Attachment A RFB 758 2500000565 3-24-2025.pdf

Revised August 2024

ELECTRONIC BID SUBMISSION

Bid responses shall be received by electronic submission in the eProcurement system.

An electronic bid shall be authorized by the proper agent of the firm by the act of submitting it electronically through the eProcurement system.

Bid information MUST be completed online. Response must contain all required information for the Solicitation. A separate Bid Sheet is attached and must be included with the response. Bidders MUST enter $.01 in the Unit Price field as the electronic bid. This is the ONLY pricing that is to be entered electronically. All actual pricing must be on the Bid Sheet.

All bidders MUST be registered in the Commonwealth eProcurement System via the Vendor Self Service System at https://emars311.ky.gov/webapp/vssprdonline3111d/AltSelfService

Allow 24 – 48 hours to complete Vendor Registration. Vendors must be logged in to their Vendor Self Service (VSS) account in order to submit a response. Registrations completed the day of bid closing must be completed by the Vendor in the VSS portal. The Customer Resource Center is not able to complete registrations and activate accounts on the same day. Closing dates will not be extended for Vendors not registered by the date/time of the bid closing. Vendor Self Service Registration Guides are provided at https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/ResourcesSupport/How%20to%20Respond %20to%20Online%20Bid%20through%20Kentucky%20Vendor%20Self%20Servi ce.pdf

All bidders are cautioned to begin their electronic submission in sufficient time to complete before the closing date and time. Delays due to technical difficulties or document upload impediments shall not be justification for acceptance of a late bid or proposal. Vendor attention to this advisory is encouraged. If you need assistance, please contact the Customer Resource Center (CRC) by email at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov or phone 502-564-9641 or toll-free 877-973-HELP (4357).

Online bid responses must be in an “Accepted” status and shall be assigned a date and time stamp from the eProcurement system at the time of final acceptance and formal submission by the vendor. The system will not allow submission of an online response after the published date and time for closing.

An offer may be modified or withdrawn by electronic or written notice ONLY if received prior to the bid closing date and time. An electronic offer may be modified by applying https://emars311.ky.gov/webapp/vssprdonline3111d/AltSelfService https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/ResourcesSupport/How%20to%20Respond%20to%20Online%20Bid%20through%20Kentucky%20Vendor%20Self%20Service.pdf https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/ResourcesSupport/How%20to%20Respond%20to%20Online%20Bid%20through%20Kentucky%20Vendor%20Self%20Service.pdf https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/ResourcesSupport/How%20to%20Respond%20to%20Online%20Bid%20through%20Kentucky%20Vendor%20Self%20Service.pdf mailto:Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov the appropriate electronic signature and following the procedure in the state’s eProcurement signature.

The following items MUST be submitted prior to award:

_____REVENUE FORM 10A100 KENTUCKY TAX REGISTRATION APPLICATION IF

APPLICABLE (see Section 37)

_____CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY – REGISTRATION WITH SECRETARY OF

STATE BY A FOREIGN ENTITY IF APPLICABLE (see Section 39)

_____REQUIRED AFFIDAVIT(S)

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%2 0Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf

_____EEO FORMS IF APPLICABLE (see Section 34) https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf

ATTACHMENT A

Commonwealth of Kentucky Request for Bid (RFB)

For Pesticide Soil Analysis Laboratory Services

RFB 758 2500000565

Issued by The Finance and Administration Cabinet

On Behalf Of Department of Agriculture

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Vendors’ Written Questions Due: March 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM, ET CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM, ET

Commonwealth Buyer:

Stephanie Durr

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

Office of Procurement Services

200 MERO STREET, 5TH FLOOR

FRANKFORT KY 40622

(502) 564-6521

Stephanie.durr@ky.gov

BID READINGS

Any person wishing to hear a bid reading may call the OPS conference line at 844-603-5060, Conference ID number 240522005, and Participant Code 33957, at

3:30pm, ET on the bid closing date.

mailto:Stephanie.durr@ky.gov

PLEASE READ THIS SOLICITATION AND ITS INSTRUCTIONS IN ITS ENTIRETY.

This is a Request for Bid (RFB).

Vendors shall comply with the terms and conditions stated in the solicitation.

Any efforts to negotiate these terms and conditions SHALL NOT be accepted and SHALL cause the bid to be deemed non-responsive.

All proposed pricing shall remain valid for a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days after the bid due date.

This Contract shall be awarded as Group All. Vendors shall bid all line items, otherwise bid shall be deemed non-responsive.

Vendors should review and comply with the general bidding requirements listed under “Procurement Laws, Preference, Regulations and Policies” and “Response to Solicitation” located on the eProcurement Web page at https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx and https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx respectively. The vendor must comply with all applicable statutes, regulations and policies related to this procurement.

Solicitation

Terms and Conditions

Master Agreement

Section 1 Scope of Contract The Office of Procurement Services issues this solicitation to establish a Master Agreement for: Pesticide Soil Analysis Laboratory Services

Section 2 Bid Specifications (Requirements that include the words “Shall”, “Will”, “Must” indicate a mandatory requirement) https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

I. Description of Services The Department of Agriculture is required to regulate the sale, use, and distribution of pesticides in the state of Kentucky. Services are required from laboratories to conduct sample analysis on pesticide products and residue samples collected by state inspectors. A list of pesticide products and samples to be analyzed is available as an attachment to this RFB. The Contractor may utilize sub-contractors for some of the sample analyses to be conducted. The Contractor and any sub-contractors will be required, at a minimum, to utilize AO/AC protocols and Good Laboratory Practices.

Vendors will be required to provide proof of these protocols and practices upon request by the Commonwealth. In addition, the Contractor must use EPA approved or other properly documented methods for analyses requested and participate in a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Audit Program such as the AAPCO check sample program.

Subcontractors will invoice the Contractor who in turn will invoice the Department for the contracted price. The Contractor MUST notify the Commonwealth Agency and Commonwealth Buyer within five (5) business days of the loss of ability to conduct testing as specified by the contract when one or more of the following conditions occurs:

1. Major equipment or instrumentation breakdown with repairs expected to take two or more weeks.

2. Loss of supervisory or group leaders in any area.

3. Other factors that would prevent the contractor from delivering the services as specified by the contract.

Laboratory equipment must be maintained on a schedule that is suggested by the manufacturer, as appropriate. All routine maintenance work must be recorded in instrument logbooks. All third-party maintenance work records are to be recorded and available for review by the Commonwealth.

II. Quality Assurance / Quality Control The objective of a QA/QC program is to ensure that reported results from any analysis is the most accurate information available from the current technology. The goal for the program is to develop and utilize valid sampling procedures and analytical procedures that will provide both precise and accurate information from those procedures.

Assessment of the program will be carried out by coordination with other state and industry pesticide analytical laboratories and the use of an approved check sample program, such as the program sponsored by AAPCO. In addition to participating, the laboratories must achieve a "within range" or "acceptable" evaluation on their analyses of the check samples. The Division of Environmental Services and EPA monitor the laboratories' participation and performance.

It will be the responsibility of the contract laboratory to train their staff in the proper procedures for receiving samples, maintaining chain of custody, chain of custody validation, sample storage and analysis of samples and train Environmental Services staff on same subject manner upon request of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Quality Control will contain the following:

Residue Analysis

MEASUREMENT-Calibration Curve FREQUENCY-With each qualitative analytical run

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA- R and R2 >0.99

MEASUREMENT- Cont.Calibration Verification Std (CCVC) FREQUENCY -Target CCVS, CCVS for a minimum of every 10 injections/final CCVS ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA (plus or minus) 20% of Target CCVS

MEASUREMENT-Solvent/Method Blank FREQUENCY-One blank per extraction ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA-Non-detect (ND) or Below Detectable Limits (BDL)

MEASUREMENT-Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike Duplicate FREQUENCY-Per each matrix specific analysis ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA-Recovery between 70% and 120% of the spiked amount unless validated otherwise Formulation Analysis

MEASUREMENT- Calibration Curve FREQUENCY With each analytical run ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA R and R2 >0.999

MEASUREMENT-Initial and Continuing Calibration Check Sample FREQUENCY- 5 initial and two bracketing each set of unknowns

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA - RSD (%CV) <2.5%

MEASUREMENT- Within Sample Variation FREQUENCY-With each analytical run

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA - RSD (%CV) <2.5%

MEASUREMENT-Laboratory Control Sample FREQUENCY-2 Injections from one sample extract per run ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA - (plus or minus) 2 SDs of mean result

MEASUREMENT- Standard Addition (Recovery Determination) FREQUENCY- 2 Injections from one sample extract per run ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA - Between 90% and 110%

All calibration work must be documented in laboratory notebooks or on calibration sheets for in-house calibration. Calibration certificates must be maintained and available for review for all calibrations done by third parties. The QA/QC manager must ensure that the laboratory maintains all records and files in accordance with EPA protocols. The QA/QC Manager must work to ensure all procedures used by the laboratory mirror those accepted and approved by the EPA, AO/AC and the product manufacturer.

III. Tasks The Department of Agriculture's Division of Environmental Services will be collecting samples of water, plant, soil, swab samples and pesticide products. These samples will be collected on an as needed basis determined by the Division of Environmental Services. Once the laboratory has accepted the samples, the laboratory will be responsible for the following:

1. Maintenance of sample integrity and chain-of-custody of the samples.

2. Analysis of each sample for the requested analyses utilizing the specified analytical methods in accordance with EPA approved or properly documented methods.

3. The contractor will provide to the Division of Environmental Services, an analytical report within sixty (60) calendar days of the receipt of the sample. Analytical reports are to contain the following information:

a. Analytical results must be reported clearly and concisely for all samples run, including method blanks and spikes. To expedite reporting, electronic reporting is acceptable as an initial report. If an electronic format is utilized, it must be followed by a paper report. Both paper and electronic reporting must contain at least the following:

Analyzing Laboratory name, contract number, laboratory sample ID, Division Sample ID, date of sample collection, Sampler's name, date the sample was received by the laboratory, sample matrix, analytical method utilized, analytical method name of the analyte, CAS No. of the analyte, concentration of the analyte (expressed as percent, part per million, part per billion, etc), data flags, date analyzed, analyst's name, and footnotes or comments related to any irregularities in the analytical procedure.

b. All analytical results must bear or be accompanied by a signed statement from an authorized representative that all analyses were conducted, and results reported in strict accordance with all requirements of the regulatory methods and as specified in this contract.

4. A copy of the complete chain of custody form during the entire analysis must accompany the final reports.

IV. Stipulated procedures for accomplishing program objectives All laboratories shall follow the following procedures:

1. All samples shall be handled by a minimum number of people.

2. The laboratory shall set aside a sample storage area that is clean, dry, cool or refrigerated as required for preservation, and that is capable of being securely locked.

3. The laboratory shall designate a specific person to be sample custodian. The sample custodian shall receive all incoming samples. He/she shall indicate receipt of the sample by signing the accompanying chain of custody form and return a copy to the submitting agency.

4. The custodian shall ensure that samples are properly stored and maintained prior to analysis.

5. The laboratory area shall be maintained as a secured area, restricted to authorized personnel only.

6. Laboratory personnel shall be responsible for the care and custody of all samples once the custody of the samples has been transferred to the laboratory.

7. Department of Agriculture representatives shall collect samples. These representatives are located across the state. Most samples will not come from the Frankfort office.

8. The contractor will provide guidance on the appropriate containers for collection, temporary storage and transportation of the samples. This will include shipping containers such as coolers.

9. Once the sample analyses are completed, the samples may be disposed of only after:

a. Obtaining approval from the Department,

b. Recording the time, date and disposal method for each sample in the sample logbook, and

c. Complying with local, state, and federal disposal guidelines.

V. Analytical Methods The contractor may utilize a sub-contractor for certain analyses.

Any sub-contractor must use an EPA approved or other properly documented methods for analyses requested and participate in a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Audit Program such as the AAPCO check sample program.

Analytical procedures or methodology, to the degree possible, must adhere to official, standard (professionally accepted), developed in-house methods (validated or verified per run) or pesticide product registrant supplied methods for both residues and formulation analyses. In-house method validation is performed per run for non-routine or unusual samples. Method verification involves the process of evaluating the data for completeness and correctness. Method validation involves a process to determine the analytical quality of data. This includes inspection of the verified data to determine data quality.

STANDARD AND EXTRACT EXPIRATION

**Commercial Standards: Standards received commercially, i.e., EPA repository, VWR, etc. are requested to have expiration date information. The Contractor will use the expiration date information on the standards as the default expiration date of the unadulterated standard. (This can be a concentrate solution, crystal, or standard mix ready for injection.) Once a standard has been changed from neat (or been diluted) it becomes an in-house standard.

** In-House Standards: In-house standards made in organic solvent have a maximum of six (6) month expiration. In-house standards made in inorganic solvents have a one

(1) month expiration. The neat standard expiration date is always taken into consideration when establishing the in-house expiration date. If the neat standard expires before the six (6) month period of the in-house standard (made from the neat), then the in-house standard expiration date will reflect the neat's expiration date.

** Sample Extracts: Sample extracts have a three (3) month expiration, with the exception of water extracts. Water extracts have a thirty (30) day expiration. Deviations from the accepted expiration should be documented and reported to the Division of Environmental Services when necessary. Positive identification of a pesticide should be confirmed by any of the below listed methods (if possible):

* Confirmation by mass spectrometry (MS)

* A different detector.

* If no other detector is suitable, then use the same detector with a different column.

* If no other detector or column is suitable, then confirmation by an outside laboratory is required.

VI. Compounds to be Analyzed The Department may request an analysis for any pesticide. In the event there is an analysis requested by the Department that is not listed on the pricing contract, a price will be negotiated prior to the analysis of that sample. The price of the analysis will be added to this contract once negotiated.

Section 3 Purpose The purpose of this solicitation is to request vendor responses in order to provide these items under contract to agencies as needed.

Section 4 General This solicitation specifies requested items. It is not the intention of this solicitation to eliminate vendors or manufacturers of similar or equal equipment of the types specified.

It should be noted, however, that these requested items are written around specific needs of State agencies. The Commonwealth reserves the right to consider bids non-responsive if they do not comply with the specifications contained herein.

Section 5 Initial Contract Period The contract established from this solicitation shall be for the initial period of one (1) year from the date of award.

Section 6 Renewal Clause – Optional Renewal Period This contract may be extended at the completion of the initial contract period for four (4) additional one-year periods. This extension must have the written approval by all parties. If the contract resulting from this solicitation provides for an optional renewal period, the Commonwealth of Kentucky reserves the right to renegotiate any terms and/or conditions as may be necessary to meet requirements for the extended period.

The vendor will be advised of any proposed revisions prior to the renewal periods. In the event proposed revisions cannot be agreed upon, either party shall have the right to withdraw without prejudice from either exercising the option or continuing the contract in an extended period.

Section 7 Exceptions to Specifications Vendors are cautioned that changes made to the solicitation other than in the designated fields for response shall render the response invalid and result in a non-responsive bid. Otherwise, it will be considered that items/services offered are in strict compliance with these specifications, and the successful bidder shall be held responsible for delivering materials/services that meet these specifications. Any exceptions shall be marked as such within the body of the bid and explained on a separate page. The Commonwealth is not bound to accept any exceptions.

Section 8 Alternate Brands/Specifications Not applicable to this solicitation.

Section 9 Recycle Requirements Prospective bidders are required to comply with Recycle Requirements for the purchase of goods, supplies, equipment, materials and printing with a minimum recycled content to the extent practicable per 200 KAR 5:330. This regulation can be viewed on the Internet at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/200/005/330.pdf

Section 10 Acknowledgment of Addenda It is the vendor's responsibility to check the web site for any modifications to this solicitation. Electronic Bid submittal is the vendor’s agreement to be bound by the terms of all addenda issued.

Section 11 Agencies to be Served This contract shall be for use by the following agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Department of Agriculture

Extending the Contract Use to Other Agencies The Office of Procurement Services reserves the right, with the consent of the vendor, to offer the Master Agreement resulting from this solicitation to other State agencies requiring the product(s) or service(s).

Section 12 Solicitation Submission Requirements Paper Bids are NOT acceptable for this RFB and shall be considered non-responsive.

Section 13 Method of Award Best Value – Ranking Approach The Commonwealth intends to award a contract to the vendor, whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is the most advantageous on the basis of "best value" for all products, services, and requirements contained herein.

An evaluation committee, or a designated individual, will evaluate the information provided by the vendor in response to the established measurable criteria contained in the solicitation.

Measurable Criteria:

Price 90 Points Experience 10 Points https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/200/005/330.pdf

TOTAL POINTS 100 Points

Each vendor is responsible for submitting all relevant, factual and correct information with their offer to enable the evaluator(s) to afford each vendor the maximum score based on the available data submitted by the Vendor.

A bidder shall submit one (1) response to a solicitation and shall not propose more than one (1) model/brand for each item listed in the solicitation, except for requested tier pricing. Multiple or alternate bids offering more than one (1) bid price in total or by line item shall be rejected.

Vendors responding with the minimum Best Value requirements in this solicitation shall not be credited with Best Value points. Vendors responding with greater than the minimum requirements shall receive Best Value points. Failure to provide adequate information will impact the evaluated points awarded to the vendor.

A. PRICE (90 points)

The bidder with the lowest Price receives the maximum score. The bidder with the next lowest Price receives points by dividing the lowest Price by the next lowest price and multiplying that percentage by the available points. For example, 90 points is allocated to the lowest Price criteria for this procurement, bidder “A” bids $3.00 as the lowest bidder and receives the maximum 90 points ($3.00 / $3.00 =

1.00 x 90 = 90). Assume bidder “B” is the next lowest bidder at $4.00, then “B” receives 67.5 points ($3.00 / $4.00) = .75 x 90 = 67.5).

B. EXPERIENCE (10 points)

The bidder shall clearly state the number of years of experience for this procurement.

Vendor should enter the number of years of experience on the Bid Price Sheet

Experience should only include experience within the United States.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to require documentation verifying number of years experience.

Best Value scoring is subject to Reciprocal preference for Kentucky resident bidders and Preferences for a Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries

(KAR 200 5:410).

KRS 45A.490 Definitions for KRS 45A.490 to 45A.494.

As used in KRS 45A.490 to 45A.494:

(1) "Contract" means any agreement of a public agency, including grants and orders, for the purchase or disposal of supplies, services, construction, or any other item; and

(2) "Public agency" has the same meaning as in KRS 61.805.

KRS 45A.492 Legislative declarations.

The General Assembly declares:

(1) A public purpose of the Commonwealth is served by providing preference to Kentucky residents in contracts by public agencies; and

(2) Providing preference to Kentucky residents equalizes the competition with other states that provide preference to their residents.

KRS 45A.494 Reciprocal preference to be given by public agencies to resident bidders -- List of states -- Administrative regulations.

(1) Prior to a contract being awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder on a contract by a public agency, a resident bidder of the Commonwealth shall be given a preference against a nonresident bidder registered in any state that gives or requires a preference to bidders from that state. The preference shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state of the nonresident bidder.

(2) A resident bidder is an individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity that, on the date the contract is first advertised or announced as available for bidding:

(a) Is authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth; and

(b) Has for one (1) year prior to and through the date of the advertisement, filed Kentucky corporate income taxes, made payments to the Kentucky unemployment insurance fund established in KRS 341.490, and maintained a Kentucky workers' compensation policy in effect.

(3) A nonresident bidder is an individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity that does not meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

(4) If a procurement determination results in a tie between a resident bidder and a nonresident bidder, preference shall be given to the resident bidder.

(5) This section shall apply to all contracts funded or controlled in whole or in part by a public agency.

(6) The Finance and Administration Cabinet shall maintain a list of states that give to or require a preference for their own resident bidders, including details of the preference given to such bidders, to be used by public agencies in determining resident bidder preferences. The cabinet shall also promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A establishing the procedure by which the preferences required by this section shall be given.

(7) The preference for resident bidders shall not be given if the preference conflicts with federal law.

(8) Any public agency soliciting or advertising for bids for contracts shall make KRS 45A.490 to 45A.494 part of the solicitation or advertisement for bids.

The reciprocal preference as described in KRS 45A.490-494 above shall be applied in accordance with 200

KAR 5:400.

Determining the residency of a bidder for purposes of applying a reciprocal preference Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity claiming resident bidder status shall submit along with its response the attached Required Annual Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors, and Contractors Claiming Resident Bidder Status, unless a valid, Annual Affidavit is already on file with the Commonwealth. The BIDDING AGENCY reserves the right to request documentation supporting a bidder’s claim of resident bidder status. Failure to provide such documentation upon request shall result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

A nonresident bidder shall submit, along with its response, its certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth as filed with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Secretary of State. The location of the principal office identified therein shall be deemed the state of residency for that bidder. If the bidder is not required by law to obtain said certificate, the state of residency for that bidder shall be deemed to be that which is identified in its mailing address as provided in its bid.

Preferences for a Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries

(KAR 200 5:410).

Pursuant to 200 KAR 5:410, and KRS 45A.470, Kentucky Correctional Industries will receive a preference equal to twenty (20) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation. In addition, the following “qualified bidders” will receive a preference equal to fifteen (15) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation: Kentucky Industries for the Blind, any nonprofit corporation that furthers the purposes of KRS Chapter 163 and any qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals with severe disabilities as defined in KRS 45A.465(3). Other than Kentucky Industries for the Blind, a bidder claiming “qualified bidder” status shall submit along with its response to the solicitation a notarized annual affidavit, which affirms that it meets the requirements to be considered a qualified bidder- annual affidavit form included. The annual affidavit form is not required if a valid, annual affidavit is already on file with the Commonwealth. If requested, failure to provide documentation to a public agency proving qualified bidder status may result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

Past Vendor Performance may be considered in the award of this Contract. Vendors with a record of poor performance in the last 12 months may be found non-responsible and ineligible for award.

Section 14 Tax Exempt Status Do not include Federal Excise Tax, Kentucky Sales or Use Tax in prices quoted in response to this solicitation.

Section 15 Basis of Price Revisions PRICE ADJUSTMENTS: Unless otherwise specified, the prices established by the contract resulting from this solicitation shall remain firm for the contract period subject to the following:

A: Price Increases: A price increase shall not occur during the first twelve (12) months of the contract. A vendor may request a price increase after twelve (12) months of the contract, which may be granted or denied by the Commonwealth. Any such price increase shall be based on industry wide price changes. The contract holder must request in writing a price increase at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date, and shall provide firm proof that the price increase(s) is justified. The Office of Procurement Services may request additional information or justification. If the price increase is denied, the contract holder may withdraw from the contract without prejudice upon written notice and approval by the Office of Procurement Services.

Provided, however, that the vendor must continue service, at the contract prices, until a new contract can be established (usually within sixty (60) days).

B: Price Decreases: The contract price shall be reduced to reflect any industry wide price decreases. The contract holder is required to furnish the Office of Procurement Services with notice of any price decreases as soon as such decreases are available.

C: Extended Contract Periods: If the contract provides for an optional renewal period, a price adjustment may be granted at the time the contract is renewed, subject to price increase justification as required in Paragraph A “Price Increases” as stated above.

Section 16 Vendor Terms and Conditions Solicitation or quotation forms that include terms and conditions not in conformity with the terms and conditions of this solicitation or the Statutes of the Commonwealth of

Kentucky may be deemed non-responsive.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not be bound by any part(s) of the bidder’s response to this solicitation that contains information, options, conditions, terms, or prices neither requested nor required in the solicitation. In the event of any conflicts between the specifications, terms and conditions indicated by the Commonwealth and those indicated by the contractor, those of the Commonwealth take precedence. The contract supersedes all bids or other prior agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between the parties relating to this subject.

Section 17 Post Contract Agreements The resulting contract shall constitute the entire agreement between the State and awarded contractor. Unless contractually provided, State agencies utilizing this contract will not be required to enter into nor sign further agreements, leases, company orders or other documents to complete or initiate the terms of a contract resulting from this solicitation or offer. Any such documents so obtained will be non-binding on the State and agents of the State and will be cause for breach of contract.

Section 18 Not applicable to this solicitation.

Section 19 Quantity Basis of Contract – Estimated Quantities Any and all quantities mentioned in this solicitation are purely estimates, and are not to be implied nor inferred as being guarantees. The State is obligated to buy only that quantity needed by its agencies during the term of the contract. Requirements may exceed the quantities shown and the contractor will be required to furnish all requirements shown on Delivery Orders dated during the life of the contract.

Section 20 Manuals and Distribution of Literature Not applicable to this solicitation.

Section 21 Vendor’s Report The vendor(s) may be asked to furnish the buyer, Office of Procurement Services, a report showing volume which has been sold to the Commonwealth and its using agencies each six (6) months of the contract period. The report will include political subdivisions and university purchases. This report may be the vendor’s computer printout sheet or form. This shall apply to all items, which are to become a part of this contract. This report must reference usage by brief description, product number or other format designated by the Office of Procurement Services.

Section 22 FOB Basis of Shipment – Vendor Responsible Quotations of unit prices on this solicitation shall be F.O.B. Destination Freight

Prepaid and Allowed. The vendor shall be fully responsible for all shipments and freight charges involved to the ordering agency.

Section 23 Cancellation Clause – 30 Days Notice The Commonwealth may cancel the contract established from this solicitation by giving written notice thirty (30) days prior to effective cancellation date. In the event such action is taken, the contract shall be null and void upon receipt of a Modification from the Office of Procurement Services canceling the contract.

Section 24 Exception to Required Use of Contract The establishment of this Master Agreement is not intended to preclude the use of similar products when requested by the agency. The Commonwealth of Kentucky reserves the right to contract for large requirements by using a separate solicitation.

Section 25 Service Performance All services performed under this contract, if applicable, shall be in accordance with the terms and provisions of the contract. It will be the agency’s responsibility to ensure that such services rendered are performed and are acceptable.

The relationship between the State and the Contractor is that of client and independent contractor. No agent, employee, or servant of the contractor or any of its subcontractors shall be or shall be deemed to be an employee, agent, or servant of the State for any reason. The contractor will be solely and entirely responsible for its acts and the acts of its agents, employees, servants and subcontractors during the performance of this contract.

Major deviations of services performed will not be made without the written approval of the Office of Procurement Services. Problems that arise under any aspect of performance should first be resolved between the vendor and the agency. Either party should refer in writing any such problems and/or disagreements that cannot be resolved to the Office of Procurement Services for settlement.

Section 26 Addition or Deletion of Items or Services The Office of Procurement Services reserves the right to add new and similar items, with the consent of the vendor, to any contract awarded from this solicitation. The Office of Procurement Services to effect this change will issue a contract Modification.

Until such time as the vendor receives a Modification, the vendor shall not accept Delivery Orders from any agency referencing such items or services.

Section 27 Agreement between Parties By submitting a bid, the bidder acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the solicitation.

The bidder agrees that a resulting contract is the complete and exclusive statement of the agreement between the parties, which supersedes all prior agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between the parties relating to the subject matter of this solicitation. It is further agreed between the parties, that any valid modification of contractual agreement must be formalized by issuance of a Contract Modification from the Office of Procurement Services.

Purchase or Sales Agreements, supplied by the bidder making an offer, in reply to the solicitation, will not be accepted. The only terms and conditions acceptable to the Commonwealth of Kentucky are as outlined in the solicitation. Bids not conforming will be considered as non-responsive.

Section 28 Governmental Restrictions In the event any Governmental restrictions may be imposed which would necessitate alteration of the material, quality, workmanship, or performance of the items offered on this proposal prior to delivery, it shall be the responsibility of the successful bidder to notify the Office of Procurement Services in writing, indicating the specific regulation which requires such alterations. The Commonwealth reserves the right to accept any such alterations, including any subsequent price adjustments, or to cancel the contract.

Section 29 Payments The vendor shall be paid, upon the submission of proper invoices to the receiving agency at the prices stipulated for the supplies delivered and accepted, or services rendered. Unless otherwise specified, payment will not be made for partial deliveries accepted. Payments will be made within thirty (30) working days after receipt of goods or a vendor’s invoice in accordance with KRS 45.453 and KRS 45.454.

Section 30 Inspection All supplies, equipment and services shall be subject to inspection or tests by the Commonwealth prior to acceptance. In the event supplies, equipment or services are defective in material or workmanship or otherwise not in conformity with specified requirements, the Commonwealth shall have the right to reject the items or services or require acceptable correction at the Vendor’s expense.

Section 31 Inquiries All questions shall be submitted in writing by March 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET to the Commonwealth buyer listed below. No questions shall be accepted after the date(s) listed unless the question(s) is considered material to the procurement. The Commonwealth shall respond to salient questions in writing by issuing an addendum to the solicitation. The addendum shall be posted to the Kentucky Vendor Self Service site.

(SUBMIT QUESTIONS VIA E-MAIL TO THE COMMONWEALTH BUYER)

Sole Point of Contact – Commonwealth Buyer

The Commonwealth Buyer listed below shall be the sole point of contact throughout the procurement process. All communications, oral and written (regular, express, or electronic mail), concerning this procurement shall be addressed to:

Commonwealth Buyer Stephanie Durr

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

Office of Procurement Services

200 MERO STREET, 5TH FLOOR

FRANKFORT KY 40622

(502) 564-6521

Stephanie.durr@ky.gov

Restrictions on Communications From the issue date of this solicitation until a contractor(s) is selected and the selection is announced, offerors are not allowed to communicate with any Commonwealth Staff concerning this solicitation except:

• The Commonwealth Buyer cited in this solicitation or

• Via written questions submitted to the Commonwealth Buyer

Potential bidders should clearly understand that any verbal representatives made or assumed to be made during any oral discussions held between representatives of potential bidders and any state employee or official are not binding on the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

For violation of this provision, the Commonwealth shall reserve the right to disqualify the bid/proposal.

Section 32 Subcontracts The contractor is permitted to make subcontract(s) with any other party for furnishing any of the work or services herein. The contractor shall be solely responsible for performance of the entire contract whether or not subcontractors are used. The Commonwealth shall not be involved in the relationship between the prime contractor and the subcontractor. Any issues that arise as a result of this relationship shall be resolved by the prime contractor.

All references to the contractor shall be construed to encompass both the contractor and any subcontractors of the contractor.

Section 33 Federal Tax Exempt Purchases by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Contracts Direct With Manufacturer: In the event a manufacturer bids direct and is awarded a contract, the Office of Procurement Services shall request the contractor to furnish evidence of registration with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. This mailto:Stephanie.durr@ky.gov registration shall be in accordance with the “Temporary Rules, 1958 Excise Tax Act”.

After such registration, individual Excise Tax Exemption Certificates are not necessary on each individual order issued against the contract by the Office of Procurement Services. Therefore, quoted prices must be exclusive of Federal Excise Taxes.

Contract With Other Than Manufacturer: If successful bidder is other than the manufacturer, the Office of Procurement Services will furnish a Tax Exemption Certificate with each individual order issued against this contract. Therefore, quoted prices must be exclusive of Federal Excise Taxes.

Section 34 EEO Requirements

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1978 applies to All State government projects with an estimated value exceeding $500,000. The contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Act. The contractor will be required to complete EEO Report Form prior to award. Instructions will be provided by the Buyer.

https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

Section 35 Governing Law This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Any action brought against the Commonwealth on the contract, including but not limited to actions either for breach of contract or for enforcement of the contract, shall be brought in Franklin Circuit Court, Franklin County, Kentucky in accordance with KRS 45A.245.

Section 36 Protest Pursuant to KRS 45A.285, the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or his designee, shall have authority to determine protests and other controversies of actual or prospective offerors in connection with the solicitations or selection for award of a contract.

Any actual or prospective offeror or contractor, who is aggrieved in connection with solicitation or selection for award of a contract, may file protest with the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. A protest or notice of other controversy must be filed promptly and in any event within two (2) calendar weeks after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise thereto. All protests or notices of other controversies must be in writing and shall be addressed and mailed to:

HOLLY M. JOHNSON, SECRETARY

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

200 MERO STREET, 5TH FLOOR

FRANKFORT KY 40622

The Secretary of Finance and Administration Cabinet shall promptly issue a decision in writing. A copy of that decision shall be mailed or otherwise furnished to the aggrieved party and shall state the reasons for the action taken.

The decision by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet shall be final and conclusive.

Section 37 Kentucky Tax Registration Application Revenue Form 10A100, Kentucky Tax Registration Application effective July 2008, is a form to be completed by any person or entity wishing to contract with the Commonwealth to provide goods or services subject to sales and use tax pursuant to KRS 139.200. The form is located at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

In accordance with administrative regulation 200 KAR 5:390, this form has to be completed and submitted, before a contract can be awarded. Section 2 of the regulation also notes: “Failure to submit the required documentation or to remain registered and in compliance with the sales and use tax filing and remittance requirements of KRS 139.540 and KRS 139.550 throughout the duration of the contract shall constitute a material breach of the contract and the contract may be terminated.”

Section 38 Access to Records The state agency certifies that it is in compliance with the provisions of KRS 45A.150, "Access to contractor's books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence directly pertinent to the contract." The Contractor, as defined in KRS 45A.030, agrees that the contracting agency, the Finance and Administration Cabinet, the Auditor of Public Accounts, and the Legislative Research Commission, or their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence, which are directly pertinent to this agreement for the purpose of financial audit or program review. The Contractor also recognizes that any books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence, received during a financial audit or program review shall be subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884. Records and other prequalification information confidentially disclosed as part of the bid process shall not be deemed as directly pertinent to the agreement and shall be exempt from disclosure as provided in KRS 61.878(1)(c).

Section 39 Registration with the Secretary of State by a Foreign Entity Pursuant to KRS 45A.480(1)(b), an agency, department, office, or political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not award a state contract to a person that is a foreign entity required by KRS 14A.9-010:

to obtain a certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth (“certificate”) from the Secretary of State under KRS 14A.9-030:

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=40424 therefore, foreign entities should submit a copy of their certificate with their solicitation response. If the foreign entity is not required to obtain a certificate as provided in KRS 14A.9-010:

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=44318, the foreign entity should identify the applicable exception in its solicitation response. Foreign entity is defined within KRS 14A.1-070:

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50474

Businesses can register with the Secretary of State at:

https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx

Section 40 Accessibility Vendor hereby warrants that the products or services to be provided under this contract comply with the accessibility requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794d), and its implementing regulations set forth at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 1194. Vendor further warrants that the products or services to be provided under this contract comply with existing federal standards established under Section 255 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. § 255), and its implementing regulations set forth at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 1193, to the extent the vendor's products or services may be covered by that act. Vendor agrees to promptly respond to and resolve any complaint regarding accessibility of its products or services which is brought to its attention.

Section 41 Funding Limitations If any or all responses received exceed the amount of funding available, then the Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of Procurement Services, reserves the right to cancel this RFB.

Section 42 Provisions for Termination of the Contract Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall be subject to the termination provisions set forth in 200 KAR 5:312.

Section 43 Disclosure of Violation of Statutes Pursuant to KRS 45A.485, contractors are required to reveal final determinations of violation of certain statutes incurred within the last five (5) years and be in continuous compliance with those statutes during the contract. Where applicable, the vendor is required to complete and submit Report of Prior Violations of Tax and Employment Laws.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=40424 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=44318 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50474 https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx

Section 44 Discrimination (Effective April 8, 2015) Discrimination (because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability) is prohibited. This section applies only to contracts utilizing federal funds, in whole or in part. During the performance of this contract, the contractor agrees as follows:

1. The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. The contractor further agrees to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, and applicable federal regulations relating thereto prohibiting discrimination against otherwise qualified disabled individuals under any program or activity. The contractor agrees to provide, upon request, needed reasonable accommodations. The contractor will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability.