SPB Form 22 | RFP Template | Effective 12162024

CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FORM

By signing this Contractual Agreement Form, the bidder guarantees compliance with the provisions stated in this solicitation and agrees to the terms and conditions unless otherwise indicated in writing and certifies that bidder is not owned by the Chinese Communist Party.

THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED MANUALLY IN INK OR BY DOCUSIGN

COMPANY:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

BIDDER NAME & TITLE:

SIGNATURE:

DATE:

VENDOR COMMUNICATION WITH THE STATE CONTACT INFORMATION

(IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE)

NAME:

TITLE:

PHONE:

EMAIL:

BIDDER MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING

Per Nebraska’s Transparency in Government Procurement Act, Neb. Rev Stat § 73-603, DAS is required to collect statistical information regarding the number of contracts awarded to Nebraska Vendors. This information is for statistical purposes only and will not be considered for contract award purposes.

_____ NEBRASKA VENDOR AFFIDAVIT: Bidder hereby attests that bidder is a Nebraska Vendor.

“Nebraska Vendor” shall mean any bidder who has maintained a bona fide place of business and at least one employee within this state for at least the six (6) months immediately preceding the posting date of this Solicitation. All vendors who are not a Nebraska Vendor are considered Foreign Vendors under Neb. Rev Stat § 73-603 (c).

_____ I hereby certify that I am a Resident disabled veteran or business located in a designated enterprise zone in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 73-107 and wish to have preference, if applicable, considered in the award of this contract.

_____ I hereby certify that I am a blind person licensed by the Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-8611 and wish to have preference considered in the award of this contract.

Continuity Operations Group, LLC 7204 S 157th Street, Omaha, NE 68136 mike.murphy@cog-llc.com Michael D. Murphy, CEO

(703) 651-6199

Docusign Envelope ID: 23995A10-5344-4E2F-BB65-E97D7737452C

2/24/2026

Attachment A Bidder Questionnaire

RFP 124469 O5

Bidder Name: Continuity Operations Group, LLC

Bidder should provide a response to all questions in this attachment to meet the requirements of the

RFP.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

1.1

BIDDER IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION

The bidder should provide the full company or corporate name, address of the company's headquarters, entity organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship), state in which the bidder is incorporated or otherwise organized to do business, year in which the bidder first organized to do business and whether the name and form of organization has changed since first organized.

Response:

Full company or corporate name: Continuity Operations Group, LLC

Address of the company's headquarters: 7201 Warbler Lane, McLean, VA 22101

Entity organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship): Limited Liability Company with S-Corp status

State in which the bidder is incorporated or otherwise organized to do business: Virginia

Year in which the bidder first organized to do business: 2010

Whether the name and form of organization has changed since first organized: No Change

1.2

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The bidder should provide financial statements applicable to the firm. If publicly held, the bidder should provide a copy of the corporation's most recent audited financial reports and statements, and the name, address, and telephone number of the fiscally responsible representative of the bidder’s financial or banking organization.

If the bidder is not a publicly held corporation, either the reports and statements required of a publicly held corporation, or a description of the organization, including size, longevity, client base, areas of specialization and expertise, and any other pertinent information, should be submitted in such a manner that solicitation evaluators may reasonably formulate a determination about the stability and financial strength of the organization. Additionally, a non-publicly held firm should provide a banking reference.

The bidder must disclose any and all judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of the organization, or state that no such condition is known to exist.

The State may elect to use a third party to conduct credit checks as part of the corporate overview evaluation.

Response:

Continuity Operations Group, LLC is a limited liability firm which maintains S-Corporation status. The firm’s unaudited financial statements for the last three calendar years and bank reference information are presented in Appendix A of this response (starting on page 17).

At present and to our knowledge, Continuity Operations Group, LLC, does not have any judgments, pending or expected litigation, or other real or potential financial reversals, which might materially affect the viability or stability of the organization.

Please visit our web site @ www.cog-llc.com

COG’s client base spans a wide range of industries, from those at the highest levels of the federal government to state and county-level agencies, transit authorities, educational campuses, and city governments, businesses, and social centers at the local level.

The company’s two principals, Michael D. Murphy, CEO and David L. Timm, COO, have more than fifty years of combined experience in military planning, operations, policies, and procedures, which gives them a unique ability to translate this collective experience into real-world results.

Corporate Structure: LLC/S Corporation Filing Status State/Date of Incorporation: Virginia, December 7, 2010

Owners/Shareholders: Michael D. Murphy David L. Timm

Chief Executive Of�icer Chief Operating Of�icer 7201 Warbler Lane 2516 Sterling Point Drive

McLean, VA 22101 Portsmouth, VA 23703

(703) 651-6199 (703) 629-3152 mike.murphy@cog-llc.com jake.timm@cog-llc.com

We employ grant specialists, project managers, technical specialists, and advisory staff who are experienced in helping local governments and private nonprofit organizations in addressing the effects of a wide range of contingencies, both natural and man-made. In the process of providing our services, we ensure the welfare of the clients’ affected communities, the integrity of the clients’ projects, and the aftereffects of the clients’ long-term economic recovery planning. We bring a superior pool of personnel who offer clients quality, professional “hands-on” services, as shown in Table I below, COG’s staffing composition:

Table I: COG’s Staffing Composition mailto:mike.murphy@cog-llc.com mailto:jake.timm@cog-llc.com

COG’s professionals have a long running history of engagements with the FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) Program. Based on our collective experiences, we are intimately familiar with the culture of FEMA and how decisions are made at each level of the Agency. As a result, our Team has considerable knowledge of the intricacies of the FEMA PA program. Our mission is to apply this knowledge, understanding, and expertise to assist the State of Nebraska in maximizing all available funding opportunities.

Table IV below, Public Assistance Disasters, lists the legacy and current disasters for which our staff have been and, in some cases still are, actively involved.

Table IV: Public Assistance Disasters

COG’s client base spans a wide range of industries, from those at the highest levels of the federal government to state and county-level agencies, transit authorities, educational campuses, and city governments, businesses, and social centers at the local level.

In addition to providing FEMA Public Assistance grants administration and technical support services, we also administer

• Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program,

• American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighters Grants

• FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants Program, And we offer guidance on the fundamentals of planning and developing Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) in the areas of prevention, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. We guide our clients in engaging the “whole community” in addressing risks that might significantly impact their communities. One of our most exciting new projects is providing FEMA Grants Administration and Emergency Preparedness Technical Support Services to the New York/New Jersey Host Committee in support of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Grants Program.

1.3

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

If any change in ownership or control of the company is anticipated during the twelve (12) months following the solicitation response due date, the bidder should describe the circumstances of such change and indicate when the change will likely occur. Any change of ownership to an awarded bidder(s) will require notification to the State.

Response: No change of ownership or control of the company is anticipated.

1.4

OFFICE LOCATION

The bidder’s office location responsible for performance pursuant to an award of a contract with the State of Nebraska should be identified.

Response: 7204 S 157th Street, Omaha NE 38136

1.5

RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STATE

The bidder should describe any dealings with the State over the previous ten (10) years. If the organization, its predecessor, or any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response has contracted with the State, the bidder should identify the contract number(s) and/or any other information available to identify such contract(s). If no such contract exists, so declare.

Response: Continuity Operations Group, LLC has not previously conducted business in the State of Nebraska.

1.6

BIDDER'S EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO STATE

If any Party named in the bidder’s solicitation response is or was an employee of the State within the past twelve (12) months, identify the individual(s) by name, State agency with whom employed, job title or position held with the State, and separation date.

If no such relationship exists or has existed, so declare.

If any employee of any agency of the State of Nebraska is employed by the bidder or is a subcontractor to the bidder, as of the due date for solicitation response submission, identify all such persons by name, position held with the bidder, and position held with the State (including job title and agency). Describe the responsibilities of such persons within the proposing organization. If, after review of this information by the State, it is determined that a conflict of interest exists or may exist, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration in this solicitation. If no such relationship exists, so declare.

Response:

Name: Stephen A. Rasgorshek

Mr. Rasgorshek is a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, and a former employee of the State of Nebraska (former State Patrol Officer and other departments professional).

Position held with the bidder (COG): FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program Grants Administration Consultant for the State of New Jersey

Describe the responsibilities of such persons within the proposing organization: COG employs Mr. Rasgorshek as an independent contractor; he serves as a Public Assistance Coordinator for the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

(If, after review of this information by the State, it is determined that a conflict of interest exists or may exist, the bidder may be disqualified from further consideration in this solicitation. If no such relationship exists, so declare).

COG is not aware of any conflict of interest that might arise regarding Mr. Rasgorshek’s current working status with our firm and our participation in any award stemming from this solicitation response.

1.7

CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

If the bidder or any proposed subcontractor has had a contract terminated for default during the past ten (10) years, all such instances must be described as required below. Termination for default is defined as a notice to stop performance delivery due to the bidder’s non-performance or poor performance, and the issue was either not litigated due to inaction on the part of the bidder or litigated and such litigation determined the bidder to be in default.

It is mandatory that the bidder submit full details of all termination for default experienced during the past ten (10) years, including the other Party's name, address, and telephone number. The response to this section must present the bidder’s position on the matter. The State will evaluate the facts and will score the bidder’s solicitation response accordingly. If no such termination for default has been experienced by the bidder in the past ten (10) years, so declare.

If at any time during the past five (5) years, the bidder has had a contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason, describe fully all circumstances surrounding such termination, including the name and address of the other contracting Party.

Response: No contract terminations

1.8

SUMMARY OF BIDDER’S CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

The bidder should provide a summary matrix listing the bidder’s previous projects similar to this Solicitation in size, scope, and complexity. The State will use no more than three (3) narrative project descriptions submitted by the bidder during its evaluation of the solicitation response.

The bidder should address the following:

i. Provide narrative descriptions to highlight the similarities between the bidder’s experience and this Solicitation. These descriptions should include:

a) The time period of the project,

b) The scheduled and actual completion dates,

c) The bidder’s responsibilities,

d) For reference purposes, a customer name (including the name of a contact person, a current telephone number, a facsimile number, and e-mail address); and

e) Each project description should identify whether the work was performed as the prime Vendor or as a subcontractor. If a bidder performed as the prime Vendor, the description should provide the originally scheduled completion date and budget, as well as the actual (or currently planned) completion date and actual (or currently planned) budget.

ii. Bidder and Subcontractor(s) experience should be listed separately. Narrative descriptions submitted for Subcontractors should be specifically identified as subcontractor projects.

iii. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, the narrative description should identify the same information as requested for the bidders above. In addition, subcontractors should identify what share of contract costs, project responsibilities, and time period were performed as a subcontractor.

Response: COG’s projects that are similar in size, scope, and complexity are as follows:

a. Referenced Project (1) State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM)

b. Period of Performance 2019 to Present

c. Scheduled/Actual

Completion Scheduled Project Completion set for September 2026

d. COG’s Responsibilities Prime Vendor: COG has provided staff augmentation to the State of New Jersey in support of its statewide FEMA Public Assistance Program for the past five years. Our initial Public Assistance Unit staff consisted of 50-plus full-time employees, and 10 independent contractors who were actively involved in assisting the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management in administering FEMA Public Assistance funding to State agencies, local municipalities, Tribal entities, and certain Private Non-Profits for nine (9) federally declared events, both legacy and recent occurrences. Our staff performed assigned duties in the capacity of State Liaisons or Public Assistance Coordinators. As of August 31, 2025, we successfully assisted the State of New Jersey in closing out several major disasters, and our current staff augmentation services now consists of 32 full-time employees, and 1 independent contractor, who are in the process of closing the remaining disasters (with a scheduled completion of September 2026). Our staff have been involved in every aspect of providing FEMA Public Assistance services to the State of New Jersey, from preliminary damage assessments, to processing Requests for Public Assistance, to developing scope and costs estimates, through to closeout.

e. Customer Reference (name, telephone, facsimile, email):

Patty Panaro, NJOEM Grants Manager Telephone: (609) 963-6931 Email: patricia.panaro@njsp.gov

f. Project delivery date and budget (actual and/or planned):

Scheduled Project Delivery Date: September 30, 2026 FEMA PA Funds Administered: $3.2B Contract Amount to Date: $60M

a. Referenced Project (2) State of New Jersey Department of Health (DOH)

b. Period of Performance 2017 to Present

c. Scheduled/Actual

Completion Ongoing/as needed per issued task order

d. COG’s Responsibilities Prime Vendor: COG provides assessment, consulting, and formal plan development on an ongoing basis to the New Jersey DOH. Our staff spearheaded the rewriting of the DOH’s Medical Counter Measures (MCM) Plan, which consists of the process that the State of New Jersey would utilize to implement medical countermeasures in response to myriad disasters that can impact public health (such as the current COVID-19 pandemic). The most significant aspect of the MCM Plan involves the process to request, receive and distribute the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The SNS contains pharmaceuticals and medical supplies needed in response to a serious incident that has overwhelmed the

State’s medical system. COG also facilitated training and exercising upon all plans with New Jersey DOH.

e. Customer Reference (name, telephone, facsimile, email):

Sejal Patel, Director of Emergency Management Telephone: (609) 984-7922 Email: sejal2.patel@doh.nj.gov

f. Project delivery date and budget (actual and/or planned):

Scheduled Project Delivery Date: ongoing/as needed and requested by New Jersey

DOH

Contract Amount to Date: $2.9M

a. Referenced Project (3) State of New Jersey, State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)

b. Period of Performance June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028 (with an additional 3-year option)

c. Scheduled/Actual

Completion June 2028

d. COG’s Responsibilities Prime Vendor: COG provides qualified personnel and subject matter experts to the State of New Jersey in support of the following: The State must have comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and procedures to execute an immediate tactical response, and to provide ongoing support and management throughout the recovery process regardless of the type or extent of damage, activity disruption, or size and criticality of the affected area. The NJOEM is also required to retain the State’s current Hazard Mitigation Plan, Continuity of Government Plan and the Continuity of Operations Plans of several partner agencies. All these plans have varying compliance dates requiring revision and re-promulgation either annually, biennially, or every five years. Over the past several years, the NJOEM and its partners in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and various New Jersey departments and agencies have worked diligently to develop emergency preparedness and response plans to address all hazards that the State may encounter. In addition, the NJOEM is responsible for managing the primary SEOC in West Trenton, one (1) alternate SEOC location in Warren County, one (1) alternate SEOC location in Cape May County, and for maintaining staff capabilities at a constant state of readiness. During disaster times, the SEOC could be required to support well over 200 workers from numerous state and partner agencies. On a regular basis, personnel must be trained and exercised on physical plants’ capabilities, operational procedures, resource management systems and tools, computer-based programs, and communications equipment utilized at the SEOC.

Additionally, the NJOEM and its partners will implement corrective actions process to continuously identify shortfalls and include positive improvement planning moving forward. COG provides personnel and subject matter experts to the SEOC in support of these efforts.

e. Customer Reference (name, telephone, facsimile, email):

Major Douglas Lemanowicz, Commanding Officer Telephone: (609) 963-6900 extension 6933 Email: douglas.lemanowicz@njsp.gov

f. Project delivery date and budget (actual and/or planned):

Ongoing through June 2028 Current Contract Amount: $12M

1.9

SUBCONTRACTORS

If the awarded bidder(s) intends to subcontract any part of its performance hereunder, the awarded bidder(s) should provide:

i. name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor(s),

ii. specific tasks for each subcontractor(s),

iii. percentage of performance hours intended for each subcontract; and

iv. total percentage of subcontractor(s) performance hours.

No Response Required:

TECHNICAL RESPONSE

2.1

Describe bidder’s process for providing PA technical services.

i. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipients not yet obligated by FEMA

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient) Response:

i. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipients not yet obligated by FEMA

Our Team’s initial sub-recipient review process entails assisting the State in educating the sub-recipient on how to submit a Request for Public Assistance. During this stage and while performing in the capacity of State Applicant Liaisons (SAL) or Public Assistance Coordinators (PAC), our team members will attend Applicant Briefings, which are meetings conducted by FEMA for the purpose of providing information related to the Public Assistance Grants Program Policy Guidance (PAPPG), Grants Portal Application processes, and immediate disaster specific directives and other pertinent Public Assistance Program specifics. This process includes other activities such as attending and participating in the FEMA/sub-recipient Exploratory Calls and Recovery Scoping Meetings, where the sub-recipient can disclose information related to disaster impact, anticipated project formulations, project categorizations, and potential eligibility issues. By participating in these activities, the COG team will provide outreach support through Public Assistance technical support services to the sub-recipient, ensuring that program regulations are adhered to, established deadlines are met, and disaster specific information is communicated on a timely basis so that sub-recipient funding opportunities can be maximized and the risk of de-obligation can be minimized or eliminated.

The COG team can also assist the State with reviewing the sub-recipients’ initial project formulations, whereby they identify eligible damages using FEMA’s Damage Inventory Listing spreadsheet template (standard form), which will eventually lead to developing detailed Damages, Descriptions, and Dimensions (DDD) reports, along with associated reasonable cost estimates.

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

Our experience in providing Public Assistance administrative and technical support services related to project reimbursement reveals that the major obstacle between the sub-recipient and the timely reimbursement of expenses is the submission of proper procurement and invoicing documentation. We will review applications to ensure that scopes of work are complete and will assist in identifying mitigation and/or improved project opportunities. We will assist the sub-recipient in engaging FEMA to include any newly found damage and/or requested amendments, and we will provide guidance in support of documentation retention and other requests for reimbursement issues.

Upon project obligation and FEMA’s release of funds to the State for reimbursement to sub-recipients and verifying that all funding agreements have been approved and properly executed by all parties, FEMA will transition the sub-recipients’ projects to the State for continued management and final closeout of projects via the Recovery Transition Meeting. This review process will entail showing that the sub-recipient contracted with qualified firms and followed proper bid and procurement procedures, identified and addressed all cost over- and under-runs, performed within established timeframes, submitted and were approved for any applicable time extension requests (supported by schedules and budgets), provided applicable insurance documentation, and are up to date on quarterly reporting.

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

The following narrative is based on the COG Teams current FEMA Public Assistance Technical Support services in support of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM):

Since 2020, our Team members have worked for NJOEM’s Public Assistance Operations Sector which is made up of 7 counties, 166 municipalities, and countless non-profit organizations in the North Region of New Jersey for the following disasters: DR-4086 Hurricane Sandy; DR-4574 Tropical Storm Isaias; DR-4488 COVID-19; DR-4614 Hurricane Ida. These counties include Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren. In the process of supporting NJOEM, COG’s contracted personnel work seamlessly within the agency to provide quality customer service to 21 Counties, 566 Municipalities, and numerous (501c3) Qualified Non-Profit Organizations (such as School Districts). Our services range from the initial Request for Reimbursement (RFR) through to the Closeout process, as the following narrative explains.

When a disaster strikes, there is an immediate outreach to the counties to determine immediate needs, which can sometimes be an intimidating task for local jurisdiction management personnel. This outreach includes tasking the County Emergency Management Offices to assist in the collection of data related to losses incurred within their specific jurisdiction. A preliminary damage assessment, commonly referred to at NJOEM as a “windshield survey” is conducted to quickly gather both actual and estimated financial losses incurred from the event. If the financial loss for the county and municipalities appear to come close to or exceed the per-capita assigned costs for a Presidentially Declared Disaster designation, then the State Public Assistance representatives from the recipient (NJOEM staff, COG contracted personnel, FEMA representatives, and local Emergency Management officials go site to validate these initial findings). Once the financial estimates are verified, the State Director of Emergency Management will work in collaboration with the Governor to submit a request to the White House for a Disaster Declaration. During this time, the COG Team often assists in setting up recovery centers and distributing disaster related information to the public through assigned County and Municipal representatives.

If the Disaster Declaration is granted, NJOEM begins the process of conducting Applicant Briefings, inclusive of COG personnel acting on the State’s behalf. At these briefings, FEMA provides disaster specific information related to cost share, eligibility, period of performances, and work deadlines needed for the Request for Public Assistance (RPA) application process. Once the sub-recipient submits its RPA, FEMA assigns Program Delivery Managers (PDMG) to conduct two initial meetings with the sub-recipients and NJOEM personnel. First, the Exploratory Call meeting, made within 21 days of the event, is conducted for the purpose of gathering initial damage assessments. Next, the Recovery Scoping Meeting is conducted within the next 14 days, to further define losses and estimated project costs to repair-in-kind by developing the sub-recipients Damage Inventory Listing and to discuss all available funding opportunities (emergency protective measures, force account labor, force account equipment, rental equipment and materials, contracted services, temporary and permanent work, etc.).

Next, FEMA and NJOEM begin meetings with the sub-recipients to divide damages into FEMA Categories of Work, provide photographs of damaged facilities and elements, provide invoices for contracted work, provide proof of payment documentation, provide bid and procurement documentation, as well as other documents needed to validate eligible costs and prepare scopes of work and cost estimates. During multiple meetings, NJOEM staff, inclusive of COG personnel, often assist the sub-recipient in identifying eligible expenses that may have been overlooked or initially excluded from previous submissions. We also assist sub-recipients in interpreting and applying the FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, and in understating and applying policy related to FEMA Environmental Historic Preservation rules and regulations.

Throughout this entire process, COG personnel, acting on behalf of NJOEM, are in constant contact with sub-recipients, assisting with documentation, FEMA requests for additional information (RFIs), quarterly reporting (if applicable), and documenting management costs and volunteer hours related to response and recovery phases and reimbursement tracking. As representatives of NJOEM, the COG Team are consistently advocating on behalf of the sub-recipient.

As each sub-recipient’s project application is completed, FEMA submits it to the FEMA Consolidated Resource Center (CRC) to have eligibility and costs validated by personnel specializing in procurement, insurance, architecture and engineering (A&E), and construction.

Once FEMA CRC validates the sub-recipient’s scope and costs, projects are obligated, and funds are approved to be distributed to the sub-recipient by NJOEM. Once the sub-recipient is reimbursed, NJOEM will begin the process of advancing projects to Closeout. During the Closeout process, NJOEM personnel, working in the Closeout Sector personnel, validate all documentation (invoices, proofs of payment, bid and procurement documents, insurance, EHP documentation, construction permits, etc.) and continuously work with the sub-recipient to ensure that required documents are ready for final reconciliation by FEMA and that all obligated funds have been received. Upon completion of this State closeout process, NJOEM personnel advance the project to FEMA to complete the life cycle of the disaster public assistance process.

Other activities performed by COG personnel in support of NJOEM include assisting sub-recipients with filing appeals, in the event the sub-recipient believes that FEMA did not adequately reimburse them for eligible expenses related to the event. We also address scope changes for the sub-recipient, where additional work is needed to complete the project. We support the sub-recipient with FEMA costs alignment requests for additional funding needed due to rising costs for approved scopes of work. We assist the sub-recipients with hazard mitigation funding projects. Hazard Mitigation is a funding source that allows the sub-recipients to request and receive FEMA approval to implement measures against damage from future events.

In summary, COG personnel, acting on behalf of NJOEM, are involved with the sub-recipient from the initial Request for Reimbursement submission through the financial closeout process. Our goal is to provide excellent service to the NJOEM, in support of their disaster response and recovery process while providing the highest standard of performance and integrity.

Some of our funding accomplishments with NJOEM include the following Statewide FEMA PA disaster funding obligations:

DR-4488 (COVID 19 Pandemic): Obligated $2,977,946,535.43

DR-4574 (Tropical Storm Isaias): Obligated $45,686,427.78

DR-4086 (Hurricane Sandy): Obligated $2,723,034,100.11

DR-4614 (DR-4614 Hurricane Ida): Obligated $384,960,731.38

2.2 Describe bidder’s process for providing IA technical services.

Response:

FEMA Individual Assistance Program Specifics:

Presently to our knowledge, FEMA does not publicize the number of damaged homes used to trigger an Individual Assistance (IA) Declaration, but it is known that FEMA uses the number of damaged or destroyed “uninsured” homes to determine whether IA should be declared for an area or region. FEMA presently requires counties to qualify on their own for IA Declarations.

Under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 206.48, the following activities are indicators that States should consider in determining if IA is needed after an event.

1. The number of damaged and/or destroyed homes

2. The concentration of damage caused by the event

3. The number of deaths or injuries, disruption of normal community services, and loss of infrastructure

4. Demographics or population specifics such as the number of low-income families, elderly and unemployed populations, Native American populations, and underserved and physically challenged populations, to name a few

5. The extent to which voluntary agencies and State or local program can meet the needs of the affected population

6. Insurance implications

Additionally, the FEMA Individual and Household Program (IHP) provides assistance to those individuals and households affected by Presidentially declared events. In the aftermath of a disaster, this assistance is made available to un- and under-insured individuals who are unable to meet necessary living expenses in the aftermath of an event. As of this writing and effective for emergencies declared on or after October 1, 2024, the maximum amount of assistance provided by FEMA under the IHP Program is $43,600 for housing assistance and $43,600 for other needs assistance (ONA). Prior to the referenced date, the amount was up to $33,000.00. Newer subcategories of ONA include Serious Needs Assistance, Displacement Assistance, Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance, and Group Flood Insurance Policy—all of which the COG Team is prepared to assist the State of Nebraska in navigating in the event of an IA declaration.

Based on Program guidelines, the COG Team will assist in determining which individuals and households can participate in the IHP Program, measured against the following criteria:

• Whether the individual is a resident within a Presidentially declared area

• Disseminating information on how and where to register for the FEMA IA Program, and the location of IA Centers and telephone numbers

• Establishing the legally responsible ownership of a residence

• Whether losses are not covered by insurance or if the losses are underinsured

• Eligibility of funeral services

• Verifying Citizenship

• Whether the residence is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and

• Whether the homeowner meets flood insurance requirements

We can also assist the State in determining the eligibility of disaster specific activities that qualify for other IHP assistance, such as temporary housing, home repairs, and other immediate needs inclusive of loss of personal property, need for medical and dental assistance, transportation and other miscellaneous personal and/or special needs resulting from losses due to a Presidentially declared event.

Depending on the needs of the State of Nebraska, other available programs under FEMA IA include FEMA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, FEMA Disaster Unemployment Assistance, and FEMA Disaster Legal Services.

The following Table II, Types of FEMA Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance Programs (ONA) provides lists of the types of Housing and ONA currently available through the FEMA IA Program:

Table II, Types of FEMA Housing Assitance and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) Programs

Source: Congressiona Research Service, March 3, 2025

2.3

Describe bidder’s process for providing HMGP technical services.

i. Bidder’s process to review applications for eligibility and completeness to FEMA approval

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

Response:

i. Bidder’s process to review applications for eligibility and completeness to FEMA approval

The first step in reviewing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) applications for eligibility and completeness entails ensuring that the appropriate program is sought by and applied for by the recipient/sub-recipient. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Programs include regular HMGP for long-term mitigation projects, HMGP Post Fire Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current Funding Opportunity Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, and FEMA PA Mitigation (in coordination with Public Assistance).

We will assist in ensuring that deadlines are adhered to and review Notice of Interests (NOI) and Letters of Intent (LOI), and other preliminary information listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), if applicable. This information is used to check eligibility and align projects with recipient and sub-recipient priorities as well as to set program budgets.

Table III, HMGP Eligible Activities lists some common activities that eligible recipients and sub-recipients can qualify for under FEMA HMGPs.

The COG Team will assist in reviewing the proposed HMGP project’s scoping documents to ensure that the project is technically feasible, cost effective, and EHP compliant. This includes an in-depth analysis of the project’s Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA), which per FEMA guidelines, “determines the future risk reduction benefits of a hazard mitigation project and compares that benefit to its cost—resulting in a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1 or greater.” It is a requirement that sub-recipients use FEMA approved methodologies in determining in performing the BCA.

Table III: HMGP Eligible Activities

Our assigned Technical Specialists will review applications for detailed scopes of work, project schedules, project implementation timelines, reasonableness of cost estimates, and cost effectiveness. We will assist in identifying risks and examining possible alternative solutions during the planning process, inclusive of Environmental and Historical Preservation

(EHP) requirements and considerations that could be incorporated during the planning process that avoid or minimize adverse impacts.

Our preliminary review can also assist in ensuring that the proposed project meets federal laws and executive orders, inclusive of the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NJPA, Executive Order 11988 (addresses Floodplains) and Executive Order 11990 (addresses wetlands).

Reviewing projects for “Phasing” is also a mechanism that can be incorporated during the initial application review process.

This helps when recipients or sub-recipients do not have the “technical or financial resources to provide the complete technical body of work” required for the State and FEMA to perform complete, eligibility, feasibility, and EHP review processes. The recipient or sub-recipient can submit one project that will be awarded in 2 phases with

• Phase I, which includes the proposed project’s final feasibility studies, design and engineering studies, BCA, site data, EHP data and consultation, and

• Phase II being conditional and based on the Phase I studies demonstrating that the project is eligible, technically feasible, cost effective and EHP compliant. Phase II includes construction, inspections, and closeout.

ii. Bidder’s process for reviewing projects for sub-recipient(s) after obligation to ensure eligible payments made to sub-recipient(s) and smooth closeout process

After approval and final obligation, our personnel will assist the State of Nebraska and/or sub-recipient in managing awards to ensure the success of projects and to continue compliance efforts related to federal regulations. This includes monitoring activities, which improve project implementation and funding. Monitoring activities might entail performing in-person site visits, initiating project updates via telephones calls, scheduling project update meetings, and developing and reviewing reports.

We will also assist in ensuring that reimbursements are timely, and closeout is streamlined performing reviews that ensure that the project complies with

• Approved scopes of work, budget, and schedule

• EHP, floodplain, and other program requirements

• Uniform Guidance requirements for the administration of federal awards (44 CFR Part 206 and 2 CFR Part 200) and audit (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F)

• Quarterly progress reporting requirements

• Ensuring that project closeout requests are submitted timely (within 90 days of the end of the period of performance)

• Ensuring that final reports are submitted, all final costs are accounted for, disposition of property has been completed, and final closeout conforms to program guidance and requirements.

iii. Bidder’s process for working with sub-recipients to ensure needs of project are met (Please provide at least one narrative description of previous work with a sub-recipient)

One example of the COG Team’s personnel providing professional project and grant management services in support of a sub-recipient’s HMGP involves the planning, design, and completion of Dillard University’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Drainage Project (New Orleans, Louisiana). The campus experienced historic flooding that damaged buildings as well as disrupted daily classes, prevented entry/exit at Gentilly Boulevard (major road artery) and caused closures of University operations.

The main cause of the flooding was due to the existing bowl-shaped topography of the campus and its insufficient drainage infrastructure, which had been negatively impacted by subsidence from excessive stormwater ponding. Overall system improvements consisted of upgrading and realigning the existing collector storm pipes into a network of nine subsurface drainage systems. The existing concrete-lined ditch was re-sized. Three grassed swales and one large dry detention pond were built and are integral with the subsurface drainage system. Our embedded Grant Manager worked closely with sub-recipients Administration, Architecture & Engineering firm, State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation representatives, the City of New Orleans Hazard Mitigation Representatives, and General Contractor staff to ensure Program compliance and successful on budget and on time completion of this $6M FEMA HMGP funded project.

HOURLY RATES

Bidders should provide not-to-exceed hourly rates that will be used for Task Orders as they are issued. There is no guarantee on the number of hours that will be used.

The hourly rates provided below will not be a scored item for the evaluation of this solicitation, but all responses will be reviewed for cost realism and reasonableness.

The roles listed below are mandatory roles that the bidder must be able to provide the State (See RFP Section V.F. for more detailed role descriptions). Bidders may add additional roles/titles as they see fit. The hourly rates shall be inclusive of labor, overhead, and all other expenses, with the exception of travel costs, which will be factored in as needed on task orders as they are issued to awarded bidders.

These not-to-exceed rates will be fixed for the first two (2) years of the contract. Any request for a price increase subsequent to the first two (2) years of the contract shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the price proposed for the period. Increases shall not be cumulative and will only apply to that period of the contract. The request for a price increase must be submitted in writing to the State Purchasing Bureau a minimum of 120 days prior to the end of the current contract period. Documentation may be required by the State to support the price increase.

The State reserves the right to deny any requested price increase. No price increases are to be billed to any State Agencies prior to written amendment of the contract by the parties.

The State will be given full proportionate benefit of any decreases for the term of the contract.

Required Personnel Roles (See RFP Section V.F.) Standard Hourly

Not-to-Exceed Rate

Overtime Hourly Not-to-Exceed

Rate

1. Project Manager $155 No OT

2. Senior Advisor for Public Assistance $140 No OT

3. Public Assistance Program Liaison $130 No OT

4. Public Assistance Technical Assistance Liaison $130 No OT

5. Appeals Specialist $125 No OT

6. Senior Debris Specialist $140 No OT

7. Senior Advisor for Hazard Mitigation Assistance $140 No OT

8. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Liaison $130 No OT

9. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Benefit-Cost Analysis Specialist $130 No OT

10. Hazard Mitigation Assistance Technical Liaison $130 No OT

11. Lead Individual Assistance Specialist $125 No OT

12. Individual Assistance Specialist $125 No OT

13. Closeout Specialist $110 No OT

14. Disaster Recovery Specialist $125 No OT

15. Accounting Analyst $125 No OT Additional Personnel Roles/Titles (Add Rows as Necessary) Standard Hourly

Not-to-Exceed Rate

Overtime Hourly Not-to-Exceed

Rate

16. Executive Level Program Advisory Services $165 No OT

APPENDIX A: CONTINUITY OPERATINS GROUP, LLC

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BANKING REFERENCE

Balance Sheet Continuity Operations Group, LLC

As of December 31, 2025

Accrual Basis Monday, March 02, 2026 05:54 PM GMTZ 1/1

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT 2023 2024 2025

Assets Current Assets Bank Accounts M&T Checking (5471) 440,893.89 63,064.68 97,731.59 M&T Payroll (4467) 238,077.69 47,031.72 33,371.63 M&T Reserves (4475) 150,000.00 250,000.00 250,000.00 M&T Wilmington (Sweep) 116,712.81 331,760.58

Total for Bank Accounts 828,971.58 476,809.21 712,863.80

Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable (A/R) 1,865,035.97 1,035,242.26 635,122.27

Total for Accounts Receivable 1,865,035.97 1,035,242.26 635,122.27

Other Current Assets 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total for Current Assets 2,694,007.55 1,512,051.47 1,347,986.07

Total for Assets 2,694,007.55 1,512,051.47 1,347,986.07

Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Accounts Payable (A/P) 1,430.00 1,430.00 1,430.00

Total for Accounts Payable 1,430.00 1,430.00 1,430.00

Credit Cards 0.00 300,010.00 0.00

Other Current Liabilities Payroll Liabilities 401K 0.00 31,479.34 0.00 After-Tax Roth 401(k) 0.00 12,072.39 0.00 NJ Quarterly Taxes 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total for Payroll Liabilities 0.00 43,551.73 0.00

Total for Other Current Liabilities 0.00 43,551.73 0.00

Total for Current Liabilities 1,430.00 344,991.73 1,430.00

Long-term Liabilities Total for Liabilities 1,430.00 344,991.73 1,430.00

Equity 2,692,577.55 1,167,059.74 1,346,556.07

Total for Liabilities and Equity 2,694,007.55 1,512,051.47 1,347,986.07

Profit and Loss by Month

January 1, 2023-December 31, 2025

Accrual Basis Monday, March 02, 2026 05:48 PM GMTZ 1/3

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT 2023 2024 2025 TOTAL

Income Gross Receipts

LA 9,490.00 9,490.00

NJ 15,012,341.33 15,781,920.82 13,776,511.28 44,570,773.43

NJ Grants Admin 0.00 78,610.00 78,610.00 NY/NJ FIFA World Cup 2026 13,870.00 13,870.00

VA 443,165.02 240,805.37 78,484.66 762,455.05

Total for Gross Receipts 15,455,506.35 16,022,726.19 13,956,965.94 $45,435,198.48

Total for Income 15,455,506.35 16,022,726.19 13,956,965.94 $45,435,198.48

Cost of Goods Sold Gross Profit 15,455,506.35 16,022,726.19 13,956,965.94 $45,435,198.48

Expenses Advertising 595.00 595.00 Bank Charges 2,445.51 4,259.19 6,477.85 13,182.55 Business Development General - Business Development 2,857.74 2,857.74 Travel-Bus Dev Lodging 6,228.64 10,684.70 16,913.34 Travel-Bus Dev Meals 11,524.45 1,421.84 12,946.29 Travel - Bus Dev Parking, Tolls, Fees 158.85 86.49 245.34

Total for Business Development 20,769.68 12,193.03 $32,962.71

Charitable Contributions 2,000.00 5,200.00 7,200.00 Cost of Labor (DoDEA-Americas) DODEA - High Street Consulting 260,262.93 369,195.75 167,544.51 797,003.19 Other Consultants (VA) 15,000.00 15,000.00

Total for Cost of Labor (DoDEA-Americas) 275,262.93 369,195.75 167,544.51 $812,003.19

Cost of Labor (VA) 1,030.13 6,296.75 7,326.88 Dues & Subscriptions 38,067.31 52,574.44 27,562.99 118,204.74 Employee Benefits Employee Benefits - Insurance 489,503.80 427,954.13 388,225.32 1,305,683.25 Employee Benefits - Other 6,781.37 3,243.43 859.38 10,884.18 Retirement 286,791.32 303,793.18 239,303.54 829,888.04

Total for Employee Benefits 783,076.49 734,990.74 628,388.24 $2,146,455.47

Insurance General Company Insurance 88,908.20 103,350.82 75,301.02 267,560.04

Total for Insurance 88,908.20 103,350.82 75,301.02 $267,560.04

Interest Expense 1,793.63 858.89 3,741.03 6,393.55 Legal & Professional Fees 6,923.30 7,657.15 24,395.50 38,975.95 Marketing 7,369.24 16,903.07 4,535.49 28,807.80 Meals and Entertainment 38.80 8,279.68 8,318.48 NJ SDI Tax 2,523.68 772.65 16,779.34 20,075.67

January 1, 2023-December 31, 2025

Accrual Basis Monday, March 02, 2026 05:48 PM GMTZ 2/3

DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT 2023 2024 2025 TOTAL

Office Expenses 10,585.05 17,731.03 21,441.67 49,757.75 Other Costs - (DoDEA) DoDEA - Business Expenses 8,553.97 36.71 8,590.68 DoDEA - Travel and Lodging 25,824.58 18,641.36 4,734.35 49,200.29

Total for Other Costs - (DoDEA) 34,378.55 18,678.07 4,734.35 $57,790.97

Other Costs - (DOD SS) DOD SS - Cloud Hosting 4,244.00 4,244.00 DoD SS-Software Dev (GUICE) 4,513.00 4,513.00

Total for Other Costs - (DOD SS) 8,757.00 $8,757.00

Other Costs - (NJ) Business Expense (NJ) 3,372.30 3,372.30 Tolls (NJ) 720.00 765.00 80.00 1,565.00 Travel (NJ) 12,679.60 628.38 13,307.98 Utilities (NJ) 3,600.73 3,764.16 1,413.85 8,778.74

Total for Other Costs - (NJ) 20,372.63 5,157.54 1,493.85 $27,024.02

Other General and Admin Expenses Other General Exps - Admin 109,564.22 272,096.92 241,899.93 623,561.07

Total for Other General and Admin Expenses 109,564.22 272,096.92…