25PSX0124_Jul_7_25_solicitation_doc.pdf

Solicitation Number: 25PSX0124

On-Demand Remote Interpretation Services

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

State of CT - DAS Procurement

April 23, 2025 - May 14, 2025

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General Header Information

25PSX0124

No. 25PSX0124 Title: On-Demand Remote Interpretation Services Start Date: April 23, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM EDT End Date: May 14, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM EDT Vendor Q&A Start Date: April 23, 2025 at 2:15:00 PM EDT Vendor Q&A End Date: April 30, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM EDT Estimated Total Value:

Who can respond to this bid? : All Vendors Description: This Solicitation is for on-demand remote interpretation services

(Telephone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Interpretation (VRI)) for non- English speaking individuals, at the request of all using State agencies and Political Subdivisions.

Services must be available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, three hundred sixty-five (365) days a year (24/7) on an as-needed basis.

Delivery Terms: Free On Board Destination Payment Terms: Vendor Specified Contact Information: State of CT - DAS Procurement

Lynn Peccerillo-Hills 450 Columbus Blvd Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: (860) 713-5255 lynn.peccerillo@ct.gov

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

Lynn Peccerillo-Hills 450 Columbus Blvd Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: (860) 713-5255 lynn.peccerillo@ct.gov

Selected Categories:

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Header Custom Fields:

25PSX0124

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

Instructions Instructions IMPORTANT: The following electronic signature requires supplier agreement in order to respond to a solicitation. The individual submitting this electronic signature must be authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the company and must be listed as such in the company's corporate resolution/vendor authorization documents. Please keep in mind that the person listed as "authorized" must be the same person submitting their electronic signature when completing their company's submittal.

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN SOLICITATIONS ON

BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:

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

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

I agree,I disagree

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

I agree,I disagree

SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

Solicitations" for additional guidance.

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource

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

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

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Solicitation Requirements:

25PSX0124

SOLICITATION OVERVIEW

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

The contract resulting from this Solicitation replaces the following contract award(s) in part or in total contract #19PSX0042.

SOLICITATION OBJECTIVES

Description of Objectives

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General Requirements

The awarded vendor shall provide on-demand remote interpretation services (Telephone

Interpretation (OPI) and Video Interpretation (VRI)for non-English speaking individuals at the request of using State Agency. These services must be made available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year on an as-needed basis.

All services must be delivered in full compliance with this Solicitation, and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Additionally, services must meet the specifications and performance expectations outlined in

"Exhibit A - Description of Deliverables" document included within this Solicitation.

The resulting contract will be available for use by all state agencies, political subdivisions and other eligible entities of the State.

Contract Usage and Participating Entities

Combined State agencies spend over $600,000 annually on on-demand remote interpreting services. This amount does not include spending by political subdivisions or other eligible entities of the State.

Note: The $600,000 figure is based on historical usage under contract #19PSX0042. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent a guaranteed spending level for the resulting contract from this Solicitation.

The following is a partial list of entities that currently utilize the existing contract. This is not exhaustive and does not include all current or potential future users of the resulting contract:

•Department of Social Services

•Department of Children and Families

•Department of Public Safety

•Department of Public Health

•Department of Motor Vehicles

•Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services

For additional information regarding the current contract, please refer to contract #19PSX0042, which may be accessed through the CTsource Contract Board at the following link:

https://portal.ct.gov/das/ctsource/contractboard?language=en_US

You may search by entering the contract number or using relevant keywords.

Language Requirements https://portal.ct.gov/das/ctsource/contractboard?language=en_US

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The awarded vendor shall provide qualified interpreters for all languages, including but not limited to those listed in Attachment 1 – Usage of this Solicitation. This list reflects languages and dialects currently in use under Contract #19PSX0042 but is not a complete representation of all languages that may be required throughout the term of the resulting contract.

The awarded vendor shall be required to

•Monitor and adapt to evolving language and dialect needs throughout the contract term.

•Maintain sufficient staffing, technology, and resources to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.

•Promptly notify the contract users in writing of any limitations, resource shortages, or service delays that may affect performance.

SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS

Questions and Communication During the period from your organization’s receipt of this Solicitation, and until a contract is awarded, your organization shall not contact any employee of the State of Connecticut concerning this procurement except in writing directed to the individual listed as the contact for this Solicitation under the General Header information section of this Solicitation.

Questions for the purpose of clarifying this Solicitation must be submitted through the Solicitation

Q&A Center in CTsource.

Questions must be received by the Vendor Q&A end date listed under the General Header

Information section of this solicitation.

Answers to questions received within the specified time frame will be posted as an Addendum.

For instructions refer to the “Vendor Q&A Center/Collaborate” section of the “Supplier Solicitation and Response and Addenda guide” located on the CTSource Resource page:

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTsource-Resources/Bid-Board-Resource

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

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

Brand Name Specifications or References https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTsource-Resources/Bid-Board-Resource

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

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

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

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

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

Required References Contractor shall provide references from separate organizations as required in the Questionnaire tab.

ITB Solicitation Standard Terms and Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

Submission of ITB Responses:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guaranty or Surety:

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

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

Samples:

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

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

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

Samples may be held for comparison with deliveries.

Award:

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

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

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

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

Contract:

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

Accordingly, contractors are notified as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statute, contractors are notified as follows:

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

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

Statutes as follows:

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

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

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

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

General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecticut General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. All prospective bidders, proposers or contractors have the right to contest the solicitation or an award determination in accordance with sections 4e-36, 4e-39 and 4e-40 of Connecticut General

Statutes.

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

I Agree,I Disagree

SOLICITATION SELECTION CRITERIA

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

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

a. Pricing

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

c. Bidder’s past performance

d. Bidder’s financial responsibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respondent consideration for this price preference.

Community Rehabilitation Products and Services Preference Connecticut General Statutes (“CGS”) Section 17a-796 allows for a preference for products made or manufactured by or services provided by persons with disabilities through community rehabilitation programs, and CGS Section 10-298c requires that the Department of Administrative Services fix a fair market price for all articles and services offered for sale by disabled persons. This solicitation is subject to this preference in accordance with the requirements of CGS Section 17a-796 and CGS Section 10-298c

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Questionnaire:

25PSX0124

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

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

Type TEXT Is Required Y

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

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

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

Type DROP DOWN Is Required Y

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

Type TEXT Is Required Y

List any relevant certifications, licenses, registrations etc. that qualifies your company to meet the requirements of this solicitation, if applicable. If not applicable type in N/A.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

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

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

Type YES/NO

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Is Required Y

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

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

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

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

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

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

Is Required Y

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

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

OSHA

Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

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

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

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Consulting Agreements Representation Description: SPECIAL INSTRUCTION: If the response to the question below is YES, no further action is required. If the response to the question below is NO and you are awarded the contract, the Consulting Agreements Representation section of the contract must be completed.

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4a-81, does the person signing the contract resulting from this solicitation represent to their best knowledge and belief and subject to the penalty of false statement as provided in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-157b, that the Contractor has NOT entered into any consulting agreements in connection with the resulting contract?

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Form 1. Campaign Contribution Certification Description: SPECIAL INSTRUCTION: Upload a current campaign contribution certification within your supplier account at the time of this solicitation response. The State Elections Enforcement Commission’s notice advises prospective state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions and is located at the Internet link https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin- PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 9-612, do you certify that a current campaign certification has been uploaded in your supplier account at the time of your solicitation response?

Type YES/NO

Reference 1

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Description: Provide a reference from an organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 1 organization name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

b. Reference 1 individual's name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 1 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 1 individual's telephone number:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

e. Reference 1 individual's email address:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Reference 2 Description: Provide a second reference from a different organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 2 organization name:

Type TEXT

b. Reference 2 individual's name:

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 2 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 2 individual's telephone number:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

e. Reference 2 individual's email address:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Reference 3 Description: Provide a third reference from a different organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 3 organization name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

b. Reference 3 individual's name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 3 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 3 individual's telephone number:

Type TEXT

e. Reference 3 individual's email address:

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

Service Requirements Description: Service Requirements

Respondents must submit prices for all services (line items) listed in Exhibit B. Incomplete pricing submissions will be deemed non-responsive.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Company Experience and Qualifications Description: Respondents must have a minimum of 5 years of experience providing reliable, on-demand, remote interpretation for both Telephone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Interpretation (VRI).

This experience must be for a similar scope of work performed for a federal or state government entity.

Respondents must provide 3 references for similar scope of work performed for a federal or state government entity.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Respondents must provide a brief history of the company, including an overview of the company's experience in providing the required services. This should include relevant details such as years in operation, key achievements, and any experience with similar contracts or services, particularly in government or related sectors.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Respondents must provide a copy of the company's Quality Assurance Plan.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Respondents must have provided 100,000 minutes of Telephone Interpretation and 10,000 minutes of Video Interpretation (VRI) service calls per month within the past year. Respondents must submit documentation supporting the ability to meet this requirement, which must be uploaded with bid submission.

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Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Respondents must ensure that interpreters are available in all critical languages and well-known languages, as well as for all languages and dialects listed in Attachment I. Respondents must submit documentation supporting the ability to meet this requirement, which must be uploaded with bid submission.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Provide a statement of the company’s financial stability.

Type ATTACHMENT Is Required Y

Interpreter Qualification and Certification Requirements Description: Respondents shall ensure access to interpreters that are qualified and professionally trained throughout the duration of the contract. Interpreters must meet national certification and professional training standards in healthcare, legal, or government-related services. Certifications may include but not be limited to:

Respondents must submit documentation supporting the ability to meet this requirement, which must be uploaded with bid submission.

The documentation should include but not be limited to a list of interpreters who will be working under the resulting contract;

relevant details about each interpreter’s certification and training, ensuring they meet the professional standards required for the contract. Highlight certifications training related to healthcare, legal and government-related services and proof of ongoing professional development or certification and renewals.

Type ATTACHMENT

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Documents:

25_0124 Bid Contract Documents.pdf

25_0124 Price Schedule.xlsx

Bid Contract Documents - Revised 05.05.2025.pdf

Price Schedule Revised 05.05.2025.xlsx

QA-25PSX0124_Answers 05.5.2025.pdf

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

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