REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bid Event # 219966

Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing

City of Little Rock, Arkansas

The capital city of Arkansas is also the state’s largest municipality with over 202,000 people calling it home. The City of Little Rock employs over 2,500 employees in 16 departments. It is our mission to ensure our City is a safe, secure, and prospering place to live, work, and play.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr.

City of Little Rock Request for Proposal – # 219966 – Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing

City of Little Rock, 500 W. Markham St., Little Rock Arkansas 72201 (501) 371-4560

Contents

SCHEDULE AND ACCESS INFORMATION

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.3 DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENT

1.4 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

1.4 RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

1.5 ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

1.6 PRICING

1.7 NONCOLLUSION

1.8 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

1.9 ISRAEL BOYCOTT NOTICE

1.10 BOYCOTT OF THE ENERGY, FOSSIL FUEL, FIREARMS, AND AMO INDUSTRIES

1.11 REQUIREMENT OF ADDENDUM

1.12 PAST PERFORMANCE

1.13 PUBLICITY

SECTION 2 – PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 GOAL

2.2 TERMS OF AWARD

2.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

2.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 3 – PERFORMANCE MATRIX

SECTION 4 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

4.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN

4.2 JOINT VENTURE

4.3 PROCUREMENT SELECTION TEAM

SECTION 5 – SELECTION AND AWARD PROCESS

5.1 Scoring

SECTION 6 – EVALUATION PROCESS

6.1 CONDITIONS OF EVALUATION

6.2 REFERENCE CHECKS

6.3 CLARIFICATION AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL

6.4 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

6.5 PRICING PROPOSAL

SECTION 7 – ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUTION TECHNIQUE

SECTION 8 – CONTRACT

8.1 NEGOITATIONS

8.2 ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT

8.3 COOPERATIVE USE

8.4 LIABILITY

SECTION 9 – INQUIRES AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 10 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SCHEDULE AND ACCESS INFORMATION

Schedule of Solicitations

Title: RFP - # 219966 – Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing

Description: Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing

Release Date: 02/27/26 @ 3:30pm

Vendor Questions Deadline:

03/13/26 @ 3:30pm

Close Date: 03/20/26 @ 3:30pm

Pre-Bid Opening Meeting (optional)

N/A

Bid Opening Information (Optional)

Bid Opening MS Teams

Date: 03/20/2026 Time: 3:45 p.m., Central Time

Web Link: RFP - 219966 - Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing - Bid Reading | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 292 357 222 577 91

Passcode: mt7qX6gz

Dial-In: +1 972-371-0918,164046306# United States, Dallas

Phone Conference

ID: 615 484 369#

Resources

Business Contact Little Rock Business Portal | City of Little Rock

Procurement Purchasing Division | City of Little Rock

LRPROCURE

powered by Euna Bonfire littlerock.bonfirehub.com

Israel Boycott Restriction Confirmation

By submitting a formal proposal to this Bid Solicitation, a Prospective Vendor agrees and certifies that they do not boycott Israel, and if selected will not boycott Israel during the aggregate term of the contract.

Vendor must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the proposal submission.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MTIxZWU0MzItZmVlMS00NDdmLWFjNTktODRlNGVhNmFhZmE3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2284d336e2-3cb3-4ee8-91ca-5e4f107776ce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220482e7ca-b0e2-4a95-9ca7-449438c919bf%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MTIxZWU0MzItZmVlMS00NDdmLWFjNTktODRlNGVhNmFhZmE3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2284d336e2-3cb3-4ee8-91ca-5e4f107776ce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%220482e7ca-b0e2-4a95-9ca7-449438c919bf%22%7d tel:+19723710918,,164046306 https://www.littlerock.gov/business/little-rock-business-portal/ https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/procurement/ https://littlerock.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Boycott of the Energy, Fossil Fuel, Firearms, and AMO Industries

By submitting a formal proposal to this Bid Solicitation, a Prospective Vendor agrees and certifies that it does not boycott the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries and will not boycott the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries during the term of the contract.

Vendor must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the proposal submission.

Vendors must submit responses to this request online at LRProcure EUNA on or before the designated due date and time.

Responses should comply with all requirements stated in this bid solicitation. The Vendor is required to be both responsive and responsible as per the terms of this bid. If any conflict is identified in key terms (such as the quantity or type of work to be performed), the City of Little Rock reserves the right to disqualify the Vendor's response at its sole discretion.

The City reserves the right to revise the bid submission deadline. If the City needs to make changes or revisions, an addendum will be available on Bonfire under Public Notices.

The City has worked hard to make sure this request is correct, but it is up to the Bidder to check the proposal carefully because the City and its team are not responsible if there are mistakes or missing information. The responsibility for determining the full extent of the exposure to risk and verifying all information herein shall rest solely on those parties’ making proposals. The City, its representatives, and its agents shall not be responsible for any error or omission in this RFP, nor shall they be responsible for any Vendors or representatives' failure to verify the information herein and to determine the full extent of that exposure.

http://www.littlerock.bonfire.hub.com/

SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE

The City of Little Rock has issued this Request for Proposals (RFP) to businesses authorized in the State of Arkansas and qualified to provide the requested service(s) outlined in this bid document.

Waste Disposal Vehicle Equipment Financing

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Little Rock is the State Capital and the largest city in Arkansas. It was chartered in 1835 and is in the central part of the state, approximately 135 miles west of Memphis, Tennessee. The city has a population of 202,591 according to the 2020 census certified by the Arkansas State Treasurer. The 2026 operating budget revenues approved by Ordinance No. 22079 are $350,389,573 including the General Fund revenue budget of $271,999,104.

It is also a major cultural, economic, and governmental center in central Arkansas. Several cultural institutions are in Little Rock, such as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, The Museum of Discovery, William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, including a diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities.

1.3 DEFINITION OF REQUIREMENT

A. The words “must” and “shall” signify a requirement of this solicitation and that Bidder’s agreement to and compliance with that item is mandatory.

B. Exceptions taken to any requirement in this solicitation, whether submitted in the Vendor’s response or in subsequent correspondence, may cause the Responder’s response to be disqualified.

C. Bidders may request exceptions to non-mandatory items. Bidder must clearly explain the requested exception and should reference the specific solicitation item number to which the exception applies.

1.4 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

A. The City has made every effort to use industry-accepted terminology in this bid solicitation and will attempt further to clarify any point of an item in question as indicated in the Clarification and Discussion of Proposal.

B. “Best Interests” used herein means practicing economical frugality, professionalism, and a firm commitment to the publicly stated goals of the City

C. “Bid Opening Meeting” is the formal process in which sealed bids are opened and the contents are revealed to all Bidders and the public (optional attendance).

D. “Commodity Code” is the standardized system of numbers used to identify goods and services being purchased. The City of Little Rock utilizes the NIGP Code.

E. “City” means the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. When the term “City” is used herein to reference any obligation of the City under a contract that results from this solicitation.

F. “Public Notice” is the Bonfire bulletin board where the City can issue changes or new information about a project. Vendors can find this in the [Messages] section titled “Public Notices.” Vendors who have viewed a project will receive an email notification when a new public notice is posted.

G. “Prospective Vendor” means a person who submits a bid in response to this solicitation.

H. “Responsible bid” means a Vendor response that has the capability in all respects to fully perform the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

I. “Responsive bid” A bid solicitation that is deemed to meet all the requirements set forward in the bid solicitation such as but not limited to bid instructions, technical requirements, general requirements, acceptance of terms and conditions, and provide complete information.

J. “Vendor” means a person who sells or contracts to sell commodities or services.

K. The words “Responder,” “Bidder,” and “Vendor” are used synonymously in this document.

L. The terms “Request for Proposals,” “RFP,” and “Solicitation” are used synonymously in this document.

M. The terms “bid,” “response,” and "submission" are used synonymously in this document.

1.4 RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

The Bidder’s responsive and responsible proposal must be submitted thru LRPROCURE Bid Opportunities Portal on or before the closing date and time. Other documents or information required must be attached to bid solicitation upon submission.

1.5 ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE DOCUMENTS

It is strongly recommended that Responders adhere to the following format and suggestions when preparing their response. The proposal should be arranged in the following order:

• Table of Contents. The Table of Contents should itemize the contents by section, subsection, and page numbers.

• Signed Addenda, if applicable.

• Other documents or information are required in this solicitation.

• Response to the evaluation criteria (Refer to Section 6. Evaluation Process]

1.6 PRICING

Pricing will be negotiated with the prospective Vendor(s) based on project scope of work. Cost proposal must be separated submission from technical proposal component.

1.7 NONCOLLUSION

Bidder shall represent and warrant that in connection with a response to this solicitation:

A. The Bidder has not been a party to any collusion among Responder(s) in the restraint of freedom of competition by agreement to bid at a fixed price or to refrain from bidding.

B. The Bidder has not been a party to any collusion with any official or employee of the City of Little Rock as to quantity, quality, or price in the prospective contract or any other terms of said prospective contract.

C. The Bidder has not been a party in any discussion between Bidders and any official of City concerning the exchange of money or other things of value for special consideration in the letting of a contract.

D. Bidder's failure to disclose such a relationship may result in one of the following:

1. The City’s rejection of the Responder's response.

2. The City’s cancellation of any resultant contract.

1.8 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

A. Response documents pertaining to this solicitation will become the property of the City of Little Rock and shall be subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

1.9 ISRAEL BOYCOTT NOTICE

A. Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-1-503, a public entity shall not enter into a contract valued at $1,000 or greater with a company unless the contract includes a written certification that the person or company is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in, a boycott of Israel.

B. Vendor's signature on the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form shall represent and warrant they do not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the remaining aggregate term of the contract.

1.10 BOYCOTT OF THE ENERGY, FOSSIL FUEL, FIREARMS, AND AMO INDUSTRIES

Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 25-1-1002, a public entity shall not enter into a contract valued at $1,000 or greater with a company unless the contract includes a written certification that the person or company is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of the contract not to engage in a boycott of the energy, fossil fuel, firearms, and ammunition industries. The signed Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form shall represent the Bidder’s compliance.

1.11 REQUIREMENT OF ADDENDUM

This solicitation shall be modified only by an addendum written and authorized by City.

1.12 PAST PERFORMANCE

A Vendor's past performance with City may be used to determine if the Bidder is “responsible”. Responses submitted by the Bidder determined to be non-responsible shall be disqualified.

1.13 PUBLICITY

Bidder shall not issue a news release or article pertaining to this solicitation or any portion of the project, in any medium, at any time during the pendency of the solicitation or fulfillment of the terms of this contract without City’s prior written approval. Bidder’s failure to comply with this requirement may be cause for the City to reject the proposal or cancellation of this contract.

SECTION 2 – PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 GOAL

The City of Little Rock is seeking qualified financial institutions and leasing companies to submit proposals to provide financing for the acquisition of municipal heavy duty waste disposal vehicles. The City anticipates financing equipment, including, but not limited to:

• Vehicles: (e.g., refuse trucks, compactors, roll-off containers)

• Other large equipment required for City Waste Disposal Operations

The City intends to enter into an agreement that allows for the financing of multiple schedules over time as heavy-duty waste disposal vehicle purchases are approved by the Board of Directors. The financing should include options for annual prepayment without penalty, which covers up to $20 million in vehicle and equipment costs.

2.2 TERMS OF AWARD

A. The term of this agreement will be two (2) years.

B. The Vendor must have a business license to operate in the State of Arkansas.

C. The City of Little Rock Treasury Management Division will determine validity of all business licenses.

D. For more information regarding business licenses requirements, contact the Treasury Division | City of Little

Rock.

E. The City reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid.

F. Bidder must attach a signed copy of the Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock form to the bid submission.

2.3 FINANCING AGREEMENT TERMS

A. The term of each financing under the agreement will be based on the useful life of the vehicles or equipment being financed.

o Vehicles and Heavy Equipment – three (3) to ten (10) years This will consist of waste disposal vehicles such as refuse collection trucks, front loaders, rear loaders, side loaders, bull dozers, dump trucks, etc.

Respondents shall list items they will NOT consider for financing on a separate attachment. Items not appearing on the list will be considered financeable.

https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/treasury/ https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/finance/divisions/treasury/

B. The City desires to make payments based on a fixed interest rate per schedule using a percentage of an index for each of the terms in the Cost Proposal Form found in Appendix A. The interest rate will be fixed at the time of each vehicle funding. Interest shall commence upon funding of the vehicles or equipment. The City requests that Respondents quote rates based upon a percentage of a published financial index, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or SOFR, etc. The City anticipates issuing both tax-exempt and taxable financing. Proceeds of the tax-exempt financing shall be used solely for those portions of the vehicles and equipment that qualify as tax-exempt governmental use under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Proceeds of the taxable financing shall be used to finance portions of the vehicle and equipment that do not qualify for tax-exempt treatment under the Code, including, without limitation vehicles or equipment subject to private business use.

C. Payments will be made in equal annual or installments.

D. The City requests that Respondents provide prepayment terms and conditions without penalty.

E. Titles of assets shall remain with the City throughout the term of the financing agreement, subject to the rights of the Respondent under the Agreement.

F. The City will not prepare an offering statement or provide continuing disclosure in conjunction with the

Agreement during the term of the financing. No assignment of any interest is allowed without the City’s prior consent.

G. The City expects the proceeds to pay all bond counsel fees associated with this financing and all other charges required by the awarded financial institution derived from the closing activities. Any additional charges should be well documented in the proposal. All costs to the City, including interest as well as other charges, will be considered.

H. There will be no credit enhancements.

2.4 SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected vendor will provide:

A. Financing schedules for specific waste disposal equipment purchases as approved.

B. The ability to finance equipment ranging from $250,000 up to $5,000,000 per schedule.

C. Coordination with the City’s Finance Department, City Attorney, and equipment and vehicle vendors.

D. Documentation and compliance with all applicable laws.

2.4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for selection, the proposal must meet the guidelines and follow the format outlined in the Technical Proposal Elements section of this document.

A. Statement of Qualifications. The statement of qualifications shall include the following, but not limited to:

1. License to Practice in the State of Arkansas. Proof of current business license shall be included that the business and all assigned professional staff are properly licensed or registered to practice in Arkansas.

2. Company Background and Experience. The Bidder shall state the size of the business and the office location from which the work on this project will be performed. This section shall also establish the Bidder’s ability to satisfactorily perform the required work through past successes that demonstrate competency in the services to be performed, strength and stability of the organization, and staff expertise in meeting expectations. The City may request additional information or clarification.

3. Staff Qualifications. Identify management staff, including partners, managers, other supervisors, and specialists, who would be assigned to the project. Provide information and resumes on the experience of each person. Nonprofit organizations must include a board members list.

4. Organizational Chart. Provide an organizational chart for the portion of your business that will be involved with the project, complete with names and titles. On the chart mark the persons who will be involved in this project.

5. Business Operation. If Bidder has operated under any other names within the last ten (10) years, provide those business names.

6. Ownership Changes. If the Vendor anticipates any mergers, ownership transfer, management reorganization, or departure of key personnel within the next twelve (12) months, describe the anticipated changes and how that could impact work on this project if awarded the contract.

B. Cover Letter. Tell the City why your organization is the best choice. A signed cover letter briefly stating the

Bidder’s understanding of the work to be done and a statement as to why the firm believes it to be the best qualified to perform the work.

C. Executive Summary. Write a brief narrative describing the proposal.

D. Responses shall be limited to no more than twenty (20) pages.

2.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Minimum of ten (10) years of experience providing financing for various municipal vehicles to governmental clients.

B. Demonstrated history of managing financing with multiple schedules and varying heavy-duty vehicle types.

C. References from at least three (3) comparable clients with similar equipment value and scope.

D. Provide audited financial statements for the past three (3) fiscal years.

E. Each financing under the agreement shall be pursuant to the authority of Amendment 65 to the

Constitution of the State of Arkansas. The total principal and interest payment due on each financing in each fiscal year of the City shall be secured by a pledge of net revenues derived by the City from the City’s waste collection and disposal system.

F. The financings under the agreement shall not be secured by a mortgage or security interest in any real or personal property comprising the Project.

G. The selected vendor will receive an opinion of Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP to be delivered upon the closing of each financing under the agreement.

H. Proof of ability to fund transactions up to $20 million over the term of the master agreement.

I. Licensed and authorized to finance in the State of Arkansas.

J. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing public sector or commercial lending.

K. Ability to coordinate directly with vehicle suppliers for purchase order and payment processing.

L. Meet or exceed the insurance specifications for equipment coverage.

SECTION 3 – PERFORMANCE MATRIX

The City seeks to collaborate with the Vendor and other stakeholders to enhance accountability and contract management, improve results, and adjust the delivery of products or services based on learning what works.

Metric Data Source Data Frequency Responsibility Review Cadence

1.) On a linear scale from 1 to 5, how responsive was the vendor to routine correspondence?

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually

2.) On a linear scale from 1 to 5, how compliant was the vendor to all stipulations of this solicitation over the

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually duration of the contract?

3.) On a linear scale from 1 to 5, how promptly did the vendor communicate when seeking advice on the short-term promissory note?

Department Records Annually City of Little Rock Department of Finance

Annually

Vendor Performance Report (Ad-hoc)

Vendor Performance Review Form

As Needed – At Least Once Per Contract

City of Little Rock Procurement Division

Annually

Vendor Performance Review

Bonfire Annually City of Little Rock Procurement Division

Annually

SECTION 4 – CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

4.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN

A. To manage this contract and the goals outlined in sections herein, the City will collect performance data and regularly discuss performance metrics with selected Vendors.

B. The Vendor update meeting shall occur monthly at an agreed-upon time and date. Upon mutual agreement, the parties may move to this meeting if necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts, holidays, or similar occurrences. Any changes or cancellations to a meeting shall be communicated at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance.

4.2 JOINT VENTURE

A. A joint proposal submitted by two or more Vendors is acceptable.

B. In the event of a joint venture, documentation must be submitted with the proposals identifying all participating business entities.

C. Prior to the award, a binding agreement between the participants must be provided. The City will recognize both companies as one entity.

D. The City shall have a single point of operational contact with the entity that is formed pursuant to this provision.

E. Two companies with the same physical address or with a single point of operational contact will be considered one entity.

F. In efforts to meet the Mayor’s Initiative to increase spend, it is highly recommended that any joint ventures include small businesses.

4.3 PROCUREMENT SELECTION TEAM

A. All responses will be scored by the Evaluation Selection Committee appointed by the Mayor and City Manager.

The score will be based on the overall responsiveness to the RFP requirements, and the reference accounts provided.

B. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 19-11-802, qualifications and performance data for Vendors who meet the City’s minimum qualifications for this professional service will be kept on file for one (1) year.

C. The City shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to determine what constitutes a minor deviation or informality and to waive minor deviations and informalities.

SECTION 5 – SELECTION AND AWARD PROCESS

5.1 Scoring

Request for Proposals are scored in a 2-part proposal process that includes a technical proposal and a pricing proposal. Both technical and pricing will be submitted at the same time.

A. The total score for each Vendor will be used to determine the ranking responses.

Maximum Points

Possible Technical Proposal 700 Pricing Proposal 300 Maximum Grand Score 1,000

B. Overall Summary

Total Grand Score will be calculated based on a weighted score (1,000-point scale) between the technical score and pricing score.

SECTION 6 – EVALUATION PROCESS

6.1 CONDITIONS OF EVALUATION

A. This RFP does not constitute an offer or a contract with any Bidder or other party.

B. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, as a whole or in part, and to waive any informality in proposals received deemed to be in the best interest of the City or to accept or reject all or any part of any Proposal.

C. The City may reject any proposal that is not responsive to all the material and substantial terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFP.

D. Proposals shall be in English.

6.2 REFERENCE CHECKS

The City may employ a process of contacting references provided through the Bidder’s proposal. The City reserves the right to conduct reference checks at any point in the evaluation process, and to contact other clients beyond just those references provided.

6.3 CLARIFICATION AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL

The City may request clarifications and conduct discussions with any Bidder that submits a proposal, including requesting additional information. The City reserves the right to select the proposal that it believes is the most responsive as determined by the Evaluation Selection Committee, which will best serve the City business and operational requirement considering the evaluation criteria set forth.

6.4 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL ELEMENTS

A. The Technical Proposal outlines the Bidder’s qualifications and proposed plan for addressing the requested item(s) or service(s).

B. Technical Proposals should specifically address each of the elements listed under the Technical Proposal Subsection Category matrix below.

1. In each category, items and questions have been assigned a maximum point value of points. The total point value for each category is reflected in the table below as the Maximum Raw Score Possible.

2. The City has assigned Weighted Percentages to each category according to their significance.

C. Subsections and Scoring

Technical Subsection Maximum Points

Weighted Percent

Final Points Available

Experience of Vendor

25 35% 350

Capability of Vendor 25 30% 300

Methodology 25 35% 350

Total Technical Score 75 100% 1000

D. Calculation of Technical Score

• The Final Score will be calculated based on the following formula:

(A/B) x C = D

A = Actual Raw Points Received

• In each sub-section, items or questions have been assigned a maximum value of five (5) points. The scoring rubric for the five (5) point scale is listed below.

Rating Rating Category Technical Component Confidence

5 Excellent Meets the requirements.

Outstanding knowledge, creativity, ability, or other exceptional characteristics. Extremely well written and thorough.

Very High

4 Good Meets the requirement.

Better than merely acceptable.

High

3 Acceptable Meets the requirement.

Acceptable quality.

Moderate

2 Marginal Does not meet the requirement.

Inadequate.

Low

1 Poor Does not meet the requirement.

Inferior.

Very Low

0 Unacceptable Does not meet the requirement.

Blank or unresponsive.

No Confidence

E. The Bidder’s weighted scores for each category will be added to determine the Total Technical Score for the

Proposal.

1. Responses that do not receive a minimum weighted score of 700 may not move forward in the bid process.

2. Pricing information must not be included in the Technical Proposal.

• Pricing information includes any information by which the cost is set out, may be computed, or may be compared to that of another Vendor, for example

• “At no additional cost;”

• “Free of charge;”

• “For an additional fee.”

3. Pricing information includes any information by which the cost is set out, may be computed, or may be compared to another Vendor.

4. Failure to follow this guideline in any manner will result in disqualification of the proposal

B = Maximum Raw Points C = Final Points Available D = Final Technical Score Received

F. Evaluation Criteria: These standards items consider, but are not limited to the following:

A. Experience of Vendor Maximum Points

Possible

A-1:

Describe the firm’s experience providing financing for municipal vehicle or heavy equipment fleets, specifically waste disposal or sanitation vehicles. 5

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s experience providing financing for municipal vehicle or heavy equipment fleets, specifically waste disposal or sanitation vehicles.

A-2: Identify the number of municipal financing engagements completed within the past five (5) years and the total dollar value of those financings.

High scoring proposals will identify the number of municipal financing engagements completed within the past five (5) years and the total dollar value of those financings.

A-3: Demonstrate the firm’s familiarity with tax-exempt municipal financing requirements and applicable state and local laws.

High scoring proposals will demonstrate the firm’s familiarity with tax-exempt municipal financing requirements and applicable state and local laws.

A-4:

Provide at least three (3) references from municipal or public-sector clients for similar equipment financing arrangements, including contact information and a brief description of services provided.

High scoring proposals will provide at least three (3) references from municipal or public-sector clients for similar equipment financing arrangements, including contact information and a brief description of services provided.

A-5: Describe the firm’s past performance in meeting contractual obligations, responsiveness, and issue resolutions for comparable municipal clients.

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s past performance in meeting contractual obligations, responsiveness, and issue resolutions for comparable municipal clients.

B. Capability of the Vendor

Possible

B-1: Describe the firm’s financial strength and stability, including years in business, ownership structure, and credit ratings or other indicators of financial capacity.

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s financial strength and stability, including years in business, ownership structure, and credit ratings or other indicators of financial capacity.

B-2: Demonstrate the firm’s ability to fund the proposed financing for the full term of the agreement without interruption or reassignment.

High scoring proposals will demonstrate the firm’s ability to fund the proposed financing for the full term of the agreement without interruption or reassignment.

B-3: Describe internal resources, staffing, and expertise dedicated to municipal equipment financing and ongoing contract administration.

High scoring proposals will describe internal resources, staffing, and expertise dedicated to municipal equipment financing and ongoing contract administration.

B-4: Disclose any material litigation, defaults, or regulatory actions within the past five (5) years that could impact the firm’s ability to perform.

High scoring proposals will disclose any material litigation, defaults, or regulatory actions within the past five (5) years that could impact the firm’s ability to perform.

B-5: Describe the firm’s approach to ongoing customer service, account management, and support throughout the life of the financing agreement.

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s approach to ongoing customer service, account management, and support throughout the life of the financing agreement.

C. Methodology

Possible

C-1: Describe the proposed financing structure, including interest rate(s), term length, and whether rates are fixed or variable.

High scoring proposals will describe the proposed financing structure, including interest rate(s), term length, and whether rates are fixed or variable.

C-2: Provide a detailed explanation of how the proposed interest rate and fee structure results in a competitive overall cost of financing for the City.

High scoring proposals will provide a detailed explanation of how the proposed interest rate and fee structure results in a competitive overall cost of financing for the City.

C-3:

Describe the flexibility of the proposed structure, including payment schedules, prepayment options, refinancing, and modification of terms if operational needs change.

High scoring proposals will describe the flexibility of the proposed lease structure, including payment schedules, prepayment options, refinancing, and modification of terms if operational needs change.

C-4: Explain the methodology used to align financing payments with municipal budgeting and cash-flow requirements.

High scoring proposals will explain the methodology used to align financing payments with municipal budgeting and cash-flow requirements.

C-5: Describe the firm’s process for implementation, documentation, and closing, including anticipated timelines and coordination with City staff.

High scoring proposals will describe the firm’s process for implementation, documentation, and closing, including anticipated timelines and coordination with City staff.

6.5 PRICING PROPOSAL

The Committee will look at the prices after the technical score has been reviewed. The proposal with the lowest price will get the most points for cost.

A. Once the Technical Score is finalized, the pricing proposals are opened, the maximum amount of cost points will be given to the proposal with the lowest total.

B. The amount of cost points given to the remaining proposals will be allocated by using the following formula:

(A/B) x C = D COST POINT CALCULATION A = Lowest Pricing Proposal

B = Pricing Proposal C = Maximum Points for Pricing Proposal D = Final Pricing Score Received

SECTION 7 – ACCEPTANCE OF EVALUTION TECHNIQUE

Bidder must agree to all evaluation processes and procedures as defined in this solicitation. Submission of a responsive and responsible bid signifies the Bidder’s understanding and agreement that subjective judgments will be made during the evaluation and scoring of the responses

SECTION 8 – CONTRACT

8.1 NEGOITATIONS

A. If the City chooses, negotiations may be conducted with the highest-ranking prospective Vendor. Negotiations are conducted at the sole discretion of the City.

B. If negotiations fail to result in a contract, the City may begin the negotiation process with the next highest ranking prospective Vendor. The negotiation process may be repeated until the anticipated successful Vendor has been determined, or until such a time the City decides not to move forward with an award.

8.2 ISSUANCE OF CONTRACT

A. Any resultant contract of this bid solicitation is subject to City approval processes which may include board review.

8.3 COOPERATIVE USE

A. The City of Little Rock, as the issuing office for this solicitation, shall be the leading agency for this contract.

Other governmental entities may participate in any contract resulting from this solicitation that falls under its scope of work throughout the life of the contract.

B. The Vendor must agree to offer the same pricing, terms, and conditions to participating governmental entities as outlined in this solicitation.

8.4 LIABILITY

The City of Little Rock shall not assume liability or obligation on behalf of any other governmental entity that may use any contract resulting from this solicitation. All purchases and payment transactions shall be made directly between the Vendor and the requesting entity

SECTION 9 – INQUIRES AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Bid submissions must be submitted electronically via LRPROCURE powered Euna Brand Solutions prior to the bid closing data. Bid Closing Date is listed under “Important Events.

https://littlerock.bonfirehub.com/

Any questions or inquiries regarding a bid solicitation must be submitted prior to the Questions Due Date.

Questions Due Date is listed under “Important Events.” Once this date has passed, no further communication shall occur between City of Little Rock and suppliers or service providers.

For any system-related questions, technical errors or help, please contact Bonfire Technical Support or using the Help Button or at support@gobonfire.com Mon-Fri 8:00am-8:00pm EST.

Bids Submissions may be revised and resubmitted prior to the Bid Closing Date. Only submitted submissions will be considered.

SECTION 10 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All prospective Vendors who submit a proposal agree to be bound by the City of Little Rock Standard Terms and Conditions for Vendors and the online EUNA Terms & Conditions.

mailto:support@gobonfire.com https://www.littlerock.gov/media/22981/standards-and-conditions-2025.pdf https://www.littlerock.gov/media/22981/standards-and-conditions-2025.pdf https://www.bonfire.com/terms-and-conditions/