ESBD_443673_1754612401981_554-25-013 RFP.pdf

TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

for

MOBILE DIPPING VAT

NIGP CLASS/CODE: 929-95

RFP No.: 554-25-013

PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

EVENT DATE*

Publication of Request for Proposal (RFP) on the Electronic State Business Daily at https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd

Thursday, August 7th, 2025

RFP Questions Due Thursday, August 14th, 2025 (3:00 PM CST)

Agency Responses to Vendor Questions, or Clarifications Friday, August 15th, 2025

Response Deadline Friday, August 22nd, 2025 (2:00 P.M. CST)

Award Date August 2025

*Please note that the dates listed on this procurement schedule are tentative and subject to change.

http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Texas Animal Health Commission Solicitation Number: 554-25-013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1. PURPOSE

1.2. BACKGROUND

1.3. SOLICITATION METHOD AND INTENT

1.4. CONTRACT TERM

1.5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1.6. SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

1.7. SPECIFICATIONS

1.8. WRITTEN WARRANTIES

1.9. REQUIREMENTS

1.10. ADDING NEW PRODUCTS/SERVICES TO CONTRACT AFTER AWARD

1.11. ACCEPTANCE

1.12. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

1.13. PAYMENT

2. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

2.1. INTRODUCTION

2.2. PROPOSAL LABELING AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

2.3. RESPONSE COMPLETENESS

2.4. PROPOSAL CONTENT

3. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

4. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1. CLARIFICATIONS

4.2. CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL

4.3. RESERVATIONS

4.4. NON-INTEREST OF AGENCY EMPLOYEES

4.5. AMENDMENT OF PROPOSALS

4.6. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

4.7. AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT

5. EVALUATION AND AWARD

Solicitation Documents Attached Separately

• Attachment A: Information and Certifications Form

• Attachment B: Terms and Conditions

• Attachment C: Mandatory Pricing Schedule

• Attachment D: Company Profile

• Attachment E: Past Projects and Corresponding References

• Attachment F: Technical Proposal

• Attachment G: Reference Photographs

• Attachment H: Terms and Conditions

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1. PURPOSE

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is seeking design and construction services in accordance with the specifications contained in this Request for Proposal (“RFP”). The services requested herein and to be provided under any contract(s) awarded as a result of this RFP are for the design and construction of a Mobile Dipping Vat as per specifications. This structure must meet the following specifications upon completion.

1.2. BACKGROUND

Texas has been battling the Texas Cattle Fever Tick since the agency’s inception in 1893. The cattle fever tick can carry the protozoa Babesia Bovis, which causes a disease commonly known as cattle fever or babesiosis, which is fatal to 90% of naïve cattle. The disease “babesiosis” is classified as a foreign animal disease, and due to the potentially detrimental impact on the cattle industry, is important to keep eradicated from Texas and the United States. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease, so the only method of prevention is to eliminate the vector – the cattle fever tick.

The Mobile Dipping Vat is used to eliminate cattle fever ticks. Cattle in the surrounding areas are processed through the Mobile Dipping Vat when they are being transported from ranch to ranch, market, or sale barn. The Mobile Dipping Vat is also used to treat cattle in affected areas that cannot be moved.

1.3. SOLICITATION METHOD AND INTENT

1.3.1. This RFP solicitation method allows qualified respondents to submit a written proposal addressing pricing, qualifications, experience, design and other factors that will be employed to ensure successful accomplishment of the requirements set forth herein.

1.3.2. Respondents may choose to submit multiple proposals with different designs. In such a case, the respondent shall submit a separate and complete proposal package for each different design. Each proposal will be evaluated on its own merits.

1.3.3. The TAHC will review, compare and evaluate responses based on the criteria and weights identified in this RFP, and intends to award a contract to the responsive, responsible respondent with the highest score that best meets the TAHC needs within the allotted budget.

1.4. CONTRACT TERM

1.4.1. Initial Contract Term: Contract shall commence upon the issuance of a purchase order by the TAHC and shall remain in effect through August 31, 2026. Unless it is terminated early per Attachment H – Terms and Conditions.

1.4.2. Contract Extensions: At TAHC’s sole discretion, the contract may be extended for a maximum of six (6) months.

Any extensions shall be under the same terms and conditions, plus any approved changes.

1.4.3. Termination: The contract shall terminate upon full performance of all requirements contained in the contract, unless otherwise extended or renewed, as provided in accordance with the contract terms and conditions.

1.4.4. Amendments: The contract may be amended in writing by mutual consent of the parties. The state shall not be legally bound by an amendment that is not in writing.

1.5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1.5.1. Minimum Qualifications and Experience: Respondent and awarded contractor shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

1.5.1.1. Shall be engaged in the business of design and construction for a minimum of three (3) years within the past six (6) years, producing goods/services similar in type and quantity to those listed herein. Recent start-up businesses do not meet the requirement of this solicitation. (A start-up business is defined as a new company that has no previous operations history or expertise in the relevant business and is not affiliated with a company that has that history of expertise.) A print broker does not meet this requirement.

1.5.1.2. Shall have available the necessary qualified personnel, skills, qualifications, organization, facilities and equipment required to fulfill all requirements under this RFP and any resulting contract.

1.5.1.3. Shall be in good financial standing. The TAHC reserves the right to request a copy of the respondent’s audited or un-audited financial statement.

1.5.2. Supporting Documentation: Respondent shall complete and submit Attachments D, E, and F with proposal to provide documentation to support the above qualifications and experience.

1.6. SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

1.6.1. Introduction

1.6.1.1. The purpose of this RFP is to invite proposals for the acquisition of a Mobile Dipping Vat as specified herein.

Services shall include, but are not limited to, the requirements contained in this RFP. The TAHC is seeking a contractor who will design and build a type of Mobile Dipping Vat that will be used to treat cattle for fever ticks to support the TAHC’s operations in south Texas. The following specifications are guidelines to assist the contractor with many of the details and needs sought by the TAHC.

1.6.1.2. Services set forth that contain the words “must” or “shall” are mandatory and must be proved as specified with no alteration, modification, or exception. Services set forth that contain the words “may” or “can” or “equivalent” allow respondents to offer alternatives to the way the services are provided.

1.6.1.3. Site Visit: There will be no access for vendors that want to perform a site visit on any current TAHC equipment.

Respondents are encouraged to use Attachment G – Reference Photographs to get a better understanding of the project scale. The Respondent with the winning proposal will be allowed access to TAHC equipment if requested.

1.7. SPECIFICATIONS

1.7.1. Mobile Dipping Vat. Quantity: One (1).

1.7.2. Must be able to be moved by a class 8 truck.

1.7.3. Cattle must enter from the rear of the unit, move up a ramp, drop into a vat, then have a pathway out of the vat that leads down and out the right side of the structure. In Attachment G – Reference Photographs, a black loading ramp can be seen directly behind the Mobile Dipping Vat. That ramp is not part of this proposal.

1.7.4. Stairs and a walkway must be on the left side and above the dipping area of the structure to allow operators to move cattle through the vat.

1.7.5. Must come with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) minimum set of stop lights, taillights, turn signals, and reflectors.

1.7.6. The vendor must provide all properly signed and completed registration documents, including form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration), Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle, invoice for payment and a temporary DOT/DMV approved license plate.

1.8. WRITTEN WARRANTIES

1.8.1. Upon completion of the Mobile Dipping Vat, the contractor shall provide written warranties for the Mobile Dipping Vat.

1.9. REQUIREMENTS

1.9.1. Condition of Product: New equipment ONLY; No re-manufactured or “grey market” items. All items must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The unit shall be made ready for continuous operation upon delivery. Vendor is cautioned that any unit constructed that does not meet specifications in every aspect will not be accepted.

1.9.2. All Parts: All parts not specifically mentioned which are necessary for the unit to be complete and ready for operation or which are normally furnished as standard equipment shall be furnished by the vendor. All parts shall conform in strength, quality and workmanship to the accepted standards of the industry.

1.9.3. Quantities: Quantities listed are projected order quantities. The TAHC reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities prior to award depending on bid results and budget constraints.

1.9.4. Progress Monitoring: Vendor must provide:

1.9.4.1. Monthly Progress Reports detailing work completed, current status, and upcoming tasks.

1.9.4.2. Notification of Delays or Issues within two (2) business days of identifying any event that may impact the project timeline, budget, or scope.

1.9.4.3. Milestone Completion Notices upon reaching key project milestones (e.g., design approval, fabrication start, installation).

1.9.4.4. Final Completion Notice upon project completion, including confirmation of delivery, installation, and readiness for inspection.

1.9.5. Monitoring Methods: The Agency shall monitor the Vendor’s performance using the following methods:

1.9.5.1. Site Visits: Agency representatives may conduct scheduled site visits to observe progress, verify compliance with specifications, and assess safety practices.

1.9.5.2. Photographic Documentation: Agency representatives may request photographs of construction progress.

1.9.6. The unit shall be warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a minimum of one (1) year and shall cover 100 percent of parts and labor for the unit. If the manufacturer’s standard warranty exceeds twelve (12) months, then the standard manufacturer’s warranty shall take precedence. Vendor shall furnish the warranty and a list of warrantied repair companies to the TAHC at time of delivery. The warranty begins on the date the unit is determined to meet specifications and accepted by the TAHC.

1.9.7. Before Delivery: Vendor shall perform all make-ready checks to ensure all systems and accessories are separating properly including, but not limited to, hitch functionality, wheel bearing lubrication, tire pressure, and lighting.

1.9.8. Please Note: Vendor shall assign a serial number, unique to the chute and that number shall be embedded into the steel frame on the left rear corner of the chute. Number shall be no less than ½ inch high for easy visibility.

1.9.9. Deliveries:

1.9.9.1. Deliveries should be made between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday, except on regularly observed state or federal holiday.

1.9.9.2. The vendor is responsible for unloading all items during delivery. TAHC does not have the resources or equipment to unload items during delivery.

1.9.9.3. The vendor is cautioned to ship only the quantity of items ordered. TAHC is not obligated to accept any items exceeding the quantity stated on the purchase order. Overages may be returned to the vendor at the vendor’s expense. If the vendor refuses the return, the overage will be handled as a gift to the state.

1.9.9.4. All prices shall be F.O.B. Destination. Freight prepaid and allowed. This means the vendor shall prepay and include the freight charges in the unit price.

1.10. ADDING NEW PRODUCTS/SERVICES TO CONTRACT AFTER AWARD

1.10.1. Following the contract award, additional products/services of the same general category that could have been encompassed in the award of this contract, and that are not already on the contract, may be added. A formal written request will be sent to the successful respondent to quote on the proposed additional products/services. Respondent shall submit proposals to the TAHC as instructed. All prices are subject to negotiation with the Best and Final Offer (“BAFO”). The TAHC may accept or reject any or all proposals, and may issue a separate solicitation for the products/services after rejecting some or all of the RFPs. The products/services covered under this provision shall conform to the specifications as outlined in the request.

1.11. ACCEPTANCE

1.11.1. All aspects of the ordered unit will be subject to acceptance inspection upon completion of the construction. The TAHC will review the completed structure to make sure the vendor has fulfilled all the specifications.

1.11.2. Compliant Products: Providing products or materials which do not meet all specification requirements does not constitute acceptance. Acceptance does not occur until the Respondent completes construction in full compliance with the specifications within this RFP. The customer reserves the right to require new delivery or a refund in the event that materials or products not meeting specifications are discovered after payment has been made.

1.12. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

1.12.1. Cash Discounts: Cash discounts offered by the Contractor will NOT be a factor in proposal evaluation.

1.12.2. Contractor must submit invoice(s) to:

Texas Animal Health Commission Accounts Payable 2105 Kramer Lane Austin, TX 78758.

1.12.3. Invoices may also be emailed to: financial_services@tahc.texas.gov NOTE: (There is an underscore *_* between financial and services.)

1.12.4. Invoices must be submitted in compliance with the following procedures:

1.12.5. Name of Contractor exactly as shown on the contract, the Texas Payee Identification Number (PIN) and the correct "Remit to" address

1.12.6. Name of receiving entity

1.12.7. Contract/purchase order number

1.12.8. Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price, extended price of each item

1.12.9. Total price

1.12.10. Discount, if applicable, extended and deducted to arrive at a NET TOTAL for invoice.

1.12.11. Attach supporting documentation, if required.

1.13. PAYMENT

The contractor will be paid for the services performed as invoiced. If another payment mechanism is agreed to by the parties, then the contractor will be paid in accordance with the agreement approved by the parties.

1.13.1. Payment will be made to the Contractor within 30 days after receipt of a properly prepared invoice or the receipt of and the acceptance of services ordered; whichever is later. State agencies are required by state law to pay properly submitted invoices within 30 days, or the Contractor may charge a late payment fee established by law.

1.13.2. Payments for services purchased with state appropriated funds will be made through state warrants issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts. Payments by qualified ordering entities will be made through the entities local payment system.

1.13.3. Electronic payment may be available through some ordering entities. Contact Accounts Payable at 512-719-0700 for additional information.

1.13.4. The Texas Animal Health Commission is exempt from all state tax.

mailto:financial_services@tahc.texas.gov

2. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

2.1. INTRODUCTION

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued on behalf of Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) by the Purchasing Department, which is the sole point of contact during the procurement process.

Pursuant to the Provisions of the Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subchapter D., Chapter 2156.121 – 2156.127, sealed Proposals will be received until the date and time established for receipt. After receipt, only the names of the respondents may be made available to the public. Contract dollar amount and other proposal details may only be divulged after award of a contract, if a contract is awarded, and must be formally requested through the proper request for information channels.

2.2. PROPOSAL LABELING AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

One (1) original copy of the proposal is to be submitted in a sealed envelope to the Texas Animal Health Commission, Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 p.m. (Central Time) Friday, August 22th, 2025.

Each envelope must be identified in the lower left corner as follows:

DO NOT OPEN

RFP PROPOSAL FOR 554-25-013

MOBILE DIPPING VAT

OPENING DATE: 08/15/2025

Sealed proposals are to be mailed to:

Texas Animal Health Commission Purchasing Department Attn: Bryan Krugman 2105 Kramer Lane Austin, TX 78758

Electronic or facsimile (fax) proposals will be rejected.

Proposals received after the date and time specified above will be rejected.

Any proposal received in an envelope not properly and clearly marked as specified above may result in the proposal being rejected. It is the vendor’s responsibility to comply with the above in order to assure its inclusion at the proposal opening.

In no event will TAHC be responsible or liable for any delivery delays or errors. Reponses must be received by TAHC by the response deadline as identified in the Procurement Schedule on the cover page of this document in order to be considered.

All proposals must be delivered to the Texas Animal Health Commission as required by the instructions within this request.

2.3. RESPONSE COMPLETENESS

In order to be considered for award, Respondents must submit a comprehensive Response which includes all required information and documentation as outlined in this solicitation to ensure the Respondent meets all requirements, possesses the required experience and qualifications and has the capacity to provide the goods and related services described in this Solicitation.

Failure to complete the Information and Certifications Form will result in disqualification of the response.

All addenda to and interpretation of this solicitation shall be in writing. The State shall not be legally bound by an addenda or interpretation that is not in writing.

2.4. PROPOSAL CONTENT

Below is a summary of required and requested information. Proposals submitted without this information will be evaluated accordingly. The TAHC reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to waive minor technicalities and errors in the best interest of the state and agency.

REQUIRED RESPONSE CONTENT: Respondent MUST include the following documentation in their response submission.

2.4.1. Attachment A – Information and Certifications Form

Respondent must submit signed, dated and complete (Attachment A – Information and Certifications Form). Failure to submit with response will result in disqualification of the proposal.

2.4.2. Attachment B – HUB Subcontracting Plan

Only if the bid is $100,000.00 or more, must a Respondent comply with and submit:

Attachment B – HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) By law, TAHC must disqualify Responses received without the HSP.

For assistance filling out the HSP please call the Comptroller’s HUB Department at:

888-863-5881, and use option 5

2.4.3. Attachment C – Mandatory Price Schedule

Respondent must complete and return (Attachment D – Mandatory Price Schedule) with the proposed submission, specifying the unit pricing for each of the specific Items (Items 1 through 4) proposed by the vendor. Respondent shall also attach a cost breakdown for the goods/services for each proposed option. Failure to submit with response will result in disqualification of the proposal.

2.4.4. Attachment D – Company Profile

Utilizing Attachment D, respondent shall provide the specified information that clearly demonstrates the required qualifications, experience, ability and capability. Include all requested information. Failure to return Attachment D may result in the submittal being considered non-responsive.

2.4.5. Attachment E – Past Projects and Corresponding References

Utilizing Attachment E, respondent shall provide a minimum of three (3) past projects with corresponding references for projects completed that clearly demonstrates qualifications, experience, ability and capability in successfully completing work of a similar nature and scope as the work described in this solicitation. Failure to return Exhibit E may result in the submittal being considered non-responsive.

2.4.6. Attachment F – Technical Proposal

Submit a Technical Proposal – Attachment F, including numbered responses corresponding to each of the items listed in Exhibit F, including but not limited to the following:

Detailed Specifications: Submit detailed specifications of the type of mobile dipping vat they manufacture, and why they think it best fits the use and needs as described in the above summary and background. Respondent may choose to submit multiple proposals with different designs, but shall submit each separately in order for them to be evaluated on their own merits. Schematics and drawings of the mobile dipping vat and other attachments must be provided. Respondent must submit specifications that address all specifics included herein at a minimum.

Timeline: Submit timeline with projected schedule for design and construction. The timeline must include pre-delivery, delivery, and post-delivery punch list resolutions.

Warranty: Submit warranty details for fabricated product and methodology in handling warranties of products purchased and installed.

2.4.7. Attachment G – Reference Photographs

Reference photographs provided to help Respondents better understand the desired product. Site visits will not be available for this solicitation.

3. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

The Procurement Schedule dates on the cover page are tentative and subject to change. TAHC reserves the right to modify the dates listed at any time by issuing an addendum.

Proposals must be received by TAHC prior to the response time listed on the Procurement Schedule on the cover page of this document or as modified by an addendum. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to ensure that its Proposal is received before the Response deadline. TAHC is not responsible for lost, late or misdirected responses.

4. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1. CLARIFICATIONS

If additional information is needed to interpret the specifications/requirements, written questions must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. (CST), August 14th, 2025, to the person noted in section 3.7.

No information provided verbally, or by any other personnel, will be considered binding. All respondents should use this written document and its attachments as the sole basis for proposal at this time.

Additionally, the TAHC prohibits communication initiated by the respondent to any Agency official, representative from another entity or employee evaluating or considering the proposals, prior to the time a decision has been made.

4.2. CONTENTS OF PROPOSAL

All attachments, additional pages, addenda, or explanations supplied by the vendor with this proposal will be considered as part of the proposal response. All proposals received in response to this request will become the property of the State and will not be returned to the respondents.

4.3. RESERVATIONS

This RFP does not commit the Agency to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this request, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. The Purchasing Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this request, to waive minor irregularities in the procedure, to negotiate with any qualified source, or to cancel in part or in its entirety, this RFP, if it is in the best interest of the Texas Animal Health Commission to do so.

4.4. NON-INTEREST OF AGENCY EMPLOYEES

No employee on the evaluation committee shall have any financial interest, either direct or indirect, in the proposal or contract. No employee of the evaluation committee shall exercise any undue influence in the awarding of the proposal or contract.

4.5. AMENDMENT OF PROPOSALS

4.5.1. By Agency: Request for Proposals may be amended by the Purchasing Department in response to any need for further clarification, specifications and/or requirement changes, new opening date, etc.

Amendments will be posted to the Electronic State Business Daily at, https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd .

It is the responsibility of prospective vendors to check this website for any future amendments, questions, revisions, etc., prior to the proposal opening date. All amendments must be acknowledged on the signature page in the area provided. Failure to do so may result in your response being rejected.

If you are unable to access the Internet, contact the purchaser listed within the RFP to request paper copies.

4.5.2. By Vendor: Proposals may only be amended after receipt by the Purchasing Department by submitting a later dated proposal that specifically states that it is amending an earlier proposal. No proposal may be amended after the proposal opening date unless requested by the Purchasing Department.

4.6. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be withdrawn only in total, and only by a written request to the Purchasing Department prior to the time and date scheduled for opening of proposals.

4.7. AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT

Refer inquiries to:

Texas Animal Health Commission Bryan Krugman, CTCD, CTCM 2105 Kramer Lane Austin, TX 78758 Phone: (512) 719-0743 Email: bryan.krugman@tahc.texas.gov

All written requests for information will be communicated to all applicants known to the agency.

https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd mailto:bryan.krugman@tahc.texas.gov

5. EVALUATION AND AWARD

5.1. Cash discounts offered by the respondent will NOT be a factor in proposal evaluation.

5.2. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice at any time prior to award. An e-mail to the purchasers’ name identified on the cover page will be acceptable as a written notice for withdrawal. No proposal will be returned after award.

5.3. Administrative Review by Purchasing: Only a complete response with the listed required submittal documents will be considered. Failure to meet the minimum qualifications and submit the required documents will result in a response being declared non-responsive. Proposals that do not conform to the instructions included in this RFP may be rejected by the TAHC. The TAHC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

5.4. Initial Evaluation: A TAHC evaluation committee will evaluate and score each response based on established criteria.

5.4.1. Responses will be evaluated according to the respondent’s ability to best satisfy the TAHC requirements.

Respondent’s submission is evaluated and scored on a weighted system to determine the best value as follows:

EVALUATION CRITERIA WEIGHT

Price (Attachment C) 40% Qualification, Experience, Capability, Facility/Equipment (based on Attachments D and E) 25% Technical Proposal (Attachment F) 25% Completion and Delivery Timeframe 10%

Total 100%

5.4.2. The TAHC reserves the right to request additional documentation from the respondent if needed to support the respondent’s qualifications. The TAHC may waive any of the above requirements if the State deems that the respondent is capable. The TAHC will be the sole judge in determining the sufficiency of the respondent’s resources and ability to perform the contract or provide the service. Any respondent failing to submit in whole or in part the above statements, attesting to their qualifications may result in a rejection of the proposal of that respondent.

5.4.3. The TAHC will use the Vendor Performance Tracking System when evaluating vendor proposals, Texas

Government Code, §2262.055 and 34 Texas Administrative Code §20.509.

5.5. Best and Final Offer (BAFO): The evaluation committee will determine if discussions and/or Best and Final Offers are necessary. Award of a contract may be made without discussions or Best and Final Offers, if in the best interest of the state.

5.5.1. Discussions: The evaluation committee may determine that discussions are necessary to clarify or verify a written proposal.

5.5.2. Oral Presentations: The TAHC may, at its discretion, elect to have respondents provide a presentation of their proposals.

5.5.3. A request for a Best and Final Offer is at the sole discretion of the TAHC and will be requested in writing. If requested, respondent(s) shall submit a final price and any added value. If more than one respondent reaches this level, the negotiated terms, references, BAFO and added values will be considered in the award. The TAHC will make the final determination on the best value.

5.5.4. The evaluation committee will evaluate the finalists and make a recommendation for award.

5.6. Award: A contract will be awarded to the responsible respondent(s) who submits the proposal determined to be the best value to the State and who met all requirements included in this RFP. The TAHC will be the sole judge of best value.

5.7. Post Award Meeting: Contractor(s) may be requested to attend a post award meeting via teleconference with the TAHC within 7 calendar days after the award of the contract. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the terms and conditions of the contract and to provide additional information regarding the contract.