DHS RFP - Mail Processing Inserting Equipment FINAL.docx

STATE OF ILLINOIS

REFERENCES

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

Brief Description:

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Office of Business Services (OBS) is seeking a Vendor to provide inserting equipment upgrades for its centralized Mail Processing Unit (MPU). The OBS/MPU is responsible for producing completed mail, in excess of two million (2,000,000) pieces per month for IDHS and at least six other sister agencies. The current processing workflow includes the collation, folding, and inserting of Optical Mark Reader “OMR” “read-marked” notices utilizing eight (8) various automated inserters with different base configurations. Though modified onsite in 2018 to increase their feed, collection/collation, and fold speeds; the increased demand over the last three years has now outpaced the capaiblites of the 25+ years old equipment.

The MPU processes over 130 different notices with variable page lengths of 1 – 20 pages. Daily volume can fluctuate from 50,000 to over 200,000 pieces, depending on various State and Federal programs that mandate mailed correspondence. Given these challenges, the MPU requires a new solution to meet this demand, which may include new inserting equipment with variable job capabilities, allowing automated processing of each notice.

The resulting contract with the awarded Offeror shall have an initial term of five (5) years with no renewals, for a maintenance agreement totaling five (5) years. In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions exceed ten (10) years. 30 ILCS 500/20-60. Subject to the maximum total term limitation, IDHS has the option to renew for the following terms: No Renewals.

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

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

Offers that do not adhere to the form and content of the Request for Proposal requirements may not be considered.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Illinois Department of Human Services Mail Processing Unit Industrial Inserter B-23402

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

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

Illinois Department of Human Services RFP 1 Introduction V.20.1

SECTION 1.

SECTION 2

Pricing E.

SECTION 3.

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

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

FORMS A

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

FORMS B

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

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

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

BEP Utilization Plan Letter of Intent Template

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

Veteran Small Business Utilization Plan Letter of Intent Template

OUTLINE

Illinois Department of Human Services RFP 4

OUTLINE

V.20.1

SECTION 1.

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

City, State Zip: Springfield, IL 62711

Email: jean.sandstrom@illinois.gov

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

A.6. OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than questions raised at the Pre-Submission Conference, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than July 9, 2021. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Amendment to the original solicitation on the Bulletin; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on the State. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

A.7. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE:

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

Is attendance at the Pre-Submission Conference mandatory? |X| Yes |_| No Date: July 7, 2021 Time: 1:00 pm Location: DHS OBS MPU located at 5020A Industrial Ave, Springfield, IL 62703.

A.8. OFFER DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: Each solicitation contains the Offer Due Date and Time appearing as the “Bid Opening Date:” on the Bulletin posting. Offers will be opened electronically on the “Bid Opening Date:”

A.8.1. Bid Due Date & Time Date: July 22, 2020 Time: 2:00p.m.

A.8.2. Offer Firm Time: The Offer must remain firm for 180 days from opening.

A.8.3. Offers must be submitted in BidBuy – PLEASE NOTE THAT PRICE (Packet # 2) IS SUBMITTED ON A SEPARATE BID. See attachments for instruction.

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

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

A.9.2. Packet 2 shall contain Offeror’s Pricing provided in Section 2, Part E.

A.9.3. Packet 3 shall contain the Offeror’s Offer found in Section 1, Part C, and applicable forms found in Section 3, Parts F through J.

A.9.3.1. Exceptions must be provided on Agency’s Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions form (Section 3, Part G) or must be in a substantially similar format. Agency discourages taking exceptions. State law shall not be circumvented by the exception process. Exceptions may result in rejection of the Offer.

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

A.9.3.2. The Agency may state additional terms and conditions to contracting in the State Supplemental Provisions (Section 3, Part H).

A.9.4. Packet 4 shall contain either Forms A or Forms B. Forms A contains eight forms and shall be returned by Offerors that do not have an active registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

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

A.9.5. Packet 5 shall contain a redacted copy of the Offer.

A.9.5.1. Offeror should provide a redacted copy of the Offer, if applicable, that removes material considered to be a trade secret or competitively sensitive, confidential, or proprietary. See F.9. in Standard Terms and Conditions, Section 3, Part F.

A.9.6. Packet 6 shall contain a response to the Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities participation requirements. Packet 6 is only returned if a Business Enterprise Program goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.9.7. Packet 7 shall contain a response to the Veteran Small Business (VSB) participation requirements. Packet 7 is only returned if a VSB goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.10. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: The Offers must be submitted in BidBuy – PLEASE NOTE THAT PRICE (Packet # 2) IS SUBMITTED ON A SEPARATE BID. See attachments for instruction.

Subject Matter

SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK – PACKET 1

PRICING – PACKET 2

SECTION 1 Part C (OFFER) and applicable forms in SECTION 3 – PACKET 3

FORMS A or FORMS B – PACKET 4

REDACTED OFFER – PACKET 5

MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN – PACKET 6

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN – PACKET 7

A.11. SECURITY: Performance Bond: $0 If a performance bond is required, Offeror must submit the Performance Bond to the Information Contact within ten (10) days after award. The bond must be from a surety licensed to do business in Illinois. An irrevocable letter of credit is an acceptable substitute. The form of security must be acceptable to the State.

A.12. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: |_| Yes |X| No. If “Yes” is shown to the question “Is this subject to Small Business Set-Aside?”, then Offeror must be qualified by the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time Offers are due in order for the Offer to be evaluated. For complete requirements and to qualify Offeror’s business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program, please visit the CPO’s website at https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/general/Pages/Sell2Illinois.aspx.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The State may contact any reference to validate or expound upon the information provided in the client reference form. If the reference is non-responsive to reasonable attempts to communicate the State may elect to exclude the experience represented by that project in determining the Respondent’s associated reference score.

Type of References: Please see description and directions for submission of references in Section 3 Part J of this Request for Proposals. References from industrial mail processing units are preferred.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A.23.1.1. Subcontractor Disclosure: If the Offer includes any subcontractors, then Offeror shall complete the Subcontractor Disclosure form found in Section 3, Part I.

A.23.1.2. References: If references are required, then Offeror shall complete and return the References form in Section 3, Part J.

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

· Active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date

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

· Disclosure of pending and current contracts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A.23.3. PRICE: The State identifies the lowest priced offer that meets the responsibility and responsiveness requirements.

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

Does this solicitation contain a BEP goal? |_| Yes |X| No

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

Does this solicitation contain a Veteran Small Business goal? |_| Yes |X| No

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

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

-END OF INSTRUCTIONS-

STATE OF ILLINOIS

SUBCONTRACTOR DISCLOSURES

ATTACHMENT FF

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

State of Illinois RFP 30 Attachment FF– Subcontractor Disclosures V.13.3 Illinois Department of Human Services RFP 16 Section 1. Part A.Instructions V.20.1

B. SELECTION OF VENDOR

B.1. The State may award to the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the below criteria.

B.2. The State determines how well Offers meet the responsiveness requirements. The State ranks Offers, without consideration of price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation. Offerors who receive fewer than the minimum required points will not be considered for price evaluation and award.

B.3. If the State does not consider the price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable price, the State reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of the State. The State determines whether the price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget, and other relevant factors.

B.4. The chart below shows the elements of responsiveness that the State evaluates, their relative weights in point format and any minimum point requirements.

B.4.1. The total number of points for responsiveness is 1,320. Vendors must score a minimum of 825 points to move forward to pricing.

B.4.2. RESPONSIVENESS ELEMENTS – Mandatory Requirements, Technical Approach and Commitment to Diversity B.4.2.1. Minimum Mandatory Requirements (Pass/Fail): Offeror must certifiy that all listed minimum mandatory requirements have been met.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENT:

Vendor attended pre-bid conference site visit to the OBS/MPU located at: 5020A Industrial Ave, Springfield, IL 62703.

A.8.

Vendor's proposed solution contains not more than eight (8) inserter machines.

D.2.2.

Intelligent Processing Capacity -- units must be configured with a scanner that can read markings on the printed documents. IDHS uses optical marks (OMR) for collation, folding and inserting instruction.

D.2.2.1.

Equipment Collates – Inserter will collate multiple pages being pulled from one feeder, prior to folding.

D.2.2.1.

Material and Envelope Compatibility - Proposed solution must be able to accommodate IDHS existing Notice and Envelope capabilities.

D.2.2.1.

Proposed solution must be operable within current MPU location, without expansion.

D.2.2.1.

Customer Support - Vendor must provide service, support, training, maintenance, technical and operational support

D.2.2.2.

B.4.2.2. Technical Approach of the Proposals will be evaluated and scored based on the criteria below.

Note on References: Offeror must provide references from established private firms or government agencies other than the procuring Agency, who can attest to Offeror’s experience and ability to perform the contract that is the subject of this solicitation. Provide minimum of three (3) relevant and past project references in similar size and complexity to this type of Work. Offeror must follow the instructions included on Client Reference form found in Section 3, Part J.

TECHNICAL APPROACH & REFERENCES (1,100 points) Maximum # of Points Available Per Evaluation Factor

Proposal Location (pg #) Located in the RFP

D.2.2.1

D.2.2.2

D.2.2.3

D.2.2.4

B.4.2.3. Commitment to Diversity With the enactment of Public Act 101-657, an additional scored element has been added to Request For Proposals in award determination. Factors to be considered in the award of points shall be set by rule by the applicable Chief Procurement Officer. This is preliminary guidance which may be revised as those Rules are finalized. See Section D. for further details.

B.5. The total number of points for Price is 350. The State will determine Price points using the following formula:

Maximum Price Points X (Lowest Price/Offeror’s Price) = Total Price Points B.6. The maximum number of points is 1,670 (Responsiveness 1,320 + Price 350).

SELECTION OF VENDOR

Illinois Department of Human Services RFP 17 Section 1. Part B. Selection of Vendor V.20.1 C. Project Title / BidBuy Reference # Click here to enter text.

The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Offeror hereby submits this Offer to perform in full compliance with the subject solicitation. By completing and signing this form, the Offeror makes an Offer to the State of Illinois that the State may accept.

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

C.1. SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW: Offeror reviewed the Request for Proposal, including all referenced documents and instructions, completed all blanks, provided all required information, and demonstrated how it will meet the requirements of the State of Illinois.

|_| Yes |_| No C.2. ADDENDA: Offeror acknowledges receipt of any and all addenda to the solicitation and has taken those into account in making this Offer.

|_| Yes |_| No|_| N/A C.3. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE: If attendance was mandatory, Offeror attended the Pre-Submission Conference.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A C.4. OFFER SUBMISSION: Offeror is submitting the correct number of copies, in a properly labeled container(s), to the correct location, and by the due date and time.

|_| Yes |_| No C.5. FORMS A or FORMS B: Offeror is properly submitting either Forms A or Forms B, but not both.

|_| Yes |_| No C.6. BOND: If applicable, Offeror is submitting its Bid Bond or Performance Bond.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A C.7. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: Offeror is a qualified small business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time Offers are due.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A

C.8. PACKET 1 – SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

|_| Yes |_| No

C.9. PACKET 2 – PRICING

C.10. PACKET 3 – OFFER

|_| Yes |_| No

C.11. PACKET 4 – FORMS A

C.12. PACKET 4 – FORMS B

C.13. PACKET 5 – REDACTED OFFER

C.14. PACKET 6 – BEP UTILIZATION PLAN

C.15. PACKET 7 – VSB UTILIZATION PLAN

C.16. PREFERENCES

The Illinois Procurement Code provides various preferences to promote business opportunities in Illinois.

Does Offeror make any claims for preferences? If so, please mark the applicable preference(s) and include a listing of the items that qualify for the preference at the end of this Section and a description of why the preference applies. Agency reserves the right to determine whether the preference indicated applies to Offeror.

|_| Resident Bidder (30 ILCS 500/45-10).

|_| Soybean Oil-Based Ink (30 ILCS 500/45-15).

|_| Recycled Materials (30 ILCS 500/45-20).

|_| Recycled Paper (30 ILCS 500/45-25).

|_| Environmentally Preferable Supplies (30 ILCS 500/45-26).

|_| Correctional Industries (30 ILCS 500/45-30).

|_| Not-for-Profit Agencies for Persons with Significant Disabilities (30 ILCS 500/45-35).

|_| Gas Mileage (30 ILCS 500/45-40).

|_| Small Businesses (30 ILCS 500/45-45).

|_| Illinois Agricultural Products (30 ILCS 500/45-50).

|_| Corn-Based Plastics (30 ILCS 500/45-55).

|_| Disabled Veterans (30 ILCS 500/45-57).

|_| Vehicles Powered by Agricultural Commodity-Based Fuel (30 ILCS 500/45-6) |_| Biobased Products (30 ILCS 500/45-75).

|_| Historic Preference Area (30 ILCS 500/45-80).

|_| Procurement of Domestic Products (30 ILCS 517).

|_| Public Purchases in Other States (30 ILCS 520).

|_| Illinois Mined Coal (30 ILCS 555).

|_| Steel Products Procurement (30 ILCS 565).

|_| Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575).

|_| Veterans Preference (330 ILCS 55).

Items that Qualify and Explanation: Click here to enter text.

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed Name of Signatory: Click here to enter text.

Offeror’s Name: Click here to enter text.

Date: Click here to enter a date.

OFFER TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

Illinois Department of Human Services RFP 21 Section 1. Part C. Offer to the State of Illinois V.20.1

D. SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

D.1. GOAL:

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Office of Business Services (OBS) is seeking equipment upgrades for its centralized Mail Processing Unit (MPU). The OBS/MPU is responsible for producing completed mail, in excess of two million (2,000,000) pieces per month for IDHS and at least six other sister agencies. IDHS is seeking proposals to maximize the processing capacity of the MPU and will need to increase inserter speeds to do so.

The current processing workflow includes the collation, folding, and inserting of Optical Mark Reader “OMR” “read-marked” and bar coded notices utilizing eight (8) automated inserters. The inserter fleet is comprised of seven (7) Bell & Howell Mailstar Intelligent Inserters with three (3) different base configurations, and one (1) Bell & Howell Enduro Inserter.

The MPU processes over 130 different notices with variable page lengths of 1 – 20 pages. Daily volume can fluctuate from 50,000 pieces to over 200,000 pieces, depending on various State and Federal programs that mandate mailed correspondence. Given these challenges, the MPU requires new inserting equipment with variable job capabilities, allowing automated processing of each notice currently worked within the Unit – OMR readmarks and bar codes are the current standard, and proposed equipment must be capable of processing these.

D.2. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED:

Vendor should propose a complete solution to maximize MPU capabilities. IDHS anticipates the solution will center primarily around upgrading the inserter equipment to maximize processing within the confines of compatibility and space restrictions. Vendors are free to suggest replacement, upgrades or other modifications to other aspects of the MPU in their proposals to enhance processing capacity. Regardless of the solution proposed, all vendors will be evaluated on the same criteria as identified in Section B where price is a factor.

At a minimum, the proposed solution will include new inserting equipment with variable job capabilities, allowing automated processing of each notice currently worked within the Unit. OMR readmarks are the current standard though the equipment is capable of bar codes. Proposed equipment must be capable of processing these.

D.2.1. CURRENT OPERATIONS:

The existing inserter fleet is comprised of seven (7) Bell & Howell Mailstar Intelligent Inserters with three (3) different base configurations, and one (1) Bell & Howell Enduro Inserter. Each of the eight (8) inserters received field modifications in 2018, increasing their feed, collection/collation, and fold speeds; however, the increased demand over the last three years has now outpaced the capaiblites of these field upgrades on equipment that is 25+ years old.

The MPU processes over 130 different notices with variable page lengths of 1 – 20 pages (average is 6 pages). The MPU processes more than 100 different notices in one day. Daily volume can fluctuate from 50,000 pieces to over 200,000 pieces, depending on various State and Federal programs that mandate mailed correspondence.

The MPU operates at full capacity every business day; any downtime will put the State in serious jeopardy of meeting Federal notice mandates. Presently, the MPU houses two full time equipment technicians to maintain operating capacity. DHS will separately contract for these services with the OEM vendor.

IDHS maintains records of all aspects of the MPU, including job orders, repair history and maintenance logs. The records will be made available upon request, during mandatory pre-submission conference, and after as feasible.

D.2.2. PROPOSED SOLUTION

All proposals should include specifications about the solution, both those achieved in “real world” or “production environments” and the theoretical; a plan for a staggered installation as well as removal of existing equipment; and a plan for instruction on machinery use.

The MPU would prefer, if possible, four (4) to six (6) new inserters, capable of outperforming the eight (8) currently in service – however, a bid in excess of eight (8) machines will be eliminated from contention. The solution will be scored as identified below, proposal should specifically address the following:

D.2.2.1. Technical Specifications (700 points) DHS desires the fastest inserter solution available, within the physical, budgetary and all other limitations faced. The equipment specifications should detail the capacity of the machine. Pieces per hour data should be both theoretical as well as actual as experienced in a production environment. Vendor should detail the collation process. Vendor should elaborate the inserters and other equipment will be integrated with existing DHS equipment. Vendor should detail reporting available. Vendor should explain the advanced features such as customization options, data enhancement, storage, and other intelligence offered and how DHS may utilize them to maximize efficiency and productivity in the MPU. Vendor should provide a sample floorplan of the MPU illustrating how the solution will be integrated. The proposed solution must be able to accommodate IDHS existing Notice and Envelope capabilities.

D.2.2.2. Technical Support (200 points) Vendor should detail the level of technical assistance provided as well as any warranties or guarantees. Vendor should include a plan for staff training upon deployment as well as supplemental instruction on machinery use available as personnel shifts. Vendor should detail technical customer service availability as well as the preventative maintenance schedule. Vendor should explain the technical and operational assistance available to DHS after installation.

D.2.2.3. System Complexity/Ease of Operations (100 points) DHS desires an intuitive, simple process. Vendor should provide information on the time recommended for instruction on machinery use prior to use.