IFB-RFQ - Incident Command & Control Simulator.pdf

OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE

The State seeks offers for the goods and/or related services described in this solicitation. The State’s acceptance of any offer must be demonstrated by execution of the acceptance found below and any subsequent Request for Best and Final Offer, if issued. Acceptance shall create a contract having an order of precedence as follows:

In cases of conflict between documents comprising the contract, the order of precedence shall be (1) Best and Final Offers, if any, (2) special terms and conditions specific to this IFB/RFQ, (3) specifications, (4) Department of Information Technology Terms and Conditions of this IFB/RFQ, and (5) the agreed portions of the awarded Vendor’s offer. No contract shall be binding on the State until an encumbrance of funds has been made for payment of the sums due under the contract.

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bid / Request for Quote, and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned offers and agrees to furnish any or all Services or goods upon which prices are offered, at the price(s) offered herein, within the time specified herein. By executing this offer, I certify that this offer is submitted competitively and without collusion.

Failure to execute/sign offer prior to submittal shall render offer invalid. Late offers are not acceptable.

OFFEROR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY, STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL.

NO

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING: FAX NUMBER:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE: E-MAIL:

Offer valid for sixty (60), days from date of offer opening unless otherwise stated here: ____ days

ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER

If any or all parts of this IFB/RFQ are accepted, an authorized representative of Brunswick Community College shall affix their signature hereto. A copy of this acceptance will be forwarded to the successful vendor(s).

FOR STATE USE ONLY

Offer accepted and contract awarded this ______ day of _____________________, 20____, as indicated on attached certification, by _____________________________________________ (Authorized representative of Brunswick Community College).

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA INVITATION FOR BIDS OR REQUEST FOR

QUOTE NO. 81-04302026

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE Offers will be publicly opened:

Friday, May 15th, 2026 11am Eastern Standard Time

Issue Date: April 30, 2026

Refer ALL inquiries regarding this IFB/RFQ to:

Ashley Malkemus malkemusa@brunswickcc.edu (910)755-8569

Commodity Number: 462010

Description: Incident Command and Control Simulation Training System

Using Agency: Brunswick Community College

See page 2 for submission instructions. Requisition No.: N/A

IFB/RFQ Number: 81-04302026

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1. VENDOR QUESTIONS

2.2. ADDENDA

2.3. OFFER SUBMITTAL

2.4. BASIS FOR REJECTION

2.5. LATE OFFERS

2.6. NON-RESPONSIVE OFFERS

2.7. NOTICE TO VENDORS

2.8. E-PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION

2.9. DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS

2.10. POSSESSION AND REVIEW

2.11. BEST AND FINAL OFFERS (BAFO)

2.12. AWARD

3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. VENDOR STANDARD AGREEMENT(S)

3.2. VENDOR UTILIZATION OF WORKERS OUTSIDE U.S. – DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

3.3. E-VERIFY

3.4. DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

3.5 SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS

3.6 ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SPECIFICATIONS

3.7. PRODUCT RECALL

3.8. WARRANTY

3.9. DELIVERY

3.10 SPECIFICATIONS

4.0 FURNISH AND DELIVER

5.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

5.1. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES

5.2. RECYCLED CONTENT

5.3. ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS

6.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

7.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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1.0 INTENT, USE, DURATION AND SCOPE

The purpose of this Invitation for Bid / Request for Quote is to obtain pricing for and procure a turnkey, incident command and control simulation training system for multi-discipline public safety training for Brunswick Community College. Simulator must include, at minimum, an instructor station with mouse and keyboard, trainee’s hand-controller/joypad, theatre system with ceiling mount projector, screen, and surround sound as well as installation and training. Goods and Services will be provided in accordance to the terms and conditions of this IFB/RFQ.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1. VENDOR QUESTIONS

All inquiries regarding the solicitation specifications or requirements are to be addressed to the contact person listed on Page One of this solicitation. Vendor contact regarding this Solicitation with anyone other than the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation may be grounds for rejection of said Vendor’s offer.

Written questions concerning this Solicitation will be received until Wednesday, May 6th 2026 at 5 pm Eastern Time. They must be submitted to the contact person listed on Page One of this Solicitation via email. Please enter “Questions Solicitation 81-04302026” as the subject for the message. Questions should be submitted in the following format:

REFERENCE VENDOR QUESTION

RFP Section, Page Number

2.2. ADDENDA

The State may issue addenda if Vendor questions are permitted as described above, or if additional terms, specifications, or other changes are necessary for this procurement. It is important that all Vendors bidding on this IFB/RFQ periodically check the NC eVP for any and all Addenda that may be issued prior to the offer opening date. All addenda shall become an Addendum to this IFB/RFQ.

2.3. OFFER SUBMITTAL

Due Date: Friday, May 15th, 2026 Time:11am Eastern Standard Time

IMPORTANT NOTE: Vendor shall bear the risk for late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay—whether submitted electronically, delivered by hand, U.S. Postal Service, courier or other delivery service. Vendor must include all the pages of this solicitation in their response. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its offer has been delivered to this Office by the specified time and date of opening. Any proposal delivered after the proposal deadline will be rejected.

Offer Submission Details:

All proposal responses shall be submitted electronically via the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP).

Additional information can be found at the eVP updates for Vendors link:

https://eprocurement.nc.gov/news-events/evp-updates-vendors.

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Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bid(s). Vendors are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to upload bids.

Critical updated information may be included in Addenda to this IFB. It is important that all Vendors responding on this IFB periodically check the State’s eVP website for any Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date. All Vendors shall be deemed to have read and understood all information in this IFB and all Addenda thereto.

Attempts to submit a proposal via facsimile (FAX) machine, telephone or email in response to this RFP shall NOT be accepted.

a) All File names should start with the vendor’s name first, in order to easily determine all the files to be included as part of the vendor’s response. For example, files should be named as follows:

Vendor Name-your file name.

b) File contents SHALL NOT be password protected, the file formats must be in .PDF, .jpeg, or png format, and shall be capable of being copied to other sources.

c) If the vendor’s proposal contains any confidential information (as defined in Attachment B, Paragraph #18), then the vendor must provide one (1) signed, original electronic offer and one (1) redacted electronic copy.

2.4. BASIS FOR REJECTION

Pursuant to 9 NCAC 06B.0401, the State reserves the right to reject any and all offers, in whole or in part; by deeming the offer unsatisfactory as to quality or quantity, delivery, price or service offered;

non-compliance with the specifications or intent of this solicitation; lack of competitiveness; error(s) in specifications or indications that revision would be advantageous to the State; cancellation or other changes in the intended project, or other determination that the proposed requirement is no longer needed; limitation or lack of available funds; circumstances that prevent determination of the best offer; or any other determination that rejection would be in the best interest of the State. Vendor contact regarding this IFB/RFQ with anyone other than Ashley Malkemus may be grounds for rejection of said Vendor’s offer.

2.5. LATE OFFERS

Regardless of cause, late offers will not be accepted and will automatically be disqualified from further consideration. It shall be the Vendor’s sole risk to ensure delivery at the designated office by the designated time. Late offers will not be opened and may be returned to the Vendor at the expense of the Vendor or destroyed if requested.

2.6. NON-RESPONSIVE OFFERS

Vendor offers will be deemed non-responsive by the State and will be rejected without further consideration or evaluation if statements such as the following are included:

• “This offer does not constitute a binding offer”,

• “This offer will be valid only if this offer is selected as a finalist or in the competitive range”,

• “Vendor does not commit or bind itself to any terms and conditions by this submission”,

• “This document and all associated documents are non-binding and shall be used for discussion purposes only”,

• “This offer will not be binding on either party until incorporated in a definitive agreement signed by authorized representatives of both parties”, or

• A statement of similar intent.

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2.7. NOTICE TO VENDORS

The State objects to and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional terms and conditions not previously agreed to by the State and submitted with an Offeror’s response.

This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Offeror’s response. By execution and delivery of this Invitation for Bids / Request for Quote and response(s), the Offeror agrees that any additional terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect.

2.8. E-PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION

This is an E-Procurement solicitation. See Paragraph #47 of the attached Department of Information Technology Terms and Conditions.

2.9. DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS

“Resellers” as used herein, refers to businesses that routinely sell or distribute Vendor’s Products, and may include “Distributors”, “Value Added Resellers” (VARs), “Original Equipment Manufacturers” (OEMs), Channel Partners, or such other designations. These businesses must be approved by the State prior to placement of any orders. Any contract established will be subject to this solicitation and any resulting Agreement(s), and to the terms and conditions of the State’s competitive bidding process.

The Agency acknowledges that the Reseller has merely purchased the Third-Party Items for resale or license to the Agency, and that the proprietary and intellectual property rights to the Third Party Items are owned by parties other than the Reseller (“Third Parties”). The Agency further acknowledges that except for the payment to the Reseller for the Third-Party Items, all of its rights and obligations with respect thereto flow from and to the Third Parties. The Reseller shall provide the Agency with copies of all documentation and warranties for the Third-Party Items which are provided to the Reseller. The Reseller shall assign all applicable third-party warranties for Deliverables to the Agency.

2.10. POSSESSION AND REVIEW

During the evaluation period and prior to award, possession of the bids and accompanying information is limited to personnel of the issuing agency, and to the committee responsible for participating in the evaluation. Vendors who attempt to gain this privileged information, or to influence the evaluation process (i.e. assist in evaluation) will be in violation of purchasing rules and their offer will not be further evaluated or considered.

After award of contract the complete bid file will be available to any interested persons with the exception of trade secrets, test information or similar proprietary information as provided by statute and rule. Any proprietary or confidential information, which conforms to exclusions from public records as provided by N.C.G.S. §132-1.2 must be clearly marked as such in the offer when submitted.

2.11. BEST AND FINAL OFFERS (BAFO)

The State may establish a competitive range based upon evaluations of offers, and request BAFOs from the Vendor(s) within this range; e.g. “Finalist Vendor(s)”. If negotiations or subsequent offers are solicited, the Vendor(s) shall provide BAFO(s) in response. Failure to deliver a BAFO when requested shall disqualify the non-responsive Vendor from further consideration. The State will evaluate BAFO(s), oral presentations, and product demonstrations as part of the Vendors’ respective offers to determine the final rankings.

2.12. AWARD

It is the general intent to award this contract to one Vendor. As provided by statute, award will be based on Best Value Analysis, Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Method in

Page 6 of 29 Version October 9, 2025 accordance with N.C.G.S. §143B-1350(h), which provides that the offer must be in substantial conformity with the specifications herein, and 09 NCAC 06B.0302.

A link to the NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) allows the public to retrieve contract award information electronically from the web site: https://evp.nc.gov/ Results may be found by searching by IFB number or agency name. This information may not be available for several weeks dependent upon the complexity of the acquisition and the length of time to complete the evaluation process.

3.0 SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. VENDOR STANDARD AGREEMENT(S)

The terms and conditions of Vendor’s standard services, license, maintenance or other agreement(s) applicable to Services, Goods, Software and other Products acquired under this Agreement may apply to the extent such terms and conditions do not materially change the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Vendor’s standard agreement(s), the terms and conditions of this Agreement relating to audit and records, jurisdiction, choice of law, the State’s electronic procurement application of law or administrative rules, the remedy for intellectual property infringement and the exclusive remedies and limitation of liability in the DIT Terms and Conditions herein shall apply in all cases and supersede any provisions contained in Vendor’s relevant standard agreement or any other agreement. The State shall not be obligated under any standard license and/or maintenance or other Vendor agreement(s) to indemnify or hold harmless the Vendor, its licensors, successors or assigns; nor arbitrate any dispute, nor pay late fees, legal fees or other similar costs.

For Vendor Completion:

_____ The Vendor represents and warrants that the terms and conditions of Vendor’s standard license, maintenance, or other agreement(s) do not apply to this procurement. No vendor agreement, standard or otherwise is incorporated into this IFB/RFQ # 81-04302026.

_____ The Vendor standard license, maintenance, or other agreement(s) is provided with the IFB/RFQ response and shall be incorporated into this IFB/RFQ # 81-04302026 based on the outcome of a legal review.

3.2. VENDOR UTILIZATION OF WORKERS OUTSIDE U.S. – DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

In accordance with the Statewide Information Security Manual (SISM), the State restricts the location of information systems that receive, process, store, or transmit State and Federal data to the United States which includes the following areas: US States, US Territories, US Embassies, and US Military installations (stateside or overseas). This restriction applies to the Vendor and to any subcontractors engaged to provide Services under this Agreement or with access to State Data.

The Vendor must ensure that its subcontractor agreements contain the same restrictions and will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing subcontractor compliance at all times.

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143B-1361(b), the Vendor must complete and return this Disclosure Statement Attachment F with its solicitation response. The Vendor may attach additional pages to its response if needed. The State of North Carolina will evaluate Disclosure Statement Attachments for additional risks, costs, and other factors associated with its service prior to making an award for any such Vendor’s offer. The Vendor must provide the following information in its bid response:

https://evp.nc.gov/

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Vendor to complete:

a. The location of work performed under a state contract by the Vendor, any subcontractors, employees, or other persons performing the contract and whether any of this work will be performed outside the United States.

b. The corporate structure and location of corporate employees and activities of the Vendor, its affiliates or any other subcontractors.

c. Vendor agrees to provide notice of the relocation of the Vendor, employees of the Vendor, subcontractors of the Vendor, or other persons performing Services under a state contract outside of the United States in the event such relocation occurs during the contract term.

d. Vendor agrees that any Vendor or subcontractor providing call or contact center Services to the State of North Carolina shall disclose to inbound callers the location from which the call or contact center Services are being provided.

e. Will any work under this contract be performed outside the United States?

YES NO

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The use of resources or workers located outside the United States is a critical security exception that must be escalated to the State Chief Information Officer for review pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143B- 1376(c) and §143B-1320(c). These critical security exceptions are approved only in rare and extenuating circumstances. Vendor should account for this when preparing its response.

3.3. E-VERIFY

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143B-1350(k), the State shall not enter into a contract unless the awarded Vendor and each of its subcontractors comply with the E-Verify requirements of N.C.G.S. Chapter 64, Article 2. Vendors are directed to review the foregoing laws. Any awarded Vendor must submit a certification of compliance with E-Verify to the awarding agency, and on a periodic basis thereafter as may be required by the State.

3.4. DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

All offers shall include specifications and technical literature sufficient to allow the State to determine that the equipment meets all requirements. This technical literature will be the primary source for bid evaluation. If a requirement is not addressed in the technical literature it must be supported by additional documentation and included with the bid. Bid responses without sufficient technical documentation may be rejected.

3.5 SECURITY SPECIFICATIONS

3.5.1 SOLUTIONS HOSTED ON STATE INFRASTRUCTURE

Vendors shall provide a completed Vendor Readiness Assessment Report State Hosted Solutions (“VRAR”) at offer submission. This report is located at the following website:

https://it.nc.gov/documents/vendor-readiness-assessment-report The Incident Command and Control Simulation Training System will be required to receive and securely manage data that is classified as internal. Refer to the North Carolina Statewide Data Classification and Handling policy for more information regarding this data classification. The policy is located at the following website: https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy To comply with the State’s Security Standards and Policies, State agencies are required to perform annual security/risk assessments on their information systems using NIST 800-53 controls.

3.5.2 SOLUTIONS NOT HOSTED ON STATE INFRASTRUCTURE - RESERVED

The Incident Command and Control Simulation Training System will be required to receive and securely manage data that is classified as internal. Refer to the North Carolina Statewide Data Classification and Handling policy for more information regarding data classification. The policy is located at the following website: https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy.

To comply with the State’s Security Standards and Policies, State agencies are required to perform annual security/risk assessments on their information systems using NIST 800-53 controls. This requirement additionally applies to all Vendor-provided, agency-managed Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions which will handle data classified as Medium Risk (Restricted) or High Risk (Highly Restricted) data.

https://it.nc.gov/documents/vendor-readiness-assessment-report https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy https://it.nc.gov/document/statewide-data-classification-and-handling-policy

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(a) Vendors shall provide a completed Vendor Readiness Assessment Report Non-State Hosted Solutions (“VRAR”) at offer submission. This report is located at the following website:

https://it.nc.gov/documents/vendor-readiness-assessment-report

(b) Upon request, Vendors shall provide a current independent 3rd party assessment report in accordance with the following subparagraphs (i)-(iii) prior to contract award. However, Vendors are encouraged to provide a current independent 3rd party assessment report in accordance with subparagraphs (i)-(iii) at the time of offer submission.

(i) Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) certification, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, or HITRUST are the preferred assessment reports for any Vendor solutions which will handle data classified as Medium Risk (Restricted) or High Risk (Highly Restricted).

(ii) A Vendor that cannot provide a preferred independent 3rd party assessment report as described above may submit an alternative assessment, such as a SOC 2 Type 1 assessment report. The Vendor shall provide an explanation for submitting the alternative assessment report. If awarded this contract, a Vendor who submits an alternative assessment report shall submit one of the preferred assessment reports no later than 365 days of the Effective Date of the contract. Timely submission of this preferred assessment report shall be a material requirement of the contract.

(iii) An IaaS vendor cannot provide a certification or assessment report for a SaaS provider UNLESS permitted by the terms of a written agreement between the two vendors and the scope of the IaaS certification or assessment report clearly includes the SaaS solution.

(c) Additional Security Documentation. Prior to contract award, the State may in its discretion require the Vendor to provide additional security documentation, including but not limited to vulnerability assessment reports and penetration test reports. The awarded Vendor shall provide such additional security documentation upon request by the State during the term of the contract.

3.6 ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SPECIFICATIONS

3.6.1 ARCHITECTURE DIAGRAMS

The two diagrams are Network Architecture and Technology Stack. The State utilizes architectural diagrams to better understand the design and technologies of a proposed solution. Details on these diagrams can be found at the following link: https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192

The provision of these two diagrams is a requirement at offer submission. If they are not supplied at that time, the Vendor’s offer will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

There may be additional architectural diagrams requested of the vendor after contract award. This will be communicated to the vendor by the agency as needed during the project.

3.6.2 SOLUTION ROADMAP

A Solution Roadmap defines the vision and strategic elements of the solution. The Solution Roadmap is a plan of action for how a Solution will evolve over time. The minimum content should include:

• Vision for the solution

• High-level functionality expected for each solution release into production environment

• High-level timeline

• Description of how customer feedback is collected and incorporated into solution enhancements https://it.nc.gov/documents/vendor-readiness-assessment-report https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192 https://it.nc.gov/resources/statewide-it-procurement/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-Architecture-1192

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Describe the solution roadmap for your product. Include content on release strategies for functionality, roadmap for technical architecture, how scalability of solution is planned.

3.6.3 IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT

The proposed solution must externalize identity and access management. The protocols describing the State’s Identity and Access Management can be found at the following link:

https://it.nc.gov/services/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-IdentityAccessManagement-1241 Describe how your solution supports the above protocols, as well as making them available for application integration/consumption.

3.6.4 INTEGRATION APPROACH

Describe proposed solution capabilities to interoperate with other solutions. Identify the standards supported, integrations platforms, adaptors, APIs, and the like.

3.6.5 DISASTER RECOVERY AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY

Describe the proposed solution capabilities related to the following areas:

Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) – describe how proposed solution supports Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) metrics.

System Backup – describe backup plan capabilities.

Disaster Recovery Testing – describe the frequency and test procedures for end-to-end disaster recovery testing. Business Continuity Plan (BCP) – describe capabilities proposed solution can provide in support of agency’s continuity of operations and incident responses.

3.6.6 DATA MIGRATION

Describe approaches available for data conversion and/or data migration to load current data into proposed solution.

3.6.7 APPLICATION MANAGEMENT

Describe how the proposed solution monitors and reports the metrics on system performance.

Describe how the proposed solution manages user administration.

Describe the audit capabilities of proposed solution related to management of the application.

3.6.8 ACCESSIBILITY

Describe how the proposed solution complies with industry accessibility standards.

Provide product documentation that demonstrates how the proposed solution is digitally accessible or if not fully accessible, provide the roadmap with timeline for remediation.

Standards include:

• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1:

https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

• Section 508: https://www.section508.gov/

• Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®):

https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat

ENTERPRISE, SERVICES, AND STANDARDS

Agencies and vendors should refer to the Vendor Resources Page for information on North Carolina Department of Information Technology regarding architecture, security, strategy, data, digital, identity and access management and other general information on doing business with state IT process.

https://it.nc.gov/services/vendor-engagement-resources#Tab-IdentityAccessManagement-1241 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FTR%2FWCAG21%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstarr.christen%40nc.gov%7C3737b44528934d4e45f508dc3a2fddad%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638449224463390497%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e02p3b8aB5KB1xe2s6LB3ksZyRtoo09MCHTXDzO5E6Q%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.section508.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cstarr.christen%40nc.gov%7C3737b44528934d4e45f508dc3a2fddad%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638449224463398992%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pzgUTV7chyDcngdl6SvQJ3tAIz7RLJvSY02jf8A4SRg%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itic.org%2Fpolicy%2Faccessibility%2Fvpat&data=05%7C02%7Cstarr.christen%40nc.gov%7C3737b44528934d4e45f508dc3a2fddad%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638449224463405831%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5PxuYxDYvzebQ0oJ4qLv%2BXmBS25YhqJa3ms9L3r8c8c%3D&reserved=0

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The Vendor Resources Page found at the following link: https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources. This site provides vendors with statewide information and links referenced throughout the RFP document. Agencies may request additional information.

3.7. PRODUCT RECALL

Vendor assumes full responsibility for prompt notification of both the contract administrator and purchaser of any product recall in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations.

3.8. WARRANTY

Vendor warrants that all equipment furnished under this IFB/RFQ will be new, of good material and workmanship. The warranty will be for a minimum period of twelve (12) months from date equipment is put into operation. Such warranty shall cover the cost of all defective parts replacement, labor, freight, and technicians travel at no additional cost to the State.

The report of a problem does not presuppose that every call must result in an “on-site” visit for service/repair. The Vendor and/or service sub-contractor shall utilize best efforts to resolve problems in a timely fashion through the use of acceptable servicing methods to include, but not limited to, verbal problem analysis and remote diagnosis. The warranty requirement does not impose any additional duty on the State to make other than normal and good faith problem resolution efforts or expenditures of time. Vendor is responsible for compliance with warranty terms by any third-party service provider.

Is Vendor authorized by manufacturer to repair equipment offered during the warranty period?

YES NO

Will Vendor provide warranty service? YES NO, an authorized third party will perform warranty service

Contact information for warranty service provider:

Company Name: _____________________________________________

Company Address: _____________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________________

Contact Person Phone Number: _____________________________________________

Contact Person Email: _____________________________________________

3.9. DELIVERY

Successful Vendor will complete the scope of work, including delivery and installation, by June 26th, 2026 at 5pm Eastern Standard Time to the following location(s):

50 College Rd. NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 For completion by Vendor: Delivery of goods will be made from __________________________

(city, state) within ______ consecutive days after receipt of order. Installation will be made within

______ consecutive days after receipt of order.

Delivery shall not be considered to have occurred until installation has been completed. Upon completion of the installation, the Vendor shall remove and properly dispose of all waste and debris https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources https://it.nc.gov/vendor-engagement-resources

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If circumstances beyond the control of the contractor result in a late delivery [or installation], it is the responsibility and obligation of the contractor to notify the Purchasing Agent listed on the purchase order, in writing, immediately upon determining delay of shipment. The written notification should indicate the anticipated delivery dated.

3.10 SPECIFICATIONS

Core System Requirements Item Specification Meets

1 Incident command simulation platform YES/NO

2 Minimum one (1) instructor control station YES/NO

3 Minimum one (1) participant workstation YES/NO

4 Expandable for additional participants YES/NO

5 Multi-user capability YES/NO

Hardware Requirements Item Specification Meets

6 Display system (monitor or projection) YES/NO

7 Audio system YES/NO

8 Input/control devices YES/NO

Software and Scenario Capabilities

9 Minimum 20 fire-specific scenarios YES/NO

10 Minimum 20 multi-discipline scenarios (EMS, Fire, Law, EOC) YES/NO

11 Scenario customization capability YES/NO

12 After-action review capability YES/NO

Installation and Support

13 Delivery and installation included YES/NO

14 Training included YES/NO

15 Documentation provided YES/NO

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4.0 FURNISH AND DELIVER

ITEM # QTY UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT COST EXTENDED

COST

1 1 Each Incident command simulation platform

2 1 Each Instructor control station

3 1 Each Participant workstation

4 1 Each Display system

5 1 Each Audio system

6 1 Each Input/control device

7 1 Each Minimum 20 fire-specific scenarios

8 1 Each Minimum 20 multi-discipline scenarios (EMS, Fire, Law, EOC)

9 1 Each Delivery and Installation

10 1 Each User training course

Total Offer Cost ________________

4.1. OPTIONAL COSTS

ITEM # QTY UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT COST EXTENDED

COST

5.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

5.1. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES

“Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) consist of minority, women and disabled business firms that are at least fifty-one percent owned and operated by an individual(s) of the aforementioned categories. Also included in this category are disabled business enterprises and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled.” http://ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/hub Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §§143B-1361(a), 143-48 and 143-128.4, the State invites and encourages participation in this procurement process by businesses owned by minorities, women, disabled, http://ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/hub

Page 14 of 29 Version October 9, 2025 disabled business enterprises and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled. This includes utilizing subcontractors to perform the required functions in this IFB/RFQ.

Is Vendor a Historically Underutilized Business? YES NO If “YES”, specify classification. ___________________________

5.2. RECYCLED CONTENT

In an effort to support the sustainability efforts of the State of North Carolina Executive Order Number 156, we solicit your cooperation.

Does the packaging of the items offered in response to this IFB/RFQ contain recycled content?

YES NO

If Vendor answered “YES” above, indicate the following:

Percentage of recycled content: _________ Can the packaging be recycled? YES NO

Do items offered in response to this solicitation contain recycled content? YES NO

If Vendor answered “YES” above, indicate the material and content percentage of applicable items.

Material: ___________________________ Percentage of recycled content: ________

State how items may be disposed of or recycled at the end of use?

5.3. ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS

“ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.” http://www.energystar.gov/ Do products offered meet Energy Star specifications of energy efficiency? YES NO

6.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

1) READ, REVIEW AND COMPLY: It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read this entire document, review all enclosures and attachments, and comply with all requirements specified herein.

2) DEFINITIONS:

• NCDIT: The North Carolina Department of Information Technology, formerly Office of Information

Technology Services

• NCDIT CONVENIENCE CONTRACT: A contract that is used for the procurement of IT goods or

Services. These contracts are in place for the convenience of the state and use of them is optional.

• OPEN MARKET CONTRACT: A contract for the purchase of goods or Services not covered by a term, technical, or convenience contract.

• TERM CONTRACT: A contract in which a source of supply is established for a specified period of time for specified Services or supplies; usually characterized by an estimated or definite minimum quantity, with the possibility of additional requirements beyond the minimum, all at a predetermined unit price

• THE STATE: Is the state of North Carolina and its agencies.

• VENDOR: Company, firm, corporation, partnership, individual, etc., submitting a response to a solicitation.

https://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/UserFiles/File/north%20carolina%20ex%20or%20156.pdf https://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/UserFiles/File/north%20carolina%20ex%20or%20156.pdf http://www.energystar.gov/

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3) PROMPT PAYMENT DISCOUNTS: Vendors are urged to compute all discounts into the price offered. If a prompt payment discount is offered, it will not be considered in the award of the contract except as a factor to aid in resolving cases of identical prices.

4) INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Vendor is to furnish all information requested and in the spaces provided in this document. Further, if required elsewhere in this IFB/RFQ, each Vendor must submit with their offer sketches, descriptive literature and/or complete specifications covering the products offered. Only information that is received in response to this RFQ will be evaluated. Reference to information previously submitted or Internet Website Addresses (URLs) will not satisfy this provision. Offers, which do not comply with these requirements, will be subject to rejection.

5) RECYCLING AND SOURCE REDUCTION: It is the policy of this State to encourage and promote the purchase of products with recycled content to the extent economically practicable, and to purchase items, which are reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost-effective. We also encourage and promote using minimal packaging and the use of recycled/recyclable products in the packaging of commodities purchased. However, no sacrifice in quality of packaging will be acceptable. The company remains responsible for providing packaging that will protect the commodity and contain it for its intended use.

Companies are strongly urged to bring to the attention of the relevant purchasers in the State those products or packaging they offer which have recycled content and that are recyclable.

6) CLARIFICATIONS/INTERPRETATIONS: Any and all questions regarding this document must be addressed to the purchaser named on the cover sheet of this document. Do not contact the user directly. Any and all revisions to this document shall be made only by written addendum from NCDIT.

The Vendor is cautioned that the requirements of this IFB/RFQ can be altered only by written addendum and that verbal communications from whatever source are of no effect.

7) ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION: The State reserves the right to reject any and all offers, to waive any informality in offers and, unless otherwise specified by the Vendor, to accept any item in the offer.

If either a unit price or an extended price is obviously in error and the other is obviously correct, the incorrect price will be disregarded.

8) AWARD OF CONTRACT: Responsive offers will be evaluated and acceptance may be made in accordance with Best Value procurement practices as defined by N.C.G.S. §143-135.9, and in accordance with N.C.G.S. §143B-1350(h), which provides that the offer must be in substantial conformity with the specifications herein, and 09 NCAC 06B.0302. Unless otherwise specified by the State or the Vendor, the State reserves the right to accept any item or group of items on a multi-item offer. In addition, on agency specific or term contracts, NCDIT reserves the right to make partial, progressive or multiple awards: where it is advantageous to award separately by items; or where more than one supplier is needed to provide the contemplated requirements as to quantity, quality, delivery, service, geographical areas; other factors deemed by NCDIT to be pertinent or peculiar to the purchase in question.

9) SAMPLES: Sample of items, when required, must be furnished as stipulated herein, free of expense, and if not destroyed will, upon request be returned at the Vendor’s expense. Written request for the return of samples must be made within 10 days following date of offer opening. Otherwise the samples will become the property of the State. Each individual sample must be labeled with the Vendor’s name, offer number, and item number. A sample, on which an award is made, will be retained until the contract is completed, and then returned, if requested, as specified above.

10) MISCELLANEOUS: Masculine pronouns shall be read to include feminine pronouns and the singular of any word or phrase shall be read to include the plural and vice versa.

11) PROTEST PROCEDURES: When an offeror wants to protest a contract awarded pursuant to this solicitation that is over $25,000 they must submit a written request to the issuing agency at the address given in this document. This request must be received in this office within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the contract award, and must contain specific sound reasons and any supporting documentation for the protest. Note: Contract award notices are sent only to those actually awarded contracts, and not to every person or firm responding to this solicitation. IFB/RFQ status and Award notices are posted on at https://evp.nc.gov/. All protests will be governed by

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NCAC Title 9, Department of Information Technology (formerly Office of Information Technology Services), Subchapter 06B Sections .1101 - .1121.

12) VENDOR REGISTRATION AND SOLICITATION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM: Vendor Link NC allows Vendors to electronically register with the State to receive electronic notification of current procurement opportunities for goods and services available on the NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at the following web site: https://evp.nc.gov/

13) DIGITAL IMAGING: The State will digitize the Vendor’s response if not received electronically, and any awarded contract together with associated contract documents. This electronic copy shall be a preservation record and serve as the official record of this solicitation with the same force and effect as the original written documents comprising such record. Any printout or other output readable by sight shown to reflect such record accurately is an "original."

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7.0 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1) DEFINITIONS: As used herein;

a) Deliverable/Product Warranties shall mean and include the warranties provided for products or deliverables licensed to the State in Paragraphs 7 and 8, and included in Paragraph 29 c) of these Terms and Conditions unless superseded by a Vendor’s Warranties pursuant to Vendor’s License or Support Agreements.

b) Purchasing State Agency or Agency shall mean the Agency purchasing the goods or Services.

c) Services shall mean the duties and obligations accepted by the Vendor to carry out the requirements, and meet the specifications, of this procurement.

d) State shall mean the State of North Carolina, the Department of Information Technology as an

Agency or in its capacity as the Award Authority.

2) STANDARDS: Manufactured items and/or fabricated assemblies comprising Deliverables shall meet all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and State and federal requirements relating to clean air and water pollution, if applicable. Vendor will provide and maintain a quality assurance system or program that includes any Deliverables and will tender to the State only those Deliverables that have been inspected and found to conform to the requirements of this Contract. All manufactured items and/or fabricated assemblies comprising Deliverables are subject to operation, certification or inspection, and accessibility requirements as required:

by State or federal Regulation, by the Chief Information Officer’s (CIO) policy or regulation, or acceptance with appropriate standards of operations or uses of said Deliverables as may be shown by identification markings or other means of the appropriate certifying standards organization.

a) Site Preparation: Vendors shall provide the Purchasing State Agency complete site requirement specifications for the Deliverables, if any. These specifications shall ensure that the Deliverables to be installed shall operate properly and efficiently within the site environment. The Vendor shall advise the State of any site requirements for any Deliverables required by the State’s specifications. Any alterations or modification in site preparation which are directly attributable to incomplete or erroneous specifications provided by the Vendor and which would involve additional expenses to the State, shall be made at the expense of the Vendor.

b) Goods Return: Deliverables and any other goods or materials furnished by the Vendor to fulfill technical requirements shall be in good working order and be maintained in good working order by Vendor for the duration of the Contract; unless otherwise provided in a separate maintenance agreement or in the Solicitation Documents. Deliverables failing to meet the State’s technical requirements shall be considered non-conforming goods and subject to return to the Vendor for replacement at the State’s option, and at the Vendor’s expense. The State is responsible for the return costs related to the termination of a Contract, including deinstallation, and freight to destinations within the Continental United States; except in the case of default by the Vendor or delivery of non-conforming goods by Vendor. Shipping or freight charges, if any, paid by the State for non-conforming goods will be reimbursed to the State.

c) Specifications: The apparent silence of the specifications as to any detail, or the apparent omission of detailed description concerning any point, shall be regarded as meaning that only the best commercial practice is to prevail and only material and workmanship of the first quality may be used. Upon any notice of noncompliance provided by the State, Vendor shall supply proof of compliance with the specifications. Vendor must provide written notice of its intent to deliver alternate or substitute products, goods or Deliverables. Alternate or substitute products, goods or Deliverables may be accepted or rejected in the sole discretion of the State; and any such alternates or substitutes must be accompanied by Vendor’s certification and evidence satisfactory to the State that the function, characteristics, performance and endurance will be equal or superior to the original Deliverables specified.

3) WARRANTIES: Vendor shall assign all applicable third party warranties for Deliverables to the Purchasing State Agency.

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4) PERSONNEL: Vendor shall not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of this Contract without prior written approval by the Agency Contract Administrator. Any desired substitution shall be noticed to the Agency’s Contract Administrator accompanied by the names and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The Agency will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The Agency may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the Agency may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

a) Vendor personnel shall perform their duties on the premises of the State, during the State’s regular work days and normal work hours, except as may be specifically agreed otherwise, established in the specification, or statement of work.

b) This Contract shall not prevent Vendor or any of its personnel supplied under this Contract from performing similar Services elsewhere or restrict Vendor from using the personnel provided to the State, provided that:

i) Such use does not conflict with the terms, specifications or any amendments to this Contract, or

ii) Such use does not conflict with any procurement law, regulation or policy, or

iii) Such use does not conflict with any non-disclosure agreement, or term thereof, by and between the State and Vendor or Vendor’s personnel.

5) SUBCONTRACTING: The Vendor may subcontract the performance of required Services with other

Vendors or third parties, or change subcontractors, only with the prior written consent of the contracting authority. Vendor shall provide the State with complete copies of any agreements made by and between Vendor and all subcontractors. The selected Vendor remains solely responsible for the performance of its subcontractors. Subcontractors, if any, shall adhere to the same standards required of the selected Vendor. Any contracts made by the Vendor with a subcontractor shall include an affirmative statement that the State is an intended third party beneficiary of the contract; that the subcontractor has no agreement with the State; and that the State shall be indemnified by the Vendor for any claim presented by the subcontractor. Notwithstanding any other term herein, Vendor shall timely exercise its contractual remedies against any non-performing subcontractor and, when appropriate, substitute another subcontractor.

6) VENDOR’S REPRESENTATION: Vendor warrants that qualified personnel will provide Services in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the information technology industry.