BPM057710 IFB.pdf

STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

& CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL ENTERPRISES

(MCE)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

FIBERBOARD CONTAINERS

IFB NUMBER BPM057710

ISSUE DATE: 7/16/26

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/

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS

SOLICITATION.

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

Fiberboard Containers

Solicitation #: BPM057710 IFB Document

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 2 of 25

KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET (KISS)

Invitation for Bids Commodities - Fiberboard Containers

Solicitation

Number:

BPM057710

IFB Issue Date: 7/16/26

IFB Issuing

Office:

Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE or the "Department")

Procurement

Officer:

Michelle Baldwin

7275 Waterloo Road, Jessup, Maryland 20794

Email:

Phone Number:

Michelle.Baldwin@maryland.gov (STRONLY PREFERRED)

410-540-5419

Bids are to be sent to:

Submit on emma.maryland.gov under Solicitation Number BPM057710

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:

N/A

Scheduled Site

Visit

Questions Due

Date and Time:

7/31/2026 at 8AM Local Time

Bid Due (Closing)

Date and Time:

8/7/2026 at 8AM Local 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).

Public Bid

Opening Date, 8/7/2026 at 9 AM Local Time held virtually

Invitations are available by request.

mailto:Michelle.Baldwin@maryland.gov

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 3 of 25

Time, and

Location

MBE or DBE

Subcontracting

Goal:

VSBE

Subcontracting

Goal:

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: Indefinite Quantity with Firm Fixed Prices

Contract

Duration:

Insert two (2) year base period with three (3) single year renewal option periods, exercised one (1) year at a time

Primary Place of

Performance:

SBR Designation: NO

Federal Funding: NO

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 4 of 25

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 Quantities

2.2.2 Price Changes

2.2.6 Additional Instructions

2.3 Fiberboard

2.3.1 All of the following are an intricate part of the fiberboard product. Quantities reflect anticipated combined yearly usage:

3 Standard Terms and Conditions

3.1 Contract Initiation Requirements

3.2 End of Contract Transition

3.3 Invoicing

3.3.1 Travel Reimbursement

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)

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

4 Bid Submission Information and Instructions

4.1 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

4.2 Electronic Means

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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

4.22 Tie Bids

4.23 Reciprocal Preference

4.24 Small Business Preference

4.25 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

There are no Bidder Minimum Qualifications for this procurement.

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”): The Contractor shall provide Fiberboard Containers for:

2.1.1.1 Maryland Correctional Enterprises, Brush & Carton Plant, Maryland Correctional Training

Center, 18800 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, Maryland 21746

2.1.1.2 and the Maryland Correctional Enterprises, Meat Plant, Maryland Correctional Institution –

Hagerstown, 18601 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, Maryland 21746.

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 single 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

2.2.1 Quantities – The estimated quantities represent an anticipated combined need for the above time frame and should not be construed as a fixed amount neither warranty nor guarantee by the State of Maryland for this contract period. Contract will have no stipulation as to minimum quantities or dollar value to be purchased.

2.2.2 Price Changes – All prices contained in the award as a result of bid shall remain firm for a minimum of (90) days from the effective date of the contract. No proposed price increase without bonafide documentation will be considered. A thirty (30) day notice for a price increase must be given in writing in order for a price increase to be considered.

MCE reserves the right to terminate the contract for cause or due to non-performance by the vendor. In the event of a price decrease either by market changes or other conditions, MCE will be notified and receive the decrease. MCE reserves the right to obtain the lowest possible pricing.

2.2.3 Releases against this contract will be on an “As Needed” basis.

2.2.4 Deliveries – Deliveries are to be made between the hours of 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday through Thursday (unless stated), except State and Federal holidays. The Plant

Supervisor must be notified a day in advance; otherwise, the shipment may be refused.

2.2.5 Freight Charges – There are to be no freight or any other type of additional charges. The cost of shipping is to be included in the cost of the item being shipped. The materials listed in the bid shall be delivered FOB destination.

2.2.6 Additional Instructions

2.2.6.1 The sheets are to be delivered in “double bundles” consisting of two (2), 250 sheets, strapped together

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2.3 Fiberboard

2.3.1 All of the following are an intricate part of the fiberboard product. Quantities reflect anticipated combined yearly usage:

PRODUCT QUANTITY

1. Fiberboard, C-Flute, Size: 82”X82”, 200 lbs., Standard Brown 500 SH

2. Fiberboard, C-Flute, 63.5” x 78” or 78” x 63.5”, 200 lbs., Standard

Brown 25,000 SH

3. Fiberboard, C-Flute, 69” x 82” or

82” x 69”, 200 lbs., Standard Brown 10,000 SH

4. Fiberboard, C-Flute, 65” x 55” or

55” X 65”, 200 lbs., Standard Brown 15,000 SH

5. Fiberboard, C- Flute, 56” x 67”, 250 lbs., White & Brown 5,000 SH

6. State File Box, 15” x 12” x 9-7/8”, Flute Die Cut with Printed Screen delivered unglued, no staples, to be delivered flat on fiberboard pallets, Standard Brown 60,000 EA

7. Cut Corner Protector, B-Flute, Approximate Sheet Size: 26” x 31”, 175 lbs., Unglued, Standard Brown 1,000 EA

8. Patty Box, B-Flute, Approximate

Sheet Size: 36-7/8”x24-5/8”, N D/C 14-½” x

9-7/16” x 4-½”, Die Cut with Printed

Screen, 175 lbs., Unglued, White 35,000 EA

9. Large Cremation Boxes, Delivered Flat, Bottom (1 ea.): Size 78” x 24” x 10” (inside dimensions), #1000, Triple Wall Construc-tion or Equivalent, CAA Flute or Sturdier, IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 9 of 25

Conform to ASTM, Standard D5168-12, Weather Resistant, Starch Additive, Holes

Pre-drilled/Punched, Four (4) Nylon Carry-ing Handles (Install-ed on side) Per Bot-tom, Eight (8) Heavy Duty Wire Ties Per

Bottom.

Cap/Cover (1 ea.): 80” x 26-3/4” x 5” (inside dimensions), Single Wall, 200# C-Flute, Shall Conform to ASTM Standard D5118, Four (4) #6 Flange Nylon Rivets (1 Per

Corner) Per Cap/Cover. 4,000 EA

10. Fiberboard Boxes, ¼, 12-½” x 7-⅛” x 3-⅛” 2,000 EA

11. Fiberboard Boxes, ⅟6, 11-¾” x 7-3/8” x 5-⅝” 2,000 EA

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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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3.3.1 Travel Reimbursement

Travel will not be reimbursed under this IFB.

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

This section is inapplicable to this IFB.

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 or commodities 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.

3.10.2 Non-Disclosure Agreement (Contractor)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (Contractor) 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 Insurance Requirements

The Contractor shall maintain, at a minimum, the insurance coverages outlined below, or any minimum requirements established by law if higher, for the duration of the Contract, including option periods, if exercised:

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

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 13 of 25

3.13.1 The following type(s) of insurance and minimum amount(s) of coverage are required:

A. Commercial General Liability - One million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury and three million dollars ($3,000,000) annual aggregate. The minimum limits required herein may be satisfied through any combination of primary and umbrella/excess liability policies.

3.13.2 Any insurance furnished as a condition of the Contract shall be issued by a company authorized to do business in the State.

3.13.3 The recommended awardee must provide current certificate(s) of insurance with the prescribed coverages, limits and requirements set forth in this section within five (5)

Business Days from notice of recommended award. During the period of performance for multi-year contracts, the Contractor shall provide certificates of insurance annually, or as otherwise directed by the Contract Monitor.

3.13.4 Subcontractor Insurance

The Contractor shall require any subcontractors to obtain and maintain comparable levels of coverage and shall provide the Contract Monitor with the same documentation as is required of the Contractor.

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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

If a Conference will be held, the date, time, and location is indicated on the Key Information

Summary Sheet. Attendance at the Conference is not mandatory, but all interested parties are encouraged to attend in order to facilitate better preparation of their Bids. If the solicitation includes an MBE participating goal, failure to attend the Conference will be taken into consideration as part of the evaluation of a bidder’s good faith efforts if there is a waiver request.

It is highly recommended that all Prime Contractors bring their intended subcontractors to the

Conference/Site Visit to ensure that all parties understand the IFB requirements and the socio-economic goals for this solicitation.

MBE subcontractors are encouraged to attend the Conference to market their participation to potential prime contractors.

In order to assure adequate accommodations at the Conference, please email the completed

Attachment 2 for those expected to attend the Conference to the Procurement Officer no later than the time and date indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet. In addition, if there is a need for sign language interpretation or other special accommodations due to a disability, please notify the

Procurement Officer at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Conference date. Reasonable effort will be made to provide such special accommodation.

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

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If the Conference is in person, attendees should bring a copy of the solicitation and a business card to help facilitate the sign-in process.

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.

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.

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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

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 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

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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.

4.12.3 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.

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.

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

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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.

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 C= Bid will be rejected if the required Attachment is not submitted or is incomplete.

Attachments D 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 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

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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 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

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

(for Services and Facilities Maintenance Contracts - See Appendix 6 for

Details)

NOT APPLICABLE

H Federal Funds Attachments

NOT APPLICABLE

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

NOT APPLICABLE

K Location of the Performance of Services Disclosure

NOT APPLICABLE

L Reference Checks

NOT APPLICABLE

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

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M

List of Current or Prior State Contracts 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

P

Prime Contractor List of ALL Subcontractors

Anticipated/Used During Contract

NOT APPLICABLE

Q Labor Resume Form

NOT APPLICABLE

R Corporate Diversity Addendum

Additional Required Documents with the Bid

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.

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

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 21 of 25

4.21 Bid Evaluation Criteria and Award Basis

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.

The award for this solicitation will be made BY LOT 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 LOT is defined as all items or none. The bidder must bid ALL line items.

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

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 Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 22 of 25

4.24 Small Business Preference

When a procurement under COMAR 21.05.02 has been designated for a small business preference, the procurement officer shall accept the most favorable responsive bid from a responsible small business if the bid does not exceed the most favorable responsive bid price received from a responsible bidder that is not certified as a small business by:

(a) More than 5 percent;

(b) More than 7 percent for a veteran-owned small business;

(c) More than 8 percent for a disabled-veteran-owned small business; or

(d) The predetermined percentage preference.

4.25 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 Performance Bond

NOT APPLICABLE

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

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 23 of 25

X Payment Bond

NOT APPLICABLE

Y Data Use Agreement

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 24 of 25

5 IFB Appendices and Exhibits

The Appendices and Exhibits listed below in Tables C and D are reference documents as needed to assist the bidders in preparing their bids in response to this solicitation. If a specific Appendix or

Exhibit is not required for this solicitation, it is listed in the tables as “Not applicable” or “N/A”.

5.1 Appendices (Table C)

TABLE C - APPENDICES

Appendix # Appendix Name

1 Abbreviations and Definitions

2 Price Form Instructions

3 Labor Categories – N/A

4 MBE Participation Goal – N/A

5 VSBE Participation Goal – N/A

6 Living Wage Requirements – N/A

7 Bonds – N/A

IFB for Maryland Correctional Enterprises Page 25 of 25

5.2 Exhibits (Table D)

TABLE D - Exhibits

Exhibit # Exhibit Name

1 MBE, VSBE, and SBR Research Factors

Template

NOT APPLICABLE

2 Sample Contract

3 Deliverable Product Acceptance Form

(DPAF)