Document ID: RFP 040 2600000321 Page: 1

Commonwealth of Kentucky

SOLICITATION

Modification: No Version #:

TITLE: Child Support Genetic Testing

Date Issued:

02/26/2026 Record Date:

02/26/2026

Solicitation Closes Date:

04/10/2026 Time:

14:00

Solicitation No:

RFP 040 2600000321

Online Bidding Prohibited: No For Information Call:

Adrienne Mason

Bid Receiving Location:

Bid Receiving

See Terms & Conditions for Bid Submission Instructions

Other KY

Vendor Customer Number:

Vendor Name:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

Email Address:

Ordering

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Payment

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

Contact Phone Number:

Ownership Type

__ Sole Proprietorship __ Partnership __ Corporation __ Other_________________________

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED AGENT IS REQUIRED UNLESS RESPONSE

IS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. FAILURE TO SIGN SHALL RENDER

THE BID INVALID.

Signature X_________________________________________ FEIN#____________________ Date____________

All offers subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

Document ID: RFP 040 2600000321 Page: 2

Line Items

Commodity Group: Default

Line CL Description Quantity UOM Unit Cost Line Total or Contract Amnt

1 Genetic Parentage Testing Services (DNA)

Comm Code Comm Description Manufacturer Model # Manuf Part #

95248 Genetic Parentage Testing Services (DNA)

Extended Description STATEWIDE GENETIC TESTING SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING PATERNITY FOR THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO ESTABLISH A PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN RELIABLE DNA TESTING FROM A CERTIFIED LABORATORY TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY FOR CHILDREN RECEIVING CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES.

Shipping Information

Billing Information OAG-Child Support Services

730 Schenkel Lane

Frankfort KY 40601

Document ID: RFP 040 2600000321 Page: 3

Submission Checklist

The following items will be required to be submitted with bid:

Item The face of the solicitation must be signed Transmittal Letter Certificate of Authority-Registration with Secretary of State by a Foreign Required Affidavit(s) EEO Forms if Applicable Proposed Technical Solution. Submit electronically by Closing Date & Time.

Proposed Cost Solution. Submit electronically by Closing Date & Time.

Revised February 2026

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

The vendor MUST include the following with the proposal submission.

If the items highlighted below are not submitted with the proposal submission, the Commonwealth MUST deem the proposal non-responsive and SHALL NOT consider for award.

All other items MUST be submitted prior to award.

_____ SIGNED AND COMPLETED SOLICITATION –Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

(not required if submitting electronically)

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (TECHNICAL) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY

CLOSING DATE --Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ *PROPOSED SOLUTION (COST) UNDER SEALED COVER AND BY CLOSING

DATE -- Section(s) 8.00 and 8.10 of this RFP

_____ TRANSMITTAL LETTER – Section 8.20 of this RFP

_____ PROOF OF REGISTRATION WITH SECRETARY OF STATE BY A FOREIGN

ENTITY -- Section 8.00 of the Personal Service Contract Terms and Conditions of this

RFP

_____ REQUIRED AFFIDAVIT(S) – Section 8.20 of this RFP

*The Commonwealth defines SEALED as “a closure that must be broken to be opened and that thus reveals tampering” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary/seal

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2600000321 Final Child Support Genetic Testing Total Pages: 33 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

Kentucky Office of the Attorney General Department of Child Support Services Child Support Genetic Testing

RFP 2600000321

This document constitutes a Request for Proposals for a Personal Service Contract from qualified individuals and organizations to furnish those services as described herein for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, Department of Child Support Services

(DCSS).

Offerors are advised that any personal service contract resulting from this RFP must comply with all applicable provisions of KRS 45A and KRS 12.210 prior to becoming effective.

A contract, based on this RFP, may or may not be awarded. Any contract award from this RFP is invalid until properly approved and executed by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee.

1.0 Purpose and Background

The Kentucky Office of Attorney General, Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) operates the state IV-D program and is required to establish paternity for children receiving IV-D child support services pursuant to the federal Social Security Act. DCSS is seeking proposals from qualified testing laboratories to provide genetic testing to assist in the determination of paternity under actions taken by DCSS and its local contracting officials.

In the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 25, Kentucky’s genetic testing vendor collected 8,778 individual samples and completed 3,492 genetic tests.

2.00 Scope of Work

General Requirements

1. Be and remain accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

2. Have completed an average of 500 DNA tests each month during calendar year 2025 and maintain the capacity to complete at least 500 tests for DCSS each month throughout the term of this Contract.

3. Have at least five (5) years of experience collecting or arranging for the collection of DNA samples by buccal swab with an average of 1000 sample collections monthly in 2025.

4. Provide genetic testing services in all 120 Kentucky counties regardless of the county size or location.

The rate for genetic testing services provided in this contract only applies when there is a IV-D child support case involving the parties and a court or administrative order for genetic testing exists.

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Genetic testing services provided pursuant to this contract shall only be provided upon proof that a IV-D child support case exists.

5. Adhere to federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding confidentiality during all points in the sample collection and testing process, from scheduling the sample collection, releasing test results to third parties, and storing samples. Assure the confidentiality of all information whether written or verbal, provided by or about any individual seeking or receiving services under this contract, except as approved and authorized in writing by the individual or as otherwise authorized by law, including the Privacy Act of 1964 (P.L. 93-579; 5 USC 552A) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

DNA Collection Sites

1. Work with the local contracting official to determine a location within each county for sample collection. It is anticipated that the primary collection sites will be at the local contracting official office or another government building, but the final decision is at the discretion of the local contracting official. Any costs associated with the collection site are the responsibility of the vendor.

2. If the party to be tested is in a treatment facility or is incarcerated in a correctional facility in Kentucky or in another state, the vendor shall make arrangements for the collector to collect the sample at the treatment facility or at the correctional facility where the individual is housed.

A treatment facility includes rehabilitation in a residential or inpatient treatment facility. A correctional facility includes city jails, county jails, state, private, and federal prisons. Comply with any rules and requirements imposed by treatment facilities, city jails, county jails, state, private, and federal prisons when a sample collection is required of an incarcerated individual.

3. Set up a network of collectors and couriers to service intergovernmental cases or cases where the individual resides in another state or country. The vendor shall secure out of state and out of country collection sites that are at a location reasonably convenient to the person whose sample is being collected.

Scheduling and Collection Timeframes

1. Work with the local contracting officials in each county to establish sample collection dates and times. The vendor shall not impose a minimum number of cases before scheduling a sample collection in any county.

Unless the local contracting official agrees to a lesser number of days, the vendor shall complete sample collection (1) day per week at each collection site, except for Jefferson County where sample collection may be needed more than one (1) day a week. Sample collection shall be completed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Regular business hours are to be determined by the local contracting official in each county.

2. For sample collection in Kentucky or in another state, the vendor shall schedule and complete sample collection no later than fourteen (14) calendar days after the request is received from the local contracting official. If the individual subject to the collection is in a treatment facility or incarcerated in a correctional facility and the facility is unable to accommodate this timeframe, the vendor must notify the local contracting official within two (2) business days of determining there is an issue.

3. For sample collection in another country, the vendor shall schedule and complete sample collection no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the request is received from the local

Document Phase Document Description Page 6 contracting official. If the vendor is unable to meet this timeframe, the vendor must notify the local contracting official within two (2) business days of determining there is an issue.

4. Work with each local contracting official to establish a method of notifying the local contracting official of the sample collection schedule prior to the collection date. Such notification shall include, but is not limited to, the names of the individuals to be collected, IV-D case number, collection site, and date and time of collection.

Collectors

1. Provide qualified collectors to collect samples at the mutually agreed upon location in all 120 Kentucky counties, other states, and countries. The persons collecting the samples shall be trained by the vendor and qualified to collect genetic samples. Certified phlebotomists are not required.

2. Provide training, at the vendor’s cost, for Kentucky DCSS or local contracting official staff to become qualified collectors only where DCSS or local contracting official staff has requested training to provide a backup collector for occasions when the vendor’s qualified collectors are unavailable.

3. In the event that the designated collector for a particular county cannot appear on the collection date, assure a replacement collector arrives within fifteen (15) minutes of the originally scheduled start time.

4. If a collector is late or does not appear on the collection date and the collection has to be rescheduled, the sample collected on the rescheduled date is at the vendor’s expense.

Sample Collection

1. Pay all costs involved with in-state, out-of-state, and out of country sample collection including, but not limited to, site rental, collection and proper storage, handling and shipping.

2. Supply all forms and supplies necessary to complete the services required under this contract at no cost to the state.

3. Require appropriate identification for each mother and alleged father collected. Current government identification such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID is preferred.

If the individual does not have appropriate identification and the other party is present, the collector may ask the other party to verify the identity of the individual. If the other party is not present, cannot verify the identity of the individual, or the collector has any doubt as to the identification of an individual, the collector shall not collect the sample. In correctional facilities, the identification of the individual may be presented by the correctional facility official.

4. In every instance, a recognizable photograph and thumbprint shall be taken for each sample donor, including the child. The vendor must supply the camera or other tools used to document the donor’s identity.

5. The type of identification provided and any number assigned to the identification must be included on the chain of custody form. This must include the Kentucky IV-D number for the case.

6. Collect samples using the least invasive method, such as buccal swabbing, before using blood, hair, or other tissue samples.

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7. Ensure a legal chain of custody of the genetic test samples. Provide training for chain of custody processing collectors. The collector must supply and complete a chain of custody form and include the form with the sealed samples.

8. Once the sample is collected, the vendor must ensure the appropriate labeling, storing, handling, recording, transporting, and mailing of the sample. Provide for overnight shipment of the genetic test samples by either express mail, next day mail, or courier service to the laboratory under conditions that shall ensure the integrity of each sample, chain of evidence of each sample, protection against tampering of each sample, and protection against possible intermingling of samples obtained from different individuals on the same day.

9. Within forty-eight (48) hours after scheduled sample collection, inform DCSS through email to the local contracting official contact person of the names of individuals who were collected, not collected, and refused collection.

10. The vendor shall not charge DCSS for individuals who fail to appear for sample collection.

11. Notify the local contracting official within two (2) business days if a sample cannot be used and collect another sample at no additional cost to the state within fourteen (14) calendar days.

Disposal of Waste

1. Used buccal swabs (after sample transfer) shall be treated as regulated medical waste (biohazard) once used. All used swabs shall be disposed of in a biohazard waste container (red bag or equivalent) according to state and facility biomedical waste rules.

2. Packaging materials such as sterile wrappers, outer envelopes, labels, and instruction sheets may be disposed of in regular trash unless they are contaminated with saliva or blood, in which case it shall be disposed of as regulated medical waste.

3. Unused or rejected swabs, if still sterile and unopened, may be disposed of as regular trash, unless facility policy states otherwise. If opened but unused, swabs shall be disposed of as biohazard waste.

DNA Testing

1. Perform DNA parentage testing of the collected samples at the vendor’s laboratory. Testing services shall not be sub-contracted to another laboratory.

2. Perform Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) genetic testing primarily to establish paternity. The vendor must confirm all exclusions in a minimum of three systems/locations. All inclusions must be calculated with a probability of paternity equal to or exceeding 99%. The vendor shall use additional testing, as warranted, according to approved industry protocols and standards. If the alleged father is not excluded or not found to likely to be the father (99% probability), the lab will retest until a probability of 99% or more is reached, if possible.

3. Complete motherless testing when the mother fails to comply with sample collection or is otherwise not available for sample collection.

4. Utilize past individual samples when the previously tested individual is a party to other paternity determinations and there is a court order for genetic testing, with no cost for sample collection.

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Testimony and Advice

1. Provide expert testimony as needed in any court proceeding in which genetic test results are challenged.

The vendor shall be responsible for all costs associated with the provisions of the expert witness.

2. Assist in the preparation of responses to pre-trial motions and discovery, including but not limited to, depositions, interrogatories, and answers thereto, requests for production of documents and responses thereto, subpoenas and responses thereto, and trial preparation, at the vendor’s expense.

3. Be available to discuss the collection approach, chain of custody, test results, and genetic testing theory with DCSS upon request and provide certain information in writing, including affidavits, in situations that do not necessitate the presence of an expert witness.

Retention and Destruction of DNA Samples

Follow the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) retention and destruction of DNA sample guidelines, and maintain collected DNA partials and completed samples for a minimum of five (5) years, along with related inventory records.

Secure Website

Provide online access to the vendor’s secure website to designated child support staff in all DCSS and local contracting official offices. All child support staff with access to the Vendor’s online site shall have the ability to:

a. Schedule appointments with the option to choose the collection site, time, date of the appointment, and receive immediate confirmation.

b. Check the status of the sample collection within three (3) calendar days of the scheduled sample collection including, but not limited to, the names of those that appeared and did not appear for testing, date of receipt of the sample by laboratory, and any problems associated with sample collection.

c. View photographs of the person(s) being tested within three (3) calendar days of sample collection.

d. Monitor the progress of each specimen from collection, testing, review, and results report.

e. Print certified test results in a format approved by DCSS.

Customer Service

1. Provide name(s), email address(es), and telephone number(s) of person(s) in their organization that can be contacted by DCSS staff between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST to help answer questions and resolve issues.

2. Participate in teleconferences calls or meetings with DCSS management staff and local contracting official staff as requested by DCSS.

3. Respond to DCSS management inquiries within one (1) business day.

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Transition

1. Provide a high-level draft implementation plan within ten (10) calendar days of contract award.

Establish a final implementation plan with the cooperation of DCSS.

2. Contact each local contracting official within five (5) calendar days of contract award to obtain the name of the current collector, identify any issues with the current collector, determine the collection location, determine the collection schedule and the next collection date, and obtain a list of child support employees in the office that need access to the vendor’s website. If the vendor elects not to employ the collector utilized by the prior vendor, the new vendor must provide the name of the new collector and contact information to the local contracting official by the effective date of the contract.

3. Provide access to the vendor’s website to designated child support staff within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the contract.

4. Accept, store, and utilize all viable test results, reports, and DNA test samples provided by the previous vendor. Cooperate with the previous vendor in the transition of any tests in process, previous tests, and partial samples.

5. Submit a transition plan to DCSS thirty (30) calendar days prior to the termination of the contract or the vendor’s reassignment of the contract to a successor vendor. The plan must provide for transitioning all partial DNA samples collected and/or test results to a subsequent vendor in the event the vendor does not continue as DCSS’s vendor. There shall not be any cost associated with the plan or the transition to either DCSS or the successor vendor. Payment may be withheld if the vendor fails to cooperate with DCSS in making an orderly, effective, and controlled transition.

6. Allow DCSS staff to access the vendor’s website for forty-five (45) days after this contract expires to allow staff to monitor the status of testing that has not been completed and receive those test results.

2.10 - Reporting Requirements

1. The vendor shall submit a report by the tenth (10th) day of the month following the month of service to the DCSS Deputy Chief, which specifies the following information by county:

a. The number of test samples received;

b. The average turnaround time;

c. The number of tests requiring more than the average turnaround time;

d. Exclusion rates;

e. Inclusion rates; and

f. The number of tests still pending.

2. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of sample collection, provide a certified results report on the vendor’s secure website. Provide notice to the local contracting official office via email on the day the certified results report is available on the vendor’s secure website. The fourteen (14) calendar day timeframe begins from the date the lab receives the last sample required to perform the test.

Notify the local contracting official within two (2) calendar days when the vendor cannot provide the test results within the fourteen (14) calendar day timeframe and provide the reason for the delay and an estimated date for receipt of the test results.

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If the certified test results are received fifteen (15) calendar days or later, the test shall be at the expense of the vendor.

The certified results report must include:

• Tester’s name, title, telephone number, qualifications, and certification of the tester.

• Sample donor’s name and relationship to the case

• IV-D case number

• Date of collection and the date the test was performed

• Type(s) of test(s) performed

• Probability of paternity

• Combined paternity index

• Conclusions

• Sample donor’s clearly viewable photograph, thumbprint, and last four digits of his/her SSN.

• Method by which the mother, child, and alleged father were identified when the samples were obtained

• Verified chain of custody

• Attestations signed by all the parental donors.

The certified results report must be available in an electronic format, approved by DCSS, that can be easily printed for distribution to the parties and the court. The certified results report must also be available in an electronic format, approved by DCSS, that DCSS staff can easily upload into the DCSS Electronic Case File (ECF) application.

If at any time during the contract period DCSS is able to receive the test report data elements directly into the child support system, the vendor shall participate in planning, design, building, testing, and implementation as requested by DCSS at no charge to the State.

2.20 - Subcontractors

Subcontractors are not considered acceptable for this Contract unless they are utilized by the vendor as qualified collectors.

2.30 - Pricing and Payment Requirements

The vendor will be paid per sample collection based on vendor pricing scale. The vendor pricing scale shall take into consideration whether the vendor’s qualified collector, DCSS staff, or local contracting official staff employee served as the qualified collector. Services are to be billed as follows:

Invoices for payment shall be submitted to DCSS electronically to CSEINVOICES@ky.gov.

Invoices must be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after completion of the service. Payment shall be conditioned upon receipt of appropriate, accurate, and acceptable invoices submitted in a timely manner.

The vendor shall submit monthly invoices. Invoices shall contain the following:

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1. Legislative Research Commission’s Government Contract Review Committee Invoice Form;

and

2. Cover page that summarizes the charge for each county the vendor did work for during the month and the total charge for the entire invoice. Include the number of samples collected for each county and the amount charged per sample collection.

3. Supporting documentation by county to include the number of samples collected in the month, whether testing was completed, date county requested sample collection, name of the individual whose sample was collected, date of collection, IV-D case number, test results, and date result report was provided online. Invoices that do not contain the requirements above will be rejected and sent back to the vendor for re-invoicing.

2.40 - DCSS Responsibilities

Provide a list of local contracting official contact persons, names and email addresses to the vendor within three (3) business days following the award of this contract.

2.50 - Monitoring Requirements - Federal and State

Office of Administrative Services may monitor for programmatic and fiscal compliance with the terms and conditions of this Contract and those specific provisions set out under the contract.

The vendor further understands and agrees, that DCSS and any of its duly authorized agents or representatives shall have access to any books, documents, papers, records, or any other materials which are pertinent to this contract, for the purposes of making, monitoring, auditing, examination, excerpts, and transcripts.

3.00 Evaluation Criteria

DCSS shall conduct a comprehensive, fair, and impartial evaluation of all proposals. DCSS may reject any proposal that is incomplete or in which there are significant inconsistencies or inaccuracies. DCSS reserves the right to reject all proposals.

DCSS has established a Proposal Evaluation Committee to review, evaluate, and verify information submitted by the offeror.

Each vendor is responsible for submitting all relevant, factual, and correct information with their offer to enable the evaluator(s) to afford each vendor the maximum score based on the available data submitted by the vendor.

DCSS shall evaluate the proposals by assigning scores as indicated.

DCSS will evaluate the proposals based on the following evaluation factors:

1. Technical Failure to provide the following shall render the bid non-responsive:

ADMINISTRATION (800 points possible for this section)

A. General description of the Offeror, including the following: (200 points)

1. Offeror background and basic philosophy.

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2. General functions.

3. Location and function of programs operated by the Offeror.

B. Offeror’s Experience and Qualifications: (200 points)

1. Describe your company’s experience and qualifications for providing genetic testing services.

2. Provide names, phone numbers of all child support agencies for whom you have provided the same service in the past five years and dates the services were provided.

C. Explanation of staff utilization - Provide the following summary for all staff that will be providing services: (200 points)

1. Position title and summary of duties associated with genetic testing services.

2. Percentage of time allocated to genetic testing services.

3. Level of expertise administering genetic testing services.

D. Describe the Offeror’s policy and procedures for the following: (200 points)

1. Maintenance of records and genetic test samples.

2. Method of maintaining confidentiality.

3. Orientation and training of staff.

SERVICE IMPLEMENTATION DESCRIPTION (500 points)

A. Scope of Work

1. Describe your implementation plans and methodology for each of the Scope of Work items listed in Section 2.0

Technical Proposal Evaluation

Criteria Maximum Points Possible

Administration 800 Service Implementation 500 Maximum Points Possible 1300

2. Cost

The offeror is responsible for including and identifying all costs associated with the delivery of service.

Offerors shall ONLY provide cost information on the Cost Proposal. Offerors shall submit their cost proposals in the manner set forth below; otherwise, the proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

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Pursuant to 200 KAR 5:410, the cost evaluation is subject to Reciprocal preference for Kentucky resident bidders and Preferences for a Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries as described in Section 9.70, herein.

An individual authorized to legally bind the respondent must sign the Cost Proposal in ink.

Respondents must base their Cost Proposal on Section 2 - Scope of Work.

After determining the best proposal received, DCSS may negotiate a fair and reasonable fee schedule based on the proposed pricing submitted in the bidders’ proposal.

Cost Proposal should include the following:

A. Proposed cost per sample collection.

B. Cost narrative which provides a detailed explanation of how the state cost per sample collection was determined.

Cost Proposal Evaluation

Criteria Maximum Points Possible Proposed Cost and Cost Narrative 200 Maximum Points Possible 200

Oral Demonstration/Presentation Evaluation, if required

Oral Demonstration/Presentation

The Commonwealth reserves the right to require Oral Presentations/Demonstrations to verify or expand on the Technical or Cost Proposals. Oral Presentations/Demonstrations may be conducted through videoconferencing or by conference call, if it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to do so.

This is the opportunity for the vendor to present and demonstrate the solution and to answer questions or to clarify the understanding of the evaluation committee in accordance with the requirements of this RFP. The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part based on the oral presentations/demonstrations.

If required, the top 02 highest ranking vendors may be invited. Scheduling will be at the discretion of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth reserves the right not to require oral presentations/demonstrations

Maximum Points Possible 100

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Total Proposal Evaluation

Technical Proposal 1300

Cost Proposal 200

Oral Demonstrations/Presentations, if required 100

MAXIMUM POINTS POSSIBLE 1600

4.00 Schedule of RFP Activities

The following schedule presents the major activities associated with the RFP distribution, written questions and proposal submission. The Commonwealth reserves the right at its sole discretion to change the Schedule of Activities, including the associated dates and times.

Release of RFP February 26, 2026

Written Questions due by: 2:00 pm March 9, 2026

Anticipated Commonwealth Response to Written Questions March 16, 2026

Proposals Due by: 2:00 pm April 10, 2026

*NOTE: ALL TIME REFERENCES ARE TO THE EASTERN TIME ZONE.

5.00 Offeror’s Conference

Not applicable.

6.00 Point of Contact

The Agency Contact named below shall be the sole point of contact throughout the procurement process. All communications, oral and written (regular mail, express mail or electronic mail), concerning this procurement shall be addressed to:

Department of Child Support Services 730 Schenkel Lane Frankfort, KY 40602 ATTN: Adrienne Mason, Purchasing Agent Adrienne.mason@ky.gov

From the issue date of this RFP until a Contractor(s) is selected and the selection is announced, Offerors shall not communicate with any other Commonwealth staff concerning this RFP.

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7.00 Questions Regarding this RFP

Questions must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Attorney General Contact. The Commonwealth will respond to salient questions in writing by issuing an Addendum to the Solicitation. The Addendum shall be posted to the Commonwealth’s eProcurement page.

8.00 Proposal Submission

Each qualified offeror shall submit only one (1) proposal. Alternate proposals shall not be allowed. Failure to submit as specified shall result in a non-responsive proposal.

Electronic Proposals

Proposals shall be received by electronic submission in the eProcurement system, Kentucky Vendor Self Service System.

An electronic proposal shall be authorized by the proper agent of the firm by the act of submitting it electronically through the eProcurement system.

Proposal information MUST be completed online. Response must contain all required information for the Solicitation. All bidders MUST be registered in the Commonwealth eProcurement System via the Vendor Self Service System at https://vss.ky.gov .

Allow 24 – 48 hours to complete Vendor Registration. Vendors must be logged in to their Vendor Self Service (VSS) account in order to submit a response. Registrations completed the day of bid closing must be completed by the Vendor in the VSS portal. The Customer Resource Center is not able to complete registrations and activate accounts on the same day. Closing dates will not be extended for Vendors not registered by the date/time of the bid closing.

All bidders are cautioned to begin their electronic submission in sufficient time to complete before the closing date and time. Delays due to technical difficulties or document upload impediments shall not be justification for acceptance of a late bid or proposal. Vendor attention to this advisory is encouraged. Instructions “How to Submit an Online Response for a Business Opportunity” are posted to Kentucky’s Vendor Self Service, https://vss.ky.gov . If you need assistance, please contact the Customer Resource Center (CRC) by email at Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov or phone 502-564-9641 or toll-free 877-973-HELP (4357).

Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) parts: The Technical Proposal, the Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information. Each part shall consist of one document attachment. Do not submit multiple document attachments as Technical, Cost or Proprietary. All files shall be labeled accordingly. Attachments may not exceed 65,000 KB.

Proposals submitted online must be in an “Accepted” status and shall be assigned a date and time stamp from the eProcurement system at the time of final acceptance and formal submission by the vendor. The system will not allow submission of an online proposal after the published date and time for closing.

A proposal may be modified or withdrawn by electronic or written notice ONLY if received prior to the bid closing date and time. An electronic offer may be modified by applying the appropriate electronic signature and following the procedure in the state’s eProcurement signature.

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2600000321 Final Child Support Genetic Testing Total Pages: 33 https://vss.ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov mailto:Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov

The vendor should complete the "Vendor" box on the face of the solicitation. An authorized representative of the vendor shall sign where indicated on the face of the solicitation. Signature is not required if proposals are submitted electronically.

Acknowledgment of Addenda

It is the vendor's responsibility to check the web site for any modifications to this solicitation.

Vendors are encouraged to acknowledge each addendum by signing and submitting the latest addendum with their response. However, signing the face of the solicitation as indicated above constitutes the vendor’s acknowledgement of and agreement to be bound by the terms of all addenda issued.

Failure to specifically acknowledge addenda will not excuse the vendor from adhering to all changes to the requirements of the solicitation set forth therein nor provide justification for any pricing changes.

All submitted technical and cost proposals shall remain valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the proposal due date.

8.10 Format of Response

Electronic Proposals

Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) parts: the Technical Proposal, the Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information. Each part shall consist of one document. Do not submit multiple documents as Technical, Cost, or Proprietary.

1. Proposals must be submitted electronically in the eProcurement System, Kentucky Vendor Self Service site.

a. The Technical Proposal shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Technical (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Technical – Name of offeror RFP number

b. The Cost Proposal shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Cost (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Cost – Name of offeror RFP number

c. Any Proprietary Information shall be submitted on one (1) document marked Proprietary (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not

Document Phase Document Description Page 17 include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner: Proprietary – Name of offeror RFP number

All proposals must be received no later than 2:00 pm, April 10, 2026.

Pricing shall only be provided in the Cost Proposal. DO NOT SUBMIT ANY PRICING

INFORMATION IN THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.

All submitted Technical and Cost Proposals shall remain valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the proposal due date.

8.20 Format of Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal must be arranged and labeled in the manner set forth below.

Transmittal Letter – a Transmittal letter shall be submitted on Offeror’s letterhead and signed by an agent authorized to bind the Offeror. The Transmittal letter shall include the following:

a. A statement that deviations are included, if applicable.

b. A statement that proprietary information is included, if applicable.

c. A statement that, if awarded a contract as a result of this Solicitation, the Offeror shall comply in full with all the requirements of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, and shall submit all data required by KRS 45.560 to 45.640.

d. A sworn statement that, pursuant to KRS 11A.040, that Offeror has not knowingly violated any provisions of the Executive Branch Code of Ethics.

e. A statement certifying that the price in this proposal was arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement as to any matter relating to such prices with any other Offeror or with any competitor.

f. A statement affirming that the Offeror is properly authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to conduct business in this state and will remain in good standing with the Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State for the duration of any awarded contract resulting from this Solicitation.

g. The name, address, telephone number and email address and website address, if available, of the contract person to serve as a point of contact for day-to-day operations.

h. Subcontractor information to include the name of the company, address, telephone number and contact name, if applicable.

i. Foreign entity’s organization number issued by the Secretary of State in a certificate of authority or a statement of foreign qualification, if applicable.

Completed and Signed Solicitation and Addenda – An authorized representative MUST complete and sign the Solicitation form and include the following:

a. “Vendor” box and “Payment” box should be completed.

b. Vendor shall indicate ownership type.

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c. Vendor shall provide “FEIN” if applicable.

d. Vendor shall provide date the form is completed and signed.

e. Signed face of the most recent Addenda, if applicable.

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders or Offerors - available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Resident Bidder Status – if applicable. Available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

*Offerors not claiming Resident Bidder Status need not submit this affidavit.

Signed and Notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Qualified Bidder Status – if applicable. Available at the following link:

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx.

*Offerors not claiming Qualified Bidder Status need not submit this affidavit.

Response to the Technical Portion of the RFP – Please provide a detailed response to the technical requirements outlined in the Evaluation Criteria. No cost information shall be provided in the technical portion.

8.30 Format of Cost Proposal

The Cost Proposal must be submitted under separate cover from the Technical Proposal and must be arranged and labeled in the manner specified. The proposal with the lowest price receives the maximum score. The remaining proposals with the next lowest price receives points by dividing the lowest price by the next lowest price and multiplying that percentage by the available points.

8.40 Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.209-5, the Offeror shall certify, by signing the Solicitation, that to the best of its knowledge and belief, the Offeror and/or its Principals is (are) not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal Office of the Attorney General.

For the purposes of this certification, “Principals”, means officers, directors, owners, partners, and persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager, plant manager, head of subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions.

9.00 Rules of Procurement

To facilitate this procurement, various rules have been established. These are described in the following paragraphs.

Offerors should review and comply with the General Conditions and Instructions for Solicitation/ Contract listed under “Response to Solicitation” located on the eProcurement web page at https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

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2600000321 Final Child Support Genetic Testing Total Pages: 33 https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/Pages/finance-forms.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx

The procurement process will provide for the evaluation of proposals and selection of the winning proposal in accordance with state law and regulations. KRS Chapter 45A of the Kentucky Model Procurement Code provides the regulatory framework for the procurement of services by state agencies.

9.10 Technical Proposal Evaluation

DCSS will evaluate the proposal based on the technical portion of the Evaluation Criteria. Each Offeror is responsible for submitting all relevant, factual and correct information with their offer to enable the evaluator(s) to afford each vendor the maximum score based on the available data submitted by the Offeror. Past Offeror Performance may be considered in the award of this Contract. Offerors with a record of poor performance in the last twelve (12) months may be found non-responsible and ineligible for award.

9.20 Cost Proposal Evaluation

DCSS will evaluate the proposal based on the cost portion of the Evaluation Criteria.

9.30 Right to Reject/Waiver of Minor Irregularities

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to reject any and all offers. The Commonwealth also reserves the right at its discretion to waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

9.40 Clarification of Proposals

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to request additional information as may reasonably be required for selection and to reject any proposals for failure to provide additional information on a timely basis.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to conduct discussions with any Offeror who has submitted a proposal to determine the Offeror’s qualifications for further consideration. Such discussions shall not disclose any information derived from proposals submitted by other Offerors.

9.50 Best and Final Offers

The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) for technical and/or cost proposals. Offerors are cautioned to propose their best possible offers at the outset of the process, as there is no guarantee that any Offeror will be allowed an opportunity to submit a Best and Final technical and/or cost offer.

9.60 Vendor Response and Public Inspection

This RFP specifies the format, required information and general content of proposals to be submitted in response to the RFP. DCSS shall not disclose any portions of the proposals prior to contract award to anyone outside DCSS, representatives of the agency for whose benefit the contract is proposed, representatives of the federal government, if required, and the members of the evaluation committee. After a contract is awarded in whole or in part, the Commonwealth shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose all proposal data submitted by Offerors in response to this RFP as a matter of public record.

Any and all documents submitted by an Offeror in response to the RP shall be available for public inspection after contract award pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884 (“the Act”). When responding to a request to inspect records submitted in response to this RFP, the

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Commonwealth will not redact or withhold any information or documents unless the records sought are exempt from disclosure pursuant to KRS 61.878 or other applicable law. Similarly, no such documents shall be exempt from public disclosure, regardless of the Offeror’s designation of the information contained therein as “proprietary,” “confidential,” or otherwise, except in cases where the requested documents (or information contained therein) would be excluded from application of the Act under KRS 61.878(1)(c).

The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall have the right to use all system ideas, or adaptations of those ideas, contained in any proposal received in response to this RFP. Selection or rejections of the proposal will not affect this right.

9.70 Reciprocal Preference for Kentucky Resident Bidders and Preferences for a Qualified Bidder The scoring of bids/proposals is subject to the reciprocal preference for Kentucky resident bidders and preferences for a Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries (See KRS 45A.490(1), (2), 45A.492, 45A.494 and KAR 200 5:410).

Vendors not claiming resident bidder or qualified bidder status need not submit the corresponding affidavit.

Determining the residency of a bidder for purposes of applying a reciprocal preference

Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity claiming resident bidder status shall submit the attached Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors and Contractors Claiming Resident Bidder Status as part of its response. DCSS reserves the right to request documentation supporting a bidder’s claim of resident bidder status. Failure to provide such documentation upon request shall result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

As part of its response, a nonresident bidder shall submit its certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Secretary of State. The location of the principal office identified therein shall be deemed the state of residency for that bidder. If the bidder is not required by law to obtain said certificate, the state of residency for that bidder shall be deemed to be that which is identified in its mailing address as provided in its bid.

Preferences for Qualified Bidder or the Department of Corrections, Division of Prison Industries (200 KAR 5:410)

Pursuant to KRS 45A.470 and 200 KAR 5:410, Kentucky Correctional Industries will receive a preference equal to twenty (20) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation. In addition, the following “qualified bidders” will receive a preference equal to fifteen

(15) percent of the maximum points awarded to a bidder in a solicitation. New Vision Industries, Inc., any nonprofit corporation that furthers the purposes of KRS Chapter 163 and any qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals with severe disabilities as defined in KRS 45A.465(3). Any bidder claiming “qualified bidder” status, other than New Vision Industries, Inc., shall submit a notarized affidavit affirming that it meets the requirements to be considered a qualified bidder as part of its response to the solicitation (affidavit form included as part of this RFP). If requested, failure to provide documentation proving qualified bidder status to a public Office of the Attorney General, if requested, may result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

9.80 Negotiation

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After conducting the evaluation to determine the best proposal received, DCSS reserves the right to negotiate a fair and reasonable compensation based on the pricing submitted in the Offeror’s proposal. If the negotiations fail to reach an agreement on a fair and reasonable compensation rate, DCSS reserves the right to proceed to the next highest ranked proposal. Other terms and conditions relating to the technical and/or cost proposals may be negotiated at the sole discretion of the Commonwealth.

9.85 Best Interests of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth will rank all proposals in the manner set forth in the Evaluation Criteria.

However, the Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part before, during, or after negotiation based on the best interests of the Commonwealth.

CONTRACT AWARD, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS

10.00 Notification of Award

To view the award of contract(s), including the contractor(s) receiving the award(s) for this solicitation, access the Kentucky Vendor Self Service Site at:

Offerors can search for the solicitation title or number in the keyword search field or filter their search for only awarded solicitations by clicking on “Advanced…