REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP COVER SHEET

Administrative Information

RFP Number 27ESLQBSGRAH-0001 Title of RFP Iowa Solid Waste Environmental Management Program Services

Agency Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

DNR Issuing Officer

Name: Colton Lullmann, Procurement Specialist

Phone: (515) 361-0743 E-mail: Colton.lullmann@dnr.iowa.gov

PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE - Event or Action Date/Time

(Central Time)

State Posts Notice of RFP on the TSB website September 30, 2026 at 6:00PM CST

State Issues RFP October 2, 2026 at

6:00PM CST

RFP written questions, requests for clarification, and suggested changes from Respondents due

October 14, 2026 at

11:59PM CST

DNR follow-up RFP written questions, requests for clarification, and suggested changes from Respondents due (no questions accepted or responded to after this date)

October 15, 2026 at

4:30PM CST

Proposals Due October 21, 2026 at

1:00PM CST

Relevant Websites

● Internet website where RFP, Addenda, and Questions and Answers to this RFP will be posted: Iowa Management of Procurement and Contract Systems (IMPACS)

● Internet website where DNR Contract General Conditions, DNR Contract Special Conditions - Formal, and DNR Contract Special Conditions - Informal, are posted: Iowa DNR Solicitations & Construction Bid Lettings

Firm Proposal Terms

The minimum number of days following the deadline for submitting proposals that the Respondent guarantees all proposal terms, including price, will remain firm is 120 Days.

10/2025 cmc 1 DNR Form 542-0927 mailto:Colton.lullmann@dnr.iowa.gov https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=DASIowa https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=DASIowa https://www.iowadnr.gov/about/solicitations-construction-bid-lettings

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals from Responsible Respondents to provide the goods and/or services identified on the RFP cover sheet and further described in Section 4 of this RFP to the Agency identified on the RFP cover sheet. The Agency intends to award a Contract(s) for the initial period identified on the RFP cover sheet, and the Agency, in its sole discretion, may extend the Contract(s) for up to the number of annual extensions identified on the RFP cover sheet.

1.2 Definitions

For the purposes of this RFP and the resulting contract, the following terms shall mean:

“Agency” means the agency identified on the RFP cover sheet that is issuing the RFP and any other agency that purchases from the Contract.

“Contract” means the contract(s) entered into with the successful Respondent(s) as described in Section 6.1.

“Contractor” means the awarded business/person to provide the contractual services agreed upon.

“Deliverable” means the completion of a milestone or accomplishment of a task.

“Director” means the Director of the Department of Administrative Services or the director’s designee.

“DNR Service Contract General Conditions” means the General Conditions for Service Contracts as referenced on the RFP cover page.

“DNR Service Contract Special Conditions – Formal” and “DNR Service Contract Special Conditions - Informal” means the Special Conditions for Service Contracts as referenced on the RFP cover page.

“Proposal” means the Respondent’s proposal submitted in response to the RFP.

“Respondent” means the company, organization or other business entity submitting a proposal in response to this

RFP.

“Responsible Respondent” means a Respondent that has the capability in all material respects to perform the scope of work and specifications of the Contract. In determining whether a Respondent is a Responsible Respondent, the Agency may consider various factors including, but not limited to, the Respondent’s competence and qualifications to provide the services requested, the Respondent’s integrity and reliability, the past performance of the Respondent and the best interest of the Agency and the State.

“Responsive Proposal” means a Proposal that complies with the material provisions of this RFP.

“RFP” means this Request for Proposals and any attachments, exhibits, schedules or addenda hereto.

“State” means the State of Iowa, the Agency, and all state agencies, boards, and commissions, and any political subdivisions making purchases from the Contract as permitted by this RFP.

1.3 Overview of the RFP Process

This RFP is designed to provide Respondents with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Proposals. The RFP process is for the Agency’s benefit and is intended to provide the Agency with competitive information to assist in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each Respondent is responsible for determining all factors necessary for the submission of a comprehensive Proposal.

10/2025 cmc 2 DNR Form 542-0927

Respondent should review Request for Confidentiality, for more information if its Proposal contains confidential information. Any Proposal marked “Confidential” or “Proprietary” on every page may be disqualified.

It is the Agency’s intention to evaluate Proposals from all Respondents that submit timely Responsive Proposals, and award the Contract(s) in accordance with the evaluation and selection criteria provided in this RFP.

1.4 Objectives

This Contract will secure technical and supportive services to the DNR and its Environmental Management System (EMS) program participants. The Contractor will support DNR's continuous improvement of the EMS program by providing informed, researched advice and assisting with the planning, development and coordination of participant training. In addition, the Contractor will provide technical assistance to new, existing and potential future participants during focused trainings and individual consultations.

1.5 Background

This RFP is designed to provide Contractors with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Proposals. The RFP process is for the DNR’s benefit and is intended to provide the DNR with competitive information to assist in the selection process. Each Contractor is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive Proposal. Through this RFP, the DNR is seeking to enter into a contract with a Contractor that will provide the services described herein.

The Iowa Solid Waste Environmental Management System (EMS) program was established with legislation (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF2570&ga=82) in 2008 through the creation of Code of Iowa Chapter 455J. The legislation appropriates funding to assist in developing the program and provide ongoing support to the program participants. EMS is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative to the traditional solid waste comprehensive planning process.

Whereas, comprehensive planning measures only landfill waste diversion, EMS participants focus on continuous improvement and document results in six component areas as described:

● Organics waste management

● Household hazardous materials collection

● Water quality improvement

● Greenhouse gas reduction

● Recycling services

● Environmental education

EMS participants strive for continuous improvement by setting environmental objectives in each of the six component areas, based on their assessment of potential environmental impacts. Participants track their goal progress by measuring associated targets with applicable metrics. Each year, participants review their system policies and procedures, evaluate/modify their programs using root cause analysis, undergo both an internal and external audit and submit an annual report.

Solid waste planning areas/permitted facility planning areas interested in being designated as an EMS may apply during annual application periods. DNR staff and consultants lead newly designated EMS participants in a training period up to 18 months that includes coverage and implementation of the Ten EMS Elements, as well as six component areas as described:

Ten EMS Elements

● Environmental Policy Statement

● Environmental Aspects and Impacts

● Legal and other requirements

● Objectives and Targets

● Action Plan

10/2025 cmc 3 DNR Form 542-0927 https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF2570&ga=82

● Identify Roles and Responsibilities

● Communication/Training/Awareness

● Monitoring and Measurement

● Assessment

● Reevaluation and modification

New participants maintain a Tier 1 status until the completion of their training and approval of their first EMS Annual Report.

DNR staff and consultants also provide ongoing training opportunities for all EMS program participants. Regularly scheduled training opportunities include an annual summer workshop, annual fall conference, and a biennial focused training workshop. In addition, on-demand training is provided to individual or small groups of participants as needed.

When the EMS program was first developed in FY2009, DNR relied heavily on the expertise of consultants to model the program after industry standards (ISO 14001). Due to the technical nature of both the program system and its components, expertise from consultants with professional experience in the industry's environmental management systems has continued.

The DNR webpages https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/land-quality/waste-planning-programs/solid-waste/solid-waste-ems-program.

1.6 Multiple Awards

The State reserves the right to award multiple contracts based on the ability of Respondents to propose solutions for the various courses specified in this RFP and the available funding. Some overlap of course subject areas may be allowed for award purposes and is at the discretion of the State.

SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

2.1 Issuing Officer

The Issuing Officer identified in the RFP cover sheet is the sole point of contact regarding the RFP from the date of issuance until a Notice of Intent to Award the Contract is issued.

2.2 Restriction on Communication

From the issue date of this RFP until a Notice of Intent to Award the Contract is issued, Respondents may contact only the Issuing Officer. The Issuing Officer will respond only to written questions regarding the procurement process. Questions related to the interpretation of this RFP must be submitted as provided in Section 2. Oral questions related to the interpretation of this RFP will not be accepted. Respondents may be disqualified if they contact any State employee other than the Issuing Officer about the RFP except that Respondents may contact the State Targeted Small Business Office on issues related to the preference for Targeted Small Businesses.

This section shall not be construed as restricting communications related to the administration of any contract currently in effect between a Respondent and the State.

2.3 Downloading the RFP from the Internet

The RFP and any addenda to the RFP will be posted at IMPACS Electronic Procurement System. The Respondent is advised to check the website periodically for addenda to this RFP, particularly if the Respondent downloaded the RFP from the Internet as the Respondent may not automatically receive addenda. It is the Respondent's sole responsibility to check daily for addenda to posted documents.

2.4 Procurement Timetable

The dates provided in the procurement timetable on the RFP cover sheet are provided for informational and

10/2025 cmc 4 DNR Form 542-0927 https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/land-quality/waste-planning-programs/solid-waste/solid-waste-ems-program planning purposes. The Agency reserves the right to change the dates. If the Agency changes any of the deadlines for Respondent submissions, the Agency will issue an addendum to the RFP.

2.5 Questions, Requests for Clarification, and Suggested Changes Respondents are invited to submit written questions and requests for clarification regarding the RFP. Respondents may also submit suggestions for changes to the specifications of this RFP. The questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions must be in IMPACS on or before the date and time listed. Oral questions will not be permitted. If the questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions pertain to a specific section of the RFP, Respondent shall reference the page and section number(s). The Agency will post written responses to questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions received from Respondents in IMPACS.

The Agency assumes no responsibility for oral representations made by its officers or employees unless such representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFP through an addendum.

2.6 Amendment to the RFP

The Agency reserves the right to amend the RFP at any time using an addendum. The Respondent shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda in its Proposal. If the Agency issues an addendum after the due date for receipt of Proposals, the Agency may, in its sole discretion, allow Respondents to amend their Proposals in response to the addendum.

2.7 Amendment and Withdrawal of Proposal

The Respondent may amend or withdraw and resubmit its Proposal at any time before the Proposals are due. The proposal must be updated and submitted using IMPACS. Electronic mail and faxed amendments will not be accepted. Respondents must notify the Issuing Officer in writing prior to the due date for Proposals if they wish to completely withdraw their Proposals.

2.8 Submission of Proposals

Respondents must submit a Proposal in the State’s IMPACS Electronic Procurement System before the “Proposals Due” date and time listed on the RFP cover sheet. This is a mandatory specification and will not be waived by the Agency. Any Proposal received after this deadline will be rejected and returned unopened to the Respondent.

Respondents sending Proposals must allow ample upload time to ensure timely receipt of their Proposals. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to ensure that the Proposal is received prior to the deadline. Electronic mail and faxed Proposals will not be accepted. There is a 50MB per file size limitation, but no limit to the number of files. Plan accordingly.

Respondents must furnish all information necessary to enable the Agency to evaluate the Proposal. Oral information provided by the Respondent will not be considered part of the Respondent's Proposal unless it is reduced to writing.

2.9 Proposal Opening

The Agency will open Proposals after the deadline for submission of Proposals has passed. The Proposals will remain confidential until the Agency has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Contract. See Iowa Code Section 72.3.

However, the names of Respondents who submitted timely Proposals will be publicly available after the Proposal opening. The announcement of Respondents who timely submitted Proposals does not mean that an individual Proposal has been deemed technically compliant or accepted for evaluation.

2.10 Costs of Preparing the Proposal

The costs of preparation and delivery of the Proposal are solely the responsibility of the Respondent.

2.11 No Commitment to Contract

The Agency reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals received in response to this RFP at any time prior to the

10/2025 cmc 5 DNR Form 542-0927 execution of the Contract. Issuance of this RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by the Agency to award a contract.

2.12 Rejection of Proposals

The Agency may reject outright and not evaluate a Proposal for reasons including, without limitation:

2.13.1 The Respondent fails to deliver the Cost Proposal as a separate file.

2.13.2 The Respondent acknowledges that a mandatory specification of the RFP cannot be met.

2.13.3 The Respondent's Proposal changes a material specification of the RFP or the Proposal is not compliant with the mandatory specification of the RFP.

2.13.4 The Respondent’s Proposal limits the rights of the Agency.

2.13.5 The Respondent fails to include information necessary to substantiate that it will be able to meet a specification of the RFP as provided in Section 4 of the RFP.

2.13.6 The Respondent fails to timely respond to the Agency's request for information, documents, or references.

2.13.7 The Respondent fails to include proposal security, if required.

2.13.8 The Respondent fails to include any signature, certification, authorization, stipulation, disclosure or guarantee as provided in Section 4 of this RFP.

2.13.9 The Respondent presents the information requested by this RFP in a format inconsistent with the instructions of the RFP or otherwise fails to comply with the specifications of this RFP.

2.13.10The Respondent initiates unauthorized contact regarding the RFP with a State employee other than the

Issuing Officer.

2.13.11The Respondent provides misleading or inaccurate responses.

2.13.12The Respondent’s Proposal is materially unbalanced. A Proposal in which line item prices are structured so that it is possible that the Respondent who appears to be low will not end up having the lowest overall cost to the State, due to high prices on particular line items.

2.13.13There is insufficient evidence (including evidence submitted by the Respondent and evidence obtained by the Agency from other sources) to satisfy the Agency that the Respondent is a Responsible Respondent.

2.13.14The Respondent is a “scrutinized company” included on a “scrutinized company list” created by a public fund pursuant to Iowa Code section 12J.3.

2.13 Nonmaterial Variances

The Agency reserves the right to waive or permit cure of nonmaterial variances in the Proposal if, in the judgment of the Agency, it is in the State’s best interest to do so. Nonmaterial variances include but are not limited to, minor failures to comply that: do not affect overall responsiveness, are merely a matter of form or format, do not change the relative standing or otherwise prejudice other Respondents, do not change the meaning or scope of the RFP, or do not reflect a material change in the specifications of the RFP. In the event the Agency waives or permits cure of nonmaterial variances, such waiver or cure will not modify the RFP specifications or excuse the Respondent from full compliance with RFP specifications or other Contract specifications if the Respondent is awarded the Contract.

The determination of materiality is in the sole discretion of the Agency.

2.14 Reference Checks

The Agency reserves the right to contact any reference to assist in the evaluation of the Proposal, to verify information contained in the Proposal and to discuss the Respondent’s qualifications and the qualifications of any subcontractor identified in the Proposal.

2.15 Information from Other Sources

The Agency reserves the right to obtain and consider information from other sources concerning a Respondent, such as the Respondent’s capability and performance under other contracts, the qualifications of any subcontractor identified in the Proposal, the Respondent’s financial stability, past or pending litigation, and other publicly available information.

10/2025 cmc 6 DNR Form 542-0927

2.16 Verification of Proposal Contents

The content of a Proposal submitted by a Respondent is subject to verification. If the Agency determines in its sole discretion that the content is in any way misleading or inaccurate, the Agency may reject the Proposal.

2.17 Proposal Clarification Process

The Agency reserves the right to contact a Respondent after the submission of Proposals for the purpose of clarifying a Proposal. This contact may include written questions, interviews, site visits, a review of past performance if the Respondent has provided services to the State or any other political subdivision wherever located, or requests for corrective pages in the Respondent’s Proposal. The Agency will not consider information received from or through Respondent if the information materially alters the content of the Proposal or the type of services the Respondent is offering to the Agency. An individual authorized to legally bind the Respondent shall sign responses to any request for clarification. Responses shall be submitted to the Agency within the time specified in the Agency's request. Failure to comply with requests for additional information may result in the rejection of the Proposal.

2.18 Disposition of Proposals

All Proposals become the property of the State and shall not be returned to the Respondent. Once the Agency issues a Notice of Intent to Award the Contract, the contents of all Proposals will be public records and be available for inspection by interested parties, except for information for which Respondent properly requests confidential treatment according to exceptions provided in Iowa Code Chapter 22 or other applicable law.

2.19 Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment

The Agency’s release of public records is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 22. Respondents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Chapter 22 before submitting a Proposal. The Agency will copy and produce public records upon request as required to comply with Chapter 22 and will treat all information submitted by a Respondent as non-confidential records unless the Respondent requests specific parts of the Proposal be treated as confidential at the time of the submission as set forth herein AND the information is confidential under Iowa or other applicable law. Requests for treatment of information as confidential must comply with 561 Iowa Administrative Code chapter 2.

2.20 Copyright Permission

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent agrees that the Agency may copy the Proposal for purposes of facilitating the evaluation of the Proposal or to respond to requests for public records. By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent consents to such copying and warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third-party. The Agency shall have the right to use ideas or adaptations of ideas that are presented in Proposals.

2.21 Release of Claims

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent agrees that it will not bring any claim or cause of action against the Agency or the State based on Respondent’s misunderstanding concerning the information provided in the RFP or concerning the Agency's or the State’s failure, negligent or otherwise, to provide the Respondent with complete, pertinent, or accurate information in this RFP, or for any failure to provide information that any Respondent might consider relevant for purposes of making a decision to submit a Proposal or to enter into any Contract resulting from this RFP.

2.22 Respondent Presentations

Respondents may be required to make a presentation. The determination as to need for presentations, and the location, order, and schedule of the presentations is at the sole discretion of the Agency. The presentation may include slides, graphics and other media selected by the Respondent to illustrate the Respondent’s Proposal. The presentation shall not materially change the information contained in the Proposal.

2.23 Evaluation of Proposals Submitted

Proposals that are timely submitted and are not rejected will be reviewed in accordance with Section 5 of the RFP.

The Agency will not necessarily award a Contract resulting from this RFP to the Respondent offering the lowest

10/2025 cmc 7 DNR Form 542-0927 cost. Instead, the Agency will award the Contract(s) to the Responsible Respondent(s) whose Responsive Proposal the Agency believes will provide the best value to the Agency and the State.

2.24 Award Notice and Acceptance Period

Notice of Intent to Award the Contract(s) will be sent to all Respondents submitting a timely Proposal and may be posted at the website shown on the RFP cover sheet. Negotiation and execution of the Contract(s) shall be completed no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Intent to Award or such other time as designated by the Agency. If the successful Respondent fails to negotiate and deliver an executed Contract by that date, the Agency, in its sole discretion, may cancel the award and award the Contract to the remaining Respondent the Agency believes will provide the best value to the State.

2.25 No Contract Rights until Execution

No Respondent shall acquire any legal or equitable rights regarding the Contract unless and until the Contract has been fully executed by the successful Respondent and the Agency.

2.26 Choice of Law and Forum

This RFP and the Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Iowa. Changes in applicable laws and rules may affect the award process or the Contract. Respondents are responsible for ascertaining pertinent legal requirements and restrictions. Any and all litigation or actions commenced in connection with this RFP shall be brought in the appropriate Iowa forum.

2.27 Preference

By virtue of statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the state of Iowa. Preference application: Tied responses to solicitations, regardless of the type of solicitation, are decided in favor of Iowa products and Iowa-based businesses per 117.6(1)-(2), 117.(13)(4).

2.28 Restrictions on Gifts and Activities

Iowa Code Chapter 68B restricts gifts which may be given or received by State employees and requires certain individuals to disclose information concerning their activities with State government. Respondents are responsible to determine the applicability of this Chapter 68B to their activities and to comply with its requirements. In addition, pursuant to Iowa Code section 722.1, it is a felony offense to bribe or attempt to bribe a public official.

2.29 No Minimum Guaranteed

The Agency does not guarantee any minimum level of purchases under the Contract.

2.30 Post Solicitation Debriefing

A debriefing is available to any Respondent who submitted a proposal in response to this RFP. Respondent shall submit a written request for a debriefing to the Issuing Officer via email or other delivery method. All Respondents will be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to its opportunity for debriefing. The debriefing shall be scheduled by the Agency as soon as practicable after the receipt of debriefing request.

2.31 Appeals

A Respondent whose Proposal has been timely filed and who is aggrieved by the Notice of Intent to Award of the Department may appeal the decision by emailing a written notice of appeal (in accordance with 11—Chapter 117.20, Iowa Administrative Code) to the Director of the Department of Administrative Services and copy to the Issuing Officer. The notice must be filed within five (5) days of the date of the Notice of Intent to Award issued by the Department, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state holidays. The written notice may be filed by fax transmission to 515.725.2064 or emailed to the Director. The notice of appeal must clearly and fully identify all issues being contested by reference to the page, section and line number(s) of the RFP and/or the Notice of Intent to Award. A notice of appeal may not stay negotiations with the apparent successful Respondent.

10/2025 cmc 8 DNR Form 542-0927

SECTION 3 FORM AND CONTENT OF PROPOSALS

3.1 Instructions

These instructions describe and define the format and content of the Proposal. They are designed to facilitate a uniform review process. Failure to adhere to the Proposal format may result in the rejection of the Proposal.

3.1.1 The Proposal shall be divided into two parts: (1) the Technical Proposal and (2) the Cost Proposal. The

Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal shall be labeled as such as separate files. The files shall be labeled with the following information:

RFP27ESLQBSGRAH-0001 - Respondent Name - Technical Proposal RFP27ESLQBSGRAH-0001 - Respondent Name - Cost Proposal

3.1.2 Files shall be attached to Respondents submission in the State’s IMPACS Electronic Procurement System.

3.1.3 If the Respondent designates any information in its Proposal as confidential pursuant to Section 2, the

Respondent shall also submit public copy Proposal from which confidential information has been excised as provided in Section 2 and which is marked “Public Copy”.

RFP27ESLQBSGRAH-0001 - Respondent Name - Public Copy

3.1.4 Proposals shall not contain promotional or display materials.

3.1.5 Attachments shall be referenced in the Proposal.

3.1.6 If a Respondent proposes more than one solution to the RFP specifications, each shall be labeled and submitted in a separate Proposal and each will be evaluated separately.

3.2 Technical Proposal

Any information provided in the Technical Proposal is subject to consideration for consideration, evaluation, and scoring. The following documents and responses shall be included in the Technical Proposal in the order given below:

3.2.1 Executive Summary

The Respondent shall prepare an executive summary and overview of the goods and/or services it is offering, including all of the following information:

● Statements that demonstrate that the Respondent has read and understands the terms and conditions of the RFP including the Contract provisions in Section 6.

● An overview of the Respondent’s plans for complying with the specifications of this RFP.

● Any other summary information the Respondent deems to be pertinent.

3.2.2 Firm Proposal Terms

The Respondent shall guarantee in writing the services offered in the Proposal are currently available and that all Proposal terms, including price, will remain firm for the number days indicated on the RFP cover sheet following the deadline for submitting Proposals.

3.2.3 Respondent Background Information

The Respondent shall provide the following general background information:

● Does your state have a preference for instate Contractors? Yes or No. If yes, please include the details of the preference.

● Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the Respondent including all d/b/a’s or assumed names or other operating names of the Respondent and any local addresses and phone numbers.

● Form of business entity, e.g., corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or LLC.

● State of incorporation, state of formation, or state of organization.

● The location(s) including address and telephone numbers of the offices and other facilities that relate to the Respondent’s performance under the terms of this RFP.

● Number of employees.

10/2025 cmc 9 DNR Form 542-0927

● Type of business.

● Name, address and telephone number of the Respondent’s representative to contact regarding all contractual and technical matters concerning the Proposal.

● Name, contact information and qualifications of any subcontractors who will be involved with this project the Respondent proposes to use and the nature of the services the subcontractor would perform.

● Respondent’s accounting firm.

● Awarded Respondent will be required to register to do business in Iowa before payments can be made:

https://das.iowa.gov/procurement/vendors/how-do-business

3.2.4 Experience

The Respondent must provide the following information regarding its experience:

● Number of years in business.

● Number of years of experience with providing the types of services sought by the RFP.

● The level of technical experience in providing the types of services sought by the RFP.

● A list of all services similar to those sought by this RFP that the Respondent has provided to other businesses or governmental entities.

● Letters of reference from three (3) previous or current customers or clients knowledgeable of the

Respondent’s performance in providing services similar to the or services described in this RFP and a contact person and telephone number for each reference.

3.2.5 Termination, Litigation, and Debarment

The Respondent must provide the following information for the past five (5) years:

● Has the Respondent had a contract for services terminated for any reason? If so, provide full details regarding the termination.

● Describe any damages or penalties assessed against or dispute resolution settlements entered into by

Respondent under any existing or past contracts for services. Provide full details regarding the circumstances, including dollar amount of damages, penalties and settlement payments.

● Describe any order, judgment or decree of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting the right of the Respondent to engage in any business, practice or activity.

● A list and summary of all litigation or threatened litigation, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or similar matters to which the Respondent or its officers have been a party.

● Provided any irregularities discovered in any of the accounts maintained by the Respondent on behalf of others. Describe the circumstances and disposition of the irregularities. Failure to disclose these matters may result in rejection of the Proposal or termination of any subsequent Contract. The above disclosures are a continuing requirement of the Respondent. Respondent shall provide written notification to the Agency of any such matter commencing or occurring after submission of a Proposal, and with respect to the successful Respondent, following execution of the Contract.

3.2.6 Criminal History and Background Investigation

The Respondent hereby explicitly authorizes the Agency to conduct criminal history and/or other background investigation(s) of the Respondent, its officers, directors, shareholders, partners and managerial and supervisory personnel who will be involved in the performance of the Contract.

3.2.7 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

By submitting a Proposal, Respondent acknowledges its acceptance of the terms and conditions of the RFP and the “DNR Service Special Conditions” and the “DNR Service General Conditions” without change except as otherwise expressly stated in its Proposal. If the Respondent takes exception to a provision, it shall identify it by page and section number, state the reason for the exception, and set forth in its Proposal the specific RFP or DNR Contract Special and General Conditions language it proposes to include in place of the provision. If Respondent’s exceptions or responses materially alter the RFP, or if the Respondent submits its own terms and conditions or otherwise fails to follow the process described

10/2025 cmc 10 DNR Form 542-0927 https://das.iowa.gov/procurement/vendors/how-do-business herein, the Agency may reject the Proposal, in its sole discretion. The Bidder must document all exceptions in Attachment 1 of this RFQ.

Bidder has read and agrees to this section: ☐ Yes ☐ No

3.2.8 Mandatory Specifications

The Respondent shall answer whether or not it will comply with each specification in Section 4 of the RFP.

Where the context requires more than a yes or no answer or the specific specifications so indicates, Respondent shall explain how it will comply with the specification. Merely repeating the Section 4 specifications may be considered non-responsive and result in the rejection of the Proposal. Proposals must identify any deviations from the specifications of the RFP or specifications the Respondent cannot satisfy. If the Respondent deviates from or cannot satisfy the specification(s) of this section, the Agency may reject the Proposal.

3.3 Cost Proposal

The Respondent shall provide its Cost Proposal in a separate file for the proposed services. All prices are quoted pursuant to the terms and conditions of this RFP. Respondent’s Cost Proposal shall include an all-inclusive, itemized, total cost in U.S. Dollars (including all travel, expenses, etc. in prices) for the proposed services. Cost proposals shall include the following:

● Provide any one time and recurring costs for services. Recurring costs are to be for a 6-year period to cover initial term and extensions to contract.

● Equipment costs.

● Any other costs associated with proposed services.

● Pricing for optional services.

SECTION 4 SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

The successful Respondent shall provide the services to the State in accordance with the specifications and technical specifications as provided in this Section. The Respondent shall address each specification in this Section and indicate whether or not it will comply with the specification. If the context requires more than a yes or no answer or the section specifically indicates, Respondent shall explain how it will comply with the specification.

Proposals shall address each specification. Merely repeating the specifications may be considered non-responsive and may disqualify the Respondent. Proposals shall identify any deviations from the specifications of this RFP or specifications the Respondent cannot satisfy. If the Respondent deviates from or cannot satisfy the specification (s) of this section, the Agency may reject the Proposal.

All items listed in this section are Mandatory Specifications. Respondents shall indicate either “yes” or “no” to each specification in their Proposals and provide an explanation as to how the specification is met. By indicating “yes” a Respondent agrees that it shall comply with that specification throughout the full term of the Contract, if the Respondent is successful. In addition, if specified by the specifications or if the context otherwise requires, the Respondent shall provide references and/or supportive materials to verify the Respondent’s compliance with the specification. The Agency shall have the right to determine whether the supportive information and materials submitted by the Respondent demonstrate that the Respondent will be able to comply with the Mandatory Specifications. If the Agency determines the responses and supportive materials do not demonstrate the Supplier will be able to comply with the Mandatory Specifications, the Agency may reject the Proposal.

4.1 Description of Statement of Work

The DNR seeks the services of a qualified Contractor to provide environmental management services to assist the DNR in continued development and on-going support of the Iowa Solid Waste Environmental Management System (EMS) program.

10/2025 cmc 11 DNR Form 542-0927

The successful Contractor shall provide technical and supportive services to the DNR and its EMS program participants. The consultant will support DNR's continuous improvement of the EMS program by providing programmatic support to the DNR, as well as, informed, researched advice and assistance with the planning, development and coordination of participant training. In addition, the consultant will provide technical assistance to new, existing and potentially future participants during focused trainings and individual consultations. The successful Contractor shall only invoice for actual work performed.

The Contractor will lead new participants in implementing an EMS framework by training their EMS Core Team members in the ten EMS Elements. Additionally, the contractor will give guidance and lead trainings for all EMS participants in the continuous improvement of their programs.

Ten EMS Elements (Framework)

● Environmental Policy Statement

● Environmental Aspects and Impacts

● Legal and other requirements

● Objectives and Targets

● Action Plan

● Identify Roles and Responsibilities

● Communication/Training/Awareness

● Monitoring and Measurement

● Assessment

● Reevaluation and modification

The Contractor will give guidance and training to EMS participants in actively pursuing six environmental components (Iowa Code 455J.3).

Six EMS Components Areas

● Organics waste management

● Household hazardous materials collection

● Water quality improvement

● Greenhouse gas reduction

● Recycling services

● Environmental education

4.2 Statement of Work Deliverables

Statement of Work. Contractor must perform the following Tasks by the Task Milestone Dates set out in the following table:

Deliverable Task Milestone Date

Task 1. Iowa DNR and EMS Participant Assistance. The Contractor will serve as an advisor for DNR, EMS Participants to provide the services summarized below.

Description:

Task 1.1 Advice, Coordination and Planning. Assist DNR with program planning, coordination, management, and advice. This task includes the following activities:

● Develop a calendar of activities to support the EMS Program and its participant agencies.

● Develop the concepts and hosting preparations for EMS conferences, workshops and trainings, including identifying speakers and preparing agendas. Note: the material preparation and attendance for these events is covered under the event-specific subtasks.

● Periodically provide DNR and EMS Participants professional assistance, research and advice upon request.

Ongoing throughout contract

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Task 1.2 EMS Focused Training. Conduct on-site training focused on one or more of the ten EMS Elements. This task includes the following activities:

● Consult with DNR to determine area of focus for training.

● Develop training materials.

● Conduct training for one full day every other year, at a minimum.

Task 1.3 On-going EMS Participant Training. Conduct the following activities to support continual improvement for EMS Participants as needed:

● Provide up to four web-hosted meetings for individual or groups of EMS agencies per year.

● Review EMS implementation progress and provide guidance to participant agencies.

Task 1.4 EMS Annual Summer Workshop. Develop materials for and conduct a one-day, on-site EMS workshop during the calendar year in summer.

Task 1.5 EMS Annual Fall Conference. Develop materials for and conduct a one-day, on-site EMS Conference during the calendar year in fall.

Task 1.6 Materials to Benefit Participants and Program. Develop promotional and 20-year anniversary materials for the EMS program, similar to the “Success Stories” and “10-year Impact Stories” booklet previously developed.

Task 1.7 New Participant Training. Provide initial training and support for up to two Tier 1 EMS Participant agencies as needed:

● Develop materials for and conduct up to two on-site EMS kickoff meetings with the new EMS Participants, assuming one each year, in 2027 and 2028.

● Provide two webinar trainings on initial EMS development for the new EMS Participants.

● Conduct up to two on-site trainings for new EMS Participants each year in 2027 and 2028.

● Conduct two conference calls to provide feedback and advice to new EMS Participants during the development of their plans and policies to implement the ten EMS Elements.

Task 1.8 EMS Participant Recruitment Assistance. Support DNR in recruiting new EMS participant agencies as needed.

Task 1.9 Additional Assistance. Additional assistance for EMS program participants as requested and agreed upon between Contractor and DNR. Potential assistance needs may include feedback and guidance on identifying aspects and impacts, developing objectives/targets, determining steps for an action plan or revising a written policy.

Task 1 Assumptions.

● DNR may determine that some or all on-site events may instead be held virtually with available technology and ease of scheduling. A means for estimating the exclusion of travel costs and printing costs for virtual events is to be included.

● Contractor’s printing for on-site workshop and conference materials is included, assuming approximately 40 pages for each event for up to 50 attendees.

● Printing for the on-site EMS Focused Training is included assuming reprinting of the DNR EMS Audit Guide or similar (25 color copies) as well as handouts (30 pages, 8.5” x 11”, for up to 30 attendees).

● Contractor’s production of up to one promotional full color document, 8.5” x 11”, approximately 30 pages in length each. Electronic deliverable (print-ready PDF).

No printing is included.

● With the assumption that events are held on-site, contractor travel costs for the EMS Focused Training (1 trip), annual EMS Conference (2 trips), kickoff meeting for a new Tier 1 participant each year (2 trips), and one other EMS workshop each year (2 trips) are included. Up to two consultant staff will attend each event.

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● Up to two Tier 1 Participant Agencies may join the Solid Waste EMS program during the contract period.

Task 2: Ongoing EMS Program Management. The Contractor will provide on-going EMS program management as summarized below.

Description:

Task 2.1. Ongoing Project management, scheduling and documentation as required and including:

● Managing project budget, scope and schedule.

● Providing monthly billing invoices.

● Providing a summary of costs broken down by task and expenses.

● Provide additional review to DNR program planner with participants Annual

Report submissions.

● Assistance and content creation of DNR’s Annual Report to Environmental

Protection Commission (EPC) due January 1st of each year.

Ongoing throughout contract

SECTION 5 EVALUATION AND SELECTION

5.1 Introduction

This section describes the evaluation process that will be used to determine which Proposal(s) provides the greatest value to the State. Agency will not necessarily award the Contract to the Respondent offering the lowest cost to the Agency. Instead, the Agency will award to the Respondent whose Responsive Proposal the Agency believes will provide the best value to the State.

5.2 Evaluation Committee

The Agency will use an evaluation committee to conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of Technical Proposals received in response to this RFP. The evaluation committee will recommend an award based on the results of their evaluation to the Agency or to another person or entity that must approve the recommendation.

5.3 Technical Proposal Evaluation and Scoring

All Technical Proposals will be evaluated to determine if they comply with the Mandatory Specifications. The evaluation committee will fully evaluate and score all Responsive Proposals submitted by Responsible Respondents in accordance with this Section. In addition to other RFP requirements, to be deemed a Responsive Proposal, the Technical Proposal must:

● Answer “Yes” to all parts of Section 4 and include supportive materials as required to demonstrate the

Respondent will be able to comply with the Mandatory Specifications in that section and

● Obtain the minimum score for the Technical Proposal. If a Technical Proposal does not meet the minimum score, it will be rejected and the Respondent’s Cost Proposal will not be evaluated.

Evaluation Criteria. Evaluation of proposals will be based on the following criteria, which are not listed in any particular order of importance. Criterion: (Possible 100 Points). Respondents scoring below 60 total points from technical proposal evaluation criteria excluding Cost Proposal evaluation criteria 5.3.1 will not be considered eligible to be awarded this contract or complete the Cost Proposal evaluation.

5.3.1 Approach to working with DNR (25 Points)

5.3.1.1 Did the contractor adequately address how the tasks listed under Statement of Work listed in section 4.2, task 1 would be carried out?

5.3.1.2 Does the Contractor state how they intend to assist DNR to review and determine EMS program progress?

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5.3.2 Approach to working with Program Participants (25 points)

5.3.2.1 Did the Contractor describe a plan and process for developing new training materials and updating existing training materials?

5.3.2.2 Has the Contractor successfully conveyed that staff has the knowledge, background, skills and training necessary to deliver Solid Waste EMS training in a manner that will best benefit program participants?

5.3.2.3 Does the proposal convey that the Contractor has the communications skills necessary to carry out this contract?

5.3.2.4 Has the Contractor clearly stated who will deliver each service on the contract?

5.3.2.5 Did the Contractor propose anything creative or any innovative techniques that will extend or broaden the scope of the EMS program and training activities?

5.3.3 Approach to Program Management and Contractor Information (25 points)

5.3.3.1 Has the Contractor demonstrated an understanding of what is required of a program manager for this project?

5.3.3.2 Has the Contractor demonstrated they understand compliance with RFP and contract terms and Proposal format and conditions?

5.3.3.3 Are References satisfactory?

5.3.3.4 Has the Contractor provided satisfactory information on professional experience in training on EMS and performance record?

5.3.3.5 Has the Contractor demonstrated a positive overall track record on similar projects?

5.3.3.6 Has the Contractor proposed a transition plan between the end for the present contract and the start of the new contract?

5.3.4 Budget – Cost Proposal (25 points)

5.3.4.1 Total Amount Proposed

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5.4 Cost Proposal Scoring

After the Technical Proposals are evaluated and scored, the Cost Proposals will be opened and scored.

The cost proposal for each respondent will be evaluated in comparison with the other cost proposals received;

however, the number of points possible will be proportional to each respondent’s technical evaluation score.

The technical evaluation points received (numerator) is divided by the technical evaluation points possible (denominator) and multiplied by the maximum number of points in the cost evaluation. This provides the total points possible for the respondent in the cost evaluation.

Points Possible for Respondent = Technical Evaluation Points Received x Maximum Points in Cost Evaluation Technical Evaluation Points Possible

The lowest cost proposal (numerator) is divided by the cost proposal being evaluated (denominator) and multiplied by the points possible for the respondent. This provides the cost evaluation points awarded.

Cost Evaluation Points Awarded = Lowest Cost Proposal Received x Points Possible for Respondent Cost Proposal Being Evaluated

For example, suppose there are 10 maximum points in the cost evaluation. A respondent that receives 100% of the points possible in the technical evaluation has the opportunity to earn 100% of the points possible in the cost evaluation (e.g., 10 points). If the cost proposal is the lowest cost, the full 10 points will be awarded.

However, a respondent that receives only 50% of the points possible in the technical evaluation has the opportunity to earn only 50% of the points possible in the cost evaluation (e.g., 5 points).