Final_RFP_758_2500000331_2_SO_FORM.PDF

Document ID: RFP 758 2500000331 Page: 1

Commonwealth of Kentucky

SOLICITATION MODIFICATION

Modification: Yes Version #: 2

TITLE: Promotional Goods and Services

Date Issued:

07/15/2025 Record Date:

07/15/2025

Solicitation Closes Date:

07/24/2025 Time:

15:30

Solicitation No:

RFP 758 2500000331

Reason for Modification

Addendum #1 (July 15, 2025) issued to post the Commonwealth's response to Vendor's Written Questions. See Page 31.

Online Bidding Prohibited: No For Information Call:

Sheila Durham 502-564-8626

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 758 2500000331 Page: 2

Line Items

Commodity Group: Default Commodity Group

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

1 Promotional Goods and Services

Comm Code Comm Description Manufacturer Model # Manuf Part #

90735 Designing Services

Extended Description Promotional Goods and Services that include the following: Consulting and Design; and Order Fulfillment; and Merchandising; and Warehousing; and Delivery Timeline; and Customer Service; and Brand Management/Quality Control; and Cost Transparency/Flexibility; and Technical Integration; and Compliance.

See Attachment B - Cost Proposal Form

Shipping Information Office of Agricultural Marketing & Product Promotion

111 Corporate Drive

Frankfort KY 40601

Billing Information Office of Agricultural Marketing & Product Promotion

111 Corporate Drive

Frankfort KY 40601

Document ID: RFP 758 2500000331 Page: 3

Submission Checklist

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

Item Proposed Technical Solution. Submit electronically by Closing Date & Time.

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

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

FOR

PROMOTIONAL GOODS AND SERVICES

RFP 758 2500000331

RELEASE DATE: TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025, AT 3:30 PM ET

ISSUED BY

THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

ON BEHALF OF

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commonwealth Buyer:

Sheila Durham

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

Office of Procurement Services

200 Mero Street, 5th Floor Frankfort, KY 40622

(502) 564-4010 Sheila.Durham@ky.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 – Summary Section 2 – Introduction Section 3 – Scope of Work Section 4 – Commonwealth Office of Technology Requirements Section 5 – Procurement Requirements and Instructions Section 6 – Proposal Submission Section 7 – Proposal Evaluation Section 8 – Negotiations Section 9 – Contract Requirements Section 10 – Standard Terms and Conditions

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.

Document Phase Document Description Page 4

2500000331 Final Promotional Goods and Services Total Pages: 33 mailto:Sheila.Durham@ky.gov

*PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION

*PROPOSED COST SOLUTION

TRANSMITTAL LETTER [see Section 6.7(A)]

REVENUE FORM 10A100 KENTUCKY TAX REGISTRATION APPLICATION

IF APPLICABLE (see Section 6.7 (C)], CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY- REGISTRATION WITH SECRETARY OF

STATE BY A FOREIGN ENTITY IF APPLICABLE [see Section 6.7 (D)]

REQUIRED ANNUAL AFFIDAVIT AND OTHER AFFIDAVIT(S)

https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required

%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf

SECTION 1 - RFP SUMMARY

1.1 Estimated Schedule of RFP Activities

The following table presents the anticipated schedule for major activities associated with the RFP distribution, proposal submission, proposal evaluation process, and contract award. The Commonwealth reserves the right at its sole discretion to change the Schedule of Activities, including the associated dates and times.

Anticipated Schedule of Activities

Release of RFP Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Vendors’ Written Questions due by

11:59 AM ET

Friday, July 11, 2025

Commonwealth’s Response to Vendors’ Written Questions

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Proposals Due By 3:30 PM ET Thursday, July 24, 2025

1.2 Issuing Office

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of

Procurement Services, is issuing this RFP on behalf of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (AGR). The Finance and Administration Cabinet is the only office authorized to change, modify, amend, alter, or clarify the specifications, terms and conditions of this RFP.

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.

1.3 Agencies to Be Served

This contract shall be for use by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (AGR). No shipments shall be made except upon receipt by vendor of an official delivery order from the using agency.

Extending the Contract Use to Other Agencies

Document Phase Document Description Page 5

2500000331 Final Promotional Goods and Services Total Pages: 33 https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf https://finance.ky.gov/office-of-the-secretary/FinanceForms/Annual%20Required%20Affidavit%20for%20Bidders%20Offerors%20and%20Contractors.pdf

The Office of Procurement Services reserves the right, with the consent of the vendor, to offer the Master Agreement resulting from this solicitation to other state agencies requiring the product(s) or service(s).

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals for competitive negotiations pursuant to 200 KAR 5:307. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is seeking a vendor to provide promotional goods and services. The vendor who is awarded a contract based on this RFP will primarily work with the AGR’s Kentucky Proud brand.

2.2 Background

Introduced by the Agency in 2002, the Kentucky Proud brand (which was originally launched as Kentucky Fresh) was created as a central platform to raise awareness of the Commonwealth’s ever-expanding agricultural efforts and to promote Kentucky’s farmers, farm families, and farm impact products. In 2008, Kentucky Proud officially became the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s agricultural marketing brand by legislative action.

Kentucky Proud promotes locally grown food, farmers’ markets, farm stands, agritourism sites, and many other products and destinations.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 Scope of Work

A. Consulting and Design The Commonwealth does not have a central art file for logos, etc. The vendor will be required to assist in designing artwork on a case-by-case basis. The Agency will provide an electronic copy of a logo design, text, or additional artwork needed for orders not designed by the vendor. The vendor may be asked to coordinate with a third-party agency to obtain artwork decided by the Agency. All artwork, logos, designs, and digitizing files created by the vendor for any order placed in accordance with the awarded contract, shall become the property of the Agency.

The vendor will be required to provide proof of all first-time produced artwork, logos, or text within five (5) business days of receipt of each individual order.

The proof will require written approval from the Agency prior to production. The vendor may also be required to provide a “sew out” for first-time embroidery designs/logos.

B. Order Fulfillment The vendor shall maintain efficient order processing and picking services including, but not limited to, inventory storage and management, tagging, folding, packaging, labeling, and shipping. The vendor shall be able to provide kitting, assembly, custom box inserts, or product-bundle service that align with the Agency's needs.

C. Merchandising

Document Phase Document Description Page 6

The vendor will be responsible for ensuring products are well stocked and displayed at contracted retail locations.

D. Warehousing The vendor is responsible for warehousing enough merchandise to fulfill online orders, retail replenishment, and Agency requirements. Warehousing should be sufficient to allow for new items to be added when necessary.

E. Delivery Timeline Delivery for all orders is required within seven (7) business days after receipt of delivery order. Should the vendor be unable to deliver the order within seven (7) business days, the vendor shall immediately give notice to the Agency and keep the Agency advised of the order status until the Agency has received final delivery.

Some items may be designated as special order, rush delivery, etc., therefore delivery times will be determined by mutual agreement, in writing, of the vendor and the Agency. Special orders may require products to be delivered in five (5) to seven (7) business days or less.

F. Customer Service The vendor will prioritize responsive customer service and crisis management.

The vendor will address customer support requests within forty-eight (48) hours of the Agency inquiry. The vendor shall inform the agency of any customer support issues in regular reporting established between vendor and agency. The vendor shall inform the Agency of time-sensitive needs regarding consumer service issues.

G. Brand Management/Quality Control The vendor will be responsible for maintaining agency-provided brand standards to maintain brand consistency across all promotional products. The vendor will be responsible for monitoring the quality and consistency of the Agency’s product during production and order fulfillment.

H. Cost Transparency/Flexibility The vendor will be required to provide a detailed breakdown of pricing based on item type, quantity, shipping costs, and any additional fees that may be required for order fulfillment. The vendor will be required to adapt to the Agency’s volume, enhancing scalability and financial efficiency.

I. Technical Integration The vendor will provide technology that integrates with Agency systems, automates tasks, and utilizes data effectively. The vendor shall provide the Agency with real-time inventory visibility, order tracking, and detailed reporting on fulfillment metrics. The vendor will be responsible for ensuring merchandise availability at all retail points including online stores and in-store locations decided by the Agency

J. Compliance The vendor must meet all relevant industry regulations and standards. The vendor will be required to adhere to all relevant regulations and compliance requirements.

SECTION 4 – COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

OF TECHNOLOGY (COT) REQUIREMENTS

Document Phase Document Description Page 7

NOT APPLICABLE

SECTION 5 – PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

5.1 Procurement Requirements

Procurement requirements are listed under “Procurement Laws, Preference, Regulations and Policies” and “Response to Solicitation” located on the eProcurement Web page at https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx and https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx respectively. The vendor must comply with all applicable statutes, regulations and policies related to this procurement.

5.2 Access to Solicitation, RFP, and Addenda

The Commonwealth wants each prospective vendor to have full and complete information on which to base a proposal response. Only information presented or referred to in this RFP and any additional written information that is supplied by the Commonwealth Buyer shall be used by vendors in preparing the response.

The solicitation, addenda, and attachments shall be posted to the Kentucky Vendor Self Service link at https://vss.ky.gov

It is not necessary to register to access the solicitation. Unregistered vendors can access solicitations by clicking on public access.

In the event of any conflict or variation between the solicitation or modification as issued by the Commonwealth and the vendor’s response, the version as issued shall prevail.

5.3 RFP Terminology

For the purpose of this RFP, the following terms may be used interchangeably:

- Proposer, Offeror, Contractor, Provider, or Vendor

- Commonwealth Buyer, Buyer, Purchaser, or Contract Officer

- RFP, Solicitation, or Procurement

- Bid, Proposal, or Offer

- Commonwealth of Kentucky, Commonwealth, or State, Agency, AGR

- Fiscal Year will be defined as the Commonwealth fiscal year: July 1 through June

- Biennium will be defined as the Commonwealth biennium: July 1 of each even numbered year through June 30 of the next even numbered year

- Requirements that include the words “Shall”, “Will”, “Must” indicate a mandatory requirement

- Mandatory Requirement means a condition set out in the specifications or statement of work that must be met without exception.”

5.4 Restrictions on Communications

The Commonwealth Buyer named on the Cover Sheet of this RFP shall be the sole point of contact throughout the procurement process. All communications, oral and written (regular, express, or electronic mail,), concerning this procurement shall be addressed to the Buyer.

Document Phase Document Description Page 8

2500000331 Final Promotional Goods and Services Total Pages: 33 https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/procurement-laws-regulations-and-policies.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx https://finance.ky.gov/eProcurement/Pages/doing-business-with-the-commonwealth.aspx https://vss.ky.gov

For violation of this provision, the Commonwealth shall reserve the right to disqualify the vendors’ proposal response.

5.5 Confidentiality of Contract Terms

The contractor and the Commonwealth agree that all information communicated between them before the effective date of the contract shall be received in strict confidence and shall not be necessarily disclosed by the receiving party, its agents, or employees without prior written consent of the other party. Such material will be kept confidential subject to Commonwealth and Federal public information disclosure laws.

Upon signing of the contract by all parties, terms of the contract become available to the public, pursuant to the provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

The contractor shall have an appropriate agreement with its subcontractors extending these confidentiality requirements to all subcontractors’ employees.

5.6 Written Questions Regarding this RFP

Vendors are encouraged to submit written questions pursuant to Section 1.1 of this

RFP. Written questions shall be submitted to the Commonwealth Buyer via email at Sheila.Durham@ky.gov. Vendors should submit questions on Attachment A Vendors Question Form. No questions shall be accepted after the date(s) listed in Section 1.1 unless the question(s) is considered material to the procurement. The Commonwealth shall respond to salient questions in writing by issuing an addendum to the solicitation. The addendum shall be posted to the Kentucky Vendor Self Service site.

5.7 Vendor Response and Proprietary Information

The RFP specifies the format, required information, and general content of proposals submitted in response to the RFP. The Finance and Administration Cabinet will not disclose any portions of the proposals prior to Contract Award to anyone outside the Finance and Administration Cabinet, representatives of the agency for whose benefit the contract is proposed, representatives of the Federal Government, if required, and the members of the evaluation committees. 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 vendors in response to this RFP as a matter of public record. Although the Commonwealth recognizes the vendor's possible interest in preserving selected data which may be part of a proposal, the Commonwealth must treat such information as provided by the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 et sequitur.

Informational areas which normally might be considered proprietary shall be limited to individual personnel data, customer references, selected financial data, formulae, and financial audits which, if disclosed, would permit an unfair advantage to competitors. If a proposal contains information in these areas that a vendor declares proprietary in nature and not available for public disclosure, the vendor should declare in the Transmittal Letter [see Section 6.7 (A)] the inclusion of proprietary information and shall noticeably label as proprietary each file containing such information.

Proprietary information shall be submitted separately and identified as “Proprietary Data”. Proposals containing information declared by the vendor to be proprietary, either in whole or in part, outside the areas listed above may be deemed non-responsive to the RFP and may be rejected.

5.8 Notification of Award of Contract

Document Phase Document Description Page 9 mailto:%20Sheila.Durham@ky.gov

The procurement process will provide for the evaluation of proposals and selection of the successful 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.

All applicable statutes, regulations, policies and requirements shall become a part of an award as well as the Information Technology requirements.

For additional award information, vendors may email the Commonwealth Buyer.

5.9 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 offerors in connection with the solicitations or selection for award of a contract.

Any actual or prospective offeror or contractor, who is aggrieved in connection with solicitation or selection for award of a contract, may a 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 and mailed to:

Holly M. Johnson, Secretary

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET

200 MERO STREET, 5TH FLOOR

FRANKFORT, KY 40622

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.

5.10 Vendor Notification – Ineligible for Award

The Commonwealth will not consider or evaluate any proposal submitted by a vendor when the vendor, the vendor’s employees or agents, had any involvement, contribution or participation in the development, preparation or review of this RFP prior to its issuance. The vendors proposal will be deemed ineligible for award.

5.11 Past Vendor Performance

Past vendor performance may be considered in the award of this Contract. Vendors with a record of poor performance in the last twelve (12) months may be found non-responsible and ineligible for award.

SECTION 6 – PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

6.1 Disposition of Proposals

Document Phase Document Description Page 10

All proposals become the property of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The successful proposal shall be incorporated into the resulting contract by reference. Disposal of unsuccessful proposals shall be at the discretion of the Commonwealth Buyer.

6.2 Rules for Withdrawal of Proposals

Prior to the date specified for receipt of offers, a submitted proposal may be withdrawn by electronic or written notice by submitting a signed written request for its withdrawal to the Commonwealth Buyer.

6.3 Commonwealth’s Right to Use Proposal Ideas

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

6.4 Submission of RFP Response

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.

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

Failure to specifically acknowledge addenda with submission 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.

6.5 Electronic Proposal Submission

Proposals shall be received by electronic submission in the eProcurement 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. Vendor Self Service Registration Guides are provided at https:// vss.ky.gov

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. 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 should consist of one document attachment. Do

Document Phase Document Description Page 11

2500000331 Final Promotional Goods and Services Total Pages: 33 https://vss.ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov https://vss.ky.gov mailto:Finance.CRCGroup@ky.gov 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 system.

6.6 Format of Response

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

a. The Technical Proposal should 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 should 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 include embedded documents, hyperlinks or hyperlinks to videos. The document should be named in the following manner:

Proprietary – Name of offeror RFP number

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.

6.7 Technical Proposal Content

A. Transmittal Letter The transmittal letter should be on the vendor’s letterhead, and signed by an agent authorized to bind the vendor. The transmittal letter should include the following:

i. A statement that deviations are included, if applicable. Proposed deviations must be outlined in the transmittal letter. Any deviation from the provisions of the solicitation must be specifically identified by the vendor in its proposal, which if successful, shall become part of the contract. Such deviations shall

Document Phase Document Description Page 12 not be in conflict with the basic nature of this solicitation. The Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any and/or all deviations in whole or in part.

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

iii. A statement pursuant to KRS 11A.040 that the vendor has not knowingly violated any provisions of the Executive Branch Code of Ethics;

iv. A statement of that the vendor is in compliance with Prohibitions of Certain Conflicts of Interest;

v. A statement of certification in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Proposed Debarment that to the best of its knowledge and belief, the vendor 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.

vi. The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the contact person for this RFP. The address shall be one in which the major overnight delivery services will deliver.

vii. The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the contact person to serve as a point of contact for day-to-day operations.

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

ix. Federal Tax ID

x. A statement that the vendor agrees to comply with items included in the

Mandatory Checklist, if applicable.

B. Disclosure of Violation of Statutes Pursuant to KRS 45A.485, contractors are required to reveal final determinations of violation of certain statutes incurred within the last five (5) years and be in continuous compliance with those statutes during the contract. Where applicable, the vendor is required to complete and submit Report of Prior Violations of Tax and Employment Laws.

C. Kentucky Tax Registration Application Revenue Form 10A100, Kentucky Tax Registration Application effective July 2008, is a form to be completed by any person or entity wishing to contract with the Commonwealth to provide goods or services subject to sales and use tax pursuant to

KRS 139.200.

https://revenue.ky.gov/Forms/10A100(P)(11-23).pdf

In accordance with administrative regulation 200 KAR 5:390, this form has to be completed and submitted, before a contract can be awarded. Section 2 of the regulation also notes: “Failure to submit the required documentation or to remain registered and in compliance with the sales and use tax filing and remittance requirements of KRS

139.540 and KRS 139.550 throughout the duration of the contract shall constitute a material breach of the contract and the contract may be terminated.”

D. 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: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=40424

Document Phase Document Description Page 13

2500000331 Final Promotional Goods and Services Total Pages: 33 https://revenue.ky.gov/Forms/10A100(P)(11-23).pdf https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=40424 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: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/ statutes/statute.aspx?id=44318, the foreign entity should identify the applicable exception in its solicitation response. Foreign entity is defined within KRS 14A.1-070:

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50474

Businesses can register with the Secretary of State at:.

https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx

E. Required Annual Affidavit and Other Affidavit(s) F. Proposed Solution (see Section 6.8)

6.8 Proposed Solution Content

Response should be based on the RFP requirements and should include the following:

A. Executive Summary The vendor shall provide an Executive Summary that provides at minimum a brief statement of the proposed solution, including a concise analysis of potential challenges the vendor anticipates, and how those challenges will be mitigated.

B. Company Background

The vendor shall provide a concise Company Background that includes at minimum such details as company name, the company’s mission statement, the company’s structure, the company’s future goals, and relevant historical details.

C. Technical Approach

The vendor shall provide a narrative response to the Scope of Work as outlined in SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK of this RFP. The Narrative Response should include at minimum a concise statement regarding how the vendor will adhere to the Scope of Work, services that will be provided, and any potential challenges the vendor anticipates, and how those challenges will be mitigated.

D. General Questions

The vendor shall provide a complete and concise response to each of the questions as outlined in Attachment C: General Questions.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY COST IN THE TECHNICAL RESPONSE. COST SHOULD

BE SUBMITTED SEPARATELY

6.9 Cost Proposal Content

The vendor should provide its costs for the proposed solution as instructed on the Cost

Proposal Form. (see Attachment B)

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is Tax Exempt. Do not include Federal Excise Tax, Kentucky Sales or Use Tax in proposed costs.

Costs for developing the proposals are solely the responsibility of the offerors. The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall not provide any reimbursements for such costs.

A proposal shall not be considered for award if the price in the proposal was not 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. In addition, the offeror is prohibited from making multiple proposals in a different form.

Document Phase Document Description Page 14 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=44318 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=44318 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50474 https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx

Should conflict of interest be detected any time during the contract, the contract shall be null and void and the contractor shall assume all costs of this project until such time that a new contractor is selected.

SECTION 7 – PROPOSAL EVALUATION

7.1 Proposal Evaluation

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

The Commonwealth 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.

The Commonwealth shall evaluate the proposals by assigning scores as indicated.

7.2 Technical Proposal Evaluation

Criteria Maximum Points Possible

Executive Summary (Section 6.1(A))

Company Background (Section 6.1(B))

Technical Approach (Section 6.1(C))

General Questions (Section 6.1(D))

Maximum Points Possible 1,200

7.3 Cost Proposal Evaluation

Proposed Cost (Attachment B)

Maximum Points Possible 480

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).

7.4 Oral Demonstration/Presentation Evaluation, if required

Oral Presentations/Demonstrations

The Commonwealth reserves the right to require Oral Presentations/Demonstrations to verify or expand on the Technical

Document Phase Document Description Page 15 or Cost Proposals. Oral Presentations/ Demonstrations may be conducted through video-conferencing or by conference call, if it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth. 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 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

The decision regarding whether to request oral presentations shall be solely within the discretion of the evaluation team.

The evaluation team may determine that oral presentations are unnecessary, even in instances where technical proposal scores are sufficiently close that Oral Presentations/Demonstrations might affect final rankings. (Note “Oral Presentations/Discussions” as used in this context shall not include KRS 45A.085(7) written or oral discussions regarding final terms of contracts to be awarded as a result of this RFP Maximum Points Possible 400

7.5 Best and Final Offer (BAFO)

In accordance with FAP 111-57-00 (3) (h), the Commonwealth reserves the right to request

Best and Final Offers (BAFO).

7.6 Total Proposal Evaluation

Criteria Maximum Points Possible

Technical Proposal 1,200 Cost Proposal 480 Oral Demonstrations/Presentations, if required 400

MAXIMUM POINTS POSSIBLE 2,080

SECTION 8 – NEGOTIATIONS

Document Phase Document Description Page 16

The Commonwealth reserves the right pursuant to KRS 45A.085 to negotiate a contract with the top-ranked vendor. In the event the Commonwealth cannot reach agreement with the top-ranked vendor, it may proceed to negotiate with the next highest ranked vendor, and so on. It is the Commonwealth’s intent to award a contract to the vendor with whom successful negotiations are completed.

Terms and conditions that may be negotiated at the sole discretion of the Commonwealth include but are not limit to issues related to the Technical and/or Cost Proposals.

SECTION 9 – CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS AND PROVISIONS

9.1 Agencies to Be Served

This contract shall be for use by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. No shipments shall be made except upon receipt by vendor of an official delivery order from the using agency.

Extending the Contract Use to Other Agencies The Office of Procurement Services reserves the right, with the consent of the vendor, to offer the Master Agreement resulting from this solicitation to other state agencies requiring the product(s) or service(s).

9.2 Term of Contract and Renewal Options

The initial term of the contract shall be from the effect date of award through August 31, 2026.

This contract may be renewed at the completion of the initial contract period for four (4) additional one (1) year periods upon the mutual agreement of the Parties. Such mutual agreement shall take the form of a contract modification as described in Section 10.7 of this RFP.

At the end of the contract, the vendor shall provide all agency data in a form that can be converted to any subsequent system of the agency’s choice. The vendor shall cooperate to this end with the vendor of the agency’s choice, in a timely and efficient manner.

The Commonwealth reserves the right not to exercise any or all renewal options. The Commonwealth reserves the right to extend the contract for a period less than the length of the above-referenced renewal period if such an extension is determined by the Commonwealth Buyer to be in the best interest of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to renegotiate any terms and/or conditions as may be necessary to meet requirements for the extended period. In the event proposed revisions cannot be agreed upon, either party shall have the right to withdraw without prejudice from either exercising the option or continuing the contract in an extended period.

9.3 Basis of Price Revisions

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS: Unless otherwise specified, the prices established by the contract resulting from this solicitation shall remain firm for the contract period subject to the following:

A. Price Increases: A price increase shall not occur during the first twelve (12) months of the contract. A vendor may request a price increase after twelve (12) months

Document Phase Document Description Page 17 of the contract, which may be granted or denied by the Commonwealth. Any such price increase shall be based on industry wide price changes. The contract holder must request in writing a price increase at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date, and shall provide firm proof that the price increase(s) is justified. The Office of Procurement Services may request additional information or justification. If the price increase is denied, the contract holder may withdraw from the contract without prejudice upon written notice and approval by the Office of Procurement Services.

Provided, however, that the vendor must continue service, at the contract prices, until a new contract can be established (usually within sixty (60) days).

B. Price Decreases: The contract price shall be reduced to reflect any industry wide price decreases. The contract holder is required to furnish the Office of Procurement Services with notice of any price decreases as soon as such decreases are available.

C. Extended Contract Periods: If the contract provides for an optional renewal period, a price adjustment may be granted at the time the contract is renewed, subject to price increase justification as required in Paragraph A “Price Increases” as stated above.

9.4 Notices

After the award of contract, all programmatic communications with regard to day-to-day performance under the contract are to be made to the agency technical contact(s) identified during the negotiation phase of this procurement. After the award of contract, all communications of a contractual or legal nature are to be made to the Commonwealth Buyer.

9.5 Subcontractors

The contractor is permitted to make subcontract(s) with any other party for furnishing any of the work or services herein. The contractor shall be solely responsible for performance of the entire contract whether or not subcontractors are used. The Commonwealth shall not be involved in the relationship between the prime contractor and the subcontractor. Any issues that arise as a result of this relationship shall be resolved by the prime contractor.

All references to the contractor shall be construed to encompass both the contractor and any subcontractors of the contractor.

SECTION 10 – STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

10.1 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 by the Office of Procurement Services, 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.

Document Phase Document Description Page 18

10.2 Final Agreement

The contract represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. 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.

10.3 Contract Provisions

If any provision of this contract (including items incorporated by reference) is declared or found to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, then both the Commonwealth and the contractor shall be relieved of all obligations arising under such provision. If the remainder of this contract is capable of performance, it shall not be affected by such declaration or finding and shall be fully performed.

10.4 Type of Contract

The contract shall be on the basis of a firm fixed unit price for the elements listed in this solicitation. This solicitation is specifically not intended to solicit proposals for contracts on the basis of cost-plus, open-ended rate schedule, nor any non-fixed price arrangement.

10.5 Contract Usage

As a result of this RFP, the contractual agreement with the selected vendor will in no way obligate the Commonwealth of Kentucky to purchase any services or equipment under this contract. The Commonwealth agrees, in entering into any contract, to purchase only such services in such quantities as necessary to meet the actual requirements as determined by the Commonwealth.

10.6 Addition or Deletion of Items or Services

The Office of Procurement Services reserves the right to add new and similar items, by issuing a contract modification, to this contract with the consent of the vendor. Until such time as the vendor receives a modification, the vendor shall not accept delivery orders from any agency referencing such items or services.

10.7 Changes and Modifications to the Contract

Pursuant to KRS 45A.210 (1) and 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 to the contract and processed through the Office of Procurement Services and approved by the Finance and Administration Cabinet prior to the effective date of such modification or change pursuant to KRS 45A.210(1) and 200 KAR 5:311. Memorandum of understanding, written clarification, and/or correspondence shall not be construed as amendments to the contract.

If the contractor finds at any time that existing conditions made modification of the contract necessary, it shall promptly report such matters to the Commonwealth Buyer for consideration and decision.

10.8 Changes in Scope

The Commonwealth may, at any time by written order, make changes within the general scope of the contract. No changes in scope are to be conducted except at the approval of the Commonwealth.

Document Phase Document Description Page 19

10.9 Contract Conformance

If the Commonwealth Buyer determines that deliverables due under the contract are not in conformance with the terms and conditions of the contract and the mutually agreed-upon project plan, the Buyer may request the contractor to deliver assurances in the form of additional contractor resources and to demonstrate that other major schedules will not be affected. The Commonwealth shall determine the quantity and quality of such additional resources and failure to comply may constitute default by the contractor.

10.10 Assignment

The contract shall not be assigned in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the Commonwealth Buyer.

10.11 Payment

The Commonwealth will make payment within thirty (30) working days of receipt of contractor's invoice or of acceptance of goods and/or services in accordance with KRS

45.453 and KRS 45.454.

Payments are predicated upon successful completion and acceptance of the described work, services, supplies, or commodities, and delivery of the required documentation.

Invoices for payment shall be submitted to the agency contact person or his representative.

10.12 Contractor Cooperation in Related Efforts

The Commonwealth of Kentucky may undertake or award other contracts for additional or related work, services, supplies, or commodities, and the contractor shall fully cooperate with such other contractors and Commonwealth employees. The contractor shall not commit or permit any act that will interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Commonwealth employees.

10.13 Contractor Affiliation

"Affiliate" shall mean a branch, division or subsidiary that is effectively controlled by another party. If any affiliate of the contractor shall take any action that, if done by the contractor, would constitute a breach of this agreement, the same shall be deemed a breach by such party with like legal effect.

10.14 Commonwealth Property

The contractor shall be responsible for the proper custody and care of any

Commonwealth-owned property furnished for contractor's use in connections with the performance of this contract. The contractor shall reimburse the Commonwealth for its loss or damage, normal wear and tear excepted.

10.15 Confidential Information

The contractor shall comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and instruct its employees to use the same degree of care as it uses with its own data to keep confidential information concerning client data, the business of the Commonwealth, its financial affairs, its relations with its citizens and its employees, as well as any other information which may be specifically classified as confidential by the Commonwealth in writing to the contractor. All Federal and State Regulations and Statutes related to confidentiality shall be applicable to the contractor. The contractor shall have an appropriate agreement with its employees, and any subcontractor employees, to that effect, provided however, that the foregoing will not apply to:

A. Information which the Commonwealth has released in writing from being maintained in confidence;

Document Phase Document Description Page 20

B. Information which at the time of disclosure is in the public domain by having been printed, published and available to the public in libraries or other public places where such data is usually collected; or

C. Information, which, after disclosure, becomes part of the public domain as defined above, thorough no act of the contractor.

10.16 Advertising Award

The contractor shall not refer to the award of contract in commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the firm or its services are endorsed or preferred by the Commonwealth of Kentucky without the expressed written consent of the buyer.

(see Section 9.4)

10.17 Patent or Copyright Infringement

The contractor shall report to the Commonwealth promptly and in reasonable written detail, each notice of claim of patent or copyright infringement based on the performance of this contract of which the contractor has knowledge.

The Commonwealth agrees to notify the contractor promptly, in writing, of any such claim, suit or proceeding, and at the contractor's expense give the contractor proper and full information needed to settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding.

If, in the contractor's opinion, the equipment, materials, or information mentioned in the paragraphs above is likely to or does become the subject of a claim or infringement of a United States patent or copyright, then without diminishing the contractor's obligation to satisfy any final award, the contractor may, with the Commonwealth's written consent, substitute other equally suitable equipment, materials, and information, or at the contractor's options and expense, obtain the right for the Commonwealth to continue the use of such equipment, materials, and information.

The Commonwealth agrees that the contractor has the right to defend, or at its option, to settle and the contractor agrees to defend at its own expense, or at its option to settle, any claim, suit or proceeding brought against the Commonwealth on the issue of…