Document ID: RFP 123 2100000218 Page: 1

Commonwealth of Kentucky

SOLICITATION

Addenda: No Addenda #:

TITLE: Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews

Date Issued:

3/15/21 Record Date:

2021-03-11

Solicitation Closes Date:

4/5/21 Time:

15:00

Solicitation No:

RFP 123 2100000218

Online Bidding Prohibited: Yes

For Information Call:

Stephanie Schweighardt 502-782-2561

Bid Receiving Location:

Public Service Commission Admin Branch 211 Sower Blvd

Frankfort KY 40601

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 123 2100000218 Page: 2

Line Items

Commodity Group: Default

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

1 Consulting services, Legal - Hours

Comm Code Comm Description Manufacturer Model # Manuf Part #

91874PS PSC-Legal Consulting

Extended Description Attorney for coordination of Siting Board cases; specific knowledge required

2 Consulting services - Travel expenses

99310 Travel, Business

Consulting services- Travel expenses

3 Consulting services - Other expenses

91777 Other Contracted Services, Non Exempt

Consulting services- Other expenses

Shipping Information Public Service Commission Admin Branch 211 Sower Blvd

Frankfort KY 40601

Billing Information Public Service Commission Admin Branch 211 Sower Blvd

Frankfort KY 40601

Document ID: RFP 123 2100000218 Page: 3

Submission Checklist

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

Item Experience number of years, type , bonus for solar or siting board Detailed work plan by tasks, including the personnel and estimated hours Hourly rate/Overall cost Optional oral presentation

Revised February 2021

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 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 8.20 of this RFP

_____ TRANSMITTAL LETTER – Section 8.10 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 8.10 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

Document Description Page 4

2100000218 Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seal

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews

RFP 123 2100000218

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, Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission.

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.

1.00 Purpose and Background

The Commonwealth of Kentucky on behalf of the Kentucky Public Service Commission is seeking an attorney to provide coordination of work involving Siting Board cases filed with the agency. Consulting services are required to perform a focused review and evaluation of applications filed pursuant to KRS

278.700 to 278.718 by applicants seeking to obtain certificates to construct merchant electric generating and/or merchant transmission facilities in Kentucky. It is the intent of the agency to award from this RFP up to five (5) contracts per this solicitation. The proposals received should indicate if the offeror is willing to provide work on more than once case at a time and, if so, how many.

2.00 Scope of Work

The successful vendor will coordinate the work involved in the processes of the Siting Board, consultant, and commission staff at the direction of the representative of the Public Service Commission.

The successful vendor must be actively licensed to practice law in the state of Kentucky.

The successful vendor may be called upon to coordinate the work of multiple cases. The vendor must keep records to properly invoice the agency by case number and project title.

The successful vendor will be required to visit the specified site at least once and will be required to attend a community meeting.

Each vendor must provide the types of expenses for which they will be seeking reimbursement. The Cabinet will reimburse certain expenses, including travel expenses in accordance with the travel policy of the government contracts review committee, Policy Statement #98-1. Expense related issues will be addressed in the contract between the parties.

The successful vendor will be required to provide a written monthly report to the agency.

Upon notice of an intent to file from an applicant, the agency will select an appropriate vendor who has been awarded a contract from this solicitation. The agency will notify the vendor of the need to fulfill their contractual duties and the vendor must reply within five (5) business days. Failure to respond may result in breach of contract and the agency will move on to another vendor.

An agency representative will provide the work necessary for the Application Deficiency Checklist to determine whether the application has met all of the filing requirements.

Throughout the entire process, the vendor must keep track of their time and code it accordingly. Consult with the agency regarding any need for a supplemental fee that would be required of applicant.

Document Description Page 5

Duties of the successful vendor may include, but are, not be limited to, the following:

Before Application Is Filed

1. Review Notice of Intent (NOI) for compliance with requirements set forth in 807 KAR 5:110, Section 2.

2. Review, complete, and return to Filings Division Siting Board Checklist form.

3. Send email to Permanent Siting Board Members notifying of NOI.

4. Notify Administrative Services personnel of need to retain external consultant.

5. Draft letter to Governor’s Office under Chairperson’s signature notifying of filing of application and requesting appointment of ad hoc members to the Siting Board consistent with KRS 278.702. Letter should be filed into the record.

6. Communicate with ad hoc members to inform of when application will be filed and inform of the process of review that the Siting Board will need to undertake.

When Application Is Filed

1. Review, complete, and return to Filings Division Siting Board Checklist form for compliance with requirements set forth in KRS 278.706, 807 KAR 5:100, and 807 KAR 5:110.

2. Send email to Siting Board Members notifying of filing of completed application and official filing date.

3. Send email to consultant notifying of filing of completed application and discussing timeline for consultant’s review of documents, site visit, and completion of report.

4. Send email to Communications Director so that a press release can be issued informing public of the application.

5. Review application to identify issues and communicate with team.

6. Begin drafting procedural schedule and include language scheduling a formal hearing so that the statutory period can be extended from 120 days to 180 days.

After Application Is Filed

1. Monitor for intervention requests within 30 days from date of filing of application.

2. Monitor local public hearing requests within 30 days from date of filing of application.

3. Communicate with team and consultant regarding discovery requests, reviewing responses to discovery, and identifying issues.

4. Schedule site visit with consultant in conjunction with applicant and communicate with Siting Board members and the team the date for such visit.

5. If no hearing is needed, notify parties, Siting Board Members, and consultant, draft order cancelling hearing.

6. Review any motions and draft orders addressing motions accordingly.

7. Participate and coordinate the team review of the draft of the consultant’s report and provide necessary edits.

8. File consultant’s report into the record.

9. If a hearing is needed, gather issues and hearing questions from team, coordinate with consultant and any interveners, work with IT to ensure all parties are comfortable with electronic format, have trial run a day before hearing to ensure Siting Board Members, consultant, and parties can participate.

10. Provide Siting Board with all relevant documents, including discovery responses, consultant’s report, and applicant’s response to consultant’s report.

11. Working with team, draft decision memo to Siting Board members detailing relevant facts of the case and proposed mitigation measures.

12. Schedule meeting with Siting Board members to discuss decision points regarding the application.

Document Description Page 6

13. Draft final order in consultation with team members and provide final draft version to the Siting Board members.

14. Address any questions or concerns that Siting Board members may have regarding final order.

15. Finalize the final order for circulation and issuance.

Post-Case

1. Monitor any motion for reconsideration or clarification.

2. Monitor any appeals.

3. Communicate with Siting Board members to obtain their decision regarding any post-case activities.

3.00 Evaluation Criteria

The Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission will evaluate the proposals based on the following evaluation factors:

Response to the Technical Portion of the RFP:

The technical proposal will address capability of the vendor to meet the requirements as described above in section “Scope of Work”.

Experience (430 points possible)

Provide the number of years that the vendor has practiced law.

Specifically describe relevant experience that involves:

- Development of a merchant generating facility and/or merchant transmission facility

- Drafting or evaluating environmental impact statements

- Drafting or evaluating construction and/ or site assessment.

Specifically describe any experience with the development of a merchant solar generating facility and/or merchant transmission facility within the last five years.

Specifically describe any experience with the Kentucky Siting Board process within the last five years.

Provide all resumes including education and relevant experience for personnel that will be engaged in the project.

Work Plan (150 points possible)

Provide a detailed work plan by tasks, including the personnel and estimated hours for their task completion as it meets the Scope of Work above.

- Work plan is detailed

- Work plan tasks include personnel by hours

- Work plan is specific and addresses the Scope of Work

Response to the Cost Portion of the RFP:

Document Description Page 7

Cost (120 points possible)

The vendor shall submit cost information as outlined in attachment A, Cost Proposal Form;

otherwise, the Proposal may be deemed non-responsive. Outline costs by work plan task by staff member assigned. Provide project costs to include staff, travel, and miscellaneous expenses as outlined below.

Hourly rate - (not including travel or miscellaneous expenses)

Overall cost – as determined by the cost of one case including travel and miscellaneous expenses for each

Oral Presentation (20 points)

If required

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 3/15/2021 Written Questions due by: 10:00 AM 3/22/2021 Anticipated Commonwealth Response to Written Questions 3/29/2021 Offeror’s Conference N/A Anticipated Commonwealth Response to Vendor Conference Written Questions N/A Proposals Due by: 3:00 PM EST 4/5/2021 All bidders are cautioned to be aware of the security in the Kentucky Public Service Commission located at 211 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, Kentucky. All bids shall be time stamped in the Kentucky Public Service Commission no later than the due date and time defined in this Solicitation. In person or courier, delivered bids in response to this Solicitation shall be delivered to Kentucky Public Service Commission. Delays due to building security checks shall not be justification for acceptance of a late bid.

Note: During the period of remote work, the building is open for delivery and proposals will be received as normal during normal business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM eastern standard time, Monday through Friday.

*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:

Document Description Page 8

Stephanie Schweighardt 211 Sower Blvd.

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 782-2561 sschweighardt@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.

7.00 Questions Regarding this RFP

Questions must be submitted in writing to the Agency 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

SPECIAL NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Service Commission office at 211 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, Kentucky is open for deliveries from the post office and delivery services during normal business hours. Delivery receipt is recommended.

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.

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. If the solicitation is not signed the proposal shall be deemed non-responsive.

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 an 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.

Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) parts: The Technical Proposal, the Cost Proposal, and if applicable the Proprietary Information.

The Technical Proposal should include one (1) marked original hard/paper copy technical and one (1) marked technical thumb/flash drives (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos.

The Cost Proposal should include one (1) marked original hard/paper copy cost and one (1) marked cost thumb/flash drives (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or PDF format ONLY). Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos.

Any Proprietary Information should include one (1) marked original hard/paper copy proprietary and one

(1) marked proprietary data thumb/flash drives (in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or PDF format ONLY).

Do not include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos.

Proposal shall be submitted to the Agency Contact. The outside cover of the package containing the technical proposal shall be marked:

Document Description Page 9 mailto:sschweighardt@ky.gov

Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission

RFP 123 2100000218

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

Name of Offeror

The outside cover of the package containing the cost proposal shall be marked:

Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews

RFP 123 2100000218

COST PROPOSAL

If applicable, the outside cover of the package containing the proprietary shall be marked:

Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews

RFP 123 2100000218

PROPRIETORY PROPOSAL

All proposals must be received no later than April 5, 2021 3:00 PM EST.

8.10 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:

Document Description Page 10

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

b. Vendor shall indicate ownership type.

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:

http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.aspx

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

http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.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:

http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.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.

8.20 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.

8.30 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 agency.

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 http://finance.ky.gov/services/policies/Documents/FAP%20110-10-00.pdf

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

The Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission 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

Document Description Page 11

2100000218 Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.aspx http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.aspx http://finance.ky.gov/services/forms/Pages/default.aspx http://finance.ky.gov/services/policies/Documents/FAP%20110-10-00.pdf 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

The Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission will evaluate the proposal based on the cost portion of the Evaluation Criteria.

Offeror shall only provide cost on the attached Cost Proposal Form; otherwise, the proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

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. The Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission shall not disclose any portions of the proposals prior to contract award to anyone outside the Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission, 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 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.

Document Description Page 12

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. The Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission 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 agency, if requested, may result in disqualification of the bidder or contract termination.

9.80 Right to Use Oral Presentations/Demonstrations to Verify/Expand on Proposal The Commonwealth reserves the right at its discretion to require Oral Presentations/Demonstrations by some or all of the Offerors to verify or expand on the Technical or Cost Proposals.

9.85 Oral Presentations/Demonstrations Evaluation Criteria

The highest ranking vendors may be requested to provide oral presentations/demonstrations to answer questions or to clarify the understanding of the evaluators in accordance with the requirements of this RFP. The oral presentation shall be scheduled at the discretion of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth reserves the right not to require oral presentations/demonstrations at its discretion.

9.90 Negotiation

After conducting the evaluation to determine the best proposal received, the Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission 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, the Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission 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.

9.95 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.

Document Description Page 13

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:

https://emars311.ky.gov/webapp/vssprdonline3111d/AltSelfService

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 Search” and changing the status to “awarded.” The award(s) information can be accessed by clicking on the details button of the solicitation and clicking the “Notice of Award” tab. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to review this information in a timely fashion. No other notification of the results of an Award of Contract will be provided to unsuccessful Offerors.

10.10 Beginning of Work

This Contract is not effective and binding until approved by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and filed with the Legislative Research Commission’s Government Contract Review Committee.

The Contractor shall not commence any billable work until a valid Contract has been fully executed. This Contract, including the components referenced in Section 10.20, shall represent the entire agreement between the parties. Prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral, between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof shall be of no effect upon this Contract.

10.20 Contract Components and Order of Precedence

The Commonwealth’s acceptance of the Contractor’s offer in response to the Solicitation, indicated by the issuance of a Contract Award, shall create a valid contract between the Parties consisting of the following:

1. Procurement Statutes, Regulations and Policies

2. Any written Agreement between the Parties.

3. Any Addenda to the Solicitation.

4. The Solicitation and all attachments

5. Any Best and Final Offer.

6. Any clarifications concerning the Contractor’s proposal in response to the Solicitation.

7. The Contractor’s proposal in response to the Solicitation.

In the event of any conflict between or among the provisions contained in the Contract, the order of precedence shall be as enumerated above.

10.30 Contract Term and Renewal Option

The initial term of the Contract is anticipated to be from April 15, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

This agreement is not effective until the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet or his authorized designee has approved the Contract and until the Contract has been filed with the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee.

This Contract may be renewed at the discretion of the agency for as many additional two year terms as needed for the purpose of and to the extent that said renewals are necessary to permit the Contractor to conclude any work on any cases in progress pursuant to the RFP.

Renewal shall be subject to prior approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or this authorized designee, and the LRC Government Contract Review Committee in accordance with KRS 45A.695 and KRS 45A.705.

Document Description Page 14 https://emars311.ky.gov/webapp/vssprdonline3111d/AltSelfService

10.40 Changes and Modifications to the Contract

Pursuant to 200 KAR 5:311, no modification or change of any provision in the Contract shall be made, or construed to have been made, unless such modification is mutually agreed to in writing by the Contractor and the Commonwealth, and incorporated as a written amendment by the Energy and Environment Cabinet / Public Service Commission prior to the effective date of such modification or change. Modification shall be subject to prior approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or this authorized designee, and the LRC Government Contract Review Committee. Memoranda of Understanding, written clarification, and/or other correspondence shall not be construed as amendments to the Contract.

10.50 Notices

Unless otherwise instructed, all notices, consents, and other communications required and/or permitted by the Contract shall be in writing. After the award of the Contract, all communications of a contractual or legal nature are to be made to the Agency Contact.

Document Description Page 15

Personal Service Contract Standard Terms and Conditions Revised January 2020

Whereas, the first party, the state agency, has concluded that either state personnel are not available to perform said function, or it would not be feasible to utilize state personnel to perform said function; and Whereas, the second party, the Contractor, is available and qualified to perform such function; and Whereas, for the abovementioned reasons, the state agency desires to avail itself of the services of the second party;

NOW THEREFORE, the following terms and conditions are applicable to this contract:

1.00 Effective Date:

This contract is not effective until the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet or his authorized designee has approved the contract and until the contract has been submitted to the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee (“LRC”). However, in accordance with KRS 45A.700, contracts in aggregate amounts of $10,000 or less are exempt from review by the committee and need only be filed with the committee within 30 days of their effective date for informational purposes.

KRS 45A.695(7) provides that payments on personal service contracts and memoranda of agreement shall not be authorized for services rendered after government contract review committee disapproval, unless the decision of the committee is overridden by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet or agency head, if the agency has been granted delegation authority by the Secretary.

2.00 Renewals:

Upon expiration of the initial term, the contract may be renewed in accordance with the terms and conditions in the original solicitation. Renewal shall be subject to prior approval from the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet or his authorized designee and the LRC Government Contract Review Committee in accordance with KRS 45A.695 and KRS 45A.705, and contingent upon available funding.

3.00 LRC Policies:

Pursuant to KRS 45A.725, LRC has established policies which govern rates payable for certain professional services. These are located on the LRC webpage (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statcomm/Contracts/ homepage.htm) and would impact any contract established under KRS 45A.690 et seq., where applicable.

4.00 Choice of Law and Forum:

This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Any action brought against the Commonwealth on the contract, including but not limited to actions either for breach of contract or for enforcement of the contract, shall be brought in Franklin Circuit Court, Franklin County, Kentucky in accordance with KRS 45A.245.

5.00 EEO Requirements:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1978 applies to All State government projects with an estimated value exceeding $500,000. The contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Act.

6.00 Cancellation:

The Commonwealth shall have the right to terminate and cancel this contract at any time not to exceed thirty (30) days' written notice served on the Contractor by registered or certified mail.

7.00 Funding Out Provision:

The state agency may terminate this contract if funds are not appropriated to the contracting agency or are not otherwise available for the purpose of making payments without incurring any obligation for payment after the date of termination, regardless of the terms of the contract. The state agency shall provide the Contractor thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice of termination of the contract due to lack of available funding.

Document Description Page 16 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statcomm/Contracts/homepage.htm

8.00 Reduction in Contract Worker Hours:

The Kentucky General Assembly may allow for a reduction in contract worker hours in conjunction with a budget balancing measure for some professional and non-professional service contracts. If under such authority the agency is required by Executive Order or otherwise to reduce contract hours, the agreement will be reduced by the amount specified in that document. If the contract funding is reduced, then the scope of work related to the contract may also be reduced commensurate with the reduction in funding. This reduction of the scope shall be agreeable to both parties and shall not be considered a breach of contract.

9.00 Authorized to do Business in Kentucky:

The Contractor affirms that it is properly authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to conduct business in this state and will remain in good standing to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the duration of any contract awarded.

The Contractor shall maintain certification of authority to conduct business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky during the term of this contract. Such registration is obtained from the Secretary of State, who will also provide the certification thereof.

Registration with the Secretary of State by a Foreign Entity:

Pursuant to KRS 45A.480(1)(b), an agency, department, office, or political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not award a state contract to a person that is a foreign entity required by KRS 14A.9-010 to obtain a certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth (“certificate”) from the Secretary of State under KRS 14A.9-030 unless the person produces the certificate within fourteen (14) days of the bid or proposal opening. Therefore, foreign entities should submit a copy of their certificate with their solicitation response. If the foreign entity is not required to obtain a certificate as provided in KRS 14A.9-010, the foreign entity should identify the applicable exception in its solicitation response. Foreign entity is defined within

KRS 14A.1-070.

For all foreign entities required to obtain a certificate of authority to transact business in the Commonwealth, if a copy of the certificate is not received by the contracting agency within the time frame identified above, the foreign entity’s solicitation response shall be deemed non-responsive or the awarded contract shall be cancelled.

Businesses can register with the Secretary of State at https://onestop.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

10.00 Invoices for fees:

The Contractor shall maintain supporting documents to substantiate invoices and shall furnish same if required by state government. The invoice must conform to the method described in Section V of this contract.

Pursuant to KRS 45A.695, no payment shall be made on any personal service contract unless the individual, firm, partnership, or corporation awarded the personal service contract submits its invoice for payment on a form established by the committee.

*Invoice form is available on the Legislative Research Commission, Government Contract Review Committee website: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statcomm/Contracts/homepage.htm

11.00 Travel expenses, if authorized:

The Contractor shall be paid for no travel expenses unless and except as specifically authorized by the specifications of this contract or authorized in advance and in writing by the Commonwealth. The Contractor shall maintain supporting documents that substantiate every claim for expenses and shall furnish same if requested by the Commonwealth.

12.00 Other expenses, if authorized herein:

The Contractor shall be reimbursed for no other expenses of any kind, unless and except as specifically authorized within the specifications of this contract or authorized in advance and in writing by the Commonwealth.

Document Description Page 17

2100000218 Attorney for the Coordination of Siting Board Reviews https://onestop.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

If the reimbursement of such expenses is authorized, the reimbursement shall be only on an out-of-pocket basis. Request for payment of same shall be processed upon receipt from the Contractor of valid, itemized statements submitted periodically for payment at the time any fees are due. The Contractor shall maintain supporting documents that substantiate every claim for expenses and shall furnish same if requested by the Commonwealth.

13.00 Purchasing and specifications:

The Contractor certifies that he/she will not attempt in any manner to influence any specifications to be restrictive in any way or respect nor will he/she attempt in any way to influence any purchasing of services, commodities or equipment by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For the purpose of this paragraph and the following paragraph that pertains to conflict-of interest laws and principles, "he/she" is construed to mean "they" if more than one person is involved and if a firm, partnership, corporation, or other organization is involved, then "he/she" is construed to mean any person with an interest therein.

14.00 Conflict-of-interest laws and principles:

The Contractor certifies that he/she is legally entitled to enter into this contract with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and by holding and performing this contract, he/she will not be violating either any conflict of interest statute (KRS 45A.330-45A.340, 45A.990, 164.390), or KRS 11A.040 of the executive branch code of ethics, relating to the employment of former public servants.

15.00 Campaign finance:

The Contractor certifies that neither he/she nor any member of his/her immediate family having an interest of 10% or more in any business entity involved in the performance of this contract, has contributed more than the amount specified in KRS 121.056(2), to the campaign of the gubernatorial candidate elected at the election last preceding the date of this contract. The Contractor further swears under the penalty of perjury, as provided by KRS 523.020, that neither he/she nor the company which he/she represents, has knowingly violated any provisions of the campaign finance laws of the Commonwealth, and that the award of a contract to him/her or the company which he/she represents will not violate any provisions of the campaign finance laws of the Commonwealth.

16.00 Access to Records:

The state agency certifies that it is in compliance with the provisions of KRS 45A.695, "Access to contractor's books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence directly pertinent to the contract." The Contractor, as defined in KRS 45A.030, agrees that the contracting agency, the Finance and Administration Cabinet, the Auditor of Public Accounts, and the Legislative Research Commission, or their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence, which are directly pertinent to this agreement for the purpose of financial audit or program review. The Contractor also recognizes that any books, documents, papers, records, or other evidence, received during a financial audit or program review shall be subject to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884. Records and other prequalification information confidentially disclosed as part of the bid process shall not be deemed as directly pertinent to the agreement and shall be exempt from disclosure as provided in KRS 61.878(1)(c).

17.00 Protest:

Pursuant to KRS 45A.285, the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet, or his designee, shall have authority to determine protests and other controversies of actual or prospective vendors in connection with the solicitation or selection for award of a contract.

Any actual or prospective vendor, who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or selection for award of a contract, may file protest with the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. A protest or notice of other controversy must be filed promptly and, in any event, within two (2) calendar weeks after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise thereto. All protests or notices of other controversies must be in writing and shall be addressed to:

Holly M. Johnson, Secretary

Document Description Page 18

Finance and Administration Cabinet Room 383, New Capitol Annex 702 Capitol Avenue Frankfort, KY 40601

The Secretary of Finance and Administration Cabinet shall promptly issue a decision in writing. A copy of that decision shall be mailed or otherwise furnished to the aggrieved party and shall state the reasons for the action taken.

The decision by the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet shall be final and conclusive.

18.00 Social security: (check one)

_____ The parties are cognizant that the state is not liable for social security contributions, pursuant to 42 U.S. Code, section 418, relative to the compensation of the second party for this contract.

_____ The parties are cognizant that the state is liable for social security contributions, pursuant to 42 U.S.

Code, section 418, relative to the compensation of the second party for this contract.

19.00 Violation of tax and employment laws:

KRS 45A.485 requires the Contractor and all subcontractors performing work under the contract to reveal to the Commonwealth, prior to the award of a contract, any final determination of a violation by the Contractor within the previous five (5) year period of the provisions of KRS chapters 136, 139, 141, 337, 338, 341, and

342. These statutes relate to corporate and utility tax, sales and use tax, income tax, wages and hours laws, occupational safety and health laws, unemployment insurance laws, and workers compensation insurance laws, respectively

To comply with the provisions of KRS 45A.485, the Contractor and all subcontractors performing work under the contract shall report any such final determination(s) of violation(s) to the Commonwealth by providing the following information regarding the final determination(s): the KRS violated, the date of the final determination, and the state agency which issued the final determination.

KRS 45A.485 also provides that, for the duration of any contract, the Contractor and all subcontractors performing work under the contract shall be in continuous compliance with the provisions of those statutes, which apply to their operations, and that their failure to reveal a final determination, as described above, or failure to comply with the above statutes for the duration of the contract, shall be grounds for the Commonwealth's cancellation of the contract and their disqualification from eligibility for future state contracts for a period of two (2) years.

Contractor must check one:

_____ The Contractor has not violated any of the…