Texas General Land Office -i- RFQ No. 6240-MK

TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE

is

REQUESTING QUALIFICATIONS

for

Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Derelict Vessel Removal along the Gulf Coast

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 6240-MK

Class 926-Item 45; Class 959-Item 53; Class 959-Item 77

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Deadline for Submission: April 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CT

Solicitation Point of Contact: Mike Klepfer, CTCD, CTCM Mike.Klepfer@glo.texas.gov

Any Addenda to this Solicitation will be posted to the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website, http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd, under Agency Code 305 (General Land Office) and notification of such Addenda sent to all bidders in the relevant categories and regions listed on the Comptroller’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) at the time of the Solicitation. Each Respondent must check the website, or the means of communication established in its CMBL registration (if applicable) for any Addenda to this Solicitation. Failure to check for Addenda does not release any Respondent from its responsibility for complying with additional requirements or providing additional information listed in any Addenda.

mailto:Mike.Klepfer@glo.texas.gov http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, DEFINITIONS, AND AUTHORITY

ARTICLE II. SCOPE OF WORK

2.2.1 General Requirements

2.2.2 Specific Requirements

2.2.3 OSHA Compliance

2.2.4 Environmental Considerations / Environmentally Sensitive Areas

2.2.5 Reporting Requirements

ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

3.2.1 Contact

3.2.2 Clarifications

3.2.3 Responses

3.2.4 Prohibited Communications

3.3.1 General Requirements

3.3.2 Solicitation Response Format

3.3.3 Page Limit and Supporting Documentation

3.4.1 Deadline

3.4.2 Labeling

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3.4.3 Delivery

3.4.4 Alterations, Modifications, and Withdrawals

ARTICLE IV. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION & AWARD PROCESS

4.1.1 Conformance with State Law

4.1.2 Minimum Qualifications

4.1.3 Selection Criteria

4.1.4 Detailed Scoring Methodology

ARTICLE V. REQUIRED RESPONDENT INFORMATION

5.1.1 Company Narrative

5.1.2 Key Staffing Profile

5.1.3 Key Staffing Profile

ARTICLE VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.1.1 Amendment

6.1.2 Informalities

6.1.3 Rejection

6.1.4 Irregularities

6.1.5 Offer Period

6.1.6 Open Records

6.1.7 Contract Responsibility

6.1.8 Public Disclosure

6.1.9 Remedies

6.2.1 Required Coverages

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6.2.2 Alternative Insurability

6.4.1 Terms and Conditions

6.4.2 Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance

ARTICLE VII. SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

EXHIBIT A. GENERAL AFFIRMATIONS AND SOLICITATION ACCEPTANCE .... A-1

EXHIBIT B. FEDERAL AFFIRMATIONS AND SOLICITATION ACCEPTANCE ..... B-1

EXHIBIT C. SAMPLE CONTRACT ..................................................................................... C-1

EXHIBIT D. SAMPLE WORK ORDER ............................................................................... D-1

EXHIBIT E. VETHUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN .......................................................... E-1

EXHIBIT F. VETHUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN PRESENTATION ......................... F-1

Texas General Land Office -1- RFQ No. 6240-MK

ARTICLE I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, DEFINITIONS, AND AUTHORITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The General Land Office (GLO) invites Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from highly skilled Contractor(s) to remove, store, demolish, and dispose of derelict Vessels in or on Coastal Waters, on public or private lands, or at a public or private port or dock along the entire Texas coast. Vessels will be identified for removal based on their (1) involvement in an actual or threatened unauthorized discharge of oil; (2) posing a threat to public health, safety, or welfare; (3) posing a threat to the environment; or (4) posing a navigation hazard in conjunction with Section 40.108 of the Texas Natural Resources Code.

The GLO intends to award multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) contracts via this Solicitation to Providers to perform Derelict Vessel removal services, enumerated in Article II, Scope of Work. The services solicited in this RFQ shall be performed in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations and in accordance with terms and conditions outlined in the Sample Contract attached hereto as Exhibit C. Respondents must execute Exhibit A, General Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance, Exhibit B Federal Affirmations, and complete other items listed on the Submission Checklist to be considered. Additional information on the GLO and its programs can be found at http://www.glo.texas.gov.

DEFINITIONS

“Addendum/Addenda” means a written clarification(s) or revision(s) to the Request for Qualifications issued by the General Land Office. Respondents must acknowledge receipt of any Addenda in the submission of the Solicitation Response.

“AC” or “Contractor” or “Provider” means the Respondent(s) awarded a contract(s) under this Solicitation.

“Affiliate” means any individual or entity that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Respondent. “Control” means the ability to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of an entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities or membership interests, by contract, or otherwise.

“CFR” means the Code of Federal Regulations, the codification of the general and permanent rules and regulations (sometimes called administrative law) published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government of the United States.

“Coastal Waters” means the waters and bed of the Gulf of America within the jurisdiction of the State of Texas, including the arms of the Gulf of America subject to tidal influence, and any other waters contiguous thereto that are navigable by Vessels with a capacity to carry 10,000 gallons or more of oil as fuel or cargo.

http://www.glo.texas.gov/

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“Contract” or “Contract Documents” means all documents which govern this Solicitation and any resulting contract.

“Derelict Vessel” means a Vessel that is abandoned and left in a wrecked, derelict, junked, or substantially dismantled condition in Coastal Waters, often requiring mechanical assistance to be removed.

“DVDB#” means the Derelict Vessel Database Identifying number.

“ESA” means Environmentally Sensitive Area.

“ESBD” means the Electronic State Business Daily, http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd.

“FEMA” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“GLO” or “Owner” means the Texas General Land Office.

“GPS” means global positioning system.

“IDIQ” means Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity.

“Notice to Proceed” or “NTP” means written notice provided by the GLO to begin work on the Project.

“OSHA” means the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“OSPR” means the Oil Spill Prevention & Response division of the GLO.

“PIA” means the Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.

“Project” means the work solicited under this Solicitation, Derelict Vessel Removal along the Gulf Coast.

“Respondent” means the entity responding to this Solicitation.

“RFQ” means Request for Qualifications.

“Solicitation” means this RFQ.

“Solicitation Response” means the Respondent’s entire response to this Solicitation, including all documents requested in this Solicitation.

“SOQ” means Statement of Qualifications.

“State” means the State of Texas and any state agency; the GLO or state agency identified in this Solicitation, its officers, employees, or authorized agents.

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“TAC” means Texas Administrative Code.

“Vessel” means every description of watercraft or other contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether self-propelled or otherwise, including barges.

“VetHUB” means a historically underutilized business, as described in 34 TAC §§20.281 through 20.298 and as certified under the Veteran Heroes United in Business Program administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

“VetHUB Subcontracting Plan” or “VetHSP” means the subcontracting plan required under 34 Texas Administrative Code §20.285 and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Veteran Heroes United in Business Program (“VetHUB Program”) to be submitted with each response to a Solicitation that will result in the issuance of a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more and for which the GLO has determined subcontracting opportunities are probable. The VetHSP is included in this Solicitation as Exhibit F and must be included with the Solicitation Response.

“Work Order” means specific, written authorization to perform the task(s) listed therein under a Contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ.

AUTHORITY

The GLO is posting this Solicitation pursuant to the statutory requirements of Texas Natural Resources Code Section 40.108(b) and Section 31.069; Texas Government Code

2155.147 and 2156 Subchapter E; Texas Gov't Code Title 10, Subtitles D and F, Sections 2156.201-205; 34 TAC Section 20.82(e) and Sec. 20.206(b).

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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ARTICLE II. SCOPE OF WORK

SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUESTED

The GLO is seeking one or more qualified Contractor(s) to provide Derelict Vessel removal services along the entire Texas Gulf Coast. Respondents selected will be expected to provide Vessel removal, transportation, and disposal services.

This RFQ is being issued to establish a pre-qualified pool of vendors with the knowledge and expertise to perform Derelict Vessel removal services on an as needed basis for the GLO. When a project is identified to remove a Derelict Vessel(s) along the Texas Gulf coast, Work Order contracts will be issued to awarded vendors.

The GLO intends to identify qualified Respondents capable of providing the services described in this Solicitation for the entire Texas Gulf Coast and the bays and estuaries in the Gulf Coast region, and shall award contracts that will ensure that Contractors are available to service all areas of the Texas Gulf Coast. Solicitation Responses shall describe in detail any geographic limitations on the Respondent’s ability to provide the requested services. For example, a Respondent may be able to provide the requested services only in the Galveston area. Such a limitation will not preclude a Respondent from qualification, but information about any such limitation is critical to the GLO’s planning efforts.

In its Solicitation Response, Respondent(s) must demonstrate the ability to perform the services described under this section and specifically enumerated under this Article II. The selected Respondent(s) shall be bound to specific terms and conditions found in Exhibit C, the GLO’s sample contract, and Exhibit D, the GLO’s sample work order. These terms and conditions are subject to change prior to the execution of any contract or work order that may result from this Solicitation. Evaluation and acceptance of each deliverable shall be based on compliance with the requirements and specifications established in the Work Order. Any changes or modifications in deliverable requirements, specifications, or evaluation criteria shall be made and agreed upon in writing by both GLO and Provider in the form of an amendment to the Work Order.

As needed, Work Order(s) shall be awarded to Contractors qualified under this Solicitation in accordance with all applicable procurement and contracting laws and GLO policy. Cost proposals shall not be submitted with any SOQ submitted in response to this Solicitation;

cost proposals and work plans specific to the scope of each Work Order shall be requested from the Contractor(s) qualified under this Solicitation when Derelict Vessel removal services are needed.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS

2.2.1 General Requirements

The Provider shall be responsible for oversight of the removal, transportation, and legal disposal of the Vessels described in the attachment to the Work Order. The

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Provider will ensure all operations are conducted to industry and OSHA safety standards. This shall include removal of all components and associated debris from the water within the project area. The Provider is expected to remove the Vessel in its entirety, and all related debris from the water body, below mud line, and/or shoreline as necessary.

During the removal process, any loose debris in and around the Vessel shall be contained and not allowed to drift free from the project site. This may require booming. Precautions shall be taken to avoid the release of any hazardous waste or other pollution into waters of the State. The Provider will ensure all precautions are taken to be aware of pipelines in the work area. Special attention will be given to the protection of sea grass/oyster beds and damage will be avoided or minimized.

GLO staff may monitor the initial removal. Notification and coordination with a specific GLO contact person, as listed in the Work Order, is required before commencement of any removal operations. Approval or sign-off by the GLO contact person is required prior to movement to the next Vessel removal site, if any.

The GLO contact person will verify and sign off only on Vessels removed by Provider. Provider will not be compensated for the removal of any Vessel by any entity other than the Provider.

All debris, refuse, and other collected materials shall be disposed of properly, and written certification is required at the project’s conclusion that all activities of the project, including removal and proper disposal of the Vessel and all associated debris, were conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes, and ordinances.

Provider shall commence operations no later than 45 calendar days after receipt of the NTP. Provider shall complete the project no later than the time frame provided in the Work Order. If the project is not completed by this date, a penalty amount of no more than $500 per day shall be forfeited from the overall payment of the Work Order. In the event of a natural disaster, this penalty shall not be enforced, and a secondary due date will be issued commensurate with the project days lost due to the disaster. The penalty clause will be reinstated with the secondary due date. If an unforeseen event occurs that prevents the Provider from completing the contract, the Provider and GLO will negotiate a change order to accommodate said event.

2.2.2 Specific Requirements

Provider must demonstrate the ability to provide the following services:

a) Provider must ensure OSHA compliance, including compliance with the rules, regulations and standards published by OSHA, for all operations and all work performed as specified in this Solicitation.

b) Provider shall ensure the security and safety of the work site. Provider will secure access to privately owned property (i.e. marina, dock). Provider will complete all due diligence in ensuring activities will have no impact on any

Texas General Land Office -6- RFQ No. 6240-MK existing structures (i.e. buried pipelines, cables, infrastructure, historical sites/artifacts).

c) Provider shall provide all labor, materials, tools, supplies, transportation, equipment, and personnel necessary to perform the services specified. All travel and associated expenses, including all incidental costs, shall be the responsibility of the Provider.

d) Provider shall apply for, secure, and pay all costs for permits, inspection fees, licenses, and deposits required for the work to be performed at Provider's sole cost and expense. Provider shall be responsible for all landfill charges.

e) Provider shall demolish, excavate, remove, and dispose of the Derelict Vessel(s) in its entirety and any other debris from the specified site. Provider shall provide, upon request, side scan sonar images of the site to ensure complete removal of the Derelict Vessel. Provider shall ensure all debris is disposed of properly by providing disposal certificates or landfill receipts upon request.

f) Provider shall provide for the safe transportation and disposal of the Vessel and all debris in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations.

g) Provider will immediately notify the GLO of any discharge emanating from the Derelict Vessel being removed. Provider will be responsible for reporting and responding to any oil or fuel spillage from the Provider’s equipment or operations.

h) Provider shall coordinate with the GLO contact prior to, during, and upon completion of all required services.

i) Any damage resulting from the Provider’s services shall be repaired to the GLO’s satisfaction at the Provider’s expense. Provider shall repair all damage to existing utilities and structures (i.e. buried pipelines, cables, infrastructure, historical sites, water lines, electric conduits) caused by its equipment or employees. If such repairs are not completed within fourteen

(14) calendar days, the GLO reserves the right to purchase services for the necessary repairs through other purchasing means and to deduct all repair costs from the monies due or that may thereafter become due to Provider.

j) The GLO reserves the right to conduct any inspections it may deem prudent to ensure services conform to the specifications.

k) Provider shall be entirely responsible for any loss or damage to its own materials, supplies, equipment, and to the personal property of its employees.

l) The GLO reserves the right to deduct removal costs for Vessels not removed by the Provider.

Any questions the Provider has during the removal process shall be directed to the assigned GLO contact person. Contact information will be provided to the Provider.

Texas General Land Office -7- RFQ No. 6240-MK

2.2.3 OSHA Compliance

In its response to this Solicitation, Respondent must affirm that it shall observe the rules and regulations published by OSHA for all operations and all work that may be performed as requested in this Solicitation. 29 CFR 1910.120 describes OSHA requirements pertaining to hazardous waste operations and emergency response, including training requirements for personnel.

The awarded Respondent is responsible for providing all employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work under the resulting contract.

2.2.4 Environmental Considerations / Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Contractor shall provide all management, tools, supplies, equipment, labor, and applicable licenses and permits necessary for Vessel removal operations and to ensure that Vessel removal and disposal services are executed in a manner that will restore a safe and environmentally sound condition to the site. Contractor shall account for the special treatment of hazardous waste, as well as the environmental implications related to debris management. Contractor must: obtain all applicable rights-of-way; provide all applicable training to personnel; ensure the proper certification of all equipment; provide all applicable safety measures; locate and avoid all utility installations, public or private, that may be impacted by its operations; avoid causing damage to all cultural and natural resources and critical habitats; and provide for the observation of all other applicable state or federal regulatory requirements.

Removals from and work in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (“ESAs”), as identified by the GLO, located within the Vessel removal area of a proposed project, must be conducted in a manner that minimizes impacts to natural resources in accordance with any applicable United States Army Corps of Engineers permit.

During removal operations, the Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the Texas Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act, Chapter 40 of the Texas Natural Resources Code (TNRC), Chapter 63 of the TNRC and the regulations thereunder.

Additionally, Vessel removal actions shall be coordinated with federal and state natural resource trustees, if and as required, to minimize the impact to natural, historical, or cultural resources.

Any species of fish or wildlife injured or killed during Vessel removal activities, or any discovery of fish or wildlife during operations, must be reported to the appropriate trustee agency for proper determination and action.

2.2.5 Reporting Requirements

Provider must timely submit monthly reports and a final report in portable document format (.pdf) to the designated GLO Project Manager.

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At the project’s conclusion, Contractor must submit written certification to the GLO Project Manager that all project-related activities and all deliverables have been completed, and that they were performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes, and ordinances. Such certification shall be submitted on the GLO’s Project Completion Report Form.

The GLO Project Manager will provide Contractor with a written notice of acceptance and approval to invoice, upon confirmation that all work has been inspected and completed, and all required documentation has been received. If Contractor fails to provide deliverables timely or to perform satisfactorily under conditions required by any contract or Work Order resulting from this Solicitation, the GLO may require Contractor, at its sole expense, to repair all defective or damaged deliverables and, in conjunction therewith, require Contractor to accept the return of such deliverables; and/or take necessary action to ensure that future performance and deliverables conform to the contract or Work Order requirements.

2.3 SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontractors providing services shall meet the same requirements and level of experience required of a Provider. No subcontract shall relieve the subcontracting Provider of responsibility for the services. If the Provider subcontracts any services, the following conditions shall apply under the listed circumstances:

a) Respondents planning to subcontract all, or a portion of the services shall identify the proposed subcontractors in Exhibit E, VETHUB Subcontracting Plan.

b) Provider is solely responsible for compensating, supervising, and ensuring the performance of its subcontractors. The GLO has no obligations regarding any subcontract.

c) GLO retains the right to check a subcontractor’s background and approve or reject the use of proposed subcontractors.

d) The Provider shall be the only contact for GLO and subcontractors. Provider shall list a designated point of contact for all GLO and subcontractor inquiries.

2.4 CONTRACT TERM

The GLO intends to award multiple IDIQ contracts for the services requested under this Solicitation. The GLO may award contracts to one or multiple Respondents. Any contract resulting from this Solicitation, except for the exception noted below, shall be effective from the later of August 31, 2026, or the date of last signature, until May 31, 2031. The GLO, at its own discretion and subject to applicable limitations in the General Appropriations Act and other law, may extend any contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation, subject to terms and conditions mutually agreeable to both parties.

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For certain projects funded by time-limited revenue sources, the term of the contract and related work order(s) may be extended beyond May 31, 2031, or any exercised extension, to coincide with the expiration of such revenue sources. Contracts are contingent upon the availability of State and/or federal funding and the granting of certain permits. If funds become unavailable due to lack of appropriations, legislative budget cuts, amendment of the Appropriations Act, State agency consolidations, or any other disruption of current appropriations, the GLO may terminate any contract resulting from this Solicitation.

2.5 NO GUARANTEE OF VOLUME OR USAGE

The GLO makes no guarantee of volume or usage under any contract resulting from this Solicitation.

2.6 WORK ORDER SELECTION AND AUTHORIZATION

Specific work authorization for services provided under any contract resulting from this Solicitation shall be in the form of applicable Work Orders drafted by the GLO, a sample of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

All Work Orders shall be in writing and signed by both parties. Each Work Order shall include a list of tasks to be performed by Contractor, a time schedule, a list of deliverables, anticipated employee hours and hourly rates, and such other information or special conditions as may be necessary for the work requested. Evaluation and acceptance of each deliverable shall be based on compliance with the pre-established requirements and specifications in the Contract and Work Order.

Any Work Order issued will provide a specific Derelict Vessel removal list. The Derelict Vessel removal list will contain the following information:

• Derelict Vessel Database Identifying number (DVDB#)

• Global Positioning System location (GPS)

• County Name

• Waterbody Name

• Length of Vessel (feet)

• Vessel Material (i.e. Steel, Aluminum, Wood)

• Specific comments regarding the removal of the Vessel

When Vessel removal services are required, the GLO shall issue a Request for Work Order Proposals (“RFWOP”) to all Contractors awarded contracts for the applicable services.

Each RFWOP shall be evaluated by the GLO in accordance with the criteria specified in the RFWOP, which may include, without limitation, a cost proposal, proposed methodology for disposition of the specified work, and the experience and qualifications of personnel assigned to the Work Order.

Once a Work Order has been executed, the Contractor may mobilize on site immediately upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed (NTP) from the GLO. Contractor will be expected to complete the removal of all Vessels within 180 calendar days after receiving the Notice to

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Proceed. Contractor shall commence operations no later than 45 calendar days after receipt of the NTP. If a force majeure event occurs that prevents the Contractor from completing the Project, the Contractor and GLO may negotiate a contract amendment to accommodate said event.

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ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

3.1 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

EVENT DATE/TIME

Issue Solicitation March 31, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Questions April 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT

Anticipated Release Date of Answers to Questions April 17, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Qualifications (including VetHUB Subcontracting Plan)

April 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CT

Evaluation Period May 1, 2026 to May 21, 2026

Anticipated Notification of Intent to Award May 22, 2026

Contract Negotiation and Execution May 25, 2026 to June 30, 2026

NOTE: These dates represent a tentative schedule of events. The GLO reserves the right to modify these dates at any time prior to the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses upon notice posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website at:

http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd. Please search under Agency Code 305 (General Land Office). Any modification of dates after the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses will not be posted.

3.2 INQUIRIES

3.2.1 Contact

All requests, questions, or other communications about this Solicitation must be made in writing to the GLO’s Purchasing Department, addressed to the person listed below.

Name: Mike Klepfer, CTCM, CTCD Address: 1700 N. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701 Email: Mike.Klepfer@GLO.Texas.Gov

If you receive an “out of office” reply from the point-of-contact listed above, please forward your e-mail to the secondary point-of-contact listed below.

mailto:Mike.Klepfer@GLO.Texas.Gov

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Name: Sarah Bergmann, CTCD, CTCM Address: 1700 N. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701 Email: Sarah.Bergmann@GLO.Texas.Gov

Notwithstanding the above, Respondents may direct questions about the state’s Veteran-Owned Historically Underutilized Businesses (VetHUB) Program or VetHUB Subcontracting Plans (VetHSPs) to the GLO VetHUB Team contacts listed in Section 5.5 of this Solicitation.

3.2.2 Clarifications

The GLO will allow written requests for clarification of this Solicitation. Questions may be e-mailed to the point-of-contact listed in Section 3.2.1 above. Respondents’ names shall be removed from questions in the responses released. Questions shall be submitted in the following format. Submissions that deviate from this format may not be accepted:

a) Identifying Solicitation number in email subject

b) Section number

c) Text of passage being questioned

d) Question

NOTE: The deadline for submitting questions is noted in Section 3.1 above.

Please provide company name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and name of contact person when submitting questions.

3.2.3 Responses

All accepted questions will result in written responses with copies posted to the ESBD at: http://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd. Responses shall be posted as an Addendum to the Solicitation. It is Respondent’s responsibility to check the ESBD for updated responses.

3.2.4 Prohibited Communications

On issuance of this Solicitation, except for the written inquiries described in Section

3.2.1 above, the GLO, its representative(s), or partners will not answer questions or otherwise discuss the contents of this Solicitation with any potential Respondent or their representative(s). Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid. Failure to observe this restriction may disqualify the Respondent. Respondent shall rely only on written statements issued through or by the GLO’s purchasing staff. This restriction does not preclude discussions between affected parties for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this mailto:Sarah.Bergmann@GLO.Texas.Gov

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3.3 SOLICITATION RESPONSE COMPOSITION

3.3.1 General Requirements

Respondent shall complete and upload the documents listed below to the Box™ URL in Section 3.4.3:

a) One Statement of Qualifications, including all documents requested in Part

1 of the Submission Checklist, submitted as one Portable Document Format (.pdf) file titled “RFQ 6240-MK (Respondent Name)_Part 1”;

b) One VetHUB Subcontracting Plan, submitted as one .pdf file titled “RFQ

6240-MK (Respondent Name)_Part 2”.

Respondent shall prepare a clear and concise Solicitation Response that focuses on the instructions and requirements of the Solicitation. Respondent is responsible for all costs related to the preparation of its Solicitation Response.

Any terms and conditions attached to a Solicitation Response will not be considered unless specifically referred to in this Solicitation and may result in disqualification.

3.3.2 Solicitation Response Format

For ease of evaluation, the Solicitation Response shall be presented in a format that corresponds to the order requested in Article VII, Submission Checklist. Responses to each section and subsection shall be labeled clearly to indicate the item being addressed. Exceptions to this will be considered during the evaluation process.

3.3.3 Page Limit and Supporting Documentation

Submittals are recommended not to exceed 25 pages in length. Exhibit A, General Affirmations and Solicitation Acceptance, Exhibit B, Federal Affirmations, Exhibit E, VetHUB Subcontracting Plan, signed acknowledgments of Addenda, along with past projects and résumés are considered supporting documentation and are not included in the page limit. The Solicitation Response should be formatted using 12-point or larger font, except for charts, graphs, or other graphical representations of data.

3.4 SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION AND DELIVERY

3.4.1 Deadline

Solicitation Responses must be received at the Box™ URL in Section 3.4.3 no later than as specified in Section 3.1. Respondents may submit their Solicitation Responses any time prior to that deadline. Box™ shall time stamp all uploaded Solicitation Responses; any other documentation of timely submission in lieu of the Box™ time stamp WILL NOT be accepted.

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3.4.2 Labeling

Each file uploaded to Box™ shall include Respondent’s company name and the title of the document; for example: “Company X: RFQ 6240-MK Submittal.”

3.4.3 Delivery

Respondents must upload Solicitation Responses to the following Box™ URL:

Box Link: Upload Here

Or https://txglo.app.box.com/f/31c5b8e99065443daafd5dd355e70bfb

The GLO shall not accept Solicitation Responses submitted by any other means.

Please contact the point-of-contact listed in section 3.2.1 above for assistance with Box™.

3.4.4 Alterations, Modifications, and Withdrawals

Solicitation Responses may be modified, altered, or withdrawn by notifying the point-of-contact listed in Section 3.2.1 above, provided such notice is received prior to the deadline for submission of Solicitation Responses.

https://txglo.app.box.com/f/31c5b8e99065443daafd5dd355e70bfb https://txglo.app.box.com/f/31c5b8e99065443daafd5dd355e70bfb

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ARTICLE IV. SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION & AWARD PROCESS

4.1 EVALUATION CRITERIA

4.1.1 Conformance with State Law

This Solicitation is being issued in accordance with Texas law, including, without limitation, Texas Administrative Code, Title 31, Chapter 19; and Chapter 40 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, regarding the GLO’s powers and duties relating to the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991. Solicitation Responses shall be evaluated in accordance with Chapter 31 of the Texas Natural Resources Code; and Chapters 2155-2156 of the Texas Government Code. The GLO shall make an award to the Respondent that provides the “Best Value” to the State of Texas for each specific project identified by the GLO.

4.1.2 Minimum Qualifications

Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Furthermore, Solicitation Responses that appear unrealistic in terms of technical commitment, that show a lack of technical competence, or that indicate a failure to comprehend the risk and complexity of a potential contract may be rejected.

Respondent shall submit a summary (not to exceed two pages) that provides specific support for meeting the minimum qualifications outlined in this Section.

This support can specifically state how the Respondent meets each minimum qualification or can direct the evaluators to the appropriate section of the Solicitation Response that provides support for the Respondent satisfying each minimum qualification.

4.1.2.1 Respondent must have recently been in the marine services business for at least (5) years, or the principals/owners must have had ownership/executive management experience in a previous company that provided similar services for a minimum of five (5) years;

4.1.2.2 Respondent shall have demonstrated relevant experience in complying with project schedules and budgets in past projects;

4.1.2.3 Respondents shall have demonstrated relevant experience in sunken Vessel services, noting projects completed in the last five

(5) years; and

4.1.2.4 Respondent must be a registered entity with SAM.gov (System for

Award Management) with an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEID) or the ability to obtain a UEID prior to Contract execution.

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4.1.3 Selection Criteria

Solicitation Responses shall be consistently evaluated and scored in accordance with the criteria listed below.

4.1.3.1 Demonstrated relevant experience and qualifications of Respondent’s company and key personnel to have the ability to provide the required services listed in Article II, as demonstrated by the Solicitation Response, and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Vendor Performance Tracking System. (50%);

4.1.3.2 Demonstrated performance complying with project schedules on past projects, as demonstrated in Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and past performance (20%);

4.1.3.3 Demonstrated performance complying with project budgets on past projects, as demonstrated in SOQ and past performance (20%); and

4.1.3.4 Safety Record (10%).

NOTE: To clarify any response, the Solicitation evaluation committee may contact references provided in response to this Solicitation, contact Respondent’s clients, or solicit information from any available source concerning any aspect of the Solicitation deemed pertinent to the evaluation process.

4.1.4 Detailed Scoring Methodology

It is the intent of the GLO to award a contract to the Respondent(s) determined to be ‘best value’. GLO reserves the right to make a determination to cancel the solicitation and not make a recommendation for an award. An evaluation committee will be established to evaluate the responsive submittals. The committee will include employees of GLO and may include other impartial individuals who are not GLO employees. By submitting a response to this RFP, the Respondent accepts the solicitation and evaluation process and acknowledges and accepts that scoring of the submittals may involve some subjective judgments by the evaluation committee. When considering best value and award, GLO reserves the right to set a minimum requirement regarding the weighted criteria listed in par. 4.1.3 above.

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ARTICLE V. REQUIRED RESPONDENT INFORMATION

5.1 RESPONDENT INFORMATION

Respondent must provide satisfactory evidence of its ability to manage and coordinate the types of activities described in this Solicitation and to produce the specified products or services on time. In accordance with this requirement, Respondent shall provide the following information:

5.1.1 Company Narrative

Respondent shall provide a detailed narrative explaining why Respondent is qualified to provide the services enumerated in Article II, focusing on its company’s key strengths and competitive advantages. Respondent must identify and describe a minimum of three (3) past projects in the last five (5) years that involved the types of services specified in this Solicitation.

5.1.2 Key Staffing Profile

Provide a company profile to include:

a) The company ownership structure (e.g., corporation, partnership, LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), including any wholly-owned subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or joint ventures. (Please provide this information in a narrative and as a graphical representation). If Respondent is an Affiliate of, or has a joint venture or strategic alliance with, another company, please identify the percentage of ownership and the percentage of the parent’s ownership.

Finally, please provide your proposed operating structure for the services requested under this Solicitation and which entities (i.e. parent company, Affiliate, Joint Venture, subcontractor) will be performing them;

b) The year the company was founded and/or legally organized. If organized as a business entity other than a sole proprietorship (e.g., corporation, LLC, LLP, etc.), please indicate the type of entity, the state under whose laws the company is organized and the date of organization;

c) The location of your company headquarters and any field office(s) that may provide services for any resulting contract under this Solicitation, including subcontractors;

d) The number of employees in your company, both locally and nationally, and the location(s) from which employees may be assigned;

e) The name, title, mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number of

Respondent’s point of contact for any resulting contract under this Solicitation; and

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f) Indicate whether your company has ever been engaged under a contract by any Texas state agency. If “Yes,” specify when, for what duties, and for which agency.

NOTE: A Respondent that is not organized under the laws of the state of Texas must register with the Texas Secretary of State before it may transact business in Texas. Respondent must provide proof of registration before the GLO may award a contract under this Solicitation.

5.1.3 Key Staffing Profile

Respondent must provide a key staffing profile and résumés for staff that will be responsible for the performance of the services requested under this Solicitation.

“Key staff” is defined as experienced, professional and/or technical personnel who will have major responsibilities under a contract and/or provide unusual or unique expertise essential for successful completion of the work performed. Contractor shall ensure key staff remain available for the entire term of a contract. If key staff become unavailable for work, Contractor shall promptly notify the GLO and assign alternative staff of equal ability and qualifications. The GLO reserves the right to approve changes to key staff.

Staff members listed in the Key Staffing Profile who are independent contractors, and not employees, of Respondent may also qualify as subcontractors. Please evaluate your Key Staffing Profile and VetHUB Subcontracting Plan accordingly.

5.2 PAST PROJECTS

Respondent shall provide a minimum of three completed projects of similar type and size performed within the last five (5) years, preferably non-GLO but for federal, state and/or local government entities. Information provided shall include:

a) Client name;

b) Project description;

c) Total dollar amount of project including the original quoted project cost and the completed project cost. If there was a variance of over 5%, Respondent should provide an explanation;

d) Total project duration including the original project completion date and the actual project completion date. If there was a variance of over 5%, Respondent should provide an explanation;

e) Key staff assigned to the referenced project that will be designated for work under this Solicitation; and

f) Client project manager name, telephone number, and e-mail address.

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5.3 MAJOR SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION

In addition to the requirements of Article II, Respondent must identify any major subcontractors whom Respondent intends to utilize in performing fifteen percent (15%) or more of any project. Respondent must indicate whether or not Respondent holds any financial interest in any major subcontractor. It may be required as a condition of award that an authorized officer or agent of each proposed major subcontractor sign a statement to the effect that the subcontractor has read, and will agree to abide by, Respondent’s obligations under any contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation.

Any major subcontractor the Respondent intends to utilize in performance of the work must also be included in the Respondent's VetHUB Subcontracting Plan. If a major subcontractor will not be utilized for this Project, so indicate in the appropriate section of the Solicitation Response.

5.4 LITIGATION HISTORY

Respondent must include in its Solicitation Response a complete disclosure of any actual or alleged breaches of contract it has engaged in. In addition, Respondent must disclose any civil or criminal litigation or investigation pending in the United States at any time during the last three years in which Respondent is/was a named party or has been judged guilty or liable. For each instance of such litigation or investigation, Respondent shall list:

basic case information (e.g., cause number/case number, venue information, names of parties, name of investigating entity); a description of claims alleged by or against Respondent or its parent, subsidiary, or other affiliate; for each resolved case, a description of the disposition of Respondent’s involvement (e.g., settled, dismissed, judgment entered, etc.). Failure to comply with the terms of this provision may disqualify any Respondent.

Solicitation Responses may be rejected based upon Respondent’s prior history with the state of Texas or with any other party that demonstrates, without limitation, unsatisfactory performance, adversarial or contentious demeanor, or significant failure(s) to meet contractual obligations.

If Respondent has no litigation history, as described above, so indicate in the appropriate section of the Solicitation Response.

5.5 VETERAN-OWNED HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (VETHUB)

The GLO is committed to promoting business opportunities for State of Texas certified VetHUBs in compliance with 34 TAC §20.285 and 31 TAC §3.30, and the GLO accordingly makes a good-faith effort to increase VetHUB participation in its contracts by contracting directly with VetHUBs or indirectly through subcontracting.

The State of Texas VetHUB Subcontracting Plan (“VetHSP”) form is included with this Solicitation as Exhibit E. A Solicitation Response that does not contain a VetHSP is not responsive and will be rejected without further evaluation. A Solicitation Response will also be rejected if the GLO determines that the VetHSP was not developed in good faith.

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Please refer to the cover letter included with Exhibit E for specific instructions for locating potential VetHUB subcontractors utilizing the state’s Centralized Master Bidders List

(CMBL).

A presentation describing the procedure for completing the VetHSP is included with this Solicitation as Exhibit F.

Respondents may direct questions about VetHSPs or the VetHUB Program to the VetHUB Team contacts listed below. All other questions about this Solicitation must be directed to the single point of contact listed in Section 3.2.1.

Tamara Perkins Vonda White Tamara.Perkins@GLO.Texas.Gov Vonda.White@GLO.Texas.Gov

512.463.5908 512.947.6441

5.6 CONFLICTS

Respondent must disclose any potential conflict of interest it may have in providing the services described in this Solicitation, including all existing or prior arrangements. Please include any activities of affiliated or parent organizations and individuals who may be assigned to manage this account. If Respondent has no conflicts, as described above, so indicate in the appropriate section of the Solicitation Response.

5.7 SAFETY INFORMATION

Respondent shall provide its workers’ compensation experience modification rate (EMR) for the last five (5) years, submitted on Respondent’s insurance carrier’s signed letterhead.

Respondent shall also submit the name and job title of the person in its organization who manages its safety program, and a description of that program that demonstrates compliance with the written safety and health program requirement stated in 29 CFR 1910.120(b). A copy of Respondent’s safety manual may be submitted as an attachment to the Solicitation Response to fulfill this requirement, provided it contains the requested information.

mailto:Tamara.Perkins@GLO.Texas.Gov mailto:Vonda.White@GLO.Texas.Gov

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ARTICLE VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

6.1 GENERAL CONDITIONS

6.1.1 Amendment

The GLO reserves the right to alter, amend, or modify any provision of this Solicitation, or to withdraw this Solicitation, at any time prior to the award, if it is in the best interest of the GLO.

6.1.2 Informalities

The GLO reserves the right to waive minor informalities and irregularities in any Solicitation Response received.

6.1.3 Rejection

The GLO reserves the right to reject any or all Solicitation Responses received prior to contract award.

6.1.4 Irregularities

Any irregularities or lack of clarity in this Solicitation should be brought to the attention of the point-of-contact listed in Section 3.2.1 as soon as possible, so that corrective addenda may be furnished to prospective Respondents via the ESBD.

6.1.5 Offer Period

Solicitation Responses shall be binding for a period of 120 days after they are opened. Respondents may extend the time for which their Solicitation Response will be honored. Upon contract execution, prices agreed upon by the Respondent(s) are an irrevocable offer for the term of the contract and any contract extension(s).

No other costs, rates, or fees shall be payable to the Respondent unless expressly agreed upon in writing by the GLO.

6.1.6 Open Records

The GLO is a government agency subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Chapter 552, Texas Government Code. The Solicitation Response and other information submitted to the GLO by the Respondent are subject to release as public information. The Solicitation Response and other submitted information shall be presumed to be subject to disclosure unless a specific exception to disclosure under the PIA applies. If it is necessary for the Respondent to include proprietary or otherwise confidential information in its Solicitation Response or other submitted information, the Respondent must clearly label that proprietary or confidential information and identify the specific exception to disclosure of that information in the PIA. Merely making a blanket claim that the entire Solicitation

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Response is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable and shall make the entire Solicitation Response subject to release under the PIA. In order to trigger the process of seeking an Attorney General opinion on the release of proprietary or confidential information, the specific provisions of the Solicitation Response the Respondent considers proprietary or confidential must be clearly labeled as described above. Any information which is not clearly identified as proprietary or confidential shall be deemed to be subject to disclosure pursuant to the PIA, except as provided by law.

Respondents are required to make any information created or exchanged with the state pursuant to this solicitation and any contract that may result from this solicitation, and not otherwise excepted from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, available in a format that is accessible by the public at no additional charge to the state.

Information related to the performance of this contract may be subject to the PIA and will be withheld from public disclosure or released only in accordance…