ESBD_567414_1791922373581_01. RFO 601440000054469.pdf

Dated: September 2026

Request for Offer

Utility Mapping Services Subscription

Solicitation No.: 601440000054469

NIGP Class-Item: 956-35

Purchaser: Vanessa Spurlock, CTCD, CTCM

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1. SOLICITATION

TxDOT is issuing this Request for Offer (“Solicitation”) to establish a contract for the purchase of the goods (“Goods”) and/or services

(“Services”) described in the Statement of Work. TxDOT invites any qualified party to submit a Response. If the Statement of Work describes only Goods, references to Services will be disregarded, and vice versa. The provision of Goods and Services in accordance with the

Statement of Work and performance of all other obligations of Vendor described in the Solicitation, including without limitation in the Form of

Contract and the Contract Terms and Conditions, is collectively referred to as the “Work.” The SOW and the Contract Terms and Conditions will be exhibits to the Contract. For purposes of the Solicitation, terms used but not defined in the Statement of Work will have the meaning assigned to them in the Form of Contract and the Contract Terms and Conditions.

2. EXHIBITS AND ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

The following exhibits are attached to and incorporated into this

Solicitation (collectively, the “Exhibits”). The title of each Exhibit as listed below is a defined term and may be used throughout this Solicitation to refer to the corresponding Exhibit. In the event of a conflict between terms of an Exhibit and another part of the Solicitation, the terms shall prevail in the following order (Order of Precedence): (1) the main body of this Solicitation, (2) the Exhibits in the order listed below:

Exhibit A: Solicitation Calendar of Events

Exhibit B: Solicitation Terms and Conditions

Exhibit C: Statement of Work

Exhibit D: Execution of Response

Exhibit E: Form of Contract

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Exhibit F: Contract Terms and Conditions

3. SCHEDULES

The following schedules are attached to and incorporated into this

Solicitation (collectively, the “Schedules”). The Schedules are forms which must be fully completed by Respondent without alteration and submitted as part of its Response in accordance with the instructions set forth in this Solicitation. The title of each Schedule as listed below is a defined term and may be used throughout this Solicitation to refer to the corresponding Schedule.

Schedule 1: Bid Table

Schedule 2: Preferences Schedule

Schedule 3: Child Support Obligation

Schedule 4: Assumptions Schedule

Schedule 5: Exceptions Schedule

4. DEFINED TERMS

In this Solicitation, the following terms have the meaning set forth below:

a. Addendum: A written amendment to the Solicitation issued by

TxDOT through publication on the Procurement Website.

b. CMBL: The Centralized Master Bidders List for the state of Texas.

c. Contract: An agreement between TxDOT and Vendor for the performance of the Work resulting from this Solicitation.

d. CPA: The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

e. ESBD: The Electronic State Business Daily, which is available online at https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

f. Exception: Any proposed deviation from, or addition to, the

Solicitation Terms and Conditions.

https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

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g. Procurement Website: The procurement website for TxDOT available at https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/.

h. Purchaser: The TxDOT purchaser identified on the cover page of this Solicitation.

i. Respondent: Any person or company that submits a Response to this Solicitation.

j. Response: A quote, bid, offer, quote, proposal, or submission to

TxDOT in compliance with the terms of this Solicitation.

k. Response Deadline: The deadline for submission of Responses set forth in the Solicitation Calendar of Events.

l. TAC: Texas Administrative Code.

m. TxDOT: The Texas Department of Transportation.

n. Vendor: A Respondent that is awarded a Contract.

5. CONTRACT TERM

The initial term of the Contract shall be one year from the date the

Contract has been signed by both TxDOT and Vendor (such period and any renewal terms, the “Contract Term”). TxDOT reserves the right to unilaterally extend the Contract Term for a period not to exceed one year.

6. POSTING OF THE SOLICITATION

A notification of this Solicitation and of any addenda are posted to the

ESBD. The Solicitation, Addenda, and any additional information are posted to the Procurement Website. It is the responsibility of a potential

Respondent to periodically check the ESBD and the Procurement Website for updates to the Solicitation prior to submitting a Response.

https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/

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7. PROPRIETARY: This Solicitation is being advertised under Texas

Government Code, §2155.067. TxDOT believes the requested

Goods or Services are proprietary to one provider or to one product or service. TxDOT strongly encourages Responses from all qualified parties who may be able to provide the Goods or

Services. Only Responses conforming exactly to the Statement of

Work, including proposing only the brand names, makes, and model numbers specified, will be considered in determining award.

8. SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting a Response, Respondent agrees to comply with the

Solicitation Terms and Conditions, which it acknowledges apply to the

Solicitation and the Response.

9. QUESTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

a. Respondent must send all questions and communications regarding this Solicitation to the TxDOT contacts listed below (the

“Purchasing Contacts”) or through the Procurement Website. The

Purchasing Contacts are the only authorized TxDOT representatives for communications related to this

Solicitation. Respondent must not contact any other TxDOT agent or employee regarding this Solicitation. If Respondent communicates with any other TxDOT employee or agent regarding this Solicitation prior to award, TxDOT may disqualify Respondent and remove the Response from consideration.

Primary Contact: Vanessa Spurlock, CTCD, CTCM

Phone: (737) 393-7680

Email: Vanessa.Spurlock1@txdot.gov mailto:Vanessa.Spurlock1@txdot.gov

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Secondary Contact: Sara Marquez, CTCD, CTCM

Phone: (806) 748-4441

Email: Sara.Summers@txdot.gov

b. Respondent must include the name of the relevant Solicitation document and paragraph number in each question.

NOTE: For assistance in submitting questions and communications through the Procurement Website use the following link:

https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/how-do-i-contact-the-project-owner

c. Respondent must submit all questions prior to the deadline set forth on the Solicitation Calendar of Events.

d. TxDOT’s responses to Respondent questions will be posted to the

Procurement Website. Only answers TxDOT provides in this manner are official.

e. Minor questions for which the answer will not affect the interpretation of the Solicitation or change the contents of a

Response may be answered orally or by email by a Purchasing

Contact

10. MULTIPLE AWARDS

Multiple contracts may be awarded from this Solicitation in accordance with Government Code §2156.

11. ASSUMPTIONS

a. If Respondent is making any Assumptions regarding the Work, such items must be clearly identified and submitted as Assumptions in the Response. An “Assumption” is an understanding held by mailto:Sara.Summers@txdot.gov https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/how-do-i-contact-the-project-owner https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/how-do-i-contact-the-project-owner https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/article/how-do-i-contact-the-project-owner

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Respondent that interprets, clarifies, or supplements the Solicitation and which Respondent is relying on in its Response.

b. Respondent should attempt to verify its Assumptions where possible by submitting questions to TxDOT prior to submitting a

Response.

c. All Assumptions must be listed in the Assumptions Schedule included with the Response in accordance with the instructions provided in this Solicitation. TxDOT will review all Assumptions and may, in its sole discretion, reject the Response if the Assumptions are incorrect, inaccurate, or in conflict with the Solicitation. TxDOT will reject any Response which contains Assumptions that materially change the Solicitation.

12. EXCEPTIONS

a. All Exceptions must be listed in the Exceptions Schedule included with the Response in accordance with the instructions provided in this Solicitation. TxDOT will review all Exceptions and may, in its sole discretion, reject the Response or elect to negotiate based on the nature and extent of the Exceptions. TxDOT will not accept any

Exceptions that materially change the Solicitation.

b. Any additional terms, conditions, or ancillary documents related to the Work that Respondent wishes to propose shall be considered

Exceptions and must be clearly identified and submitted as

Exceptions in the Response.

13. RESPONSE SUBMISSION

a. Respondent must submit one signed and dated Response through the Procurement Website on or before the Response Deadline.

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b. Any Response sent to TxDOT personnel via email - whether directly, courtesy copy (cc), or blind copy (bcc) - will be invalid and will not be considered.

c. If Respondent elects not to submit the Response through the

Procurement Website, Respondent must contact a Purchasing

Contact for assistance no later than three business days prior to the Response Deadline. If submitting a physical copy of its

Response instead of submitting through the Procurement Website, the Response must be received and time stamped by TxDOT at the address provided by the Purchasing Contact on or before the

Response Deadline.

14. ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE

The Response must include all the following documentation (the

“Required Documentation”). Respondent must submit a separate document for each section below. Each document must contain a header with the section number and title as shown below. Respondent shall not encrypt or password protect the Response or embed documents within the Response.

Section 1 - Execution of Response: Respondent must submit a completed and signed Execution of Response.

Section 2 - Preferences Schedule: Respondent must submit a completed Preferences Schedule.

Section 3 - Bid Table: Respondent must submit a completed Bid Table with its proposed unit prices for each line item. The submitted Bid

Table will be an Exhibit to the Contract if Respondent receives an award.

Section 4 - Personnel: Respondent must submit resumes or brief profiles of the individuals, including any subcontractors, who will be

9 – 16 involved in performance of any portion of the Work on behalf of

Respondent. The submission shall include the following information for each individual:

i. Name and title.

ii. Education, certifications and/or licenses.

iii. Description of qualifications and number of years’ experience as stated in the Statement of Work.

Section 5 - Child Support Obligation Schedule: Respondent must submit a completed Child Support Obligation Schedule.

Section 6 - Approach to Work: Respondent must submit a description of its proposed approach to performance of the Work. The description must clearly demonstrate how Respondent will meet each requirement set forth in the Statement of Work, addressing the requirements in the order in which they appear in the Statement of

Work.

Section 7 - Assumptions Schedule: Respondent must submit a completed Assumptions Schedule. The Assumptions Schedule must provide a comprehensive list of all Assumptions underlying its

Response. The Assumption Schedule must identify the specific

Solicitation document to which each Assumption pertains, as well as the corresponding section name and number within that document. No price information may be included in the Assumptions

Schedule. If no Assumptions are made, Respondent must indicate this on the Assumptions Schedule.

Section 8 - Exceptions Schedule: Respondent must submit a completed Exceptions Schedule. If Respondent takes Exception to any portion of the Solicitation, each Exception must be specifically and clearly described on the Exceptions Schedule. The Exceptions

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Schedule must identify the specific Solicitation document to which each Exception pertains, as well as the corresponding section name and number within that document. Any proposed alternative language or document must also be included on the Exceptions Schedule for consideration. If Respondent does not have Exceptions to the

Solicitation, Respondent must indicate this on the Exceptions

Schedule. Blanket Exceptions to the entire Solicitation are not permitted.

Section 9 - Addenda: Respondent must submit a signed copy of each

Addendum (if any).

Section 10 - Artificial Intelligence Explanation: Respondent must submit a detailed explanation of all Artificial Intelligence, whether proprietary or publicly available, that Respondent may use in the delivery of the Work (the “AI Explanation”). The terms “Artificial

Intelligence,” “AI,” “AI System,” and “Human-in-the-Loop” shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Information Resources and

Security Requirements, which is an Exhibit to the Statement of Work.

If no Artificial Intelligence will be used in connection with the Work, Respondent must state that in the AI Explanation. The AI Explanation will be an Exhibit to the Contract if Respondent receives an award. If any Artificial Intelligence will be used in connection with the Work, the

AI Explanation must contain the following information:

i. The specific actions and outputs generated by the AI

(decisions/output).

ii. A description of what the AI functionality recommends, decides, documents, reports, or affects when deployed.

iii. An overview of how the AI functionality is utilized within the solution.

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iv. Clarification on whether the AI functionality is optional or mandatory.

v. Information on the presence of Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) involvement.

vi. The types of data being utilized by the AI.

vii. The classification and categorization of the data being used.

viii. Details on the handling of data, including if it is being transferred outside of TxDOT, used to train an AI model, etc.

ix. Measures taken to mitigate biases and hallucinations within the

AI model.

x. An assessment of the reliability of the AI algorithms and models deployed.

xi. Strategies for handling unexpected inputs and edge cases.

xii. Information regarding any AI System used or developed in connection with or incorporated into the Work.

15. EVALUATION

a. Pass/Fail Evaluation. TxDOT will conduct a review of each

Response on the following pass/fail criteria. If a Response does not receive a “pass” on all criteria, the Response will be rejected and removed from further consideration for award.

i. Documentation Review: The Response will receive a “pass” if it includes all Required Documentation in accordance with the requirements of the Solicitation.

ii. Vendor Performance: The Response will receive a “pass” if

Respondent’s vendor performance rating in the CPA Vendor

Performance Tracking System is an A, B, or C.

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b. Evaluation of Response.

i. A TxDOT evaluation committee will evaluate and score each

Response that passes the Pass/Fail evaluation based on the established criteria described in this Solicitation. Respondents must not contact members of the evaluation team. Responses will be evaluated according to the Respondent’s ability to best satisfy TxDOT requirements. Submissions will be evaluated and scored on a weighted system to determine the Response offering the best value.

ii. TxDOT will use the criteria set forth in Section 2156.125 of the

Government Code to evaluate Responses. As applicable, the factors listed in Sections 2155.074, 2155.075, 2156.007, and

2157.003 of the Texas Government Code shall also be considered in making an award. A Respondent is not automatically awarded a Contract if they submit the lowest priced Response. TxDOT will be the sole judge as to which

Response is the most advantageous and in the best interest of

TxDOT.

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iii. Responses will be evaluated as follows:

Table 1 – Evaluation Point Values

Respondent's past performance, qualifications and experience

15 Points

Respondent's proposed approach to performing the Work

65 Points

Price 20 Points

iv. If TxDOT determines that clarification of a Response is necessary prior to scoring the Response, TxDOT may pose clarifying questions to a Respondent to resolve conflicting information, apparent ambiguities, or minor clerical errors in the Response. Respondent’s clarifications must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

c. Additional Information.

i. TxDOT reserves the right to conduct studies and other investigations as necessary to evaluate any Response.

ii. TxDOT reserves the right to conduct reference checks on

Respondent’s references at any time prior to the award of a

Contract. If, in TxDOT’s sole discretion, information obtained through a reference check indicates that awarding a Contract to Respondent presents an unacceptable risk to TxDOT, TxDOT may disqualify the Response and remove it from further consideration.

iii. Respondent must provide a completed TxDOT Security

Questionnaire (as that term is defined in the Information

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Resources and Security Requirements attached to the

Statement of Work) to TxDOT within five business days of request.

d. Presentations and Discussions. After reviewing the Responses, TxDOT reserves the right to conduct presentations or discussions as part of the evaluation process. Any Assumptions made by a

Respondent may be selected and addressed during presentations or discussions. Attendance is mandatory; if an invited Respondent fails to attend a presentation or discussion, its Response will be disqualified and will not be considered for award. Negotiations will not be conducted during presentations or discussions.

i. Presentations. TxDOT may invite each Respondent that TxDOT determines is competitive for award to present its Response and address clarifications. Presentations may include a site visit or demonstration. TxDOT may request that each Respondent submit a revised Response based upon clarifications provided in the presentation. After all presentations are completed, the evaluation committee will adjust the score for each Response upward or downward based on information and clarifications obtained in the presentation process, including any revised

Response.

ii. Discussions. TxDOT may invite each Respondent, that TxDOT determines is competitive for award, to meet with TxDOT to discuss and clarify its Response. TxDOT may request that each

Respondent submit a revised Response based upon clarifications provided in the discussion. After all discussions are completed, the evaluation committee will adjust the score for each Response upward or downward based on information

15 – 16 and clarifications obtained in the discussion process, including any revised Response.

iii. Revised Responses. If TxDOT requests a revised Response, Respondent must provide one clean version of the revised

Response and one red-lined version showing all changes made from the previously submitted Response.

16. NEGOTIATIONS

TxDOT reserves the right to invite one or more Respondents to participate in negotiations based on the final scores. Any Assumptions or

Exceptions taken by a Respondent selected for negotiations will be addressed during negotiations.

17. BEST AND FINAL OFFER

After negotiations are completed, TxDOT may request that Respondent submit a revised Response that constitutes their best and final offer

(“BAFO”). When a BAFO is requested, Respondent must submit one clean and one red-lined version showing all changes made from the previously submitted Response.

18. CONTRACT

The Contract shall be in the format of the Form of Contract. TxDOT reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to make an award without negotiation of the terms of the Form of Contract or the Exhibits to the

Contract. In the event TxDOT conducts negotiations with a Respondent, any modifications or clarifications agreed to with the successful

Respondent during negotiations will be incorporated into the final executed Contract. TxDOT reserves the right to make minor changes to the Form of Contract in the best interest of the state prior to execution of the Contract if agreed to in writing by the successful Respondent.

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19. POST AWARD MEETING

If Respondent is awarded a Contract, Respondent may be required to attend a post award meeting with TxDOT at the time and location specified by TxDOT. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the requirements of the Contract and to identify specific goals, strategies, and activities necessary to perform the Work.

20. DEBRIEFING MEETING

A Respondent who was not awarded a Contract may request a debriefing meeting within 30 calendar days of the date the award was posted to the

ESBD. Respondent must request this meeting in writing.

Revised: 09/07/2026

Solicitation Calendar of Events

Solicitation Posting Date

10/13/2026

Pre-Response Conference

Not Applicable

Deadline for Submission of

Questions

TxDOT Response to Questions

Posting Date

Response Due Date

10/27/2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Time

Tentative Date for Contract Award

11/29/2026

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Procurement Division

Solicitation Terms and Conditions

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SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ARTICLE I. GENERAL

Section I.01 REVIEW OF SOLICITATION

Section I.02 ADA CONSIDERATIONS AND NOTIFICATION

Section I.03 CHANGES TO THE SOLICITATION

Section I.04 NO MINIMUM

ARTICLE II. SPECIFICATIONS

Section II.01 COMPLIANCE

Section II.02 BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS

Section II.03 NEW GOODS

Section II.04 WARRANTY

Section II.05 PERSONNEL

ARTICLE III. RESPONSE

Section III.01 OFFER TO CONTRACT

Section III.02 SUBMITTAL OF RESPONSE

Section III.03 PRICING

Section III.04 PREFERENCES

Section III.05 INFORMATION

Section III.06 RESPONDENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS, EXCEPTIONS, OR

CONDITIONED RESPONSES

Section III.07 ALTERATIONS OR WITHDRAWAL OF RESPONSES

Section III.08 REVIEW OF RESPONSES

ARTICLE IV.EVALUATION AND AWARD

Section IV.01 DETERMINATION OF AWARD

Section IV.02 TIE RESPONSES

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Section IV.03 NON-AWARD

ARTICLE V. CONTRACT

Section V.01 ASSIGNMENT

Section V.02 STATE FUNDS

ARTICLE VI. INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

Section VI.01 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

ARTICLE VII. RESPONDENT AFFIRMATIONS

Section VII.01 MISREPRESENTATIONS

Section VII.02 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS, AND

CERTIFICATIONS

Section VII.03 INACCURACIES

Section VII.04 SURVIVAL

ARTICLE VIII. RIGHT TO AUDIT

Section VIII.05 STATE AUDITOR

Section VIII.06 TXDOT AUDITOR

Section VIII.07 SUBCONTRACTS

ARTICLE IX. MISCELLANEOUS

Section IX.08 VENUE AND JURISDICTION; APPLICABLE LAW

Section IX.09 DEBT TO STATE

Section IX.10 TITLE VI ASSURANCE

Section IX.11 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT

Section IX.12 DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN

Section IX.13 BUY TEXAS AFFIRMATION

Section IX.14 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section IX.15 INDEMNIFICATION

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Section IX.16 INFRINGEMENT

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SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ARTICLE I. GENERAL

Section I.01 REVIEW OF SOLICITATION.

Respondent must carefully examine the Solicitation. Respondent is responsible for securing any additional information needed to gain a clear and full understanding of

TxDOT’s requirements from the Purchasing Contacts.

Section I.02 ADA CONSIDERATIONS AND NOTIFICATION.

Persons with special needs or disabilities who plan to attend any pre-response conference and who require auxiliary aids or service should contact a Purchasing Contact a minimum of three (3) Business Days prior to the meeting so arrangements may be made.

Section I.03 CHANGES TO THE SOLICITATION.

(a) Any revision, clarification, or interpretation of the Solicitation must be made in an Addendum. Any change to or interpretation of the Solicitation which is not included in an Addendum will have no legal effect, including a change or interpretation made by a TxDOT employee or agent.

(b) TxDOT will not be bound by any statement or representation contrary to the written specifications of the Solicitation.

Section I.04 NO MINIMUM.

TxDOT will order only the Goods and Services necessary to satisfy operating requirements up to the total Contract amount. TxDOT makes no express or implied warranty whatsoever that any minimum compensation or minimum quantity will be guaranteed under the Contract.

ARTICLE II. SPECIFICATIONS

Section II.01 COMPLIANCE.

Respondent must perform the Work in accordance with the Statement of Work and the

Contract. TxDOT will provide clarification of the specifications and determine the quality and acceptability of Goods furnished or Services performed. If the Solicitation is for a

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Service, TxDOT will determine the manner of performance, the rate of progress of the

Work, and whether performance of the Service is acceptable.

Section II.02 BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS.

Except for purchases advertised as proprietary or sole source under Government Code

§2155.067 (“Proprietary Purchases”), any catalog, product number, brand name, or manufacturer referenced in the Solicitation is descriptive only and is used solely to indicate the type and quality of the product desired. Responses offering brands of like nature and quality will be considered unless the purchase is a Proprietary Purchase.

Respondent must include the manufacturer, brand or trade name, product number, and other identifying information for any product offered in the Response. If the Response proposes a product other than the examples shown in the Solicitation, the Response must include illustrations and a complete description of the product. If the Response does not propose an alternative product, Respondent will be required to furnish the product exactly as specified.

Section II.03 NEW GOODS.

Unless otherwise specified, offered Goods must be new, the latest model in current production, and in first-class condition, including shipping and storage containers.

Section II.04 WARRANTY.

Any manufacturer’s standard warranty applicable to the Goods must extend to TxDOT, unless otherwise stated in this Solicitation.

Section II.05 PERSONNEL.

Personnel (as that term is defined in the Statement of Work) must be competent, knowledgeable, and experienced in the types of Services to be provided and perform such Services in a professional and workmanlike manner consistent with industry standards.

ARTICLE III. RESPONSE

Section III.01 OFFER TO CONTRACT.

(a) A Response is an irrevocable offer to enter into a Contract with TxDOT in the format of the Form of Contract (including all Exhibits to the Contract) under

7 – 24 the terms, conditions, and specifications set forth in the Solicitation. Upon receipt of the Contract from TxDOT, Respondent shall promptly sign and return the Contract to TxDOT. No Response shall be deemed accepted until a

Contract has been signed by a duly authorized representative of TxDOT and transmitted to Respondent.

(a) By submitting the Response, Respondent binds itself, its successors, and assignees to the faithful performance of the Contract including, without limitation, the Contract Terms and Conditions.

(b) The Response, including price, is irrevocable for 120 calendar days following the date and time specified for the Response Due Date. TxDOT may extend this period with Respondent’s written consent.

Section III.02 SUBMITTAL OF RESPONSE.

(a) The Response must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the

Solicitation.

(b) Documentation provided with the Response should be complete and comprehensive. TxDOT will not be responsible for locating or securing information not included in the Response. Failure to furnish required documentation with the Response may result in the Response being deemed incomplete and non-responsive, resulting in rejection. TxDOT will not be responsible for any expenses relating to Responses or development of documentation that may result from the Solicitation.

(c) Failure to sign the Execution of Response will disqualify the Response. The person signing the Execution of Response must have authorization to contractually bind the company. By submitting the Response, Respondent represents and warrants that the individual submitting the Execution of

Response is authorized to sign such document on behalf of the Respondent and to bind the Respondent under any Contract that may result from the submission of the Response.

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(d) The Response must include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and full firm name and address. The EIN should be entered in the Execution of

Response.

(e) Respondent certifies that if a Texas address is shown as the address of

Respondent in the Execution of Response, Respondent qualifies as a Texas

Bidder as defined in Government Code 2155.444(c).

(f) The Response must be submitted in accordance with the Solicitation. Late

Responses will not be considered under any circumstances.

(g) Samples must not be enclosed or attached to a Response unless specified in the Solicitation. Samples, when requested, must be furnished at no cost to

TxDOT. TxDOT may perform tests on samples. If not destroyed in testing, samples will be returned upon request at Respondent’s expense. Each sample must be marked with Respondent’s name and address and the TxDOT

Solicitation number.

Section III.03 PRICING.

(a) All prices included in the Price Schedule (the “Response Prices”) must be firm, all-inclusive, fixed prices unless otherwise stated in the Solicitation.

(b) TxDOT’s automated purchasing system requires Response Prices to be submitted per unit (the “Unit Price”) and then extended by multiplying the

Unit Price by the quantity (the “Extended Price”). If the Extended Price is calculated incorrectly, the Unit Price will govern.

(c) Unit Prices must include delivery of Goods by FOB Destination. “FOB

Destination” means Vendor retains ownership and bears the risk of loss until the Goods are delivered to TxDOT in accordance with the Contract. Vendor is responsible for all shipping costs and liabilities. Vendor must prepay all freight charges (including, without limitation, shipping, handling, delivery fees, and fuel surcharges), and such charges shall not be billed separately or passed through to TxDOT.

(d) Purchases made for state use are exempt from state and local sales tax and federal excise tax. Respondent may not include tax in Response Prices unless

9 – 24 otherwise specified in the Solicitation. State Sales Tax and Federal Excise Tax

Exemption Certificates will be furnished by TxDOT on request.

(e) Consistent and continued tie Response Prices may lead to rejection of a

Response by TxDOT and investigation for antitrust violations.

Section III.04 PREFERENCES.

Respondent may claim a preference under Government Code Chapter 2155 and 34 TAC

§20.306 (a “Preference”) by identifying the Preference in the Preferences Schedule. If a

Preference is not identified on the Preferences Schedule, a Preference will not be applied unless TxDOT determines that other documents included in the Response show a right to the Preference.

Section III.05 INFORMATION.

Information submitted in an accepted Response will not be returned to Respondent.

Government Code Chapter 552 (the “Public Information Act”) allows the public to have access to information in the possession of a governmental body through an open records request. Respondent must clearly identify in the Response any confidential or proprietary information. Proprietary information identified by Respondent in the

Response will be kept confidential by TxDOT to the extent permitted by state law.

TxDOT will use reasonable efforts to give Respondent an opportunity to present to the

Office of the Attorney General its arguments for non-disclosure of its identified confidential or proprietary information.

Section III.06 RESPONDENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS, EXCEPTIONS, OR

CONDITIONED RESPONSES.

(a) Respondent should request any clarifications or modifications to the

Solicitation through the question-and-answer process.

(b) Respondent may not submit its own terms and conditions or other ancillary documents with its Response except as an Exception set forth in the

Exceptions Schedule. If such terms and conditions or other ancillary documents are included with the Response but are not clearly identified and submitted as Exceptions, such terms and conditions or other ancillary documents shall not be considered.

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(c) Exceptions taken by Respondent to the Solicitation including, without limitation, to the Form of Contract or the Contract Terms and Conditions, will not be considered unless clearly set forth in the Exceptions Schedule, including, without limitations, exceptions related to software maintenance and usage or equipment maintenance services. TxDOT may reject a Response that takes an Exception to the Solicitation including, without limitation, to the Form of Contract or the Contract Terms and Conditions.

(d) By submitting a Response, Respondent acknowledges and agrees that any attempt by Respondent to submit or require execution of any agreement or document other than the Contract that would affect the Work including, without limitation, a license, maintenance or service agreement, additional terms and conditions, or an order form, shall be deemed a violation of the terms of this Solicitation and may result in disqualification and removal of the

Response from consideration, rescission of an award, or termination of the

Contract, unless such document is clearly identified and submitted as an

Exception in accordance with this Solicitation. This provision shall survive award of the Contract.

Section III.07 ALTERATIONS OR WITHDRAWAL OF RESPONSES.

(a) Any alterations to a Response made before the Response Due Date must be initialed by Respondent. The Response cannot be altered or amended after the Response Due Date.

(b) A Response may be withdrawn if requested in writing prior to the Response

Due Date. A Response may be withdrawn from consideration after the

Response Due Date with the approval of TxDOT based on Respondent’s written, acceptable reason. The Response will not be considered for award but will be retained by TxDOT.

Section III.08 REVIEW OF RESPONSES.

(a) Nonconformance.

(i) TxDOT reserves the right to waive minor technicalities in the submission process.

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(ii) TxDOT will disqualify and remove from consideration any Response that does not conform in any material respect to the Solicitation requirements.

(b) Risk of Non-performance. TxDOT may disqualify a Response and remove it from further consideration if TxDOT determines there is an unacceptable risk that Respondent will fail to perform the Contract. In making this determination, TxDOT may consider any source of information that it deems reliable. Respondent bears the burden of establishing in its Response:

(i) ability, capacity, and skill to perform the Work;

(ii) ability to perform the Work promptly, or in the time required, without delay or interference;

(iii) character, responsibility, and integrity;

(iv) current compliance with laws relating to the Work;

(v) sufficient financial resources to perform the Work; and

(vi) conformity to all material specifications required in this Solicitation.

(c) Past Performance.

(i) TxDOT reserves the right to reject and remove from further consideration a Response from a Respondent whose past performance under contracts with TxDOT or other customers has been reported as unsatisfactory at any time prior to award of Contract.

(ii) TxDOT will consider Respondent’s past performance in compliance with applicable provisions of Government Code §§2155.074, 2155.075, 2156.007, 2157.003, and 2157.125. Any of the following will be considered to be an indication of poor performance:

1) A letter grade score below ‘C’ in the Vendor Performance

Tracking System or a score of “legacy unsatisfactory” for historic reports submitted prior to the implementation of the current rating system;

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2) Being currently under a corrective action plan for a TxDOT or other State contract;

3) Having repeated negative Vendor Performance Reports in the

CPA Vendor Performance Tracking System (“Vendor

Performance Reports”) for the same reason;

4) Having a record of repeated non-responsiveness to vendor performance issues; and

5) Having purchase orders that have been cancelled or terminated in the previous 12 months for non-performance, such as late delivery.

(iii) TxDOT may conduct reference checks with other entities regarding

Respondent’s past performance in addition to evaluating Respondent’s

Vendor Performance Reports.

(iv) Respondent’s past performance may also be used to determine whether a Respondent has sufficient resources and ability to perform the Work.

ARTICLE IV. EVALUATION AND AWARD

Section IV.01 DETERMINATION OF AWARD.

TxDOT intends to make an award to the Respondent offering the best value to the State.

In determining the best value for the State, the purchase price and whether the Goods or Services meet specifications are the most important considerations, unless otherwise stated in the Solicitation.

Section IV.02 TIE RESPONSES.

In case of tie Responses, one or more Preferences will be used to make an award. Tie

Responses, which cannot be resolved by application of one or more Preferences, will be made by drawing lots.

Section IV.03 NON-AWARD.

TxDOT may reject all Responses at its discretion. Submission of a Response confers no legal rights upon any Respondent.

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ARTICLE V. CONTRACT

Section V.01 ASSIGNMENT.

If awarded a Contract, Respondent shall not assign its rights under the Contract or delegate the performance of its duties under the Contract without prior written approval from TxDOT. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision will be void and without effect.

Section V.02 STATE FUNDS.

Any Contract resulting from the Solicitation is subject to termination or cancellation, without penalty to TxDOT, either in whole or in part, subject to the availability of state funds.

ARTICLE VI. INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

Section VI.01 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS.

TxDOT may test and inspect Goods before award of the Contract to ensure compliance with the Statement of Work. Goods may be inspected and tested by TxDOT at

Respondent’s place of business or a TxDOT specified location. The cost of the sample and any third-party testing required by TxDOT shall be borne by Respondent.

ARTICLE VII. RESPONDENT AFFIRMATIONS

Section VII.01 MISREPRESENTATIONS.

Respondent agrees and acknowledges that submitting false information or making material misrepresentations in connection with the Response may void the Response and any resulting Contract and may result in removal of Respondent from the

Centralized Master Bidders List.

Section VII.02 REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS, AND

CERTIFICATIONS.

Respondent represents, warrants, covenants, and certifies that:

(a) FALSE STATEMENTS: all information contained in the Response or provided to

TxDOT in connection with the Solicitation is accurate and complete.

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(b) GRATUITIES: 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 Response.

(c) PARTICIPATION IN SOLICITATION: under Section 2155.004(b) of the

Government Code, the individual or business entity named in the Response is not ineligible to receive a Contract.

(d) ANTITRUST LAWS: in accordance with §2155.005 of the Government Code, neither Respondent nor any representative of Respondent has (1) violated any provision of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983, Chapter 15, of the Texas Business and Commerce Code or the federal antitrust laws, or

(2) communicated directly or indirectly the contents of the Response to any competitor or any other person engaged in the same line of business as

Respondent.

(e) UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES: Respondent:

(i) has not been the subject of allegations of deceptive trade practice violations under Business & Commerce Code Chapter 17 or the subject of allegations of any unfair business practice in any administrative hearing or court suit, nor has Respondent been found to be liable for such practices in such proceedings; and

(ii) has no officers who have served as officers of other entities who have been the subject of allegations of deceptive trade practice violations or the subject of allegations of any unfair business practices in an administrative hearing or court suit and such officers have not been found to be liable for such practices in such proceedings.

(f) CHILD SUPPORT: under Section 231.006 of the Family Code, the individual or business entity named in the Response is not ineligible to receive the specified payment.

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(g) CONTRACTING WITH EX-TXDOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: under Government

Code §669.003, Respondent does not employ, or disclose in its Response, the current or any former executive director of TxDOT.

(h) SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT: neither Respondent nor its principals are debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or otherwise excluded from participation in the Contract by any state or federal agency.

(i) NEPOTISM DISCLOSURE:

(i) Respondent does not have any knowledge that any of its employees or any employees of a subcontractor who are expected to perform the

Work under the Contract has a relative who is employed by TxDOT unless Respondent has notified TxDOT otherwise in its Response.

(ii) In this section, the term “relative” means:

1) A person’s great grandparent, grandparent, parent, aunt or uncle, sibling, sibling’s spouse, niece or nephew, spouse, child, child’s spouse, grandchild, or great grandchild.

2) The grandparent, parent, sibling, child, or grandchild of the person’s spouse.

(j) EXCLUDED PARTIES: Respondent is not listed in the prohibited vendors list authorized by Executive Order No. 13224, “Blocking Property and Prohibiting

Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support

Terrorism,” published by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

(k) PRIOR DISASTER RELIEF CONTRACT VIOLATION: the individual or business entity named in the Response is not ineligible to receive the Contract under

Government Code §§2155.006 and 2261.053.

(l) ABORTION PROVIDER: Respondent is not an abortion provider or an affiliate of an abortion provider under Government Code §2273.003.

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(m) LOBBYING: TxDOT’s payments to Respondent and Respondent’s receipt of appropriated funds under a Contract are not prohibited by Sections 556.005 or 556.0055 of the Texas Government Code.

(n) ENTITIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL: pursuant to Government Code §2271.002, Respondent either:

(i) meets an exemption criterion under §2271.002 and has described the facts that establish the exemption in its Response, or

(ii) does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the Contract

Term.

(o) FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS: Respondent is not engaged in business with Iran, Sudan, or a foreign terrorist organization, as prohibited by

Government Code §2252.152.

(p) CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: pursuant to Government Code §2275.0102, neither Respondent nor its parent company, nor any affiliate of Respondent or its parent company, is: (1) majority owned or controlled by citizens or governmental entities of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or any other country designated by the Governor under Government Code §2275.0103, or

(2) headquartered in any of those countries.

(q) CONTRACTING INFORMATION RESPONSIBILITIES: Respondent will comply with the requirements of §552.372(a) of the Government Code and any other applicable requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552 of the Government

Code. Respondent acknowledges that the requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552 of the Government Code may apply to the Solicitation.

(r) HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROHIBITION: the individual or business entity named in the Response is not ineligible to receive the Contract under Government

Code §2155.0061.

(s) NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: the provision of Goods and Services or other performance under the Contract will not constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest or reasonably create an appearance of impropriety.

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(t) DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTED PARTIES: if selected for award of a Contract, Respondent will submit to the Agency a Certificate of Interested Parties in the form prescribed in the Texas Ethics Commission prior to Contract execution in accordance with Government Code §2252.908, if applicable.

(u) FINANCIAL CONDITION: Respondent is financially solvent, able to pay its debts as they become due, and possesses sufficient working capital and resources to perform the Work.

(v) BANKRUPTCY: Respondent is not the subject of any pending bankruptcy petition.

(w) AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN TEXAS: Respondent is legally authorized to conduct business in Texas and, if required, is registered with the

Texas Secretary of State.

(x) TAXES: Respondent is current on all taxes and fees applicable to Respondent including, without limitation, income, and franchise taxes.

(y) COVID VACCINE PASSPORTS: the individual or business entity named in the

Response is not ineligible to receive the Contract under Health and Safety

Code §161.0085(c).

(z) FIREARM AND AMMUNITION DISCRIMINATION: pursuant to Government Code

§2274.002, to the extent applicable to Respondent and the Solicitation.

Respondent:

(i) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association, and

(ii) will not discriminate during the term of the Contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.

(aa) E-VERIFY: pursuant to Executive Order RP-80, if the Work includes the performance of Services, Respondent shall, to the extent permitted by law, utilize the United States Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system during the Contract Term to determine the eligibility of:

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(i) All persons employed by Respondent during the term of the Contract to perform duties within the state of Texas, and

(ii) All persons, including subcontractors, assigned by Respondent to perform the Work pursuant to the Contract within the United States of

America.

(bb) ENERGY COMPANIES BOYCOTTS: either (1) Respondent does not, and will not for the duration of the Contract, boycott energy companies or (2) the verification required by Government Code §2276.002 does not apply to the

Contract.

(cc) STATE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES: pursuant to Government Code §572.069, Respondent has not employed and will not employ a former state officer or employee who, during the period of state service or employment, participated in a procurement or contract negotiation involving Respondent within two (2) years after the date the Contract was signed or the procurement was terminated or withdrawn.

(dd) INSURANCE: if selected for award of a Contract, Respondent will obtain and maintain for the Contract Term the insurance coverages described in the

Insurance Requirements and will provide proof of insurance in the form and with the content set forth in the Insurance Requirements to TxDOT within five

(5) Business Days of request by TxDOT.

(ee) NO FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: neither Respondent nor any of

Respondent’s employees, agents, representatives, Subcontractors or

Subcontractors’ employees have been convicted of a felony criminal offense or, if such a conviction has occurred, Respondent has fully advised TxDOT in writing of the facts and circumstances surrounding the conviction.

(ff) NO INFRINGEMENT: use or sale of any Goods, except (with respect to patents) Goods produced to TxDOT's detailed design, will not infringe any adverse valid patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights.

(gg) SURVEILLANCE TARGETING: Respondent will not directly or indirectly:

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(i) engage in surveillance targeting:

1) a member of the State legislature or a person employed to support the State legislature in any capacity;

2) a family member of a person described in subsection (1);

3) a state agency employee; or

4) an individual making a complaint or raising concerns regarding

State agency operations or contracting;

(ii) engage in an act of intimidation, coercion, extortion, undue influence, or other similar conduct intended to influence, silence, or retaliate against a person described in subsection (i) above, or;

(iii) use private or confidential information to manipulate or influence a

State contracting decision or proceeding.

(hh) EXECUTIVE ORDER GA-48: pursuant to Executive Order GA-48, neither it, nor its holding companies or subsidiaries, is:

(i) Listed in Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act;

(ii) Listed in Section 1260H of the 2021 National Defense Authorization

Act; or

(iii) Owned by the government of a country on the U.S. Department of

Commerce’s foreign adversaries list under 15 C.F.R. Section 791.4; or

(iv) Controlled by any governing or regulatory body located in a country on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s foreign adversaries list under 15

C.F.R. Section 791.4.

Section VII.03 INACCURACIES.

(a) During the Solicitation process, Respondent must promptly notify TxDOT if any representation, warranty, covenant, or certification in this Article was inaccurate when made, has become inaccurate, or is otherwise no longer true or complete.

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(b) Respondent acknowledges that TxDOT may disqualify the Response, refuse to award a Contract, terminate the Contract, withhold payment, and exercise any other remedy if any representation, warranty, covenant, or certification in this Article is, now or at any time during the Solicitation process, untrue, inaccurate, or breached.

Section VII.04 SURVIVAL.

This Article shall survive the conclusion of the Solicitation process and shall remain enforceable against Respondent, irrespective of whether a Contract is awarded.

ARTICLE VIII. RIGHT TO AUDIT

Section VIII.05 STATE AUDITOR.

The state auditor may conduct an audit or investigation of Respondent or any other entity or person receiving funds from the State directly under the Contract or indirectly through a subcontract under the Contract. The acceptance of funds directly under the

Contract or indirectly through a subcontract under the 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.