Exhibit A Overview of the RFP Process.pdf

EXHIBIT A

OVERVIEW OF THE RFP PROCESS

1. The RFP is issued pursuant to Subchapter 6 of HAR Chapter 3-122, implementing HRS §103D-303.

2. The procurement process begins with the issuance of the RFP and the formal response to any written questions or inquiries regarding the RFP. Changes to the RFP will be made only by Addendum.

Upon award and contract execution, proposal files are public records available for review by submitting a Request to Access Government Records.

All proposals and other material submitted by Offerors become the property of the State.

3. The Procurement Manager or an Evaluation Committee approved by the Procurement Manager will evaluate the proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria in Section Four.

4. A "priority list" of responsible Offerors submitting acceptable and potentially acceptable proposals may be generated. The priority list may be limited to a minimum of three responsible Offerors who submitted the highest-ranked proposals. The objective of these discussions is to clarify issues regarding the Offeror’s proposal if a BAFO is tendered.

5. If, during discussions, there is a need for any substantial clarification or change in the

RFP, the RFP will be amended by an addendum to incorporate such clarification or change. Addenda to the RFP will be distributed only to Priority Listed Offerors who submit acceptable or potentially acceptable proposals.

6. Following any discussions, Priority Listed Offerors will be invited to submit their

BAFO, if required. The Procurement Manager and Evaluation Committee reserves the right to have additional discussions with the Priority Listed Offerors prior to the submission of the BAFO.

7. The date and time for Offerors to submit their BAFO, if any, is indicated in Section 1.4

RFP Schedule and Significant Dates. If Offeror does not submit a notice of withdrawal or a BAFO, the Offeror’s immediate previous offer will be construed as its BAFO.

8. After receipt and evaluation of the BAFOs in accordance with the evaluation criteria in

Section Four, the Procurement Manager or an Evaluation Committee will make its recommendation. The Procurement Manager will award the contract to the Offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the State, taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors set forth in Section Four.

9. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed during the review, evaluation, or discussion. Once award notice is posted and contract is executed, all successful and unsuccessful proposals become available for public inspection. The Offeror and the State agrees that sections that are confidential and/or proprietary should be identified by the Offerors and excluded from access.

10. The Procurement Manager or an Evaluation Committee reserves the right to determine what is in the best interest of the State for purposes of reviewing and evaluating proposals submitted in response to the RFP. The Procurement Manager or an Evaluation Committee will conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of proposals received in response to the RFP.

The RFP, any addenda issued, and the successful Offeror's proposal shall become a part of the contract. All proposals shall become the property of the State of Hawai‘i.