923456-26-6-3.pdf

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

MICHAEL B. COOPER

PARISH PRESIDENT

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

P.O. BOX 628 | COVINGTON, LOUISIANA | 70434 | PROCUREMENT@STPGOV.ORG 985-898-2520

WWW.STPGOV.ORG

Version 2026.1

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

St. Tammany Parish Government is seeking responses for the following project:

RFP# 26-6-3 - STAR Transit Urban Operations

Responses will be received by the Department of Procurement until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June

25, 2026. Prices shall not be read. Each response will be evaluated by designated Parish personnel after the submission deadline.

This RFP is available online at: LaPAC – Louisiana Procurement and Contract

Network:https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=1

85. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to check the LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that may be issued. The Parish is not responsible for a proposer’s failure to download any addenda documents required to complete an RFP.

Each Response must be sealed. The outside of the envelope, box, or package shall be marked with the Proposer’s Name and Address, the Proposal Name, the RFP #, and the Proposal Opening Date.

Responses will be received at the St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Procurement

Office, 21454 Koop Dr., Suite 2F, Mandeville LA., 70471 from each Respondent or his agent, or by certified mail with return receipt requested.

The Procurement Department can be contacted by telephone at (985) 898-2520 or via e-mail at

Procurement@stpgov.org. St. Tammany Parish Government reserves the right to reject any or all quotes and to waive informalities.

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=185 mailto:Procurement@stpgov.org

Version 2025.1

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ST. TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT

STAR Transit Urban Operations

RFP Number: 26-6-3

Proposal Opening Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Proposal Opening Time: 2:00 PM CST

May 11, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: OVERVIEW

1.1 Background/Purpose

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Schedule of Events

1.4 Proposal Submittal

1.5 Proposal Response Format

PART II: SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICES

2.1 Scope of Work/Services

2.2 Period of Agreement

2.3 Price Schedule

2.4 Deliverables

2.5 Location

PART III: EVALUATION

PART IV: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1 Performance Requirements

4.2 Performance Measurement/Evaluation

PART V: GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1 Legibility/Clarity

5.2 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information

5.3 Proposal Clarifications Prior to Submittal

5.3.1 Pre-proposal Conference

5.3.2 Proposer Inquiry Periods

5.3.3 Blackout Period

5.4 Errors and Omissions in Proposal

5.5 Performance Bond

5.6 Changes, Addenda, Withdrawals

5.7 Withdrawal of Proposal

5.8 Material in the RFP

5.9 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

5.10 Proposal Rejection

5.11 Ownership of Proposal

5.12 Cost of Offer Preparation

5.13 Non-negotiable Contract Terms

5.14 Taxes

5.15 Proposal Validity

5.16 Prime Provider Responsibilities

5.17 Use of SubProviders

5.18 Written or Oral Discussions/Presentations

5.19 Acceptance of Proposal Content

5.20 Evaluation and Selection

5.21 Contract Negotiations

5.22 Contract Award and Execution

5.23 Protest Procedures

5.24 Notice of Intent to Award

5.25 Insurance Requirements

5.26 SubProvider Insurance

5.27 Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

5.28 Fidelity Bond Requirements

5.29 Payment

5.29.1 Payment for Services

5.30 Termination

5.30.1 Termination of the Contract for Cause

5.30.2 Termination of the Contract for Convenience

5.30.3 Termination for Non-Appropriation of Funds

5.30.4 Default of Provider

5.31 Assignment

5.32 No Guarantee of Quantities

5.33 Audit of Records

5.34 Civil Rights Compliance

5.35 Record Retention

5.36 Record Ownership

5.37 Content of Contract/ Order of Precedence

5.38 Contract Changes

5.39 Substitution of Personnel

5.40 Governing Law

5.41 Anti-Kickback Clause

5.42 Clean Air Act

5.43 Energy Policy and Conservation Act

5.44 Clean Water Act

5.45 Anti-Lobbying and Debarment Act

5.46 Certification of No Federal Suspension or Debarment

5.47 Veteran Initiative and Hudson Initiative Programs

Attachment “A” – Scope of Work Attachment “B” – Sample Contract Attachment “C” – Insurance Requirements Attachment “D” – Affidavits Attachment “E” – Sample Scoring Matrix Attachment “F” – Sample Corporate Resolution Attachment “G” – Sample Certificate of Insurance Attachment “H” – Cost and Local Match Proposal Attachment “I” – FTA Mandatory Provisions

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

STAR Transit Urban Operations

PART I: OVERVIEW

1.1 Background/Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to obtain proposals from qualified Proposers who are interested in providing STAR Transit Urban Operations for urban demand-response transit services. Submittal of a proposal does not create any right or expectation to a contract with the Parish.

1.2 Definitions

A. Shall – The term “shall” denotes mandatory requirements.

B. Must - The term “must” denotes mandatory requirements.

C. May - The term “may” denotes an advisory or permissible action.

D. Should – The term “should” denotes a desirable action.

E. Provider – A Proposer who contracts with the Parish.

F. Parish - St. Tammany Parish Government.

G. Discussions- For the purposes of this RFP, a formal, structured means of conducting written or oral communications/presentations with responsible Proposers who submit proposals in response to this RFP.

H. RFP – Request for Proposal.

I. Proposer – Person or entity responding to this RFP.

J. Agreement – A contract between the Provider and the Parish.

K. Evaluation Committee – Committee established for the purposes of evaluating proposals submitted in response to this RFP.

1.3 Schedule of Events

Date Time (CT)

1. RFP Available May 20, 2026 8:00 AM

2. Pre-Proposal Conference (if required):* Omitted as not applicable to this RFP.

3. Deadline to receive written inquiries June 15, 2026 2:00 PM

4. Deadline to answer written inquiries June 22, 2026 2:00 PM

5. Proposal Opening Date June 25, 2026 2:00 PM (deadline for submitting proposals)

6. Oral discussions with proposers, if applicable TBD

7. Notice of Intent to Award to be mailed TBD

8. Contract Initiation TBD

NOTE: The Parish reserves the right to revise this schedule. Any such revision will be formalized by the issuance of an addendum to the RFP.

1.4 Proposal Submittal

This RFP is available online at: LaPAC – Louisiana Procurement and Contract

Network:https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=1

NOTE: LaPAC is the State’s online electronic solicitation notification system on the Office of

State Procurement website. LaPAC provides an immediate e-mail notification to subscribing vendors of a STPGOV solicitation and any addenda posted. To receive the e-mail notification, vendors must register in the LaGov portal. Registration is intuitive at the following link:

https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg

It is the Proposer’s responsibility to check the LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that may be issued. The Parish is not responsible for a proposer’s failure to download any addenda documents required to complete an RFP.

All proposals shall be received by the Procurement Department no later than the date and time shown in the Schedule of Events.

Important - - Clearly mark outside of the sealed envelope, box or package with the following information and format:

Χ Name and Address of Proposer Χ Proposal Name: STAR TRANSIT URBAN OPERATIONS

Χ RFP #: 26-6-3

Χ Proposal Opening Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Proposals may only be sent via certified mail, hand-delivery or courier service to our physical location at:

St. Tammany Parish Government Procurement Department 21454 Koop Drive, Suite 2F Mandeville, Louisiana 70471

Proposer is solely responsible for ensuring that its courier service provider makes inside deliveries to our physical location. The Parish is not responsible for any delays caused by the proposer’s chosen means of proposal delivery.

Proposer is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its proposal. Failure to meet the proposal opening date and time shall result in rejection of the proposal.

If the Proposer has not done business with the Parish, the Proposer should submit a W-9 with their response.

1.5 Proposal Response Format

Proposals submitted for consideration should follow the format and order of presentation described below:

A. Cover Letter: The cover letter should exhibit the Proposer’s understanding and approach to the project. It should contain a summary of Proposer’s ability to perform the services described in the RFP and confirm that Proposer is willing to perform those services and enter into a contract with the Parish.

ATTENTION: Please indicate in the Cover Letter which of the following applies to the signer of this proposal. Evidence of signature authority shall be provided upon the Parish’s request.

1. The signer of the proposal is either a corporate officer who is listed on the most current annual report on file with the secretary of state or a member of a partnership or partnership in commendam as reflected in the most current partnership records on file with the secretary of state. A copy of the annual report or partnership record must be submitted to the Parish before contract award.

2. The signer of the proposal is a representative of the Proposer authorized to submit this proposal as evidenced by documents such as, corporate resolution, certification as to corporate principal, etc. If this applies, a copy of the resolution, certification or other supportive documents must be submitted to the Parish before contract award.

The cover letter should also:

1. Identify the submitting Proposer and provide its federal tax identification number;

2. Identify the name, title, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of each person authorized by the Proposer to contractually obligate the Proposer; and

3. Identify the name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address of the contact person for technical and contractual clarifications throughout the evaluation period.

B. Table of Contents: Organized in the order cited in the format contained herein.

C. Proposer Qualifications and Experience: History and background of Proposer, related services provided to government entities, existing customer satisfaction, volume of merchants, etc. Proposer should specifically provide a description of all relevant consulting assignments similar to the Project requested herein which have been completed by the Proposer within the last three (3) years (“Recent Projects”).

The description of any such Recent Projects should include the following:

1. Name of the client;

2. Year of the assignment and length of time to complete the project;

3. Nature of the services rendered; and

4. Professionals assigned to the project who are also proposed to serve on this assignment.

D. Proposed Solution/Technical Response: Illustrating and describing proposed technical solution and compliance with the RFP requirements as described in Attachment A.

E. Innovative Concepts: Presentation of innovative concepts, if any, for consideration.

F. Project Schedule: Detailed schedule of implementation plan. This schedule is to include implementation actions, timelines, responsible parties, etc.

G. Financial Proposal: Proposer’s fees and other costs, if any, shall be submitted on Attachment “H”. Prices proposed shall be firm for the duration of the contract. This financial proposal shall include any and all costs the Proposer wishes to have considered in the contractual arrangement with the Parish.

H. References: Proposer should provide names, addresses, telephone numbers and contact persons for five (5) other public jurisdictions for which comparable services have recently been rendered, including a description of the services provided.

I. Customer Service: Each Proposer should submit a provision for customer service, including personnel assigned, toll-free number, and account inquiry, etc.

J. Resumes: Each Proposer should submit resumes for account manager, designated customer service representative(s) and any other key personnel to be assigned to this Project, including those of subProviders, if any.

K. Additional Information: Each Proposer should submit any other information deemed pertinent by the Proposer including terms and conditions which the Proposer wishes the Parish to consider.

L. Multiple Copies of Response: Each Proposer shall submit one (1) signed original response. Four (4) additional copies of the proposal should be provided and one (1) electronic copy via USB or CD.

PART II: SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICES

2.1 Scope of Work/Services

St. Tammany Parish is seeking a Provider to provide demand-response curb-to-curb transit services within the Parish’s urbanized areas as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. A full description of the scope of services is found in Attachment A – Scope of Work.

This project is federally grant funded and therefore requires the Proposer to have a Unique Entity Identification number (UEI). The Proposer should submit with their response their UEI number. If the Proposer does not have a UEI already, then they must register at the below link before an award can be made.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

2.2 Period of Agreement

The term of this contract shall be for a three (3) year period beginning on the date the Parish provides the Provider with a written notice to proceed. The Contract may be extended for up to two (2) additional one (1) year terms. The Parish shall pay the Provider based on an hourly rate.

The Parish, but not the Provider, shall have the right to extend the Contract by posting in the mail or delivering to the Provider a notice of extension no later than three months prior to the end of the expiring term.

The term of any contract resulting from this solicitation shall begin on the date of the Parish President’s signature or approval in writing by the Parish President or designee. The contract shall terminate pursuant to the terms and conditions of section 5.31 herein, the terms and conditions of the contract, operation of law, as agreed between the parties, or upon satisfactory completion of all services and obligations described in the contract.

2.3 Price Schedule

Prices proposed by the Proposers shall be firm for the term of the contract.

2.4 Deliverables

The deliverables listed in this section are the minimum desired from the successful Proposer.

Every Proposer should describe what deliverables will be provided per their proposal and how the proposed deliverables will be provided.

2.5 Location

Urbanized Areas of St. Tammany Parish as designated by the United States Census Bureau.

PART III: EVALUATION

The Proposer must clearly designate that they meet each category of the scoring criteria stated below. The Proposer must briefly describe how their company satisfies the requirement and https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration where in their response supports that requirement. Failure to comply with this requirement may negatively affect the overall score. Please refer to Attachment F.

The evaluation committee shall assign points to its evaluation of each Proposal as follows:

Evaluation Criteria Possible Points Proposed Solution/Technical Response 25

Qualifications of the Proposer, including, but not limited to, its experience and personnel assigned to the Project

Financial Proposal:

The following formula will be used to award points for the price proposal evaluation:

(Lowest Total Proposal Cost received) / (Total Proposal Cost under evaluation) x 35 = Price proposal score

Local Match Proposal - The following formula will be used to award points for the price proposal evaluation:

(Total Local Match Proposal under evaluation) / (Highest Total Local Match Proposal received) x 15 = Local Match Proposal score

Certified Veterans Initiative small entrepreneurship or certified Hudson Initiative small entrepreneurship

Total 100

The proposal will be evaluated in light of the material and the substantiating evidence presented to the Parish, not on the basis of what may be inferred.

The scores will be combined to determine the overall score. The Proposer with the highest overall score will be recommended for award.

PART IV: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1 Performance Requirements

Fuel cap/contribution: The maximum to be paid is $175,000.00 per year based on current prices.

Should a spike in fuel prices occur, it will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the Parish.

4.2 Performance Measurement/Evaluation

Omitted as not applicable to this RFP.

PART V: GENERAL PROVISIONS

5.1 Legibility/Clarity

Responses to the requirements of this RFP in the formats requested are desirable with all questions answered in as much detail as practicable. The Proposer’s response is to demonstrate an understanding of the requirements. Proposals shall be prepared providing a straightforward, concise description of the Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFP. Each Proposer is solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of its proposal.

5.2 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information

The designation of certain information as trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential proprietary information shall only apply to the technical portion of the proposal. The cost proposal will not be considered confidential under any circumstance. Any proposal copyrighted or marked as confidential or proprietary in its entirety may be rejected without further consideration or recourse.

For the purposes of this procurement, the provisions of the Louisiana Public Records Act (LSA- R.S. 44.1, et. seq.) will be in effect. Pursuant to this Act, all proceedings, records, contracts, and other public documents relating to this procurement shall be open to public inspection. Proposers are reminded that while trade secrets and other proprietary information they submit in conjunction with this procurement may not be subject to public disclosure, protections must be claimed by the Proposer at the time of submission of its Technical Proposal. Proposers should refer to the Louisiana Public Records Act for further clarification.

The Proposer must clearly designate the part of the proposal that contains a trade secret and/or privileged or confidential proprietary information as “confidential” in order to claim protection, if any, from disclosure. The Proposer shall mark the cover sheet of the proposal with the following legend, specifying the specific section(s) of his proposal sought to be restricted in accordance with the conditions of the legend:

“The data contained in pages _____of the proposal have been submitted in confidence and contain trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential information and such data shall only be disclosed for evaluation purposes, provided that if a contract is awarded to this Proposer as a result of or in connection with the submission of this proposal, the Parish of St. Tammany shall have the right to use or disclose the data therein to the extent provided in the contract. This restriction does not limit the Parish of St. Tammany’s right to use or disclose data obtained from any source, including the Proposer, without restrictions.”

Further, to protect such data, each page containing such data shall be specifically identified and marked “CONFIDENTIAL”.

Proposers must be prepared to defend the reasons why the material should be held confidential.

If a competing proposer or other person seeks review or copies of another proposer's confidential data, the Parish will notify the owner of the asserted data of the request. If the owner of the asserted data does not want the information disclosed, it must agree to indemnify the Parish and hold the Parish harmless against all actions or court proceedings that may ensue (including attorney's fees), which seek to order the Parish to disclose the information. If the owner of the asserted data refuses to indemnify and hold the state harmless, the Parish may disclose the information.

The Parish reserves the right to make any proposal, including proprietary information contained therein, available to Parish personnel, the Parish Council, or other Parish and state agencies or organizations for the sole purpose of assisting the Parish in its evaluation of the proposal. The Parish shall require said individuals to protect the confidentiality of any specifically identified proprietary information or privileged business information obtained as a result of their participation in these evaluations.

If your proposal contains confidential information, you should also submit a redacted copy along with your proposal. If you do not submit the redacted copy, you will be required to submit this copy within 48 hours of notification from the Procurement Department. When submitting your redacted copy, you should clearly mark the cover as such - “REDACTED COPY” - to avoid having this copy reviewed by an evaluation committee member. The redacted copy should also state which sections or information have been removed.

5.3 Proposal Clarifications Prior to Submittal

5.3.1 Pre-proposal Conference

Omitted as not applicable to this RFP.

5.3.2 Proposer Inquiry Periods

The Parish shall not and cannot permit an open-ended inquiry period, as this creates an unwarranted delay in the procurement cycle and Parish operations. The Parish reasonably expects and requires responsible and interested proposers to conduct their in-depth proposal review and submit inquiries in a timely manner.

An inquiry period is hereby firmly set for all interested Proposers to perform a detailed review of the proposal documents and to submit any written inquiries relative thereto. Without exception, all inquiries MUST be submitted in writing by an authorized representative of the Proposer, clearly cross-referenced to the relevant solicitation section (even if an answer has already been given to an oral question during a Pre-proposal Conference). All inquiries must be received by the close of business on the Inquiry Deadline date set forth in Section 1.3 Schedule of Events of this RFP.

Only those inquiries received by the established deadline shall be considered by the Parish.

Inquiries received after the established deadline shall not be entertained.

Inquiries concerning this solicitation may be delivered by e-mail or hand-delivery to:

St. Tammany Parish Government Procurement Department Attn: Director of Procurement 21454 Koop Drive, Suite 2F Mandeville, Louisiana 70471

E-Mail: procurement@stpgov.org

An addendum will be issued and posted on LaPAC (Louisiana Procurement and Contract Network)https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=1 85 to address all inquiries received and any other changes or clarifications to the solicitation.

Thereafter, all proposal documents, including but not limited to the specifications, terms, conditions, plans, etc., will stand as written and/or amended by any addendum. No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be executed by any Proposer as a result of any oral discussions with any Parish employee or Parish consultant. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to check the LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that may be issued. The Parish is not responsible for a Proposer’s failure to download any addenda documents required to complete an RFP.

5.3.3 Blackout Period

The Blackout Period is a specified period of time during a competitive sealed procurement process in which any Proposer, Bidder, or its Agent or Representative is prohibited from communicating with any Parish employee or Provider of the Parish involved in any step in mailto:procurement@stpgov.org the procurement process about the affected procurement. The Blackout Period applies not only to Parish employees, but also to any Provider of the Parish. “Involvement” in the procurement process includes but may not be limited to project management, design, development, implementation, procurement management, development of specifications, and evaluation of proposals for a particular procurement. All solicitations for competitive sealed procurements will identify a designated contact person, as per Section 5.3.2 of this RFP.

All communications to and from potential Proposers, Bidders, vendors and/or its representatives during the Blackout Period must be in accordance with this solicitation’s defined method of communication with the designated contact person. The Blackout Period will begin upon posting of the solicitation. The Blackout Period will end when the Contract is awarded.

In those instances in which a prospective Proposer is also an incumbent Provider, the Parish and the incumbent Provider may contact each other with respect to the existing contract only.

Under no circumstances may the Parish and the incumbent Provider and/or its representative(s) discuss the blacked-out procurement.

Any Bidder, Proposer, or Parish Provider who violates the Blackout Period may be liable to the Parish in damages and/or subject to any other remedy allowed by law. Further, failure to comply with these requirements may result in the Proposal’s disqualification.

Any costs associated with cancellation or termination will be the responsibility of the Proposer or Bidder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Blackout Period shall not apply to:

1. Duly noticed site visits and/or conferences for Bidders or Proposers;

2. Oral presentations during the evaluation process; or

3. Communications regarding a particular solicitation between any person and staff of the procuring agency provided the communication is limited strictly to matters of procedure.

Procedural matters include deadlines for decisions or submission of proposals and the proper means of communicating regarding the procurement, but shall not include any substantive matter related to the particular procurement or requirements of the RFP.

5.4 Errors and Omissions in Proposal

The Parish will not be liable for any error in the proposal. Proposer will not be allowed to alter proposal documents after the deadline for proposal submission, except under the following condition: the Parish reserves the right to make corrections or clarifications due to patent errors identified in proposals by the Parish or the Proposer. The Parish, at its option, has the right to request clarification or additional information from the Proposer.

5.5 Performance Bond

Omitted as not applicable to this RFP.

5.6 Changes, Addenda, Withdrawals

The Parish reserves the right to change the Schedule of Events or issue Addenda to the RFP at any time. The Parish also reserves the right to cancel or reissue the RFP.

If the Proposer needs to submit changes or addenda, such shall be submitted in writing, signed by an authorized representative of the Proposer, cross-referenced clearly to the relevant proposal section, prior to the proposal opening, and should be submitted in a sealed envelope. Such shall meet all requirements for the proposal.

5.7 Withdrawal of Proposal

A Proposer may withdraw a proposal that has been submitted at any time up to the proposal closing date and time. To accomplish this, a written request signed by the authorized representative of the Proposer must be submitted to the Procurement Department.

5.8 Material in the RFP

Proposals shall be based only on the material contained in this RFP. The RFP includes official responses to questions, addenda, and other material, which may be provided by the Parish pursuant to the RFP.

5.9 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

The Parish reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive administrative informalities contained in any proposal.

5.10 Proposal Rejection

Issuance of this RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by the Parish to award a contract. The Parish reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted or to cancel this RFP if it is in the best interest of the Parish to do so.

5.11 Ownership of Proposal

All materials (paper content only) submitted in response to this request become the property of the Parish. Selection or rejection of a response does not affect this right. All proposals submitted will be retained by the Parish and not returned to Proposers. Any copyrighted materials in the response are not transferred to the Parish.

5.12 Cost of Offer Preparation

The Parish is not liable for any costs incurred by prospective Proposers or Providers prior to issuance of or entering into a Contract. Costs associated with developing the proposal, preparing for oral presentations, and any other expenses incurred by the Proposer in responding to the RFP are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer, and shall not be reimbursed in any manner by the Parish.

5.13 Non-negotiable Contract Terms

Non-negotiable contract terms include but are not limited to taxes, assignment of contract, audit of records, EEOC and ADA compliance, record retention, content of contract/order of precedence, contract changes, governing law, claims or controversies, and termination based on contingency of appropriation of funds.

5.14 Taxes

Any taxes, other than state and local sales and use taxes from which the Parish is exempt, shall be assumed to be included within the Proposer’s cost.

5.15 Proposal Validity

All proposals shall be considered valid for acceptance until such time an award is made, unless the Proposer provides for a different time period within its proposal response. However, the Parish reserves the right to reject a proposal if the Proposer’s acceptance period is unacceptable and the Proposer is unwilling to extend the validity of its proposal.

5.16 Prime Provider Responsibilities

The selected Proposer shall be required to assume responsibility for all items and services offered in his proposal whether or not he produces or provides them. The Parish shall consider the selected Proposer to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the contract.

5.17 Use of SubProviders

Each Provider shall serve as the single prime Provider for all work performed pursuant to its contract. That prime Provider shall be responsible for all deliverables referenced in this RFP.

This general requirement notwithstanding, Proposers may enter into subProvider arrangements.

Proposers may submit a proposal in response to this RFP, which identifies subcontract(s) with others, provided that the prime Provider acknowledges total responsibility for the entire contract.

If it becomes necessary for the prime Provider to use subProviders, the Parish urges the prime Provider to use Louisiana vendors, including small and emerging businesses, a small entrepreneurship or a veteran or service-connected disabled veteran-owned small entrepreneurship, if practical. In all events, any subProvider used by the prime should be identified to the Parish.

Information required of the prime Provider under the terms of this RFP, is also required for each subProvider and the subProviders must agree to be bound by the terms of the contract. The prime Provider shall assume total responsibility for compliance.

5.18 Written or Oral Discussions/Presentations

Written or oral discussions may be conducted with Proposers who submit proposals determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award; however, the Parish reserves the right to enter into an Agreement without further discussion of the proposal submitted based on the initial offers received. Any such written or oral discussion shall be initiated by the Parish.

Any commitments or representations made during these discussions, if conducted, may become formally recorded in the final contract.

Written or oral discussions/presentations for clarification may be conducted to enhance the Parish's understanding of any or all of the proposals submitted. Any such written or oral discussions/presentations shall be initiated by the Parish. Proposals may be accepted without such discussions.

5.19 Acceptance of Proposal Content

The mandatory RFP requirements shall become contractual obligations if a contract ensues.

Failure of the successful Proposer to accept these obligations shall result in the rejection of the proposal.

5.20 Evaluation and Selection

All responses received as a result of this RFP are subject to evaluation by the Evaluation Committee for the purpose of selecting the Proposer with whom the Parish shall contract.

To evaluate all proposals, a committee whose members have expertise in various areas has been selected. This committee will determine which proposals are reasonably susceptible of being selected for award. If required, written or oral discussions may be conducted with any or all of the Proposers to make this determination. Any such written or oral discussions shall be initiated by the Evaluation Committee.

Results of the evaluations will be provided by the Evaluation Committee to the Procurement Director. Written recommendation for award shall be made for the Proposer whose proposal, conforming to the RFP, will be the most advantageous to the Parish, price and other factors considered.

The committee may reject any or all proposals if none is considered in the best interest of the Parish.

5.21 Contract Negotiations

If for any reason the Proposer whose proposal is most responsive to the Parish's needs, price and other evaluation factors set forth in the RFP considered, does not agree to a contract, that proposal shall be rejected and the Parish may negotiate with the next most responsive Proposer.

Negotiation may include revision of non-mandatory terms, conditions, and requirements. The Procurement Department must approve the final contract form and issue a purchase order, if applicable, to complete the process.

5.22 Contract Award and Execution

The Parish reserves the right to enter into a contract without further discussion of the proposal submitted based on the initial offers received.

The RFP, including any addenda, and the proposal of the selected Provider will become part of any contract initiated by the Parish.

Proposers are discouraged from submitting their own standard terms and conditions with their proposals. Proposers should address the specific language in the sample contract in Attachment “B” of this RFP and submit any exceptions or deviations the Proposer wishes to negotiate. The proposed terms will be negotiated before a final contract is entered. Mandatory terms and conditions are not negotiable.

If the contract negotiation period exceeds thirty (30) days or if the selected Proposer fails to sign the contract within ten (10) calendar days of delivery of it, the Parish may elect to cancel the award and award the contract to the next-highest-ranked Proposer.

Award shall be made to the Proposer with the highest points, whose proposal, conforming to the RFP, will be the most advantageous to the Parish, price and other factors considered.

The Parish intends to award to a single Proposer.

In accordance with Louisiana Law, all corporations (See LA R.S. 12:26.1) and Limited Liability Companies (See LA R.S. 12:1308.2) must be registered and in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State in order to hold a contract.

5.23 Protest Procedures

The letting of any public contract in connection with funds that are granted or advanced by the United States of America shall be subject to the effect, if any, of related laws of said United States and valid rules and regulations of federal agencies in charge, or governing use and payment of such federal funds.

Protests based on alleged solicitation improprieties that are apparent before the RFP opening, or the time set for receipt of initial proposals, must be filed with and received by the Procurement Department BEFORE these times. Any other protest shall be filed no later than ten (10) calendar days after: the RFP opening; the basis of the protest is known; or the basis of the protest should have been known (whichever is earlier). Only protests from interested parties will be allowed

It is the Parish's policy to provide a method to protest exclusion from a competition or from the award of a contract, or to challenge an alleged solicitation irregularity. It is always better to seek a resolution within the Parish system before resorting to outside agencies and/or litigation to resolve differences. All protests must be made in writing, and shall be concise and logically presented to facilitate review by the Parish. The written protest shall include:

1. The protester's name, address, and fax and telephone numbers and the solicitation, RFP, or contract number;

2. A detailed statement of its legal and factual grounds, including a description of the resulting prejudice to the protester;

3. Copies of relevant documents;

4. All information establishing that the protester is an interested party and that the protest is timely; and

5. A request for a ruling by the agency and a statement of the form of relief requested.

The protest shall be addressed to the Director of Procurement, St. Tammany Parish Government Department of Procurement, P.O. Box 628, Covington, LA 70434

The protest review shall be conducted by the St. Tammany Parish Government Legal Department.

The Parish will use its best efforts to resolve the protest within thirty (30) days of the date that it is received by the Parish. The written response will be sent to the protestor via mail and fax, if a fax number has been provided by the protestor. The protester may request additional methods of notification.

5.24 Notice of Intent to Award

Upon review and approval of the evaluation committee’s and agency’s recommendation for award, the Procurement Department will issue a “Notice of Intent to Award” letter to the apparent successful Proposer. A contract shall be completed and signed by all parties concerned on or before the date indicated in the “Schedule of Events.” If this date is not met, through no fault of the Parish, the Parish may elect to cancel the “Notice of Intent to Award” letter and make the award to the next most advantageous Proposer.

The Procurement Department will also notify all unsuccessful Proposers as to the outcome of the evaluation process. The evaluation factors, points, evaluation committee member names, and the completed evaluation summary and recommendation report will be made available to all interested parties after the “Notice of Intent to Award” letter has been issued.

5.25 Insurance Requirements

The Provider shall comply with all insurance requirements of the Parish as contained in Attachment “C”. All policies of insurance shall meet the requirements of the Parish prior to the commencing of any work. The Parish has the right, but not the duty, to approve all insurance policies prior to the commencing of any work. Provider shall furnish the Parish with certificates of insurance effecting coverage(s) required by the RFP (see Attachment “C”). The certificates for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The certificates are to be received and approved by the Parish before work commences. The Parish reserves the right to require complete certified copies of all required policies, at any time.

5.26 SubProvider Insurance

The Provider shall include all subProviders as insured’s under its policies or shall insure that all subProviders satisfy the same insurance requirements stated herein for the Provider.

5.27 Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

5.27.1 Duty to Defend

Upon notice of any claim, demand, suit, or cause of action against the Parish, alleged to arise out of or be related to this Contract, Provider shall investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for, and defend at its sole expense, even if the claim, demand, suit, or cause of action is groundless, false, or fraudulent. The Parish may, but is not required to, consult with or assist the Provider, but this assistance shall not affect the Provider’s obligations, duties, and responsibilities under this section. Provider shall obtain the Parish’s written consent before entering into any settlement or dismissal.

5.27.2 Provider Liability

Provider shall be liable without limitation to the Parish for any and all injury, death, damage, loss, destruction, damages, costs, fines, penalties, judgments, forfeitures, assessments, expenses (including attorney fees), obligations, and other liabilities of every name and description, which may occur or in any way arise out of any act or omission of Provider, its owners, agents, employees, partners or subProviders.

5.27.3 Force Majeure

It is understood and agreed that neither party can foresee the exigencies beyond the control of each party which arise by reason of an Act of God or force majeure; therefore, neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance beyond its control resulting from an Act of God or force majeure. The Parish shall determine whether a delay or failure results from an Act of God or force majeure based on its review of all facts and circumstances. The parties shall use reasonable efforts, including but not limited to, use of continuation of operations plans (COOP), business continuity plans, and disaster recovery plans, to eliminate or minimize the effect of such events upon the performance of their respective duties under this Contract.

5.27.4 Indemnification

Provider shall fully indemnify and hold harmless the Parish, without limitation, for any and all injury, death, damage, loss, destruction, damages, costs, fines, penalties, judgments, forfeitures, assessments, expenses (including attorney fees), obligations, and other liabilities of every name and description, which may occur or in any way arise out of any act or omission of Provider, its owners, agents, employees, partners or subProviders. The Provider shall not indemnify for the portion of any loss or damage arising from the Parish’s act or failure to act.

5.27.5 Intellectual Property Indemnification

Provider shall fully indemnify and hold harmless the Parish, without limitation, from and against damages, costs, fines, penalties, judgments, forfeitures, assessments, expenses (including attorney fees), obligations, and other liabilities in any action for infringement of any intellectual property right, including but not limited to, trademark, trade-secret, copyright, and patent rights.

When a dispute or claim arises relative to a real or anticipated infringement, the Provider, at its sole expense, shall submit information and documentation, including formal patent attorney opinions, as required by the Parish.

If the use of the product, material, service, or any component thereof is enjoined for any reason or if the Provider believes that it may be enjoined, Provider, while ensuring appropriate migration and implementation, data integrity, and minimal delays of performance, shall at its sole expense and in the following order of precedence: (i) obtain for the Parish the right to continue using such product, material, service, or component thereof; (ii) modify the product, material, service, or component thereof so that it becomes a non-infringing product, material, or service of at least equal quality and performance; (iii) replace the product, material, service, or component thereof so that it becomes a non-infringing product, material, or service of at least equal quality and performance; or, (iv) provide the Parish monetary compensation for all payments made under the

Contract related to the infringing product, material, service, or component, plus for all costs incurred to procure and implement a non-infringing product, material, or service of at least equal quality and performance. Until this obligation has been satisfied, the Provider remains in default.

The Provider shall not be obligated to indemnify that portion of a claim or dispute based upon the Parish’s unauthorized: i) modification or alteration of the product, material or service; ii) use of the product, material or service in combination with other products not furnished by Provider; or, iii) use of the product, material or service in other than the specified operating conditions and environment.

5.28 Fidelity Bond Requirements

Omitted as not applicable to this RFP.

5.29 Payment

All monthly reports/invoicing must be in the STPG Grants Department by 12:00 pm on the 10th of each month.

Fuel costs should be submitted as a line item in invoices, separate from the hourly rate represented in the Total Proposal Cost that is submitted in the proposal.

5.29.1 Payment for Services

The Parish shall pay Provider in accordance with the Pricing Schedule set forth in Attachment “H”. The Provider may invoice the Parish monthly at the billing address designated by the Parish.

Payments will be made by the Parish within approximately thirty (30) days after receipt of a properly executed invoice, and approval by the Parish. Invoices shall include the purchase order number. Invoices submitted without this information will not be approved for payment until the required information is provided/reflected on the invoice.

5.30 Termination

5.30.1 Termination of the Contract for Cause

The Parish may terminate the contract for cause based upon the failure of the Provider to comply with the terms and/or conditions of the contract, or failure to fulfill its performance obligations pursuant to the contract, provided that the Parish shall give the Provider written notice specifying the Provider’s failure. If within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice, the Provider shall not have corrected such failure or, in the case of failure which cannot be corrected in thirty (30) days, begun in good faith to correct such failure and thereafter proceeded diligently to complete such correction, then the Parish may, at its option, place the Provider in default and the contract shall terminate on the date specified in such notice.

The Provider may exercise any rights available to it under Louisiana law to terminate for cause upon the failure of the Parish to comply with the terms and conditions of the contract, provided that the Provider shall give the Parish written notice specifying the Parish’s failure and a reasonable opportunity for the Parish to cure the defect.

5.30.2 Termination of the Contract for Convenience

The Parish may terminate the contract at any time by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the Provider of such termination or negotiating with the Provider an effective date.

The Provider shall be entitled to payment for deliverables in progress, to the extent work has been performed satisfactorily.

5.30.3 Termination for Non-Appropriation of Funds

The continuance of the contract is contingent upon the appropriation of funds to fulfill the requirements of the contract by the Parish Council. If the Parish Council fails to appropriate sufficient monies to provide for the continuation of the contract, or if such appropriation is reduced for any lawful purpose, and the effect of such reduction is to provide insufficient monies for the continuation of the contract, the contract shall terminate on the date of the beginning of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated.

5.30.4 Default of Provider

Failure to complete or deliver within the time specified or to provide the services as specified in the bid or response will constitute a default and may cause cancellation of the contract. Where the Parish has determined the Provider to be in default. The Parish reserves the right to purchase any or all products or services covered by the contract on the open market and to charge the Provider with the cost in excess of the contract price. Until such assessed charges have been paid, no subsequent bid or response from the defaulting Provider will be considered.

5.31 Assignment

The Provider shall not assign any interest in the contract by assignment, transfer, or novation, without prior written consent of the Parish. This provision shall not be construed to prohibit the Provider from assigning his bank, trust company, or other financial institution any money due or to become due from approved contracts without such prior written consent. Notice of any such assignment or transfer shall be furnished promptly to the Parish.

5.32 No Guarantee of Quantities

The quantities referenced in the RFP are estimated to be the amount needed. In the event a greater or lesser quantity is needed, the right is reserved by the Parish to increase or decrease the amount, at the unit price stated in the proposal.

The Parish does not obligate itself to contract for or accept more than its actual requirements during the period of the contract, as determined by actual needs and availability of appropriated funds.

5.33 Audit of Records

The Parish Auditor, state auditors, federal auditors or others so designated by the Parish, shall have the option to audit all accounts directly pertaining to the resulting contract for a period of five

(5) years after Project acceptance or as required by applicable State and Federal law. Records shall be made available during normal working hours for this purpose.

5.34 Civil Rights Compliance

The Provider agrees to abide by the requirements of the following as applicable: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Opportunity Act of 1972, Federal Executive Order 11246, the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Act of 1975, and Provider agrees to abide by the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Provider agrees not to discriminate in its employment practices, and will render services under the contract and any contract without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, political affiliation, or disabilities. Any act of discrimination committed by Provider, or failure to comply with these statutory obligations when applicable shall be grounds for termination of the contract.

5.35 Record Retention

The Provider shall maintain all records in relation to the contract for a period of at least five (5) years after final payment.

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