ESBD_File_344670_HHS0014102 Solicitation Document.pdf

PCS 137 - SERVICES

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TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

Cecile E. Young, Executive Commissioner Invitation for Bids for Water Purification Systems Annual Preventive Maintenance and Inspection

Services, Department of State Health Services Laboratory

IFB No. HHS0014102 NIGP Class/Item No: 936-64 Purification and Filtering Devices Maintenance and Repair Procurement Schedule - All Times are Central Time

Reference Section 2 for further information

Solicitation Date Posted to ESBD January 4, 2024

Mandatory On-Site Visit

January 9, 2024, 10:00 AM or

January 11, 2024, 2:00 PM

Optional Vendor and HUB Conference January 16, 2024, 10:00 AM

Questions or Clarifications Submission Deadline January 23, 2024, 5:00 PM

Courtesy Review of HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Submission Deadline

January 26, 2024, 5:00 PM

Responses to Questions or Clarifications - Addendum posted on the ESBD

January 31, 2024, 5:00 PM

Response Deadline February 9, 2024, 10:30 AM

Anticipated Contract Start Date Upon Award

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Table of Contents 1 Introduction and Purpose of Solicitation

1.1 No Guarantee of Volume, Usage or Compensation

1.2 Solicitation Components

2 Procurement Schedule

3 Withdrawal of Response

4 HHSC Overview

5 Definitions

6 General Solicitation Information

6.1 Sole Point of Contact and Communications

6.2 Exception to the Sole Point of Contact

6.3 Offer Period

6.4 Costs Incurred

6.5 Changes, Modifications and Cancellation

6.6 Ambiguity, Conflict, Discrepancy

6.7 Solicitation Questions or Clarifications

6.8 Notification of Addenda or Cancellation

6.9 Pre-Bid Meetings

7 Scope of Work (SOW)

7.1 Scope of Services to be Performed

8 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements

8.1 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)

8.2 Courtesy Review of HSP

9 Pricing Information

9.1 Pricing Structure

9.2 Price Adjustments

10 Changes to The Contract

11 Contract Term

11.1 Term of Contract or Purchase Order

11.2 Initial Contract Term:

11.3 Renewal Option(s)

11.4 Extension Option

12 Contract Administration/Transactional Purchase Order Administration

12.1 Contract Manager/Program Lead

12.2 Services Performed

12.3 Performance Reporting

12.4 Contractor Response to Notification of Non-Material Deficiency

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12.5 Corrective Action Plan (The Plan)

12.6 Performance Issues

12.7 Confidential or Proprietary Information

12.8 Bidder Waiver – Intellectual Property

13 Invoicing and Payment

13.1 Bill-to Address

13.2 Invoice Information

13.3 Payment

13.4 Invoice Submission

13.5 Disputed Invoice(s)

14 Insurance Requirements

14.1 Specific Insurance Requirements

14.2 Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability

14.3 Commercial Automobile Liability

14.4 Commercial General Liability

14.5 Umbrella/Excess Liability

15 Screening of Responses

15.1 Administrative Screening

15.2 Irregularities

16 Evaluation

16.1 Evaluation of Responses

16.2 Conformance with State Law for Evaluation

16.3 Specific Evaluation Criteria

17 Award

18 Disclosure of Interested Parties

19 Protest Procedures

Appendix A – Submission Instructions and Response Checklist

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1 Introduction and Purpose of Solicitation The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is an agency within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) division of HHSC administers solicitations for HHS.

HHSC PCS is seeking competitive bids to establish contract(s) for annual preventive maintenance and inspection services for twelve (12) water purification systems, including tanks and mix beds at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory in Austin, Texas.

Both HHS Agencies, HHSC and DSHS, will be entitled to use any contract awarded as a result of this Solicitation.

To be considered for award, Bidders must submit a comprehensive Response which includes all required information and documentation as outlined in this Solicitation to ensure the Bidder meets all requirements, possesses the required experience and qualifications and has the capacity to provide the goods and related services described in this Solicitation. See Appendix A, Submission Instructions and Response Checklist.

1.1 No Guarantee of Volume, Usage or Compensation

HHS Agency does not guarantee any volume, usage, or compensation to be paid to any Contractor under any Contract resulting from this Solicitation. Additionally, all HHS Agency contracts are subject to appropriations, the availability of funds, and termination.

The estimated historical quantities included in the Price Sheet are provided only as a guideline for preparing the pricing response and should not be construed as representing anticipated or actual quantities that will be required.

1.2 Solicitation Components

This Solicitation includes the following items:

Exhibit A – HHS Solicitation Affirmations

Exhibit B – PCS 111-Contract Affirmations and HHS Uniform Terms and Conditions (UTCs)

Exhibit C – Bid Execution Page

Exhibit D – Pricing Sheet

Exhibit E – Bidder Reference Form

Exhibit F – HHS Online Bid Room Information

Exhibit G – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements

Exhibit H – Equipment and Parts List

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2 Procurement Schedule The Procurement Schedule dates on the cover page of this Solicitation are tentative. HHSC reserves the right to modify these dates at any time by issuing an addendum. Any events listed in the Procurement Schedule after the Response Deadline will occur at the discretion of HHSC.

Responses must be received by HHSC prior to the Response Deadline as indicated in the Procurement Schedule or as changed via an Addendum. Every Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring its Response is received before the Response Deadline. HHSC is not responsible for lost, misdirected or late Responses.

By submitting a Response, the Bidder represents and warrants that any individual submitting the Response and any related documents on behalf of the Bidder is authorized to do so and to bind the Bidder under any resulting contract.

3 Withdrawal of Response Responses may be withdrawn from consideration or amended at any time prior to the Response Deadline by submitting a written request by e-mail to the point of contact listed in Section 6.1 (Sole Point of Contact and Communications).

The e-mail subject line for withdrawal should contain the Solicitation (IFB) number as indicated on the cover page of this Solicitation. The Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring the email is received by HHSC before the Response Deadline. HHSC is not responsible for lost or misdirected e-mails.

4 HHSC Overview The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) was created in 1991 to oversee and coordinate the planning and delivery of health and human services in Texas. It is established pursuant to Chapter 531, Texas Government Code and is responsible for oversight of Texas Health and Human Services agencies (HHS Agency).

PCS administers the procurement processes, which include Solicitation announcement and publication, Bidder communications, receipt of Responses, screening of timely received responses, and facilitating the evaluation of qualified Responses. PCS, in coordination with each HHS program, manages the execution of the award, through issuance of Purchase Order(s) or other Contract document, resulting from this Solicitation.

5 Definitions Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this Solicitation, the definition given to a term below applies whenever the term appears in this Solicitation, in any Response (Bid) submitted in response to this Solicitation, and in any Contract awarded as a result of this Solicitation. All other terms have their ordinary and common meaning.

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a) Addendum – A written clarification or revision to this Solicitation issued by HHSC.

b) Bidder – Entity or individual that submits a response to this Solicitation. This term also includes anyone acting on behalf of the entity or individual that submits a response, such as an agent, employee, or representative. See also Respondent below.

c) Contract – A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties. As a result of this Solicitation, HHSC may issue a Contract document or Purchase Order (see definition).

d) Contractor - Each Bidder, business entity or individual, if any, awarded a Contract (Purchase Order) to provide the services or goods as a result of this Solicitation.

e) Contract Term – The period of time during which the Purchase Order or Contract is in effect from the start date through the end date and may include renewal or extension periods.

f) Debarment – An exclusion from contracting or subcontracting with state agencies on the basis of cause pursuant to Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter G of the Texas Administrative Code, and the Federal System for Award Management (SAM).

g) Deliverables – The services or goods specified in this Solicitation and any resulting Contract, that the Contractor shall perform or deliver to the HHS Agency for acceptance.

h) Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) - The electronic online directory, administered by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, Statewide Procurement Division (SPD), for publishing procurement opportunities which exceed $25,000 in total estimated value and for providing public notice of contract awards. The ESBD may be accessed through the CPA web site at: https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

Note: The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) recommends utilizing Google Chrome when navigating CPA websites.

i) Exhibit – A document, included as an attachment to this Solicitation, which provides terms and conditions, additional requirements and information related to this Solicitation.

j) HHS Agency - The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), separately or combined.

k) Purchase Order – A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties. A Purchase Order is issued by HHSC indicating types, quantities, and agreed pricing for services and goods the Contractor will provide. Also considered a Contract.

l) Response – All information and materials submitted in response to this Solicitation. May also be referred to as Bid or Bid Response.

m) Respondent – A term interchangeable with Bidder.

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n) Scope of Work – The description of requirements, services, specifications for goods which may be required, and deliverables as provided in this Solicitation and any resulting Contract which the Contractor is required to provide.

o) Solicitation - This document, including all exhibits, attachments, appendices, or Addenda (if applicable). May also be referred to as Invitation for Bid or IFB.

p) Subcontractor - Any entity or individual that enters into a contract with the Contractor to perform part or all of the obligations of the Contractor under the Contract.

q) Texas Identification Number (TIN) – The 11-digit identification number set up through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts which is required for any entity or individual to receive payment under a Contract with the State of Texas. Also known as Texas Payee ID Number required in Exhibit A, HHS Solicitation Affirmations. Further information regarding this number may be accessed on the CPA website at https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fm/pubs/payment/gen_prov/index.php?s=payee_numreq&p =payee_numreq.

r) Unit Rate – The set rate per the unit of measure (UOM), used for payment of the services, included on the Price Sheet under the Contract or Purchase Order. (e.g., Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, etc.).

s) Vendor – A business entity or individual that supplies services or goods and may be a potential Bidder to this Solicitation.

6 General Solicitation Information

6.1 Sole Point of Contact and Communications

The HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact for inquiries concerning this Solicitation is:

Nicole Mejia

Procurement and Contracting Services Building 1100 W 49th St. MC: 2020 Austin, TX 78756

512-406-2650

Nicole.mejia@hhs.texas.gov

Bidders shall NOT use the e-mail address above for submission of a Response to this Solicitation. See Appendix A for submission requirements.

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Bidders shall direct all communications, including questions or clarifications relating to this Solicitation, in writing by e-mail to the HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact named in Section 6.1 (Sole Point of Contact and Communications); communications by phone will not be accepted.

See Appendix A for submission requirements. All other communications between a Bidder and HHS agency staff concerning this Solicitation are prohibited. In no instance is a Bidder to discuss cost information regarding this Solicitation and contained in a Response with the HHSC PCS Sole Point of Contact or any other HHS staff. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification of the Response.

The Sole Point of Contact will authorize a secondary Sole Point of Contact in the event of their absence and, in such an event, will include the contact information for the secondary Sole Point of Contact in their automatic reply out-of-office e-mail message. Bidders seeking to contact the Sole Point of Contact should do so via e-mail in order to receive updated contact information.

See also Section 6.2 (Exception to Sole Point of Contact) below.

This restriction (as to only communicating in writing with the HHSC Sole Point of Contact identified above) does not preclude discussions between Bidder and agency personnel for the purposes of conducting business unrelated to this Solicitation.

6.2 Exception to the Sole Point of Contact

The only exceptions to the Sole Point of Contact are the HUB Coordinator, or, if expressly directed by the Sole Point of Contact, another designated System Agency representative, e.g., during contract negotiations, if allowed due to the circumstances of this procurement;

generally, negotiations are not allowed when soliciting with the Invitation for Bid method and there should be no expectation by Bidders that negotiations will be allowed for this procurement.

Should Bidders have questions regarding proper completion of the HUB Subcontracting Plan, the HUB Coordinator may be contacted at Bob.McCurdy@hhs.texas.gov. The Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, must be copied on the e-mail.

6.3 Offer Period

By submitting a Response to this Solicitation, Bidder agrees that its Response will remain a firm and binding offer for at least the period of time, 240 days, as stated in the HHS Solicitation Affirmations (Exhibit A).

Bidder may extend the time for which its Response will be honored and include the extended period in the Response.

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6.4 Costs Incurred

Bidder understands that issuance of this Solicitation or retention of responses in no way constitutes a commitment by HHSC to award a Contract. HHSC accepts no obligations for cost incurred in preparing and submitting a response, including, but not limited to, preparing for or participating in a vendor conference or site visit.

Responses shall be submitted at the sole expense of the Bidder. All responses shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Bidder’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation.

6.5 Changes, Modifications and Cancellation

HHSC reserves the right to change, amend, or modify this Solicitation prior to the Response Deadline indicated in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation). Changes, amendments and modifications will be processed through one or more Addendum. The notification for any Addendum will be processed in accordance with Section 6.8.

HHSC reserves the right to cancel this Solicitation at any time. The notice of cancellation will be in accordance with Section 6.8.

6.6 Ambiguity, Conflict, Discrepancy

Bidders must notify the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission or other error in the Solicitation in the manner and by the deadline for submitting questions.

If Bidder fails to properly and timely notify the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission or other error in the Solicitation, the Bidder, whether awarded a contract or not:

a) shall have waived any claim of error or ambiguity in the Solicitation and any resulting contract,

b) shall not contest the interpretation by HHSC of such provision(s), and

c) shall not be entitled to additional compensation, relief, or time by reason of ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionary specification, omission, or other error or its later correction.

6.7 Solicitation Questions or Clarifications

HHSC will allow written questions and requests for clarification regarding this Solicitation if submitted by e-mail to the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1, by the deadline established in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this solicitation) or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda. Responses to questions or other written requests for clarification will not be provided individually to requestors but will be consolidated in one or more Addenda.

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HHSC reserves the right to amend the answers to questions or clarifications prior to the Response Deadline (cover page of this solicitation) through a new Addendum. The notification will be processed in accordance with Section 6.8 (Notification of Addenda or Cancellation).

6.7.1 Submission of Questions or Clarifications

All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted in writing by e-mail and include the following information:

a) IFB Number and Title of Solicitation (cover page of this Solicitation) must be included in the e-mail subject line and in the e-mail body

b) Section or Paragraph number from this Solicitation

c) Page Number of this Solicitation

d) Exhibit name, Section or Paragraph, page number from the Exhibit

e) Language, Topic, Section Heading being questioned

f) Requestor Contact Information must be included in the body of the e-mail submitted with questions

Questions or requests for clarification received after the deadline set in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation) may be reviewed by HHSC but will not be answered.

6.8 Notification of Addenda or Cancellation

6.8.1 Addenda Notification

Addenda for changes, modifications and answers to questions or requests for clarification as well as subsequent Addenda with amended answers to questions or requests for clarifications, will be posted to the ESBD. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to monitor the ESBD for any Addenda affecting this Solicitation. Failure to check the ESBD will in no way release any Bidder or awarded Contractor from the requirements of posted Addenda. No HHS Agency will be responsible or liable in any regard for the failure of any Bidder or awarded Contractor to stay informed of all postings to the ESBD. If the Bidder fails to monitor the ESBD for any changes or modifications to this Solicitation, such failure will not relieve the Bidder or Contractor of its obligation to fulfill the requirements as posted.

6.8.2 Cancellation Notification

HHSC reserves the right to cancel this Solicitation at any time. Notice of the cancellation will be posted on the ESBD. Bidders are responsible for monitoring the ESBD frequently for notices regarding this Solicitation.

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6.9 Pre-Bid Meetings

People with disabilities who wish to attend the pre-bid meetings and require auxiliary aids or services should contact the Sole Point of Contact identified in Section 6.1 (Sole Point of Contact and Communications), at least seventy-two (72) hours before the meeting in order to have reasonable accommodations made by HHSC.

6.9.1 Attendance Log

Participants are required to sign an attendance log if attending a conference or site visit in person. HHSC will not be held responsible for a participant’s failure to sign in on the attendance log.

For conference calls and webinars, participants will be added to the attendance log with the following information ready and properly announced or submitted:

a) Legal business entity name or name of individual which will be used if submitting a response to this Solicitation or subcontractor acting on behalf of the legal business entity;

b) Name and title of each representative on the call; and

c) E-mail address for the point of contact.

6.9.2 Vendor Conference and HSP Training Webinar

HHSC will conduct an optional webinar vendor conference and HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) training on the date and time identified in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation), or on the date and time established in subsequent Addenda. The conference will provide a review of the requirements, scope of work, terms and conditions, and all components of this Solicitation.

A training session for completion of the HSP will be provided as part of the conference. Bidders are strongly encouraged to participate in this session. Bidders who do not submit an HSP or a properly completed HSP with their Response will be disqualified. See Section 8 (HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements).

Attendance is strongly encouraged, but not required. Failure to attend or participate in the webinar will not disqualify a Bidder.

Vendors participating in the webinar must register to attend prior to the webinar at:

a) https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7977718157404298329

b) Webinar ID: 151-282-611

c) Participant must enter business e-mail.

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6.9.2.1 Questions or Requests for Clarification during Vendor Conference

The vendor conference allows participants to ask HHSC questions or request clarifications.

Questions are required to be submitted, either prior to or immediately after the conference, in writing, by e-mail, to the Sole Point of Contact, Section 6.1. The questions and requests for clarifications must be submitted as required in Section 6.7.1 (Submission of Questions).

a) Answers During the Conference

1. During the conference, HHSC may provide responses to questions or requests for clarification; however, these answers will not be considered official.

2. After the conference, the official responses to questions and requests for clarifications received during the conference and those received by the Deadline identified in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation) or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda, will be posted in an Addendum on the ESBD.

b) HHSC reserves the right to amend the answers previously posted at any time prior to the Response Deadline or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda. Amended answers will be posted on the ESBD in a separate, new Addendum or Addenda.

c) Notification of Addenda will be in accordance with Section 6.8 (Notification of Addenda or Cancellation).

6.9.3 On-Site Visit

HHSC will conduct a mandatory on-site visit at the location specified below on the date and time identified in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation) or on the date and time established in subsequent Addenda.

The on-site visit will include a review of the solicitation requirements as well as a walk-through of the facility.

Attendance is mandatory. Failure to attend one of the on-site visits in person will result in the disqualification of a Bidder. Bidders not listed on the attendance log will not be permitted to submit a Response.

6.9.3.1 Location for On-Site Visit:

a) Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Dr. Bob Glaze Laboratory Services Section Building (DBGL)

b) 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, Texas 78756

c) On-site contact: Riley Ryan, Riley.Ryan@dshs.texas.gov

d) Secondary on-site contact: James Bennett, James.Bennett@dshs.texas.gov

Bidders are required to notify the on-site contact listed above regarding attendance.

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7 Scope of Work (SOW)

7.1 Scope of Services to be Performed

The required services to be provided are annual preventive maintenance and inspection services for twelve (12) water purification systems, including tanks and mix beds at DSHS Laboratory. See Exhibit H - Equipment and Parts List. Equipment may be added or removed during the term of the awarded Contract and at the sole discretion of the HHS Agency.

Services shall be performed in accordance with manufacturer required maintenance services and inspection schedules.

The Contractor shall coordinate with DSHS to schedule the preventive maintenance two (2) weeks prior to service.

The Contractor shall provide the following services:

a) One (1) all-inclusive preventive maintenance visit per year scheduled approximately in the first quarter of the year to include inspection, sanitization, and adjustment for the following items to ensure proper operation and functionality of each water purification system, per Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications:

1. Electrical system

2. Mechanical functions and adjustments

3. Cleaning and sanitization of system as required

4. Replacement of filter cartridges and packs, ultraviolet (UV) lamps, and point of use filters

5. Water quality test, including documentation of water quality and a copy of the annual certification of meter used to conduct the test.

b) The Contractor shall provide OEM parts when replacement parts are needed.

c) The Contractor shall provide, for DSHS review and approval, a detailed service report after each preventive maintenance service has been completed.

The service report shall include:

1. Identifiable (ID) service report number

2. Description of work that was completed

3. Parts and materials including make and model number(s)

4. Documentation of tests performed

5. Statement that the instrument is operational, per the manufacturer specifications

6. Labor hours worked

7. Date the work was performed and completed

8. First and last name of DSHS Lab Representative

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9. First and last name of Contractor’s personnel performing services

7.1.1 Service Location

HHS, at its sole discretion, during the contract term and with a 30 days’ advance written notice, reserves the right to change, consolidate, delete or add service locations.

a) Location for Services

Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Dr. Bob Glaze Laboratory Services Section Building (DBGL)

1100 W. 49th St., Austin, Texas 78756

HHS Region No. 7

The Map (PDF) of the HHS Regions may be accessed at:

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/about-hhs/hhs-regional-map.pdf

b) Changes to location(s) for services include but are not limited to: new office space within facility, office closure, consolidation of multiple offices increasing or decreasing square footage, expansion of an office into multiple offices, and relocation of office.

7.1.2 Performance Schedule

Contractor shall perform contracted services, including any minor adjustment call-back services, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Central Time).

Contractor shall not interfere with normal flow of business at the service location.

Contractor shall acknowledge all service calls within four (4) hours of HHS Agency request, unless the Response Deadline is extended by the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

7.1.3 Outside Regular Hours

Any services performed outside of regular work hours must be approved by the HHS Agency Contract Manager and will be paid at the hourly rate stated in Exhibit D – Pricing Sheet.

HHS Agency reserves the right to declare any necessary work to be an emergency. Services performed by the Contractor outside of the regular service hours, without prior approval, will be at Contractor’s own risk and not considered or approved for payment at other than the established regular hours service rate.

Unless otherwise requested by HHS Agency, Contractor shall respond on-site to a request for emergency services within one (1) hour of notification and continue work until the services requested are complete to the satisfaction of HHS Agency.

7.1.4 State Holidays

The state holidays observed are maintained by the State Auditor’s Office and may be accessed at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. HHS Agency does not specifically require services to be performed on these holidays.

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To fulfill the required services, as applicable, the Contractor may perform the services on a holiday observed by HHS at NO additional expense to the HHS Agency.

Performance of services on a state holiday requested by HHS Agency will be performed and invoiced at the Contract rate for Outside Regular Hours.

7.1.5 Minimum Experience and Qualifications

These minimum requirements apply to the Contractor and Contractor’s personnel and any Subcontractor and Subcontractor’s personnel.

Bidder will submit documentation of experience and qualifications with Response, if requested in Exhibit D – Pricing Sheet.

a) The Bidder shall have relevant experience required for the performance of the services as outlined in this Solicitation. The minimum experience required is five (5) years.

b) The Bidder’s personnel to be assigned to perform the services must be fully trained and, at minimum, have five (5) years relevant experience.

c) Contractor technicians must be trained by the OEM to service and repair of the water systems as listed on Exhibit H – Equipment and Parts Lists.

d) All Contractor or Subcontractor personnel assigned to perform the services must be at least 18 years of age.

e) The Bidder must provide a minimum of three (3) verifiable references for current or previous contracts of the same size and for similar or same services within the last five

(5) years. See Exhibit E – Bidder Reference Form.

f) The Contractor shall have a minimum of five (5) years of documented experience with commercial or industrial deionized water or reverse osmosis systems, including direct access to resin bed exchange tanks or cylinders with the ability to perform exchange of resin bed tanks or cylinders. All services provided shall result in a fully functioning deionized water and reverse osmosis system.

g) The Contractor shall have a minimum of five (5) years of documented experience with high-quality water systems that produce lab or medical grade water to standards of US Pharmacopeia or Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. All services provided shall result in a fully functioning deionized water and reverse osmosis system.

7.1.6 HHS Agency Responsibilities

a) Provide reasonable access to the facility(s) and property where services are to be performed.

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7.1.7 Contractor Responsibilities

HHSC will look solely to the Contractor(s) for the performance of all contractual obligations resulting from an award based on this Solicitation. No Contractor will be relieved of its obligations for any nonperformance by its Subcontractor(s).

a) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, tools, transportation, equipment, materials, and supplies, as necessary to perform the services and/or provide the goods, if applicable, as required.

b) The Contractor shall be responsible for supervision, clean up and proper disposal of any site work waste.

c) The Contractor must perform work within the timeframe agreed upon by the Contractor and DSHS when the service request was placed.

d) The Contractor shall provide all parts required to perform service on the equipment. All materials and components installed shall meet the manufacturer’s minimum recommended specifications and must be compatible with DSHS’ existing equipment.

Equipment and materials utilized by the Contractor must be of equal or better quality than existing equipment and materials. Substitutions must be approved by DSHS Laboratory representative prior to installation.

e) Travel time to and from job site is not reimbursable under this SOW. Contractor shall ensure that the authorized DSHS Lab Representative logs the start and completion time on the service report for the services performed. Any work not logged is subject to withholding or delay of acceptance or payment, at the sole discretion of DSHS Lab Representative.

f) The Contractor shall obtain work approval from the authorized DSHS Lab Representative upon service completion.

g) Industry Standards and Local, State and Federal Regulations

h) All work shall be in strict accordance and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, Texas Building Codes, and the City of Austin Building Technical Codes.

The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and the orders and decrees of any court or administrative bodies or tribunals in any matter affecting the performance of the Contract including, if applicable, workers’ compensation laws, minimum and maximum salary and wage statutes and regulations, and licensing laws and regulations.

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Training for Contractor Employees:

All Contractor employees, and Subcontractor’s employees, if applicable, assigned to perform the services must be trained and experienced in the type of work to be performed. The Contractor shall provide adequate training to all personnel assigned to perform the services on the roles, responsibilities, and technical aspects of the work.

The Contractor shall only provide and allow trained and qualified personnel to perform the required services under the Contract.

The Contractor is required to provide current copies of the completed training(s) and of the license or accreditation certificate related to the training upon request by the HHS Agency Contract Manager. This requirement applies to Subcontractor(s) and Subcontractor’s personnel who may be used in the performance of services.

7.1.8 Independent Contractor

It is understood and agreed by the HHS Agency and the Contractor that the Contractor is retained as an independent Contractor and in no event shall any employee hired by the Contractor be considered an employee of the State.

a) The Contractor shall not allow any visitors, spouses, children or other relatives of the Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s employees to be on state property in connection with the Contract during working hours.

b) The Contractor shall be responsible for all employment taxes and other payroll withholding for its employees.

c) The Contractor shall be responsible and liable for the safety and health of its personnel while they are performing work for an HHS agency and while on the HHS Agency premises.

d) The Contractor shall be responsible for verifying that all of its employees assigned to perform services under the Contract are in compliance with all requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, which became effective November 6, 1986, and any subsequent amendments.

e) The Contractor and the assigned Contractor employees or the Contractor’s Subcontractor and Subcontractor employees assigned to perform the services must have all applicable permits, licenses, accreditations and insurance coverage.

7.1.9 Contractor Equipment

The Contractor shall be responsible for the security, maintenance, loss or damage to its equipment or its Subcontractor’s equipment while on HHS Agency premises.

HHS Agency will NOT be held responsible for damage to or loss of the Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s equipment while on HHS Agency premises, while in route to the HHS Agency or in route back to Contractor’s location.

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7.1.10 Background Check for Personnel

The Contractor or an independent third party may need to conduct comprehensive, statewide Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal and sex offender background checks on all Contractor personnel (e.g., permanent and temporary personnel and/or Subcontractor and Subcontractor personnel) who will be assigned to perform the services under the Contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all background check expenses.

The background checks must be conducted prior to any Contractor or Subcontractor personnel arriving on state property and beginning the required Contract services.

Supporting documentation confirming the completion of the background checks is subject to review upon request by the HHS Agency. Failure to produce the requested documentation, as with any violation of the Contract, constitutes grounds for termination of the Contract and/or Purchase Order with cause.

The background checks shall include, but not be limited to Social Security Number Verification.

Statewide criminal and sex offender records shall include, but not be limited to, all Texas counties and out-of-state counties based on the current and previous addresses of the key personnel for the last seven years.

Personnel with sex offender, child or adult abuse, or fraud convictions shall not be allowed to provide Contract services and shall not be allowed access to HHS Agency property, facilities, or documents in connection with the Contract.

Assigned personnel with misdemeanor convictions must receive prior approval by the HHS Agency before being allowed to work under this Contract.

7.1.11 Absenteeism and Vacation

The Contractor shall provide substitutes for any employee(s) who provides services at the HHS facility who may be out due to illness or vacation. The Contractor shall provide relief personnel as necessary and/or work overtime, at no cost to the HHS Agency, to ensure that the requirements of this Contract are performed and accomplished as required.

7.1.12 Telephone Service

The Contractor shall have an active telephone service answered during normal business hours.

Normal business hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise stated in the Solicitation.

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7.1.13 24-Hour Contact The Contractor must provide, in Exhibit C – Bid Execution Page, the HHS Agency Contract Manager with 24-hour contact information for a minimum of two (2) Contractor personnel so the HHS Agency may communicate urgent performance issues that require immediate correction or any other issues that may occur. The Contractor’s 24-hour contact must always be available. Any urgent performance issues requiring immediate correction will be followed up in writing by the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

7.1.14 Contractor and Contractor Personnel Conduct

All personnel employed by the Contractor to fulfill the requirements and terms and conditions of the Contract remain under the Contractor’s sole direction and control.

The following applies to the Contractor, Contractor employees, and, if applicable, the Contractor’s Subcontractor and Subcontractor’s employees.

7.1.14.1 Performance Compliance

While performing the services, all Contractor and Subcontractor personnel must comply with all applicable state rules, regulations, and HHS Agency’s requests regarding personal and professional conduct applicable to the services being provided as well as the service locations.

All personnel must always conduct themselves in a businesslike and professional manner.

If the HHS Agency determines in good faith that an employee of the Contractor or Subcontractor is not conducting himself or herself in accordance with the conduct standards under this Contract, the HHS Agency may provide written notice to the Contractor. Upon receipt of such notice, Contractor must promptly investigate the matter and take appropriate action that may include:

a) Removing the employee from the project;

b) Providing the HHS Agency with written notice of such removal; and

c) Providing the HHS Agency with the information for the replacement employee, who must be qualified and trained, within the timeline designated by the HHS Agency.

7.1.14.2 Contractor Supervisor(s) and Performance Monitoring

The Contractor shall provide competent supervisor(s), if the service location is at an HHS Agency facility. A Supervisor may be considered a roving Supervisor to monitor more than one location with approval from the HHS Agency Contract Manager.

All supervisors must be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing. The supervisor shall be knowledgeable of the Statement of Work (SOW) and requirements of the Contract.

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The Contractor and the supervisors shall continuously monitor and maintain awareness, by personal inspection, of the quality and completeness of the work being performed. The Contractor and supervisor may be requested and required to inspect the HHS Agency facility with the HHS Agency Contract Manager or designee.

7.1.14.3 Personnel Removal and Replacement

a) Removal

The HHS Agency may request removal of any Contractor or Subcontractor employee assigned to the Contract for cause, including but not limited to:

1. poor or unacceptable work performance,

2. theft,

3. abusive language or behavior, or

4. improper attire, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract.

Occurrences of this type may be cause for termination of the Contract.

b) Replacement

Replacement of Contractor or Subcontractor personnel will be subject to HHS Agency review and approval. At the request of the HHS Agency, the Contractor must replace, any Contractor or Subcontractor personnel who are not adequately performing the required services or who are unable to work effectively with the HHS Agency Contract Manager or other HHS staff. The Contractor will provide replacement personnel who have the required qualifications and training as outlined in this Solicitation and resulting Contract. The Contractor and HHS Agency Contract Manager will work together in the event of any such required replacement to prevent disruption in the services or performance schedule and will mutually agree upon the timeline for the replacement.

7.1.14.4 Intoxicants and Illegal Drugs Prohibited

The use or possession of any kind of intoxicants or illegal drugs while employees are on duty at HHS Agency premises, including the building and grounds, is prohibited. At the sole discretion of the HHS Agency, non-compliance with this requirement may result in termination of the Contract.

7.1.14.5 Smoking Prohibited

All HHS Agency facilities are nonsmoking buildings. Contractor’s and Subcontractor’s employees are prohibited from smoking in all non-designated areas.

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7.1.14.6 Contractor Uniforms and Identification

All Contractor and Subcontractor employees are required to wear company uniforms and identifying badges while providing services in or delivering to HHS Agency premises.

Uniforms may be company shirts or T-shirts, smocks, and pants or shorts. The Contractor shall contact the HHS Agency Contract Manager to request approval for the use of other apparel.

The Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s uniform apparel must be of one standard color or design.

The Contractor’s or Subcontractor’s on-site managers or supervisors may wear a distinguishing style of uniform but should strive to maintain a company “standard color” to aid in identification.

All Contractor and Subcontractor personnel must prominently display their company identification badges or the company name and employee’s name (first and/or last) must be on their shirt, T-shirt or smock.

8 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements The Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA), Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) administers the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program in accordance with Chapter 2161, Texas Government Code, and Rules §20.281 to §20.298, Title 34, Chapter 20, Subchapter D, Division 1, Texas Administrative Code. The HUB Program rules may be accessed at:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/.

It is the policy of HHSC to promote and encourage contracting and subcontracting opportunities with State of Texas-certified Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). Information regarding the HHSC Policy on Using HUBs may be accessed at: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/contracting-hhs/historically-underutilized-business-opportunities-program.

8.1 HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP)

The HHSC HUB Coordinator has reviewed the service requirements of this Solicitation and has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable for part or all the required services.

Reference the following Exhibits, included as a part of this Solicitation:

a) Exhibit G – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements

8.2 Courtesy Review of HSP

A courtesy review of a Bidder’s completed HSP is optional and is available to assist Bidders in providing a compliant and responsive HSP. This courtesy review may only identify possible deficiencies.

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To request a courtesy review, submit the completed HSP including all supporting documentation in a PDF format by e-mail to the HHSC HUB Program Office by or before the Courtesy Review of HUB Subcontracting Plan deadline in the Schedule of Events, cover page of this solicitation.

E-Mail for Courtesy Review: Bob.McCurdy@hhs.texas.gov

E-mail Subject Line: HSP Courtesy Review, IFB No. HHS0014102, Due Date

HSPs received after the “Courtesy Review of HUB Subcontracting Plan” deadline in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation) or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda, will not be reviewed and will be returned to the requestor.

The final HSP must be submitted by the Response Deadline identified in the Procurement Schedule (cover page of this Solicitation) or deadlines established in subsequent Addenda.

Responses received without a properly completed HSP will be disqualified.

9 Pricing Information

9.1 Pricing Structure

Prices offered, as part of the Bidder’s response, must be firm, fixed prices for the initial term of the Contract.

The pricing must be submitted only using Exhibit D - Pricing Sheet based on the description and the unit of measure(s) provided for each line item. The unit prices must include all Solicitation requirements, including, but not limited to, labor, equipment, materials, supplies and all related expenses.

9.2 Price Adjustments

Contractors are required to immediately implement any price decrease that may become available during the Contract term. Contractor must notify the designated HHSC Contract Manager in writing so that a Purchase Order Change Notice or Contract Amendment may be processed. The Contractor will be provided the HHS Agency Contract Manager contact information upon award.

9.2.1 Price Adjustment Index

Price adjustments are not automatic. Prices only may be adjusted at the sole discretion of

HHSC.

HHSC may permit price adjustments when correlated with the index as specified below and as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Region VI, Washington, DC 20212.

BLS Website: https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate

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CPI-W Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers – Series ID: CWURR0000AA0:

https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CWUR0000AA0

CPI-U All Urban Consumers – Series ID: CUUR0000AA0 https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CUUR0000AA0

When using the most recent monthly information from the index, the following applies:

A = Index from the month of the Response Deadline of this Solicitation, OR

The effective date/month of the last approved price increase or renewal option exercised

B = Current or latest baseline index

The allowable percent change must be calculated as follows:

B-A ÷ A x 100% = Percent of allowable price increase or decrease

Failure by the Contractor to calculate this formula and provide any supporting documentation will not be considered a properly submitted price increase request.

The Contractor may offer price decreases in excess of the allowable percent change at any time during the term of the Contract.

9.2.2 Price Adjustment Requests

The Contractor must provide, in writing to the HHS Agency Contract Manager, a request for a price adjustment. The adjustment request must use the index and formula identified in Section

9.2.1 (Price Adjustment Index). Only contracts with renewals are eligible for CPI increases and must be completed prior to the start of the renewal period.

Contractor must provide supporting documentation to justify any price adjustment. Any request submitted that fails to use the formula above for calculating a price adjustment will not be considered a complete, properly submitted request. Additionally, any request submitted by a Contractor that does not include supporting documentation will not be considered a complete, properly submitted price adjustment request.

The HHS Agency reserves the right to accept or reject the request for a price adjustment. The Contractor will receive written notification, through a Purchase Order Change Notice or Contract Amendment, from the HHS Agency Contract Manager documenting action taken, to include effective dates, for any adjustments approved.

9.2.3 Federal Minimum Wage Adjustments

Contractor may request a price adjustment based on an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage Rate, published by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), if applicable.

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The request must be submitted to the HHS Agency Contract Manager in writing and include supporting documentation from the USDOL reflecting the increase and the effective date of the increase. HHSC reserves the right to accept or reject the request for an increase.

The effective date for an increase, if approved, will be based on the date of approval by the HHS Agency. Retroactive increases will not be allowed or approved if the USDOL effective date is prior to the date the written request is received by HHSC. Notification of an approved increase in the Contract rate will be provided through a Purchase Order Change Notice or Contract Amendment from the HHS Agency Contract Manager to include the new unit price and effective date for the increase.

10 Changes to The Contract Following award, additional services or changes…