IFB Document B-40976 State Directory Services .docx

The Department of Innovation and Technology (“DoIT”, “Agency”, or “State”) requests Bids from responsible vendors to meet its needs. A brief description is set forth below for Bidder’s convenience, with detailed requirements in subsequent sections of this solicitation. If interested and able to meet these requirements, the State appreciates and welcomes a Bid.

Brief Description:

The Department of Innovation and Technology is seeking Directory Assistance and Informational Services for State users that may need to connect to a Directory Services Operator to inquire about State of Illinois services.

The resulting contract with the awarded Bidder shall have an initial term of ten (10) years. In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions exceed ten (10) years. 30 ILCS 500/20-60. Subject to the maximum total term limitation, DoIT has the option to renew for the following terms: None Please read the entire solicitation package and submit a Bid for evaluation in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package should be completed in full and submitted along with the price proposal which will constitute the Bid. Bidders should keep the instructions and a copy of their bids for future reference.

Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms A), IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms B) may be downloaded from the Chief Procurement Officer for General Service’s website at https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html. Business Enterprise Program/Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan may be downloaded from the Commission on Equity and Inclusion’s website at https://cei.illinois.gov/business-enterprise-program/compliance.html. These sections are a material part of this solicitation and must be returned when applicable with a Bidder’s Bid.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

INVITATION FOR BID

Department of Innovation and Technology State Directory Services

24-448DOIT-ADMIN-B-40976

Bids that do not adhere to form and content of the Invitation for Bid requirements may not be considered.

In compliance with the State and Federal Constitutions, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the U.S. Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the State of Illinois does not discriminate in employment, contracts, or any other activity.

The State of Illinois encourages prospective vendors to consider hiring qualified veterans and Illinois residents discharged from any Illinois adult correctional center, in appropriate circumstances.

State of Illinois IFB Title Page V.24.1 DoIT Legal - August 2023

SECTION 1.

Part Instructions and General Information A.

SECTION 2.

Offer to the State of Illinois B.

SECTION 3.

Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions C.

CONTRACT

Vendor Disclosure (formerly named FORMS A) Complete this form if you are not using a State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number which represents registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (“IPG”).

IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named FORMS B) Complete this form if you are using an active State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number.

To ensure that you are registered in the IPG, search for your business name in the IPG Registered Vendor Directory. If your company does not appear in the search results, then you are not registered in the IPG.

STATE OF ILLINOIS

OUTLINE

State of Illinois IFB

OUTLINE

V.24.1 DoIT Legal – August 2023

SECTION 1. INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Only Electronic Submissions through BidBuy of Bids and Offers will be Accepted

Bidders and Offerors are required to submit their response to the State’s solicitation through BidBuy. Any information sent to the State outside of BidBuy, for example by US Mail, FedEx, UPS, e-mail, or hand delivery, will neither be accepted nor considered. Vendor submissions will only be considered if they are received through BidBuy and on or before the time and date indicated in the Bid Opening section within the solicitation. Any required attachments must be submitted via BidBuy.

Documents shall be submitted in an electronic format that can be accessed and read using Microsoft Office or Adobe Reader. Corrupted files shall not be considered. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure that files are accessible and legible after uploading.

The vendor is solely responsible for ensuring timely submission of their electronic solicitation response. Failure to allow adequate time prior to the solicitation end date to complete and submit a response to a solicitation, particularly in the event technical support assistance from the State is required, places the vendor and their bid, offer or response at risk of not being accepted.

It is recommended that you access your BidBuy account prior to the solicitation due date and time to make sure that your company’s information is up-to-date and your password is current. Files may be uploaded at any time prior to submission.

File size may impact the uploading and downloading speed and may lead to browser time-outs resulting in failed upload/download attempts. Please consider this dependency when attaching very large documents.

The State encourages vendors to make sure that their BidBuy account is up-to-date.

CONFLICT BETWEEN INFORMATION IN ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS AND ON BIDBUY: If the State provides information in electronic documents (i.e., the IFB and other attachments) that is different or in conflict with the information the State provides on BidBuy, then the information in electronic documents is presumed to represent the State’s intent. If the Bidder provides information in electronic documents that is different or in conflict with the information the Bidder provides in BidBuy through their Seller Account, then the information in electronic documents shall represent the Bidder’s intended submission.

HOW TO ENTER INFORMATION: Type information in the text form fields provided. Text form fields are indicated by the instruction “Click here to enter text.” in red font. If the information requested does not apply to the Bidder’s situation, then enter “N/A” into the text form field. Please enter the requested information or N/A into every red text field. Please note that the CONTRACT section of this solicitation may be used as the contract between the State of Illinois and the awarded vendor. If used, then the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest, Disclosure of Business Operations in Iran, and Standard Illinois Certifications provided in the Vendor Disclosure or the Illinois Procurement Gateway, and certifications and disclosures provided in the IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (if applicable) will become a material part of the contract.

PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION: The State publishes procurement information, including solicitations, awards, and amendments, on the General Services Illinois Procurement Bulletin, referred to as the Bulletin or BidBuy (https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/). Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Bidder is responsible for monitoring the Bulletin. The State will not be held responsible if Bidder fails to receive the optional e-mail notice of future amendments to the solicitation.

INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual listed in the “Info Contact:” on the Bulletin posting shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Bidders should only communicate with the Information Contact. The State/Agency shall not be held responsible for information provided by or to any other person.

Suspected errors should be immediately reported to the Information Contact. Do not discuss, directly or indirectly, the solicitation or any bid with any State officer or employee other than the Information Contact.

BIDDER QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than questions raised at the Pre-Submission Conference, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than seven (7) days prior to Bid Due Date. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Amendment to the original solicitation on the Bulletin; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on the State. Bidders are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

In the Bulletin posting, the Agency may schedule a Pre-Submission Conference as the “Pre-Bid Conference”.

Is attendance at the Pre-Submission Conference mandatory? |_| Yes |X| No If attendance is mandatory, Bidder (current Vendor included) will be disqualified and considered non-responsive if Bidder does not attend, is not on time, leaves early or fails to sign the attendance sheet. Bidder must allow adequate time to accommodate security screenings at the site.

BID DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS: Each solicitation contains the Bid Due Date and Time appearing as the “Bid Opening Date:” on the Bulletin posting. Bids will be opened in BidBuy on the “Bid Opening Date:”

A.7.1. Bid Firm Time: Vendor’s Bid must remain firm for 180 days from opening.

SECURITY: Bid Bond $ N/A / Performance Bond $ N/A. If a bid bond is required, Bidder must submit the bid bond with the Bid. If a performance bond is required, Bidder must submit the performance bond to the solicitation contact within ten (10) days after contract execution. The bond must be from a surety licensed to do business in Illinois. An irrevocable letter of credit is an acceptable substitute. The form of security must be acceptable to the State.

SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: In the Bulletin posting, if “Yes” is shown to the question “Is this subject to Small Business Set-Aside?”, then Bidder must be qualified by the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time bids are due in order for the Bid to be evaluated. For complete requirements and to qualify Bidder’s business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program, visit the CPO’s website at https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/sell-2-illinois.html.

MINORITY CONTRACTOR INITIATIVE: The State requires a fee of $15 to cover expenses related to the administration of the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Any bidder awarded a contract of $1,000 or more under Section 20-10, 20-15, 20-25 or 20-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) is required to pay a fee of $15. The Comptroller shall deduct the fee from the first check issued to the Vendor under the contract and deposit the fee in the Comptroller’s Administrative Fund. 15 ILCS 405/23.9.

PROCUREMENT OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTS: It is the policy of the State of Illinois to use State procurements to maximize the use of goods, products, and materials produced in Illinois. 30 ILCS 517. If this procurement is for a product alone and does not include a service, then preference shall be given to a product manufactured in the United States.

A vendor must affirmatively declare at the time they submit their bid or offer that the product being proposed to the State is manufactured in the United States. The purchasing agency may request documentation verifying the product’s manufacturing origin. The purchasing agency shall purchase the product manufactured in the United States unless the agency determines that any of the following applies: (1) the procured product is not manufactured in the United States in reasonably available quantities, or (2) the price of the procured product manufactured in the United States exceeds the price of available and comparable procured products manufactured outside of the United States by 12% or more, or (3) the quality of the procured product manufactured in the United States is substantially less than the quality of the comparably priced, available, and comparable procured products manufactured outside of the United States, or (4) the purchase of the procured products manufactured outside of the United States better serves the public interest by helping to protect or save life, property, or the environment, or (5) the purchase of the procured product is made in conjunction with contracts or offerings of telecommunications, fire suppression, security systems, communications services, Internet services, or information services, or (6) the purchase is of pharmaceutical products, drugs, biologics, vaccines, medical devices used to provide medical and health care or treat disease or used in medical or research diagnostic tests, and medical nutritionals regulated by the Food and Drug Administration under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

FEDERAL FUNDS: The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds. Upon notice of intent to award, the percentage of the goods and/or services involved which are Federally funded and the dollar amount of such Federal funds will be disclosed.

EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT: Bidders who hire qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders may be eligible for tax credits. 30 ILCS 500/45-67 and 45-70. Please contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (217-524-4772) for information about tax credits.

GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM: Illinois law and rules govern this solicitation and any resulting contract. Bidder must bring any action relating to this solicitation in the appropriate court in Illinois. This document contains statutory references designated with “ILCS.” Bidder may view the full text at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp. The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and the Standard Procurement Rules (44 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1 are applicable to this solicitation and may be respectively viewed at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7 and http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044parts.html.

PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: Bids become the property of the State. All bids will be open to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Bidder requests in its Bid that the State treat certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The State will not honor requests to keep entire Bids confidential. Bidders must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the State will disclose the successful Bidder’s name, the substance of the Bid, and the price.

If Bidder requests confidential treatment, Bidder must submit additional attachment/attachments of the Bid with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must tell the general nature of the material removed and shall retain as much of the Bid as possible. In a separate attachment, Bidder shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis or bases under Illinois law, including a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure.

Bidder will hold harmless and indemnify the State for all costs or damages associated with the State defending Bidder’s request for confidential treatment. Bidder agrees that the State may copy the Bid to facilitate evaluation, or to respond to requests for public records. Bidder warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party.

RESERVATIONS: Bidder must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Bid and all activities to ensure compliance. The State reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all bids, award by item, group of items, or grand total, and waive minor defects. The State may request a clarification, inspect Bidder’s premises, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of the Bid, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. The State will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, and terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the State and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/), associated administrative rules and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that the Bidder provide additional information or otherwise cooperate with the State. If a bidder does not comply with requests for information or cooperate, the State may reject the bid as non-responsive to the solicitation. Submitting a bid does not entitle the Bidder to an award or a contract. Posting a vendor’s name in a Bulletin notice does not entitle the vendor to a contract. The State is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any bid. Awarded vendor(s) shall not commence, and will not be paid for any billable work undertaken prior to the date all parties execute the contract, unless approved in writing in advance by the State Purchasing Officer or the Chief Procurement Officer (or designee).

AWARD: The State is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. If the State issues an award, the award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder who submits the lowest price. The State will post a notice to the Bulletin identifying the apparent low-cost bidder. The State may accept or reject a bidder’s bid as submitted or may require contract negotiations. If negotiations do not result in an acceptable agreement, the State may reject the bidder’s bid and begin negotiations with another bidder. Awards are not final until all protests are resolved.

INVOICING ADDRESS: Vendor shall invoice the State on a monthly basis.

Vendor shall not bill for any taxes unless accompanied by proof the State is subject to the tax. If necessary, Vendor may request the applicable Agency’s Illinois tax exemption number and Federal tax exemption information.

PROTEST REVIEW OFFICE: Bidders may submit a written protest to the Protest Review Office following the requirements of the Standard Procurement Rules. 44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.5550. For protests related to specifications, the Protest Review Office must physically receive the protest no later than fourteen (14) days after the solicitation or related addendum was posted to the Bulletin. For protests related to rejection of individual bids or awards, the protest must be received by close of business no later than fourteen (14) days after the protesting party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Protest Review Office information is as follows:

Chief Procurement Office for General Services Email: CPOGS.PRO@illinois.gov Attn: Protest Review Office 300 W Jefferson St, Suite 128 Springfield, IL 62702 EVALUATION PROCESS: The State evaluates three categories of information: Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Price. The State will consider the information provided and the quality of that information when evaluating the bidder’s bid. If the State finds a failure or deficiency, the State may reject the bid or reflect the failure or deficiency in the evaluation.

· Active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date

· Disclosure of lobbyists for Bidder and parent entity(ies)

· Disclosure of pending and current contracts

· Certifications timely to this solicitation A.20.1.3 If completing Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms A), required forms may include and may not be limited to:

· Business and Directory Information: Bidder should complete and return the Business and Directory Information form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 1.

· Illinois Department of Human Rights Public Contracts Number: Bidder shall complete and return the IDHR Public Contracts Number form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 2.

· Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois: A person (other than an individual acting as a sole proprietor) must be a duly constituted legal entity prior to submitting a bid and authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in Illinois prior to execution of the contract. For more information, see Authorized to Transact Business or Conduct Affairs in Illinois in Vendor Disclosure, Part 3.

· Standard Illinois Certifications: Offeror shall complete and return the Standard Illinois Certifications form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 4.

· State Board of Elections Registration: Vendor or Bidder may be prohibited from making political contributions and be required to register with the State Board of Elections. For more information, see State Board of Elections in Vendor Disclosure, Part 5.

· Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran: Offeror should complete and return the Disclosure of Business Operations with Iran form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 6.

· Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest: Bidder shall complete and return the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 7, or in the Illinois Procurement Gateway.

· Taxpayer Identification Number: Bidder shall complete and return the Taxpayer Identification form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 8.

Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a vendor from bidding or offering to supply developing technology, goods or services after providing the State with a demonstration of the developing technology, goods, or services; provided the subject of the demonstration to the State represents industry trends and innovation and is not specifically designed to meet the State's needs. Nothing herein is intended to prohibit a person or business from submitting a bid or offer or entering into a contract if the person or business: (i) initiates a communication with an employee to provide general information about products, services, or industry best practices and, if applicable, that communication is documented in accordance with Section 50-39 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/) or (ii) responds to a communication initiated by an employee of the State for the purposes of providing information to evaluate new products, trends, services, or technologies (30 ILCS 500/50-10.5).

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. If this solicitation is for non-construction supplies or services and contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan shall render the Offer non-responsive. 30 ILCS 575/4(f). All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Liaison prior to submission of bid.

BEP Liaison: Reginald Lampkin BEP Goal: 0% Phone Number: 312-814-4603 Email Address: Reginald.Lampkin@illinois.gov Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting BEP requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified as BEP vendors prior to the Bid Opening Date. Go to https://cei.illinois.gov/ for complete requirements for BEP certification. Go to https://ceibep.diversitysoftware.com/ to search for certified BEP vendors.

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by military veterans. If this solicitation contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan as instructed later in this solicitation may render the Offer non-responsive. All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Veteran Small Business Liaison prior to submission of bid.

Veteran Small Business Liaison: Reginald Lampkin VET Goal: 0% Phone Number: 312-814-4603 Email Address: Reginald.Lampkin@illinois.gov

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified as VOSB or SDVOSB vendors prior to Bid opening date. Go to https://cei.illinois.gov/veterans-business-program.html for complete requirements for VOSB or SDVOSB certification. Go to https://ceibep.diversitysoftware.com/ to search for certified VOSB and SDVOSB vendors.

BIDBUY TERMINOLOGY AND GUIDANCE: BidBuy is an online e-procurement system. There may be some difference between the procurement terminology used in this solicitation and the terms used in BidBuy. Please learn more about BidBuy by accessing the online resources found here:

https://pathway2procurement.illinois.gov/

-END OF INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Section 1. Part A. Instructions and General Information V.24.1 DoIT Legal –August 2023

SECTION 2. OFFER TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

Project Title / BidBuy Reference #: Click here to enter text The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Bidder hereby submits this Offer to the State of Illinois to perform in full compliance with the subject solicitation. By completing and signing this form, Bidder makes an Offer to the State of Illinois that the State may accept.

Bidder should use this Form as a final checklist to ensure that all required documents are completed and included with the Bid. Bidder must mark each blank below as appropriate; mark N/A when a section is not applicable to this solicitation. Bidder understands that failure to meet all requirements is cause for disqualification.

B.1 SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW: Bidder has reviewed the Solicitation and Contract, including all referenced documents and instructions, filled in all relevant blanks, and provided any requested information.

|_| Yes |_| No B.2 ADDENDA: Bidder has taken into account any and all addenda to the solicitation in making this Bid.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A B.3 PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE: If attendance was mandatory, Bidder attended the Pre-Submission Conference.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A B.4 BID SUBMISSION: Bidder is submitting the correct Attachments, properly labeled by the due date and time.

|_| Yes |_| No B.5 VENDOR DISCLOSURE (formerly named FORMS A) or IPG ACTIVE REGISTERED VENDOR DISCLOSURE (formerly named FORMS B): Bidder is properly submitting either Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, but not both.

|_| Yes |_| No B.6 BOND: If applicable, Bidder has submitted its Bid Bond or Performance Bond.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A B.7 SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: Bidder is a qualified small business in the Small Business Set-Aside Program at the time Bids are due.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A B.8 BidBuy Quote Attachment 1 – CONTRACT |_| Yes |_| No

B.9 BidBuy Quote Attachment 2 – OFFER |_| Yes |_| No

B.10 BidBuy Quote Attachment 3 – VENDOR DISCLOSURE (formerly FORMS A)

B.11 BidBuy Quote Attachment 4 – IPG ACTIVE REGISTERED VENDOR DISCLOSURE (formerly FORMS B)

B.12 BidBuy Quote Attachment 5 – BEP UTILIZATION PLAN

B.13 BidBuy Quote Attachment 6 – VSB UTILIZATION PLAN

B.14 CONTRACT SIGNATURE

Bidder has signed and filled out all Vendor information on the CONTRACT SIGNATURES page.

|_| Yes |_| No

B.15 SUBCONTRACTING

Bidder has indicated if subcontractors will be used and provided all requested information.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A

B.16 LOCATION OF PERFORMANCE

Bidder has provided the location and known or anticipated value of services to be performed.

|_| Yes |_| No |_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A

B.17 PRICING

Bidder has completed the PRICING part of the CONTRACT.

|_| Yes |_| No

B.18 EXCEPTIONS

In preparing the Bid, Bidder has taken (check one box below):

|_| No Exceptions |_| Exceptions to the State’s language or requirements; Exceptions must be provided on the State’s form (Section 3, Part C.1) or must be in a substantially similar format. The State discourages taking exceptions. State law shall not be circumvented by the exception process. Exceptions may result in rejection of Bidder’s Bid.

B.19 REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT

Bidder has supplied an additional copy of the Bid with confidential information deleted. In the event the designation of confidentiality of this information is challenged, the undersigned hereby agrees to provide legal counsel or other necessary assistance to defend the designation of confidentiality and agrees to hold the State harmless for any costs or damages arising out of the State agreeing to withhold the materials based on Bidder’s request.

|_| No, Bidder is not requesting confidential treatment for this Bid |_| Yes, Bidder is seeking confidential treatment for portions of this Bid

B.20 PREFERENCES

The Illinois Procurement Code provides various preferences to promote business opportunities in Illinois.

Does Bidder make any claims for preferences? If so, please mark the applicable preference(s) and include the list of items that qualify for the preference at the end of this section and a description of why the preference applies. The State reserves the right to determine whether the preference indicated applies to Bidder.

|_| Resident Bidder (30 ILCS 500/45-10) |_| Recycled Supplies (30 ILCS 500/45-20) |_| Recyclable Paper (30 ILCS 500/45-25) |_| Environmentally Preferable Supplies or Services (30 ILCS 500/45-26) |_| Illinois Correctional Industries (30 ILCS 500/45-30) |_| Not-for-Profit Agencies for Persons with Significant Disabilities (30 ILCS 500/45-35) |_| Gas Mileage (30 ILCS 500/45-40) |_| Small Businesses (30 ILCS 500/45-45) |_| Illinois Agricultural Products (30 ILCS 500/45-50) |_| Corn-Based Plastics (30 ILCS 500/45-55) |_| Veterans (30 ILCS 500/45-57) |_| Vehicles Powered by Agricultural Commodity-Based Fuel (30 ILCS 500/45-60) |_| Public Purchases in Other State (30 ILCS 520) |_| Illinois Mined Coal Act (30 ILCS 555) |_| Steel Products Procurement (30 ILCS 565) |_| Veteran’s Preference (330 ILCS 55) |_| Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575) |_| Procurement of Domestic Products (30 ILCS 517) To claim the Domestic Product preference, vendor must enter "Domestic Product" in the Alternate Description field of each line item (product) for which you claim the preference.

|_| Proposed product is manufactured in Illinois (30 ILCS 517) |_| Bio-based Products (30 ILCS 500/45-75) |_| Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act (30 ILCS 595) Items that Qualify and Explanation: Click here to enter text Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed Name of Authorized Representative:

Bidder’s Name: Click here to enter text Date: Click here to enter a date.

OFFER TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

Section 2. Part B. Offer to the State of Illinois V.24.1 DoIT Legal – August 2023

SECTION 3.

C. EXCEPTIONS TO SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Click here to enter text agrees with the terms and conditions set forth in the State of Illinois Invitation for Bid, including the standard terms and conditions, the Agency supplemental provisions, certifications, and disclosures, with the following exceptions. NOTE: VENDOR SHOULD ALSO REDLINE THESE EXCEPTIONS WITHIN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENT.

Excluding certifications required by statute to be made by the Vendor, both Parties agree that all of the duties and obligations that the Vendor owes to the Agency for the work performed shall be pursuant to the solicitation and resulting contract, and Vendor’s exceptions accepted by the State thereto as set forth below.

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ADDITIONAL VENDOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Click here to enter text hereby agrees to the exceptions provided by Click here to enter text and to the Additional Terms and Conditions provided by Click here to enter text.

EXCEPTIONS TO SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Section 3. Part C. Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions V.24.1 DoIT Legal – August 2023

The Parties to this Contract are the State of Illinois acting through the undersigned Agency (the “State”) and the Vendor. This Contract, consisting of the signature page and numbered sections listed below and any attachments referenced in this Contract, constitute the entire Contract between the Parties concerning the subject matter of the Contract, and in signing the Contract, the Vendor affirms that the Certifications and Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest attached hereto are true and accurate as of the date of the Vendor’s execution of the Contract. This Contract supersedes all prior proposals, contracts and understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter of the Contract. This Contract can be signed in multiple counterparts upon agreement of the Parties.

Contract includes BidBuy Purchase Order? (The Agency answers this question prior to Contract filing.)

☐ Yes ☐ No Contract uses Illinois Procurement Gateway Certifications and Disclosures?

☐ Yes (IPG Certifications and Disclosures including IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure formerly named Forms B) ☐ No

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

2. PRICING

3. TERM AND TERMINATION

4. STANDARD BUSINESS TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5. STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS

6. STANDARD ILLINOIS CERTIFICATIONS

7. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

8. CONTRACT SPECIFIC CERTIFICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES – “IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly called FORMS B)” (IF APPLICABLE)

9. PURCHASE ORDER FROM BIDBUY (IF APPLICABLE)

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Contract, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein and have caused this Contract to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates shown on the following CONTRACT SIGNATURES page

STATE OF ILLINOIS

CONTRACT

Department of Innovation and Technology State Directory Services

CIT4040976

Contract: Title Page V.24.1 DoIT Legal – August 2023

VENDOR

Email: Click here to enter text.

Date:

Email: DoIT.PSVM@Illinois.gov and DoIT.GeneralCounsel@Illinois.gov

Printed Name: Sanjay Gupta

Official’s Title: Acting Secretary

Legal Printed Name: Radhika Lakhani

Legal’s Title: General Counsel

Fiscal’s Printed Name: Mary Feagans

Fiscal’s Title: Chief Fiscal Officer

Contract: Signature Page V.24.1 DoIT Legal – August 2023

AGENCY USE ONLY NOT PART OF CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS

· Agency Reference #: 23-448DOIT-TELEC-R-131660

· Project Title: State Directory Services

· Contract #: CIT4040976

· Procurement Method (IFB, RFP, Small Purchase, etc.): IFB

· BidBuy / Bulletin Reference #: 24-448DOIT-ADMIN-B-40976

· BidBuy / Bulletin Publication Date:

· Award Code: A

· Subcontractor Utilization? |_| Yes |_|No Subcontractor Disclosure? |_| Yes |_|No

· Funding Source:

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Contract: State Use Only V.24.1 DoIT Legal –August 2023

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. GOAL: The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is seeking Directory Assistance and Informational Services for State users that may need to connect to a Directory Services Operator to inquire about State of Illinois services.

1.2. SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED: DoIT requires a vendor to provide a fully managed directory assistance and information services function for the State, including staffing, equipment, and transport facilities. The state requires a vendor to answers calls received from the general public and state employees. The vendor shall be able to provide phone numbers and extensions for State Employees, Legislators and agencies requested. The vendor maintains an on-site database of State Employee and agency listings which are integrated into a proprietary workstation and updated by the State on a regular basis.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Vendor must be in compliance with any federal and Illinois ADA standards and requirements, making Directory Assistance Services available to speech or hearing-impaired persons. Vendor shall answer and complete calls from any assistive 'relay service" designated for speech or hearing-impaired person, or from any TDD/TTY unit or via a NexTalk or similar software application for speech or hearing-impaired persons. Vendor shall document the operators' ability to receive and transact Directory Assistance calls. Vendor must Identify all equipment/systems in place and provide this information to the State.

Site Inspections At all times during the term of the contract, Vendor shall permit DoIT, at DoITs' discretion, to conduct site visits to periodically monitor the vendor's performance, facilitate testing of new data extracts, and inspect state-owned equipment on site. Vendor must notify DoIT of the location of the call center and if the location is changed within 30 days. It is required that Vendor’s Directory Assistance call center be located within the continental United States. If any work identified for performance in the United States is moved to another country, such action shall be deemed a breach of contract.

English Language Fluency and Multi-Lingual Services Directory Assistance Operators must have accuracy and fluency in using the English language with proficiency, including, but not limited to, the ability to:

· speak precisely, distinctly and with clarity; accurately use correct word order, singular/plural verb tenses, prepositions, and articles at least 90% of the time; be comfortable asking questions and making requests; speak using a vocabulary equivalent to high school graduate level

· comprehend and be able to follow any conversation; including understanding news broadcasts, euphemisms, and recognize common names with the ability to accurately spell them and perform searches based on oral data offered

· read and comprehend written text at the high school graduate level

· write at the high school graduate level, using correct spelling, word order, singular/plural verb tenses, prepositions, and articles correctly at least 90% of the time; and compose basic business email and memos that can be clearly understood

· use intermediate terms easily in speech and writing; know vocabulary and be able to define intermediate terms at a high school graduate level Vendor must continue to provide training to staff and randomly monitor calls in order to provide coaching to agents as needed in order to maintain a high level of the English proficiency/fluency level of its operator pool.

Vendor must accommodate Spanish-speaking callers with Spanish translation staff or services during all hours of Directory Assistance operation. Vendor must utilize the State's contract for interpretation services which is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days out of the year (including February 29 in leap years, as well). Vendor’s agent must remain on the line with the interpreter until the needs of the caller have been met.

Hours of Operation and Call Volume Vendor must handle Directory Assistance service calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days out of the year (including February 29 in leap years, as well) at the rates identified in Section 2 - Pricing.

Call Volumes and Answer/Ring Times Vendor must respond to incoming calls reaching a Directory Assistance Operator within the following answer/ring times:

Business Hours [Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST]:

Monthly Average Answer/Ring Time: 5 rings or less

Non-Business Hours [all other times of the weekday, weekends & State holidays CST] Monthly Average Answer/ring Time: 8 rings or less

Vendor shall be able to successfully process up to 25,000 attempts per month and be able to effectively meet the requirements and expectations of the contract --regardless of a potential increase or decrease in actual call volume.

Monthly Average Ring Time Interval is the monthly average number of rings before the call is answered.

Penalties The agency will provide the vendor with two monthly average ring time intervals, one for business hours (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST) and one for non-business hours (all other times of the weekday, weekends & State holidays CST). Standard ring interval is defined as the number of rings before a call is answered by an operator. On a monthly basis, the agency will compare the vendor’s mean average ring interval with the standard interval and assess a 5% penalty for each whole number by which the vendor’s mean average exceeds the standard interval. This penalty shall not exceed 20% of that month’s invoiced amount.

A. 5% penalty against total monthly invoice for each Ring Interval over 5 rings during Business Hours, when comparing vendor’s Mean Average Ring Interval with the appropriate Standard Ring Interval.

B. 5% penalty against total monthly invoice for each Ring Interval over 8 rings during non-Business hours, when comparing vendor’s Mean Average Ring Interval with the appropriate Standard Ring Interval.

Note 1: Penalties associated with mandatory service level monthly average (mean average) ring times are capped at a cumulative 20%. The statement of penalties in no way limits the State's legal or equitable right under this Contract.

Note 2: Penalties are only assessed for whole monthly average answer ring time interval numbers. For example, a monthly average of 5.8 rings during Business hours would not incur a penalty.

Penalty Examples:

Answering Protocol, and Types of Calls The State requires that all calls be answered courteously, and all callers be queried and assisted by Vendor staff with professionalism and in adherence to specialized call answering protocols, as directed by DoIT. Vendor must have customized greetings that can be modified per the request of DoIT. Sample script will be provided to vendor for use.

DoIT maintains an extensive State Telephone Directory database, currently using a DoIT web-based data source. Listings Include both "People"/alphabetical and "Business"/agency departmental records. Current DoIT practice requires Vendors Directory Assistance Operators to provide the appropriate number (and address if so requested) for the calling party and to extend the call only at the caller’s request. Currently, daily data extracts of delimited State of Illinois Directory text files are transmitted to vendor via email.

As new agencies are created, agency consolidations occur, or as public programs and services are added/changed/terminated, DoIT will forward press releases and other pertinent Information to Vendor. DoIT will continue to monitor the efforts of all State agency staff responsible for updating agency listings in the State Directory data source.

Directory Assistance operators must provide Directory Assistance and Information Services to both State Centrex and external callers. Specifically, when furnished with an employee name, an agency name, department, work unit, desired service; or program, the Directory Assistance Operators must, or use best efforts to attempt to, provide the telephone number listed (and accompanying mailing address, if so requested) in the State’s directory records associated with the name, agency, department, work unit, desired service, or program identified by the caller. Operators must receive, answer, transact, and extend calls (as requested) and maintain all necessary cross-reference lists.

State Directory Assistance operators must provide Directory Assistance and Information Services to both State Centrex and external callers. State Directory Assistance Operators must, or use best efforts to attempt to, provide an appropriate telephone number (and accompanying mailing address, if so…