IFB_81A0187.pdf

CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR

California Department of Transportation

ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS

1727 30th STREET, MS 65

SACRAMENTO, CA 95816-7006

PHONE (916) 227-6000

TTY 711

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/

April 24, 2025

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

IFB # 81A0187

Notice to Prospective Bidders

You are invited to review and respond to this IFB 81A0187, titled Collection Services. In submitting your bid, you shall comply with the instructions found herein. In addition to those programs and preferences that are specified in this solicitation, Prospective Contractors are encouraged to consider programs and preferences that are available, such as those for the use of small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, disabled veteran businesses, and other businesses covered by State and Federal programs and preferences.

As required by Executive Order S-02-06, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is committed to meeting the State’s twenty-five percent (25%) Small Business (SB) participation goal.

Certified SBs, Micro Businesses (MB) and Contractors willing to commit to subcontracting a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of their net price to certified SBs or MBs (if applicable) are encouraged to submit bids. See Section D, Special Programs in this IFB for requirements. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement is not required, but DVBE participation is encouraged, and a DVBE incentive does apply to this IFB. See Section D, Special Programs in this IFB for requirements.

The designated contact person for this IFB is:

Laura Heberle California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Email address: laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov Phone: (279) 234-2526

Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon Caltrans unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

*Technical questions regarding this solicitation will be addressed, in writing, and in accordance with the Questions and Answers portion of this IFB. See Section C, Time Schedule for more details.

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE EITHER ATTACHED (ATTACHMENTS 1 & 2) OR THE

DOCUMENT LINK IS PROVIDED ON ATTACHMENT 3, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Sincerely, Laura Heberle Contract Analyst https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/ mailto:laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov

Invitation for Bid IFB Number 81A0187

A) Purpose and Description of Services

1. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, account interfacing and expertise to maximize collection(s) of delinquent Accounts Receivable (AR) referred by Caltrans Division of Accounting. Contractor must have experienced staff to effect collections through written communications with debtors, skip tracing to verify existing and correct addresses, report bad debts to a credit reporting bureau, negotiate compromise settlements, obtain court judgments, and enforce those judgments.

2. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A, which is attached to this IFB, for a more complete description of services.

3. Contractor must perform the legal services under this contract. Legal services cannot be subcontracted.

4. Historical Information – The following table represents the approximate number of monthly placements and their value. This information is given solely for the purpose of assisting the bidder in determining a reasonable commission rate.

Timeframe Average Monthly

Placements* Average Dollar value of Monthly Placements **

March 11, 2022 through May 14, 2022 320 $1,765,000.00

July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 355 $1,340,000.00

July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 296 $1,550,000.00

Please note the following:

*Average Monthly Placements are the accounts given to the Contractor from Caltrans.

**Average Dollar Value of Monthly Placements are the amounts possible for collections by the Contractor.

B) Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

1. Bidder must possess, at the time of bid submittal, a minimum of four (4) years’ experience performing collection services with a history of collecting either (Option 1) $1,500,000.00 per calendar year or (Option 2) demonstrating a minimum success rate of 32%. Bidder must complete and submit Attachment 4 (Experience Letter and Certification Statement) to document their attainment of this minimum qualification. Failure to comply will result in a non-responsive/rejected bid.

A. Bidder’s four (4) years’ experience must be within the last ten (10) calendar years, 2014 –

2024.

B. Bidder’s years of experience must be consecutive, and a single calendar year must be listed only once.

C. Bidder’s Experience Letter and Certification Statement (Attachment 4) may include instances of meeting the criteria of Option 1, Option 2, or a combination of both.

D. Bidder may submit multiple Experience Letter and Certification Statements (Attachment

4).

2. Bidder must maintain all required collection agency licenses and bonds for all 50 states, as applicable per State law requirements. Bidder must complete the Certification Statement within Attachment 4 (Experience Letter and Certification Statement) to document their acceptance of this requirement. Failure to complete the Certification Statement will result in a non-responsive/rejected bid.

3. If awarded the contract, Bidder must comply with the insurance requirements listed with Attachment 5 (Proposed Form of Agreement), Exhibit E (Additional Provisions), Item 2 (Insurance). Bidder must complete the Certification Statement within Attachment 4 (Experience Letter and Certification Statement) to document their acceptance of this requirement. Failure to complete the Certification Statement will result in a non-responsive/rejected bid.

4. Bidder must employ an attorney licensed to practice law in California, at the time of bid submittal and for the duration of the Agreement, if awarded. Bidder must provide the requested information within Attachment 4 (Experience Letter and Certification Statement) to document their attainment of this requirement. Caltrans will verify attorney licenses via the following online database - Attorney Search - The State Bar of California (http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/LicenseeSearch/QuickSearch). Failure to comply with this minimum qualification will result in a non-responsive/rejected bid.

5. Failure of Bidder to sufficiently meet any or all the minimum qualifications, in the opinion of Caltrans, will result in the Bidder’s bid deemed non-responsive.

C) Bid Requirements and Information

1. Time Schedule

It is recognized that time is of the essence. All bidders are hereby advised of the following schedule and will be expected to adhere to the required dates and times.

Event Date Time (Pacific Time)

IFB available to prospective bidders 4/24/2025 Written Question Submittal 4/30/2025 5:00 p.m.

Final Date and Time for Bid Submission 5/08/2025 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening 5/08/2025 2:30 p.m.

Proposed Award Date (estimate) 5/22/2025

2. Questions and Answers A. Questions regarding this IFB must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025. Bidders must submit their questions via e-mail to laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov.

B. Written questions must include: the individual's name, firm name, e-mail address and must reference IFB No. 81A0187.

C. Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted, as an Addendum, to the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.com/pages/index.aspx). It is the responsibility of the bidder to access the Cal eProcure website for any changes or addenda that may be posted. Refer to this Section C, Time Schedule for the schedule of events and dates/times.

Bidder can contact the Contract Analyst named above.

3. Costs Included in Bid Rates Bid prices/rates shall include the cost of employer payments to or on behalf of employees, subsistence, travel, compensation insurance premiums, unemployment contributions, social security taxes, contract bond premiums, and any other taxes or assessments, including but not limited to, sales and use taxes required by law or otherwise and no additional allowance will be paid unless separate payment provisions in the Agreement should specifically provide otherwise.

mailto:laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov https://caleprocure.com/pages/index.aspx

4. Small Business Preference SB Preference will be granted on this IFB. Only firms certified as a “Small Business” or “Micro Business” with the Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Small Business and DVBE Service (OSDS) or contractors who commit to subcontracting a minimum of 25 percent (25%) of their net bid price to SB or MB, in the categories most appropriate to accomplish the prescribed services,] will be granted this preference. For more information, refer to Section D, Special Programs.

5. Mandatory Organic Waste Recycling Contractor generating organic waste or commercial solid waste shall comply with SB 1383; also Contractor will arrange for the recycling services required by this section in a manner that is consistent with State and local laws and requirements, including a local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement, applicable to the collection, handling, or recycling of organic waste and commercial solid waste. This requirement does not modify, limit, or abrogate Contractor’s right to sell or donate its recyclable organic waste materials consistent with the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 42649.8 et seq. When applicable, Contractor must comply with these provisions.

6. Motor Carrier Permit Requirements A. Contractor is responsible for determining whether California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and

34620 require Contractor to have a valid Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order for Contractor to lawfully perform any part or aspect of the work described in Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A and, if California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and 34620 do require same for any part or aspect of such work, Contractor must have a valid MCP(s) issued from the DMV for its services as a Motor Carrier of Property under this Agreement. Contractor shall pay any required fees necessary to obtain and maintain in good standing during the entire term of this Agreement the any such required MCP(s).

B. The MCP(s), if any, required for Contractor’s Motor Carriers of Property under California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and 34620 shall be on file with Contractor for the duration of this Agreement. Upon request of Caltrans Contract Manager, Contractor must immediately provide to Caltrans a copy of the required MCP(s), if any.

7. Subcontractors Bidder may subcontract portions of the work as defined in the attached Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A. If subcontractors are used, complete the Bidder Declaration (GSPD–05- 105). Bidder must ensure that the subcontractor(s) will have all necessary licenses, permits, and/or certifications to accomplish its portion of the work. Failure of a subcontractor(s) to have the proper licenses, permits, and/or certifications, shall be cause for rejection of bid.

8. Standard Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances (DOT Order No. 1050.2A) Caltrans, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Statute 252, 42 USC Sections 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any Agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

9. Insurance A. The bidder who receives the Agreement award, will be requested to provide a Certificate of

Insurance providing proof of insurance to the Division of Procurement and Contracts within 10 working days after the date of notification of award. The State’s Office of Risk and Insurance Management will review insurance certificates and/or proof of self-insurance documentation before execution of the Agreement. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E, for the applicable and specific Insurance requirements and coverage limits.

B. The insurance carrier shall provide an endorsement for the additional insured statement as follows:

Caltrans, State of California, its officers, agents, and employees shall be included as additional insured, but only with respect to work performed for the State of California under this Agreement.

C. The additional insured endorsement must accompany the certificate of insurance.

D. Satisfying A Self-Insured Retention (SIR)

All insurance required by this Agreement must allow, but not require, the State to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR. The choice to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR is at the State’s discretion. If the State chooses to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR, Contractor shall reimburse the State for the same.

E. Available Coverages/Limits In the event the insurance coverages obtained by Contractor is broader in scope than, and/or the limits are higher than, those required under the Agreement, all such broader coverage and/or higher limits available to Contractor shall also be available and applicable to the State.

10. California Civil Rights Laws Any person that submits a bid or proposal to, or otherwise proposes to enter into or renew an Agreement with, a State agency with respect to any Agreement in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more shall certify, under penalty of perjury, at the time the bid or proposal is submitted or the Agreement is renewed, that they satisfy all of the conditions set forth in California Public Contract Code Section 2010 and they shall execute the California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DOT ADM-0076), provided as a link in Attachment 3, Required Documents, completed, signed, and returned with its bid or proposal.

11. Darfur Contracting Act A. The Darfur Contracting Act, Public Contract Code Section 10475-10481, applies to any company that currently or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States. The Act was passed by the California Legislature and signed into law by the Governor to preclude State agencies generally from contracting with “scrutinized” companies that do business in the African nation of Sudan (of which the Darfur region is a part), for the reasons described in Public Contract Code Section 10475. All bidders shall complete the Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM- 0077), provided as a link in Attachment 3, Required Documents, and submit with the proposal.

B. If your company has not, within the previous three (3) years, had any business activities or other operations outside of the United States, complete Option 1 on DOT ADM-0077.

C. A scrutinized company is a company doing business in Sudan as defined in Public Contract Code Section 10476. Scrutinized companies are ineligible to, and cannot bid on, or submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services. (Pub. Cont. Code Section 10477(a)).

D. Therefore, Public Contract Code Section 10478(a) requires a company that currently has (or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States to certify that it is not a “scrutinized” company when it submits a bid or proposal to a State agency.

E. A scrutinized company may still, however, submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services if the company first obtains permission from the Department of General Services according to the criteria set forth in Public Contract Code Section 10477(b).

12. Iran Contracting Act A. Pursuant to the Iran Contracting Act of 2010 (Pub. Cont. Code Sections 2200 et seq., hereinafter “the Act”), persons identified on the list established under Public Contract Code Section 2202.5 (hereinafter “List”) are ineligible to bid on, submit a proposal for, enter into, or renew any Agreement with the State for goods or services of one million dollars or more.

B. Any person who submits a bid or proposal must complete and submit to Caltrans with its bid proposal, the Iran Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM-0078), provided as a link in Attachment 3, Required Documents, certifying that it is not on the most current List unless the person is exempted from the certification requirement by Public Contract Code Section 2203(c) or (d). If claiming an exemption, the person shall provide written evidence that supports an exemption under Public Contract Code Section 2203(c) or (d) with its bid or proposal.

C. Any person, for an Agreement that is exempt from bidding or is renewed, or for whom an Agreement is otherwise awarded by the State, must complete and submit to Caltrans DOT ADM-0078, certifying that it is not on the most current List, before the Agreement has been executed by the parties, unless the person is exempted from the certification requirement by Public Contract Code Section 2205(c) or (d). If claiming an exemption, the person shall provide written evidence that supports an exemption under Public Contract Code Section 2203(c) or (d), before execution of the Agreement.

13. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law unless the contract has been Federalized (i.e.

there is federal participation in any phase). By submitting a bid or proposal, Contractor represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Contractor’s bid/proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.

14. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Technology Use and Reporting A. The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

B. Bidder / Offeror must notify the State in writing if it:

1) Intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3.4.22-Russia-Ukraine-Executive-Order.pdf

2) Intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts:

a) Functionality of a State system,

b) Risk to the State, or

c) Contract performance.

Note: For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

C. Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

D. Upon notification by a Bidder / Offeror of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

E. Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

15. Bid Submittal A. All bids must be submitted and received by Caltrans Division of Procurement and Contracts, Bid Unit, by dates and times shown in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information.

B. The mailing package/envelope should be labeled as follows:

Note: All packages not clearly or properly labeled as indicated below, including overnight mail and hand delivered packages, may be rejected.

YOUR RETURN ADDRESS Agreement No. 81A0187 Bid Due Date: 5/8/2025 Bid Due Time: 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening Date: 5/8/2025

Bid Opening: 2:30 p.m.

Attention: Laura Heberle

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts ATTN: Bid Unit 1727 30th Street, 4th Floor, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816-7006

BID SUBMITTAL DO NOT OPEN

C. Late bids will not be considered.

D. All bids shall include the documents identified on the IFB’s Required Documents, located at the end of the solicitation. Bids not including the required documents may be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive bid is one that does not meet the basic bid requirements.

E. Only an individual who is legally authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign all documents requiring a signature, and each document must bear a signature.

F. If your bid is hand delivered, you must date and time stamp the sealed envelope/package immediately upon arrival. The date/time stamp machine is located in the lobby on the first floor to the right of the security guard station at the address noted above. After date/time stamping, the bid should be placed in the locked bid cabinet located below the time stamp. If the bid package is too large to be electronically stamped, date/time stamp one of the labels provided and attach it to the proposal package. When the bid package is too large for the locked bid cabinet, ask the security guard to call the Division of Procurement and Contracts reception desk at (916) 227-6000 to have your bid package picked up.

G. Bid opening will be held via teleconference at 2:30 p.m. on the date specified in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information. Bidders may participate via teleconference by calling 1- 866-700-7952 and entering the pass code 7089821#. Calls will be accepted beginning at 2:20 p.m. until the conclusion of the bid opening. Bids will be read in Agreement numeric order;

questions will not be allowed; and information will not be repeated. Initial bid opening results will be posted online on the Division of Procurement and Contracts website at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results by 3:00 p.m. on the day following the bid opening. The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the requirements outlined in the IFB after verification and applicable incentives are applied as stated in Evaluation and Selection below.

H. Bids must include the performance of all the services described herein. Any attempt to modify the bid document to deviate from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a bid to be rejected.

I. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional, incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. Caltrans may reject any bid on the basis that it is not responsive or from a non-responsible bidder and may waive any immaterial deviation in a bid.

Caltrans waiver of an immaterial defect shall in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the Agreement.

J. Costs for developing bids and in anticipation of award of an agreement is entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the State.

K. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually shall sign the attached Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet. The signature must also indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. A bid with an unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet may be rejected.

L. A bidder may modify a bid after its submission by first withdrawing the original bid and then by resubmitting a new bid prior to the bid submittal deadline. Bidder modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

M. A bidder may withdraw a bid by, prior to bid opening, submitting a written withdrawal request to Caltrans, at DPAC.BidUnit@dot.ca.gov, signed by the bidder or an agent authorized in accordance with Section K above. A bidder may thereafter submit a new bid prior to the bid submittal deadline. Bids may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to bid submittal deadline. Please contact the Caltrans analyst located on page 1 of this IFB with any questions.

N. Caltrans may modify the IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum sent to all parties who received a bid package.

O. Caltrans reserves the right to reject all bids for reasonable cause.

P. Bidders are cautioned not to rely on Caltrans during its evaluation process to discover and report to the bidder any defects and/or errors in the submitted documents. Before submitting their documents, bidders should carefully proof them for errors and full adherence to the IFB requirements. Where applicable, the bidder should carefully examine work sites and https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results mailto:DPAC.BidUnit@dot.ca.gov specifications. Bidder shall investigate conditions, character, and quality of surface or subsurface materials or obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the Agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of work sites and specifications.

Q. Caltrans does not accept alternate agreement language from a bidder. A bid with such language will be considered a counter proposal and will be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are not negotiable. Also, the winning bidder(s) must complete, sign, and submit all pages of the Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) as part of the Agreement award process. Both the GTC 02/2025 and CCC 04/2017 may be viewed at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources- List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

16. Evaluation and Selection A. At the time of bid opening, each bid proposal’s total and any small business and/or micro business information (if applicable) will be read aloud. Bids are considered preliminary pending review and verification of applicable bid requirements such as: small business preference, incentives, DVBE, DBE, licensing, bonding, qualifications, or other requirements as stated in the IFB. Agreements will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

B. Caltrans will check the bid submittal package to verify it received all required documents.

Positive verification of required documents will be performed to determine its responsiveness to the State's needs.

C. Bids that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references, which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the bidder, shall be rejected.

D. The Agreement, if awarded, shall be awarded to the responsible bidder who submits the lowest bid and meets all the specifications. A bid meets the specifications if it complies with all the requirements in this solicitation. In the event of a tie bid, Caltrans will draw lots to determine the successful bidder. Only one (1) bid may be submitted by an entity: individual, firm, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or combination thereof. Receipt of more than one

(1) bid from an entity will result in all bids from that entity being rejected and returned to the bidder.

17. Award A. Preliminary bid results may be viewed on the internet after 3:00 p.m. on the first (1st) business day following the bid due date at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results.

B. Whenever an Agreement is awarded under a procedure that provides for competitive bidding, but the Agreement is not to be awarded to the low bidder, the low bidder shall be given notice five (5) working days prior to the award of the Agreement by email.

C. Upon written request by any bidder, the Notice of the Intent to Award shall be posted in a public place in the office of the awarding agency, as well as online at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/notices-of-intent-to-award, for at least five (5) working days prior to awarding the Agreement. This information can also be obtained by contacting the Contract Analyst directly.

D. Upon award of the Agreement, Contractor shall complete and submit to Caltrans, the Payee Data Record (STD 204), to determine if Contractor is subject to State income tax withholding pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 18662 et seq. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD under the heading Forms. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 has been returned to Caltrans.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/notices-of-intent-to-award https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD

18. Protest Bidders have the right to protest the award of Caltrans Agreements subject to the following processes and procedures.

A. Filing a Protest: The initial protest must be submitted to DGS, Office of Legal Services, and

Caltrans, Protest Unit, prior to the award of the Agreement. When a protest has been submitted, the Agreement shall not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or DGS has decided the matter. The written protest must be sent, either via e-mail or regular mail, to the addresses below:

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts Attention: Bid, Protest, and Dispute Branch Chief 1727 30th Street, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone Number: (916) 639-6322 Email:

DPAC.Protest.Disputes.Terminations@dot.ca.gov

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services Attention: Bid Protest Coordinator 707 Third Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Phone Number: (916) 376-5080 Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov

B. Within five (5) days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder shall file with DGS and Caltrans, Protest Unit a full and complete written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. The full written protest statement must be sent to the same addresses above.

Note: E-mail is the preferred method of protest delivery. If a bidder uses regular mail, It is suggested that you submit any protest by certified or registered mail.

19. Standard Conditions of Service A. Service shall not begin prior to the express date set by Caltrans Contract Manager and

Contractor, after all approvals have been obtained, and the Agreement is fully executed.

Should Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, Caltrans Contract Manager, upon five (5) days written notice to Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In addition, Contractor shall be liable to Caltrans for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by the second lowest bidder or by another Contractor.

B. All performance under the Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement.

C. Antitrust Provisions

1) In submitting a bid to a public purchasing body, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is accepted, it will assign to the purchasing body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 USC Section 15 or under the Cartwright Act Chapter 2, commencing with Section 16700, of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, materials, or services by the bidder for sale to the purchasing body pursuant to the bid. Such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing body tenders final payment to the bidder (Gov. Code Section 4552).

2) If the awarding body or public purchasing body receives, either through judgment or settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under this chapter, the assignor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, upon demand, recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, attributable to overcharges that were paid.

mailto:DPAC.Protest.Disputes.Terminations@dot.ca.gov mailto:OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov

3) Upon demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one (1) year from such demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under this part if the assignor has been or may have been injured by the violation of law for which the cause of action arose and (a) the assignee has not been injured thereby, or (b) the assignee declines to file a court action for the cause of action (Gov. Code Section 4554).

D. If the bidder is awarded the Agreement and refuses to sign the Agreement presented for signature within the time and manner required, the bidder will be liable to Caltrans for actual damages resulting to Caltrans therefrom or 10 percent (10%) of the amount bid, whichever is less.

E. Loss Leader usage is prohibited in this solicitation: It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this State to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 17030. “Loss Leader” means any article or product sold at less than cost: a) where the purpose is to induce, promote or encourage the purchase of other merchandise; or b) where the effect is a tendency or capacity to mislead or deceive purchasers of prospective purchasers; or c) where the effect is to divert trade from or otherwise injure competitors.

F. No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

D) Special Programs

The following Special Programs are applicable to this IFB.

1. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference

A. Government Code Section 14835 et seq. requires that a five percent (5%) preference be given to contractors who qualify as a Certified SB or MB. References to a small business (SB) shall also include micro-business (MB). The rules and regulations of this law, including the definition of a SB for the delivery of services, are contained in Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Section 1896 (2 CCR Section 1896) et seq.

B. To claim the SB or MB preference, Contractor must have its principal place of business located in California, satisfy all of the SB or MB requirements, and be certified by the California Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business (DVBE) Services (OSDS). The preference amount may not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for any bid. If prospective contractor is claiming the five percent (5%) certified SB or MB preference, complete Section 16 of the attached Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet. Additionally, Contractor may satisfy the non-SB requirements described below.

C. Pursuant to Government Code Section 14838 and 2 CCR Section 1896, if a bidder is not a certified SB, but wishes to be eligible for the five percent (5%) non-small business (NSB) preference, the bidder must subcontract at least twenty five percent (25%) of its net bid price to one or more certified SBs. If bidder is claiming the five percent (5%) non-SB (NSB) preference, complete Section 17 of the attached Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, as well as Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105). The bidder shall list the names of all certified SB firms being claimed for credit. Bidders must include quotes from each SB subcontractor, on the subcontractor letterhead. The quote must at minimum include the following: 1) type of services performed, or goods supplied 2) estimated hours, or quantity of goods 3) hourly rate, or unit price 4) total quote amount.

D. Certified SB and MB bidder(s) shall have precedence over NSB bidders in the application of SB preference(s).

E. SB preferences may not be applied to any bid deemed non-responsive with the solicitation instructions or from a non-responsible bidder.

F. Questions regarding the certification approval process or SB program should be directed to OSDS at (800) 559-5529 or (916) 375-4940, or by email:osdshelp@dgs.ca.gov.

G. SB or MB bidders or bidders using the “Non-Small Business” preference shall be granted a preference consisting of five percent (5%) of the lowest responsible bidder’s total bid if the lowest bid is from a non-certified SB or MB.

H. Additional references are at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement- Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran- Business-Enterprise.

2. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Programs A. DVBE Participation Program with No Participation Requirements:

DVBE participation is not required, but DVBE participation is encouraged, and a DVBE incentive will apply to this IFB as described below. Please review the DVBE Program Requirements: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/- /media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=

FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C

B. DVBE Incentive Program

1) The DVBE Incentive Program applies to this solicitation. It is separate from the DVBE

Participation Program and was established in Military and Veterans Code Sections 999 et seq., and Title 2, California of Regulations, Sections 1896.99 (2 CCR Section1896.99) et seq., to encourage bidders to partner with DVBE subcontractors. A dollar cap of $100,000 is set for all combined incentives and preferences. The incentive is used only for evaluation purposes to arrive at the successful bidder and does not alter the amounts of the actual bid. Any responsive and responsible bidder with the confirmed DVBE participation per the Tables in paragraph 3) below is eligible to receive the incentive. Bidders who are not responsive and responsible regardless of the amount of DVBE participation are not eligible to receive the incentive.

2) Caltrans will apply an incentive to bids proposing the utilization of DGS-certified DVBE firms identified on the Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105). Information provided on the GSPD-05-105 shall be verified by Caltrans prior to the award of the Agreement. The incentive amount is equal to a percentage of the lowest responsive and responsible bid based on the amount of DVBE participation in the bid being evaluated per the Tables below.

3) Tables for IFB (Low Price Method) No Participation Requirement

Verified DVBE Participation DVBE Incentive Amount

5% or more 5%

4%-4.99% 4%

3%-3.99% 3%

2%-2.99% 2%

0.1%-1.99% 1% mailto:osdshelp@dgs.ca.gov https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C

4) When applying the DVBE Incentive, an NSB shall not displace an award to a DGS Certified Small Business.

5) Please review the DVBE Program Requirements: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/- /media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&ha sh=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C

6) Additional information: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement- Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran- Business-Enterprise.

3. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) A. Contractor agrees to comply with the requirements of the Target Area Contract Preference Act

(“the Act”) (Government Code Section 4530, et seq.) and attendant rules and regulations.

(Title 2, California Administrative Code, Section 1896.30, et seq.).

B. Contractor agrees that Caltrans, or its delegee, will have the right to inspect its facilities and operations and to inspect, review, obtain, and copy all records pertaining to performance of this Agreement or compliance with the requirements of the Act and attendant rules and regulations. Contractor further agrees that such records shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after final payment under this Agreement.

C. Contractor agrees with respect to a certification to hire persons with high risk of unemployment, to:

1) Act in good faith for the purpose of maintaining such persons as employees for the duration of performance of this Agreement; and

2) To make a reasonable effort to replace such persons, who for any reason permanently cease to be on the payroll, with other persons with high risk of unemployment; and

3) To promptly report to Caltrans and thereafter confirm in writing within seven (7) days the names of any such persons who have been terminated or absent from work for more than three (3) consecutive workdays and to communicate the reasons for the termination or absence. Contractor agrees under such circumstances to consult with Caltrans and the Employment Development Department with respect to replacement of such persons.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&hash=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise

Agreement Number 81A0187

STATE OF CALIFORNIA – DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

BID PROPOSAL ATTACHMENT 1

ADM-1412 (REV. 04/21)

CONTRACTOR’S NAME (Please Print):

Contractor’s Commission Rate on All Accounts Assigned (Numeric Form): _____________________%

Written Form: ________________________________________________________________________ The contract will be awarded to the qualified responsive, responsible bidder with the lowest commission rate.

EXAMPLE:

Contractor’s Commission Rate on All Accounts Assigned (Numeric Form): 5% (Written Form): Five Percent

Pre-determined Commission Rates:

1. Interest collected from debtors will be split 50/50 between Caltrans and the Contractor. This interest is to be paid in gross to

Caltrans, who will include the Contractor’s 50% share interest with the commission payment.

2. Contractor will be compensated at a flat rate of five percent (5.0%) for all sums collected on invoices previously submitted to a collection agency during a prior Agreement period. This applies to invoices previously returned to Caltrans after a fully completed previous Agreement term.

1) PLEASE DO NOT ALTER, MODIFY OR CHANGE THIS BID PROPOSAL SHEET. ANY ALTERATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, OR CHANGES TO THIS BID PROPOSAL SHEET WILL BE GROUNDS TO REJECT THE BID.

Attachment 2 Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

Only an individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually shall sign the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. This Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet must be signed and returned along with all required documents as an entire package with original signatures. The bid must be transmitted in a sealed envelope in accordance with IFB instructions.

A. Our all-inclusive bid is submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Bid Submittal–Do Not Open.”

B. All required attachments are included with this certification sheet.

C. The signature affixed hereon and dated certifies compliance with all the requirements of this bid document. The signature below authorizes the verification of this certification.

D. The signature and date affixed hereon certifies that this bid is a firm offer for a 90-day period.

An Unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet May Be Cause for Bid Rejection

1. Company Name 2. Telephone Number 2a. Fax Number 2b. Email Address

3. Address

Indicate your organization type:

4. Sole Proprietorship 5. Partnership 6. Corporation Indicate the applicable employee and/or corporation number:

7. Federal Employee ID No. (FEIN) 8. California Corporation No.

Indicate the Department of Industrial Relations information:

9. Contractor Registration Number

Indicate applicable license and/or certification information:

10. Contractor’s State Licensing Board Number 11.

CAL-T-

12. Bidder’ Name (Print) 13. Title

14. Signature 15. Date

16. Are you certified with the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) as:

a. Small Business Enterprise Yes No If yes, enter certification number:

b. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Yes No If yes, enter your service code below:

Note: A copy of your Certification is required to be included if either of the above items is checked “Yes”.

Date application was submitted to OSDS, if an application is pending: _________________

17. Are you a Non-Small Business committing to the use of 25% Certified Small Business Subcontractor Participation? Yes No If Yes, complete and return the Bidder Declaration form, GSPD-05-105 or Subcontractor Provisions/List ADM- 1511 with your bid.

Attachment 2 Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

Completion Instructions for Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet Complete the numbered items on the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet by following the instructions below.

Item Numbers Instructions 1, 2, 2a, 2b, 3 Must be completed. These items are self-explanatory.

Check if your firm is a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a form of business in which one person owns all the assets of the business in contrast to a partnership and corporation. The sole proprietor is solely liable for all the debts of the business.

Check if your firm is a partnership. A partnership is a voluntary agreement between two or more competent persons to place their money, effects, labor, and skill, or some or all of them in lawful commerce or business, with the understanding that there shall be a proportional sharing of the profits and losses between them. An association of two or more persons to carry on, as co-owners, a business for profit.

Check if your firm is a corporation. A corporation is an artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state or nation, composed, in some rare instances, of a single person and his successors, being the incumbents of a particular office, but ordinarily consisting of an association of numerous individuals.

7 Enter your federal employee tax identification number.

Enter your corporation number assigned by the California Secretary of State’s Office.

This information is used for checking if a corporation is in good standing and qualified to conduct business in California.

Enter your Contractor Registration Number assigned by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). This Information will be used to determine if you are registered with

DIR.

10 Complete if your firm holds a California contractor’s license. This information will BE used to verify possession of a contractor’s license for public works agreements.

11 Cal-T

12, 13, 14, 15 Must be completed. These items are self-explanatory.

If certified as a Small Business Enterprise, place a check in the “yes” box, and enter your certification number on the line. If certified as a Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise, place a check in the “Yes” box and enter your service code on the line. If you are not certified to one or both, place a check in the “No” box. If your certification is pending, enter the date your application was submitted to the Department of General Services, Office Small Business and DVBE Services. To get certified, go to https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List- Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business- Enterprise?search=SB/DVBE%20Certification

17 Check the applicable box. Complete and return GSPD-05-105 or ADM-1511 with your Bid.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=SB/DVBE%20Certification https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=SB/DVBE%20Certification https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=SB/DVBE%20Certification

Attachment 3

Required Documents

The following documents should be submitted, or your bid may be considered non-responsive.

Do not submit this checklist, the Proposed Form of Agreement, company advertisements, brochures, informational pamphlets, or any other document unless specifically noted in the IFB Requirements and/or as listed below.

☐ Attachment 1 - Bid…