Invitation for Bid.pdf

SSAP

State of South Carolina

Invitation For Bid

Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400018927 12/19/2019

TERESA LIVINGSTON

803-896-5310 LivingstonT@sctechsystem.edu SC Technical College System Attn: Procurement Office 111 Executive Center Drive, Suite 106 Columbia SC 29210

DESCRIPTION: Partner with Internal Financial Aid Services Provider

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: Northeastern Technical College

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 01/15/2020 10:00 Eastern Time (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 01/03/2020 10:00 Eastern Time (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: Online Bidding

CONFERENCE TYPE: Not Applicable

DATE & TIME:

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions)

LOCATION: Not Applicable

AWARD &

AMENDMENTS

Award will be posted on 01/24/2020. The award, this solicitation, any amendments, and any related notices will be posted at the following web address: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the

Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of Sixty (60) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See

"Signing Your Offer" provision.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer)

Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurement.sc.gov)

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________

___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) ___ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

http://www.procurement.sc.gov/

SAP

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer)

HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

_________________________________________________ Area Code -

Number - Extension Facsimile

_________________________________________________ E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.)

(See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent)

(See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date

DISCOUNT FOR

PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt

Payment" clause)

10 Calendar Days (%) 20 Calendar Days (%) 30 Calendar Days (%) _____Calendar Days (%)

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP. 2009): On June 16, 2009, the South Carolina General Assembly rewrote the law governing preferences available to in-state vendors, vendors using in-state subcontractors, and vendors selling in-state or US end products. This law appears in Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A summary of the new preferences is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences . ALL THE PREFERENCES

MUST BE CLAIMED AND ARE APPLIED BY LINE ITEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AWARD IS MADE BY

ITEM OR LOT. VENDORS ARE CAUTIONED TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE STATUTE BEFORE

CLAIMING ANY PREFERENCES. THE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY HAVE CHANGED. IF YOU

REQUEST A PREFERENCE, YOU ARE CERTIFYING THAT YOUR OFFER QUALIFIES FOR THE

PREFERENCE YOU'VE CLAIMED. IMPROPERLY REQUESTING A PREFERENCE CAN HAVE SERIOUS

CONSEQUENCES. [11-35-1524(E)(4)&(6)]

PREFERENCES - ADDRESS AND PHONE OF IN-STATE OFFICE: Please provide the address and phone number for your in-state office in the space provided below. An in-state office is necessary to claim either the Resident Vendor

Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(i)&(ii)) or the Resident Contractor Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(iii)). Accordingly, you must provide this information to qualify for the preference. An in-state office is not required, but can be beneficial, if you are claiming the Resident Subcontractor Preference (11-35-1524(D)).

____In-State Office Address same as Home Office Address ____In-State Office Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009) End of PAGE TWO http://www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences

Table of Contents

SAP

SECTION_I

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006)

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

SECTION_IIA

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (DEC 2015)

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004)

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015)

AWARD NOTIFICATION (FEB 2015)

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004)

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004)

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004)

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAY 2008)

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004)

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006)

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (FEB 2015)

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004)

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015)

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008)

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004)

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015)

PROTESTS (MAY 2019)

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015)

PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004)

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (FEB 2015)

REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004)

RESPONSIVENESS/IMPROPER OFFERS (JUN 2015)

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004)

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004)

SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (FEB 2015)

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MAR 2015)

TAX CREDIT FOR SUBCONTRACTING WITH DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2008)

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (JAN 2006)

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

SECTION_IIB

CLARIFICATION (NOV 2007)

Error! Bookmark not defined.

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MAR 2015)

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP 2009)

PREFERENCES - RESIDENT CONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009)

PREFERENCES - RESIDENT SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009)

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (JUN 2006)

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

SECTION_III

SEE BIDDING SCHEDULE

DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE LOCATION -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006)

DELIVERY DATE -- PURCHASE ORDER (JAN 2006)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT -- INCLUDED (JAN 2006)

SECTION_IV

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT -- GENERAL (MAR 2015)

MINORITY PARTICIPATION (DEC 2015)

SECTION_V

QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFEROR (MAR 2015)

QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY (MAR 2015)

SUBCONTRACTOR -- IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2015)

SECTION_VI

AWARD CRITERIA -- BIDS (JAN 2006)

AWARD TO ONE OFFEROR (JAN 2006)

CALCULATING THE LOW BID

COMPETITION FROM PUBLIC ENTITIES (JAN 2006)

SECTION_VIIA ........................................................................................................................................................... Error!

Bookmark not defined.

ASSIGNMENT, NOVATION, AND CHANGE OF NAME, IDENTITY, OR STRUCTURE (FEB 2015)

BANKRUPTCY - GENERAL (FEB 2015)

CHOICE-OF-LAW (JAN 2006)

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and ORDER OF PRECEDENCE (FEB 2015)

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2006)

DISPUTES (JAN 2006)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (JAN 2006)

FALSE CLAIMS (JAN 2006)

FIXED PRICING REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

NO INDEMNITY OR DEFENSE (FEB 2015)

NOTICE (JAN 2006)

OPEN TRADE (JUN 2015)

PAYMENT and INTEREST (FEB 2015)

PUBLICITY (JAN 2006)

PURCHASE ORDERS (JAN 2006)

SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS (JAN 2006)

TAXES (JAN 2006)

TERMINATION DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (JAN 2006)

THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY (JAN 2006)

WAIVER (JAN 2006)

SECTION_VIIB

CHANGES (JAN 2006)

CISG (JAN 2006)

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS (JAN 2006)

CONTRACTOR'S LIABILITY INSURANCE - GENERAL (FEB 2015)

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2006)

CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATION -- GENERAL (JAN 2006)

DEFAULT (JAN 2006)

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (NOV 2008)

INDEMNIFICATION-THIRD PARTY CLAIMS - GENERAL (NOV 2011)

INDEMNIFICATION – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (JAN 2006)

LICENSES AND PERMITS (JAN 2006)

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS -- LIMITED BY PPI (JAN 2006)

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS (JAN 2006)

PRICE DATA – AUDIT – INSPECTION (JAN 2006)

RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES (JAN 2006)

SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTION PROHIBITED - RESIDENT SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE

(SEP 2009)

TERM OF CONTRACT -- EFFECTIVE DATE / INITIAL CONTRACT PERIOD (JAN 2006)

TERM OF CONTRACT – OPTION TO RENEW (JAN 2015)

TERM OF CONTRACT --- TERMINATION BY CONTRACTOR (JAN 2006)

TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE (JAN 2006)

SECTION_VIII

BIDDING SCHEDULE (NOV 2007)

SECTION_IX

NONRESIDENT TAXPAYER REGISTRATION AFFIDAVIT INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

The SC Technical College System is seeking to establish a contract on the behalf of Northeastern Technical College for a partnership with a Financial Aid Company that can provide internal office processing and staff training.

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006)

The purpose of this solicitation is to acquire services complying with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions. [01-1010-1]

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

Start date: 02/5/2020 End date: 02/4/2023. Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award. See clause entitled "Term of Contract - Effective Date/Initial Contract Period". [01-1040-

1]

The maximum contract period is three (3) year; which is a one (1) year contract with two (2) one (1) year option to renew.

SII. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (DEC 2015)

CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE

USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS

ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE.

AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.

AUTHORITY means the State Fiscal Accountability Authority or its successor in interest.

BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity. [11-35-310(3)] CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract. [11-35-

310(4)]

COLLEGE mean Northeastern Technical College.

CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the procurement officer, directing the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract titled "Changes," if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to order without the consent of the contractor. [11-35-310(9)] CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.

COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number. Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.

OFFER means the bid or proposal submitted in response this solicitation. The terms Bid and Proposal are used interchangeably with the term Offer.

OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used interchangeably with the term

Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and Bid/Proposal As Offer To Contract.

PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on either the Cover Page, an amendment, or an award notice.

YOU and YOUR means Offeror.

SOLICITATION means this document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.

STATE means the Using Governmental Unit(s) identified on the Cover Page.

SUBCONTRACTOR means any person you contract with to perform or provide any part of the work.

US or WE means the using governmental unit.

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means the unit(s) of government identified as such on the Cover Page. If the Cover

Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as "Statewide Term Contract," the phrase "Using Governmental Unit" means any South Carolina Public Procurement Unit [11-35-4610(5)] that has submitted a Purchase Order to you pursuant to the contract resulting from this solicitation. Reference the clauses titled "Purchase Orders" and "Statewide Term Contract."

WORK means all labor, materials, equipment, services, or property of any type, provided or to be provided by the

Contractor to fulfill the Contractor's obligations under the Contract.

[02-2A003-3]

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004)

(a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: www.procurement.sc.gov(b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (1) by signing and returning the amendment, (2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two, (3) by letter, or (4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment. (c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged. [02-2A005-1]

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015)

All authority regarding this procurement is vested solely with the responsible Procurement Officer. Unless specifically delegated in writing, the Procurement Officer is the only government official authorized to bind the government with regard to this procurement or the resulting contract. [02-2A007-1]

AWARD NOTIFICATION (MODIFIED)

Notice regarding any award, cancellation of award, or extension of award will be posted at the location and on the date specified on the Cover Page or, if applicable, any notice of extension of award. Should the contract resulting from this

Solicitation have a total or potential value in excess of one hundred thousand dollars, such notice will be sent electronically to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation and any award will not be effective until the calendar day (including weekends and holidays) immediately following the seventh business day after such notice is given.

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004)

By submitting Your Bid or Proposal, You are offering to enter into a contract with the Using Governmental Unit(s).

Without further action by either party, a binding contract shall result upon final award. Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror on the Cover Page. An Offer may be submitted by only one legal entity; "joint bids" are not allowed. [02-2A015-1]

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004)

In order to withdraw Your Offer after the minimum period specified on the Cover Page, You must notify the Procurement

Officer in writing. [02-2A020-1]

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation. [02-2A025-1]

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAY 2008)

GIVING FALSE, MISLEADING, OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON THIS CERTIFICATION MAY

RENDER YOU SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 16-9-10 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE

OF LAWS AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS.

(a) By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that-

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to-

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-

(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; or

(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the offeror's principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification [As used in this subdivision (b)(2)(i), the term "principals" means the person(s) in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals referenced in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this certification have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure. [02-2A032-1]

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004)

(a) (1) By submitting an Offer, Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that-

(i) Offeror and/or any of its Principals-

(A) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal agency;

(B) Have not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, or receiving stolen property; and

(C) Are not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.

(ii) Offeror has not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any public (Federal, state, or local) entity.

(2) "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).

(b) Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Procurement Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(c) If Offeror is unable to certify the representations stated in paragraphs (a)(1), Offer must submit a written explanation regarding its inability to make the certification. The certification will be considered in connection with a review of the

Offeror's responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish additional information as requested by the Procurement Officer may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly or in bad faith rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the State, the Procurement Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

[02-2A035-1]

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006)

The South Carolina Code of Laws, including the Consolidated Procurement Code, is available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php

The South Carolina Regulations are available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php

[02-2A040-2]

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (FEB 2015)

You warrant and represent that your offer identifies and explains any unfair competitive advantage you may have in competing for the proposed contract and any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from your participation in this competition or your receipt of an award. The two underlying principles are (a) preventing the existence of conflicting roles that might bias a contractor's judgment, and (b) preventing an unfair competitive advantage. If you have an unfair competitive advantage or a conflict of interest, the state may withhold award. Before withholding award on these grounds, an offeror will be notified of the concerns and provided a reasonable opportunity to respond. Efforts to avoid or mitigate such concerns, including restrictions on future activities, may be considered. Without limiting the foregoing, you represent that your offer identifies any services that relate to either this solicitation or the work and that has already been performed by you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business of either. [02-2A047-2]

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Any offer received after the Procurement Officer of the governmental body or his designee has declared that the time set for opening has arrived, shall be rejected unless the offer has been delivered to the designated purchasing office or the governmental body's mail room which services that purchasing office prior to the opening. [R.19-445.2070(G)] [02-2A050-

1]

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004)

By submitting an Offer, Contractor certifies that, if awarded a contract, Contractor will comply with all applicable provisions of The Drug-free Workplace Act, Title 44, Chapter 107 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended. [02-

2A065-1]

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015)

Offeror, by submitting an Offer, represents that it has read and understands the Solicitation and that its Offer is made in http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php compliance with the Solicitation. Offerors are expected to examine the Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror's risk. All ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation shall be interpreted to require the better quality or greater quantity of work and/or materials, unless otherwise directed by amendment. Offeror assumes responsibility for any patent ambiguity in the Solicitation that Offeror does not bring to the

State's attention. See clause entitled "Questions from Offerors." [02-2A070-2]

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008)

By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror has and will comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official position for financial gain; Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720, regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who participated in awarding of contract. The state may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall, if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02-2A075-2]

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004)

Do not include any sales or use taxes in Your price that the State may be required to pay. [02-2A080-1]

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015)

By submitting an Offer, Offeror represents that Offeror is not currently engaged in the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South Carolina can enjoy open trade, as defined in SC Code

Section 11-35-5300. [02-2A083-1]

PROTESTS (MAY 2019)

If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest a solicitation, you must submit a protest within fifteen days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest an award, you must (i) submit notice of your intent to protest within seven business days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) submit your actual protest within fifteen days of the date the award notice is posted. Days are calculated as provided in Section 11-35-310(13). Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be in writing and must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer within the time provided. See clause entitled "Protest-CPO". The grounds of the protest and the relief requested must be set forth with enough particularity to give notice of the issues to be decided. [02-2A085-2]

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015)

Violation of these restrictions may result in disqualification of your offer, suspension or debarment, and may constitute a violation of law.

(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be solely with the Procurement Officer. [R. 19-445.2010]

(b) You are advised to familiarize yourself with Regulation 19-445.2165, which restricts donations to a governmental entity with whom you have or seek to have a contract. You represent that your offer discloses any gifts made, directly or through an intermediary, by you or your named subcontractors to or for the benefit of the Using Governmental Unit during the period beginning eighteen months prior to the Opening Date. [R. 19-445.2165] [02-2A087-1]

PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004)

Offers will be publicly opened at the date/time and at the location identified on the Cover Page, or last Amendment, whichever is applicable. [02-2A090-1]

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (FEB 2015)

(a) Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions regarding the original solicitation or any amendment must be received by the Procurement

Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless an earlier date is stated on the Cover Page. Label any communication regarding your questions with the name of the procurement officer, and the solicitation's title and number.

Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [See R. 19-445.2042(B)] Any information given a prospective offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective offerors. See clause entitled "Duty to Inquire." We will not identify you in our answer to your question. (b) The State seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged to advise the Procurement Officer -- as soon as possible -- regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition. [See R. 19-445.2140] [02-2A095-2]

Question shall be submitted in writing to Livingstont@sctechsystem.edu, by 10:00 am, Eastern Time on Friday, January 3, 2020; . The subject line of the email should reference “Questions: 5400018927 – Secure a Partner with a Company to

Provide Internal Financial Aid Services

REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004)

The State may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part. The State may reject any or all proposals in whole or in part. [SC

Code Section 11-35-1710 & R.19-445.2065] [02-2A100-1]

RESPONSIVENESS/IMPROPER OFFERS (JUN 2015)

(a) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.

(b) Multiple Offers. Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has significant differences other than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each separate offer must be submitted as a separate document. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers may be submitted as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and you submit a separate cost proposal for each offer, if applicable.

(c) Responsiveness. Any Offer which fails to conform to the material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected as nonresponsive. Offers which impose conditions that modify material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected. If a fixed price is required, an Offer will be rejected if the total possible cost to the State cannot be determined. Offerors will not be given an opportunity to correct any material nonconformity. Any deficiency resulting from a minor informality may be cured or waived at the sole discretion of the Procurement Officer. [R.19-445.2070 and Section 11-35-1520(13)]

(d) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price. [R. 19-445.2070].

(e) Unbalanced Bidding. The State may reject an Offer as nonresponsive if the prices bid are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items. A bid is materially unbalanced when it is based on prices significantly less than cost for some work and prices which are significantly overstated in relation to cost for other work, and if there is a reasonable doubt that the bid will result in the lowest overall cost to the State even though it may be the low evaluated bid, or if it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment.

(f) Do not submit bid samples or descriptive literature unless expressly requested. Unsolicited bid samples or descriptive literature will not be examined or tested, will not be used to determine responsiveness, and will not be deemed to vary any of the provisions of the solicitation. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2077(D). [02-2A105-2]

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004)

Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the Offeror. (a) If the Offeror is an individual, the

Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the individual is doing business as a firm. (b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner. (c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. (d) An Offer may be submitted by a joint venturer involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant. (e) If an Offer is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal. [02-2A115-1]

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004)

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal government processes so that offers cannot be received at the government office designated for receipt of bids by the exact time specified in the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal government processes resume. In lieu of an automatic extension, an Amendment may be issued to reschedule bid opening. If state offices are closed at the time a pre-bid or pre-proposal conference is scheduled, an Amendment will be issued to reschedule the conference. Useful information may be available at: https://scemd.org/closings/ [02-

2A120-3]

SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (FEB 2015)

(An overview is available at www.procurement.sc.gov ) For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that Offeror contends contains information that is exempt from public disclosure because it is either (a) a trade secret as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1), or (b) privileged and confidential, as that phrase is used in Section 11-35-410.

For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that Offeror contends contains a trade secret as that term is defined by Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act. For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the word "PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof, that Offeror contends is protected by Section 11-35-1810. All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the State may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive. If only portions of a page are subject to some protection, do not mark the entire page. By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror (1) agrees to the public disclosure of every page of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page is conspicuously marked "TRADE SECRET" or "CONFIDENTIAL" or "PROTECTED", (2) agrees that any information not marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets Act, and (3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure. In determining whether to release documents, the State will detrimentally rely on Offeror's marking of documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or

"PROTECTED". By submitting a response, Offeror agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South

Carolina, its agencies, officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that Offeror marked as "confidential" or "trade secret" or "PROTECTED". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.)

https://scemd.org/closings/

[02-2A125-2]

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MAR 2015)

Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, you should submit your offer or modification in accordance with the clause titled "ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS." Paper offers are discouraged. If you must submit a paper offer or modification the following instructions apply. (a) All prices and notations should be printed in ink or typewritten. Errors should be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the bid. Do not modify the solicitation document itself (including bid schedule). (b) (1) All copies of the offer or modification, and any other documents required to be submitted with the offer shall be enclosed in a sealed, opaque envelope or package. (2) Submit your offer or modification to the address on the Cover Page. (3) The envelope or package must show the time and date specified for opening, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the bidder. If the offer or modification is sent by mail or special delivery service (UPS, Federal Express, etc.), the outermost envelope or wrapper must be labeled "OFFER

ENCLOSED" on the face thereof. (c) If you are responding to more than one solicitation, submit each offer in a separate envelope or package. (d) Submit the number of copies indicated on the Cover Page. (e) Facsimile or e-mail offers, modifications, or withdrawals, will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation. [02-2A130-2]

TAX CREDIT FOR SUBCONTRACTING WITH DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2008)

Pursuant to Section 12-6-3350, a taxpayer having a contract with this State who subcontracts with a socially and economically disadvantaged small business is eligible for an income tax credit equal to four percent of the payments to that subcontractor for work pursuant to the contract. The subcontractor must be certified as a socially and economically disadvantaged small business as defined in Section 11-35-5010 and regulations pursuant to it. The credit is limited to a maximum of fifty thousand dollars annually. A taxpayer is eligible to claim the credit for ten consecutive taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which the first payment is made to the subcontractor that qualifies for the credit. After the above ten consecutive taxable years, the taxpayer is no longer eligible for the credit. A taxpayer claiming the credit shall maintain evidence of work performed for the contract by the subcontractor. The credit may be claimed on Form TC-2, "Minority Business Credit." A copy of the subcontractor's certificate from the Governor's Office of Small and Minority

Business (OSMBA) is to be attached to the contractor's income tax return. Questions regarding the tax credit and how to file are to be referred to: SC Department of Revenue, Research and Review, Phone: (803) 898-5786, Fax: (803) 898-5888.

Questions regarding subcontractor certification are to be referred to: Governor's Office of Small and Minority Business

Assistance, Phone: (803) 734-0657, Fax: (803) 734-2498. [02-2A135-1]

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (JAN 2006)

You must have a state vendor number to be eligible to submit an offer. To obtain a state vendor number, visit www.procurement.sc.gov and select New Vendor Registration. (To determine if your business is already registered, go to

"Vendor Search"). Upon registration, you will be assigned a state vendor number. Vendors must keep their vendor information current. If you are already registered, you can update your information by selecting Change Vendor

Registration. (Please note that vendor registration does not substitute for any obligation to register with the S.C. Secretary of State or S.C. Department of Revenue. You can register with the agencies at http://www.scbos.com/default.htm) [02-

2A145-1]

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for opening. If the Solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for opening. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for opening, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid. The withdrawal and correction of Offers is governed by S.C. Code Section 11-35-1520 and Regulation 19-445.2085. [02-

2A150-1] http://www.scbos.com/default.htm

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MAR 2015)

(a) Mandatory Registration. You must register before you can submit an offer on line! See clause entitled "VENDOR

REGISTRATION MANDATORY."

(b) Steps for On-Line Bidding 1 The link provided on the solicitation's Cover Page will take you to our web based on-line bidding system, where you will enter and/or upload your offer.

2 Follow the general user instructions posted at www.procurement.sc.gov under the heading "Submitting Offers."

3 Confirm your offer has a status of "submitted" by refreshing the "RFx and Auctions" screen.

Only offers with a status of "submitted" have been received by the State.

Offers with a status of "saved" have not been received.

4 Save or print a copy of your offer using the "Print Preview" button after your offer has been submitted.

[02-2B105-2]

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP 2009)

On June 16, 2009, the South Carolina General Assembly rewrote the law governing preferences available to in-state vendors, vendors using in-state subcontractors, and vendors selling in-state or US end products. This law appears in Section

11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A summary of the new preferences is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences . ALL THE PREFERENCES MUST BE CLAIMED AND ARE APPLIED BY LINE

ITEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AWARD IS MADE BY ITEM OR LOT. VENDORS ARE CAUTIONED TO

CAREFULLY REVIEW THE STATUTE BEFORE CLAIMING ANY PREFERENCES. THE REQUIREMENTS

TO QUALIFY HAVE CHANGED. IF YOU REQUEST A PREFERENCE, YOU ARE CERTIFYING THAT

YOUR OFFER QUALIFIES FOR THE PREFERENCE YOU'VE CLAIMED. IMPROPERLY REQUESTING A

PREFERENCE CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. [11-35-1524(E)(4)&(6)] [02-2B111-1]

PREFERENCES - RESIDENT CONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009)

To qualify for the RCP, you must maintain an office in this state. An office is a nonmobile place for the regular transaction of business or performance of a particular service which has been operated as such by the bidder for at least one year before the bid opening and during that year the place has been staffed for at least fifty weeks by at least two employees for at least thirty five hours a week each. In addition, you must, at the time you submit your bid, directly employ, or have a documented commitment with, individuals domiciled in South Carolina that will perform services expressly required by the solicitation and your total direct labor cost for those individuals to provide those services must exceed fifty percent of your total bid price. [11-35-1524(C)(1)(iii)] Upon request by the procurement officer, you must identify the persons domiciled in

South Carolina that will perform the services involved in the procurement upon which you rely in qualifying for the preference, the services those individuals are to perform, and documentation of the your labor cost for each person identified. If requested, your failure to provide this information promptly will be grounds to deny the preference (and, potentially, for other enforcement action). [02-2B113A-1]

PREFERENCES - RESIDENT SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009)

To qualify for this preference, You must meet the following requirements. (1) You must -- at the time you submit your bid -

- have a documented commitment from a single proposed first tier subcontractor to perform some portion of the services expressly required by the solicitation. (2) The subcontractor -- at the time you submit your bid -- must directly employ, or have a documented commitment with, individuals domiciled in South Carolina that will perform services expressly required by the solicitation and the total direct labor cost to the subcontractor for those individuals to provide those services exceeds, as applicable, either twenty percent for a 2% preference or forty percent of bidder's total bid price for a 4% preference. (3)

You must identify the subcontractor that will perform the work, the work the subcontractor is to perform, and your factual basis for concluding that the subcontractor's work constitutes the required percentage of the work to be performed in the procurement. [11-35-1524(D)] You can stack this preference, i.e., earn another 2% or 4% preference for each additional qualifying subcontractor, but the preference is capped. [11-35-1524(D)(4), (E)(7)] Upon request by the procurement officer, you must identify the persons domiciled in South Carolina that are to perform the services involved in the procurement http://www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences upon which you rely in qualifying for the preference, the services those individuals are to perform, the employer of those persons, your relationship with the employer, and documentation of the subcontractor's labor cost for each person identified. If requested, your failure to provide this information promptly will be grounds to deny the preference (and, potentially, for other enforcement action). YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE PREFERENCE UNLESS YOU SPECIFY

WHETHER YOUR ARE CLAIMING THE 2% OR 4% PREFERENCE AND YOU PROVIDE THE INFORMATION

REQUIRED BY ITEM (3) ABOVE. [02-2B113B-1]

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (JUN 2006)

Any protest must be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, Materials Management Office, and submitted in writing

(a) by email to protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.us ,

(b) by post or delivery to 1201 Main Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201. [02-2B122-1]

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

Unit price to be shown for each item. [02-2B170-1]

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Requiring services with a third-party Financial Aid Company who can provide qualified staff members to offer support in multiple areas of the department. The potential offer staff must be qualified to handle all higher education financial aid requirements and compliances. The offeror staff must be familiar with the SC Technical College

System and must have experience with Ellucian Colleague Software System. Offer personnel must be able to work on site and remotely. The offeror personnel will be required to provide support for the College internal financial aid office including back office processing and on-going training for the College employees.

A. Specification

The potential offeror should be able to perform the following Back Office processes:

1. Verification processing and C-code clearance (estimated 700 files per year)

2. Processing of Student Loan Applications

3. Return to Title IV – R2T4 Completion

4. Monthly reconciliation of Title IV

5. Remote and on-site support as needed

6. Advise Students of missing documents by outbound calls or emails

B. Training:

Offeror shall provide training for the College support personnel and Coordinator (total of 4 staff members). Areas of training include:

1. Daily COD processing (update of student files with Department of Education)

2. FISAP (annual Federal requirements)

3. End of term SAP (Satisfactory Academic processes)

4. Assistance with Title IV issues

5. Processing Student Awards/Packaging

6. Authorization of aid to student accounts

7. Review de-registration reports to assist students with funding

8. Assistance with troubleshooting Ellucian Software issues

9. Ellucian Financial Aid Module set-up

C. Mentoring/Training estimated at 25-30 hours per week.

D. General Conditions

1. The Contractor shall comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.

2. The Contractor shall not, under any circumstances, employ anyone at less than the established Federal…