REQUEST FOR QUOTATION AND QUALIFICATION

26-RFQQ-003

FOR

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE AND CLOUD RESALE SERVICES

BY

WASHINGTON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Released: January 21, 2026

State of Washington Microsoft Software and Cloud Resale Services Washington Technology Solutions Page 8 26-RFQQ-003

Table of Contents

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Business Objective

The objective of this Request for Quotation and Qualifications (RFQQ) is to establish a competitively acquired reseller contract(s) that can be used by Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) to purchase, on a resale basis, Microsoft IaaS and PaaS service types and offerings (e.g., Microsoft Azure) as well as SaaS service types or offerings (e.g., M365) and other Microsoft Cloud Service Provider (CSP) Products such as associated support services (e.g., Microsoft Unified Support) (collectively, “In-scope Resold CSP Products”).

This RFQQ is limited exclusively to Microsoft CSP Products.

This contract(s) arising from this RFQQ will be used by WaTech to purchase CSP Products and receive certain Services from the Vendor, which WaTech will then use to provide services to itself and certain other State agencies, commissions, and boards ("Participating State Agencies") in accordance with WaTech's statutory authority. WaTech will be the sole state contacting party for the Contract(s) arising out of this RFQQ.

RFQQ award will include the resale of the Microsoft products.

1.2 Background

WaTech established the Enterprise Cloud Computing Program (“ECCP”) to support and lead Washington State’s Cloud Smart strategy (the “State's Cloud Smart Strategy”). The purpose of the State's Cloud Smart Strategy is to accelerate the State’s adoption of cloud technologies and improve the resilience, security, innovation, scalability, and agility of State services. RCW 43.105.375 requires WaTech to lead a statewide approach to adopting cloud services, and the State's Cloud Smart Strategy lays out our approach to an efficient, integrated environment for Washington State.

Objective 4.1 in the State's Cloud Smart Strategy is a key pillar of the ECCP and provides as follows:

“In partnership with the Department of Enterprise Services and applicable resellers, [WaTech will] develop statewide technology contracts leveraging the state’s economies of scale that are available to all agencies.”

In furtherance of Objective 4.1, WaTech is conducting discussions with various providers to establish new state enterprise agreements (“CSP Contracts”) that will meet the ECCP’s enhanced requirements.

WaTech anticipates that it may be beneficial to transact purchases and consumption of the CSP Products included in one or more of the new CSP Contracts (i.e. the In-scope Resold CSP Products) via one or more resellers, rather than transact directly with one or more relevant cloud service providers. This RFQQ is intended to identify, assess, and select one or more resellers for that purpose.

1.3 Acquisition Authority

1.3.1 The Department of Enterprise Services ("DES") has authority over goods and services under RCW 39.26 and sets processes for procuring information technology based on the policies and standards set by the Technology Services Board. Chapter 43.41A of the Revised Code of Washington ("RCW") as amended establishes the Washington State Technology Services Board ("TSB"). While the TSB does not purchase for agencies, it establishes policies and standards addressing how the manner in which state agencies may acquire information technology equipment, software, and services.

1.3.2 RCW 39.26.100(2) provides WaTech with an exemption from the DES’ procurement rules and requirements. Specifically, the competitive procurement rules stated by Department of Enterprise Services do not apply to WaTech. Thus, WaTech is contracting for the following:

1.3.2.1 Services and activities that are necessary to establish, operate, or manage the state data center, including architecture, design, engineering, installation, and operation of the facility, that are approved by the Technology Services Board (TSB).

1.3.2.2 The acquisition of proprietary software for or part of the provision of services offered by WaTech.

1.3.2.3 The acquisition of information technology services necessary for or part of the provision of services offered by WaTech.

1.3.3 This RFQQ is issued in good faith. This RFQQ does not guarantee an award of any contract, nor does it represent any commitment by WaTech or the State to purchase whatsoever.

1.4 Contract Term

If a Contract is awarded, the Contract’s initial term shall be five (5) years commencing upon the date of execution by WaTech. After the initial term, WaTech may extend the Contract for up to five (5) additional years in increments from 1 or more years per renewal.

1.5 Definitions

“Apparently Successful Vendor” or “ASV” shall mean the Vendor(s) who best meets all the requirements of this RFQQ and is selected to provide the service.

“Business Days” or “Business Hours” shall mean Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, local time in Olympia, Washington, excluding Washington State holidays.

“Contract” shall mean the definitive written contract (including all of its schedules and exhibits) entered into by and between WaTech with one or more Vendors that best meets the requirements of this RFQQ. The Contract will include the General Terms and Conditions in Appendix B and will be subject to the relevant program agreements, order forms, and other terms and conditions from the CSP Contracts for the Microsoft providing the In-Scope Resold CSP Products.

“Cost of Goods Sold” shall mean, in relation to any CSP Product sold by Vendor, the direct costs actually and properly incurred by the Vendor in purchasing such CSP Product from the CSP after application of all discounts available to Vendor but before any Mark-up.

“Cloud Service Provider” or “CSP” means any third party that provides access to computing resources, software, storage, networking, or other IT capabilities through cloud-based infrastructure, platforms, or software services (including, without limitation, Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS))." For purposes of the RFQQ, CSP does not mean Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider or the CSP program administered by Microsoft.

“CSP Products” means licensed software (whether licensed on a perpetual, term or subscription basis, or provided as on-premises or software-as-a-service), infrastructure as a service, platform as a service, and other CSP services available for purchase by WaTech or Participating State Agencies under WaTech's arrangements with the applicable CSP (such as software support and maintenance)" (emphasis added). For purposes of the RFQQ, CSP Products do not include Microsoft products or services to sold by any Vendor through the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program.

“Desirable” or “(D)” shall mean the requirement is important but not mandatory. A Response must always be provided, but the Response will not be scored.

“Desirable Scored” or “(DS)” shall mean the requirement is important but not mandatory, Vendor must provide a Response but the Response will be scored.

“Mandatory” or “(M)” shall mean the Vendor must comply with the requirement, and the Response will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

“Mandatory Scored” or “(MS)” shall mean the Vendor must comply with the requirement, and the Response will be scored.

“Mark-up” shall mean the fee that Vendor charges for its resale Services and is equal to the Cost of Goods Sold multiplied by the Mark-up Percentage.

“Mark-up Percentage” shall mean the percentage used to determine the Mark-up fee.

"Microsoft CSP Products" mean any and all CSP Products commercially available from Microsoft Corp." For purposes of the RFQQ, Microsoft CSP Products do not include Microsoft products or services sold by any Vendor through the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program.

“Purchaser” shall mean the Washington State WaTech.

“RCW” means the Revised Code of Washington.

“Response” shall mean the written proposal submitted by Vendor to WaTech in accordance with this RFQQ. The Response shall include all written material submitted by Vendor as of the date set forth in the RFQQ schedule or as further requested by WaTech.

“Services” shall mean those such other value add or supportive services provided by Vendor relating to CSP Products, or the solicitation, selection, configuration, deployment, implementation, or financial management of CSP Products.

“Software” shall mean the object code version of computer programs Licensed pursuant to the Contract. Software also means the source code version, where provided by Vendor. Embedded code, firmware, internal code, microcode, and any other term referring to software residing in the Equipment that is necessary for the proper operation of the Equipment is not included in this definition of Software. Software includes all prior, current, and future versions of the Software and all maintenance updates and error corrections.

“State” shall mean the state of Washington.

"Order" means any order form, enrollment, or purchase order issued by Vendor or WaTech documenting specific CSP Products sold to WaTech, and the prices payable for such CSP Products by WaTech in accordance with this Agreement and subject to the Contract.

“Subcontractor” shall mean one not in the employment of Vendor, who is performing all or part of the Products under the resulting Contract under a separate contract with Vendor. The term “Subcontractor” means Subcontractor(s) of any tier.

“Vendor” shall mean a company, organization, or entity submitting a Response to this RFQQ.

“WaTech” shall mean the Washington Technology Solutions.

1.6 Multiple Award

While nothing in this RFQQ commits WaTech to award may, in its sole discretion, award a Contract to up to two (2) Vendors who meet all RFQQ requirements and offers the Software and Service at the best value to the State as detailed in Section 7 (Evaluation Process).

1.7 Quantity/Usage

Since the Contract resulting from this solicitation, if any, will be designated as “optional-use,” no guarantee of volume or usage can be given.

1.8 Overview of Solicitation Process

The evaluation process will comprise of successive steps of evaluation that will narrow the pool of competitors to assure only the highest scoring finalists’ move to the next Step in the evaluation process. WaTech, at its sole discretion, will determine the number of top scoring competitors to move to the next Step.

Step 1: A preliminary examination of the completeness and validity of responses. All responsive Vendors will move to Step 2.

Step 2: An evaluation to determine compliance with requirements and financial evaluation. Only the top scoring Vendors will move to Step 3. The financial review will look at commercial risk and cost analysis of all pricing, terms and conditions contained within the Response. WaTech, in its sole discretion, will determine if it will conduct a Step 3, and the number of top scoring Vendors to move to the next Step. If WaTech elects to conduct a BAFO (Section 3.16), it will take place during this step.

Optional Step 3: Reference check. Step 3 is discretionary. If WaTech chooses to move forward with a Step 3, WaTech will conduct a reference check of the top scoring Vendors.

Step 4: Announce ASV.

Notwithstanding any other provisions in this RFQQ, WaTech reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject all Responses received without penalty and not to issue a Contract as a result of this RFQQ.

1.9 Funding

Any Contract awarded as a result of this procurement is contingent upon the availability of funding.

1.10 Award of Contract

After completing the evaluation phase of the process, WaTech desires to enter into contractual negotiations with one or more ASVs with a view to finalizing contracts using WaTech's form of contract as further described in Section 3 below. Award of a Contract will depend on a satisfactory outcome to the negotiations between WaTech and the ASVs.

1.11 Additional Products and Services

Additional products or services that are determined by WaTech to be appropriate to the scope of this acquisition may be added to the Contract.

State of Washington Microsoft Software and Cloud Resale Services Washington Technology Solutions Page 8 26-RFQQ-003

SECTION 2

SCHEDULE

This RFQQ is being issued under the following Schedule. The Response deadlines are mandatory and non-negotiable. Failure to meet any of the required deadlines will result in disqualification from participation. All times are local Olympia time.

Preproposal Conference

January 26, 2026 at 11:30am PST

WaTech reserves the right to revise the above schedule.

SECTION 3

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

COMPLIANCE WITH ALL SECTIONS OF SECTION 3 IS REQUIRED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.

3.1 Request for Quote Coordinator (Proper Communication)

Upon release of this RFQQ, all Vendor communications concerning this solicitation must be directed to the RFQQ Coordinator listed below. With the exception of the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, (reference Subsection 3.18), unauthorized contact regarding this solicitation with other state employees involved with the solicitation may result in disqualification. All oral communications will be considered unofficial and non-binding on the State. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFQQ Coordinator.

Jessica Smith, RFQQ Coordinator Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) 1500 Jefferson Street S.E.

P.O. Box 41501 Olympia, Washington 98504-1501 Telephone: (360) 407-8655 Email: jessica.smith@watech.wa.gov

3.2 Vendor Questions

It is the Vendor’s responsibility to remedy any ambiguity, inconsistency, error or omission within this document before submitting their Response. Vendors shall submit all requests to the contact above no later than 12:00 pm (noon) on the closing date stated in Section 2. An official written WaTech response will be provided for Vendor questions received by this deadline. Written responses to Vendor questions will be posted on the WaTech website: http://watech.wa.gov/procurement-announcements.

Vendors who wish to submit a response to this RFQQ may participate in an Optional Pre-Response Conference on the date and time identified in the Schedule (Section 2). Vendors are not required to attend in order to submit a Response. The Pre-Response Conference will be held virtually via Teams and WaTech will communicate the details (e.g. time and call-in info) of the Pre-Response Conference via amendment.

The purpose of this conference is to provide Vendors an opportunity to address questions they may have concerning the RFQQ. Verbal answers to additional Vendor questions at the time of the conference will be unofficial. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFQQ Coordinator.

3.3 Preproposal Conference

WaTech shall conduct a pre-proposal conference on the time and date provided in the Schedule, via a teleconference, which is also listed below. Attendance is not mandatory, however a pre-proposal amendment, and amended RFQ, if applicable, will be posted by the timeline stated in the Schedule.

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 291 351 839 604 11 Passcode: Tf359Ao2

Dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000,,312631225# United States, Olympia Find a local number Phone conference ID: 312 631 225#

3.4 Vendor Complaints Regarding Requirements and Specifications Vendors may submit specific complaints in writing to the RFQQ Coordinator, if Vendor believes requirements exist that unduly constrain competition. The complaint must be made in writing to the RFQQ Coordinator before the Response due date. The complaint must state how the requirement unduly constrains competition and provide the relevant facts, circumstances and documentation. The solicitation process may continue.

3.5 Response Contents

3.5.1 The Response must contain information responding to all mandatory requirements contained in this RFQQ, completed client references, and must include the signature of an authorized Vendor representative on all documents required in the appendices.

3.5.2 The Response should be submitted in two (2) volumes containing what is listed below. This separation of documentation protects the integrity of the State’s evaluation process. No mention of the cost response may be made in Volume 1.

Volume 1:

· Vendor’s cover letter explicitly acknowledging receipt of all RFQQ revisions issued, if any.

· The Response to the Vendor Requirements (Section 4).

· The Response to Technical and Service Requirements (Section 5).

Volume 2:

· The Responses to the Financial Requirements (Section 6) and Cost Model (Appendix E).

· Vendor’s signed and completed Certifications and Assurances (Appendix A).

· Vendor’s exceptions and/or proposed revisions to the General Terms and Conditions (Appendix B).

· Vendor’s MWBE Certification (Appendix C), if applicable.

3.5.3 Failure to provide any requested information in the prescribed format may result in disqualification of the Vendor.

3.6 Response Requirements

Please pay attention to the following:

The signature block in Certifications and Assurances (Appendix A), must be signed by a representative authorized to bind the company to the offer.

3.6.1 Vendor must respond to each requirement. Failure to comply with any applicable item may result in the Response being disqualified. In each requirement title is a designation indicating how the Response will be evaluated:

For Mandatory Requirements (M), the Response must always indicate explicitly whether or not the Vendor’s proposed Services meet the requirement. A statement, “(Vendor Name) has read, understands, and fully complies with this requirement” is acceptable, along with any additional information requested.

For Mandatory Scored (MS) and Desirable Scored (DS) items, the Response must always indicate explicitly whether or not the Vendor's proposed Services will accomplish each requirement or are desirable as it relates to the service(s) proposed.

3.6.2 Response prices must be submitted using the form provided. Separate price quotes attached to this document or submitted in some other form will not be accepted as a valid Response.

3.6.3 The Response, as well as any reference materials presented by Vendor, must be written in English and Vendor must provide all rates in United States dollars.

3.7 Delivery of Responses

3.7.1 All Responses must arrive via an attachment to e-mail to the RFQQ Coordinator at the email address above, on the Response due date and time stated in Section 2. Vendors should allow sufficient time to ensure timely receipt of the Response by the RFQQ Coordinator. Responses arriving in in the RFQQ Coordinator’s inbox after the time stated in Section 2 will be considered to be late Reponses, will not be accepted, and will automatically be disqualified from further consideration. The "receive date/time" posted by WaTech's email system will be used as the official time stamp but may not reflect the exact time received.

3.7.2 WaTech assumes no responsibility for delays caused by Vendor’s e-mail, network problems or any other party. All Responses must strictly adhere to the format and file naming conventions set forth herein. Zipped or otherwise compressed files cannot be received by WaTech and cannot be used for submission of Responses.

3.8 Cost of Response Preparation

WaTech will not reimburse Vendors for any costs associated with preparing or presenting a Response to this RFQQ.

3.9 Administrative Clarifications

WaTech reserves the right to contact Vendor for clarification of Response contents.

3.10 Proprietary Information/Public Disclosure

3.10.1 Any information contained in the Response that is proprietary or confidential must be clearly designated. Marking of the entire Response or entire sections of the Response as proprietary or confidential will not be accepted nor honored. WaTech will not accept Responses where pricing is marked proprietary or confidential, and the Response will be rejected.

3.10.2 To the extent consistent with Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Disclosure Act, WaTech shall maintain the confidentiality of Vendor’s information marked confidential or proprietary. If a request is made to view Vendor’s proprietary information, WaTech will notify Vendor of the request and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless Vendor obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If Vendor fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure, WaTech will release the requested information on the date specified.

3.10.3 The State’s sole responsibility shall be limited to maintaining the above data in a secure area and to notify Vendor of any request(s) for disclosure for so long as WaTech retains Vendor’s information in WaTech records. Failure to so label such materials or failure to timely respond after notice of request for public disclosure has been given shall be deemed a waiver by Vendor of any claim that such materials are exempt from disclosure.

3.11 Waive Minor Administrative Irregularities

WaTech reserves the right to waive minor administrative irregularities contained in any Response. Additionally, WaTech reserves the right, at its sole option, to make corrections to Vendors’ Responses when an obvious arithmetical error has been made in the price quotation. Vendors will not be allowed to make changes to their quoted price after the Response submission deadline.

3.12 Errors in Response

Vendors are liable for all errors or omissions contained in their Responses. Vendors will not be allowed to alter Response documents after the deadline for Response submission. WaTech is not liable for any errors in Responses. WaTech reserves the right to contact Vendor for clarification of Response contents.

3.13 Amendments/Addenda

WaTech reserves the right to change the Schedule or other portions of this RFQQ at any time. Any changes or corrections will be by one or more written amendment(s), dated, and attached to or incorporated in and made a part of this solicitation document. If there is any conflict between amendments, or between an amendment and the RFQQ, whichever document was issued last in time shall be controlling.

3.14 Right to Cancel

With respect to all or part of this RFQQ, WaTech reserves the right to cancel or reissue at any time without obligation or liability.

3.15 Contract Requirements

This RFQQ contains the General Terms and Conditions that WaTech will require for the Contract. The ASV(s) will be presented with the form of Contract prepared by WaTech, and the final Contract terms will be negotiated during Contract negotiations (see Section 7.11 (Contract Negotiations). In no event may any ASV provide its own standard contract or replacement for the General Terms and Conditions released with this RFQQ.

3.16 Incorporation of Documents into Contract

This solicitation document and the Response will be incorporated into any resulting Contract. The Contract will also be subject to the agreements between WaTech and the applicable CSPs governing the sale, use, ordering, and pricing of the In-Scope Resold CSP Products.

3.17 Best and Final Offer

3.17.1 During the Evaluation a BAFO may be requested when Responses submitted are unclear, have deficiencies, when additional information is needed in order to make a decision, or when all Responses are too high. If one vendor needs to provide additional information about the proposed solution, all vendors must be given an opportunity to provide information about the proposed solution.

3.17.2 While WaTech reserves the right to conduct a BAFO during this procurement process, Vendors shall propose their best possible offers at the outset of the ORIGINAL Response process, as there is no guarantee that any Response will be allowed an opportunity to submit a Best and Final Offer.

3.17.3 All vendors determined to by WaTech to be qualified to participate in a BAFO will be given a fair opportunity to submit revised Responses. Vendors chosen to receive a Best and Final Offer Invitation will be provided with the same information and submission requirements and the evaluation criteria.

3.17.4 If a Vendor does not submit a Best and Final Offer, its immediate previous offer will be considered as its Best and Final Offer (unless a bid withdrawal has been accepted).

3.17.5 After receiving Best and Final Offers, WaTech may conduct additional discussions and request submission of another Best and Final Offer. Best and Final offers will be evaluated as an adjustment to scores already received.

3.17.6 WaTech may request additional information or allow proposal revisions to clarify and document understandings reached during negotiations. At the conclusion of negotiations, each Vendor will be given an opportunity to submit a final proposal revision (including revised costs). Requests for final proposal revisions will advise Vendors that the final proposal revision must be in writing and WaTech intends to make an award without further revisions. Stage 2 Responses must be turned in by the deadline provided.

3.17.7 In addition to a cut-off date, the request for final proposal revision will also:

· Instruct Vendors to incorporate all changes to their proposals resulting from discussions, and require clear traceability from initial proposals.

· To expedite the review process, the Vendor shall resubmit its original response with the changes that resulted from the Stage 2 clearly identifiable.

· For example, changes can be submitted in redline, in a chart or any other manner that enables WaTech to quickly identify the new Section 5 (Technical and Service) and Section 6 (Financial) proposal requirements.

· Require Vendors to complete and execute the negotiated contract within the time stated herein; and

· Notify Vendors that Late final proposal revisions will be rejected.

3.18 No Costs or Charges

No costs or charges under the proposed Contract may be incurred before the Contract is fully executed.

3.19 Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

WaTech strongly encourages participation of minority and women businesses. Vendors who are Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (MWBE) certified or intend on using MWBE certified Subcontractors are encouraged to identify the participating firm on Appendix C. No minimum level of MWBE participation is required as a condition of receiving an award and no preference will be included in the evaluation of Responses in accordance with chapter 39 RCW. For questions regarding the above, contact Office of MWBE at (360) 753-9693.

3.20 Subcontractor Participation Monitoring and Reporting

Once a contract is awarded through the solicitation or proposal process, the awarded Prime Contractor is obligated to complete the vendor registration in Access Equity. Access Equity is a secure online vendor management system (B2GNow). Confidential information (Tax ID, etc.) will not be published. Prime Contractors that have previously registered with B2Gnow for any public entity, must verify the system has updated information. Contractors can access the system at https://omwbe.diversitycompliance.com/ or through a direct link on the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) website at: https://omwbe.wa.gov/.

Each month during the contract, the Prime Contractor will report payments to ALL Subcontractors through the Access Equity system. This monthly reporting information includes total payment in dollars made to the Subcontractor, payment dates, and any additional information required to verify payment to Subcontractors. The Prime Contractor will enter this payment information into the Access Equity system, and the Subcontractors will verify this payment information in the system. Online training is available through the Access Equity/B2Gnow system. This requirement applies to both Prime Contractors and Subcontractors.

3.21 No Obligation to Contract/Buy

WaTech reserves the right to refrain from Contracting with any and all Vendors. Neither the release of this solicitation document nor the execution of a resulting Contract obligates WaTech to make any purchases.

3.22 Non-Endorsement and Publicity

In selecting a Vendor to supply Services to the state of Washington, the State is neither endorsing Vendor’s products or services, nor suggesting that they are the best or only solution to the State’s needs. By submitting a Response, Vendor agrees to make no reference to WaTech or the state of Washington in any literature, promotional material, brochures, sales presentation or the like, regardless of method of distribution, without the prior review and express written consent of WaTech.

3.23 Withdrawal of Response

Vendors may withdraw a Response that has been submitted at any time up to the Response due date and time (identified on the Schedule, Section 2). To accomplish Response withdrawal, a written request signed by an authorized representative of Vendor must be submitted to the RFQQ Coordinator. After withdrawing a previously submitted Response, Vendor may submit another Response at any time up to the Response submission deadline.

3.24 Optional Vendor Debriefing

3.24.1 Vendors who submit a Response may request an optional debriefing conference to discuss the evaluation of their Response. The requested debriefing conference must occur on or before the date specified in the Schedule (Section 2). The request must be in writing (e-mail acceptable) addressed to the RFQQ Coordinator.

3.24.2 The optional debriefing will not include any comparison between the Response and any other Responses submitted. However, WaTech will discuss the factors considered in the evaluation of the requesting the Response and address questions and concerns about Vendor’s performance with regard to the solicitation requirements.

3.25 Protest Procedures

Vendors who have submitted a Response to this solicitation and have had a debriefing conference may make protests. Upon completion of the debriefing conference, a Vendor is allowed five (5) Business Days to file a formal protest of the solicitation with the RFQQ Coordinator. Further information regarding the grounds for, filing and resolution of protests is contained in Protest Procedures (Appendix D).

3.26 Selection of Apparently Successful Vendor

3.26.1 All Vendors responding to this solicitation will be notified by mail or e-mail when WaTech has determined the ASV(s). The ASV(s) will be the respondent who:

3.26.1.1 Meets all the requirements of this RFQQ; and

3.26.1.2 Submits the response that achieves the highest total score(s) (see Section 7).

3.26.2 The date of announcement of the ASV(s) will be the date the announcement letter is postmarked, or if emailed, the date the e-mail is sent.

3.27 Electronic Availability

The contents of this RFQQ and any amendments/addenda and written answers to questions will be available on the WaTech web site at: http://watech.wa.gov/procurement-announcements. The document(s) will be available in Microsoft Word & Excel.

SECTION 4

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

COMPLIANCE WITH ALL SECTIONS OF SECTION 4 IS REQUIRED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION

4.1 (M) Vendor Requirements Vendors must state in their response that they have read, understand, and will fully comply with each of the following Requirements.

4.1.1 Vendor’s RFQQ response has been signed by an individual authorized to bind the responding organization in a Contract.

4.1.2 Vendor has read, understands, and fully accepts the procedures, review criteria, and all other administrative requirements set forth in this RFQQ.

4.1.3 Vendor will be the single focal point for all issues related to purchase of service, billing, and problem resolution.

4.1.4 Vendor must certify that it has been providing valued added CSP Product resale services for five (5) or more years.

4.2 (M) Vendor Profile

4.2.1 Vendor must provide a description of their company (including business locations, size, areas of specialization and expertise, client base, and any other pertinent information that would aid an evaluator in formulating a determination about the stability and strength of the entity), including the Vendor organization’s experience and history with providing value added CSP Product resale services.

4.2.2 The legal entity – for example, a private or public corporation – together with its name and registered address.

4.2.3 The total number of years the legal entity has been in business and, if appropriate, the number of years under the present business name.

4.3 (M) Use of Subcontractors WaTech will accept Responses that include third party involvement only if the Vendor submitting the Response agrees to take complete responsibility for all actions of such Subcontractors. Vendors must state whether Subcontractors are/are not being used. WaTech reserves the right to approve or reject any and all Subcontractors that Vendor proposes.

Specific restrictions apply to contracting with current or former state employees pursuant to chapter 42.52 RCW. Vendors should familiarize themselves with the requirements prior to submitting a Response.

4.4 (M) Insurance The ASV will be required to obtain insurance to protect the State should there be any claims, suits, actions, costs, or damages or expenses arising from any negligent or intentional act or omission of the Vendor or its Subcontractor(s), or their agents, while performing work under the terms of any Contract resulting from this solicitation. Vendors will find a complete description of the specific insurance requirements in the General Terms and Conditions in Appendix B.

4.5 (M) Invoice Requirements The ASV will submit properly itemized electronic invoices to WaTech’s Accounts Payable at ctsdlaccountspayable@watech.wa.gov each purchaser/agency. Invoices shall include, at a minimum:

1) Account number (if applicable);

2) Invoice number;

3) Invoice date;

4) Due date;

5) Vendor name, address and phone number, remittance address if different;

6) Contract number and Order number;

7) Net invoice price for each item without applicable Contract discounts;

8) Net invoice price for each item with applicable Contract discounts;

9) Total invoice price excluding sales tax;

10) Sales or other applicable taxes;

11) Separately identified mark-up payable to Vendor with line item detail on the CSP Products to which the mark-up applies;

12) Total invoice price including sales and other applicable taxes.

4.6 (M) Vendor Account Manager Vendor shall appoint an Account Manager who will provide oversight of Vendor contract activities. Vendor’s Account Manager will be the principal Point of Contact (POC) concerning Vendor’s performance under this Contract. Vendor shall notify the WaTech Contract Administrator, in writing, when there is a new Vendor Account Manager assigned to this Contract. The Vendor Account Manager information is:

Name of Account Manager:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Fax:

4.7 (M) Vendor Licensed to do Business in Washington Within thirty (30) days of being identified as the ASV, Vendor must be licensed to conduct business in the State of Washington, including registering with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR). The Vendor must collect and report all applicable taxes.

4.8 (M) Prior Contract Performance

4.8.1 Vendor must submit full details of all Terminations for Default for performance similar to the Products requested by this RFQQ experienced by the Vendor in the past five (5) years, including the other party’s name, address and telephone number.

4.8.2 “Termination for Default” is defined as notice to Vendor to stop performance due to the Vendor’s non-performance or poor performance and the issue was either: (a) not litigated; or (b) litigated and such litigation determined the Vendor to be in default.

4.8.3 Vendor must describe the deficiencies in performance and describe whether and how the deficiencies were remedied. Vendor must present any other information pertinent to its position on the matter.

4.8.4 WaTech will evaluate the information and may, at its sole discretion, reject the Response if the information indicates that completion of a Contract resulting from this RFQQ may be jeopardized by selection of the Vendor.

4.8.5 If the Vendor has experienced no such Terminations for Default in the past five years, so declare.

4.9 (M) Highest Standard Vendor shall abide by the highest standards of care when accessing and working with WaTech and Participating State Agencies and its/their data.

4.10 (D) Vendor Employee Arbitration Clause Pursuant to Executive Order 18-03, WaTech seeks to contract with qualified Vendors that can demonstrate or will certify that their employees are not required to sign, as a condition of employment, mandatory individual arbitration clauses and class or collective action waivers. Please demonstrate or certify.

4.11 (MS 20) Client References - Optional for WaTech

4.11.1 WaTech at its sole discretion may elect to check the references provided for the top scoring Vendor(s) as part of the evaluation process. WaTech reserves the right to disqualify a Vendor and move to the next top scoring Vendor if a Vendor receives a negative reference.

4.11.2 All responding Vendors shall provide as references the names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and contact person for three (3) representative customers. Do not have the References complete the form – WaTech will contact the Reference during the evaluation.

4.11.3 The services purchased by these clients should be similar to those requested by this RFQQ.

4.11.4 References must not be from a person, company or organization with any special interest, financial or otherwise, in the Vendor.

4.11.5 WaTech may contact, at its discretion, other Vendor clients for references. WaTech will use a Client Reference Form (Appendix G) to check references.

4.11.6 To the extent a Response may give rise to confidentiality obligations, WaTech will not sign an NDA to receive the information. Instead, please respond with sufficient information to enable WaTech to evaluate and contact the Client Reference. WaTech expects the contact information to be provided, and will not coordinate contacting a reference through the Vendor.

4.11.7 In the event that one of the provided references is a member of the evaluation team, WaTech will contact the Vendor for an alternate reference. The alternate reference shall be provided timely and must be available during the evaluation period.

4.11.8 WaTech will make one (1) attempt to contact the client and obtain a reference, WaTech will leave voicemail, and send an email and it is acceptable if a return call is received within the timeframe set forth in Schedule – Section 2. If a contact cannot be made, the reference will be disallowed.

4.11.9 It is the Vendor’s responsibility to provide WaTech with references that will be timely and available during the evaluation period set forth in Schedule – Section 2. WaTech reserves the right to eliminate from further consideration in this RFQQ process any Vendor who, in the opinion of WaTech, receives an unfavorable report from a Vendor. WaTech also reserves the right to contact other Vendor customers for additional references for consideration.

SECTION 5

COMPLIANCE WITH ALL SECTIONS OF SECTION 5 IS REQUIRED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION

TECHNICAL AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

Vendors must respond to the following requirements per the instructions set forth in section 5. Vendor Responses must clearly describe how the Vendor will satisfy each Mandatory (M), Mandatory Scored (MS), and Desirable Scored (DS) requirement. All requirements in this Section 5 shall be incorporated into the Contract and shall be binding upon the Vendor.

For each Mandatory (M) requirement, the Vendor’s response shall (a) affirm that the capability is currently available and in use within the Vendor’s organization as of the response date, and (b) describe in operational detail how the Vendor will deliver the capability for WaTech, including workflow steps, roles and responsibilities, escalation paths, timing/cadence, and exception handling.

Responses that merely list tools, services, or capabilities without describing operational execution may be deemed non-responsive. Where a Mandatory (M) response is ambiguous, incomplete, conditional, or future tense (e.g., “will develop,” “can provide,” “planned”), WaTech may determine the response fails the requirement and may disqualify the Vendor.

All Mandatory (M) requirements in this Section 5 shall be incorporated into the Contract and shall be binding upon the Vendor. Vendors shall not rely on cross-references to other portions of their response in lieu of providing a complete answer within each subsection.

WaTech encourages Vendors to provide complete, operationally detailed responses that demonstrate readiness to support statewide Microsoft CSP administration at scale. Responses are strongest when they include operational details such as workflow steps, roles and responsibilities, system touchpoints, timing/cadence, and example exception scenarios (e.g., billing dispute, credit claim, data discrepancy).

The less operational detail provided in a Mandatory response, the higher the risk that WaTech will determine the response fails the requirement.

5.1 (M) Overview of Resale Capabilities Response Expectations (Mandatory). Vendor shall provide current-state Microsoft CSP authorization information and describe how the Vendor manages product availability, renewals, pricing changes, and dispute handling in ongoing operations.

5.2 (M) Microsoft Resale Vendor shall describe its capability to supply and re-sell Microsoft CSP Products on an enterprise scale. Responses shall include the following:

1. Proof of all current Microsoft Partner Solution Designations, including but not limited to Solutions Partner for Modern Work, Security, and Infrastructure.

2. Identification of Vendor’s CSP authorization level (Tier-1 or Tier-2) and any associated Microsoft partner programs leveraged.

3. A detailed description of Vendor’s escalation authority with Microsoft including Business Desk, Licensing Desk, and Partner Center together with named escalation contacts.

4. A Partner Responsibility Matrix identifying which party (Vendor, WaTech, CSP) holds responsibility for resale, billing, optimization, credit claims, administrative access, and dispute lifecycle management.

A Partner Responsibility Matrix identifying which party (Vendor, WaTech, CSP) holds responsibility for resale, billing, optimization, credit claims, administrative access, and dispute lifecycle management.

5.3 (M) Coverage Response Expectations (Mandatory). Vendor shall provide current-state Microsoft CSP authorization information and describe how the Vendor manages product availability, renewals, pricing changes, and dispute handling in ongoing operations.

Vendor shall:

1. List any Microsoft CSP Products the Vendor is not authorized to resell. If none, Vendor shall explicitly state that it is authorized to resell all generally available Microsoft CSP Products.

2. Provide its Microsoft Partner of Record ID, reseller authorization numbers, and relevant partner certifications.

3. Describe Vendor’s processes for managing Microsoft renewals, pricing adjustments, and billing dispute resolution.

4. Identify any affiliates or subcontractors used to support Microsoft CSP resale activities.

5. Describe Vendor’s escalation pathways with the Microsoft Business Desk for pricing adjustments and credit resolution.

5.4 (M) Tracking and Reporting Response Expectations (Mandatory). Vendor shall describe how license and consumption data is collected, validated, and made available to WaTech, including how discrepancies are identified, corrected, and communicated. Responses that do not describe data sourcing, validation controls, discrepancy resolution steps, and notification processes may be deemed non-responsive. Vendor responses should describe the operational controls used to achieve and sustain the required accuracy threshold, including validation checks, exception handling, and corrective actions when accuracy falls below the standard.

Vendor shall maintain not less than 99.98 percent accuracy in license and consumption reporting, measured monthly against WaTech’s authoritative Microsoft tenant dataset. Vendor shall provide timely access to data required for reconciliation and audit.

5.5 (M) Enhanced Support and Administration of CSP Products Response Expectations (Mandatory). Vendor shall describe how the enhanced services are delivered as repeatable operating model, including staffing/roles, workflow steps, service request intake, escalation handling, and standard cadences.