ESBD_546841_1786045744607_RFP 767 Organizational Peformance Transformative and Performance Mgt Platform.pdf

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

TRANSFORMATION & CONTINUOUS

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

RFP # 717-26-767

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL:

11:00 a.m., Central Time, Thursday, August 20, 2026

(Proposals received after the date and time specified will not be accepted)

Texas Southern University

PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Attn: Greg Williams 3100 Cleburne Street

Mack O. Hannah Hall, Suite 333 Houston, Texas 77004 - 4598

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GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 SCOPE. The State of Texas, by and through Texas Southern University (TSU), seeks sealed proposals to establish a contract to provide an Organizational Performance Transformation and Continuous Performance Management Platform as needed by the University, in accordance with the specifications contained in this Request for Proposal

(RFP).

1.2 CONTRACT TERM. Twelve (12) months from Notice to Proceed for Part A, with option for the University to extend, reduce scope, or transition to reduced-touch advisory support based on the Month 12 sustainability assessment. Part B platform subscription term to be proposed by the vendor, with annual renewal options.

1.3 DEFINITIONS. The following is a list of generic definitions to be used only if the terms appear in the RFP:

(a) Acceptable Quality Level - The level of performance of requested services below which the contract will not be paid or damages may be assessed

(b) Addendum - A modification of the specifications issued by TSU and distributed to prospective Respondents prior to the opening of responses

(c) Best and Final Proposal (BAFO) - A formal request made to selected Respondents for revisions to the originally submitted Proposal

(d) Contract – The contract awarded as a result of this RFP and all exhibits thereto. This RFP, any Addendum issued in conjunction with this RFP, the successful Respondent’s Proposal, any BAFO, and subsequent submission by Respondent, shall all be fully incorporated therein as exhibits

(e) Contractor – Respondent whose proposal results in a contract with TSU

(f) Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) – The Electronic State Business Daily, which is available online at http:esbd.state.tx.us/

(g) Gov’t Code – Texas Government Code.

(h) Proposal – The response submitted by a vendor to TSU as a result of this solicitation.

(i) Respondent – Any person, firm or vendor who submits a Proposal in response to this solicitation.

(j) RFP – Request for Proposals, which is the type of solicitation embodied in this document.

(k) TAC – Texas Administrative Code, which is the publication for administrative rules.

1.4 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

Actual and Perceived Conflicts

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent represents and warrants that neither it nor its employees and subcontractors have an actual or potential conflict of interest in entering a Contract with the TSU. The Respondent also represents and warrants that entering a Contract with the TSU will not create the appearance of impropriety. In its Proposal, the Respondent shall disclose any existing or potential conflict of interest that it

Page | 3 might have in contracting with the TSU. The requirement to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest shall begin with the initial request for bids, continue during the term of the contract, and survive until the end of the recordkeeping requirement in Section 1.5. TSU will decide, in its sole discretion, whether an actual or perceived conflict should result in Proposal disqualification or Contract termination.

Current and Former TSU Employees

In addition to the disclosures required above, the Respondent shall also disclose any of its personnel who are current or former officers or employees of the TSU or who are related, within the third degree by consanguinity (as defined by §573.023, Gov’t Code) or within the second degree by affinity (as defined by §573.025, Gov’t Code), to any current or former officers or employees of the TSU.

Respondents must comply with all applicable Texas and federal laws and regulations relating to the hiring of former state employees (e.g., Texas Government Code Chapters 572 and 573). Such “revolving door” provisions generally restrict former agency heads from communicating with or appearing before the agency on certain matters for two years after leaving the agency. The revolving door provisions also restrict some former employees from representing clients on matters that the employee participated in during state service or matters that were in the employees’ official responsibilities. Respondent, by signing this solicitation, certifies that it has complied with all applicable laws and regulations regarding former state employees.

1.5 RECORDS RETENTION

The Respondent shall retain all financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and any other records or books relating to the performance called for in the Contract. The Respondent shall retain all such records for a period of seven (7) years after the expiration of the Contract, or until TSU and/or State Auditor's Office is satisfied that all audit and litigation matters are resolved, whichever period is longer. The Respondent shall grant access to all books, records, and documents pertinent to the Contract to TSU, the State Auditor of Texas, and any federal governmental entity that has authority to review records due to federal funds being spent under the Contract.

1.6 INSURANCE AND OTHER SECURITY

Contractor represents and warrants that it will, within five (5) business days of executing this agreement, provide Texas Southern University with current certificates of insurance or other proof acceptable to Texas Southern University of the following insurance coverage:

Standard Workers Compensation Insurance covering all personnel who will provide services under this Contract;

Commercial General Liability Insurance, personal injury and advertising injury with, at a minimum, the following limits: $500,000 minimum each occurrence; $1,000,000 per general aggregate.

Contractor represents and warrants that all of the above coverage is with companies licensed in the state of Texas, with “A” rating from Best, and authorized to provide the corresponding coverage. Contractor also represents and warrants that all policies contain endorsements prohibiting cancellation except upon at least thirty

(30) days prior written notice to Texas Southern University. Contractor represents and warrants that it shall maintain the above insurance coverage during the term of this Contract and shall provide Texas Southern University with an executed copy of the policies immediately upon request.

1.7 COMMODITY CODE 918-83

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The NIGP / State of Texas commodity code for this solicitation 918-75

1.8 BACKGROUND

Since its founding in 1927, Texas Southern University ("TSU") has grown from a small junior college into a nationally recognized, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the nation's largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities ("HBCUs"), TSU is proud to be among only 13 HBCUs designated as a Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2) by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Building on this distinction, the University is strategically positioned to join the nation's trailblazing HBCUs in achieving the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation.

TSU's commitment to excellence extends beyond research and is reflected across every facet of university life.

The University offers more than 120 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs through its eleven colleges and schools. Located on more than 150 acres in Houston's historic Third Ward, the campus serves as a center for academic achievement, innovation, leadership, and community engagement.

As the University approaches its centennial celebration, it continues to honor its rich legacy while boldly advancing its vision for the future. Today, TSU enrolls approximately 9,000 students. Guided by its Board-approved Strategic Plan (ASCEND 2030) and Campus Master Plan, the University has established ambitious enrollment goals of 10,000 students by Fall 2028 and 15,000 students by Fall 2030.

As Houston's first state-supported institution of higher education, Texas Southern University remains steadfast in its mission to transform lives through education. The Board of Regents, President, Administration, Faculty, and Staff are united in their commitment to student success and to preparing the next generation of leaders who will strengthen Texas, the nation, and the global community.

End of Section I

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SECTION II

SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 BACKGROUND PURPOSE

Texas Southern University has identified a sustained pattern of performance gaps across University divisions, characterized by insufficient precision, inconsistent attention to detail, and limited employee ownership of outcomes.

Traditional semi-annual and annual performance evaluation cycles have not produced the pace or durability of change required.

The university intends to implement a continuous, metric-based organizational performance methodology through a 12-month embedded engagement, supported where appropriate by a continuous performance management software platform. The engagement will be organizationally placed under the Chief Administration Officer/Senior Vice President (CAO/SVP) and will operate in direct coordination with the Human Resources Office (HRO), with the explicit goal of building sustained internal capability so that the University's ongoing dependence on external consulting support declines over time.

2.2 OBJECTIVES

2.2.1 Replace episodic, calendar-driven performance review cycles with continuous, metric-based accountability at the individual, team, and departmental level.

2.2.2 Establish clear ownership of roles, responsibilities, and measurable outcomes across participating divisions.

2.2.3 Instill disciplined issue-identification and resolution practices that address root causes of recurring precision and quality failures.

2.2.4 Build durable internal leadership capability, coaching designated University staff as internal facilitators, so the methodology is self-sustaining beyond the 12-month term.

2.2.5 Produce a measurable, documented improvement in operational precision, attention to detail, and delivery consistency, tied to metrics agreed upon at engagement kickoff

2.3 SCOPE OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES

This engagement consists of two complementary components: (A) embedded consulting/facilitation, and (B) a continuous performance management platform. The University may procure these as a single integrated engagement or as separately awarded components, at the CAO's discretion.

PART A: Embedded Consulting and Facilitation The Contractor shall provide an embedded, on-site (or hybrid, as approved by the CAO) practitioner or practitioner team to perform the following:

2.3.1 Organizational Assessment (Month 1)

• Conduct a baseline organizational health assessment of the University divisions designated in scope by the

CAO at engagement kickoff.

• Review existing organizational structure, role clarity, and reporting relationships in coordination with

HRO.

• Identify current-state gaps in accountability, data visibility, and issue-resolution practice.

• Deliver a baseline report with proposed scorecard metrics for review and approval by the CAO and Senior

Associate Vice President for Operations.

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2.3.2 Leadership Team Alignment (Months 1–3)

• Facilitate structured sessions to align leadership on vision, priorities, and a shared organizational scorecard.

• Establish a recurring leadership accountability meeting structure with a standardized agenda, issues log, and action-item tracking.

• Define measurable, departmental- and individual-level priorities that cascade from institutional strategic priorities (ASCEND 2030 and related frameworks).

2.3.3 Cascade and Rollout (Months 3–6)

• Extend the accountability structure and scorecard methodology to department-head and supervisory levels within the divisions designated in scope.

• Train designated internal staff (HRO and division representatives) as internal facilitators to reduce long-term dependency on external delivery.

• Establish a documented process library for recurring, error-prone workflows identified during the assessment phase.

2.3.4 Sustained Implementation and Coaching (Months 6–11)

• Provide ongoing facilitation, coaching, and troubleshooting support to leadership and department heads as the operating rhythm matures.

• Conduct quarterly planning sessions aligned to the University's fiscal and academic calendar.

• Monitor scorecard metrics and provide monthly progress reporting to the CAO, with a copy to the Senior

Associate Vice President for Operations.

2.3.5 Transition and Sustainability (Month 12)

• Conduct a formal capability handoff to trained internal facilitators.

• Deliver a final engagement report including metric trend data over the full term, an assessment of organizational readiness for self-sustained operation, and recommendations regarding any residual or reduced-scope support needed beyond the 12-month term.

Part B — Continuous Performance Management Platform

2.3.6 Platform Requirements:

• A cloud-based (SaaS) system of record supporting continuous check-ins, goal setting and cascading, real-time feedback, configurable performance appraisals, and manager/HR dashboards, replacing the paper- or form-based semi-annual/annual evaluation process.

• Configurable to the University's organizational structure, job classifications, and evaluation criteria.

• Reporting and business-intelligence functionality sufficient to feed the scorecard metrics developed under

Part A.

• Data security, access control, and retention practices consistent with University IT and audit requirements.

2.3.7 Implementation:

• Vendor-led configuration, data migration (as applicable), and integration support with existing HR/Banner systems, coordinated with HRO and OIT.

• Training for HRO staff, division leadership, and end users.

• Ongoing platform support and maintenance for the term of the agreement.

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2.3.8 Coordination with Part A:

• The Part A Contractor (if separately awarded) and the Part B platform vendor shall coordinate scorecard design and metric definitions, so the two components function as a single coherent system rather than parallel, disconnected efforts.

2.4 ORGANIZATIONAL PLACEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

2.4.1 The engagement shall report administratively to the CAO/SVP, with a formal coordination relationship to the

HRO for all matters touching position structure, performance documentation, and personnel policy (including alignment with MAPP 02.02.01 and related HR policy).

2.4.2 Monthly written progress reports shall be provided to the CAO, with summary reporting available to the Senior Associate Vice President for Operations and, at the CAO's discretion, to the President's Office.

2.4.3 Any recommended changes to formal performance evaluation policy or personnel action processes arising from this engagement shall be routed through HRO and, as applicable, the Office of General Counsel prior to implementation.

2.5 DELIVERABLES SUMMARY

2.6 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

2.6.1 Part A (Consulting)

• Demonstrated experience delivering continuous, metric-based organizational performance methodologies in complex institutional environments (higher education, public sector, or comparable organizational scale preferred).

• Verifiable client references reflecting engagements of comparable duration and scope; certification in a recognized methodology (e.g., EOS® or functional equivalent) is a plus but not a requirement.

# Deliverable Component Timing

1 Baseline Organizational Assessment Report A End of Month 1

2 Leadership Scorecard and Accountability Structure

A End of Month 3

3 Platform Configuration and Go-Live B End of Month 3 (target)

4 Monthly Progress Reports A Monthly, Months 2–12

5 Quarterly Planning Session Summaries A End of Months 3, 6, 9, 12

6 Internal Facilitator Training and Readiness Record

A End of Month 6

7 Final Engagement Report and Sustainability Recommendation

A End of Month 12

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• Ability to be physically present on the TSU campus on a regularly scheduled basis consistent with an “embedded” delivery model (frequency to be proposed and agreed at kickoff).

2.6.2 Part B (Platform)

• Demonstrated experience deploying continuous performance management software in government, higher education, or nonprofit environments.

• Willingness to integrate with existing University HR/Banner systems and meet University IT security requirements.

2.6.3 Both

• Familiarity with public-sector governance, audit, and procurement considerations, including willingness to operate under the terms of the applicable cooperative purchasing contract vehicle.

2.7 ASSUMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

2.7.1 This engagement addresses organizational performance methodology and supporting technology, and is not a substitute for formal HR disciplinary processes, which remain governed by existing University policy.

2.7.2 Any formal changes to evaluation policy, job descriptions, or compensation structures identified during the engagement require separate HRO/OGC review and are outside the direct scope of Contractor deliverables.

2.7.3 Pricing and payment terms shall be established under the applicable cooperative contract vehicle's terms and the University's standard purchase order process.

End of Section II

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SECTION III

CRITERIA

3.1 CRITERIA

Respondents shall organize their proposal in the order presented below. Each criterion directly corresponds to the Scope of Services described in Section II. Proposals should provide sufficient detail to allow the evaluation committee to assess the Respondent's ability to successfully perform the required services. The criteria in which your response will be evaluated are as follows:

Criterion 1 – Qualifications and Organizational Experience Criterion 2 – Experience of the Project Team Criterion 3 – Technical Approach & Methodology Criterion 4 – Past Performances and References Criterion 5 – Implementation & Transition Plan Criterion 6 – Demonstration /Case Study Criterion 7 – Cost (A and B)

3.2 CRITERION 1: Qualifications and Experience of the Respondent

3.2.1 Provide a brief history of your firm including when your firm was established, type of ownership and office locations. If more than one office is listed indicate the office that will manage the project. If your firm has changed name or ownership within the last five (5) years indicate the former name.

3.2.2 Provide a description of experience implementing enterprise-wide organizational performance improvement initiatives.

3.2.3 Provide a description of experience providing embedded consulting services within higher education, public sector, healthcare, or similarly complex organizations.

3.2.4 Provide a description of methodologies utilized (EOS®, OKRs, Balanced Scorecard, Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent).

3.2.5 Provide evidence of measurable client outcomes including improvements in accountability, operational effectiveness, employee engagement, process improvement, or organizational performance.

3.2.6 Disclose any litigation, regulatory actions, or contract terminations during the past five years.

3.2.7 Provide a description of insurance coverage including Professional Liability and Cyber Liability for this project.

3.2.8 Provide a list of comparable engagements completed within the last five years of clients (beginning with Texas public colleges and universities) for which your firm has provided services similar in scope, size, and complexity. For each client, provide the organization name, contact person, title, email address, telephone number, years of service, and a brief description of the services performed.

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3.3 CRITERION 2: Experience of Proposed Project Team

Demonstrate the qualifications of personnel assigned to this engagement.

3.3.1 Provide project organization chart.

3.3.2 Provide Project manager qualifications and experience.

3.3.3 Provide resumes of all proposed personnel assigned to this project.

3.3.4 List any professional certifications and specialized training.

3.3.5 Describe experience coaching managers and supervisors.

3.36 Describe approach to maintaining continuity should personnel changes occur.

3.4 CRITERION 3: Technical Approach and Methodology

This section should describe and discuss your proposed approach and methodology in providing the services of the type and kind required in this RFP. By reading the proposed approach and methodology overview, Texas Southern University must be able to gain a comfortable grasp and clear understanding of the level of services to be provided, and the methods proposed by your firm to provide them. Respondents shall specifically address each component of the Scope of Services.

3.4.1 Organizational Assessment: Respondent shall describe the methodology for conducting the baseline organizational assessment.

3.4.1.1 Describe how accountability gaps, organizational issues, and operational inefficiencies will be identified.

3.4.2 Leadership Alignment: Describe the process for facilitating leadership alignment sessions.

3.4.2.1 Describe how scorecards, priorities, and accountability structures will be established.

3.4.3 Cascade and Rollout: Describe how organizational goals will be cascaded to departments and individual employees.

3.4.3.1 Describe the process for developing process documentation and workflow improvements.

3.4.4 Coaching and Continuous Improvement: Describe the ongoing coaching model.

3.4.4.1 Describe how recurring performance meetings will be facilitated.

3.4.4.2 Describe reporting methodology and dashboard development.

3.4.5 Sustainability: Describe the methodology for training internal facilitators.

3.4.5.1 Describe the transition strategy to achieve long-term sustainability after Month 12.

3.4.6 Performance Platform: Describe the proposed software platform.

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3.4.6.1 Describe system functionality including: Goal management, Continuous feedback, Performance reviews, Dashboards, Reporting, Analytics, Workflow automation

3.4.6.2 Describe implementation methodology.

3.4.6.3 Describe Banner integration capability.

3.4.6.4 Describe data migration approach.

3.4.6.5 Describe cybersecurity, access controls, disaster recovery, and data retention practices.

3.4.7 Identify any exceptions to Section II.

3.5 CRITERION 4 Past Performance and References

Provide evidence of successful performance on comparable projects. Respondents shall provide the following:

3.5.1 Three client references for similar engagements completed within the past five years. Include:

Organization name, Contact Person, Title, Telephone #, Email Address, Years of Service, Description of Services, Scope of engagement, Number of employees served.

3.5.2 Provide measurable project outcomes for each reference.

3.5.3 Describe client retention history for each reference.

3.5.4 Describe any project failures or early contract terminations.

3.5.5 Describe your firm's experience providing investment advisory or investment management services to Texas public universities or university systems governed by the Texas Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA), the Texas Education Code, and other applicable state laws. Discuss your familiarity with statutory investment requirements, governance structures, Board reporting, and fiduciary responsibilities unique to Texas public institutions of higher education.

3.5.6 Describe your process for ensuring continuity when key personnel change.

3.5.7 Describe your philosophy regarding long-term endowment stewardship versus short-term performance.

3.6 CRITERION 5: Implementation, Transition and Project Management

Respondents to submit a detailed transition plan addressing:

Project schedule, Implementation milestones, Communication plan, Risk management plan, Quality assurance process, Change management strategy, Training plan, Knowledge transfer methodology and Final sustainability plan

3.7 CRITERION 6: Demonstration / Case Study

Provide one of the following:

• A detailed case study demonstrating successful implementation of a comparable organizational transformation initiative; or

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• A demonstration of the proposed performance management platform illustrating how organizational scorecards, goals, performance tracking, dashboards, reporting, and continuous coaching are managed.

The University reserves the right to request an oral presentation or live software demonstration during the evaluation process.

3.8 CRITERION 7: Cost Proposal

Having carefully examined all the specifications and requirements of this RFP and any attachments thereto, the undersigned proposes to furnish the required pursuant to the above-referenced Request for Proposal upon the terms quoted (firm fixed price) below. University will not accept proposals which include assumptions or exceptions to the work identified in this RFP.

Respondent’s Cost for Services should be exclusive of travel that may be required. Expenses related to travel (i.e.

meals, lodging, airfare) are to be billed as incurred, up to a pre-negotiated maximum approved by the University. All other costs and expenses required for Respondent to perform the services must be included in the Cost for Services (ref. Section 3.8.1 of this RFP).

3.8.1 Cost for Services Offered

Part A – Embedded Consulting Services: $__________________

Part B – Software Platform Subscription:

Software Implantation, Training, & Data Migration $__________________

Total Proposed Cost $__________________

3.8.2 Identify any recurring annual subscription costs.

3.8.3 Identify any optional pricing not included in the proposed base fee.

End of Section III

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SECTION IV

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

4.1 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The solicitation process for this RFP will proceed according to the following schedule:

EVENT DATE

Issue RFP / ESBD Posting Date August 6, 2026 Deadline for Submission of Questions August 13, 2026 Deadline for Submission of Proposals August 20, 2026

4.2 REVISIONS TO SCHEDULE

TSU reserves the right to change the dates in the schedule of events above upon written notification through a posting on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) and the TSU Purchasing website. It is the responsibility of interested parties to periodically check either website for updates to the RFP prior to submitting a Proposal.

The Respondent’s failure to check the website will in no way release the selected Contractor from the requirements of addenda or additional information; nor will any resulting additional costs to meet the requirements be allowed after award(s).

4.3 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

There will not be a pre-proposal meeting.

4.4 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

4.4.1 Submissions: Respondents shall submit one (1) paper original of the Proposal. Proposal pages should be numbered and contain an organized, paginated table of contents corresponding to the section and pages of the Proposal.

Please submit a flash drive version as well. Please ensure that your entire bid response is on the flash drive as this will be the official version of your bid response, and it will be the only copy we keep on file.

4.4.2 Format of Proposals - Respondents will be expected to provide the following information in the order and detail prescribed below. Each section should be tabbed accordingly:

Introduction Letter (2-page maximum) Table of Contents

Tab 1: Criteria 1 Tab 2: Criteria 2 Tab 3: Criteria 3 Tab 4: Criteria 4 Tab 5: Criteria 5 Tab 6: Criteria 6 Tab 7: Criteria 7

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Tab 8: TSU Terms and Conditions Tab 9: Exhibit A: Execution of Proposal Tab 10: Exhibit B: Executive Order GA-48 Compliance Statement (Higher Education) Tab 11: Form 1295 Tab 12: Addenda

4.4.3 Cost of Preparation: TSU will not reimburse the Respondent for any cost related to its Proposal. The

Respondent is responsible for any expense related to the preparation and submission of its Proposal.

4.4.4 TSU will not consider any proposal that bears a copyright. Proposals will be subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Tex. Government Code, Chapter 552, and may be disclosed to the public upon request. The Proposal 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 Proposal or other submitted information, the Respondent must clearly label that proprietary or confidential information and identify the specific exception to disclosure in the PIA. Merely making a blanket claim the entire Proposal is protected from disclosure because it contains some proprietary information is not acceptable, and shall make the entire Proposal subject to release under the PIA. In order to initiate the process of seeking an Attorney General opinion on the release of proprietary or confidential information, the specific provisions of the Proposal that are considered by the Respondent to be proprietary or confidential must be clearly labeled as described below. Any information which is not clearly identified as proprietary or confidential shall be deemed to be subject to disclosure pursuant to the PIA. Subject to the Act, Respondents may protect trade and confidential information from public release. Trade secrets or other confidential information, submitted as part of a Proposal, shall be clearly marked at each page it appears. Such marking shall be in boldface type at least 14-point font.

4.5 INQUIRIES / QUESTIONS

4.5.1 All inquiries and questions shall be submitted in writing (in Word format) via email to Mr. Greg Williams at Gregory.williams@tsu.edu by 12:00 noon Central on Thursday, August 13, 2026; the date listed as the deadline for submission of questions as specified in Section 4.1 above.

4.5.2 All inquiries will result in written responses with copies posted to the State of Texas Electronic State

Business Daily and the TSU Purchasing website. If a Respondent does not have Internet access, a copy of all written responses may be obtained through the point of contact listed above.

4.5.3 Except as otherwise provided in this Section, upon issuance of this RFP, other employees and representatives of TSU will not answer questions or otherwise discuss the contents of the RFP with any potential Respondent or its representatives. Failure to observe this restriction may result in disqualification of any subsequent response. This restriction does not preclude discussions unrelated to this RFP.

4.5.4 If Respondent takes any exceptions to any provisions of this RFP, these exceptions must be specifically and clearly identified by Section in Respondent’s Proposal in response to this RFP and Respondent’s proposed alternative must also be provided in the Proposal. Respondents cannot take a ‘blanket exception’ to this entire RFP. If any Respondent takes a blanket exception to this entire RFP or does not provide proposed alternative language, the Respondent’s Proposal may be disqualified from further consideration. Any exception may result in the Contract not being awarded to the Respondent.

4.6 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

mailto:Gregory.williams@tsu.edu

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4.6.1 All Proposals shall be received and documented in the Purchasing Office and/or the Purchasing

Department at TSU prior to the stated deadline date specified in the Schedule of Events above. TSU reserves the right to reject late submittals.

4.6.2 Proposals should be placed in a separate envelope or package and correctly identified with the RFP number and submittal deadline/RFP opening date and time. It is Respondent’s responsibility to appropriately mark and deliver their proposal response to Greg Williams in the Purchasing Office located in Hannah Hall, suite 333, by the specified date and time. A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark or round validation stamp; a mail receipt with the date of mailing, stamped by the USPS; a dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier; or any other documentation in lieu of the on-site time stamp WILL NOT be accepted.

4.6.3 Telephone, email and facsimile proposal responses will not be accepted.

4.6.4 Receipt of all addenda to this RFP should be acknowledged by returning a signed copy of each addendum with the submitted Proposal.

4.6.5 The TSU Standard Terms and Conditions is included in this solicitation for your convenience with the thought that you can present it to your legal department, and they can begin reviewing them, in order to speed up possible negotiations.

4.7 POINT-OF-CONTACT: The Owner designates the following person, as its representative and Point-of-

Contact for this RFP. Respondents shall restrict all contact with the Owner and direct all questions regarding this RFP, including questions regarding terms and conditions, to the Point-of-Contact person.

Mr. Greg Williams TSU Purchasing Email: gregory.william@tsu.edu

4.8 DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS

Proposals are commonly shipped to TSU by one of the following methods: U.S. Postal Service, Fed Ex Overnight / Express Mail, or Hand Delivery (recommended).

** Please instruct your delivery service to avoid delivering your submittal to the University’s Post Office nor our Warehouse / Central Receiving as this will delay delivery and could ultimately result in your response being late; and consequently rejected. All solicitation responses must be delivered to the TSU Purchasing Office located in room 333 in Hannah Hall, our main administration building.

4.9 PROPOSAL OPENING

4.9.1 Proposals will be opened by the assigned buyer in their office or their department conference room, whichever is most appropriate and available.

4.9.2 All submitted Proposals become the property of TSU after the RFP submittal deadline. The submitted proposals and accompanying documentation will not be returned.

4.9.3 Proposals submitted shall constitute a Proposal for a period of ninety (90) days or until selection is made by TSU, whichever occurs earlier.

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4.10 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD

4.10.1 TSU shall award a contract to a Respondent whose Proposal is considered to provide the best value to the State of Texas and Texas Southern University, as defined by Tex. Government Code, Section 2155.074.

4.10.2 A committee will be established to evaluate the Proposals. The committee will include employees of

TSU and other persons invited by TSU to participate.

4.10.3 TSU reserves the right to request oral presentations from the respondents as an addition source of the evaluation and best value process. If oral presentations are needed for more clarification TSU will notify respondents of the conditions of the oral presentation.

4.10.4 TSU reserves the right to award contract(s) without any negotiations, without a BAFO, and/or TSU reserves the right to not make an award at all.

4.10.5 The Respondent is strongly encouraged to provide its best price in its Proposal because TSU makes absolutely no guarantee that there will be any opportunity to negotiate or provide alternative pricing at any point during the RFP process.

4.10.6 The evaluation committee will determine best value by applying the following criteria and assigned weighted values:

Criteria Weight

Criterion 1: Qualifications & Organizational Experience 20% Criterion 2: Experience of Project Team 10% Criterion 3: Technical Approach & Methodology 20% Criterion 4: Past Performance & References 15% Criterion 5: Implementation & Transition Plan 10% Criterion 6: Demonstration / Case Study 5% Criterion 7: Cost Proposal 20%

4.10.7 The evaluation committee will determine if Best and Final Offer (BAFO) are necessary. Award of a contract may be made without a BAFO, so you are encouraged to submit your best Proposal initially.

A request for a BAFO is at the sole discretion of TSU and if requested, will be extended in writing.

4.11 TSU reserves the right to award to multiple vendors and/or make a split award if deemed in the best interest of the University.

End of Section IV

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EXHIBIT A

EXECUTION OFFFER

NOTE: THIS EXHIBIT MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH THE PROPOSAL.

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THIS EXHIBIT WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. THE

PROPOSAL SHALL BE VOID IF FALSE STATEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS EXHIBIT.

By signature hereon, Respondent certifies that:

All statements and information prepared and submitted in the response to this RFP are current, complete, and accurate.

Respondent has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter, any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor, or service to a public servant in connection with the submitted response.

Neither Respondent nor the corporation, partnership, or institution represented by Respondent or anyone acting for such respondent, corporation, or institution has (1) violated the antitrust laws of the State of Texas under Texas Business & Commerce Code, Chapter 15, or the federal antitrust laws; or (2) communicated the contents of this Proposal either directly or indirectly to any competitor or any other person engaged in the same line of business during the procurement process for this RFP.

When a Texas business address shown hereon that address is, in fact, the legal business address of Respondent and Respondent qualifies as a Texas Resident Bidder under 1 TAC § 111.2.

Under Government Code § 2155.004, no person who prepared the specifications or this RFP has any financial interest in Respondent’s Proposal. If Respondent is not eligible, then any contract resulting from this RFP shall be immediately terminated. Furthermore, “under Section 2155.004, Government Code, the vendor [Respondent] certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Proposal or contract is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that this contract May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.”

Under Family Code § 231.006, relating to child support obligations, Respondent and any other individual or business entity named in this solicitation are eligible to receive the specified payment and acknowledge that this contract May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

Under Government Code § 669.003, relating to contracting with an executive of a state agency, Respondent represents that no person who, in the past four years, served as an executive of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Southern University or any other state agency, was involved with or has any interest in this Proposal or any contract resulting from this RFP. If Respondent employs or has used the services of a former executive head of Texas Southern University or other state agency, then Respondent shall provide the following information: Name of former executive, name of state agency, date of separation from state agency, position with Respondent, and date of employment with Respondent. Respondent agrees that any payments due under this contract will be applied towards any debt, including but not limited to delinquent taxes and child support that is owed to the State of Texas.

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Texas Southern University is federally mandated to adhere to the directions provided in the President’s Executive Order (EO) 13224, Executive Order on Terrorist Financing – Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism, effective 9/24/2001 and any subsequent changes made to it via cross- referencing respondents/vendors with the Federal General Services Administration’s System for Award Management (SAM), https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ , which is inclusive of the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated National (SDN) list.

Respondent certifies that the responding entity and its principals are eligible to participate in this transaction and have not been subjected to suspension, debarment, or similar ineligibility determined by any federal, state or local governmental entity and that Respondent is in compliance with the State of Texas statutes and rules relating to procurement and that Respondent is not listed on the federal government's terrorism watch list as described in Executive Order 13224. Entities ineligible for federal procurement are listed at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

Under Section 2155.006(b) of the Texas Government Code, a state agency May not accept a Proposal or award a contract, including a contract for which purchasing authority is delegated to a state agency, that includes proposed financial participation by a person who, during the five- year period preceding the date of the Proposal or award, has been: (1) convicted of violating a federal law in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005; or (2) assessed a penalty in a federal civil or administrative enforcement action in connection with a contract awarded by the federal government for relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita, as defined by Section 39.459, Utilities Code, Hurricane Katrina, or any other disaster occurring after September 24, 2005. Under Section 2155.006 of the Texas Government Code, the respondent certifies that the individual or business entity named in this Proposal is not ineligible to receive the specified contract and acknowledges that any contract resulting from this RFP May be terminated and payment withheld if this certification is inaccurate.

Pursuant to Section 2262.003 of the Texas Government Code, the state auditor May conduct an audit or investigation of the vendor or any other entity or person receiving funds from the state directly under this contract or indirectly through a subcontract under this contract. The acceptance of funds by the Respondent or any other entity or person directly under this contract or indirectly through a subcontract under this contract acts as acceptance of the authority of the state auditor, under the direction of the legislative audit committee, to conduct an audit or investigation in connection with those funds. Under the direction of the legislative audit committee, the Respondent or other entity that is the subject of an audit or investigation by the state auditor must provide the state auditor with access to any information the state auditor considers relevant to the investigation or audit. Respondent will ensure that this clause concerning the authority to audit funds received indirectly by subcontractors through the vendor and the requirement to cooperate is included in any subcontract it awards.

The Respondent represents that, to the extent this Solicitation constitutes a contract for goods or services within the meaning of Section 2270.002 of the Texas Government Code, as amended, solely for purposes of compliance with Chapter 2270 of the Texas Government Code, and subject to applicable Federal law, Respondent (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of this Agreement.

The term “boycott Israel” as used in this paragraph has the meaning assigned to it in Section 808.001 of the Texas Government Code, as amended.

PREFERENCES

See Section 2.38 of the State of Texas Procurement Manual regarding preferences. Check below to claim a preference under 34 TAC Rule 20.38

( ) Supplies, materials, or equipment produced in TX or offered by TX bidder or TX bidder that is owned by a service-disabled veteran ( ) Agricultural products produced or grown in TX ( ) Agricultural products and services offered by TX bidders ( ) USA produced supplies, materials, or equipment ( ) Products or persons with mental or physical disabilities ( ) Products made of recycled, remanufactured, or environmentally sensitive materials including recycled steel ( ) Energy Efficient Products ( ) Rubberized asphalt paving material ( ) Recycled motor oil and lubricants ( ) Products produced at facilities located on formerly contaminated property ( ) Products and services from economically depressed or blighted areas ( ) Vendors that meet or exceed air quality standards ( ) Recycled or Reused Computer Equipment of Other Manufacturers ( ) Foods of Higher Nutritional Value

Respondent represents and warrants that the individual signing this Execution of Offer is authorized to sign this document on behalf of Respondent and to bind Respondent under any contract resulting from this Proposal.

RESPONDENT (COMPANY) _____________________________________

SIGNATURE _____________________________________

NAME (TYPED/PRINTED _____________________________________

TITLE: _____________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________

PHYSICAL ADDRESS _____________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP _____________________________________

TELEPHONE _____________________________________

FAX _____________________________________

TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER _____________________________________

DATE _____________________________________

End of Exhibit A

EXHIBIT B

Executive Order GA-48 Compliance Statement (Higher Education)

NOTE: THIS EXHIBIT MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH THE PROPOSAL.

PROPOSALS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE THIS EXHIBIT WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. THE

PROPOSAL SHALL BE VOID IF FALSE STATEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS

EXHIBIT.

Pursuant to Executive Order GA-48 issued by Greg Abbott, Respondent affirms its understanding of and commitment to comply with all applicable requirements related to foreign adversary restrictions as they apply to public institutions of higher education.

Respondent certifies that it is not owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with any entity identified as a foreign adversary and does not participate in prohibited foreign talent recruitment programs or restricted research collaborations. Respondent further certifies that it does not receive funding, contractual support, or other resources from prohibited foreign sources that would conflict with the requirements of this Executive Order.

In support of institutional research security and academic integrity, Respondent agrees to fully disclose any foreign affiliations, partnerships, funding sources, or collaborative arrangements that may involve foreign entities. This includes, but is not limited to, research sponsorships, joint academic programs, data-sharing agreements, and subcontracting relationships.

Respondent acknowledges that any resulting agreement may be subject to enhanced compliance measures, including review of research activities, data access limitations, export control considerations, and restrictions on the use of certain technologies, equipment, or personnel connected to foreign adversaries.

Respondent further agrees to comply with all institutional policies related to international travel, remote work conducted outside the United States, and access to university systems or sensitive data, where applicable to the services provided.

Failure to comply with the provisions of Executive Order GA-48 and applicable institutional policies may result in disqualification from the solicitation process, contract termination, and/or other remedies available under law.

Vendor Certification – Executive Order GA-48 Compliance

The Respondent must complete the following certification. Failure to complete this section may result in disqualification.

☐ Certified Compliant

Respondent affirms that it is fully compliant with the requirements of Executive Order GA-48 and has no prohibited affiliations, funding sources, or engagements.

☐ Disclosure Required

Respondent affirms compliance but has disclosed below any affiliations, funding sources, partnerships, or activities that may require review under GA-48.

☐ Non-Compliant

Respondent is unable to certify compliance with Executive Order GA-48.

If “Disclosure Required” is selected, provide details below (attach additional pages if necessary):

Authorized Representative Name: __________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________________________________

Company Name: __________________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________

End of Exhibit B

HOUSE BILL 1295 (CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES)

In 2015, the Texas Legislature adopted House Bill 1295, which added section 2252.908 of the Government Code. The law states that a governmental entity or state agency may not enter into certain contracts with a business entity unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties (Form 1295) to the governmental entity or state agency at the time the business entity submits the signed contract to the governmental entity or state agency. The Texas Ethics Commission has adopted rules requiring the business entity to file Form 1295 electronically with the Commission.

Complete filing instructions are included in this bid, in which this form must be submitted. The link to the form can be located at the following link: https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/.

End of the solicitation https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/