public disclosure is necessary.

9. SOLICITATION CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY, OR TRADE SECRET MATERIAL.

A. Public Record. All responses received in response to this solicitation shall be considered a public record pursuant to Chapter 119 Florida Statutes.

B. Redacted Copies. The Proposer must clearly identify any portion of the documents, data or records submitted in response to this solicitation to be confidential, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119 Florida Statutes, the Florida Constitution or other authority. The Proposer must also simultaneously provide the School Board with a separate redacted hard copy and electronic copy of its response.

1) The redacted copies shall contain the School Board’s solicitation name, number, and the name of Proposer on the cover, and shall be clearly titled “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copies shall be provided to the School Board at the same time Proposer submits its response to the solicitation and must only exclude or obliterate those exact portions which are claimed confidential, proprietary, or trade secret.

2) Proposer shall be responsible for defending its determination that the redacted portions of its response are confidential, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure. Further, Proposer shall protect, defend and indemnify the School

25260036N-AZ Page 15 of 39 Rev. 10-23-24

Board for any and all claims from or relating to Proposers determination that the redacted portions of its response are confidential, proprietary, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure.

3) If the Proposer fails to submit Redacted Copies with its response, the Department is authorized to produce the entire documents, data or records submitted by Proposer in response to a public records request for these records.

C. Public Meetings/Evaluations. All evaluations of solicitations are subject to discussion at public meetings. If during the course of the evaluation, pertinent facts cannot be disclosed or discussed in a public forum due to the Proposer’s designating such materials as confidential, the Proposer’s submittal may be deemed non-responsive and rejected from further consideration of award and any rights to protest is thereby waived.

10. ITN TABULATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND PROTEST. ITN Tabulations with award recommendations are posted on the VendorLink website and this link can be located on the District’s website: https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/. Failure to file a protest within 72 hours after the posting of the notice of intended decision, the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3) Florida Statutes, will constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes and School Board Rules. ITN tabulations or recommendations will not be mailed. SBSC Board Policy #6326 Bid Protests may be found online at https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/school-board/policies-procedures/.

11. ITN PREPARATION COSTS. Neither the School Board nor its representatives shall be liable for any expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of a response to this ITN.

12. PRICING / TAXES. All pricing shall be based on FOB Seminole County Florida and will include all packaging, handling, shipping charges, and delivery to any point within Seminole County Florida to a secure area or inside delivery. The School Board is exempt and does not pay Federal Excise and State of Florida sales taxes.

13. TERMS OF PAYMENT / INVOICING. The normal terms of payment will be Net 30 Days from receipt and acceptance of goods or services and Contractor’s invoice. Itemized invoices bearing the Purchase Order Number must be mailed on the day of shipment. Invoicing subject to cash discounts will be mailed on the day that they are dated.

14. WARRANTY. All goods and services furnished by the Contractor, relating to and pursuant to this ITN will be warranted to be free of defects, meet or exceed the Specifications contained herein, and fit for the intended use. In the event of breach, the Contractor will take all necessary action, at Contractor s expense, to correct such breach in the most expeditious manner possible.

15. INDEMNIFICATION. The Contractor agrees to indemnify and save harmless the School Board, its officers, agents and employees from and against any and all claims and liabilities (including expenses) for injury or death of persons or damage to any property which may result, in whole or in part, from any act or omission on the part of the Contractor, its agents, employees, or representatives, or are arising from any Contractor furnished goods or services, except to the extent that such damage is directly and solely due to the negligence of the School Board.

16. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITIY / LIMITED LIABILITY. Notwithstanding any provision herein or attached hereto, nothing shall be construed as a waiver of SBSC’s rights and sovereign immunities under Florida Statutes. SBSC damages shall be limited in accordance and to the extent allowed by §768.28 Florida Statute.

17. LAWS AND REGULATIONS. Contractors will comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws, statutes and ordinances including, but not limited to the rules, regulations and https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/ https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/comp-solicitations-contracts/ https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/school-board/policies-procedures/ https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/school-board/policies-procedures/

25260036N-AZ Page 16 of 39 Rev. 10-23-24 standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Federal Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated under these Acts.

Contractors agree not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, sex, religion, color, age or national origin. Lack of knowledge of applicable laws, statutes and ordinances by the Proposer shall not constitute a cognizable defense against actual or potential damages caused thereby.

18. GOVERNING LAW & VENUE. All agreements as a result of an award hereto and all extensions and modifications thereto and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance or enforcement shall be governed and construed in conformance to the laws of the State of Florida. In the event of a legal proceeding, the venue for state court shall be in Seminole County Florida or for federal court be United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.

19. CONTRACTOR’S EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECK. All service provider/contractor employees that require access to school campuses must be cleared by SBSC or an appropriate agency and wear a current and appropriate picture identification badge.

Contractors hereunder shall comply with the required background check of employees and with any requirements regarding the wearing of PPE equipment as may be applicable and failure to comply shall be considered a material breach of contract.

A. Clearance by SBSC: Contractor will comply with the requirements of the Jessica

Lunsford Act §1012.465 Florida Statute in regards to fingerprinting and level 2 background screenings of all applicable employees and any subcontractor employees.

Refer to “Vendor Information” at https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/purchasing/ for SBSC for Background Check Requirements.

B. Clearance by Others: Pursuant to §1012.468 Florida Statute, Contractor employee have been cleared by another agency and must already possess a uniform statewide identification badge issued by the agency.

20. CONTRACTOR’S PUBLIC RECORDS. Pursuant to §119.0701 Florida Statutes, “Contractors” as defined by statute that enter into a contract for services with the…