CIT2019877 QBS Professional Fiber Engineering Final Addendum 1.docx

STATE OF ILLINOIS

REFERENCES

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (“DoIT”, “Agency,” or “State”) requests proposals from responsible Offerors to meet its needs. A brief description is set forth below for the Offeror’s convenience, with detailed requirements in subsequent sections of this solicitation. If interested and able to meet these requirements, the State appreciates and welcomes an Offer.

Brief Description:

DoIT intends to establish an Agency Specific Indefinite Quantity Contract for Architectural and Engineering Services to provide Professional Telecommunications Outside Plant Engineering, Design and Project Management Services for a Fiber-Optic Backbone throughout the State in accordance with the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act (QBS). 30 ILCS 535.

The Qualificaiton Base Selection (QBS) will solicit Outside Plant Engineering, Design and Project Management for the State of Illinois Long Haul Fiber-Optic Network and Customer Build Outs. DoIT seeks the following categories of deliverables, with specifics detailed in the QBS:

· High Level Engineering, Planning and Budget

· Detailed Network Design

· Environmental Assessments

· Permits, Easements, and Rights-of-Way

· Project Management and Construction Phase Support Oversight DoIT will not require the respondent to produce network design services for endpoint dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), but desires to engage a firm with a solid understanding of the encompassing technologies. The QBS shall be awarded to one (1) AE firm found to be the most responsive and responsible to the requirements contained within the QBS for the duration of the subsequent contract term.

Architectural and Engineering firms shall be prequalified by the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) or Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as an Architect/Engineer (A/E) prior to any submittal of qualifications or interest for this project and shall maintain the prequalification throughout the term of the resulting contract.

The processing of prequalification applications may take up to thirty (30) days. A/E firms shall be deemed non-responsive for not maintaining a current and valid prequalification from time of bid due date through contract award. Agency will not enter into a resulting contract if prequalification is not current and validA/E firms requiring CDB or IDOT prequalification can find the process at the following link:

(CDB) https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/Pages/Prequalification.aspx or (IDOT) https://idot.illinois.gov/doing-business/procurements/engineering-architectural-professional-services/index

Please note: Prequalification and registration are not the same. If you are currently registered as a subcontractor but intend to submit a bid for a project as a prime contractor, or as a participant on a single prime project as a designated "protected subcontractor," then you must apply for prequalification approval.

The resulting contract with the awarded Offeror shall have an initial term of ten (10) years. In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions exceed ten (10) years. 30 ILCS 500/20-60. Subject to the maximum total term limitation, DoIT has the option to renew for the following terms: zero (0) renewals.

Please read the entire solicitation package and submit an Offer in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package must be completed in full and submitted along with the technical response and price proposal which combined will constitute the Offer. Do not submit the instruction pages with Offers.

Forms A, Forms B, BEP Utilization Plan, and VSB Utilization Plan may be downloaded from the Chief Procurement Officer for General Service’s website at https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx . These sections are a material part of this solicitation, and must be returned when applicable with a Offeror’s Offer.

Offers that do not adhere to the form and content of the Qualification Based Selection requirements may not be considered.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

QUALIFICATION BASED SELECTION

Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology Professional Fiber Engineering Services

CIT2019877

In compliance with the State and Federal Constitutions, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the State of Illinois does not discriminate in employment, contracts, or any other activity.

The State of Illinois encourages prospective vendors to consider hiring qualified veterans and Illinois residents discharged from any Illinois adult correctional center, in appropriate circumstances.

State of Illinois QBS 1 Introduction V.20.1

SECTION 1.

SECTION 2

The following sections (FORMS A, FORMS B, BEP Utilization Plan, VSB Utilization Plan, Letter of Intent) of the solicitation may be found on the CPO’s website at:

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/SolicitationandContractTemplates.aspx

FORMS A

Complete this section if you are not using an approved State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number which represents registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

FORMS B

Complete this section if you are using an approved and active State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number.

To ensure that you are registered in the IPG, search for your business name in the IPG Registered Vendor Directory. If your company does not appear in the search results, then you are not registered in the IPG.

Download from the CPO’s website and complete these documents if this QBS contains a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal.

BEP Utilization Plan Letter of Intent Template

Download from the CPO’s website and complete these documents if this QBS contains a Veteran Small Business Program (VBP) goal.

Veteran Small Business Utilization Plan Letter of Intent Template

OUTLINE

State of Illinois QBS 4

OUTLINE

V.20.1

SECTION 1.

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

A.1. PROCESS CHANGES RESULTING FROM BIDBUY: BidBuy is the new electronic procurement system being used by State agencies under the jurisdiction of the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services. With the implementation of BidBuy, some procurement processes have changed. In some instances, BidBuy entirely replaces the State’s previous procurement processes. In others, the past instruction or process remains unchanged or is augmented by BidBuy.

The State publishes Qualification Based Selction (QBS) in BidBuy. BidBuy consists of public webpages that may be referred to as the “Bulletin” or information “on BidBuy”. BidBuy also permits vendors to create password protected Seller Accounts allowing electronic quoting for some procurement methods. The QBS, along with other attachments and information on BidBuy, constitutes the State’s solicitation. The State does not accept electronic offers in response to QBSs through BidBuy. Offerors must continue to submit offers in paper format and in accord with the instructions for submission. Offerors must pay special attention to the instructions found on BidBuy as they augment the information in this QBS. Offerors shall read the entire contents of this QBS and direct any questions to the Information Contact found on the BidBuy posting.

A.2. CONFLICT BETWEEN INFORMATION IN PAPER FORMAT AND ON BIDBUY: If the State provides information in paper format (i.e. the QBS and other attachments) that is different or in conflict with the information the State provides on BidBuy, then the information in paper format is presumed to represent the State’s intent. If the Offeror provides information in paper format that is different or in conflict with the information the Offeror provides in BidBuy through their Seller Account, then the information in paper format shall represent the Offeror’s intended submission.

A.3. HOW TO ENTER INFORMATION: Type information in the red text form fields provided. If the information requested does not apply to the AE Firm’s situation, then enter “N/A” into the text form field. Please enter the requested information or N/A into every text form field.

A.4. PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION: The State publishes procurement information, including solicitations, awards, and amendments, on the General Services Illinois Procurement Bulletin, referred to as the Bulletin or BidBuy (https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/). Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Offeror is responsible for monitoring the Bulletin. The State will not be held responsible if Offeror fails to receive the optional e-mail notice of future amendments to the solicitation.

A.5. INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual listed in the “Info Contact:” on the Bulletin posting shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Offerors should only communicate with the Information Contact. The State/Agency shall not be held responsible for information provided by or to any other person.

Suspected errors should be immediately reported to the Information Contact. Do not discuss, directly or indirectly, the solicitation or any Offer with any State officer or employee other than the Information Contact.

A.6. OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than questions raised at the Pre-Submission Conference, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than November 4, 2021. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Amendment to the original solicitation on the Bulletin; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on the State. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

A.7. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

In the Bulletin posting, the Agency may schedule a Pre-Submission Conference as the “Pre-Bid Conference:”.

Is attendance at the Pre-Submission Conference mandatory? |_| Yes |X| No Is there an optional attendance Pre-Submission Conference? |X| Yes |_| No

Optional Pre-Submission Conference - WEBEX

Thursday, November 4, 2021 10:00 a.m. (CST) WEBEX Link: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m8d2ebb0bfbb42906f3c3a64de8040c3d See BidBuy attachment for optional attendance Pre-Submission Conference.

If attendance is mandatory, Offeror (current Vendor included) will be disqualified and considered non-responsive if Offeror does not attend, is not on time, leaves early or fails to sign the attendance sheet. Offeror must allow adequate time to accommodate security screenings at the site.

A.8. OFFER DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: Each solicitation contains the Offer Due Date and Time which appear under “Bid Opening Date:” on the Bulletin posting. Offers will be opened on the Bid Opening Date at the Submit/Deliver Offers To address provided below. Prior to the Bid Opening Date, Offers will only be accepted by the State of Illinois on Mondays through Fridays, between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT. On the Bid Opening Date, Offers will only be accepted prior to the Time listed under “Bid Opening Date” on the Bulletin posting. Offers will not be accepted, and should not be delivered to the State, on any State-observed holidays or weekend days. Late Offers shall be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered. 44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.2005(b).

A.8.1. Offer Firm Time: The Offer must remain firm for one-hundred- twenty (120) days from opening.

Offeror City, State Zip

A.9. ORGANIZATION REQUIRED: Offers may be submitted in as few as four and as many as seven packets. Please follow these instructions carefully. Separately seal and label each packet.

A.9.1. Packet 1 shall contain the Offeror’s response to the Specifications/Qualifications/Statement of Work provided in Section 1, Part D.

A.9.2. Packet 2 shall contain the Offeror’s Offer found in Section 1, Part C, and applicable forms found in Section 2, Parts F through J.

A.9.2.1. Exceptions must be provided on Agency’s Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions form (Section 2, Part G) or must be in a substantially similar format. Agency discourages taking exceptions. State law shall not be circumvented by the exception process. Exceptions may result in rejection of the Offer.

Additional Offeror Provisions may be stated on this form and should not include exceptions to Agency specifications, terms and conditions, or any other part of this solicitation. This is supplemental information that supports an Offeror’s position; for example, an Offeror’s licensing agreement.

A.9.2.2. The Agency may state additional terms and conditions to contracting in the State Supplemental Provisions (Section 2, Part H).

A.9.3. Packet 3 shall contain either Forms A or Forms B. Forms A contains eight forms and shall be returned by Offerors that do not have an active registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

Forms B consists of two pages and a one-page Taxpayer Identification Number. Forms B is only returned by Offerors that have a valid IPG registration number with expiration date and elect to not use the forms found in Forms A.

A.9.4. Packet 4 shall contain a redacted copy of the Offer.

A.9.4.1. Offeror should provide a redacted copy of the Offer, if applicable, that removes material considered to be a trade secret or competitively sensitive, confidential, or proprietary. See F.9. in Standard Terms and Conditions, Section 2, Part F.

A.9.5. Packet 5 shall contain a response to the Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities participation requirements. Packet 5 is only returned if a Business Enterprise Program goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.9.6. Packet 6 shall contain a response to the Veteran Small Business (VSB) participation requirements. Packet 6 is only returned if a VSB goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.10. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: The Offer must be submitted in separately sealed packets as indicated below and clearly labeled with the Qualification Based Selection title, the BidBuy reference number, the packet number, the Offeror’s name and the wording: “Sealed Offer – Do Not Open.” The separately sealed packets may be submitted together in one mailing/shipping box or may be submitted separately in individual/shipping boxes. Do not put the entire Offer on a single CD or USB flash drive. The electronic version of the Offer should be submitted in Microsoft Word 2010 and/ or Excel 2010, or newer, as applicable and also in Adobe PDF Format.

A.11. SECURITY: Performance Bond: $ NA If a performance bond is required, Offeror must submit the Performance Bond to the Information Contact within ten (10) days after award. The bond must be from a surety licensed to do business in Illinois. An irrevocable letter of credit is an acceptable substitute. The form of security must be acceptable to the State.

A.12. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: In the Bulletin posting, if “Yes” is shown to the question “Is this subject to Small Business Set-Aside?”, then Offeror must be qualified by the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time Offers are due in order for the Offer to be evaluated. For complete requirements and to qualify Offeror’s business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program, please visit the CPO’s website at https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/Sell2Illinois.aspx.

A.13. MINORITY CONTRACTOR INITIATIVE: The State requires a fee of $15 to cover expenses related to the administration of the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Any offeror awarded a contract of $1,000 or more under Section 20-10, 20-15, 20-25 or 20-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) is required to pay a fee of $15. The Comptroller shall deduct the fee from the first check issued to the Vendor under the contract and deposit the fee in the Comptroller’s Administrative Fund. 15 ILCS 405/23.9.

A.14. FEDERAL FUNDS: The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds. Upon notice of intent to award, the percentage of goods and/or services involved that are Federally funded and the dollar amount of such Federal funds will be disclosed.

A.15. EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT: Offerors who hire qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders may be eligible for tax credits. 30 ILCS 500/45-67 and 45-70. Please contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (217-524-4772) for information about tax credits.

A.16. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM: Illinois law and rules govern this solicitation and any resulting contract. Offeror must bring any action relating to this solicitation or any resulting contract in the appropriate court in Illinois. This document contains statutory references designated with “ILCS”. Offeror may view the full text at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp. The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and the Standard Procurement Rules (44 ILL. ADM. CODE PARTS 1) are applicable to this solicitation and may be respectively viewed at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7) and http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html.

A.17. PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: Offers become the property of the State and late submissions will not be returned. All offers will be open to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Offeror requests in its Offer that the State treat certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The State will not honor requests to keep entire Offers confidential. Offerors must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the State will disclose the successful Offeror’s name, the substance of the Offer, and the price.

If Offeror requests confidential treatment, Offeror must submit additional copy/copies (see Instructions for Submission of Offers in Section A.10.) of the Offer with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must tell the general nature of the material removed, and shall retain as much of the Offer as possible. In a separate attachment, Offeror shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis or bases under Illinois law, including a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure.

Offeror will hold harmless and indemnify the State for all costs or damages associated with the State defending Offeror’s request for confidential treatment. Offeror agrees that the State may copy the Offer to facilitate evaluation, or to respond to requests for public records. Offeror warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.

A.18. RESERVATIONS: Offeror must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Offer and all activities to ensure compliance. The State reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all offers, award by item/services, group of items/services, or grand total, and waive minor defects. The State may request a clarification, inspect Offeror’s premises, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of the Offer, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. The State may request Best & Final Offers when appropriate. The State will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, and terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the State and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code, rules and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that Offeror provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with the State. If an offeror does not comply with requests for information and cooperate, the State may reject the offer as non-responsive to the solicitation. Submitting an offer does not entitle Offeror to an award or a contract. Posting a vendor’s name in a Bulletin notice does not entitle the vendor to a contract. The State is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any offer. Awarded Offeror(s) shall not commence, and will not be paid for any billable work undertaken prior to the date all parties execute the contract, unless approved in writing in advance by the State Purchasing Officer or the Chief Procurement Officer (or designee).

A.19. AWARD: The State is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. If the State issues an award, the award will be made to one (1) AE Firm who has submitted a responsive and responsible Qualification Based Selection (QBS) which best meets the specified criteria unless otherwise permitted by the Illinois Procurement Code and Illinois Administrative Code. However, if the State does not consider the price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable price, then the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State will determine whether the price is fair and reasonable by considering the offer, including the offeror's qualifications, the offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget and other relevant factors. The State will post a notice to the Bulletin identifying the apparent most responsive and responsible offeror.

A.20. REFERENCES: |_| Yes |X| No. If “Yes” is marked, Offeror must provide references from established private firms or government agencies other than the procuring Agency, who can attest to Offeror’s experience and ability to perform the contract that is the subject of this solicitation. Offeror must provide the name, contact information and a description of the supplies or services provided using the References form found in Section 3, Part J.

A.21. INVOICING ADDRESS: The awarded Vendor shall invoice at the completion of the contract unless invoicing is tied in the contract to milestones, deliverables, or other invoicing requirements agreed to in the contract. The Bulletin posting contains the “Bill-to Address:” where invoices should be sent.

Vendor shall not bill for any taxes unless accompanied by proof that the State is subject to the tax. If necessary, Vendor may request the applicable Agency’s Illinois tax exemption number and Federal tax exemption information.

A.22. PROTEST REVIEW OFFICE: Offeror may submit a written protest to the Protest Review Office following the requirements of the Standard Procurement Rules. 44 ILL. ADM. CODE 1.5550. For protests related to specifications, the Protest Review Office must physically receive the protest no later than fourteen (14) days after the solicitation or related addendum was posted to the Bulletin. For protests related to rejection of individual Qualification Based Selection (QBS) or awards, the protest must be received by close of business no later than fourteen (14) days after the protesting party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Protest Review Office’s information is as follows:

Chief Procurement Office Email: eec.legalstaff@illinois.gov Attn: Protest Review Office

Springfield, IL 62706 A.23. REVIEW PROCESS: The State determines how well offers meet the Responsiveness requirements. The State will rank offers, without consideration of price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the review. Offerors who fail to meet minimum requirements will not be considered for price review and award.

The State reviews three categories of information: Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Price. The State considers the information provided and the quality of that information when evaluating Offers. If the State finds a failure or deficiency, the State may reject the offer or reflect the failure or deficiency in the evaluation.

A.23.1. RESPONSIVENESS: A Responsive Offeror is one who submits an offer that conforms in all material respects to the Qualification Based Selection, and includes all required forms.

A.23.1.1. Subcontractor Disclosure: If the Offer includes any subcontractors, then Offeror shall complete the Subcontractor Disclosure form found in Section 2, Part I.

A.23.1.2. References are not required.

A.23.1.3. If completing Forms B, then responsiveness may include and may not be limited to:

· Active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date

· Disclosure of lobbyists for Offeror and parent entity(ies)

· Disclosure of pending and current contracts

· Certifications timely to this solicitation A.23.1.4. If completing Forms A, required forms may include and may not be limited to:

· Business and Directory Information: Offeror should complete and return the Business and Directory Information form in Forms A , Part 1.

· Illinois Department of Human Rights Public Contracts Number: Offeror shall complete and return the IDHR Public Contracts Number form in Forms A , Part 2.

· Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois: A person (other than an individual acting as a sole proprietor) must be a duly constituted legal entity prior to submitting a bid and authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in Illinois prior to execution of the contract. For more information, see Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois in Forms A, Part 3.

· Standard Certifications: Offeror shall complete and return the Standard Certifications form in Forms A , Part 4.

· State Board of Elections Registration: Offeror may be prohibited from making political contributions and be required to register with the State Board of Elections. For more information, see State Board of Elections in Forms A, Part 5.

· Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran: Offeror should complete and return the Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran form in Forms A , Part 6.

· Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest: Offeror shall complete and return the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest form in Forms A , Part 7.

· Taxpayer Identification Number: Offeror should complete and return the Taxpayer Identification form in Forms A , Part 8.

A.23.1.5. The State will determine whether the Offer meets the stated requirements. Minor differences or deviations that have negligible impact on the price or suitability of the supply or service to meet the State’s needs may be accepted or corrections allowed. If no offeror meets a particular requirement, the State may waive that requirement.

A.23.1.6. When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered with proof that the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality, performance and desired characteristics.

A.23.1.7. The State will determine whether the Offer complied with the instructions for submitting offers. Except for late submissions, and other requirements that by law must be part of the submission, the State may require that an offeror correct deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.23.2. RESPONSIBILITY: A responsible Offeror is one who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and who has the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. The State determines whether the Offeror is a “responsible” offeror; an offeror with whom the State can or should do business. For example, the State may consider the following:

A.23.2.1. A “prohibited bidder” includes any person assisting an employee of the State of Illinois by reviewing, drafting, directing, or preparing any invitation for bids, a qualification based selection, or request of information, or providing similar assistance unless such assistance was part of a publically issued opportunity to review drafts of all or part of these documents. For purposes of this section, an employee of the State of Illinois means one who, by the nature of his or her duties, has the authority to participate personally and substantially in the decision to award a State contract. No person or business shall submit specifications to a State agency unless requested to do so by an employee of the State. No person or business that contracts with a State agency to write specifications for a particular procurement need shall submit a bid or proposal or receive a contract for that procurement need.

Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a vendor from bidding or offering to supply developing technology, goods or services after providing the State with a demonstration of the developing technology, goods, or services; provided the subject of the demonstration to the State represents industry trends and innovation and is not specifically designed to meet the State's needs. Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a person or business from submitting a bid or offer or entering into a contract if the person or business: (i) initiates a communication with an employee to provide general information about products, services, or industry best practices and, if applicable, that communication is documented in accordance with Section 50-39 of the Illinois Procurement Code or (ii) responds to a communication initiated by an employee of the State for the purposes of providing information to evaluate new products, trends, services, or technologies.

A.23.2.2. Other factors that the State may evaluate to determine responsibility include, but are not limited to: political contributions, certifications, conflict of interest, financial disclosures, taxpayer identification number, past performance in business or industry, references (including those found outside the Offer), compliance with applicable laws, financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal opportunity compliance, payment of prevailing wages if required by law, capacity to produce or sources of supply, and the ability to provide required maintenance service or other matters relating to the offeror’s ability to deliver in the quality and quantity within the time and price as specified in this solicitation.

A.23.2.3. Awarded offerors must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the contract and must provide proof upon request. The State may require a performance bond if, in the opinion of the State, it ensures performance of the contract. The State may terminate the contract, consistent with the termination for cause provision of the contract, if the vendor lacks the financial resources to perform under the contract.

A.23.2.4. The State may require that an offeror correct any deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.24. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. If this solicitation is for non-construction supplies or services and contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan shall render the Offer non-responsive. 30 ILCS 575/4(f). All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Liaison prior to submission of proposals.

BEP Goal: 30 Percent

BEP Liaison: Reginald Lampkin

Phone Number: 312-814-4603

Email Address: reginald.lampkin@illinois.gov

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting BEP requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified by the Department of Central Management Services as BEP vendors prior to the Bid Opening Date. Go to https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/bep/Pages/default.aspx for complete requirements for BEP certification. Go to https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ to search for certified BEP vendors.

The following NIGP Codes were used to calculate the Business Enterprise Program Goal:

92500 Engineering Services, Professional

The vendors associated with the code(s) above are listed on the BEP Vendor Listing attached in BidBuy to the solicitation. This is not an all-encompassing list of who may be used as a subcontractor to fulfill this goal. If you have a potential subcontracting opportunity for goods or services by a vendor subject to the NIGP codes referenced in the solicitation documents that would be considered applicable to the resulting contract, you may submit that subcontractor to fulfill the BEP goal, assuming they are BEP certified with the State of Illinois at the time of bid submission. Only vendors certified as BEP at the time of bid submission and subject to the code(s) above shall count towards the goal.

In order to be considered as having completed a “good faith effort”, 100% of all listed vendors must be contacted and their responses entered in the BEP Utilization Plan.

A.25. VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by military veterans. If this solicitation contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan as instructed later in this solicitation may render the Offer non-responsive. All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Veteran Small Business Liaison prior to submission of proposals.

Does this solicitation contain a Veteran Small Business goal? |X| Yes |_| No If yes, then the Veteran Small Business goal is: 3 Percent

Veteran Small Business Liaison: Reginald Lampkin

Phone Number: 312-814-4603

Email Address: Reginald.Lampkin@Illinois.gov

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified by CMS as VOSB or SDVOSB vendors prior to Bid opening date. Go to https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/business/sell2/pages/veteranownedbusinesses.aspx for complete requirements for VOSB or SDVOSB certification. Go to https://cms.diversitycompliance.com/ to search for certified VOSB and SDVOSB vendors.

A.26. BIDBUY TERMINOLOGY AND GUIDANCE: BidBuy is an online e-procurement system. There may be some difference between the procurement terminology used in this solicitation and the terms used in BidBuy. Please learn more about BidBuy by accessing the online resources found here:

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/Guides-and-Manuals.aspx.

-END OF INSTRUCTIONS-

STATE OF ILLINOIS

SUBCONTRACTOR DISCLOSURES

ATTACHMENT FF

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

State of Illinois RFP 30 Attachment FF– Subcontractor Disclosures V.13.3 State of Illinois QBS 14 Section 1. Part A.Instructions V.20.1

B. SELECTION OF VENDOR

B.1. The Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) procedure applies to the selection of Firms hired to work for the Agency. Pofessional Service contracts are solicited and awarded in accordance with the Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Qualifications Based Selection Act (30 ILCS 535). Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) (44 ILL. ADMIN CODE) are applicable to the Professional Services solicitations and all applicable rights and authority vested therein to the Illinois Chief Procurement Office – General Services (CPO-GS) are specifically incorporated into all aspects of these procedures.

B.2. Definitions

Recommended Ranking: A ranking prepared by Proucrement based on Scorecards submitted by each member of the Review Team. The firm with the highest total score will rank first (1st), second highest (2nd), and so on and so forth.

Vendor Management Office (VMO): The VMO is the Agency Procurement Office consisting of procurement staff who manage the procurement activities of the Agency and relationships with contracted Vendors.

B.2.1 General Definitions and Requirements

a. Statement of Work (SOW): the Agency will submit a set of requirements to the Vendor for review and processing. The Vendor shall prepare a formal SOW detailing the type of work required, number of hours to complete the work with detailed pricing, and the roles and responsibilities of each party.

b. Change Order: A written change in a contract term, other than as specifically provided for in the contract or SOW, which authorizes an addition, deletion, or revision in the work or necessitates any increase or decrease I the cost of the contract or the time to completion. Change orders shall be germane to the contract.

c. Modification – a written change order to a professional services contract. The Vendor shall not perform SOW, Change Orders or Modifications until receiving Agency formal approval of work through BidBuy. The Agency will process all SOW, Change Orders and Modifications through BidBuy. The Vendor shall be responsible for the cost of any work performed under an SOW, Change Order or Modification if performed prior to gaining formal approval by the Agency. The Vendor shall not perform any work prior to being approved by the Agency.

d. Assigned Contractor: An assigned contractor is a contractor who has been assigned to the coordinating contractor for the limited purposes of scheduling and coordination of work. The assignment is limited and DoIT retains certain rights under the contract.

e. Contractor: any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or other entity who has entered into a prime construction contract with DoIT.

f. Coordinating Contractor: The designated contractor for the project to whom DoIT may assign limited administration of the other contracts.

g. Consultant: any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity that enters into an agreement with an A/E firm contracting with DoIT for purposes of fulfilling, or assisting the A/E in fulfilling the services required by this agreement between A/E and DoIT.

h. Final Acceptance: A condition which occurs when DoIT accepts the certification of the A/ E that the contractor has complied with all requirements of its contract, and the contractor is authorized to receive final payment in full, including all retainage. The Agency reserves the right to withhold ten (10) percent of final payment until final acceptance has been received by Vendor.

i. Moveable Equipment: Equipment that is not fixed to the telecom infrastructure and is not permanently wired or plumbed in. Moveable equipment is not designed by the A/E nor installed by the Contractor(s). A budget amount for moveable equipment may be included in the total project funding but that amount will not be included in the Construction Budget and shall not be used in the calculation of the Basic Service Fee.

j. Subcontractor and Supplier: A subcontractor is any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or other entity, other than the contractor, who furnishes any goods or services of any kind under a subcontract entered into with a construction contract with DoIT’s prime contractors. The legal definition shall govern in general, but various contract Articles herein shall distinguish between a subcontractor and supplier. In those cases, the subcontractor is a business entity that has responsibility for a portion of the work that includes onsite installation labor. Suppliers are business entities that furnish only goods produced off site which will be incorporated into the work by others. The clause on the change orders and others makes such a distinction.

k. Substantial Completion: A condition which occurs when DoIT accepts the certification of the A/E that construction is sufficiently complete in accord with the contract documents such that the project, or a designated portion thereof, may be occupied or utilized by the using agency for its intended purposes.

l. Work: The work comprises the complete construction required by the contract documents and includes all labor necessary to produce such construction, and all materials and equipment incorporated or to be incorporated in such construction.

m. User or Using Agency: State Agency or other governmental entity benefitting from the project and that will utilize this agreement for services as part of the project.

B.3. Evaluation Procedures

B.3.1 VMO reviews each Firm’s QBS and SOI for responsiveness.

B.3.2 VMO will complete the Summary Score Sheet, minus the Recommended Ranking, with the initial information found in the SOI for each responding Firm.

B.3.3 VMO submits copies of the QBS and SOIs to the Review Team as well as any other back-up information deemed pertinent at the same time for each QBS and SOI assigned to the Review Team.

B.3.4 The Review Team individually and independently reviews every QBS and SOI determined completed by Procurement and completes the Scorecard.

B.3.5 After scoring, the Review Team returns the completed and signed Scorecards and all evaluation materials to VMO and copies the Coordinator on the email.

B.3.6 VMO reviews each Scorecard, calculates a total score for each firm, and fills in the Recommended Rankings on the Summary Score Sheet.

B.4 Firm Selection

B.4.1 Selection is based on: related experience, education, and technical competence of the personnel and the experience and education of the firm(s) and/ or subcontractor(s) proposed; ability to complete the work in the time required; contractor(s) existing workload; the commitment and availability of key personnel; and the proposed method of accomplishing the project’s objectives.

B.4.2 VMO provides the CSC the following:

· QBS, any addenda and published questions and answers;

· Copies of the SOI (as reference material only. The CSC is not required to perform a review of the SOIs);

· Scorecards for each Firm ranked one (1) through three (3);

· Summary Score Sheet with Recommended Rankings.

B.4.3 VMO convenes a meeting of the CSC according to the schedule posted in BidBuy.

B.4.4 Everyone in attendance at the CSC will sign the sign-in sheet.

B.4.5 The CSC reviews all material provided and deliberates to select the most qualified Firm. A silent vote is held to rank the firms in order frm first (1st) to third (3rd). Each member of the CSC will complete the Ballot independently. The VMO Lead will collect all Ballots and all evaluation materials form the CSC members.

B.4.6 Everyone in attendance at the CSC will sign the sign-out sheet.

B.4.7 VMO will compile the ballots and record the votes. Five (5) points are assigned for each first (1st) place designation, three (3) points are assigned for each second (2nd) place designation, and one (1) point for each third (3rd) place designation.

B.4.8 VMO will prepare an Amendment in BidBuy to notify the Firms of the rankings. VMO will request the SPO’s review and approval of the Amendment publication.

B.4.9 The Agency will enter into Contract negotiations with the top ranked Firm but if satisfactory contract terms cannot be agreed upon, the Agency reserves the right to move on to the second ranked and then potentially the third ranked firm.

C. Project Title / BidBuy Reference #Professional Fiber Engineering Services/ BidBuy Reference # B-19877 The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Offeror hereby submits this Offer to perform in full compliance with the subject solicitation. By completing and signing this form, the Offeror makes an Offer to the State of Illinois that the State may accept.

Offeror should use this form as a final check to ensure that all required documents are completed and included with the Offer. Offeror must mark each blank below as appropriate; mark N/A when a section is not applicable to this solicitation. Offeror understands that failure to meet all requirements is cause for disqualification.

C.5. SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW: Offeror reviewed the Qualification Based Selection, including all referenced documents and instructions, completed all blanks, provided all required information, and demonstrated how it will meet the requirements of the State of Illinois.

|_| Yes |_| No C.6. ADDENDA: Offeror acknowledges receipt of any…