ESBD_File_340191_STDC-Accounting Services RFQ.pdf

SOUTH TEXAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Request for Qualifica�ons:

Accoun�ng and CFO Advisory Services

October 18, 2023

Sec�on 1 General Informa�on

1.2 Introduc�on

1.3 Primary Contact

1.4 Qualifica�on Submital Requirements

1.5 Event Informa�on

1.6 Term of Award

1.7 Right to Modify, Rescind, or Revoke RFQ

1.8 Signature and Cer�fica�on of Respondent

1.9 Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regula�ons, and STDC Opera�ng Policies and Procedures

1.10 Compliance with RFQ Requirements

1.11 Right of Rejec�on

1.12 Binding Effect of Qualifica�on

1.13 Use and Disclosure of Informa�on

1.14 Withdrawal or Modifica�on

1.15 Risk of Loss, Damage, or Delay

1.16 Insurance Requirements

Sec�on 2 Scope of Work

2.1 Background

2.2 Project Details

2.3 Mandatory Requirements/Condi�ons

Sec�on 3 Submission Requirements

3.1 General Requirements

3.2 Administra�ve Informa�on Requirements

3.3 Qualifica�on – Fee

Sec�on 4 Evalua�on and Award Process

4.2 Evalua�on Process

4.3 Respondent’s Acceptance of Evalua�on Methodology

4.4 Evalua�on Criteria and Weights

4.5 Scoring Methodology

4.6 Considera�on of Addi�onal Informa�on

4.7 Oral Presenta�ons and Interviews

4.8 Award Process

4.9 Protest Procedures

4.10 Contract Documents

Sec�on 1 General Informa�on

1.2Introduc�on

The South Texas Development Council (STDC) is seeking compe��ve responses to a Request for Qualifica�ons (“RFQ”) from qualified firms of cer�fied public accountants to provide a variety of accoun�ng and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Controller advisory services, a Professional Service as defined by Texas Government Code 2245.

In accordance with Texas Government Code 2254,

1. A governmental entity may not select a provider of a professional services or a group or association of providers or award a contract for the services on the basis of competitive bids submitted for the contract for the services, but shall make the selection and award:

(1) on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications for perform the services; and

(2) for a fair and reasonable price.

2. The professional fees under the contract may not exceed any maximum provided by law.

This RFQ provides sufficient informa�on for interested par�es to prepare and submit Qualifica�ons for considera�on by STDC. Addi�onal informa�on may be made available by writen request to the Primary Contact indicated below.

1.3Primary Contact

Juan E. Rodriguez, Execu�ve Director South Texas Development Council P.O. Box 2187 Laredo, TX 78044 jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us

All communica�on related to this RFQ must be submited in wri�ng by the date indicated in the Schedule of Events.

Ques�ons and Addenda issued related to this RFQ (if any) will be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) website. Only those replies to ques�ons made by formal, writen Addenda shall be binding. Oral or other interpreta�ons or clarifica�ons will be without legal effect. Note: It is the responsibility of the Respondent to review ESBD for any Addenda posted.

Except as provided in this RFQ (e.g., designated Point of Contact) and as otherwise necessary for the conduct of existing STDC business operations, Respondents are expressly and absolutely prohibited from engaging in communications with STDC personnel who are involved in any manner in the drafting of the RFQ, in the review or evaluation of the Qualifications, in the selection of a Contractor, Negotiation, or formalization of a Contract. If any Respondent engages in conduct or communica�ons that STDC determines is contrary to the prohibi�ons outlined in this sec�on, STDC may, at its sole discre�on, disqualify the Respondent and remove the Qualifica�on from considera�on.

1.4Qualifica�on Submital Requirements

By submi�ng a Qualifica�on, the Respondent cer�fies an understanding of this RFQ and has full knowledge of the scope, nature, quality, and quan�ty of the work to be performed, the detailed requirements of the Services to be provided, and the condi�ons under which the Services are to be performed. The Respondent also understands that all costs rela�ng to preparing and responding to this RFQ will be the sole responsibility of the Respondent. If selected for award by STDC, the Respondent will no�fy STDC immediately of any material change in any maters about which the Respondent has made a statement or representa�on or provided informa�on.

Respondents are cau�oned to read the informa�on contained in this RFQ carefully and to submit a complete Qualifica�on to all requirements and ques�ons as directed.

mailto:jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us

STDC requires that all Qualifica�ons be submited to Priscilla Garcia at pgarcia@stdc.cog.tx.us.

Respondents must submit Qualifica�ons electronically no later than the date and �me specified in the Schedule of Events.

The receiving �me on Ms. Priscilla Garcia’s email shall determine the submission �me. STDC recommends that the Respondent submit the Qualifica�ons at least twenty-four (24) hours before the deadline for submission to accommodate any technical issues. If the Respondent encounters ANY issues with submi�ng a Response, the Respondent must contact the Primary Contact before the deadline.

1.5Event Informa�on

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Event Date Time Notes

RFP Publica�on Wednesday October 18, 2023 htps://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

Solicita�on Conference Monday October 23, 2023 3:00 PM Central

Please email Primary Contact to register.

jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us

Deadline for Submission of Writen Ques�ons

Wednesday October 25, 2023 5:00 PM Central

Submit ques�ons to Primary Contact:

jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us

Pos�ng Ques�on Responses

Friday October 27, 2023 4:00 PM Central htps://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd

Qualifica�ons Due Date Thursday November 2, 2023 5:00 PM Central Submit Qualifica�ons to:

pgarcia@stdc.cog.tx.us Evalua�on of Qualifica�ons November 3 to 9

Award Recommenda�on Friday November 10, 2023

A Solicita�on Conference is scheduled for Monday October 23, 2023 at 3 pm Central. Respondents must contact the Primary Contact: Juan E. Rodriguez, jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us to request to be registered for the Solicita�on Conference.

There will be no public opening of proposals. All proposals and informa�on concerning same shall remain confiden�al un�l all nego�a�ons are completed and the No�ce of Award is issued. Respondents are hereby no�fied that all Qualifica�ons received by STDC shall be included as part of the official contract file. Therefore, any part of the proposals that is not considered confiden�al, privileged or proprietary under any applicable Federal, State or local law shall be available for public inspec�on upon comple�on of the procurement process. Any material submited by the Respondent that is to be considered as confiden�al must be clearly marked as such; however, the applicable provisions of Federal, State and local laws shall govern the confiden�ality of proposals despite anything contrary to this provision stated in the proposal. See Sec�on 1.12 Use and Disclosure of Informa�on, for addi�onal informa�on.

1.6Term of Award

The term for an awarded Contract under this RFQ is an�cipated to begin November 2023, and to expire on September 30, 2024. STDC may renew the contract for up to two (2) one (1) year terms pursuant to par�es nego�a�ng and mutually agreeing on renewal terms and condi�ons.

1.7Right to Modify, Rescind, or Revoke RFQ

STDC reserves the right to modify, revoke, or cancel this RFQ in whole or in part at any �me before the date on which STDC executes a Contract with the selected Respondent(s).

1.8Signature and Cer�fica�on of Respondent mailto:pgarcia@stdc.cog.tx.us https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd mailto:jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us mailto:jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd mailto:pgarcia@stdc.cog.tx.us mailto:jerodriguez@stdc.cog.tx.us

The Qualifica�on must be signed and dated by a representa�ve of the Respondent who is legally authorized to bind the Respondent to the terms and condi�ons contained in this RFQ and can ensure compliance with the submited Qualifica�on.

Each Respondent submi�ng a Qualifica�on cer�fies to: (a) the completeness and accuracy of the informa�on provided in the Qualifica�on, and (b) the authority of the individual whose signature appears on the Affirma�on and Conflict of Interest to bind the Respondent. Qualifica�ons submited without the required signature will be disqualified.

1.9Compliance with Applicable Laws, Regula�ons, and STDC Opera�ng Policies and Procedures

By submi�ng a Qualifica�on, Respondent agrees to and shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regula�ons, as well as applicable rules and regula�ons and he Opera�ng Policies and Procedures of the STDC.

1.10Compliance with RFQ Requirements

By submi�ng a Proposal and by signing the Affirma�on and Conflict of Interest, the Proposer agrees to be bound by the requirements set forth in this RFQ, STDC’s General Terms and Condi�ons contained in the RFQ, as well as the STDC Purchase Order, all of which will be incorporated into any Contract awarded by STDC. If the Proposer takes excep�on to any of the terms or cannot agree to be bound by all terms, STDC, at its sole discre�on, may review and, if deemed in STDC’s best interest, disqualify the Proposal from considera�on.

1.11Right of Rejec�on

This RFQ does not commit STDC to select a Respondent or to award a Contract to any Respondent. STDC reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all Qualifica�ons it receives pursuant to this RFQ at any �me during the RFQ process and prior to a fully executed Contract.

A Qualifica�on consis�ng of only alternate Goods or Services (i.e., a Qualifica�on that offers Goods or Services different from those requested by this RFQ and is not otherwise invited) may be considered non-responsive by STDC and is subject to rejec�on. STDC shall reject a Qualifica�on if the financial Qualifica�on was not arrived at independently without collusion, consulta�on, communica�on, or agreement as to any mater rela�ng to such prices with any other poten�al Respondent. Qualifica�ons which are qualified with condi�onal clauses, revised clauses, altera�ons, or items not called for in the RFQ, or irregulari�es of any kind, are subject to disqualifica�on by STDC, at its op�on, regardless of the �me of detec�on. STDC shall consider any of the foregoing prohibited ac�ons to be grounds for Qualifica�on rejec�on or Contract termina�on and may result in debarment of the Contractor from future STDC Solicita�ons.

STDC has the right to reissue this RFQ in order to gain addi�onal compe��ve Qualifica�ons. If STDC reissues this RFQ, any Respondent who has submited a Qualifica�on, may elect to resubmit the original Qualifica�on.

STDC reserves the right to evaluate Qualifica�ons against any governmental agency, or purchasing coopera�ve contract to determine Best Value.

1.12Binding Effect of Qualifica�on

Unless otherwise agreed in wri�ng signed by the Execu�ve Director, or their designee, each Respondent agrees to and shall be bound by the informa�on and documenta�on provided with the Qualifica�on, including prices quoted for Goods or Services. Qualifica�ons shall be valid for STDC’s acceptance for a minimum of ninety (90) days from the submital deadline date to allow �me for evalua�on, selec�on, Nego�a�ons, and any unforeseen delays. Qualifica�ons, if accepted, shall remain valid for the dura�on of the Contract.

1.13Use and Disclosure of Informa�on

Proposers acknowledge that STDC is a Poli�cal Subdivision of the State of Texas and is therefore required to comply with the Texas Public Informa�on Act Texas Government Code Chapter 552. If a Qualifica�on includes proprietary data, trade secrets, or informa�on the Respondent wishes to except from public disclosure, then the Respondent must specifically label such data, secrets, or informa�on as follows: "PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL – PROPRIETARY INFORMATION." To the extent permited by law, informa�on labeled by the Respondent as proprietary will be used by STDC only for purposes related to or arising out of the (a) evalua�on of Qualifica�ons, (b) selec�on of a Respondent(s) pursuant to the RFQ process, and (c) Nego�a�on and execu�on of a Contract, if any, with the Respondent(s) selected.

If the Respondent marks the en�re Qualifica�on or substan�ve por�ons of the Qualifica�on as confiden�al, STDC in its sole discre�on may declare the Qualifica�on non-responsive and reject it.

By submi�ng a Qualifica�on, the Respondent grants a limited license to reproduce the Qualifica�on to conduct an evalua�on and to comply with any legal requirement including, but not limited to, the Texas Public Informa�on Act, the Texas Legisla�ve Budget Board, the Texas State Auditor, and the Texas State Comptroller.

STDC reserves the right to contact references or contact names listed and shall be free from any liability to Respondent for conduc�ng such inquiry.

1.14Withdrawal or Modifica�on

No Qualifica�on may be changed, amended, or modified a�er it has been submited or filed in response to this RFQ, except for obvious errors or as part of the Nego�a�on process approved in wri�ng by the Execu�ve Director. However, a Qualifica�on may be withdrawn and resubmited any �me prior to the deadline set for receipt of Qualifica�ons.

Modifica�ons will be allowed via email un�l the deadline for Qualifica�on submitals. No Qualifica�on may be withdrawn a�er the submital deadline without approval by STDC, which shall be based on Respondent’s submital in wri�ng of a reason acceptable to STDC.

1.15Risk of Loss, Damage, or Delay

Respondent acknowledges and agrees to release and hold harmless STDC, its Board of Directors, officers, employees, agents, and personnel, from and against any and all claims, liability, damages, and costs, including court costs and atorneys' fees, arising out of or pursuant to a failure to successfully submit or deliver the Qualifica�on, as detailed in this

RFQ.

1.16Insurance Requirements

Consistent with its status as an independent contractor, the “Selected Respondent” (herea�er referred to as Contractor) will carry and cause its Subcontractors to obtain and maintain at least the following insurance, with companies authorized to do business in Texas or eligible surplus lines insurers opera�ng in accordance with the Texas Insurance Code.

STDC in no way warrants that these limits are sufficient to protect the Contractor from liabili�es that might arise out of the performance of the Scope of Work. The Contractor will assess its own risks and, if it deems appropriate or prudent, maintain higher limits or broader coverages. The Contractor is not relieved of any liability or other obliga�ons assumed by reason of its failure to obtain or maintain insurance in sufficient amounts, dura�on, or types. All policies will be writen on a primary basis, non-contributory with any other insurance coverage or self-funded plans which STDC maintains.

The Contractor agrees to furnish insurance cer�ficates reflec�ng the following coverage:

Type of Coverage Limits of Liability Commercial General Liability

a. General Aggregate $2,000,000

b. Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000

c. Personal Adver�sing Injury $1,000,000 Professional Liability $1,000,000 NOTE: An umbrella policy may be used to reach required limits.

Addi�onal Insured, Subroga�on. All policies must include a waiver of subroga�on favoring STDC. With the excep�on of the Professional Liability policy, STDC must be an addi�onal insured on all policies.

Cer�ficates of Coverage. At least thirty (30) days prior to the effec�ve date of the Contract and at least thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of any renewal term of the Contract, or upon renewal of the policies, Contractor shall furnish STDC with cer�ficates of insurance in a form acceptable to STDC, cer�fying that the Contractor carries the required insurance policies and coverage. Failure of STDC to request such cer�ficates does not eliminate the requirement for the Contractor to maintain the required coverage.

No�fica�on of Cancella�on. The Contractor will endeavor to no�fy STDC thirty (30) days before any material change or cancella�on of any insurance policy. In the event the Contractor receives no�ce of modifica�on or cancella�on of any of the policies required under any Contract, then prior to the effec�ve date of modifica�on or cancella�on of the policy, the Contractor will obtain a policy of insurance affording the required coverage from an insurance carrier acceptable to STDC.

If the Contractor fails to obtain such an insurance policy, STDC may immediately terminate the Contract a�er providing the Contractor with no�ce of such termina�on.

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Sec�on 2 Scope of Work

2.1Background

The South Texas Development Council (STDC) is a poli�cal subdivision of the State of Texas organized as a Regional Planning Commission (RPC) in June 1966 under Chapter 391, Local Government Code. As a poli�cal subdivision, STDC can plan, assist local governments, and deliver public services, but has no power to tax or regulate.

The STDC is a voluntary associa�on composed of units of local government and special districts who work together to address issues of common concern and to pursue opportuni�es of common benefit. STDC encourages governmental units, special districts, non-profits, and private organiza�ons to join and cooperate with one another in accomplishing the goals and objec�ves established by the Council. In this respect, the STDC serves as an instrument to promote collabora�on to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of our ci�zens, and to assist in joint problem-solving of issues that affect the region. The agency takes an ac�ve role in iden�fying regional problems, se�ng priori�es, and then formula�ng plans to alleviate these problems. To accomplish this, the STDC administers a myriad of programs and services.

The services which STDC offers its membership are varied due to diverse concerns throughout the region. Among the programs of the Regional Planning Commission are:

• Area Agency on Aging

• Aging and Disability Resource Center

• Community and Economic Development Assistance

• Criminal Jus�ce

• Economic Development District

• Homeland Security Planning

• Interoperable Communica�ons

• Peace Officers Training

• Solid Waste Planning

• Regional Transporta�on Coordina�on

• Ryan White Part B Administra�ve Agency

• General Government Services; and,

• Enterprise Ac�vi�es

In addi�on, the Regional Planning Commission may conduct special projects in response to local, state, or federal government’s needs or requests as authorized by the STDC Board of Directors.

STDC is governed by a twenty (20) member Board of Directors. The Board of Directors hires the Execu�ve Director to oversee the day-to-day administra�on of STDC. The Finance Department is currently staffed with an Ac�ng Fiscal Officer, and two Accoun�ng Technicians.

For reference, snapshots of STDC’s FY2024 Agency Wide Budget and Revenues by Department/Program are enclosed in the following pages. STDC u�lizes AccuFund Accoun�ng So�ware (on-site, self-hosted). If Respondent proposes to work remotely, remote access can be provided to accoun�ng system.

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2.2Project Details

STDC seeks qualified professional accoun�ng services to perform a variety of consul�ng and accoun�ng services over the course of a year (with possible extensions) to assist with the vacancy of a Finance Director. These services include, but are not limited to the following:

• Review the FY2021 Audit and Financial Reports and ensure that ending balances are properly entered into accoun�ng system to roll forward.

• Review all general ledgers (G/Ls) and trial balances (T/Bs) for the period of October 1, 2022, through current to recommend adjustments and entries necessary for GAAP compliance.

• Review monthly bank reconcilia�ons as prepared by staff on all checking and bank accounts from October 1, 2022, through current.

• Provide audit prepara�on support for Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 audits.

• Provide support, as needed, to staff and Accoun�ng System Implementer to fully implement all Accoun�ng

System Modules (Requisi�ons, Leave Requests, Travel, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Budget, Fixed Assets, Loan Tracking, Grants, Payroll, Employee Portal, and Dashboards).

• Review reports, repor�ng forms/templates from funding and oversight agencies to implement monthly/quarterly/semi-annual/annual reports in accoun�ng system by department/grant program.

• Recommend changes to general ledgers to be consistent with GAAP.

• Review and advise on STDC’s Financial Management Policies and Procedures, accoun�ng func�ons and internal controls.

• Train Finance Department Staff in accoun�ng issues and governmental standards as needed.

• Advise the Execu�ve Director and Board of Directors of the financial implica�ons of management proposals and par�cipate in STDC planning efforts as requested.

2.3Mandatory Requirements/Condi�ons

Respondent must have knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200-Uniform Guidance, Texas Grants Management Standards (TxGMS), as well as regula�ons, requirements, accoun�ng prac�ces, and applicable Federal, State, and Local laws related to government funds.

The Respondent must have experience working with special district and/or nonprofit organiza�ons of similar size and program composi�on as STDC.

The Respondent must have experience and knowledge of working with AccuFund Accoun�ng So�ware.

The Respondent must have adequate staff to allocate to the project to assist STDC in carrying out the Project Details listed in the previous sec�on.

Only Qualifica�ons mee�ng all requirements and including all required documenta�on will be given considera�on.

Sec�on 3 Submission Requirements

3.1General Requirements

Respondents submi�ng Qualifica�ons must demonstrate skill and exper�se in the area of accoun�ng, par�cularly with special district governments and/or nonprofit organiza�ons. Respondent qualifica�on statements must meet or exceed the professional, administra�ve, and financial qualifica�ons set forth in this RFQ.

3.2Administra�ve Informa�on Requirements

The Qualifica�on shall include the following:

• A �tle page showing the request for qualifica�on’s subject; the firm’s name, address, email, telephone, and fax number of the contact person responsible for answering any and all ques�ons regarding the qualifica�on statement and the date of the proposal.

• Table of contents lis�ng all required atachments as per RFQ.

• Transmital leter: A signed leter of transmital briefly sta�ng the proposers’ understanding of the work to be done, commitment to perform the work on a �mely basis, a statement of why the firm believes itself to be the best qualified to perform the engagement and a statement that the proposal is a firm and irrevocable offer for ninety (90) days.

• A statement describing your firm’s ability to perform the Scope of Work described in Sec�on 2.

• The number of years your firm has been in business under the present name.

• The number of years your firm has been under the current management.

• Any judgments, claims or suits within the last three (3) years in which your firm has been adjudicated liable for professional malprac�ce. If yes, please explain.

• Loca�on(s) from which services will be performed.

• Resumes of key staff you propose assigning to this mater, including partners, associates, and other staff in your firm.

• Confirma�on of appropriate professional and/or state licenses to perform ac�vi�es.

• Whether your firm is now or has been involved in any bankruptcy or re-organiza�on proceedings in the last ten

(10) years. If yes, please explain.

• Descrip�on of other accounts involving similar services. In par�cular, iden�fy any governmental, public authority, public agency, nonprofit and/or other quasi-governmental en��es which you serve, or have served as CPA.

Describe the role and experience of key personnel assigned to other similar accounts who will be assigned to this account.

• Any unique quali�es your firm possesses that other firms do not have.

• Three (3) references for which the firm has provided services (current governmental or quasi-governmental agencies preferred). Provide the name of the organiza�on, services, contact name, telephone number and email.

• Any poten�al conflicts of interest arising from con�nued representa�on of the current clients of your firm and an engagement for STDC, please describe each such poten�al conflict in detail.

3.3Qualifica�on – Fee

Please provide the following informa�on concerning fees (hourly and flat fee):

1. The customary hourly rate of each person whose resume is provided in response to paragraph III. B., and the proposed hourly rates to be charged STDC for work performed by those persons; and/or

2. Any flat fee proposal or other fee structure based annual filings.

Although proposed fees will be taken into account, STDC reserves the right to nego�ate a lower or different fee structure with any firm selected. Please note that STDC will not necessarily select the firm with the lowest rates for services.

Sec�on 4 Evalua�on and Award Process

4.2Evalua�on Process

STDC will u�lize a Contract Review Team (“CRT”) for the evalua�on of this RFQ. The Contract will be awarded based on the Qualifica�on judged to be in the best interest of STDC, and the judgment in this regard shall be considered final. Any Contract resul�ng from this Solicita�on shall be awarded to the Respondent providing the Best Value to STDC. STDC shall consider the following in determining what is the Best Value:

1. The reputa�on of the Contractor and of the Contractor’s Services;

2. The quality of the Contractor’s Services;

3. The extent to which the Services meet the STDC’s needs;

4. The Contractor’s past rela�onship with STDC; and

5. Any other relevant factor that a private business en�ty would consider in selec�ng a Contractor.

4.3Respondent’s Acceptance of Evalua�on Methodology

Submission of a Qualifica�on indicates Respondent’s acceptance of the evalua�on method and Respondent’s recogni�on that some subjec�ve judgments must be made by STDC during the awarding of evalua�on criteria points.

4.4Evalua�on Criteria and Weights

Each Qualification shall be evaluated on the ability to meet STDC’s requirements and provide the Best Value to STDC. The Qualification shall be awarded points to each of the following evaluation criteria:

Evalua�on Criteria Points Allowed Criteria 1: Demonstrated ability of the Proposer to fulfill the STDC’s requirements in accordance with the specifica�ons.

• Respondent’s demonstrated professional experience

• Experience with similar organiza�ons

• Administra�ve support and service

• Repor�ng capabili�es

• Project schedules/es�mated �me to perform services

• Quality, availability, and adaptability or Respondent’s supplies, materials, and equipment

• Stability and success of the Respondent’s business including but not limited to:

o Qualifica�ons of key personnel (based on experience provided) o Past performance on similar projects (based on references and publicly available informa�on) o Length of �me the business has been opera�onal o Demonstrated capability and financial resources to perform the Services in the �me projected o Pending or past legal proceedings

55%

Criteria 2: Value Added Op�ons

• Ability to provide innova�ve ideas/resources for TTUS process improvement

• Minimiza�on of TTUS resource use

25%

Criteria 3: Quality assurance plan and control measures implemented and maintained by the Contractor

• Methodology for performing Services and project planning

• Customer Service Program

• Ability to comply with Texas laws

20%

TOTAL 100%

4.5Scoring Methodology

Each CRT Vo�ng Member will evaluate the Qualifica�on u�lizing the Evalua�on Criteria iden�fied in Sec�on 4.4 and will assign each criterion a subjec�ve score of zero to ten (0-10), with ten (10) being the highest. This score is mul�plied against the criterion’s weight which will produce a weighted value for the item. The weighted values for all criteria will be summed up and then ranked to determine a high to low Respondent ranking. The ranking may be used in determining an ini�al pool of Respondents that will be invited for presenta�ons or may be used in a final award determina�on for one or more Respondents.

4.6Considera�on of Addi�onal Informa�on

Considera�on may also be given to any addi�onal writen informa�on and comments that may serve to clarify the Qualifica�on informa�on to STDC.

4.7Oral Presenta�ons and Interviews

Upon comple�on of the ini�al review and evalua�on of the Qualifica�ons submited, selected Respondents may be invited to par�cipate in oral presenta�ons. Oral presenta�ons and interviews are an op�on of the Contract Review Team and may or may not be conducted; therefore, Qualifica�ons must be complete when submited.

4.8Award Process

An Award may be made on the basis of the Qualifica�ons ini�ally submited, without discussion, clarifica�on, or modifica�on, or on the basis of Nego�a�on with any of the Respondents or, at STDC’s sole op�on and discre�on, STDC may discuss or nego�ate all elements of the Qualifica�on with selected Respondents represen�ng a compe��ve range.

For Nego�a�on purposes, a compe��ve range of acceptable or Qualifica�ons may be established, comprising the highest-rated Qualifica�ons based on the evalua�on criteria.

4.9Protest Procedures

Any actual or prospec�ve Respondent or Contractor who believes they have been aggrieved in connec�on with the Solicita�on, evalua�on, or Award of a Contract may formally protest to the STDC Execu�ve Director (Primary Contact).

4.10Contract Documents

The Contract entered by the par�es shall consist of the RFQ, the Qualifica�on, and a writen Contract (if applicable). When an expenditure is required, the Purchase Order terms and condi�ons will also apply. All of which shall be referred to collec�vely as the Contract documents.