BPM045499_-_Body_Armor___Protective_Wear.pdf

Body Armor and Protective Wear

Solicitation #: BPM045499 IFB Document

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STATE OF MARYLAND

OFFICE OF STATE PROCUREMENT

(OSP)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

BODY ARMOR AND PROTECTIVE WEAR

IFB NUMBER BPM045499

ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2024

A Prospective Bidder that has received this document from a source other than eMarylandMarketplace

Advantage (eMMA) https://procurement.maryland.gov should register on eMMA https://emma.maryland.gov/

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS

SOLICITATION.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/ https://emma.maryland.gov/

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KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET (KISS)

Invitation for Bids Commodities - Body Armor and Protective Wear

Solicitation

Number:

BPM045499

IFB Issue Date: October 1, 2024 2:00 pm Eastern

IFB Issuing

Office:

Office of State Procurement (OSP)

Procurement

Officer:

Matthew Smith

301 W. Preston St., M-4

Baltimore, MD 21201

Email:

Phone Number:

Matthew.Smith2@maryland.gov

410-767-3039

Bids are to be sent to:

Submit on emma.maryland.gov under Solicitation Number BPM044905

To submit a bid, bidders must first register on emma.maryland.gov. We recommend registering in advance to become acquainted with the site.

No Bid Notice

Feedback Form

If you are not submitting a bid for this solicitation, submit Attachment 1 with your reasons why.

Pre-Bid

Conference:

Not Applicable

See Section 4.3 for additional details.

Scheduled Site

Visit Not Applicable

Questions Due

Date and Time:

October 11, 2024 2:00pm Eastern Time

Bid Due (Closing)

Date and Time:

November 1, 2024 2:00pm Eastern Time

Bidders are reminded that a completed Feedback Form is requested if a no-bid decision is made (see Attachment 1 - No Bid Notice/Vendor

Feedback Form).

MBE

Subcontracting

Goal:

Not Applicable

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VSBE

Subcontracting

Goal:

Not Applicable

Procurement

Method:

A Contract will be awarded in accordance with the Competitive Sealed

Bidding method under COMAR 21.05.02.

Multiple or

Alternate Bids:

Multiple or alternate Bids will not be accepted.

Contract Type: Insert contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

Contract

Duration:

Insert Three (3) year base period with Two (2) option periods.

Primary Place of

Performance:

Statewide

SBR Designation: No

Federal Funding: No

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Table of Contents - IFB

1 Minimum Qualifications

1.1 Bidder Minimum Qualifications

2 Contractor Requirements: Scope of Work

2.1 Summary Statement

2.2 Background and Purpose

2.2.1 Project Goals ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.2.2 State Staff and Roles..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.2.3 Other State Responsibilities ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.3 Contractor Responsibilities and Tasks

2.4 Supplemental Category of Work Requirements and Responsibilities ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3 Standard Terms and Conditions

3.1 Contract Initiation Requirements

3.2 End of Contract Transition

3.3 Invoicing

3.3.1 Invoice Submission Schedule

3.3.2 Deliverable Invoicing ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.3.3 Labor Hour/Time and Materials Invoicing ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.3.4 Travel Reimbursement.................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.4 Liquidated Damages

3.4.1 MBE Liquidated Damages

3.4.2 Liquidated Damages other than MBE

3.4.3 Problem Escalation Procedure

3.5 Work Orders

3.6 Payments by Electronic Funds Transfer

3.7 Prompt Payment Policy

3.8 Federal Funding Acknowledgement

3.9 Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure

3.10 Non-Disclosure Agreement

3.10.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement (Bidder/Offeror)

3.10.2 Non-Disclosure Agreement (Contractor) ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3.11 Maryland Healthy Working Families Act Requirements

3.12 The State of Maryland’s Commitment to Purchasing Environmentally Preferred Products and

Services (EPPs)

3.13 Insurance Requirements ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

4 Bid Submission Information and Instructions

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4.1 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

4.2 Electronic Means

4.3 Pre-Bid Conference

4.4 Questions

4.5 Bid Due (Closing) Date and Time

4.6 Receipt, Opening and Recording of Bids

4.7 Duration of Bids

4.8 Revisions to the IFB

4.9 Cancellations

4.10 Incurred Expenses

4.11 Protest/Disputes

4.12 Bidder Responsibilities

4.13 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

4.14 Compliance with Laws/Arrearages

4.15 Verification of Registration and Tax Payment

4.16 False Statements

4.17 Confidentiality of Bids / Public Information Act Notice

4.18 Use of Bidder’s Form Not Binding on State

4.19 Attachments and Documents Required with the Bid (Table A)

4.20 Bid Delivery Instructions

4.21 Bid Evaluation Criteria and Award Basis ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.22 Tie Bids

4.23 Reciprocal Preference

4.24 Documents Required upon Notice of Recommendation for Contract Award (Table B)

5 IFB Appendices and Exhibits

5.1 Appendices (Table C)

5.2 Exhibits (Table D)

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1 Minimum Qualifications

1.1 Bidder Minimum Qualifications

The Bidder must document in its Bid that it satisfies the following Minimum Qualifications:

A. The Bidder shall have three (3) years of experience providing Body Armor and Protective

Wear to State, County or local jurisdictions.

B. The Bidder shall adhere to the Body Armor and Protective Wear specifications as provided herein.

C. Bidder shall be an authorized seller of at least one (1) of the following three (3) Body Armor and Protective Wear brands: Point Blank, Second Chance and Safariland.

D. Additional brands may be provided; however, Bidders must also provide at least one (1) of the three (3) brands listed above.

E. Body Armor and Protective Wear supplied under this contract shall meet all Federal, State and local requirements regarding safety, protective and material certifications with ballistic protection against the labeled projectiles in accordance with the NIJ standards.

F. Bidder shall provide with submission a current catalog and/or website link of the products offered to ensure the requirements listed herein are available and a statement attesting to adherence with NIJ standards.

G. The Bidder shall provide with its Bid "Attachment L Reference Checks" with no less than

Three (3) references filled out which shall not include sales to current State of Maryland agencies.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

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2 Contractor Requirements: Scope of Work

2.1 Summary Statement

2.1.1 This Invitation for Bids (IFB) is issued to procure the goods or services, as specified in this Section 2, from a contract between the successful bidder(s) and the State of Maryland

(“State”) for the provision of Body Armor and Protective Wear.

It is the State’s intention to obtain goods and services, as specified in this IFB, from a contract between the selected Bidder and the State.

2.1.2 This is a multiple award IFB. See IFB Section 4.21 Bid Evaluation Criteria and

Award Basis for more Contract award information.

A Contract award does not ensure a Contractor will receive all or any State business under the

Contract.

2.2 Background and Purpose

The purpose of this statewide contract is to obtain a source of supply for Safariland, Second Chance and Pointblank Body Armor and Protective Wear at a firm fixed discount off the MSRP for the term as shown herein. The state may award one-time or multiple contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder(s).

Vendors may provide bids for non-Safariland, Second Chance and Pointblank products, also with a discount MSRP price. The State does not guarantee any minimum or maximum orders placed under the contract.

Successful Bidder(s) shall be responsible for ensuring that the Body Armor and Protective Wear supplied is in accordance with the specifications of ballistic protection against the labeled projectiles in accordance with the NIJ standards.

The state reserves the right to inspect each load prior to acceptance by the state and/or ordering agency, for compliance with the specifications herein. Inspection may be made by an authorized representative of the state at the source of supply, point of delivery or both.

2.3 Contractor Responsibilities and Tasks

A. Bidders are to provide at a minimum the following varieties Body Armor and

Protective Wear manufactured by Point Blank, Second Chance and Safariland. Any colors specified are minimum requirements.

1. High Risk Tactical Vest (SWAT), Lightweight, Measured to Fit

2. High Risk Tactical Vest, (SWAT), Heavy Weight, Measured to Fit

3. Ballistic Vest, Heavy Weight, Measured to Fit

4. Ballistic Vest, Light Weight, Measured to Fit

5. Firearms Instructor Carrier Vest, (Red), Measured to Fit

6. Tactical Assault Carrier-Pocket Vest, (Black), Measured to Fit

B. Bidders shall make available the following for the external vest carriers:

1. Name Identification plates depicting Name, Rank and ID Number

2. Identification panels with the following: POLICE, TROOPER, SHERIFF and

FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR

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3. External vest carriers shall be available in various colors

4. Shall have an external carrier which resembles a uniform shirt available in various colors.

C. Warranty: Five (5) year warranty on all Body Armor and Protective Gear

D. Delivery:

1. All orders shall be delivered within four (4) to six (6) weeks after receipt of

Purchase Order and shall be shipped FOB destination to the ordering agency, statewide.

2. Expedited charges for orders required earlier than the specified time frame above shall be the responsibility of the ordering agency.

3. All deliveries shall be inspected, accepted and received prior to submission of payments.

4. Bidder shall be available to respond to multiple facilities to measure officers for a proper fit of Body Armor and Protective Wear.

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3 Standard Terms and Conditions

3.1 Contract Initiation Requirements

Once all approvals have been obtained and the Contract is fully executed, the Procurement Officer may schedule a kickoff meeting to be held prior to commencement of Contract performance.

3.2 End of Contract Transition

The Contractor shall cooperate in the orderly transition of services from it to a subsequent contractor at the end of the contract term or upon receipt of a Notice of Termination from the State. Transition shall be provided in a prompt and timely manner and shall proceed in accordance with the schedule provided to the Contractor by the State in the Notice of Transition. Additional instructions regarding transition services may be provided in the event of a Notice of Termination issued by the State.

3.3 Invoicing

Submission of an invoice constitutes the Contractor’s verification that the information in the invoice is accurate as of the time of submission.

An invoice not satisfying the requirements of a Proper Invoice (as defined in COMAR 21.06.09) will not be processed for payment. To be considered a Proper Invoice, invoices must include the following information, without error:

A. Contractor name and address;

B. Remittance address;

C. Federal taxpayer identification (FEIN) number, social security number, as appropriate;

D. Invoice period (i.e. time period during which services covered by invoice were performed);

E. Invoice date;

F. Invoice number;

G. State assigned Contract number;

H. State assigned (Blanket) Purchase Order number(s);

I. Goods or services provided;

J. Amount due; and

K. Any additional documentation required by regulation or the Contract.

Invoices that contain both fixed price and labor hour or time and material items shall clearly identify each item as either fixed price, and labor hour, or time and material billing.

The State reserves the right to reduce or withhold Contract payment in the event the Contractor does not provide all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the Contract or otherwise breaches the terms and conditions of the Contract until such time as the Contractor brings itself into full compliance with the Contract.

The State is generally exempt from federal excise taxes, Maryland sales and use taxes, District of

Columbia sales taxes and transportation taxes. The Contractor, however, is not exempt from such sales and use taxes and may be liable for the same.

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Invoices for final payment shall be clearly marked as “FINAL” and submitted when all work requirements have been completed and no further charges are to be incurred under the Contract. In no event shall any invoice be submitted later than 60 calendar days from the Contract termination date.

3.3.1 Invoice Submission Schedule

The Contractor shall submit invoices in accordance with the following schedule:

A. Invoices for deliverables shall be submitted upon completion and acceptance of the deliverables as defined in Section 2 of the IFB.

3.3.2 Materials Reporting

Submit evidence to support the cost of materials and that billing on the invoice is consistent with the requirements stated in Section 2 of the IFB.

A. For the purposes of the Contract an amount will not be deemed due and payable if:

B. The amount invoiced is inconsistent with the Contract;

C. The proper invoice has not been received by the party or office specified in the

Contract;

D. The invoice or performance is in dispute or the Contractor has failed to otherwise comply with the provisions of the Contract;

E. The item or services have not been accepted;

F. The quantity of items delivered is less than the quantity ordered;

G. The items or services do not meet the quality requirements of the Contract;

H. The Contractor has not submitted satisfactory documentation or other evidence reasonably required by the Procurement Officer or by the Contract concerning performance under the Contract and compliance with its provisions.

3.4 Liquidated Damages

3.4.1 MBE Liquidated Damages

Inapplicable because there is no MBE goal for this IFB.

3.4.2 Liquidated Damages other than MBE

This section is inapplicable to this IFB.

3.4.3 Problem Escalation Procedure

No later than ten (10) Business Days after notice of recommended award or after the date of the

Notice to Proceed, whichever is earlier, the Contractor must provide, and thereafter, maintain a

Problem Escalation Procedure (PEP) for both routine and emergency situations. The PEP must state how the Contractor will address problem situations as they occur during the performance of the Contract, especially problems that are not resolved to the satisfaction of the State within appropriate timeframes and must include:

A. Contact information

B. The process for establishing the existence of a problem;

C. Names, titles, and contact information for progressively higher levels of personnel in the Contractor’s organization who would become involved in resolving a problem;

D. For each individual listed in the Contractor’s PEP, the maximum amount of time a problem will remain unresolved with that individual before the problem escalates to the next contact person listed in the Contractor’s PEP;

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E. Expedited escalation procedures and any circumstances that would trigger expediting them;

F. The method of providing feedback on resolution progress, including the frequency of feedback to be provided to the State;

G. Contact information for persons responsible for resolving issues after normal business hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays) and on an emergency basis; and

H. A process for updating and notifying the Contract Monitor of any changes to the PEP.

I. The PEP must be updated within ten (10) Business Days after any change in circumstance which changes the PEP but not less than annually within ten (10)

Business Days after the start of each Contract year .

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any rights of the Contract Monitor or the

State which may be allowed by the Contract or applicable law.

3.5 Work Orders

This section is inapplicable to this IFB.

3.6 Payments by Electronic Funds Transfer

By submitting a Bid in response to this solicitation, the Bidder, if selected for award:

Agrees to accept payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless the State Comptroller’s

Office grants an exemption. Payment by EFT is mandatory for contracts exceeding $200,000. The successful Bidder shall register using the COT/GAD X-10 Vendor Electronic Funds (EFT)

Registration Request Form.

Any request for exemption must be submitted to the State Comptroller’s Office for approval at the address specified on the COT/GAD X-10 form, must include the business identification information as stated on the form, and must include the reason for the exemption. The COT/GAD

X-10 form may be downloaded from the Comptroller’s website at:

http://comptroller.marylandtaxes.com/Vendor_Services/Accounting_Information/Static_Files/GA

DX10Form20150615.pdf.

3.7 Prompt Payment Policy

This procurement and the Contract(s) to be awarded pursuant to this solicitation are subject to the

Prompt Payment Policy Directive issued by the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women

Business Affairs (GOSBA) and dated August 1, 2008. Promulgated pursuant to Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, §§ 11-201, 13-205(a), and Title 14, Subtitle 3, and

COMAR 21.01.01.03 and 21.11.03.01, the Directive seeks to ensure the prompt payment of all subcontractors on non-construction procurement contracts. The Contractor shall comply with the prompt payment requirements outlined in the Contract, Section 31 “Prompt Pay Requirements”

(see Exhibit 2 - Sample Contract). Additional information is available on GOSBA’s website at:

http://www.gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/documents/legislation/promptpaymentfaqs.pdf.

3.8 Federal Funding Acknowledgement

This Contract does not contain federal funds.

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3.9 Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure

The Bidder shall complete and sign the Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure (Attachment I) and submit it with its Bid.

By submitting a Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure, the Contractor shall be construed as certifying all Contractor Personnel and subcontractors are also without a conflict of interest as defined in COMAR 21.05.08.08A.

Additionally, a Contractor has an ongoing obligation to ensure that all Contractor Personnel are without conflicts of interest prior to providing services under the Contract. For policies and procedures applying specifically to Conflict of Interests, the Contract is governed by COMAR

21.05.08.08.

Participation in Drafting of Specifications: Disqualifying Event: Bidders are advised that Md. Code

Ann. State Finance and Procurement Article §13-212.1(a) provides generally that “an individual who assists an executive unit in the drafting of specifications, an invitation for bids, a request for proposals for a procurement, or the selection or award made in response to an invitation for bids or a request for proposals, or a person that employs the individual, may not: (1) submit a bid or proposal for that procurement; or (2) assist or represent another person, directly or indirectly, who is submitting a bid or proposal for that procurement.” Any Bidder submitting a Bid in violation of this provision shall be classified as “not responsible.”

3.10 Non-Disclosure Agreement

3.10.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement (Bidder/Offeror)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (Bidder/Offeror) is not required for this procurement.

3.11 Maryland Healthy Working Families Act Requirements

On February 11, 2018, the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act went into effect. All Bidders should be aware of how this Act could affect your potential contract award with the State of

Maryland. See the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations website for Maryland

Healthy Working Families Act Information: https://dllr.state.md.us/paidleave/.

3.12 The State of Maryland’s Commitment to Purchasing Environmentally

Preferred Products and Services (EPPs)

Maryland’s State Finance & Procurement Article §14-410 defines environmentally preferable purchasing as “the procurement or acquisition of goods and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing goods or services that serve the same purpose.” Accordingly, Bidders are strongly encouraged to offer EPPs to fulfill this contract, to the greatest extent practicable.

3.13 Electronic Transaction Fee

A. The bidder shall pay an electronic transaction fee to the State in the amount of one percent (1%) of the total contract sales. The electronic transaction fee is calculated based on all sales transacted under the contract minus any returns or credits. The electronic transaction fee shall not be charged directly to the customer, e.g. as a separate line item, fee or surcharge, but shall be included in the contract’s unit prices.

https://dllr.state.md.us/paidleave/ https://trackbill.com/bill/maryland-house-bill-629-environmentally-preferable-procurement-maryland-green-purchasing-committee/647077/

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B. The electronic transaction fee shall be submitted to the Office of State Procurement, Fiscal

Services Division, 301 W. Preston Street, Room 1309, Baltimore, MD 21201, thirty (30) days after the end of each reporting period along with a Monthly Usage Report documenting all contract sales. An Excel version of the Monthly Usage Report shall be emailed to dgs.statewidecontractsusagereport@maryland.gov.

C. Failure to remit transaction fees in a timely manner or remittance of fees inconsistent with the contract’s requirements may result in the State exercising all recourse available under the contract, including, but not limited to, a third-party audit of all contract activity. Should an audit be required by the State, the bidder shall reimburse the State for all costs associated with the audit up to $10,000.00 or one percent (1%) of the contract’s estimated annual value, whichever is higher.

D. Prior to the Award, bidders will be asked to confirm in writing that their unit prices include the one percent (1%) electronic transaction fee.

3.14 Usage Report

A report shall be furnished by the successful bidder everyone one-hundred and twenty (120) days detailing the purchase of all items listed on the contract. The report shall be submitted electronically in Excel format. As a minimum, the report shall reflect the contract number, contract item number, the description, the dollar volume purchased of each item, agency identification, and the contract total. The report shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the end of each reporting period. Any exception to this mandatory requirement may result in the cancellation of the award. Failure to provide the report with the minimum required information may also negate any contract extension clauses. The usage report shall be emailed to the email address here:

dgs.statewidecontractsusagereport@maryland.gov mailto:dgs.statewidecontractsusagereport@maryland.gov mailto:dgs.statewidecontractsusagereport@maryland.gov

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4 Bid Submission Information and Instructions

4.1 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) eMMA is the electronic commerce system for the State of Maryland. The IFB, Pre-Bid Conference

(Conference)summary and attendance sheet, Bidders’ questions and the Procurement Officer’s responses, addenda, and other solicitation-related information will be made available via eMMA.

To receive a contract award, a vendor must be registered on eMMA. Registration is free. Go to emma.maryland.gov, click on “New Vendor? Register Now” to begin the process, and then follow the prompts.

4.2 Electronic Means

The following transactions related to this procurement and any Contract awarded pursuant to it are not authorized to be conducted by electronic means:

A. Submission of Bond documents determined by the State to require original signatures; or

B. Any transaction, submission, or communication where the Procurement Officer has specifically directed that a response from the Contractor or Offeror be provided in writing or hard copy.

Any e-mail transmission is only authorized to the email addresses for the identified person as provided in the solicitation, the Contract, or in the direction from the Procurement Officer or Contract

Monitor.

“Electronic means” refers to exchanges or communications using electronic, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or other means of electronically conducting transactions.

Electronic means includes e-mail, internet-based communications, electronic funds transfer, specific electronic bidding platforms (e.g., https://procurement.maryland.gov), and electronic data interchange.

4.3 Pre-Bid Conference

No pre-bid conference shall be held in regard to this solicitation.

4.4 Questions

All questions, including concerns regarding any applicable MBE or VSBE participation goals, shall identify in the subject line the Solicitation Number and Title for this IFB and must be submitted in writing via e-mail or eMMA to the Procurement Officer no later than the date and time specified in the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Procurement Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Bid due date.

4.4.1 Answers to all questions that are not clearly specific only to the requestor will be distributed via the same mechanism as for IFB amendments and posted on eMMA.

4.4.2 The statements and interpretations contained in responses to any questions, whether responded to verbally or in writing, are not binding on the State unless it issues an amendment to the solicitation in writing.

https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbuy%2fhomepage https://procurement.maryland.gov/

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4.5 Bid Due (Closing) Date and Time

Bids must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than the Bid due date and time indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet to be considered. Except as provided in COMAR

21.05.02.10. Bids received after that date will not be considered. Requests for an extension of this date or time shall not be granted.

For Bids accepted via email, the time stamp to indicate receipt of the Bid by the State, is the posted date and time in the Procurement Officer’s email inbox.

Bids may be modified or withdrawn by written notice received by the Procurement Officer before the time and date set forth in the Key Information Summary Sheet for receipt of Bids.

Potential Bidders not responding to this solicitation are requested to submit the “No Bid/Proposal

Notice/Vendor Feedback” form Attachment 1, which includes company information and the reason for not responding (e.g., too busy, cannot meet mandatory requirements).

4.6 Receipt, Opening and Recording of Bids

Upon receipt, each Bid and any timely modification(s) to a Bid shall be stored in a secure place until the time and date set for Bid opening. Before Bid opening, the State may not disclose the identity of any Bidder.

Bids shall be opened publicly at the time, date and place designated in the Key Information Summary

Sheet.

The name of each Bidder, the Total Bid Price, and such other information as is deemed appropriate shall be read aloud or otherwise made available and recorded at the time of Bid opening.

4.7 Duration of Bids

Bids submitted in response to this IFB are irrevocable for the latest of the following: 120 days following the Bid due date and time or the date any protest concerning this IFB is finally resolved.

This period may be extended at the Procurement Officer’s request only with the Bidder’s written agreement.

4.8 Revisions to the IFB

4.8.1 All revisions to the IFB before the due date for Bids will be published in an addendum to the IFB and posted on eMMA and reasonable effort will be made to provide such addenda to all prospective Bidders that were sent this IFB or are otherwise known by the

Procurement Officer to have obtained this IFB. It is the responsibility of all prospective

Bidders to check eMMA for any addenda issued prior to the submission of Bids.

4.8.2 Bidders shall acknowledge in the Bid the receipt of all addenda to this IFB issued before the Bid due date.

4.8.3 Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum does not relieve the Bidder from complying with the terms, additions, deletions, or corrections set forth in the addendum, and may cause the Bid to be deemed not responsive.

4.9 Cancellations

4.9.1 This IFB may be cancelled as provided in COMAR 21.06.02.02

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4.9.2 The State reserves the right to cancel this IFB, accept or reject any and all Bids, in whole or in part, received in response to this IFB and to waive or permit the cure of minor irregularities.

4.9.3 In the event a government entity proposes and receives the recommendation for award, this procurement may be canceled, and the award processed in accordance with COMAR

21.01.03.01.A(4).

4.9.4 If the services that are the subject of the IFB are currently being provided under an interagency agreement with a public institution of higher education and the State determines that the services can be provided more cost effectively by the public institution of higher education, then the IFB may be canceled in accordance with Md.

Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Art., § 3-207(b)(2).

4.10 Incurred Expenses

The State will not be responsible for any costs incurred by any Bidder in preparing and submitting a

Bid or performing any other activities related to submitting a Bid in response to this solicitation.

4.11 Protest/Disputes

Any protest or claim related to this IFB or the Contract award hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of COMAR 21.10 (Administrative and Civil Remedies).

4.12 Bidder Responsibilities

4.12.1 A Bidder, either directly or through its subcontractor(s), must be able to provide all goods and services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Bidder (the Contractor) shall remain responsible for Contract performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work.

4.12.2 If applicable, subcontractors utilized in meeting the established MBE or VSBE participation goal(s) for this solicitation shall be identified using Attachment D or

Attachment E as appropriate. Guidance for completing the Attachments is provided in the appropriate Appendix to this IFB (see “Appendix 4 - MBE Participation Goal.)

4.12.3 If the Bidder is the subsidiary of another entity, all information submitted by the Bidder, including but not limited to references, financial reports, or experience and documentation (e.g., insurance policies, bonds, letters of credit) used to meet minimum qualifications, if any, shall pertain exclusively to the Bidder, unless the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary. If applicable, the Bidder’s

Bid shall contain an explicit statement, signed by an authorized representative of the parent organization, stating that the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary.

4.12.4 A parental guarantee of the performance of the Bidder under this section will not automatically result in crediting the Bidder with the experience or qualifications of the parent under any evaluation criteria pertaining to the actual Bidder’s experience and qualifications. Instead, the Bidder’s responsibility will be assessed to the extent to which the State determines that the experience and qualifications of the parent are applicable to and shared with the Bidder, any stated intent by the parent to be directly involved in the performance of the Contract, and the value of the parent’s participation as determined by the State.

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4.13 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

By submitting a Bid in response to this IFB, the Bidder, if selected for award, is deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions of this IFB and the Contract, attached hereto as Exhibit 2 –

Sample Contract. Any questions or exceptions to this IFB or the Contract must be submitted by the

“Questions Due Date and Time” prior to Bid submission. Changes to the solicitation, including the

Bid Form or Contract, made by the Bidder may result in Bid rejection.

4.14 Compliance with Laws/Arrearages

By submitting a Bid in response to this IFB, the Bidder, if selected for award, agrees that it will comply with all federal, State, and local laws applicable to its activities and obligations under the

Contract.

By submitting a response to this solicitation, each Bidder represents that it is not in arrears in the payment of any obligations due and owing the State, including the payment of taxes and employee benefits, and shall not become so in arrears during the term of the Contract if selected for Contract award.

4.15 Verification of Registration and Tax Payment

Before a business entity can do business in the State, it must be registered with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). SDAT is located at State Office Building, Room 803, 301

West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. For registration information, visit https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/.

It is strongly recommended that any potential Bidder complete registration prior to the Bid due date and time. The Bidder’s failure to complete registration with SDAT may disqualify an otherwise responsive successful Bidder from final consideration and recommendation for Contract award.

4.16 False Statements

Bidders are advised that Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, § 11-205.1 provides as follows:

In connection with a procurement contract a person may not willfully:

A. Falsify, conceal, or suppress a material fact by any scheme or device;

B. Make a false or fraudulent statement or representation of a material fact; or

C. Use a false writing or document that contains a false or fraudulent statement or entry of a material fact.

A person may not aid or conspire with another person to commit an act under this section.

A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years or both.

4.17 Confidentiality of Bids / Public Information Act Notice

The Bidder should give specific attention to the clear identification of those portions of its Bid that it considers to contain confidential and/or proprietary commercial information or trade secrets, and provide justification why such materials, upon request, should not be disclosed by the State under the

Public Information Act, Md. Code Ann., General Provisions Article, Title 4. This information should be identified by page number and placed in the Transmittal Letter with the Bid.

https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 18 of 34

The Bids shall be tabulated or a Bid abstract made. The opened Bids shall be available for public inspection at a reasonable time after Bid opening, but in any case before contract award, except to the extent the Bidder designates trade secrets or other proprietary data to be confidential as set forth in this solicitation. Material so designated as confidential shall accompany the Bid and shall be readily separable from the Bid to facilitate public inspection of the non-confidential portion of the Bid, including the Total Bid Price.

For requests for information made under the PIA, the Procurement Officer shall examine the Bids to determine the validity of any requests for nondisclosure. Nondisclosure is permissible only if approved by the Office of the Attorney General.

4.18 Use of Bidder’s Form Not Binding on State

The Bidder may not substitute, modify, or provide any other document in lieu of the documents provided with this Bid. Only those forms and documents provided with this solicitation and by the

Procurement Officer will be considered acceptable as bid submission.

4.19 Attachments and Documents Required with the Bid (Table A)

A Bidder shall include the following Attachments with its Bid as a single Bid Package:

Attachments A through E = Bid will be rejected if the required Attachment is not submitted or is incomplete.

Attachments F through R = Bid may be rejected if the required Attachment is not submitted or is incomplete.

TABLE A - Attachments and Documents Required with the Bid

Attachment Attachment Name

A

Bid/Proposal Affidavit

A Bid submitted by the Bidder must be accompanied by a completed Bid/Proposal

Affidavit.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-A.-Bid-Proposal-Affidavit.pdf

B

The Price Form (as specified within eMMA)

Do not alter this Price Form or the Bid may be determined to be not responsive.

The Price Form must be signed and dated, where requested, by an individual who is authorized to bind the Bidder to the prices entered on the Bid Form.

(See Appendix 2 for specific Price Form Instructions.)

C Bid Bond

Not Applicable

D MBE Forms D-1A

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-A.-Bid-Proposal-Affidavit.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-A.-Bid-Proposal-Affidavit.pdf

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 19 of 34

E Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Form E-1A

Not Applicable

F

Bidder Information Sheet https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-F.-Bidder-Offeror-Information-

Sheet.pdf

G

Maryland Living Wage Requirements Affidavit of Agreement

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-G.-Maryland-Living-Wage-

Requirements-Affidavit-of-Agreement.pdf

H

Federal Funds Attachments

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-H.-Federal-Funds-Attachment.pdf

I

Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-I.-Conflict-of-Interest-Affidavit.pdf

Note: If this solicitation will result in the “selection of a contractor who will assist a unit in the formation, evaluation, selection, award, or execution of another State contract” the Bidder shall provide this Affidavit and other times as requested by the Procurement Officer.

J

Mercury Affidavit https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-J.-Mercury-Affidavit.pdf

K

Location of the Performance of Services Disclosure https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-K.-Location-of-the-Performance-of-

Services-Disclosure.pdf

L

Reference Checks

(Each reference shall be from a customer for whom the Bidder has provided goods or services within the most recent past three (3) years.)

https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-L.-Reference-Checks.pdf

M List of Current or Prior State Contracts https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-F.-Bidder-Offeror-Information-Sheet.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-F.-Bidder-Offeror-Information-Sheet.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-F.-Bidder-Offeror-Information-Sheet.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-G.-Maryland-Living-Wage-Requirements-Affidavit-of-Agreement.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-G.-Maryland-Living-Wage-Requirements-Affidavit-of-Agreement.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-G.-Maryland-Living-Wage-Requirements-Affidavit-of-Agreement.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-H.-Federal-Funds-Attachment.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-H.-Federal-Funds-Attachment.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-I.-Conflict-of-Interest-Affidavit.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-I.-Conflict-of-Interest-Affidavit.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-J.-Mercury-Affidavit.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-J.-Mercury-Affidavit.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-K.-Location-of-the-Performance-of-Services-Disclosure.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-K.-Location-of-the-Performance-of-Services-Disclosure.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-K.-Location-of-the-Performance-of-Services-Disclosure.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-L.-Reference-Checks.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-L.-Reference-Checks.pdf

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 20 of 34 https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-M.-List-of-Current-or-Prior-State-

Contracts.pdf

N

Legal Action Summary https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-N.-Legal-Action-Summary.pdf

O

Payment of Employee Healthcare Expenses Certification

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-O.-Payment-of-Employee-

Healthcare-Expenses-Certification.pdf

P

Prime Contractor List of ALL Subcontractors

Anticipated/Used During Contract

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-P.-Prime-Contractor-List-of-ALL-

Subcontractors.xlsx

The Bidder shall provide a complete list of all subcontractors that will work on the

Contract if the Bidder receives an award, including those utilized in meeting the

MBE and VSBE subcontracting goal(s), if applicable. This list shall include a full description of the duties each subcontractor will perform and why/how each subcontractor was deemed the most qualified for this project. If applicable, subcontractors utilized in meeting the established MBE or VSBE participation goal(s) for this solicitation shall be identified as provided in the appropriate attachment(s) of this IFB.

Q Labor Resume Form

Not Applicable

R

Corporate Diversity Addendum

Not Applicable https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-R.-Corporate-Diversity-

Addendum.pdf

This addendum is required to be submitted with a BID or PROPOSAL when the contract award is estimated to be $1,000,000 or more.

Note: This document is for data collection only.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-M.-List-of-Current-or-Prior-State-Contracts.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-M.-List-of-Current-or-Prior-State-Contracts.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-M.-List-of-Current-or-Prior-State-Contracts.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-N.-Legal-Action-Summary.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-N.-Legal-Action-Summary.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-O.-Payment-of-Employee-Healthcare-Expenses-Certification.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-O.-Payment-of-Employee-Healthcare-Expenses-Certification.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-O.-Payment-of-Employee-Healthcare-Expenses-Certification.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-P.-Prime-Contractor-List-of-ALL-Subcontractors.xlsx https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-P.-Prime-Contractor-List-of-ALL-Subcontractors.xlsx https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-P.-Prime-Contractor-List-of-ALL-Subcontractors.xlsx https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-R.-Corporate-Diversity-Addendum.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-R.-Corporate-Diversity-Addendum.pdf https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-R.-Corporate-Diversity-Addendum.pdf

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 21 of 34

Additional Required Documents with the Bid

Financial Capability. The Bidder must include in its Bid a commonly-accepted method to prove its fiscal integrity.

If available, the Bidder shall include Financial Statements, preferably a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement and a Balance Sheet, for the last two (2) years (independently audited preferred).

In addition, the Bidder may supplement its response to this Section by including one or more of the following with its response:

● Dun & Bradstreet Number and Rating;

● Standard and Poor’s Rating;

● Lines of credit;

● Evidence of a successful financial track record; and

● Evidence of adequate working capital.

Minimum Qualifications Documentation. The Bidder shall submit any Minimum Qualifications documentation that may be required, as set forth in IFB Section 1. If references are required in IFB

Section 1, those references shall be included in Attachment L. Reference Checks.

Acknowledgement of all addenda to this IFB.

4.20 Bid Delivery Instructions

Each Bidder shall submit its Bid Package as specified below.

Bids shall only be accepted via the State’s internet-based electronic procurement system, eMMA.

Bidders shall provide their Bids in one submission through eMMA following the Quick Reference

Guides (QRG) labeled “4 - eMMA QRG Responding to Solicitations (IFB)” for single envelope submissions.

4.21 Award Basis and Assignment of Work

The Bids will be evaluated based on the Total Bid Price, as per COMAR 21.05.02.13. All Bids will be ranked from the lowest (most favorable) to the highest (least favorable) price based on the Total

Bid Price as submitted in its Bid.

A Contract shall be awarded to the responsible Bidder(s) submitting a responsive Bid with the most favorable Bid Price or most favorable evaluated Bid Price for providing the goods and services as specified in this IFB.

Orders shall be placed on availability of the products and the specifications based on the needs of the ordering agency. The State and ordering agencies shall have the right to purchase the products as deemed acceptable by the ordering agency from the bidder of their choosing.

https://procurement.maryland.gov/emma-qrgs/ https://procurement.maryland.gov/emma-qrgs/

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 22 of 34

The award for this solicitation will be made LINE to the responsive and responsible Vendor with the lowest price, as determined by the Procurement Officer to be in the best interests of the State of

Maryland.

A. BY LINE is defined as one or more items. The bidder must bid one or more-line items.

Bidder shall submit a bid price based on product description (specification) and unit of measure specified on each line. For example:

Unit of Measure (U/M) – Each (Ea.)

Specification – High Risk Tactical Vest (SWAT); Lightweight; Measured to Fit

Bidders may submit additional brands and percentage off MSRP in an additional document; however, they must also provide at least one (1) of the three (3) specified brands listed in this IFB.

Award of this contract will not be final and complete until after: (1) the Contractor submits complete and satisfactory documentation required under the Contract and/or documentation required by the Procurement Officer; and (2) the Contract is signed by the Department following any approvals of the Contract required by law or regulation.

4.22 Tie Bids

Tie Bids will be decided pursuant to COMAR 21.05.02.14.

4.23 Reciprocal Preference

Although Maryland law does not authorize procuring agencies to favor resident Bidders in awarding procurement contracts, many other states do grant their resident businesses preferences over Maryland contractors. COMAR 21.05.01.04 permits procuring agencies to apply a reciprocal preference under the following conditions:

A. The Maryland resident business is a responsible Bidder;

B. The lowest responsive Bid is from a responsible Bidder whose principal office, or principal base of operations is in another state;

C. The other state gives a preference to its resident businesses through law, policy, or practice; and

D. The preference does not conflict with a federal law or grant affecting the procurement

Contract.

The preference given shall be identical to the preference that the other state, through law, policy, or practice gives to its resident businesses.

IFB for Office of State Procurement Page 23 of 34

4.24 Documents Required upon Notice of Recommendation for Contract Award

(Table B)

Upon receipt of a notification of recommendation for contract award, along with submitting the signed Contract (see Exhibit 2 - Sample Contract), the following documents shall be completed and submitted by the recommended awardee within ten (10) business days, unless otherwise directed by the Procurement Officer.

Click the link to download each required Attachment in the Table B below:

TABLE B - Documents Required upon Notice of Recommendation for Contract Award

Attachment Attachment Name

D MBE Forms D-1B, D-1C, D-2, D-3A, D-3B

Not Applicable

E VSBE Forms E-1B, E-2, E-3

Not Applicable

S Non-Disclosure Agreement (Contractor)

NOT APPLICABLE

T HIPAA Business Associate Agreement

NOT APPLICABLE

U

Contract Affidavit https://procurement.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/07/Attachment-U.-Contract-

Affidavit.pdf

V DHS Hiring Agreement

NOT APPLICABLE

W…