Concourse

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 2 Our Mission at Concourse 4 Understanding of Requirements 7

Program Context and Objectives 7 Core Technical Requirements 7 Quality Assurance and Compliance Requirements 8 Data Security Imperatives 8 Understanding of Stakeholder Needs 9

Proposed Solution 10 Nebraska CI Data Bank Platform 10 Grants Interface Platform 10 Shared Services Architecture 11 Producer-Centric Design Philosophy 12 Future-Ready Architecture 12

Technical Approach 13 System Architecture 13 API Integration Framework 13 GREET Model Verification 14 Scenario Modeling Tool 15 Data Security Implementation 15 Annual Cybersecurity Audit Approach 16 System Reliability and Performance 16

Response to Technical Requirements 18 Deliverable 1: CI Data Bank Platform 18 Deliverable 2: Grants Interface Platform 19 Deliverable 3: Program Support 20

Implementation Timeline & Milestones 21 Phase 1: Discovery & Architecture (Weeks 1-4) 22 Phases 2-3: Core Development (Weeks 5-12) 22 Phase 4: Integration & Security (Weeks 13-16) 22 Phase 5: UAT, Training & Launch (Weeks 17-20) 23 Phase 6: Operations (September 2026 – September 2029) 23

Team Structure & Qualifications 24 Project Leadership 24 Delivery Teams 24 Support Operations 25 Relevant Team Experience 25 Quality Assurance Approach 25

Quality Assurance & Compliance 26

QAPP Conformance 26 Environmental Information Quality Objectives 26 Approved Service Provider Quality Controls 27 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting 27

Risk Management 27 Contingency Planning 28

Conclusion 28 Concourse's Approach 29 How We Work With You 30 Your Project Team 31 Government Technology Delivery Experience 33 Customer References 34 Company Information 35

Response to Technical Requirements

The following provides our detailed responses to the technical requirements outlined in Attachment A, organized by deliverable and requirement category.

Deliverable 1: CI Data Bank Platform

1.1 System Design and Development

1.2 Data Security and Privacy

1.3 Payment Processing Integration

1.4-1.7 QA, Training, Reporting, and Maintenance

Deliverable 2: Grants Interface Platform

2.1 System Design and Development

2.2-2.7 Security, Payments, QA, Training, Reporting, Maintenance

Deliverable 3: Program Support

Phase 1: Discovery & Architecture (Weeks 1-4)

Phases 2-3: Core Development (Weeks 5-12)

Phase 4: Integration & Security (Weeks 13-16)

Phase 5: UAT, Training & Launch (Weeks 17-20)

Phase 6: Operations (September 2026 – September 2029)

Support Operations

Relevant Team Experience

Quality Assurance Approach

Quality Assurance & Compliance

QAPP Conformance

Environmental Information Quality Objectives

Aligned with QAPP Section A6, our platform ensures:

We look forward to the opportunity to support NDWEE and Nebraska's agricultural community in achieving the environmental and economic objectives of the ONE RED program.

Pricing will be provided in a separate cost proposal as required by the RFP.

Concourse's Approach

Bespoke quality, off-the-shelf speed.

Security-First Development

Security is at the heart of everything we build.

From architecture decisions to deployment pipelines, we design with compliance and data protection as foundational requirements, not afterthoughts.

User-Centered Design

Our discovery process focuses on understanding the needs of end users—the government staff and citizens who will interact with the system daily. We ensure solutions are intuitive and practical, not just technically compliant.

Your Project Team

Our dedicated team brings decades of combined experience in technology, public work, and program management. Each member is committed to ensuring your success with the Concourse platform.

Requirement: Provide detailed environmental outcome data in each report, including: (i) Carbon intensity (CI) reductions (tons of CO₂-equivalent), (ii) Soil health improvements, (iii) Water conservation metrics.

Bidder Response: Each quarterly and annual report includes dedicated environmental outcome sections tracking CI reductions expressed in tons of CO₂-equivalent, aggregated from verified CI score data in the registry. Soil health improvements are documented based on soil organic carbon measurements collected through ASP submissions following UNL Extension NebGuide G1740 procedures. Water conservation metrics capture relevant practice adoption data such as cover crop acreage and precision irrigation implementation. All environmental data is sourced from platform records with documented methodologies for transparency and auditability.

Requirement: Design and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess: (i) Performance of grant-funded projects, (ii) Effectiveness of the CI Data Bank platform, (iii) Adoption rates and outcomes of regenerative/climate-smart practices.

Bidder Response: Our monitoring and evaluation framework establishes baseline metrics during the discovery phase and tracks performance across three dimensions: grant-funded project outcomes measured against stated objectives, CI Data Bank platform effectiveness gauged by adoption rates and user engagement, and regenerative practice adoption tracked by acreage, practice type, and measured environmental improvements. The framework uses both quantitative platform data and qualitative stakeholder feedback to provide NDWEE with actionable insights for program refinement throughout the contract term.

Requirement: Track and report against clear, quantifiable metrics including: (i) Tons of CO₂ reduced or avoided, (ii) Acres of regenerative practices adopted, (iii) Number and type of conservation practices, (iv) Changes in baseline vs. post-implementation CI scores.

Bidder Response: The platform captures and reports each of these quantifiable metrics directly from verified CI score data and program records. CO₂ reduction calculations follow GREET/FD-CIC methodology for consistency with EPA-approved standards. Acres of regenerative practice adoption are tracked by practice type—no-till, cover crops, reduced chemical fertilizer, and others—with geographic distribution analysis. Baseline and post-implementation CI score comparisons are generated at individual producer, county, and statewide levels, enabling precise measurement of program impact over time.

Bidder Response: The centralized reporting dashboard spans both the CI Data Bank and Grants Interface, providing stakeholders with unified access to program data. Role-based access controls ensure EPA representatives, NDWEE staff, and other stakeholders see information appropriate to their needs. Dashboard views can be configured for different audiences—executive summaries for leadership, detailed operational metrics for program managers, and environmental outcome data for EPA reporting. The dashboard is accessible through standard web browsers with no special software requirements.

Requirement: Align all reports with applicable EPA and NDWEE guidelines and timelines. Ensure proper documentation for audits, evaluations, and public recordkeeping.

Bidder Response: Grants Interface reporting aligns with the same EPA and NDWEE timelines governing CI Data Bank reports, ensuring coordinated delivery of program-wide documentation.

Audit-ready records are maintained with appropriate retention periods—grant-related information is preserved for 10 years after project completion per QAPP specifications. Public recordkeeping requirements are met through appropriately anonymized data summaries that demonstrate program outcomes without exposing individual producer information.

Maintenance and Updates

Requirement: Provide ongoing system maintenance to ensure the platform remains secure, up-to-date, and optimized for performance.

Bidder Response: Grants Interface maintenance follows the same schedule and practices as the CI Data Bank—security patching, infrastructure optimization, and proactive performance tuning—all included in the annual subscription through September 2029. The shared infrastructure model means maintenance activities benefit both platforms simultaneously, reducing downtime windows and ensuring consistent security posture. Maintenance activities and outcomes are documented and available for NDWEE review.

Requirement: Offer post-launch updates to enhance functionality, fix bugs, and incorporate new features based on user feedback or evolving program requirements.

Bidder Response: Feature enhancements for the Grants Interface are prioritized alongside CI Data Bank updates through the same agile development and CI/CD pipeline. Grants-specific enhancements may include expanded Scenario Modeling Tool parameters, additional practice categories, refined workflow configurations, and new reporting templates. User feedback from producers, ASPs, and NDWEE staff is collected and incorporated into release planning, with no additional charges for updates delivered during the contract term.

Requirement: Monitor system performance to ensure 99.5% uptime reliability and quick resolution of any issues that arise.

Bidder Response: The Grants Interface operates on the same high-availability infrastructure targeting 99.5% uptime—multi-zone deployment, automatic failover, auto-scaling, and continuous performance monitoring. Because both platforms share infrastructure, uptime improvements and incident response enhancements benefit the Grants Interface and CI Data Bank equally. Uptime metrics for the Grants Interface are tracked independently and reported to NDWEE alongside CI Data Bank performance data in quarterly reports.

3 – PROGRAM SUPPORT

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT RESPONSES

3.1 Program Support

3.1.a

Requirement: Coordinate and prepare program materials, meetings, and engagement sessions associated with Deliverables 1 and 2.

Bidder Response: Concourse's Program Coordinator leads preparation of program materials, meeting agendas, and stakeholder engagement sessions spanning both the CI Data Bank and Grants Interface. Meeting coordination includes scheduling, materials development, facilitation, minutes documentation, and action item tracking. Engagement sessions are tailored to audience—technical briefings for ASPs, user-focused orientations for producers, and strategic reviews for NDWEE leadership. A dedicated Program Manager serves as the day-to-day coordination point, maintaining consistent communication rhythms throughout the contract term.

Requirement: Develop and manage program action list to ensure all efforts and initiatives are completed in a timely manner.

Bidder Response: A structured action list is maintained from contract award through program completion, tracking all deliverables, milestones, and initiative-level tasks with assigned owners, due dates, and status indicators. The action list is reviewed during regular NDWEE check-in meetings, with overdue and at-risk items highlighted for proactive resolution. Action list management follows the same project management protocols established during the discovery phase, with transparency tools enabling NDWEE to view status at any time without waiting for formal reporting cycles.

Requirement: Conduct research to inform and advance concepts in relation to carbon intensity calculation and market opportunities.

Bidder Response: Concourse provides ongoing research and advisory support on CI calculation methodologies, GREET model updates, and emerging carbon market opportunities. This includes monitoring developments in voluntary and compliance carbon markets, tracking federal policy changes that may impact CI scoring or incentive structures, and identifying potential integration opportunities with national and international carbon registries. Research findings are summarized in digestible briefings for NDWEE, informing strategic decisions about program evolution and future-state platform capabilities.

3.1d

Requirement: Facilitate meetings and calls with NDWEE as needed to ensure project success.

Bidder Response: Concourse facilitates regular and ad-hoc meetings with NDWEE throughout the contract term. During implementation, weekly status calls cover progress, risks, and decisions needed. During operations, meeting cadence shifts to bi-weekly or monthly as agreed with NDWEE, supplemented by on-demand calls for urgent matters. The Project Director and Program Manager participate in all scheduled meetings, with technical and program staff joining as topics require.

Meeting formats are flexible—supporting in-person, video conference, and phone participation—and all meetings produce documented action items with accountability assignments.

3.2 Communication Support

3.2

Requirement: Assist in communication and activities between NDWEE, producers, Nebraska Resource Districts (NRDs), contractors, and third-party service providers to the extent possible in relation to Deliverables 1 & 2

Bidder Response: Concourse supports multi-stakeholder communications by serving as a coordination hub between NDWEE and program participants. This includes developing communication templates for producer outreach, coordinating with Nebraska Resource Districts on regional engagement activities, managing ASP communications regarding qualification requirements and platform updates, and facilitating information flow between contractors involved in program operations. Communication channels integrate with NDWEE's existing tools, such as Microsoft Teams, for transparent and efficient collaboration. Concourse adapts communication approaches

Bidder Response: All program documentation—technical specifications, security protocols, training materials, API documentation, and operational procedures—is submitted to NDWEE for review and approval according to timelines established during the discovery phase. A documentation management process tracks submission, review, feedback incorporation, and approval status for each deliverable. Documents are versioned and stored in a shared repository accessible to both Concourse and NDWEE teams, ensuring all stakeholders work from current approved versions.

Requirement: Prepare internal and external project performance reports.

Bidder Response: Concourse prepares both internal performance reports for project management purposes and external reports for NDWEE, EPA, and other stakeholders. Internal reports track development velocity, issue resolution rates, and resource utilization to ensure project health.

External reports follow the quarterly and annual structures outlined in Sections 1.6 and 2.6, covering program milestones, participation statistics, financial tracking, environmental outcomes, and challenges with mitigation strategies. Report formats are tailored to audience needs and refined based on NDWEE feedback.

Requirement: Archive records of compliance, Approved Service Provider (ASP) evaluations, and audit results.

Bidder Response: Compliance records, ASP evaluation results, and cybersecurity audit reports are archived in a secure, indexed repository with retention periods meeting or exceeding QAPP requirements—a minimum of 10 years for grant-related information. Records are organized for efficient retrieval during audits and evaluations, with access controls limiting visibility to authorized NDWEE and audit personnel. The archival system supports both electronic and exportable formats, ensuring records remain accessible regardless of future platform transitions.

Requirement: Conduct post-implementation review with ASPs, if needed, and NDWEE team.

Bidder Response: Post-implementation reviews are conducted with NDWEE and participating ASPs following the initial platform launch and at key program milestones. Reviews evaluate platform performance against requirements, identify areas for improvement, gather user feedback, and document lessons learned. Findings are compiled into actionable recommendations that inform the ongoing enhancement roadmap. Additional post-implementation reviews can be scheduled as needed when significant changes are deployed or new ASPs are onboarded during the operational phase.

Approved Service Provider (ASP) Coordination

Requirement: Manage subcontracts with 3rd Party ASPs Providers.

Bidder Response: Concourse manages the operational relationship with third-party ASPs, including subcontract administration where applicable. Management activities encompass onboarding new ASPs to the platform, monitoring compliance with data submission standards, tracking performance against quality benchmarks, and coordinating the resolution of technical or contractual issues. All ASP subcontract management involving ONE RED funds is conducted in consultation with NDWEE, with regular status reporting on ASP activity levels, compliance standing, and any issues requiring attention.

Requirement: Assist in the development of criteria and procedures for ASP qualification and approval.

Bidder Response: Concourse collaborates with NDWEE to develop ASP qualification criteria addressing data collection methodology compliance, data security and producer privacy practices, consent management procedures, technical capability to interface with the platform API, and commitment to using the most recent FD-CIC calculator version. Approval procedures define the application, review, and decision process, including documentation requirements and timelines.

Criteria and procedures are documented and published to prospective ASPs to promote transparency i SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

State of Nebraska – State Purchasing Bureau

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SERVICES CONTRACT

SOLICITATION NUMBER RELEASE DATE

124065 O5 January 20, 2026

OPENING DATE AND TIME PROCUREMENT CONTACT

February 23, 2026 2:00 p.m. Central Time Matthew Caddy

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

SCOPE OF SERVICE

The State of Nebraska (State), Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Materiel Division, State Purchasing Bureau (SPB), is issuing this service contract Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 124065 O5 for the purpose of selecting a qualified bidder to develop and implement a new Ag Data Bank (Data Bank) and Grants Program for the NDWEE’s Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization Program (ONE RED).

The primary focus of this solicitation is the development and implementation of a carbon intensity (CI) scores data bank (archive) that will foster the widespread adoption of CI scores as a key performance metric for crops and ag land management. In parallel, it will initiate and support community-based programs to encourage adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and provide incentives to farmers to acquire precision agriculture technology to facilitate adoption of these practices.

More detailed descriptions can be found in Section V (below) and here: DWEE ONE RED Ag Program Web-Page. - Please note that due to a variety of factors, structural and terminology changes to several program details originally described in the October 2024 EPA approved workplan (WP), which is found on the DWEE website, have changed. These changes include:

1) The term “Data Bank” replaces “Registry” throughout the WP when referencing this program to ensure producers understand they retain ownership of all data submitted to the program.

2) NDEE is replaced with NDWEE throughout the WP after merging with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

3) On page 58 and 59, the Administration Overview and Personnel sections are replaced with the structure outlined in this document.

4) On page 62 and 63, the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force has replaced the Governing Council as advisory body for ONE

RED.

5) On page 66 and 67, the Program Timeline is replaced by the timeline outlined in this document.

6) On page 74 and 75, the Budget will be adjusted to the needs of this new structure.

The resulting contract may not be an exclusive contract as the State reserves the right to contract for the same or similar services from other sources now or in the future.

The term of the contract will be through September 30, 2029 commencing upon execution of the contract by the State and the Vendor (Parties). The Contract includes the option to renew for two (2) additional six (6) Month periods upon mutual agreement of the Parties.

The State reserves the right to extend the period of this contract beyond the termination date when mutually agreeable to the Parties.

In the event that a contract with the awarded bidder(s) is cancelled or in the event that the State needs additional Vendors to supply the solicited services, this solicitation may be used to procure the solicited services up to two (2) years from the date the Intent to Award is posted, provided that 1) the solicited goods or services will be provided by a bidder (or a successive owner) who submitted a response pursuant to this solicitation, 2) the bidder’s solicitation response was evaluated, and 3) the bidder will honor the bidder’s original solicitation response, including the proposed cost, allowing for any price increases that would have otherwise been allowed if the bidder would have received the initial award.

ALL INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THIS SOLICITATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT:

https://das.nebraska.gov/materiel/bidopps.html.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-602.04, State contracts in effect as of January 1, 2014, and contracts entered into thereafter, must be posted to a public website. The resulting contract, the Solicitation, and the awarded solicitation response will be posted to a public website managed by DAS, which can be found at http://statecontracts.nebraska.gov and https://www.nebraska.gov/das/materiel/purchasing/contract_search/index.php.

In addition and in furtherance of the State’s public records Statute (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 et seq.), all responses received regarding this Solicitation will be posted to the State Purchasing Bureau public website.

These postings will include the entire solicitation response. Bidder must request that proprietary information be excluded from the posting.

The bidder must identify the proprietary information, mark the proprietary information according to state law, and submit the proprietary information in a separate file named conspicuously as "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION". The bidder should submit a detailed written document showing that the release of the proprietary information would give a business advantage to named business competitor(s) and ii SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025 explain how the named business competitor(s) will gain an actual business advantage by disclosure of information. The mere assertion that information is proprietary or that a speculative business advantage might be gained is not sufficient. (See Attorney General Opinion No. 92068, April 27, 1992). THE BIDDER MAY NOT ASSERT THAT THE ENTIRE SOLICITATION IS PROPRIETARY. COST SHEETS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED PROPRIETARY AND ARE A PUBLIC RECORD IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA. The State will determine, in its sole discretion, if the disclosure of the information designated by the Bidder as proprietary would 1) give advantage to business competitors and 2) serve no public purpose. The Bidder will be notified of the State’s decision. Absent a determination by the State that the information may be withheld pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05, the State will consider all information a public record subject to disclosure.

If the State determines it is required to release withheld proprietary information, the bidder will be informed. It will be the bidder's responsibility to defend the bidder's asserted interest in non-disclosure.

To facilitate such public postings, with the exception of proprietary information, the State of Nebraska reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to copy, reproduce, publish, post to a website, or otherwise use any contract, or solicitation response for any purpose, and to authorize others to use the documents. Any individual or entity awarded a contract, or who submits a solicitation response, specifically waives any copyright or other protection the contract, or solicitation response may have; and acknowledges that they have the ability and authority to enter into such waiver. This reservation and waiver are a prerequisite for submitting a solicitation response, and award of a contract. Failure to agree to the reservation and waiver will result in the solicitation response being found non-responsive and rejected.

Any entity awarded a contract or submitting a solicitation response agrees not to sue, file a claim, or make a demand of any kind, and will indemnify and hold harmless the State and its employees, volunteers, agents, and its elected and appointed officials from and against any and all claims, liens, demands, damages, liability, actions, causes of action, losses, judgments, costs, and expenses of every nature, including investigation costs and expenses, settlement costs, and attorney fees and expenses, sustained or asserted against the State, arising out of, resulting from, or attributable to the posting of the contract or solicitation response, awards, and other documents.

iii SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SERVICES CONTRACT ..................................................................................................... i

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................................................................ v

ACRONYM LIST ........................................................................................................................................................................ x

I. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

B. PROCURING OFFICE AND COMMUNICATION WITH STATE STAFF AND EVALUATORS

C. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Schedule of Events

D. WRITTEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

E. SECRETARY OF STATE/TAX COMMISSIONER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (Nonnegotiable)

F. ETHICS IN PUBLIC CONTRACTING

G. DEVIATIONS FROM THE SOLICITATION

H. SUBMISSION OF SOLICITATION RESPONSES

I. SOLICITATION PREPARATION COSTS

J. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SOLICITATION

K. SOLICITATION RESPONSE CORRECTIONS

L. LATE SOLICITATION RESPONSES

M. BID OPENING

N. SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS

O. EVALUATION COMMITTEE

P. EVALUATION OF SOLICITATION RESPONSES

Q. BEST AND FINAL OFFER

R. REFERENCE AND CREDIT CHECKS

S. AWARD

T. LUMP SUM OR “ALL OR NONE” SOLICITATION RESPONSES

U. REJECTION OF SOLICITATION RESPONSES

V. PRICES & COST CLARIFICATION

W. VENDOR DEMONSTRATIONS

II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. GENERAL

B. NOTIFICATION

C. BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE

D. GOVERNING LAW (Nonnegotiable)

E. BEGINNING OF WORK & SUSPENSION OF SERVICES

F. AMENDMENT

G. CHANGE ORDERS OR SUBSTITUTIONS

H. RECORD OF VENDOR PERFORMANCE

I. NOTICE OF POTENTIAL VENDOR BREACH

J. BREACH

K. NON-WAIVER OF BREACH

L. SEVERABILITY

M. INDEMNIFICATION

N. ATTORNEY'S FEES

O. ASSIGNMENT, SALE, OR MERGER

P. CONTRACTING WITH OTHER NEBRASKA POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF THE STATE OR ANOTHER

STATE

Q. FORCE MAJEURE

R. CONFIDENTIALITY

S. EARLY TERMINATION

iv SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

T. CONTRACT CLOSEOUT

U. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

V. EPA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

W. CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

X. FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY

Y. DBRA REQUIREMENTS - DAVIS-BACON AND RELATED ACTS

Z. GEOSPATIAL DATA STANDARDS

III. VENDOR DUTIES

A. INDEPENDENT VENDOR / OBLIGATIONS

B. FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTRACTING PROHIBITION ACT CERTIFICATION (Nonnegotiable)

C. EMPLOYEE WORK ELIGIBILITY STATUS

D. COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT /

NONDISCRIMINATION (Nonnegotiable)

E. COOPERATION WITH OTHER VENDORS

F. DISCOUNTS

G. PRICES

H. PERMITS, REGULATIONS, LAWS

I. OWNERSHIP OF INFORMATION AND DATA / DELIVERABLES

J. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

K. ANTITRUST

L. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

M. STATE PROPERTY

N. ADVERTISING

O. NEBRASKA TECHNOLOGY ACCESS STANDARDS (Nonnegotiable)

P. DISASTER RECOVERY/BACK UP PLAN

Q. DRUG POLICY

R. WARRANTY

S. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

IV. PAYMENT

A. TAXES (Nonnegotiable)

B. INVOICES

C. INSPECTION AND APPROVAL

D. PAYMENT (Nonnegotiable)

E. TIME AND MATERIALS

F. LATE PAYMENT (Nonnegotiable) G. SUBJECT TO FUNDING / FUNDING OUT CLAUSE FOR LOSS OF APPROPRIATIONS (Nonnegotiable)

H. RIGHT TO AUDIT (First Paragraph is Nonnegotiable)

V. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF WORK

A. PROJECT OVERVIEW

B. PROJECT ENVIRONMENT

C. SCOPE OF WORK

D. DELIVERABLES

E. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: DATA MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY

VI. SOLICITATION RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

A. SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION

CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FORM

v SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Acceptance Test Procedure: Benchmarks and other performance criteria, developed by the State or other sources of testing standards, for measuring the effectiveness of products or goods and the means used for testing such performance

Addendum: A written correction or alteration to a document during the solicitation process (e.g., Questions and Answers, Revised Schedule of Events, Addendum to Contract Award)

Agency: All officers of the state, departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, councils, and institutions receiving legislative appropriations

Agent/Representative: A person authorized to act on behalf of another

Amend: To alter or change by adding, subtracting, or substituting

Amendment: A written correction or alteration to a document

Appropriation: Legislative authorization to expend public funds for a specific purpose; money set apart for a specific use

Approved Service Provider (ASP): Contractors that work with producers to gather information and create a verifiable CI score

Automated Clearing House (ACH): Electronic network for financial transactions in the United States

Award: All purchases, leases, or contracts which are based on competitive solicitations will be awarded according to the provisions in the solicitation

Best and Final Offer (BAFO): In a competitive solicitation, the final offer submitted which contains Vendor’s most favorable terms for price

Bid: See Solicitation Response

Bid Opening: The process of opening correctly submitted solicitation responses at the time and place specified in the written solicitation and in the presence of any bidder who wishes to attend

Bidder: A Vendor who submits a Solicitation Response

Breach: Violation of a contractual obligation by failing to perform or repudiation of one’s own promise

Business: Any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint-stock company, joint venture, or any other private legal entity

Business Day: Any weekday, except State-recognized holidays

Calendar Day: Every day shown on the calendar including Saturdays, Sundays, and State/Federal holidays

Cancellation: To call off or revoke a solicitation, purchase order, or contract without expectation of conducting or performing at a later time

Catalog/Non-Core: A printed or electronic list of products a Vendor may provide at a discounted rate or discount off list price to the State. Initial contract award(s) is not based on Catalog/Non-Core items

Central Processing Unit (CPU): Any computer or computer system that is used by the State to store, process, or retrieve data or perform other functions using Operating Systems and applications software

Change Order: Document that provides amendments to an executed purchase order or contract

Collusion: An agreement or cooperation between two or more persons or entities to accomplish a fraudulent, deceitful, or unlawful purpose

Commodities: Any equipment, material, supply, or goods; anything movable or tangible that is provided or sold

Commodities Description: Detailed descriptions of the items to be purchased; may include information necessary to obtain the desired quality, type, color, size, shape, or special characteristics necessary to perform the work intended to produce the desired results vi SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

Competition: The effort or action of two or more commercial interests to obtain the same business from third parties

Confidential Information: See Proprietary Information

Contract: An agreement between two or more parties creating obligations that are enforceable or otherwise recognizable at law; the writing that sets forth such an agreement

Contract Administration: The management of the contract which includes and is not limited to contract signing, contract amendments and any necessary legal actions

Contract Award: Document that officially awards a contract to a bidder(s) as the result of a competitive solicitation or a vendor(s) in a contract that qualifies for an exception or exemption from the competitive bidding requirements of the State Procurement Act

Contract Management: The management of day-to-day activities at the agency which includes but is not limited to ensuring deliverables are received, specifications are met, handling meetings and making payments to the Vendor

Contract Period: The duration of the contract

Contractor: See Vendor

Cooperative Purchasing: The combining of requirements of two or more political entities to obtain advantages of volume purchases, reduction in administrative expenses or other public benefits

Copyright: A property right in an original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, giving the holder the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt and distribute the work

Cost Sheet: A required document that is completed by the vendor in the prescribed format to show the vendor’s pricing to provide the commodities or perform the services requested.

Critical Program Error: Any Program Error, whether or not known to the State, which prohibits or significantly impairs use of the Licensed Software as set forth in the documentation and intended in the contract

Customer Service: The process of ensuring customer satisfaction by providing assistance and advice on those commodities or services provided by a Vendor

Default: The omission or failure to perform a contractual duty

Deviation: Any proposed change(s) or alteration(s) to either the terms and conditions or deliverables within the scope of the written solicitation or contract

Evaluation: The process of examining a solicitation response after opening to determine the bidder’s responsibility, responsiveness to requirements, and to ascertain other characteristics of the solicitation response that relate to determination of the successful award

Evaluation Committee: Individual(s) identified by the agency that leads the solicitation to evaluate solicitation responses

Extension: Continuance of a contract for a specified duration upon the agreement of the parties beyond the original Contract Period; not to be confused with “Renewal Period”

Free on Board (F.O.B.) Destination: The delivery charges are included in the quoted price and prepaid by the Vendor.

Vendor is responsible for all claims associated with damages during delivery of product.

Free on Board (F.O.B.) Point of Origin: The delivery charges are not included in the quoted price and are the responsibility of the agency. Agency is responsible for all claims associated with damages during delivery of product

Foreign Corporation: A foreign corporation that was organized and chartered under the laws of another state, government, or country

Goods: See Commodities

Installation Date: The date when the procedures described in “Installation by Vendor“ and “Installation by State” as found in the solicitation or contract are completed vii SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

Interested Party: A person acting in their personal capacity or an entity entering into a contract or other agreement creating a legal interest therein

Late Solicitation Response: A solicitation response received after the Opening Date and Time

Licensed Software Documentation: The user manuals and any other materials in any form or medium customarily provided by the Vendor to the users of the Licensed Software which will provide the State with sufficient information to operate, diagnose, and maintain the Licensed Software properly, safely, and efficiently

Mandatory: Required, compulsory, or obligatory

May: Discretionary, permitted; used to express possibility

Module (see System): A collection of routines and data structures that perform a specific function of software

Must: See Shall

National Institute for Governmental Purchasing (NIGP): National Institute of Governmental Purchasing – Source used for assignment of universal commodity codes to goods and services

Non-core: See Catalog

Non-Responsive Solicitation Response: Any solicitation response that does not comply with the requirements of the solicitation or cannot be evaluated against the other solicitation responses

Nonnegotiable: These clauses are controlled by state law and are not subject to negotiation

Opening Date and Time: Specified date and time for the opening of received, labeled, and sealed formal solicitation responses

Operating System: The control program in a computer that provides the interface to the computer hardware and peripheral devices, and the usage and allocation of memory resources, processor resources, input/output resources, and security resources

Outsourcing: The contracting out of a business process that an organization may have previously performed internally or for which an organization has a new need to an independent organization from which the process is purchased back

Payroll & Financial Center (PFC): Electronic procurement system of record

Performance Bond: An insurance agreement accompanied by a monetary commitment by which a third party (the surety) accepts liability and guarantees that the Vendor fulfills any and all obligations under the contract

Personal Property: See Commodities

Platform: A specific hardware and Operating System combination that is different from other hardware and Operating System combinations to the extent that a different version of the Licensed Software product is required to execute properly in the environment established by such hardware and Operating System combination

Point of Contact (POC): The person designated to receive communications and to communicate

Product: Something that is distributed commercially for use or consumption and that is usually (1) tangible personal property,

(2) the result of fabrication or processing, and (3) an item that has passed through a chain of commercial distribution before ultimate use or consumption

Program Error: Code in Licensed Software that produces unintended results or actions or that produces results or actions other than those described in the specifications. A program error includes, without limitation, any Critical Program Error.

Program Set: The group of programs and products, including the Licensed Software specified in the solicitation, plus any additional programs and products licensed by the State under the contract for use by the State

Project: The total scheme, program, or method worked out for the accomplishment of an objective, including all documentation, commodities, and services to be provided under the contract

Proposal: See Solicitation Response viii SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

Proprietary Information: Trade secrets, academic and scientific research work that is in progress and unpublished or other information that if released would give advantage to business competitors and service no public purpose. See Neb. Rev. Stat.

§ 84-712.05(3). In accordance with Attorney General Opinions 92068 and 97033, proof that information is proprietary requires identification of specific named competitor(s) advantaged by release of the information and the demonstrated advantage the named competitor(s) would gain by the release of information.

Protest/Grievance:

A complaint about a governmental action or decision related to the solicitation or resultant contract under SPB’s Protest Policy.

Quote: See Solicitation Response

Recommended Hardware Configuration: The data processing hardware (including all terminals, auxiliary storage, communication, and other peripheral devices) to the extent used by the State as recommended by the Vendor

Release Date: The date of public release of the solicitation

Renewal Period: Optional contract periods subsequent to the original Contract Period for a specified duration with previously agreed to terms and conditions; not to be confused with “Extension”

Request for Proposal (RFP): See Solicitation

Responsible Bidder: A Vendor who has the capability in all respects to perform fully and lawfully all requirements with integrity and reliability to assure good faith performance

Responsive Bidder: A Vendor who has submitted a solicitation response which conforms to all requirements of the solicitation

Shall: An order/command; mandatory

Should: Expected; suggested, but not necessarily mandatory

Software License: Legal instrument with or without printed material that governs the use or redistribution of licensed software

Solicitation: A formal invitation to receive quotes in the form of a Request for Proposal or Invitation to Bid

Solicitation Conference: A meeting scheduled for the purpose of clarifying a written solicitation and related expectations

Solicitation Response: An offer, quote, bid, or proposal submitted by a Vendor in response to a Solicitation

Specifications: The detailed statement, especially of the measurements, quality, materials, and functional characteristics, or other items to be provided under a contract

Subcontractor: Individual or entity with whom the Vendor enters a contract to perform a portion of the work awarded to the Vendor

System (see Module): Any collection or aggregation of two (2) or more Modules that is designed to function, or is represented by the Vendor as functioning or being capable of functioning, as an entity

Termination:

Occurs when either Party, under a power created by agreement or law, puts an end to the contract prior to the stated expiration date; all obligations that are still executory on both sides are discharged but any right based on prior breach or performance survives

Third-Party: Any person or entity, including but not limited to fiduciaries, shareholders, owners, officers, managers, employees, legally disinterested persons, and subcontractors or agents, and their employees. It shall not include any entity or person who is an interested party to the contract or agreement

Trade Secret: Information, including but not limited to, a drawing, formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, code, or process that (a) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being known to, and not being ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy (see Neb. Rev. Stat. § 87-502(4))

Trademark: A word, phrase, logo, or other graphic symbol used by a manufacturer or Vendor to distinguish its product from those of others, registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ix SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

Upgrade: Any change that improves or alters the basic function of a product of service

Vendor: An individual or entity lawfully conducting business with the State, or licensed to do so, who seeks to provide and contract for goods or services under the terms of a Solicitation and/or Contract

Vendor Performance Report: A report completed by the using agency and submitted to State Purchasing Bureau documenting products or services delivered or performed which exceed or fail to meet the terms of the purchase order, contract, and/or solicitation specifications

Will: See Shall

Work Day: See Business Day x SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

ACRONYM LIST

ACH – Automated Clearing House

ARO – After Receipt of Order

BAFO – Best and Final Offer

CI- Carbon Intensity

COI – Certificate of Insurance

CPRG – Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPU – Central Processing Unit

DAS – Department of Administrative Services

F.O.B. – Free on Board

ICT – Information and Communication Technology

ITB – Invitation to Bid

ONE RED – Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization+

NDWEE – Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

NIGP – National Institute for Governmental Purchasing

PA – Precision Agriculture

QAPP - Quality Assurance Project Plan

RA – Regenerative Agriculture

RFP – Request for Proposal

SPB – State Purchasing Bureau

SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 07012025

I. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

This solicitation is designed to solicit responses from qualified bidders who will be responsible for developing and implementing a new Ag Data Bank and Grants Program for the NDWEE’s Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization Program (ONE RED), at a competitive and reasonable cost.

Solicitation responses shall conform to all instructions, conditions, and requirements included in the solicitation.

Prospective bidders are expected to carefully examine all documents, schedules, and requirements in this solicitation, and respond to each requirement in the format prescribed. Solicitation responses may be found non-responsive if they do not conform to the solicitation.

B. PROCURING OFFICE AND COMMUNICATION WITH STATE STAFF AND EVALUATORS

Procurement responsibilities related to this solicitation reside with the State Purchasing Bureau. The point of contact (POC) for the procurement is as follows:

RFP Number: 124065 O5 Name: Matthew Caddy, Procurement Contracts Officer Agency: State Purchasing Bureau Address: 1526 K Street, Suite 130 Lincoln, NE 68508 Telephone: 402-471-6500 E-Mail: as.materielpurchasing@nebraska.gov

From the date the solicitation is issued until the Intent to Award is issued, communication from the bidder is limited to the POC listed above. After the Intent to Award is issued, the bidder may communicate with individuals the State has designated as responsible for negotiating the contract on behalf of the State. No member of the State Government, employee of the State, or member of the Evaluation Committee is empowered to make binding statements regarding this solicitation. The POC will issue any answers, clarifications, or amendments regarding this solicitation in writing.

Only the SPB or awarding agency can award a contract. Bidders shall not have any communication with or attempt to communicate or influence any evaluator involved in this solicitation.

The following exceptions to these restrictions are permitted:

1. Contact made pursuant to pre-existing contracts or obligations;

2. Contact required by the schedule of events or an event scheduled later by the POC; and

3. Contact required for negotiation and execution of the final contract.

The State reserves the right to reject a bidder’s solicitation response, withdraw an Intent to Award, or terminate a contract if the State determines there has been a violation of these procurement procedures.

C. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The State expects to adhere to the procurement schedule shown below, but all dates are approximate and subject to change.

NOTE: All ShareFile links in the Schedule of Events below, are unique links for each schedule step. Please click the correct link for the upload step you are requesting.

Schedule of Events

ACTIVITY DATE/TIME

1. 1 Release solicitation January 20, 2026

2.

Last day to submit written questions.

ShareFile link for uploading questions: https://nebraska.sharefile.com/r-rea44a4b33a68405db453b6e17ea4532e

February 2, 2026

3.

State responds to written questions through “Solicitation “Addendum” to be posted to the Internet at: http://das.nebraska.gov/materiel/bidopps.html

February 9, 2026

4. 1

Electronic Solicitation Opening – Online Via Webex

IT IS THE BIDDER’S RESPONSIBILTY TO UPLOAD ELECTRONIC FILES

BY OPENING DATE AND TIME. EXCEPTIONS WILL NOT BE MADE FOR

TECHNOLOGY ISSUES.

ShareFile Electronic Solicitation Submission Link:

https://nebraska.sharefile.com/r-r522b25eb8f5d42ccb164f1e1bae8a8fa

Join link:

https://sonvideo.webex.com/sonvideo/j.php?MTID=mb606d0ff9322e2b9be8 6d1c3b3c6c263

Webinar number:

2498 209 1023

Webinar password:

nTurCZPb668 (68872972 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Access code: 249 820 91023

February 23, 2026

2:00 PM

Central Time

5. 1 Review for conformance to solicitation requirements February 23, 2026

6. 1 Evaluation period February 24-26, 2026

7. 1 “Vendor Demonstrations” (top proposals) if required March 4, 2026

8. 1 Post “Intent to Award” to the Internet at https://das.nebraska.gov/materiel/bidopps.html March 11, 2026

9. 1 Contract finalization period March 11 – March 20, 2026

10. 1 Contract award March 23, 2026

11. 2 Contract start date TBD

D. WRITTEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Questions regarding the meaning or interpretation of any solicitation provision must be submitted in writing to State Purchasing Bureau and clearly marked “Solicitation 124065 O5; Ag Data Bank and Grants Program-Questions”. The POC is not obligated to respond to questions that are received late per the Schedule of Events.

Bidders should submit questions for any items upon which assumptions may be made when preparing a response to the solicitation. Any solicitation response containing assumptions may be deemed non-responsive and may be rejected by the State. Solicitation responses will be evaluated without consideration of any known or unknown assumptions of a bidder. The contract will not incorporate any known or unknown assumptions of a bidder.

Questions should be uploaded using the ShareFile link provided in the solicitation Schedule of Events, Section I.C.

It is recommended that bidders submit questions using the following format:

RFP Section Reference

RFP Page Number Question

Written answers will be posted at https://das.nebraska.gov/materiel/bidopps.html per the Schedule of Events.

E. SECRETARY OF STATE/TAX COMMISSIONER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (Nonnegotiable) All bidders must be authorized to transact business in the State of Nebraska and comply with all Nebraska Secretary of State Registration requirements. The bidder who is the recipient of an Intent to Award may be required to certify that it has complied and produce a true and exact copy of its current (within ninety (90) calendar days of the intent to award) Certificate or Letter of Good Standing, or in the case of a sole proprietorship, provide written documentation…