4-AFI-2026123 Flags Flagpoles Accessories RFP Final 3.27.26.docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL | AFI-2026-123 | Flags, Flagpoles & Accessories

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

AFI-2026-123

Flags, Flagpoles & Accessories American-Made Flags for State, Local & Custom Applications

Proposal Due Date: May 11, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT Key Contact:

AFI – Nicole Kenney, bids@transformgov.org All questions and communications regarding this RFP must be submitted via the Indigo Procurement Portal (https://indigo.bonfirehub.com) as described in the “Questions and Communications” section. Direct email or phone contact will not be accepted as an official communication channel.

CALENDAR OF PROCESS

Please note that all dates are subject to change.

Register Here for Meeting Link

TO OFFERORS

1. Key Definitions Master Agreement: The legal agreement executed between AFI and the awarded Offeror.

Supplier(s): Any provider or seller of goods who, as a result of the competitive solicitation process, is awarded a Contract by AFI.

Days: Calendar days.

Offeror: A supplier submitting a proposal in response to a solicitation.

USA-Made: All flags and accessories supplied under this contract must be manufactured in the United States of America using domestically sourced materials to the greatest extent practicable.

G-Spec / Government Specification: Flags manufactured in accordance with U.S. Code, Title 4, federal specifications DDD-F-416F, and applicable National Stock Number (NSN) standards.

Custom Flag: A flag designed and produced to the specific artwork, size, and specifications provided by a Participating Public Agency.

Catalog Price: The Offeror’s published retail or wholesale price list from which cooperative discounts are applied.

Participating Public Agency (PPA): Any government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit organization eligible to purchase under the resulting Master Agreement.

2. Questions Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing via the Indigo Procurement Portal at https://indigo.bonfirehub.com no later than the date and time specified in the Calendar of Process. All questions and answers will be posted publicly in the Files section of the RFP project. Offerors are responsible for reviewing the online portal for all questions and answers before submitting proposals. Oral communications concerning this RFP shall not be binding.

3. Communications with AFI From the issuance of this RFP until the selection of Supplier, Offerors shall restrict all contact with AFI to the individual identified as Key Contact in the Calendar of Process. All communications, including questions, must be submitted via the Indigo Procurement Portal; direct email/phone contact with AFI personnel regarding this RFP is prohibited.

Offerors must not contact members of the Board of Directors, employees of AFI, or its agents or administrators. Contact with these individuals during the selection period may result in disqualification.

The communication prohibition terminates when the Contract is recommended, considered at a public meeting, and awarded.

Prohibited communications include:

1. Contact between an Offeror, lobbyist, or consultant and any Board member

1. Contact between a Board member and any selection/evaluation committee member

1. Contact between a Board member and any administrator or employee Exceptions include:

1. Communications with designated purchasing staff or legal counsel

1. Current Supplier in normal course of business

1. Presentations at duly noticed public meetings

4. Proposal Format Sealed responses are required to be submitted electronically via the Indigo Procurement Portal (https://indigo.bonfirehub.com) for each requested item in the format specified. The proposal format should be organized clearly and aligned with the evaluation criteria as described in this RFP document. Physical paper, faxed, or emailed responses will not be accepted.

5. Disclosures By signing the Offer and Contract Signature Form, Offeror affirms:

1. No economic opportunity, gift, loan, gratuity, or favor has been or will be given to a public servant regarding this proposal.

1. The proposal was developed independently, without collusion, favoritism, or unfair advantage.

1. Offeror is not delinquent in applicable tax payments.

1. The signer is authorized to bind the Offeror to the Contract.

1. All flags and accessories offered are manufactured in the United States of America.

6. Waiver By submitting a proposal, Offeror waives claims against AFI, its directors, officers, trustees, or agents arising from evaluation, recommendation, or administration of any proposal; solicitation or proposal requirements; rejection of any proposal or part thereof; or award of a Contract. AFI is not liable for any costs incurred in responding to the RFP.

7. Conditions of Submitting Proposal Submission confers no award or Contract rights. AFI reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, accept partial proposals, or select the most advantageous option. This RFP does not obligate AFI to award, negotiate, or execute a Contract.

8. Withdrawal of Proposals Withdrawal prior to opening is permitted via the Indigo Procurement Portal. After opening, Offerors may withdraw proposals due to clerical errors if they provide written notice and supporting documents within three business days of acceptance notification.

SCOPE OF WORK

Overview The Alliance for Innovation (AFI), as Lead Contracting Agency, is soliciting proposals from qualified Offerors to supply Flags, Flagpoles, and Related Accessories to Participating Public Agencies (PPAs) nationwide. AFI issues this solicitation in collaboration with Edge Public, serving as the Cooperative Remarketing Partner, whose role supports member entities by facilitating access to efficient, cost-effective procurement solutions.

The resulting Master Agreement will establish a comprehensive, competitively awarded cooperative contract enabling state and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit entities to efficiently procure high-quality, American-made flags and flagpole systems. The cooperative contract eliminates the need for agencies to conduct repetitive, time-consuming solicitations for individual flag and flagpole purchases.

A core requirement of this contract is that all flags and flag-related products offered must be manufactured in the United States of America. This requirement reflects the values of the public sector entities served by this contract and is consistent with applicable Buy American provisions.

Product Categories / Workstreams AFI has organized the requested products into the following Workstreams. Offerors may propose on one or multiple Workstreams and should clearly identify which they are proposing. Multiple awards are anticipated.

Workstream 1 – National & Government Specification Flags This Workstream covers U.S. national flags manufactured to federal and government specifications for outdoor and indoor use, including but not limited to:

1. U.S. national flags in all standard sizes (e.g., 2’5”x4’6”, 3’x5’, 3’6”x6’8”, 4’x6’, 5’x9’6”, 8’x12’, 9’x17’, 10’x19’)

1. Government Specification (G-Spec) flags manufactured per U.S. Code, Title 4, and federal specification DDD-F-416F

1. Flags made from 100% domestically sourced nylon, polyester, or cotton bunting material

1. Embroidered star fields and hand-sewn or lock-stitched stripe construction

1. Indoor U.S. flag sets with ceremonial poles, ornaments, fringe, and bases

1. Casket flags and presentation flags for veteran and ceremonial use

1. U.S. flags for high-wind and all-weather environments

1. Replacement programs for routine flag lifecycle management Workstream 2 – State Flags This Workstream covers flags representing all 50 states and U.S. territories for outdoor and indoor display, including but not limited to:

1. Outdoor nylon or polyester state flags for all 50 states and U.S. territories in standard sizes (3’x5’, 4’x6’, 5’x8’, 6’x10’)

1. Indoor ceremonial state flag sets with poles, ornaments, fringe, and bases

1. State flags manufactured to agency-specific size and material requirements

1. Fade-resistant, UV-treated state flags for prolonged outdoor display

1. State flags with canvas heading, brass grommets, and reinforced fly end stitching

1. State flag bunting and decorative applications Workstream 3 – Municipal, County & Local Government Flags This Workstream covers flags representing cities, counties, municipalities, and other local jurisdictions, including but not limited to:

1. Stock city and county flags for major U.S. municipalities

1. Custom-manufactured local government flags produced from agency-provided artwork

1. Police, fire department, emergency services, and municipal agency flags

1. Outdoor and indoor versions of local government flags in standard sizes

1. Fringe-bordered ceremonial indoor versions for council chambers and government offices

1. Seal-embroidered and dye-sublimation printed local flags Workstream 4 – Custom Flags & Banners This Workstream covers custom-designed and custom-manufactured flags and banners produced to agency-specific artwork and specifications, including but not limited to:

1. Full-color dye-sublimation printed flags from customer-provided digital artwork

1. Appliqued and embroidered custom flags for ceremonial and parade use

1. Department, unit, and organizational flags for public safety, military, and civic organizations

1. Commemorative and special event flags (anniversary, centennial, sesquicentennial)

1. Avenue banners and boulevard banners for street pole display

1. Feather flags, teardrop flags, and display flags for events and public gatherings

1. Custom pocket squares, desk flags, and miniature flags

1. Minimum order quantities, design services, and proofing processes must be clearly disclosed

1. All custom flags must be manufactured in the United States Workstream 5 – Flagpoles This Workstream covers commercial and institutional-grade flagpoles for in-ground, wall-mounted, and indoor applications, including but not limited to:

1. Commercial in-ground aluminum flagpoles in heights of 20’, 25’, 30’, 35’, 40’, 50’, and 60’

1. Tapered and straight-shaft aluminum flagpole systems in silver/satin, bronze, and black anodized finishes

1. Steel and fiberglass flagpole options for high-wind rated applications

1. Wall-mount outrigger flagpoles in 5’, 6’, 8’, and 10’ lengths with matching brackets

1. Vertical wall-mount flagpoles with butt diameters from 2-3/8” to 6”

1. Indoor ceremonial flagpole sets in wood, chrome, and gold finishes

1. Sectional and telescoping flagpoles for portable and temporary use

1. Solar-powered flagpole lighting systems and LED flagpole illumination kits

1. Flagpole foundation sleeves, ground sets, and base covers

1. All commercial flagpoles should comply with ANSI/NAAMM FP1001 standards where applicable Workstream 6 – Flagpole Accessories & Hardware This Workstream covers accessories, hardware, and replacement parts necessary for the installation, operation, and maintenance of flagpoles and flag display systems, including but not limited to:

1. Flagpole finials and ornaments (ball, eagle, spear, flame, acorn) in various finishes

1. External and internal halyard systems with cleats, snap hooks, and pulley assemblies

1. Non-tangle swivel snap hooks and anti-wrap spinning flagpole rings

1. Nylon and wire rope halyard replacement kits

1. Flagpole cleat locks and theft-deterrent hardware

1. Flagpole truck and pulley assemblies for external halyard systems

1. Cast aluminum and stainless-steel flagpole wall brackets and mounting hardware

1. Grommets, zip ties, and flag attachment hardware

1. Flagpole wind spinners and rotating rings to prevent flag wrap

1. Flagpole covers, ground sleeves, and butt covers

1. Ceremonial flag cases, display cases, and presentation boxes

1. Flag retirement bags and proper disposal program materials

USA MANUFACTURING REQUIREMENTS

Domestic Manufacturing Mandate All flags supplied under this contract must be manufactured in the United States of America. This requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable. Offerors must demonstrate compliance through documentation of their manufacturing facilities, supply chain, and production processes.

To the greatest extent practicable, all raw materials including fabric, thread, grommets, and heading material used in the manufacture of flags shall also be sourced domestically. Offerors must disclose the percentage of domestic versus imported materials in their proposal.

Flagpoles and accessories offered under Workstreams 5 and 6 must be manufactured in the United States. Where any flagpole component is sourced from outside the United States, Offerors must clearly identify the component, country of origin, and the reason domestic sourcing is not practicable.

Required Manufacturing Documentation Offerors must provide the following documentation confirming USA manufacturing compliance:

1. A signed certification statement confirming all flags are manufactured in the United States

1. Identification of U.S. manufacturing facility address(es) where flags are produced

1. Description of the manufacturing process, including cutting, sewing, embroidery, printing, and finishing operations performed domestically

1. Evidence of domestic fabric sourcing (material mill certifications, supplier letters, or equivalent)

1. For government specification flags: documentation confirming compliance with DDD-F-416F and U.S. Code, Title 4

1. For custom flags: description of the domestic production workflow from artwork to finished product

1. Any applicable FMAA (Flag Manufacturers Association of America) membership or certification Quality Standards All flags supplied under this contract must meet the following minimum quality standards:

1. Outdoor nylon or polyester flags: minimum 200-denier (200D) high-tenacity industrial nylon or equivalent UV-resistant polyester

1. Stitching: double-needle lock-stitched seams using color-matched thread; stress points reinforced with bar tacking

1. Heading: white canvas duck heading, minimum 1.5” wide, with reinforced stitching

1. Grommets: solid brass #2 rolled-rim toothed grommets on sizes up to 5’x9’6”; roped header and thimbles on larger sizes

1. Stars on U.S. national flags: embroidered (not printed) on flags sold as premium or G-Spec grade

1. Color fastness: flags must demonstrate resistance to fading under UV exposure testing

1. Indoor flags: pole sleeve construction with rayon or nylon fringe as specified; embroidered or appliqued as applicable

1. Government Specification flags: manufactured per DDD-F-416F with official 1:1.9 hoist-to-fly ratio

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

About AFI (Lead Contracting Agency) The Alliance for Innovation (AFI) is a nonprofit association of governments dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in local government. AFI is acting as a procurement cooperative to assist large and small communities in their purchasing efforts to enhance efficiencies and reduce costs. In addition, it is AFI’s goal to ensure that, wherever possible, local companies have the opportunity to participate in the solicitation process.

AFI assists local governments in implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The organization emphasizes strategic thinking, emerging technologies, and best practices to equip PPAs with the knowledge and support to address evolving challenges. AFI offers various programs, including innovation academies, workshops, and a comprehensive knowledge network that allows local governments to share success stories and lessons learned. It hosts annual conferences and webinars that unite municipal leaders, industry experts, and academic researchers to explore trends in governance, sustainability, civic engagement, and operational improvements.

As Lead Contracting Agency for this solicitation, AFI will issue and administer the Master Agreement, conduct the competitive procurement process, and ensure the resulting cooperative contract meets applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

About Edge Public (Cooperative Partner) Edge Public is a group purchasing organization dedicated to enhancing value and resources for state and local governments, higher education institutions, K-12 educational organizations, and non-profit entities. Edge Public delivers shared services and supply chain optimization solutions that support procurement operations across public and private sectors. Through corporate pricing structures and Supplier sales commitments, Edge Public extends marketing, sales, and administrative support to promote Supplier products and services to non-profit entities on a national scale. This targeted engagement allows PPAs to access competitive pricing driven by collective spending power and the convenience of pre-competed, publicly advertised contracts.

Edge Public is a wholly owned subsidiary of Buyers Edge Platform (BEP), the largest and most experienced procurement and data organization in the private sector globally. Leveraging BEP’s expansive economies of scale, Edge Public provides participants with access to competitively solicited and publicly awarded cooperative agreements. This program is grounded in the lead agency contracting model, ensuring a transparent, efficient, and publicly vetted procurement process that meets most all regulatory requirements nationally.

Offerors benefit from this arrangement by entering into a contract that permits entities to procure flags, flagpoles, and accessories directly without the need for additional competitive solicitations. Participating Offerors must comply with all obligations as specified in Edge Public’s contractual documents.

About Civic Marketplace Civic Marketplace is a next-generation digital procurement platform built in collaboration with local governments to simplify and modernize public purchasing. It offers a centralized, AI-powered hub where agencies can discover, compare, and procure from pre-vetted cooperative contracts—dramatically reducing time-to-implementation while ensuring full compliance with state and local bid laws. More than just a transactional tool, Civic Marketplace is designed to drive innovation, increase transparency, and support faster, smarter procurement across the public sector.

For Offerors, Civic Marketplace provides a streamlined path to market and direct access to a growing network of PPAs. Offerors benefit from increased visibility, reduced administrative burden, and the ability to participate in compliant cooperative purchasing programs—without responding to duplicative solicitations. The platform is committed to lowering barriers for small and emerging businesses while enabling meaningful engagement with government buyers focused on delivering results for their communities.

The Master Agreement resulting from this solicitation will be made available through the Civic Marketplace platform, enabling Participating Public Agencies to efficiently identify, access, and utilize the cooperative contract in full compliance with applicable procurement laws. Awarded Suppliers are encouraged to engage with the Civic Marketplace platform to maximize visibility and ease of access for public agency procurement teams nationwide.

National Contract AFI, serving as the Lead Contracting Agency, has partnered with Edge Public to offer the resulting contract to municipal agencies and nonprofits nationwide through Edge Public’s group purchasing organization program. AFI projects the value of the contract to be in excess of $5 million. While no minimum purchase volume is guaranteed, the estimated annual procurement volume for flags, flagpoles, and accessories is expected to exceed that volume based on current annual procurement patterns of AFI member locations combined with a targeted marketing strategy focused on local government entities operating across states nationwide.

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract Objectives AFI’s objective is to establish a comprehensive, competitively awarded cooperative contract for flags, flagpoles, and accessories that enables Participating Agencies to efficiently procure high-quality, American-made products. The contract is intended to:

1. Reduce procurement lead times through a pre-competed, ready-to-use cooperative agreement

1. Provide access to qualified, domestic manufacturers and distributors of flags, flagpoles, and accessories

1. Deliver cost-effective, transparent pricing through catalog-based discounts

1. Ensure compliance with Buy American requirements and applicable procurement laws

1. Support agencies of all sizes – from small municipalities to large counties and educational institutions

1. Provide access to a full spectrum of product offerings from standard stock flags to fully custom-manufactured items Contract Term Awarded contract(s) will be for five (5) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional years. The initial contract term will commence upon execution of the contract. Contract renewal will occur with mutual agreement of the successful Supplier.

Contract Parameters

Exclusivity AFI anticipates considerable activity resulting from this RFP award; however, no commitment of any kind is made concerning actual quantities to be acquired. Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall be awarded with the understanding that it is for the sole convenience of the purchaser. The agencies reserve the right to obtain similar products from another source.

Anticipated Award To cover the diverse product categories required by municipalities and public agencies, AFI may make multiple awards to different Suppliers by Workstream. Awards may be made to suppliers specializing in specific categories (e.g., a flag manufacturer and a separate flagpole manufacturer) to achieve the most competitive pricing and broadest product availability for Participating Public Agencies.

MARKETING, SALES, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Dedicated Support Edge Public will assign a marketing professional as the Supplier’s main point of contact, responsible for managing the relationship and developing a strategy to promote the Master Agreement. This director will facilitate connections with key Edge Public teams, including Sales, Marketing, Contracting, Training, and Operations & Support.

Marketing Initiatives Edge Public’s marketing team will collaborate with the Supplier to promote the Master Agreement through (not all inclusive):

1. Marketing materials (print, electronic, email, presentations)

1. Online ordering portal promotions and digital presence

1. Trade shows, conferences, and public sector meetings

1. Advertising campaigns targeting public procurement professionals

1. Social media outreach to local government networks Administrative Fee The “Administrative Fee” is a payment owed by the Supplier to Edge Public, calculated as a percentage of the total purchase amount paid to the Supplier, excluding taxes, refunds, and returns. This fee applies to all sales made to the Lead Contracting Agency and Participating Public/Non-Profit Agencies under the Master Agreement.

The parties may agree in writing to a lower Administrative Fee for a specific Participating Lead Public Agency’s Contract Sales.

Contract Sales Reporting The Supplier must submit an electronic accounting report each month, summarizing all Contract Sales. Reports must be formatted as prescribed by Edge Public. Reports for each calendar month are due by the 10th day of the following month. Failure to submit a report on time is considered a material breach of this agreement.

RFP PROCESS

Questions Questions regarding this RFP shall be submitted IN WRITING via https://indigo.bonfirehub.com no later than the date and time specified in the RFP. Only answers issued in writing by AFI will be considered official and valid.

Addenda All addenda issued by AFI shall become a part of the specifications. Addenda will be posted in the RFP Files section on https://indigo.bonfirehub.com. No addenda will be issued later than five (5) days prior to the date and time for receipt of RFPs, except an addendum withdrawing the request or one that includes postponement of the receipt date.

Review and Award Process AFI requires that any response to this solicitation be valid and irrevocable for sixty (60) days after the official opening date. AFI may choose to use any available resource to review and evaluate proposals, including reference checks, review of industry data, product samples, and Supplier presentations.

AFI reserves the right to:

1. Ask for presentations or product samples from any Supplier regarding its proposal

1. Discuss, clarify, or update any proposal with any Supplier reasonably susceptible of award

1. Shortlist proposals under consideration at any time

1. Award this contract without discussion with any responding Supplier

1. Accept any or all proposals in whole or in part, and waive irregularities

1. Reject the proposal of any respondent who has previously failed to perform similar contracts satisfactorily

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

AFI will review and evaluate all proposals and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors for award of contracts. Proposals will be evaluated by the following selection criteria:

EVALUATION SECTION 1: COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Company Overview Provide a brief description of your company, including years in business, ownership structure, USA manufacturing location(s), and primary product lines relevant to flags, flagpoles, and accessories.

Manufacturing Credentials Describe in detail your domestic manufacturing operations. Include:

1. Manufacturing facility location(s) in the United States

1. Number of U.S.-based production employees (seamstresses, fabricators, machinists, etc.)

1. Description of in-house manufacturing capabilities (cutting, sewing, embroidery, printing, screen-printing, etc.)

1. Sourcing of raw materials: fabrics, threads, hardware, grommets, headings

1. Quality control processes and inspection procedures

1. Certifications held (FMAA membership, ISO, government contractor registrations, SAM.gov registration, SDVOSB, MBE, WBE, etc.)

Government Experience Describe your experience supplying flags, flagpoles, and accessories to government entities. Provide a minimum of five (5) government contracts performed within the past seven (7) years. For each, describe:

1. Agency name, contact, and phone number

1. Contract value and duration

1. Types of products supplied (national flags, state flags, custom flags, flagpoles, accessories)

1. Volume and frequency of orders

1. Any cooperative purchasing contract experience (GSA, state contracts, GPOs) Geographic Coverage Describe your company’s ability to provide products nationally. Identify your distribution capabilities, warehouse location(s), and any geographic limitations. Describe your standard lead times for stock products and custom orders.

EVALUATION SECTION 2: PRODUCT QUALITY & USA MANUFACTURING COMPLIANCE

Flag Quality Documentation Describe your flag manufacturing quality standards. Address the following:

1. Fabric specifications: denier weight, fiber content, domestic mill sourcing

1. Stitching specifications: seam type, thread specification, bar tacking details

1. Heading and grommet specifications: material, dimensions, grade

1. Embroidery specifications for star fields (for U.S. national flags)

1. Color fastness and UV-resistance testing methodology

1. Government specification compliance (DDD-F-416F) for G-Spec products

1. Warranty offered on standard and custom flags Flagpole Quality Documentation Describe your flagpole specifications and quality standards. Address the following:

1. Aluminum alloy specification (e.g., 6063-T6 for commercial poles)

1. Wall thickness and taper specifications by pole height

1. Finish options and anodizing specifications

1. Wind load ratings and design wind speeds by pole height

1. Compliance with ANSI/NAAMM FP1001 flagpole standards

1. Halyard system specifications (external and internal)

1. Warranty offered on flagpole systems USA Manufacturing Certification Provide a signed written certification confirming:

1. All flags offered under this contract are manufactured in the United States

1. Primary fabric and materials are domestically sourced (or disclose any imported materials)

1. Flagpoles and accessories offered are manufactured in the United States (or disclose exceptions)

1. The Offeror’s manufacturing facilities and processes are subject to inspection upon request

EVALUATION SECTION 3: PRODUCT BREADTH & CUSTOMIZATION CAPABILITIES

Standard Product Catalog Describe the breadth of your standard product offering. Provide a complete product catalog and clearly identify which products are in-stock/available for rapid fulfillment versus made-to-order.

Custom Flag Capabilities Describe your capabilities for producing custom flags for government agencies. Address the following:

1. Supported production methods: dye-sublimation printing, screen printing, embroidery, applique/sewn

1. Minimum order quantities for each custom production method

1. Artwork file formats accepted (AI, EPS, PDF, PSD, PNG, etc.)

1. Design services available (logo digitizing, artwork cleanup, color matching, proofing)

1. Turnaround time from approved artwork to shipped product

1. Sample and proof process prior to full production run

1. Color matching capabilities (PMS, CMYK, government seal reproduction)

1. Maximum flag dimensions available for each production method State & Local Government Flag Inventory Identify the state flags, territorial flags, and major municipal flags currently available as stock items. Describe your process for sourcing or manufacturing flags for municipalities or counties not currently in your catalog.

Flagpole System Options Describe the full range of flagpole systems available, including commercial in-ground, wall-mount, and indoor ceremonial options. Provide specifications sheets and installation guides for your flagpole product lines. Describe any installation services offered or subcontracted.

EVALUATION SECTION 4: REFERENCES AND PAST PERFORMANCE

Provide a minimum of three (3) public agency references for flag and/or flagpole supply contracts completed within the past five (5) years. References must be from government clients. For each reference, provide:

1. Agency name

1. Contact name, title, phone number, and email address

1. Contract value and duration

1. Types of products supplied

1. Volume and frequency of orders

AFI reserves the right to contact references at any time during the evaluation process. References with unresolved disputes, negative feedback, or inability to confirm satisfactory performance may result in disqualification.

In addition to your references, AFI will also research your performance ratings on a third-party platform, Procurated (https://home.procurated.com/), that collects public sector reviews of suppliers. Your score will be considered in addition to the qualitative feedback provided by your references. If you are not yet listed on Procurated, we strongly encourage you to register on their site and to ask your past public sector customers to write reviews of their experiences in working with you.

Acknowledge that AFI may also review performance on Procurated (or similar), and describe any steps you take to track and ensure customer satisfaction.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Offerors must maintain the following minimum insurance coverage throughout the term of the contract. Certificates of insurance must be provided prior to contract execution and must name AFI and the participating agency as additional insureds.

EVALUATION SECTION 5: PRICING – CATALOG DISCOUNT STRUCTURE

Pricing Explanation Under this cooperative contract, pricing will be established as a percentage discount off the Offeror’s published catalog or price list. Offerors must submit their current price list/catalog as part of their proposal and provide the proposed discount percentage for each product category.

The catalog price must represent the Offeror’s standard commercial pricing. Discounts must be equal to or better than pricing offered to any other cooperative program with equal or lower estimated volume.

Required Pricing Submissions Offerors must submit the following pricing as part of their proposal:

In addition to the above, Offerors must provide:

1. A complete current catalog or price list as an attachment

1. Proposed pricing for custom flag setup fees, design services, and proofing charges

1. Proposed pricing for freight, delivery, and expedited shipping options

1. Minimum order quantities for standard stock and custom products

1. Volume discount tiers (if applicable) for high-quantity orders Price Guarantee Will your proposed discount(s) be guaranteed for the initial term of the contract? If not, describe any escalation controls or adjustment mechanisms proposed. Price adjustments, if any, shall require a minimum of 90 days written notice to AFI and shall not exceed the Producer Price Index (PPI) for the applicable product category.

Most Favored Public Pricing Confirm that your proposed pricing represents pricing equal to or better than what your firm offers to individual entities or other cooperative programs with equal or lower anticipated volume.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Compliance with Laws The Supplier shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including but not limited to: Buy American Act requirements, equal employment opportunity requirements, OSHA safety standards, and applicable textile and consumer product safety regulations. All flags shall comply with U.S. flag code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) for appropriate use, dimensions, and display.

Berry Amendment / Buy American Compliance For orders placed by agencies subject to the Berry Amendment or other Buy American requirements, Suppliers must be prepared to provide compliant products and certify compliance in writing. Suppliers must maintain documentation of domestic manufacturing provenance for all products sold under this contract.

Non-Discrimination Supplier shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Supplier shall ensure that subcontractors comply with this requirement.

Small and Diverse Business Participation AFI encourages and values the participation of small businesses, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in this program. Offerors should describe their firm’s small and diverse business status (if applicable) and their approach to subcontracting with small and diverse businesses.

Public Records All proposals and the basis for the selection of a successful respondent will be made available as part of the public record upon award. Proposals become property of AFI and will be made part of the permanent, public record. Requests for confidentiality that do not comply with applicable public information act requirements will not be considered.

Termination AFI reserves the right to terminate the Master Agreement for convenience upon thirty (30) days written notice. AFI may terminate the agreement immediately for cause, including but not limited to: material breach, failure to maintain required insurance or licenses, or failure to perform in accordance with contract requirements, including the domestic manufacturing requirement.

Governing Law This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of the participating agency issuing each individual purchase order, without regard to conflicts of law provisions. Disputes shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in the Master Agreement.

Order of Precedence In the event of a conflict between documents, the following order of precedence shall apply: (1) Purchase Order; (2) Master Agreement; (3) RFP and Addenda; (4) Offeror’s Proposal.

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Offer and Contract Signature Form Pass/Fail Proposal Form – required to be signed and uploaded.

Appendix B – Terms and Conditions Acceptance Form Pass/Fail Proposal Form – required to be signed and uploaded.

Appendix C – Disclosures Federal/NJ Pass/Fail Proposal Form – required to be signed and uploaded.

Appendix D – Sample Supplier Agreement (Edge Public Cooperative Program) Only required to upload if proposed changes to terms. Submit proposed redlines as part of proposal. If no proposed redlines submitted with proposal, standard terms as written are agreed upon (no file uploaded).

Appendix E – USA Manufacturing Certification Form Certifying domestic manufacture of all flags and accessories offered Appendix F – AFI Master Agreement Only required to upload if proposed changes to terms. Submit proposed redlines as part of proposal. If no proposed redlines submitted with proposal, standard terms as written are agreed upon (no file uploaded).

Appendix G – Contract Sales Report Template Example attached.

Appendix H – Insurance Certificate Requirements Pass/Fail Proposal Form - Upload certificate of insurance confirming policy meets or exceeds requirements as stated in RFP.

Appendix I – Flag & Flagpole Specification Reference Sheet Example attaching, including G-Spec sizes, NSN numbers, and standard commercial size chart Alliance for Innovation (AFI) | Flags, Flagpoles and Accessories | Page