RON DESANTIS

GOVERNOR

SHEVAUN L. HARRIS

SECRETARY

Facebook .com/AHCAFlo r ida Youtube.com/AHCAFlor i da x .com/AHCA_FL

2727 Mahan Dr ive • Mai l S top #15 Ta l lahassee, FL 32308 AHCA.MyFlor i da.com

June 23, 2026

Prospective Vendor(s):

Subject: Solicitation Number: AHCA RFP 015-25/26

Title: Organ and Tissue Donor Registry and Education Program

This solicitation is being issued by the State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration, hereinafter referred to as “AHCA” or “Agency”, to contract with a vendor to maintain a consumer-focused website that provides transparency in health care by offering Florida consumers information about health care services, costs, and quality of care. The solicitation package consists of this transmittal letter and the following attachments and exhibits:

Attachment A Instructions and Special Conditions Exhibit A-1 Questions Template Exhibit A-2 Transmittal Letter Exhibit A-3 Required Certifications and Statements Exhibit A-3-a Vendor Certification Form (PUR 7801) Exhibit A-4 Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Components

(Technical Response) Exhibit A-5 Cost Proposal Exhibit A-6 Detailed Budget – Implementation Cost Exhibit A-7 Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance Cost Exhibit A-8 Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program Exhibit A-9 Past Performance – Client Reference Form Exhibit A-10 Standard Contract Attachment B Scope of Services Exhibit B-1 Deliverables and Performance Standards

Your response must comply fully with the instructions that stipulate what is to be included in the response. Respondents shall identify the solicitation number, date and time of opening on the package transmitting their response. This information is used only to put the Agency mailroom on notice that the package received is a response to an Agency solicitation and therefore should not be opened, but delivered directly to the Procurement Officer.

The designated Agency Procurement Officer for this solicitation is the undersigned. All communications from respondents shall be made in writing and directed to my attention at the address provided in Attachment A, Instructions and Special Conditions, Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 5., Procurement Officer, unless otherwise instructed in this solicitation.

The term “Proposal”, “Response” or “Reply” may be used interchangeably and mean the respondent’s submission to this solicitation.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26

Section 120.57(3)(b), Florida Statutes and Section 28-110.003, Florida Administrative Code require that a Notice of Protest of the solicitation documents shall be made within seventy-two hours after the posting of the solicitation. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Sincerely, Ashley Balkcom Procurement Officer Bureau of Purchasing and Contract Administration

ATTACHMENT A

INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 1 of 23 (August 2023)

Table of Contents

A.1. Instructions

A. Overview

1. Solicitation Number

2. Solicitation Type

3. Solicitation Title

4. Date of Issuance

5. Procurement Officer

6. Solicitation Timeline

7. PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions

8. PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents

9. Restriction on Communications

10. Respondent Questions

11. Solicitation Addenda

12. Public Opening of Responses

13. Type and Amount of Contract Contemplated

14. Term of Contract

B. Response Preparation and Content

1. General Instructions

2. Mandatory Response Content

3. Additional Response Content

C. Response Submission Requirements

1. Hardcopy and Electronic Submission Requirements

2. Confidential or Exempt Information

D. Response Evaluation and Contract Award

1. Response Clarification

2. Responsive Proposal Determination

3. Non-Scored Requirements

4. Scored Requirements – Evaluation Criteria

5. Ranking of Responses

6. Number of Awards

7. Posting of Notice of Intent to Award

8. Performance Bond

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 2 of 23

9. Contract Execution A.2. Special Terms and Conditions

A. Venue B. General Definitions

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 3 of 23

A.1. Instructions

A. Overview

1. Solicitation Number

AHCA RFP 015-25/26

2. Solicitation Type

Request for Proposal

3. Solicitation Title

Organ and Tissue Donor Registry and Education Program

4. Date of Issuance

June 23, 2026

5. Procurement Officer

Ashley Balkcom Bureau of Purchasing and Contract Administration Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #15 Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403 Email: solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com

6. Solicitation Timeline

The projected solicitation timeline is shown in Table 1, Solicitation Timeline, below (all times are Eastern Time). The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) reserves the right to amend the timeline in the State’s best interest. If the Agency finds it necessary to change any of the activities/dates/times listed, all interested parties will be notified by addenda to the original solicitation document posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/).

TABLE 1

SOLICITATION TIMELINE

ACTIVITY DATE/TIME LOCATION

Solicitation Issued by

Agency June 23, 2026 Electronically Posted https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Deadline for Receipt of Written Questions

July 7, 2026 2:00 p.m.

solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com mailto:solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ mailto:solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 4 of 23

TABLE 1

SOLICITATION TIMELINE

ACTIVITY DATE/TIME LOCATION

Anticipated Date for Agency Responses to

Written Questions

July 21, 2026

Electronically Posted

Deadline for Receipt of Responses

August 10, 2026 2:00 p.m.

Attention: Ashley Balkcom Agency for Health Care Administration 2729 Fort Knox Boulevard Mailroom, Building 2, Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403 Public Opening of

Responses August 10, 2026

2:30 p.m.

2727 Mahan Drive, Building 2

Operations Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Room 200, Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403

Anticipated Posting of Notice of Intent to

Award

September 8, 2026 Electronically Posted

7. PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions

PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions, is incorporated by reference and is available for prospective respondents to download at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/PUR_1000 _General_Contract_Conditions.pdf

8. PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents

PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents, is incorporated by reference and is available for prospective respondents to download at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001 _General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf

Unless otherwise noted, instructions in this Attachment A shall take precedence over the PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents.

9. Restriction on Communications

Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the seventy-two (72) hour period following the Agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response. See Section 287.057(23), Florida Statutes (F.S.).

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/PUR_1000_General_Contract_Conditions.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/PUR_1000_General_Contract_Conditions.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 5 of 23

10. Respondent Questions

a. The Agency will receive all questions pertaining to this solicitation no later than the date and time specified for written questions in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline.

b. Prospective respondents must submit all questions by email at solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com, utilizing Exhibit A-1, Questions Template.

c. The Agency will not accept questions by telephone, postal mail, hand delivery or fax.

d. The Agency’s response to questions received will be posted as an addendum to this solicitation as specified in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline, and may be grouped as to not repeat the same answer multiple times.

e. The Agency reserves the right to post an addendum to this solicitation in order to address questions received after the written submission deadline. It is the sole discretion of the Agency to consider questions received after the written questions submission deadline.

11. Solicitation Addenda

If the Agency finds it necessary to supplement, modify, or interpret any portion of this solicitation during this solicitation period, a written addendum will be posted on the VIP as addenda to this solicitation. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the VIP periodically for any information or updates to this solicitation. The Agency bears no responsibility for any resulting impacts associated with a prospective respondent’s failure to obtain the information made available through the VIP.

12. Public Opening of Responses

Responses shall be opened on the date, time and at the location indicated in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline. Respondents may, but are not required to, attend. The Agency will only announce the respondent(s) name at the public opening. Pursuant to Section 119.071(1)(b), F.S., no other materials will be released. Any person requiring a special accommodation because of a disability should contact the Procurement Officer at least five (5) business days prior to this solicitation opening. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Agency by using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 6 of 23

13. Type and Amount of Contract Contemplated

a. The Contract resulting from this solicitation will be a fixed price contract. The Agency’s estimated Contract amount for the original term is $702,000.00. This estimate includes a not-to-exceed budgeted amount of $342,000.00 for implementation costs.

Funding for operations and maintenance during the term of the contract is estimated to be $72,000.00 annually. This annual estimate is provided for informational purposes only; is based on historical amounts received through voluntary contributions made for organ and tissue donor education and maintaining the organ and tissue donor registry; and anticipated voluntary contributions made in future years.

Note: In accordance with subsection (ss.) 765.5155(4), F.S., “Costs for the donor registry and education program shall be paid by the Agency from the funds deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund pursuant to ss. 320.08047 and 322.08, which are designated for maintaining the donor registry and education program. In addition, the contractor may receive and use voluntary contributions to help support the registry and provide education.”

b. The Agency shall pay the Vendor, in arrears, upon the completion and acceptance of deliverables in accordance with the deliverable schedule specified in Exhibit B-1, Deliverables and Performance Standards.

c. The State of Florida's performance and obligation to pay under the

Contract resulting from this solicitation is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature.

14. Term of Contract

a. The anticipated term of the resulting Contract is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. The term of the resulting Contract is subject to change based on the actual execution date of the resulting Contract.

b. In accordance with Section 287.057(14), F.S., the Contract resulting from this solicitation may be renewed for a period that may not exceed three (3) years or the term of the resulting original Contract period whichever is longer. Renewal of the resulting Contract shall be in writing and subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the resulting original Contract. A renewal Contract may not include any compensation for costs associated with the renewal. Renewals are contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations by the Agency, are subject to the availability of funds, and optional to the Agency.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 7 of 23

c. Respondents shall provide renewal year costs in its response in Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance, which will be applied in the event the resulting Contract is renewed. The Agency will evaluate renewal year costs as part of the evaluation and scoring process.

B. Response Preparation and Content

1. General Instructions

a. The instructions for this solicitation have been designed to help ensure that all responses are reviewed and evaluated in a consistent manner, as well as to minimize costs and response time.

Information submitted in variance with these instructions may not be reviewed or evaluated.

b. The Agency has established certain requirements with respect to responses submitted to competitive solicitations. The use of “shall”, “must”, or “will” (except to indicate futurity) in this solicitation, indicates a requirement or condition from which a material deviation may not be waived by the Agency. A deviation is material if, in the Agency’s sole discretion, the deficient response is not in substantial accord with this solicitation’s requirements, provides a significant advantage to one respondent over another, or has a potentially significant effect on the quality of the response or on the cost to the Agency. Material deviations cannot be waived. The words “should” or “may” in this solicitation indicate desirable attributes or conditions but are permissive in nature. Deviation from, or omission of, such desirable features will not in and of itself cause rejection of a response.

c. Respondents shall not retype and/or modify required forms and must submit required forms in the original format.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT EACH REQUIRED FORM IN ITS

ORIGINAL FORMAT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF THE

RESPONSE.

d. A respondent shall not, directly or indirectly, collude, consult, communicate or agree with any other respondent as to any matter related to the response each is submitting. Additionally, a respondent shall not induce any other respondent to submit or not to submit a response.

e. The costs related to the development and submission of a response to this solicitation is the full responsibility of the respondent and is not chargeable to the Agency.

f. Joint ventures and legal partnerships shall be viewed as one (1) respondent. However, all parties to the joint venture/legal

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 8 of 23 partnership shall submit all mandatory attachments and documentation required by this solicitation from respondents, unless otherwise stated. Failure to submit all required documentation from all parties included in a joint venture/legal partnership, signed by an authorized official, if applicable, may result in the rejection of a prospective vendor’s response.

g. Pursuant to Section 287.133(2)(a), F.S., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted Vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a Bid, Proposal, or Reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity;

may not submit a Bid, Proposal, or Reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit Bids, Proposals, or Replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, F.S. for category two for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of being placed on the convicted Vendor list.

2. Mandatory Response Content

The respondent shall include the documents listed in this Item with the submission of the Original Response. Violation of this provision may result in the rejection of a response.

a. Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

b. Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and Statements

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and Statements, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

c. Exhibit A-3-a, Vendor Certification Form (PUR 7801)

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and Statements, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

d. Original Proposal Guarantee

1) The respondent’s Original Response must be accompanied by an Original Proposal Guarantee payable to the State of Florida in the amount of $70,200.00. The proposal

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 9 of 23 guarantee is a firm commitment the respondent shall, upon the Agency’s acceptance of its response, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.

2) The respondent must be the guarantor. If responding as a joint venture/legal partnership, at least one party of the joint venture/legal partnership shall be the guarantor.

3) The proposal guarantee shall be in the form of a bond, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, bank draft or certified check. The Agency will not accept a letter of credit in lieu of the Proposal Guarantee.

4) The Agency will not accept a copy of the Proposal

Guarantee.

5) Proposal Guarantees will be returned upon execution of the legal Contract with the successful respondent and receipt of the performance bond required under this solicitation (See Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section D., Response Evaluation, and Contract Award, Item 9., Performance Bond).

6) Proposal Guarantees may be returned to respondents not considered responsive and responsible prior to execution of the legal Contract if the respondent is not participating in an administrative challenge regarding this solicitation.

7) Proposal Guarantees will be returned to the Official Contact

Person at the address listed in Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter.

8) If the successful respondent fails to execute a contract within ten (10) consecutive calendar days after a contract has been presented to the successful respondent for signature, the proposal guarantee shall be forfeited to the State.

9) The proposal guarantee must not contain any provisions that reduce the amount of the proposal guarantee based on the amount of any contract awarded to a replacement awardee or shorten the time from bringing an action to a time less than that provided by the applicable Florida Statute of Limitations (see Section 95.03, F.S.). Proposal guarantees submitted using The American Institute of Architects AIA Document 310 or any document based upon that form will not be accepted by the Agency.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 10 of 23

e. Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria (Technical Response)

1) The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Components (Technical Response), and applicable attachments/exhibits as part of its response.

2) The respondent shall comply with the instructions for completing Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Components (Technical Response), which are contained therein.

f. Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

g. Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Implementation Cost

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Implementation Cost, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

h. Exhibit A-7, Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-7, Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance, as part of its response in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

3. Additional Response Content

a. Exhibit A-8, Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program

The State supports and encourages initiatives to keep the workplace of Florida’s suppliers and contractors drug free. Section 287.087, F.S. provides that, where identical tie Proposals are received, preference shall be given to a Proposal received from a respondent that certifies it has implemented a drug-free workplace program. If applicable, the respondent shall sign and submit Exhibit A-8, Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program, to certify that the respondent has a drug-free workplace program.

b. Exhibit A-9, Past Performance – Client Reference Form

The respondent shall complete and submit Exhibit A-9, Past Performance – Client Reference Form, in accordance with the instructions contained therein.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 11 of 23

C. Response Submission Requirements

1. Hardcopy and Electronic Submission Requirements

a. General Provision

Electronic submissions via MyFloridaMarketPlace will not be accepted for this solicitation.

b. Hardcopies of the Response

1) Original Response

The respondent shall submit one (1) Original Response.

The Original Response shall be marked as the “Original” and contain the Transmittal Letter (Exhibit A-2) that bears the original signature of the binding authority. The box that contains the Original Response shall be marked “Contains Original”. All forms requiring signature shall bear an original signature with the original response.

2) Duplicate Copy of the Original Response

The respondent shall submit one (1) duplicate copy of the Original Response.

3) Packaging and Delivery

a) Hard copy responses shall be bound individually and submitted in up to two (2), 3-inch, three-ring binders or secured in a similar fashion to contain pages that turn easily for review.

b) Each component of the hard copy response shall be clearly labeled and tabbed in the order specified below:

(1) Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter;

(2) Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and

Statements;

(3) Original Proposal Guarantee Note: The Original Proposal Guarantee must be provided in the Original Response;

(4) Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and

Evaluation Criteria Components (Technical Response);

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 12 of 23

(5) Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal;

(6) Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Implementation Cost;

(7) Exhibit A-7, Detailed Budget – Operation and Maintenance Cost;

(8) Exhibit A-8, Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program (if applicable); and

(9) Exhibit A-9, Past Performance – Client Reference Form

c) Hard copy responses shall be double sided.

d) Hard copy responses must be submitted in a sealed package (i.e., outer boxes must be sealed, individual binders within the box do not require individual sealing), to the Procurement Officer identified in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 5., Procurement Officer, no later than the time indicated in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline.

e) Hard copy responses shall be submitted via United

States (U.S.) mail, courier, or hand delivery.

Responses sent by fax or email will not be accepted.

f) The Agency will not consider responses received after the date and time specified in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline, and any such responses will be returned to the respondent unopened.

c. Electronic Copy of the Response

1) The respondent shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the entire response on a USB flash drive.

2) The electronic copy of the response, including all attachments, shall be submitted as Portable Document Format (PDF) documents. The PDF documents must be searchable, allow printing and must not be password protected (unlocked).

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 13 of 23

3) The electronic copy of the PDF documents shall be saved on the USB flash drive, with each component listed below saved separately in individual file folders:

(a) Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter;

(b) Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and

Statements;

(c) Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Components (Technical Response) and applicable attachments/exhibits;

(d) Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal;

(e) Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Implementation Cost;

(f) Exhibit A-7, Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance Cost;

(g) Exhibit A-8, Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program (if applicable); and

(h) Exhibit A-9, Past Performance – Client Reference Form.

4) In addition to the PDF submission, the following exhibits shall also be submitted in Microsoft Excel 2016, utilizing the Agency provided templates and shall be saved on the USB flash drive:

(a) Exhibit A-6, Detailed Budget – Implementation

Cost; and

(b) Exhibit A-7, Detailed Budget – Operations and Maintenance Cost.

5) Electronic Redacted Copies

(a) The respondent shall submit an electronic redacted copy of the response suitable for release to the public in one (1) PDF document on the USB flash drive. The electronic copy shall be saved in a separate file folder on the USB flash drive from the rest of the response. The file folder shall be identified as “Redacted Version Suitable for Public Release.”

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 14 of 23

(b) The PDF document must be searchable, allow printing, and must not be password protected (unlocked).

(c) Any confidential or trade secret information covered under Section 812.081, F.S., should be redacted as described below. The redacted response shall be marked as the “redacted” copy.

2. Confidential or Exempt Information

a. All submittals received by the date and time specified in Section

A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A., Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline, become the property of the State of Florida and are public records subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, F.S. The State of Florida shall have the right to use all ideas, or adaptations of the ideas, contained in any response received in relation to this solicitation. Selection or rejection of the response shall not affect this right.

b. A respondent that asserts that any portion of the response is confidential or exempt from disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S., shall clearly mark each page of such portion as follows:

1) Pages containing trade secret shall be marked “Trade secret as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes”.

Respondents who fail to identify trade secret as directed herein acknowledge and agree that they waive any right or cause of action, civil or criminal, against the Agency, its employees, and its representatives, for the release or disclosure of trade secret information not so identified.

Respondents shall not mark their entire response as trade secret. The Agency may reject a response that is so marked.

2) Pages that do not contain trade secret but are otherwise exempt or confidential shall be marked “exempt” or “confidential,” followed by the statutory basis for such claim.

For example: “The information on this page is exempt from disclosure pursuant to Section 119.071(3)(b), Florida Statutes.”

3) Failure to identify and mark such portions as directed above shall constitute a waiver of any claimed exemption and the Agency will provide any unmarked records in response to public records requests for those records without notifying the respondent. Designating material simply as “proprietary” will not necessarily protect it from disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 15 of 23

c. All information included in the response (including, without limitation, technical and cost information) and any resulting Contract that incorporates the successful response (fully, in part, or by reference) shall be a matter of public record regardless of copyright status. Submission of a response to this solicitation that contains material for which the respondent holds a copyright shall constitute permission for the Agency to reproduce and disclose such material for the Agency’s internal use, and to make such material available for inspection pursuant to a public records request.

d. If a public records request is submitted to the Agency for responses submitted to this solicitation, the respondent agrees that the Agency may release the redacted response without conducting any pre-release review of the redacted response.

e. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Agency will notify the respondent if a requestor contests the respondent’s determination that information is confidential or exempt and asserts a right to the information under Chapter 119, F.S. or other law. The respondent bears sole responsibility for supporting and defending its determination. If an action is brought against the Agency in any appropriate judicial forum contesting the respondent’s determination of confidentiality or the redactions made by the respondent to its response, the respondent agrees that the Agency has no duty to defend against such claims and may elect not to do so, and may elect to release an un-redacted version of the response. By submitting a response, the respondent agrees to protect, defend, hold harmless and indemnify the Agency for any and all claims arising from or relating to the respondent’s determinations of confidentiality or redaction, including the payment of any attorneys’ fees or costs assessed against the Agency.

D. Response Evaluation and Contract Award

1. Response Clarification

The Agency reserves the right to seek written clarification from a respondent of any information contained in the response or to request missing items from a response. However, it is a respondent’s obligation to submit an adequately written proposal for the Agency to evaluate.

2. Responsive Proposal Determination

A “responsive proposal” means a proposal submitted by a responsive and responsible vendor, which conforms in all material aspects to the solicitation [Section 287.012(26), F.S.]. A “responsible vendor” means a vendor who has the capacity in all respects to fully perform the Contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance [287.012(25), F.S.]. The Procurement Officer may rely on any

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 16 of 23 facts available to make a determination at any time prior to award as to whether a vendor is a responsible vendor. The Agency reserves the right to contact sources outside the proposal to obtain information regarding past performance or other matters relevant to responsibility.

3. Non-Scored Requirements

a. Transmittal (Cover) Letter

The Agency will review responses to this solicitation to determine if the respondent included in its response, Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter, from each required party.

b. Required Certifications and Statements the respondent included in its response, Exhibit A-3, Required Certifications and Statements.

c. Original Proposal Guarantee the respondent included in its response, an original proposal guarantee in the appropriate amount, as specified in Section B., Response Preparation and Content, Sub-Section 2., Mandatory Response Content, Item c.

4. Scored Requirements – Evaluation Criteria

a. Technical Response Evaluation

1) Each evaluator will evaluate responses independently of the other evaluators and award points based on the criteria and points scale indicated in Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria Components (Technical Response), for the detailed evaluation criteria components.

2) Each response will be individually scored by at least three

(3) evaluators, who collectively have experience and knowledge in the program areas and service requirements for which contractual services are sought by this solicitation.

The Agency reserves the right to have specific Sections of the responses evaluated by fewer than three (3) individuals.

3) The scores of independent evaluators will be weighted and averaged to determine a total score based on the detailed evaluation criteria components indicated in Exhibit A-4, Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 17 of 23

Components (Technical Response), and the weight factor specified in Table 3, Summary Score Sheet, below.

b. Past Performance Evaluation

Past performance will be scored based on answers to the questions outlined in Exhibit A-9, Past Performance – Client Reference Form, Evaluation Questionnaire for Past Performance, received from two

(2) separate and verifiable non-Agency client references. A score will be assigned for each individual non-Agency client reference in accordance with Table 3, Summary Score Sheet, below.

c. Cost Proposal

The Agency will evaluate each Cost Proposal (Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal) for implementation costs and award points. The respondent with the lowest proposed fixed cost (Exhibit A-5, Cost Proposal) will receive the maximum allowable points in accordance with Table 3, Summary Score Sheet, below. The remaining respondents will receive a percentage of the maximum points, rounded to the nearest whole number, using the following formula:

(Lowest Cost Proposal ÷ Respondent’s Cost Proposal) x Available Points = Points Awarded

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 18 of 23

TABLE 3

SUMMARY SCORE SHEET

Maximum Raw Score Possible

Weight Factor

Maximum Points Possible

A. Technical Response SRC 1 – Executive Summary 0 X 0 = 0 SRC 2 – Organizational Background and Experience 65 X 2 = 130 SRC 3 – Program Staffing & Organizational Experience 20 X 5 = 100 SRC 4 – Monitoring and Reports 25 X 3 = 75 SRC 5 – Complaints 10 X 3 = 30 SRC 6 – Quality Assurance 20 X 2 = 40 SRC 7 – Implementation Plan 15 X 3 = 45 SRC 8 – Educational Initiatives 20 X 2 = 40 SRC 9 – Detailed Budget Review – Operations & Maintenance 10 X 4 = 40

SRC 10 – Information Technology 25 X 1 = 25 SRC 11 – Systems, Security and Confidentiality 20 X 3 = 60 SRC 12 – Security Rating Score 5 X 5 = 25

B. Past Performance – Client Reference Client #1 50 X 1 = 50 Client #2 50 X 1 = 50

C. Cost Proposal Implementation Costs 15 X 1 = 15

TOTAL: 725

5. Ranking of Responses

a. A total score will be calculated for each response based on the total maximum points available as included in Table 3, Summary Score Sheet, above.

b. The total point scores will be used to rank the responses.

6. Number of Awards

The Agency anticipates the issuance of one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation for all services included within Attachment B, Scope of Services. The Agency, at its sole discretion, shall make this determination.

7. Posting of Notice of Intent to Award

Tabulation of Results, with the recommended Contract award, will be posted to the Vendor Information Portal and will be available for review by interested parties at the time and location specified in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A. Overview, Item 6., Solicitation Timeline, Table 1, Solicitation Timeline, and will remain posted for a period of

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 19 of 23 seventy-two (72) hours, not including weekends or State observed holidays.

Any respondent desiring to protest the recommended Contract award must file a notice of intent to protest to the Procurement Officer identified in Section A.1., Instructions, Sub-Section A. Overview, Item 5., Procurement Officer, within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3) F.S.

and Rule 28-110, F.A.C.

Any notice of intent to protest must be filed electronically or via United States (U.S.) mail, courier, or hand delivery at the following address:

Bureau of Purchasing and Contract Administration Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #15 Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403 Email: solicitation.questions@ahca.myflorida.com

Any formal protest must be filed within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3) F.S. and Rule 28-110, F.A.C. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), F.S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Any formal protest must be filed with the Agency Clerk, at the address below, or electronically at http://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/Efile/, a link to which can be found on the Agency’s public website.

Agency for Health Care Administration C/O Agency Clerk 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #3 Building 3, Room 3407C Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403

After submittal of the Notice of Intent to Protest, all communication regarding the solicitation must be submitted to the Agency’s General Counsel’s Office.

8. Performance Bond

a. A performance bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total annual amount of the resulting Contract shall be furnished to the Agency by the successful respondent within thirty (30) calendar days after execution of the resulting Contract and prior to commencement of any work under the resulting Contract.

http://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/Efile/

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 20 of 23

b. The bond shall be furnished to the Agency’s Bureau of Purchasing and Contract Administration at:

Bureau of Purchasing and Contract Administration Agency for Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop #15 Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403

c. Thereafter, the performance bond shall be furnished on an annual basis, thirty (30) calendar days prior to the new Contract year and be in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the current annual Contract amount.

d. A copy of all performance bonds shall be submitted to the Agency’s Contract Manager.

e. The performance bond must not contain any provisions that shorten the time for bringing an action to a time less than that provided by the applicable Florida Statute of Limitations. (See Section 95.03, F.S.)

f. No payments will be made to the successful respondent until an acceptable performance bond is furnished to the Agency. The performance bond shall remain in effect for the full term of the resulting Contract, including any renewal period. The Agency shall be named as the beneficiary of the successful respondent’s bond.

The bond shall provide that the insurer or bonding company(s) pay losses suffered by the Agency directly to the Agency.

g. The cost of the performance bond will be borne by the successful respondent.

h. Should the successful respondent terminate the resulting Contract prior to the end of the resulting Contract period, an assessment against the bond will be made by the Agency to cover the costs of issuing a new solicitation and selecting a new Vendor. The successful respondent agrees that the Agency’s damages in the event of termination by the successful respondent shall be considered to be for the full amount of the bond. The Agency need not prove the damage amount in exercising its right of recourse against the bond.

9. Contract Execution

a. This solicitation, including all its addenda, the Agency’s written response to written questions, and the successful respondent’s response, shall be incorporated by reference in the final Contract document.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 21 of 23

b. The successful respondent shall perform its contracted duties in accordance with the resulting Contract, this solicitation, including all addenda, the successful respondent’s response to this solicitation.

In the event of conflict among resulting contract documents, any identified inconsistency in the resulting Contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

1) The resulting Contract, including all attachments, exhibits and any subsequent amendments;

2) This solicitation, including all addenda; and

3) The successful respondent’s response to this solicitation.

c. The successful respondent shall be registered with the Florida Department of State as an entity authorized to transact business in the State of Florida by the effective date of the resulting Contract.

d. The Agency reserves the right to amend the resulting Contract within the scope set forth in this solicitation (to include the original Contract and all attachments) in order to clarify requirements.

A.2. Special Terms and Conditions

A. Venue

1. By responding to this solicitation, in the event of any legal challenges to this procurement, respondents agree and will consent that hearings and depositions for any administrative or other litigation related to this procurement shall be held in Leon County, Florida. The Agency, in its sole discretion, may waive this venue for depositions.

2. Respondents (and their successors, including but not limited to their parent(s), affiliates, subsidiaries, subcontractors, assigns, heirs, administrators, representatives and trustees) acknowledge that this solicitation (including but not limited to the resulting Contract, exhibits, attachments, or amendments) is not a rule nor subject to rulemaking under Chapter 120 (or its successor) of the Florida Statutes and is not subject to challenge as a rule or non-rule policy under any provision of Chapter 120, F.S.

3. The exclusive venue and jurisdiction for any action in law or in equity to adjudicate rights or obligations arising pursuant to or out of this procurement for which there is no administrative remedy shall be the Second Judicial Circuit Court in and for Leon County, Florida, or, on appeal, the First District Court of Appeal (and, if applicable, the Florida Supreme Court). Any administrative hearings hereon or in connection herewith shall be held in Leon County, Florida.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 22 of 23

4. Attorney’s Fees

In the event of a dispute arising under this solicitation, each party shall be responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, except as otherwise provided by law.

B. General Definitions

AHCA or AGENCY – State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), its employees acting in their official capacity, or its designee.

BUSINESS DAY – Also called Work Day. A day scheduled for regular State of Florida employees to work; Monday through Friday except holidays observed by regular State of Florida employees. Timeframes in this solicitation requiring completion within a number of business days shall mean by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time on the last work day.

CALENDAR DAY – A twenty-four (24) hour period between midnight and midnight, regardless of whether or not it occurs on a weekend or holiday.

CALENDAR YEAR – A twelve (12) month period of time beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.

CAN – Used to express non-mandatory provisions; words denote the permissive.

CONTRACT – The written, signed agreement resulting from, and inclusion of, this solicitation, any subsequent amendments thereto and the respondent’s Proposal.

CONTRACT MANAGER – The Agency individual responsible for safeguarding State and Federal funds, deriving maximum return from those funds, and monitoring Vendor compliance with applicable laws and contract terms.

DAY – Calendar day, unless specified as a business day.

EST - Eastern Standard Time

DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN – A plan to ensure continued business processing through adequate alternative facilities, equipment, backup files, documentation and procedures in the event that the primary processing site is lost to the successful respondent.

FISCAL YEAR (FY) – The period used to calculate an annual budget or financial statements for a year. The State of Florida fiscal year is the twelve (12) month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30.

HIPAA (THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

ACT OF 1996) – A Federal law that includes requirements to protect patient privacy, to protect security of electronic medical records, to prescribe methods and

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Page 23 of 23 formats for exchange of electronic medical information, and to uniformly identify providers.

RECIPIENT - A person who has been determined to be eligible for Medicaid assistance in accordance with the State plan(s) under Title XIV and Title XIX of the Social Security Act, Title V of the Refugee Education Assistance Act, and/or Title IV of the immigration and Nationality Act.

SOC 2 TYPE II AUDIT – Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II is an audit of the internal controls of a service organization according to specifications defined by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

STATE – State of Florida.

SUBCONTRACT – An agreement entered into for provision of services on behalf of the successful respondent as related to this solicitation.

SUBCONTRACTOR – Any entity contracting with the successful respondent to perform the services or to fulfill any of the requirements requested in this solicitation or any entity that is a subsidiary of the successful respondent that performs the services or fulfills the requirements requested in this solicitation.

WORK DAY – See Business Day.

VENDOR – The respondent awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation.

EXHIBIT A-1

QUESTIONS TEMPLATE

VENDOR NAME

ATTACHMENT

IDENTIFIER

SECTION

IDENTIFIER

SUB-SECTION

REFERENCE

ITEM

REFERENCE

ATTACHMENT

EXHIBIT

PAGE

NUMBER QUESTION

AHAC RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Exhibit A-1, Page 1 of 1

EXHIBIT A-2

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Exhibit A-2, Page 1 of 1

All respondents to this solicitation shall utilize Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter, for submission of its response.

DATE:Click or tap to enter a date.RESPONDENT NAME: RESPONDENT

NAME:

RESPONDENT ADDRESS:

RESPONDENT FEDERAL EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (FEID):

The respondent shall provide an official contact and an alternate contact. Both the official contact person and the alternate contact person must have the authority to bind the respondent to a contract. Both person’s signatures must be included.

OFFICIAL CONTACT PERSON:

NAME:

TITLE:

ADDRESS:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________

ALTERNATE CONTACT PERSON:

NAME:

TITLE:

ADDRESS:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

SIGNATURE: _____________________________________________________

Failure to submit, Exhibit A-2, Transmittal Letter, signed by authorized officials who each have the authority to bind the respondent to a contract, may result in the rejection of response. If the respondent is invited to negotiations, at least one authorized official listed above must be present at each negotiation session.

EXHIBIT A-3

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND STATEMENTS

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Exhibit A-3, Page 1 of 6

RESPONDENT NAME:

1. ACCEPTANCE OF SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS

I hereby certify that I understand and agree that my organization has read all requirements and Agency specifications provided in this solicitation, accepts said requirements, and that this response is made in accordance with the provisions of such requirements and specifications. By my written signature below, I guarantee and certify that all items included in this response shall meet or exceed any and all such requirements and Agency specifications. I further agree, if awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation, to deliver services that meet or exceed the requirements and specifications provided in this solicitation.

AND

2. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

I hereby certify that in responding to this solicitation, should my organization be awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation, it agrees to accept and comply with all terms and conditions as specified in this solicitation and in the Agency Standard Contract (Exhibit A-10, including its Attachments).

3. RELEASE OF REDACTED RESPONSE

I hereby authorize release of the redacted version of the response required by Attachment A, Instructions and Special Conditions, Section A.1, Instructions, Sub-Section C., Response Submission Requirements, Item 1., Hardcopy and Electronic Submission Requirements, Sub-Item c., Electronic Copy of the Response, Sub-Item 5), Electronic Redacted Copies, in the event the Agency receives a public records request.

4. STATEMENT OF NO INVOLVEMENT

I hereby certify that neither my organization nor any person with an interest in the organization had any prior involvement in performing a feasibility study of the implementation of the subject Contract, in drafting of this solicitation or in developing the subject program.

5. PROHIBITION OF GRATUITIES

I hereby certify that no elected official or employee of the State of Florida has or shall benefit financially or materially from such response or subsequent contract in violation of the provisions of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes (F.S.). I understand that any contract issued as a result of this solicitation may be terminated if it is determined that gratuities of any kind were either offered or received by any of the aforementioned parties.

AHCA RFP 015-25/26, Attachment A, Exhibit A-3, Page 2 of 6

6. NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that all persons, companies, or parties interested in the response as principals are named therein, that the response is made without collusion with any other person, persons, organization, or parties submitting a response; that it is in all respects made in good faith; and as the signer of the response, I have full authority to legally bind the respondent to the provisions of this solicitation.

7. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

I hereby certify my organization shall make a documented good faith effort…