ESBD_File_354875_RFP 2404-001 Professional Legislative Services.pdf

Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health

Request for Proposals

RFP 2404-001

RFP Professional Legislative Services

April 2, 2024

Contact: Central Health Purchasing Office 1111 E. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78702 Phone: 512-716-7319 Email: Jaclyn.hebbe@Centralhealth.net

PROPOSALS DUE: April 30, 2024 - 2:00 P.M. Prevailing Central Time

RFP 2404-001 Professional Legislative Services

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Initial Contract Duration: 2 Years

Contract Renewal: Optional - Two (2) two-year renewal periods after initial term

Proposals and Prices Good for: 90 days

Multiple Awards: None

Request for Proposals

Procurement Schedule

Action Date Time Responsibility Location / Details

Solicitation Issue Date

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 5:00 PM Central Health BidNet and Central Health Website

Site Visit (if applicable)

N/A N/A Central Health N/A

Pre-Proposal Conference

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 9:00 AM Central Health MS Teams

Question Submittal

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:00 PM Proposers BidNet or purchasing@centralhealth.net

Question Response

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 5:00 PM Proposers BidNet

Proposal Submission

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 2:00 PM Proposers BidNet or 1111 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin

TX 78702

Proposals received after the Proposal Submission time at the designated location will not be considered.

Protest Deadline See Section II.A.11 Proposers

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PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proposers should note that this Request for Proposals (RFP) is published and accessible through electronic means. Proposers who received notification of this solicitation by means other than through any of the three websites listed below should register with BidNet in order to receive timely notification of any addenda, amendment, and/or other forms of information that may be issued prior to the solicitation submittal date:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/traviscountyhealthcaredistrictdbacentralhealth

Registration is free.

Proposal Submissions: Proposers are strongly encouraged to submit proposals online via BidNet.

Submission via BidNet is the preferred method of submission.

A secondary option is to deliver one (1) printed Proposal via USPS mail, FedEx, DHL, etc.

DUE TO COVID-19 AND CURRENT BUILDING ACCESS RESTRICTIONS, IF YOU PLAN TO

DELIVER A PRINTED COPY TO THE PURCHASING OFFICE, YOU MUST CONTACT THE

PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY PRIOR TO DELIVERY. The printed Proposal with any supporting and/or sample documentation must be delivered in a sealed container that is labeled and addressed as follows:

Attn: RFP 2404-001 Professional Legislative Services Central Health - Purchasing Office 1111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78702

Should a Proposer submit both a proposal via BidNet and deliver a printed Proposal, the BidNet submitted Proposal will be the proposal of record and will be used for the purposes of the RFP. Proposals submitted in a format other than 1) online via BidNet or 2) delivery of a printed proposal to the address above will not be considered.

It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure that it obtains any and all addenda and/or amendments to this RFP; addenda and amendments will be posted on the website the day they are released. In the event of a conflict between a version of the RFP in the Proposer’s possession and the version maintained by Central Health, the version maintained by Central Health will control.

All Proposals will be submitted and/or delivered on or before the closing date and time for receipt of Proposals. Proposals received at the designated location after the published time and date will not be considered.

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Entity Background B. Purpose of Request for Proposals C. Procurement Authority D. Definition of Terminology A. Pre-proposal Conference B. Deadline to Submit Questions C. Response to Written Questions D. Submission of Proposal E. Proposal Evaluation F. Selection of Finalists G. Interviews of Short-listed Finalists H. Contract Award I. Protest Deadline

III. PROPOSER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

A. Rights

Amending Proposals Withdrawing Proposals Designating Proposal Contents as Confidential or Proprietary

B. Obligations

1. Conditions and Contract Terms Associated with RFP

2. Costs Associated with Procurement

3. Electronic Mail Address

4. Identification and Selection of Subcontractors

5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program and Good Faith Effort

6. Suspension and Debarment Certification

7. Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire (CIQ Form)

8. Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295)

9. Good-Faith Negotiations

IV. CENTRAL HEALTH RIGHTS

Summary of Rights

Reject any or all Proposals without obligation or liability to any Proposer;

Accept a Proposal other than the lowest-price Proposal (as applicable);

3. Award a Contract on the basis of an initial Proposal received without discussions or requests for Best and Final Offers;

4. Request Best and Final Offers from any or all Proposers;

Procure the Services in whole or in part by other means;

6. Award more than one Contract; and/or Not award any Contract

Termination of RFP C. Waive Minor Irregularities D. RFP Amendments E. Negotiate Additional Contract Terms F. Accept Contract Deviations G. Investigate Proposers H. Request Change in Proposer Representatives

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I. Assert Ownership of Proposals

V. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

A. Proposal Format

Proposal Organization Letter of Transmittal – Required Table of Contents - Optional Proposal Summary - Optional Response to Narrative Prompts - Required Completed and Signed Acknowledgement of Receipt Form - Required Completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Form - Required Completed and Signed Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (CIQ) – Required upon selection Completed and Signed Certificate of Secretary – Required if Proposer is a corporation

Completed Insurance Coverage Form - Required

Other (optional) supporting material (may be included)

VI. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Narrative Prompts/Evaluation Criteria B. Evaluation Process

Exhibit A: Scope of Work Attached

Exhibit A-1: Legislative Guiding Principles Attached

Exhibit B: Price/Cost Attached

Exhibit C: Acknowledgement of Receipt Attached

Exhibit D: Historically Under-Utilized Business Form Attached

Exhibit E: Conflict of Interest Questionnaire Attached

Exhibit F: Certificate of Secretary Attached

Exhibit G: Sample Contract with Required Contracts Terms and Conditions Attached

Exhibit H: Business Associate Agreement Attached

Exhibit I: Certificate of Interested Parties Attached

Exhibit J: Not Used N/A

Exhibit K: Insurance Coverage Attached

Exhibit L: Not Used N/A

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. Entity Background The Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health (“Central Health” or the “district”) is a hospital district created under Chapter 281 of the Texas Health and Safety Code that is responsible for providing or arranging for the provision of hospital and medical care to low-income residents of Travis County. Central Health’s mission is to improve the health of the community by caring for those who need it most – particularly the uninsured and underinsured.

Central Health is making healthcare better through the direct practice of medicine, partnerships and collaborations with other providers, and building facilities to provide care in the communities most in need. The district’s Healthcare Equity Plan, adopted in early 2022, is guiding up to $700 million in investments to close the gaps that persist throughout the safety-net healthcare system.

Central Health owns Sendero Health Plans, a community nonprofit insurer that covers members through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace. Central Health clinical partner, CommUnityCare Health Centers, is a federally qualified health center network with more than 27 primary care locations throughout Central Texas. A network of partners, including Integral Care (behavioral health), Lone Star Circle of Care (a Federally Qualified Health Center), and the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, help Central Health extend services deeper into the community.

B. Purpose of Request for Proposals

Central Health is soliciting proposals from qualified firms (“Consultant”) for legislative consulting services for Central Health and its affiliates. The Consultant’s basic services shall consist of all elements of work, materials, equipment, and preparation required for the provision of the services in accordance with the applicable federal and state law in a manner satisfactory to the Travis County Healthcare District.

C. Procurement Authority Central Health has designated a Procurement Authority who is responsible for the conduct of this procurement on behalf of Central Health; therefore, all deliveries (including Proposal delivery) shall be addressed as follows:

RFP 2404-001 Professional Legislative Services Central Health – Purchasing Office 1111 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78702 purchasing@centralhealth.net

Any inquiries or requests regarding this procurement should be submitted to the Procurement Authority as identified on BidNet and Central Health’s Website:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing. Proposers shall ONLY contact the Procurement Authority regarding this procurement. Proposers shall NOT contact individual Central Health Board Members, Central Health executive team leaders or staff regarding this solicitation. Such contact may result in disqualification of the Proposer initiating the contact.

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D. Definition of Terminology

This section contains definitions and abbreviations that are used throughout this procurement document.

“BAFO” request for a Best and Final Offer.

"BidNet Website" is the following link:

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/traviscountyhealthcaredistrictdbacentralhealth

"Central Health Website" is the following link:

http://www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing.

"Close of Business (COB)" means 5:00 PM Prevailing Central Time.

"Contract" means a written agreement for the procurement of items of tangible personal property or services.

"Determination" means the written documentation of a decision by the Procurement Authority, including findings of fact supporting a decision. A Determination becomes part of the procurement file.

"Desirable" means that the terms “may”, “can”, “should”, “preferably”, or “prefers” identify a Desirable or discretionary item or factor (as opposed to “Mandatory”).

“Duly Authorized Representative” means the individual who is authorized to submit a Proposal to this RFP on behalf of Proposer and to bind the Proposer to any Contract that may result from the Submission of Proposal.

“ESBD” is the following link: http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp

"Evaluation Committee" means a body appointed by Central Health management to perform the evaluation of Proposals.

"Evaluation Committee Report" means a document prepared by the Procurement Authority and the Evaluation Committee for Contract/s award. It contains all written Determinations resulting from the RFP.

"Finalist" is defined as a Proposer who meets all the Mandatory specifications of this Request for Proposals and whose score on evaluation factors is sufficiently high to merit further consideration by the Evaluation Committee.

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/texas/traviscountyhealthcaredistrictdbacentralhealth

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"Mandatory" means that the terms “must”, “shall”, “will”, “is required”, or “are required” identify a Mandatory item or factor (as opposed to “Desirable”). Failure to meet a Mandatory item or factor will result in the rejection of the Proposer's Proposal.

“Principal” is a person in charge of an organization who takes leadership.

"Proposer" is any person, entity, corporation, or partnership that submits a Proposal.

"Procurement Authority" means a person or designee authorized by Central Health to manage or administer a procurement requiring the evaluation of the RFP Proposal.

"Request for Proposal" or “RFP” means all documents, including Attachments and Exhibits, which are hereby incorporated by reference and considered a part of the Proposals.

"Responsible Proposer" means a Proposer who submits a Proposal and who has furnished, when required, information and data to prove that on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications, its financial resources, production and service facilities, personnel, service reputation and experience are adequate to satisfactorily perform the Services or provide items of tangible personal property described in the Proposal.

"Responsive Proposal” means a Proposal that includes all required documentation and conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the Request for Proposals. The Proposal to this Request for Proposals must include responsive information, which support the Proposer’s competence, qualifications, and ability to perform the Services, including, but not limited to, quality, quantity, and delivery requirements.

“Timely Response” means the potential vendor or contracted vendor will respond to all requests from the Procurement Authority or any Central Health representative by the deadlines provided in the request. Vendor may propose an alternative deadline to the Procurement Authority, but the decision whether or not to extend any deadline is solely within the discretion of Central Health. Failure to respond timely to requests may be grounds for invalidating a bid or canceling an awarded contract.

II. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

This section of the RFP describes all major events listed in the RFP Schedule. The Procurement Authority will make every effort to adhere to the Procurement Schedule set forth in this RFP.

A. Pre-proposal Conference

If a pre-proposal meeting is held the date and time of that conference will be noted in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP. Conference call and video conference information will be available the day before the meeting and will be posted on BidNet and Central Health’s website.

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B. Deadline to Submit Questions All Proposers are expected to carefully examine this RFP. Any ambiguities or inconsistencies therein should be brought to the attention of the Procurement Authority as described in this RFP.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of the Proposer to obtain clarification of any information contained herein that is not fully understood. Proposers may submit written questions via BidNet.

C. Response to Written Questions Written responses to all questions submitted by potential Proposers will be addressed in either a RFP addendum or question and answer document that will be posted on BidNet by Close of Business per the Question Response Date as indicated in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP.

Any verbal statement made by Central Health regarding the RFP prior to the award will be considered non-binding. The only formal interpretation of the RFP will be made by addendum or a question-and-answer document issued by the Procurement Authority.

D. Submission of Proposal The Procurement Authority or designee must receive all proposals for review and evaluation no later than 2:00 PM Central Time per the Proposal Submission Date as indicated in the Procurement Schedule on page 2 of this RFP. Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted. Refer to Proposal Instructions on page 3 of this RFP for Proposal Submission instructions.

Proposals submitted via BidNet (preferred method), BidNet.com will automatically record the date and time of receipt of each correctly submitted Proposal.

The date and time of receipt will be recorded on each printed Proposal. The Proposal must be addressed and delivered to the Procurement Authority in a sealed container at the address listed in 1.C above. Proposals submitted by facsimile or other electronic means will not be accepted.

A public log will be kept of the names of all organizations that submit a Proposal. Unless required by law, the contents of any Proposal will not be disclosed to competing Proposers prior to Contract award.

E. Proposal Evaluation The Evaluation Committee will evaluate the Proposals. The Procurement Authority may initiate discussions with Proposers who submit Responsive or potentially Responsive Proposals, but Proposals may be accepted and evaluated without such discussion. Any resulting clarifications will be issued to all Proposers. While Proposers may initiate requests for clarifications pursuant to above, general discussions SHALL NOT be initiated by the Proposers. The Evaluation Committee will evaluate and score written Proposals using the evaluation criteria identified in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA.

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F. Selection of Finalists

The selection process may be conducted in two steps. In step one, the Evaluation Committee will evaluate and score written Proposals using the evaluation criteria identified in section VII.

EVALUATION CRITERIA. Based on the scoring in step one, the Evaluation Committee, as step two, may develop a “short list” of Proposers who may be invited to interview or provide a demonstration with the Evaluation Committee. Only "short listed" Finalists will be considered for further evaluation and invited to participate in the subsequent steps of the procurement process.

G. Interviews of Short-listed Finalists Based on step one of the selection process, Central Health, at its sole discretion, may determine that it is necessary to interview or request a demonstration from the short-listed finalists prior to making a recommendation to ask for a Best and Final Offer (“BAFO”) or to recommend Contract award. If Central Health desires to conduct interviews/demonstrations, short-listed finalists will be invited to present their Proposals to the Evaluation Committee. The purpose of interviews/demonstrations, if conducted, is to ensure the Evaluation Committee’s understanding of the Proposals and Proposer’s qualifications, as well as, to evaluate the Proposer’s team under the criteria set forth in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA. When conducted, interview/demonstration scores will be used as an additional consideration for recommendation and award of a Contract. The Procurement Authority will schedule the time for each Proposer presentation, if applicable. All Proposer presentations will be held as virtual, conference call presentations. Each interviewee will be allowed one (1) hour for the presentation followed by a question/answer period from the evaluation team.

H. Contract Award Central Health may but is not obligated to award one or more Contracts to the Proposer/s that best satisfies Central Health’s requirements and provides the best overall value to Central Health for the Scope of Work.

As of the date of issuance, a single award is contemplated.

I. Protest Deadline Protest of Contract award by a Proposer that was not recommended for same must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Authority within ten (10) calendar days after Central Health notifies Proposers of a Contract award. The written protest must clearly set forth the arguments supporting the protest and, if desired, should include a request for an expedited hearing with the Procurement Authority. The Procurement Authority will rule on the protest in writing within ten

(10) business days from the date it receives the written protest and any hearing. Any appeal of the Procurement Authority’s decision must be made within ten (10) calendar days after receipt thereof and submitted to the Procurement Authority, who will present the matter for final resolution to the Central Health President and CEO or his/her designee. The Proposer will be notified of the time and place the appeal is to be heard and afforded an opportunity to present evidence to the Central Health President and CEO or his/her designee in support of the appeal.

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Central Health's decision on appeal is final.

Protests received after the deadline will not be accepted.

III. PROPOSER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

A. Rights Amending Proposals

Any Proposer may submit an amended Proposal before the deadline for receipt of Proposals.

Such amended Proposals must be complete replacements for a previously submitted Proposal and must be clearly identified as such in the transmittal letter. Central Health will not merge, collate, or assemble Proposal materials.

Withdrawing Proposals Proposers will be allowed to withdraw their Proposals at any time prior to the deadline for receipt of Proposals. To withdraw a Proposal, the Proposer must submit a written withdrawal request signed by the Proposer’s Duly Authorized Representative and addressed to the Procurement Authority.

Designating Proposal Contents as Confidential or Proprietary Proposers may mark, stamp, or imprint the words “proprietary” or “confidential” on any pages of the Proposal that include information of this type. However, Proprietary or confidential information should be readily separable from the Proposal in order to facilitate eventual public inspection of the other portions of the Proposal. Central Health will not sort, otherwise isolate, or redact proprietary or confidential information embedded within the body of a Proposal.

B. Obligations

1. Conditions and Contract Terms Associated with RFP Proposers must indicate their acceptance of all conditions governing the RFP in their letter of transmittal. However, a Proposer’s failure to do so will not operate to exempt Proposer from these conditions, as the act of submission itself constitutes acceptance of the conditions, including the evaluation criteria contained in section VII. EVALUATION CRITERIA of this RFP.

Additionally, Proposers must agree to include the terms contained within Exhibit G – Sample Contract with Required Contract Terms and Conditions, which is incorporated in this RFP, in any Contract that results from this RFP and to execute the Business Associate Agreement contained within Exhibit H, of this RFP.

2. Costs Associated with Procurement Any and all costs incurred by the Proposer in preparation, transmittal, and presentation of any Proposal or material submitted in response to this RFP will be borne solely by the Proposer.

3. Electronic Mail Address A large part of the communication regarding this procurement will be conducted by electronic mail (e-mail). Therefore, all Proposers must have a valid e-mail address to receive

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4. Identification and Selection of Subcontractors The term “subcontractor” includes sub-consultants. Proposer’s intended use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in its Proposals, and major subcontractors must be identified by name.

The awarded Proposer will be wholly responsible for the entire performance of the Contract, whether or not subcontractors are used, and Proposer expressly acknowledges that in entering into such subcontract(s), Central Health is in no manner liable to any subcontractor(s). Awarded Proposer further acknowledges that Central Health will make Contract payments only to the awarded Proposer.

5. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program and Good Faith Effort Proposers are asked to make a "good faith effort" to take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that certified HUBs (see next paragraph) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of any Contract that results from this RFP as subcontractors.

HUB contractors and subcontractors must be certified as a HUB, Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise source by a recognized governmental program, such as:

• City of Austin Municipal Government;

• Texas Unified Certification Program; or

• State of Texas; or

• Other certification entity recognized by Travis County, Texas

Any subcontractor who Proposer intends to subcontract with at the time of Proposal submission and that is identified, as a HUB will be required to submit a copy of its certification with this Proposal. Central Health reserves the right to verify any entity's HUB status prior to Contract award.

6. Suspension and Debarment Certification The Proposer will certify, by signing the Acknowledgement of Receipt Form, attached hereto as Exhibit C, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that the Proposer and/or its Principals or subcontractors are not and have not been debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or declared ineligible for the award of Contracts by any federal department or district.

7. Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire (CIQ Form) Pursuant to Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code, the awarded Proposer, if any, will be required to complete the Conflict-of-Interest Questionnaire ("CIQ"), which is attached to this RFP as Exhibit E, and submit it together with the Contract, if the Proposer has: (i) an employment or other business relationship with a local government officer of Central Health or a family member of same; (ii) given a local government officer of Central Health or a family member of same one or more gifts having an aggregate value as specified in Exhibit E or (iii) has a family relationship with a local government officer of Central Health. For additional information

P a g e 13 concerning filling out the CIQ, see https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/CIQ.pdf .

8. Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code prohibits a governmental entity, like Central Health, from entering into certain Contracts, unless the business entity submits a Certificate of Interested Parties form, attached to this RFP as EXHIBIT I, to the governmental entity at the time the business entity executes a Contract. Form 1295 is applicable to any of awarded Proposer’s directors, officers, or employees who hold a controlling interest (10% or more ownership) in the business entity and who actively participated in facilitating the Contract or negotiating the terms of same (broker, intermediary, advisor, and/or attorney), if any.

9. Good-Faith Negotiations The Procurement Authority or designee will participate in all discussions with Proposers.

Discussions will only be conducted with responsible Proposers who submit Responsive Proposals to the RFP, which are determined to be reasonably acceptable of being selected for award. Those Proposers will be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of Proposals. Proposers may be required to submit additional information and/or clarify previously submitted information during negotiations.

Revisions and supplements to Proposals may also be permitted after submission and before Contract award for the purpose of obtaining BAFOs in Central Health’s sole discretion. Any BAFO, as well as the entire Proposal, will become part of Central Health’s awarded Contract.

Central Health reserves the right to negotiate the price and any other term with any, all, or none of the Proposers. Any oral negotiations must be confirmed in writing prior to an award.

IV. CENTRAL HEALTH RIGHTS

Summary of Rights Central Health may:

Reject any or all Proposals without obligation or liability to any Proposer;

Accept a Proposal other than the lowest-price Proposal (as applicable);

3. Award a Contract on the basis of an initial Proposal received without discussions or requests for Best and Final Offers;

4. Request Best and Final Offers from any or all Proposers;

Procure the Services in whole or in part by other means;

6. Award more than one Contract; and/or Not award any Contract.

Termination of RFP

This RFP may be canceled at any time and any and all Proposals may be rejected in whole or in part if Central Health determines such action to be in Central Health’s best interest.

C. Waive Minor Irregularities

The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to waive minor irregularities (e.g. Proposer submits https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/CIQ.pdf

P a g e 14 the incorrect number of Proposal copies or does not sign all Proposal copies) in the Proposals.

The Evaluation Committee also reserves the right to waive certain, non-mandatory requirements contained herein if the Proposal otherwise meets the mandatory requirements and/or waiving the minor irregularity does not otherwise materially affect the procurement. This right may be exercised at the Evaluation Committee’s sole discretion.

D. RFP Amendments Central Health reserves the right to issue amendments to this RFP before the date on which Proposals are due.

E. Negotiate Additional Contract Terms Central Health reserves the right to modify and negotiate with a successful Proposer provisions in addition to those attached to this RFP. The contents of this RFP, as revised and/or supplemented, and the successful Proposer's Proposal will be incorporated into and become part of the Contract.

F. Accept Contract Deviations Any additional terms and conditions, which may be the subject of negotiation, will be discussed only between Central Health and the selected Proposer and will not be deemed an opportunity to amend the Proposer’s Proposal. If a Proposer requests significant changes to either the required Contract terms or the terms of the Business Associate Agreement, Proposer’s Proposal may be considered non-Responsive and result in Proposers’ disqualification or, if such changes are requested post-Proposal submission in violation of this RFP, will result in termination of negotiations and Contract award.

G. Investigate Proposers The Evaluation Committee may make such investigations as necessary to determine the qualifications and ability of the Proposer to adhere to the requirements specified within this RFP.

The Evaluation Committee will reject any Proposal that is submitted by a Proposer who it deems unqualified or who otherwise fails to submit a responsive Proposal. Central Health may also investigate a Proposer’s prior contract relationships, contact references provided by Proposer, and explore and consider prior public statements or actions by a Proposer or any of its key personnel that may be relevant to the performance of the tasks in the RFP or the ability of the Proposer to perform such tasks.

H. Request Change in Proposer Representatives Central Health reserves the right to require a change in the representatives that Proposer submits with the Proposal, if the assigned representatives are not, in the opinion of Central Health, able to adequately meet Central Health’s needs.

I. Assert Ownership of Proposals All documents submitted in response to this Request for Proposals will become the property of Central Health.

V. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

This section of the RFP describes the format and organization of the Proposer's Proposal.

Failure to conform to the requirements contained herein may result in disqualification of the Proposal.

A. Proposal Format All Proposals, electronic or printed, must delineate each section. The page limit should be no more than forty (40) pages (20 front/back if printed) not including tabs and required forms (see item B. below), or as further instructed in this RFP. If submitting a printed Proposal the Proposal must be in a binder with tabs delineating each section.

Proposal Organization The Proposal must be organized and indexed in the following format and must contain, as a minimum, all items that are listed as required in the sequence indicated.

Letter of Transmittal – Required

• Identify the submitting organization;

• Identify the name, title, e-mail address and telephone number of the person authorized to contractually obligate the organization or individual proposing;

• Identify the name, title, e-mail address, and telephone number of the person authorized to negotiate a Contract on behalf of the organization;

• Identify the names, titles, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted for Proposal clarification;

• Explicitly indicate acceptance of Sections II through IV of this RFP;

• Be signed by the person authorized to contractually obligate the organization;

and

• Acknowledge receipt of all, if any, addenda to this RFP.

Table of Contents - Optional Proposal Summary - Optional Response to Narrative Prompts - Required Completed and Signed Acknowledgement of Receipt Form - Required Completed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Form - Required Completed and Signed Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (CIQ) – Required upon selection Completed and Signed Certificate of Secretary – Required if Proposer is a corporation Completed Insurance Coverage Form - Required Other (optional) supporting material (may be included)

The forms listed behind the numbers 5, 6, 8 and 9 must be thoroughly completed, executed and witnessed, if and as required, and included in the appropriate section of the Proposal.

Proposals must include all Attachments and Exhibits in order to be considered Responsive.

Any Proposal that does not adhere to these requirements may be deemed non-responsive and rejected on that basis.

VI. PROPOSAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Proposers shall respond in the form of a detailed narrative to each of the narrative prompts contained in Item A below and based on information provided in in Exhibit A: Scope of Work and Exhibit B: Price/Cost. The narratives, along with supporting materials, will be evaluated and awarded points accordingly.

Failure to respond to the following mandatory narrative prompts will result in disqualification of the Proposal as non-responsive.

A. Narrative Prompts/Evaluation Criteria

Item EVALUATION CRITERIA Weight (%)

1.

Staff Qualifications. Proposer demonstrates staff qualifications, experience, and knowledge with respect to Central Health and affiliate operations and legislative issues of interest. Please include a resume (no more than 2 pages) for each proposed consultant and summary of similar assignments in the past three

(3) years.

2.

Firm Experience. Proposer provides qualifications and experience in providing professional legislative services.

Proposers must have experience in working for similar organizations during at least four (4) regular sessions of the Texas Legislature.

3.

Technical Approach. Proposer demonstrates knowledge of the following key statutes and policy issues (although not limited to):

• Central Health enabling legislation (Health and Safety Code, Chapter 281)

• The Indigent Health Care Act (Health and Safety Code, Chapter 61)

• Property Tax and other issues affecting local government entities

• See Exhibit A-1 - Legislative Guiding Principles adopted by the Board of Managers for the 88th Session

• Central Health’s Healthcare Equity Plan, Implementation Plans, and Demographic Report

4.

References. Proposer provides at least three (3) references of previous or current clients, including the name of the organization, and the name and contact information for the person responsible for government affairs within the organization. The references must include at least two (2) government or healthcare entities, preferably similar in size to Central Health.

5.

Pricing and Pricing Methodology. Proposer describes the pricing methodology and the amount Central Health would be charged for the services required in the attached Scope of Work.

Total 100

5. Interview (if needed) 20

B. Evaluation Process

1. Proposals will be reviewed for compliance with the above criteria for this solicitation.

Proposals deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration.

2. The Procurement Authority may contact the Proposer for clarification of the Proposal as specified in above.

3. The Evaluation Committee may use other sources of information to perform the evaluation as specified in Proposal Evaluation.

4. Responsive Proposals will be evaluated using the criteria set forth in the table above.

The Responsive and Responsible Proposers with the highest scores may be selected as short-listed Finalists. Said short-listed Finalists may be invited to present their Proposals to the Evaluation

5. Committee. Points awarded from the interviews, if any, will be added to Proposer’s overall score.

6. The Proposer whose Proposal is most advantageous to Central Health, taking into consideration the stated EVALUATION CRITERIA, may be recommended for Contract award as specified in above. Proposers who are asked or chosen to submit a revised Proposal for the purpose of obtaining Best and Final Offers may have their points recalculated accordingly. Please note however, that a serious deficiency in the initial Proposal may be grounds for rejection regardless of overall score.

7. Proposers or potential contracted vendors will respond to all requests by the Central Health Purchasing Office within the deadline timeframe provided in the request.

Proposers or potential contracted vendors may propose an alternative deadline to the Procurement Authority, but the decision whether or not to extend any deadline is solely within the discretion of Central Health. Failure to respond by the given deadline may result in proposer being deemed non-responsive.

Exhibit A

SCOPE OF WORK

Professional Legislative Services

1) Background:

Created in 2004 by the voters of Travis County, the Travis County Hospital District (dba Central Health) (“District) is a local public entity that provides access to high-quality health care for people with low income including those with no health insurance by purchasing and providing medical and hospital services for eligible Travis County residents. The Central Health Board of Managers in 2022 approved a Healthcare Equity Plan to provide the roadmap for building a high-functioning comprehensive safety-net healthcare system in Travis County.

We believe passionately in our mission: By caring for those who need it most, Central Health improves the health of our community.

Additionally, Central Health is affiliated with the following entities:

• CommUnityCare Health Centers – Central Health and CommUnityCare (CUC) are a public agency/co-applicant model Community Health Center with CUC serving as the co-applicant, 501(c)(3) organization that provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and prescription services.

• Sendero Health Plans - Sendero Health Plans is the local, nonprofit, community-based health plan founded in 2011 by Central Health, its sole member, and designed to support the mission of Central Health and serve the unique needs of Central Texas residents.

2) Scope of Work:

Central Health is soliciting proposals from qualified firms (“Consultant”) for legislative and agency consulting services for Central Health and its affiliates. The Consultant’s basic services shall consist of all elements of work, materials, equipment, and preparation required for the provision of the following services in accordance with the applicable federal and state law in a manner satisfactory to the Travis County Hospital District:

a. Knowledge of the following key statutes, policy issues, and documents (although not limited to):

• Central Health enabling statute (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 281)

• The Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 61) https://www.centralhealth.net/about-central-health/healthcare-equity-plan/

• Texas Property Tax Code and other statutes affecting local government entities

• Central Health’s 2023 Legislative Guiding Principles adopted by the Board of

Managers (See Exhibit A-1)

• Central Health’s Board-adopted Healthcare Equity Plan and Healthcare Equity

Implementation Plan

• Central Health’s Demographic Report (https://www.centralhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022_Demographic_Report.pdf)

b. Attend meetings with District and affiliate Board members, staff, and contractors to understand Central Health’s and affiliates’ concerns and goals and report to the Boards and staff as necessary and when requested;

c. Assist in and advise Central Health on the development of regular, interim, and special session legislative agendas, as well as interim charge recommendations as necessary.

d. Coordinate with and advise Central Health on developing appropriate strategies to accomplish Central Health’s and affiliates’ goals vis-à-vis the legislative, executive branches and agencies;

e. Assist Central Health in identifying and discussing critical issues that may arise during legislative sessions and during agency or executive branch activities;

f. Develop, coordinate, and maintain working relationships with appropriate entities and individuals in areas of concern to Central Health and affiliates;

g. Meet with appropriate legislative, executive, and agency representatives as necessary to discuss matters of interest to Central Health and affiliates;

h. If necessary or desirable, take other action with respect to legislation and/or administrative action that would affect or potentially affect Central Health and/or affiliates, including:

• monitoring the progress of proposed legislation and administrative action;

• advancing the interests of Central Health and affiliates, as appropriate;

• Providing and receiving information to and from members of the legislative and executive branches;

i. Determine, evaluate, and communicate the potential impact of proposed laws, rules, and regulations, as well as contemplated legislative and executive branch and agency activities on Central Health and affiliates;

j. Advise Central Health and affiliates on funding opportunities and assist Central Health and affiliates, as necessary or as requested, in applying for or otherwise taking advantage of those opportunities;

k. To the extent possible, assist Central Health and affiliates in minimizing any potential adverse impact on Central Health and/or affiliates by legislative, executive branch, or https://www.centralhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022_Demographic_Report.pdf https://www.centralhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2022_Demographic_Report.pdf agency action;

l. Attend and, if desirable to Central Health, testify or coordinate testimony at legislative and/or agency hearings on matters of concern to Central Health and/or affiliates;

m. Cooperate and coordinate fully with Central Health and affiliates and Boards on matters arising under this Agreement;

n. Provide other services incidental to and/or necessary to the completion of the tasks set out under this Agreement.

3) Period of Performance:

Contractor’s work to begin within 30 days post contract execution.

4) Deliverables:

Deliverables may include but are not limited to:

• Presentation in advance of regular legislative session previewing key issues for the upcoming legislative session to the Central Health Board of Managers and staff and may include additional presentation to CommUnity Care and Sendero as requested.

• Timely reporting of any legislation or agency actions that may impact Central Health and its affiliates.

• Meet at least monthly, or more frequently as requested, with Central Health government affairs staff during the legislation session and no less than quarterly during the interim session.

• Provide an end of session written report to Central Health summarizing legislation that impacts Central Health and its affiliates, and present verbal report to the Board of Managers and affiliates only if requested.

• Report on any Interim Charges that may impact Central Health and its affiliates.

• Including any other items described above in the Scope of Work.

Exhibit A-1

Central Health Legislative Guiding Principles for the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature (2023)

Travis County taxpayers created Central Health in 2004 to ensure the availability of quality healthcare for residents with low income. The Central Health System – Central Health, CommUnityCare Health Centers (CUC) and Sendero Health Plans, Inc. (Sendero) – are charged with building and maintaining our publicly accountable safety-net health system. Central Health guides these related organizations in meeting the common objective of creating access to care for those in our community who need it most.

Central Health is creating an equitable system of care that is comprehensive and accountable, while optimizing the collective use of capabilities and resources to serve residents with low incomes in our community. To ensure we achieve our vision, Central Health supports many of the legislative priorities of statewide advocacy organizations aligned with our goals, including the Teaching Hospitals of Texas (THOT), the Texas Hospital Association (THA), the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC), and the Texas Association of Community Health Plans (TACHP).

As we embark on the 88th Regular Legislative Session, we will adhere to the following key legislative priorities while monitoring other legislation that may affect the Central Health Enterprise and the patients we serve.

Key Legislative Priorities:

• Healthcare Access o Advance health access initiatives that help achieve Central Health’s Health

Equity Strategic Plan, including:

Workforce: Support loan repayment programs and other legislation that expands availability of health care providers in underserved areas, including pay increases for personal attendants assisting persons with disabilities and public health workers.

Telehealth: Support initiatives that make telehealth operations and reimbursement easy for patients to access and providers to implement.

Integrated Physical and Mental Health: Ensure appropriate access to, and funding for, behavioral and mental health services as part of a comprehensive array of “person-centered” care.

Healthcare for Homeless: Support initiatives that provide access to care for individuals experiencing homelessness such as mobile care, permanent supportive housing, and medical respite.

Coverage: Support efforts to expand health coverage opportunities in the state, such as twelve months continuous Medicaid eligibility for post-partum women.

• Health Care Financing

Extend authorization for the Central Health Local Provider Participation Fund, which expires December 31, 2023.

Protect health care financing streams that support Central Health’s patient population, including Medicaid supplemental payments.

• Local Control Retain local control of health care delivery, tax rates, tax appraisals, debt issuance, and revenue caps to ensure Central Health has the resources to meet its patients’ needs.

Exhibit B

PRICING SHEET

Professional Legislative Services

Deliverable Regular Session Frequency

Regular Session Rate

Special Session Rate

To attend meetings, as requested, with District and affiliate Board members, staff, and contractors to understand Central Health’s and affiliates’ concerns and goals and report to the Boards and staff as necessary and when requested, as necessary.

At least 2 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To meet with District government affairs staff at least monthly during the legislative session and no less than quarterly during the interim session, or more often as requested.

At least 5 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To assist in and advise Central Health on the development of regular, interim, and special session legislative agendas, as well as interim charge recommendations as necessary;

At least 5 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To monitor and assist Central Health in identifying and discussing critical issues that may arise during legislative sessions and during agency or executive branch activities;

At least 7 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To develop, coordinate, and maintain working relationships with appropriate entities and individuals in areas of concern to Central Health and affiliates;

Ongoing $XXX / hr $XXX / hr

To meet with appropriate legislative, executive, and agency representatives as necessary to discuss matters of interest to Central Health and affiliates;

At least 5 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To determine, evaluate, and communicate the potential impact of proposed laws, rules, and regulations, as well as contemplated legislative and executive branch and agency activities on Central Health and affiliates;

At least 7 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To advise Central Health and affiliates on funding opportunities and assist Central Health and affiliates, as necessary or as requested, in applying for or otherwise taking advantage of those opportunities;

At least 3 meetings / regular session $XXX / meeting $XXX / meeting

To provide a presentation in advance of regular legislative session previewing key issues for the upcoming legislative session to the Central Health Board of Managers and staff and may include additional presentation to CommUnity Care and Sendero as requested.

At least 4 presentations / regular session

$XXX /

presentation

$XXX /

presentation

To provide an end-of-session written report on any legislation impacting Central Health and its affiliates, including related healthcare issues;

At least 2 reports / regular session $XXX / report $XXX / report

To provide other services incidental to and/or necessary to the completion of the tasks set out under this Agreement, as requested by staff, including Special Sessions, and/or other rates not listed.

$ XXX $ XXX

TOTAL

Exhibit C Acknowledgment of Receipt Form

In acknowledgment of receipt of this Request for Qualifications, the undersigned agrees that he/she has received a complete copy, beginning with the title page and Table of Contents and Exhibits.

The acknowledgment of receipt should be signed, returned, and included with the Respondent's submittal. Complete (Legal) Name of Proposer:

Proposer Tax Identification Number:

Business Address:

Telephone Number:

Type of Organization: Individual Partnership Corporation Association

Other (please describe)

If incorporated, state of incorporation:

Date organization was formed (month/year):

The number of years providing services/systems similar to those requested in this Solicitation:

Description of Proposer’s organization, locations, and number of staff (including subcontractors as applicable) that will provide services/support outlined in this Solicitation):

Please certify the following by placing an “X” in the appropriate column:

Certification Yes No Is Proposer/Respondent currently in the process of filing for bankruptcy?

Has Proposer/Respondent filed for…