Database Subscriptions Questions and Answers.docx

Question Set 1 Digital Transformation & Modernization Program Office

24-350SOS-LIBRA-B-41700

1. Will there be a pre-bid conference?

There is no pre-bid conference for this solicitation

1. Will there be multiple vendor awards?

This is a single award.

1. Will there be vendor presentations?

Not before the award of the solicitation.

1. Should we provide Trial access?

That is not requested at this time.

1. Can we present multiple package options for consideration?

Multiple package options can be presented, but the pricing used for cost evaluation will be the a la carte options. Please review Section E in its entirety for this information.

1. Can we present ala carte pricing?

Vendors must present a la carte pricing for cost evaluation. Please review Section E in its entirety for this information

1. The RFP has a requirement for remote user IP geolocation authentication. Does the State use that now, and if so, what method is being used?

No. Vendors will need to provide the method for meeting this requirement.

1. Would the State consider extending the deadline by at least a week, preferably two.

The bid due date has been extended to March 25th at 2:00 PM. ILSOS does not anticipate allowing for additional extensions.

1. Format of Response. Can you clarify how bids are to be submitted (type and content of attachments)? The RFP seems to have conflicting instructions.

It indicates vendors are to fill in the RFP (pg 1 "All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package must be completed in full and submitted along with the technical response and price proposal which combined will constitute the Offer.") Section 1. Part C., the checklist form has this:

"C.8 BidBuy Quote Attachment 1 - SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK."

"C.10 BidBuy Quote Attachment 3 - Offer"

· C.8 and C.10 would be provided with the completion and return of the RFP document; are we to split it into different attachments?

The information is not conflicting, but there are different classifications of documents that need to be attached. The proposals submitted by offerors are split into administrative documents that are part of every procurement to contract with the Secretary of State and documents that are relevant to the specific procurement. The documents to submit for this RFP can be broken down as follows:

0. Vendor Disclosures (formerly named Forms A) OR IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms B) if you are registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway. Both documents are not required.

0. Offer – this serves as a checklist for vendors but by the vendor completing and signing this form, the vendor is making an offer for ILSOS consideration.

0. Technical Proposal – how ILSOS will evaluate the vendor’s proposed solution to ILSOS’ need.

0. Pricing Proposal – the cost for services that is sealed separately until after the Technical Proposal is evaluated.

1. Response to Requirements. Section D.5 states Vendors should "provide a detailed proposal as described below and confirming compliance with all requirements listed above." There is a single "Click here to enter text" box for roughly 5 pages of requirements. Regardless of whether the answer to the above question is to return the RFP document, completed, or to create an Attachment 1 and an Attachment 3, can vendors create a separate attachment with an answer to each of the 5 pages of requirements and reference that attachment in the answer text box (and upload it on the Attachments tab in BidBuy)?

Yes, additional pages may be attached as a part of the technical proposal, but please do NOT mark them as being price related. This feature will lock the documents, rendering them unviewable by ILSOS until pricing is unlocked at a later date. Only mark pricing documents as being price related.

1. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions. The RFP, under A.1 Vendor Instructions to Submit in BidBuy says, for the Terms and Conditions Tab: "Select 'Yes', 'No', or 'yes with Exceptions'. Note: if taking any exceptions, please list exceptions in the Technical Proposal." BidBuy says, on the Terms and Conditions tab, "If you do not fully accept the terms & conditions, please note the exceptions below." The RFP has Section G. Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions with a table where vendors state exceptions. Can you confirm vendors identify any exceptions within the form (Section G) and do not need to enter all exceptions into the text box on BidBuy?.

Confirming. Please detail any exceptions within the form (Section G). The Terms and Conditions checkbox in BidBuy is a system requirement to submit a quote. It is not applicable but needs to be checked to submit in the system.