ITB-25-094 Inmate Transport Buses V10.pdf

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

Inmate Transport Buses, and Replacement Parts and Equipment

FDC ITB-25-094

Jamele Walden, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Corrections 501 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32399

ITB-25-094

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: Definitions

SECTION 2: Introduction

2.1 Overview

2.2 ITB Timeline

SECTION 3: Key Information

3.1 Background

3.2 Statement of Purpose

3.2.1 ITB Modifications

3.2.2 Order of Precedence

3.3 ITB Outcome

3.3.1 Contract Term and Renewal

3.3.2 Purchases and Invoices

3.3.3 Substitutions

3.3.4 Addition/Deletion of Items or Service Locations

3.3.5 Subcontracts

SECTION 4: Statement of Work

4.1 Specifications

4.1.1 Estimated Quantities

4.1.2 Minimum Order

4.1.3 Delivery

4.1.4 Damaged Goods

4.1.5 Summary Reports

4.2 Warranty Requirements

4.2.1 Chassis Warranties

4.2.2 Body Warranties

4.3 Performance Measures and Financial Consequences

SECTION 5: Bid Process and Vendor Information

5.1 General Instructions

5.2 Vendor Questions

5.3 Vendor Ombudsman

5.4 Bid Submissions

5.4.1 Mandatory Documentation

5.4.2 Price Sheet

5.4.3 Additional Bid Requirement for Out-of-State Vendors (Florida Preference)

5.4.4 Contact Information and Scrutinized Company Certification

5.4.5 Bid Contents

5.4.6 Bid Withdrawal

5.5 Other Vendor Requirements

5.5.1 State Licensing Requirement

5.5.2 MFMP Registration

5.5.3 Substitute W-9

5.6 Public Bid Opening

5.7 Bid Evaluation

5.7.1 Basis of Award

5.7.2 Identical Bids

5.7.3 Rejection of Bids

5.7.4 Bid Disposal

5.8 No Prior Participation or Conflict of Interest

5.9 Protest Procedures

SECTION 6: Other Terms and Conditions

6.1 Vendor Diversity

6.2 Environmental Considerations

6.3 Intellectual Property

6.4 Insurance

6.5 PCard Payments

6.6 Special Conditions

6.6.1 Retention of Records and Documentation

6.6.2 E-Verify

6.6.3 Foreign Countries of Concern

6.6.4 Foreign Gifts, Interest and Contracts

6.6.5 Convicted Vendor List

6.6.6 Discrimintary Vendor List

6.6.7 Antitrust Violator Vendor List

6.6.8 Suspended Vendor List

6.6.9 Cooperation with theInspector General

6.6.10 Cooperation with the Florida Legislature

6.6.11 Severability

6.6.12 Employment of Department Personnel

6.6.13 Legal Requirements

6.6.14 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

6.6.15 Security Requirements

Attachment I – Price Sheet

Attachment II – Vendor's Contact Information and Certification

Attachment III – Specifications for “Type C” Inmate Transport Buses Parts A and B

Attachment IV – Specifications for ADA-Compliant “Type C” Inmate Transport Buses (Part C) 58

Attachment V – Specifications for “Type C” Replacement Parts and Equipment (Part D)

Attachment VI – Sample Schematic of Inmate Area for ADA-Compliant Buses

Attachment VII – Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program

Attachment VIII – Subcontracting Form

Attachment IX – Security Requirements for Contractors

Attachment X – Service/Delivery Locations

Attachment XI – Foreign Country of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355)

Attachment XII – Use of Coercion for Labor and Service, and Provision of Commodities Produced by Forced Labor (PUR 2024)

Attachment XIII – Vendor Certification Form (PUR 7801)

SECTION 1: Definitions

The terms used in this ITB, unless the context otherwise clearly requires a different construction and interpretation, have the following meanings:

1.1 Agency Term Contract (ATC or Contract): The written Contract between the

Department and the successful Vendor, which results from this ITB and is mandatory for use by the entire Department.

1.2 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability, which can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) at 28 C.F.R.

Parts 35 (Title II) and 36 (Title III).

1.3 Bid: A Vendor’s response to this ITB.

1.4 Business Day: Days Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays or other official closures.

1.5 Contract Manager: The Department employee, or designee, who will serve as a liaison between the Vendor and Department under the Contract, and will monitor the Contractor’s progress and Contract performance to ensure the procured products and services conform to the Contract’s requirements.

1.6 Day: A calendar day, unless otherwise noted.

1.7 Department or FDC: The Florida Department of Corrections.

1.8 Material Deviation(s): A deviation from the requirements and specifications herein, which, in the Department’s sole discretion, is not in substantial accord with the requirements and specifications, provides a significant competitive advantage to one Vendor over other Vendors, has a potentially significant effect on the quantity or quality of items bid, or on the cost to the Department.

1.9 Minor Irregularity: A variation from the requirements and specifications herein that does not give the Vendor a significant competitive advantage or benefit not enjoyed by other Vendors, and does not adversely impact the Department’s interests.

1.10 Purchasing Card (PCard): The State of Florida’s purchasing card program that utilizes the Visa platform.

1.11 Responsible Vendor: A Vendor who has the capability in all respects to fully perform the

Contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

1.12 Responsive Bid: A Bid, submitted by a Responsible Vendor, which conforms to all material aspects of this ITB.

1.13 Vendor: A legally qualified corporation, partnership, or other business entity submitting a

Bid to the Department in response to this ITB.

SECTION 2: Introduction

2.1 Overview

The Department has a need to purchase inmate transport buses, ADA Compliant inmate transport buses and replacement parts and equipment for delivery to various institutions throughout the State. Previously, the Department purchased these buses through an ATC, which will expire soon. Parts and equipment were purchased through an informal quoting process or alternate contract sources approved by the Department of Management Services.

2.2 ITB Timeline

The Department established the following Timeline for this ITB. Each Vendor must adhere to this Timeline and any Timeline revision(s). The Department will post any Timeline revision as an addendum to the ITB advertisement in accordance with Section 3.2.1 of this ITB. All references to the “Timeline” herein refer to the Timeline in this Section. All times below are Eastern Time (E.T.).

Event Occurrence Location (if applicable)

ITB Advertised September 3, 2025 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Deadline for Vendors to

Submit Questions

September 25, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

Submit via email to:

Purchasing@fdc.myflorida.com

Attn: Jamele Walden Subject: Inmate Transport Buses, and

Replacement Parts and Equipment

ITB-25-094

Anticipated Date the Department will Advertise its

Answers to Vendors'

Questions

October 7, 2025 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Bid Deadline and Time of the Department’s

Public Bid Opening

October 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Florida Department of Corrections Attn: Jamele Walden

Inmate Transport Buses, and Replacement Parts and Equipment

ITB-25-094

501 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32399

Anticipated Date the Department will Advertise its Agency Decision

November 2025 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

SECTION 3: Key Information

3.1 Background

As Florida’s largest agency, and the third-largest state prison system in the United States, the FDC has 24,000 full-time employees, incarcerates 80,000 inmates, and supervises nearly 145,000 offenders in the community. The Department’s Office of Institutions manages 143 facilities statewide, including major institutions, annexes, work camps, road prisons, forestry camps, re-entry centers, and community release centers. The Department’s Office of Community Corrections monitors and supervises adult offenders out of 130 offices within 20 judicial circuits. The Department divides its operations geographically into four (4) regions: Region I (the Panhandle), Region II (North Florida), Region III (Central Florida), and Region IV (South Florida). Each region has a Regional Director of Institutions who supervises all Wardens in that region and a Regional Director of Community Corrections who supervises all Circuit Administrators in that region.

3.2 Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this ITB is to secure Responsive Bids from Responsible Vendors to provide inmate transport buses, ADA-compliant inmate transport buses, and replacement parts and equipment to correctional institutions throughout the State. The Department is issuing this ITB to establish a new ATC. Service or delivery locations may be found in Attachment X of this ITB.

3.2.1 ITB Modifications

Once the Department advertises this ITB on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP), if it needs to change, supplement, modify or revise any portion of its contents or exhibits, attachments, or other materials, it will advertise supplemental information as an addendum to this ITB on the VIP. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the VIP website for addenda relative to this solicitation.

3.2.2 Order of Precedence

All Bids are subject to the terms of this ITB, which in case of conflict shall have the following order of precedence:

A) ITB addenda, in reverse order of issuance;

B) This ITB document, including any attachments or exhibits;

C) Form PUR 1000, referenced in Section 5.1 of this ITB; then D) Form PUR 1001, referenced in Section 5.1 of this ITB.

3.3 ITB Outcome

3.3.1 Contract Term and Renewal

As a result of this ITB, the Department will award the successful Vendor a Contract up to five (5) years. The awarded Contract may be renewed for up to five (5) additional years, or portions thereof, in accordance with Section 287.057(14), Florida Statutes (F.S.). Contract pricing will be fixed, as specified in the Vendor’s completed Attachment I- Price Sheet.

3.3.2 Purchases and Invoices

The Department may issue Purchase Orders (PO’s) through MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP)/Ariba on Demand (AOD) or pay for deliverables via PCard. Throughout the Contract term, the Vendor shall invoice the Department in arrears, as required by Section 215.422, F.S. The Vendor's invoice shall include its name, mailing address, federal tax identification number (FEIN), PO number, the dates of service (if applicable), items provided (if applicable), and all relevant supporting documentation.

3.3.3 Substitutions

Upon Contract execution, the Vendor must provide only the items awarded.

Substituted items sent to the Department without prior approval by the Department are prohibited, will be returned at the Vendor's expense, and may lead to termination of the Contract.

If an awarded item cannot be provided for reasons beyond the Vendor's control, such as a product discontinuance, the Vendor shall propose an alternative item to the Contract Manager for approval within 10 Days of receiving a PO from the Department. The alternative item must meet or exceed the terms, conditions, and requirements applicable to the item originally awarded. The Department may require a sample of the alternative item for review prior to approval. If required, the Vendor will deliver the sample to the Department's Central Office in Tallahassee, FL, or other location as directed, at no cost to the Department. If the Vendor wants the sample returned, it will pay for shipping the item(s) back after the Department completes its review.

3.3.4 Addition/Deletion of Items or Service Locations

The Department reserves the right to add or delete items and service locations after Contract execution when it is in the Department's best interest and within the general scope of this ITB. The Vendor’s pricing for items and service locations added or substituted must be comparable to the prices established by this ITB.

Any modification to add or delete items or service locations will become effective only upon execution of a written amendment to the Contract.

3.3.5 Subcontracts

With prior written consent from the Department, the Vendor may enter written subcontracts to fulfill its Contract duties as indicated in this ITB. The Vendor must disclose anticipated subcontracts at the time of Bid submission and must provide a copy of the proposed subcontract to the Department with its Bid. No subcontract into which the Vendor enters for the performance of its duties under the Contract shall in any way relieve the Vendor of responsibility or liability associated with the performance of its Contract duties. All subcontractors shall comply with the Contract requirements to the same extent as the successful Vendor, including requirements regarding background checks and other security measures.

The Department will only pay the Vendor for deliverables provided under the Contract. The Vendor shall make all payments to subcontractors within seven (7) Business Days after any payment is received from the Department, per Section 287.0585, F.S. The Department shall not be liable to any subcontractor for any expenses incurred under the subcontract. The Vendor assumes sole responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incurred under a subcontract. If the Vendor fails to pay the subcontractor within seven (7) Business Days, the Vendor shall pay the penalty to the subcontractor in the amount of one-half (1/2) of one percent (1%) of the amount due, per Day, from the expiration of the period allowed herein for payment. Such penalty shall be in addition to actual payments owed and shall not exceed 15% of the outstanding balance due.

[Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentionally]

SECTION 4: Statement of Work

4.1 Specifications

The Vendor shall provide inmate transport buses, ADA compliant inmate transport buses, and replacement parts and equipment as specified in this ITB. Attachment III, Specifications for “Type C” Inmate Transport Buses (Parts A and B), Attachment IV, Specifications for ADA-Compliant “Type C” Inmate Transport Buses (Part C), and Attachment V, Specifications for “Type C” Replacement Parts and Equipment (Part D), reflect the requirements for the items sought. The Vendor must bid only the items specified in this ITB. The items sought in this ITB will be considered deliverables in the Contract.

4.1.1 Estimated Quantities

The quantities provided in this ITB are given as an estimate for Vendors to prepare their Bids and the Department to make an award. Quantities should not be construed as representing the actual quantities to be purchased by the Department. The Department may purchase more or fewer items than indicated in this ITB.

4.1.2 Minimum Order

There will be no minimum order under the Contract.

4.1.3 Delivery

The Vendor shall ship replacement parts and equipment to the Department as Free on Board Destination and ensure items arrive within 30 Days of PO issuance unless a different time is agreed to by the Department as documented on a PO.

Delivery of inmate transport buses and ADA-compliant inmate transport buses will be coordinated with the Contract Manager and mutually agreed upon at the time of order. Deliveries must be made between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., local time, Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays and other official closures, unless otherwise stated on a PO.

4.1.4 Damaged Goods

The Vendor shall file, process, and collect all claims for damaged goods. To assist the Vendor in the efficient handling of damage claims, the Department's staff receiving goods will:

1. Record any visible damage on all copies of the delivery carrier's Bill of Lading and provide the Vendor with a copy;

2. Report visible damage to the Vendor in writing within 15 Days of delivery;

and

3. Retain the damaged item(s) and, if possible, its shipping container, including packing material, until the delivery carrier performs inspections and the issue is resolved with the Vendor.

4.1.5 Summary Reports

The Vendor shall provide the Contract Manager a report of all Contract purchases at the end of each calendar quarter (March, June, September, and December).

These quarterly reports must provide, at minimum, the 1) total number of orders placed during the quarter, 2) total dollar value of orders placed during the quarter,

3) total number of each item sold during the quarter, and 4) total dollar value of all items sold during the Contract term to date.

The Department may, at its sole discretion, develop a format for the Vendor to use in reporting the information above. The Vendor shall utilize any format developed by the Department for this purpose. The Vendor’s failure to provide a quarterly report within 30 Days following the end of a quarter may result in the assessment of financial consequences or termination of the Contract.

4.2 Warranty Requirements

The Vendor shall guarantee all items purchased against nonconformance, and manufacturing and design defects. Upon notification of the defect by the Department, the Vendor will promptly cure any nonconforming or defective goods at no additional cost to the Department. The Vendor will bear all costs associated with curing the defect or nonconformance, including shipping/re-shipping and inspection costs Body and chassis manufacturers' warranty policies shall allow revision of the warranty start date for each vehicle to the Department's actual “in service” date. Appropriate forms to update the chassis warranty shall be included in the owner/operator’s packet, supplied with the chassis, and conveyed, along with the body warranty, by the body builder to the Department upon delivery of the completed unit. All parts, equipment, labor, and all warranties will be in effect for the entire mileage limits and time periods listed below. The above requirements shall apply to the basic warranties, all component warranties, and any extended warranties offered or required. During that time, the Vendor shall cure installation or service deficiencies at no cost to the Department.

4.2.1 Chassis Warranties

a. Chassis warranty shall be the manufacturer's standard, minimum 12,000 miles or 12 months.

b. Diesel engines (including turbocharger, emission control components, flywheel, flex plate, and harmonic balancer) on “Type C” units shall be warrantied for 60 months or 300,000 miles (whichever provides the longest coverage period), and include 100% of parts and labor.

c. The chassis, or component supplier for all “Type C” chassis, shall warranty, or provide extended service coverage, for the following items, to include removal and replacement of parts, for five (5) years, unlimited mileage, 100% of parts, and labor: drive shafts, U-joints, differential, rear axle housing, rear axles, and rear wheel bearings. (This does not include gaskets and seals covered under the basic 12-month or 12,000-mile chassis warranty.)

Chassis frame rails, fuel tanks, front axle I-beams, and rear axle housings shall be warrantied for a period of 10 years (unlimited mileage) including 100% of parts and labor.

Automatic transmissions shall be warrantied for five (5) years unlimited miles, 100% of parts and labor for all “Type C” buses.

d. Paint finish coats to chassis hood, fenders, and cowl shall be warrantied for

60 months (unlimited miles) and 100% of parts and labor. Warranty shall cover adhesion, color retention, and gloss retention. Acceptable lower limits, during the warranty period, are as follows:

Adhesion: During the 60-month warranty period, paint and priming compounds shall not fail to adhere to the bus during normal use and care.

Color Retention: During the first 36 months from the in-service date, the color coat shall not shift colors more than four (4) E from the centroid of the national standard.

During the 60-month warranty period, the color coat shall not shift color more than eight (8) E from the centroid of the national standard.

Gloss: During the first 36 months from the in-service date, the gloss reading shall not fall below 60 at 60°. During the 60-month warranty period, the gloss reading shall not drop below 30 at 60°.

All measurements shall be the average of 12 readings taken at various locations on the bus, but no reading shall be more than three (3) points under the stated minimum. All readings shall be taken after the bus is thoroughly washed to remove road film and dust.

4.2.2 Body Warranties

a. Body, electrical, and electronics warranties shall be a minimum of 300,000 miles or 60 months (whichever provides the longest period of coverage).

b. The total factory air conditioning system, on any bus so equipped, shall be warrantied for two (2) years, including parts and labor (excluding fluids, gases, and air filters used in normal preventive maintenance) with no warranty limitation on the number of operating hours. Chassis engine-driven air conditioning compressor applications must be approved in writing by the engine manufacturer, and the approval must state that the installation will not void or reduce the engine manufacturer's warranty or extended service liabilities in any way.

c. Exterior mirror assemblies (including mounting bracketry) shall be warrantied

(100% of parts replacement coverage) for five (5) years against rust and corrosion, and against any reduction in clarity of view due to discoloration or other deterioration of the lens.

d. All bus body electrical wiring and switches shall be warrantied for 60-months

(no mileage limit) against failure, to include 100% of parts and labor, including, but not limited to, damage resulting from wiring or connectors becoming abraded, or pierced by fasteners, shorted, or otherwise damaged during manufacture or use.

f. The driver's seat and pedestal shall be warrantied (100% of parts and labor), for the life of the bus, against structural failure of any primary support.

g. The air-powered entrance door assemblies shall be warrantied for two (2) years (unlimited mileage) 100% of parts and labor.

h. All reflective markings shall be warrantied for five (5) years (unlimited mileage), for all labor and parts.

4.3 Performance Measures and Financial Consequences

The Department desires to contract with a Vendor who demonstrates its willingness to be held accountable for the achievement of successful Contract performance. By submitting a Bid, the Vendor agrees to the Department’s assessment of financial consequences, which are not intended to be a penalty but to incentivize the Vendor’s performance under the Contract.

The performance measures below list the key expectations most critical to the success of the Contract and the financial consequences the Department will assess if an expectation is not met. If a Vendor is unable to achieve a performance measure expectation because of unforeseen circumstances outside of its control, the Vendor may submit a written request, in advance, to the Contract Manager to waive the assessment of the associated financial consequence. The Contract Manager will then review the request to determine whether mitigating circumstances existed beyond the Vendor’s control. For the Department to approve the request, the Vendor must not have contributed to the failed expectation in any manner. The Department does not waive its ability to assess financial consequences by allowing the delivery of an item(s) or completion of services after the time allowed. Nothing in this section shall limit the Department’s right to pursue other remedies available at law or in equity.

Performance Measures (PM)

No. Description Expectation Measurement Financial

Consequence

PM-001

The Vendor shall deliver items ordered in accordance with the Contract and the

Department’s PO.

Item Availability & Timely Delivery

Per Occurrence

$50 per Day after the time allowed by the Contract or PO.

PM-002

The Vendor shall provide the Contract Manager a report of all Contract purchases at the end of each calendar quarter

(March, June, September, and

December).

Timely Delivery Per

Occurrence

$50 per Day, beginning the 31st day following the end of a quarter.

SECTION 5: Bid Process and Vendor Information

5.1 General Instructions

The State’s General Contracting Conditions (Form PUR 1000) and General Instructions to Respondents (Form PUR 1001) may be viewed at the link below and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as part of this ITB.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_re sources/state_purchasing_pur_forms.

The terms and conditions set forth within this ITB supersede any conflicting terms and conditions set forth within Forms PUR 1000 or PUR 1001.

5.2 Vendor Questions

Interested Vendors may email questions relating to this ITB and requests to bid approved equivalents to the Procurement Officer listed below by the deadline in the ITB Timeline.

Verbal questions, or those submitted after the deadline, will not be acknowledged.

Procurement Officer:

Jamele Walden Bureau of Procurement Florida Department of Corrections 501 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500 Telephone: (850) 717-3700 Email: purchasing@fdc.myflorida.com

The Department will post its answers to written questions to the VIP on or about the date referenced in the Timeline.

Between the release of the solicitation, and the end of the 72-hour period following the advertisement of the Notice of Agency Decision (the 72-hour period excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays), Vendors responding to this ITB, and persons acting on their behalf, may not contact any employee, or officer, of the executive, or legislative branches of government, concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer as provided in this solicitation. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response, as per Section 287.057(25), F.S.

Persons requiring special accommodations to respond to this ITB because of a disability should contact the Bureau of Procurement at (850) 717-3700, at least five (5) Days before any Bid opening or public meeting. Persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled may contact the Bureau of Procurement by using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TTY/ASCII).

The Vendor shall not initiate or execute any negotiation, decision, or action arising from any verbal discussion with a State employee related to this ITB. Only written communications from the Procurement Officer are considered duly authorized expressions on behalf of the Department. Only written communications from a Vendor will be recognized as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the Vendor. Any discussion by a Vendor with an employee or representative of the Department, involving cost or price, and occurring before the Department advertises its notice of agency decision, may result in the rejection of that Vendor's Bid.

5.3 Vendor Ombudsman

A vendor ombudsman has been established within the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The duties of this office include acting as an advocate for Vendors who may experience problems in obtaining timely payment(s) from a State agency. The vendor ombudsman may be contacted by calling DFS at (850) 413-5516.

5.4 Bid Submissions

Before submitting a Bid, Vendors should check the VIP for any ITB modification(s) as outlined in Section 3.2.1. Neither the Department nor the State of Florida is liable for any costs incurred by a Vendor in response to this ITB.

A Vendor must prepare its Bid simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Vendor's capability to satisfy the requirements of this ITB.

Elaborate bindings, colored displays, and promotional materials are discouraged. Bids must be complete and clear. To expedite the Department’s review of Bids, Vendors must adhere to the following instructions:

A) Bids must be sent by U.S. Mail, Courier, Overnight, or hand-delivered to the location indicated in the Timeline. Electronic submission of Bids will not be accepted.

B) Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package with ITB-25-094 and the date/time of the Public Bid Opening clearly marked on the outside of the envelope/package.

C) It is the Vendor's responsibility to ensure its Bid is delivered to the proper place and time as stipulated in the Timeline.

D) Bids received after the Bid Deadline provided in the Timeline will not be accepted.

E) Vendors should submit one (1) original hard copy Bid and one (1) electronic Bid copy in searchable PDF format on a CD, DVD, or flash drive. The electronic copy must contain the entire Bid as submitted, including all supporting and signed documents. CDs, DVDs, and flash drives submitted should not be password protected.

F) If the Vendor considers any portion of its Bid to be confidential, trade secret, or otherwise exempt from disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S., the Florida Constitution, or another legal authority, the Vendor must also simultaneously provide the Department a redacted copy of its Bid in both hard copy and electronic forms and provide a brief written description of its grounds for claiming exemption from public record, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption. This redacted copy shall be titled “Redacted Copy.” The redacted copy must be provided to the Department at the same time the Vendor submits its Bid and must only exclude or redact those exact portions of the Bid claimed confidential, proprietary, or trade secret. The Vendor shall be responsible for defending its assertion that the redacted portions of its Bid are confidential, trade secret, or otherwise exempt from disclosure. Further, the Vendor shall protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any claims arising from, or relating to, the Vendor’s determination that the redacted portions of its response are confidential, proprietary, trade secret, or otherwise exempt from disclosure. If the Vendor fails to submit a redacted copy with its Bid, the Vendor explicitly authorizes the Department to produce its entire Bid contents in answer to a request for public records. In no event shall the Department, or any of its employees, or agents, be liable for disclosing, or otherwise failing to protect, the confidentiality of information submitted in response to this Bid.

5.4.1 Mandatory Documentation

Vendors must complete and submit the following mandatory documentation with their Bids:

A) Attachment I – Price Sheet B) Florida Preference Letter, as outlined in Section 5.4.3 C) Attachment II – Vendor’s Contact Information and Certification D) Attachment VII – Certification of a Drug-Free Workplace Program Form, if applicable E) Attachment VIII – Subcontracting Form F) Attachment IX – Security Requirements G) Attachment XI – Foreign Country of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355) H) Attachment XII – Use of Coercion for Labor and Service, and Provision of

Commodities Produced by Forced Labor (PUR 2024)

5.4.2 Price Sheet

The Vendor shall complete and submit Attachment I, Price Sheet, to bid on this ITB. Vendors should ensure they are using the most current version of the Price Sheet before submitting their Bids by checking the VIP for any ITB modifications as outlined in Section 3.2.1. If the Department approved any equivalent items during the question and answer phase of this ITB, then the Department will modify the Attachment I- Price Sheet to reflect the approved equivalent items. By submitting a Bid in response to this ITB, a Vendor warrants its agreement to the prices submitted. Vendors should submit Bids with the most favorable pricing the Vendor can offer the State. Any modifications, qualifications, counteroffers, deviations, or challenges will be rejected and may render a Bid non-Responsive.

The Department may reject any Vendor’s Price Sheet that includes inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or is incomplete.

Bids must be firm prices and inclusive of all packaging, handling, shipping, and delivery charges, environmental and fuel service fees, and any other relevant and related charges. The Department is exempt from paying federal excise taxes and sales tax on direct purchases of commodities or services.

If a Price Sheet includes inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or is incomplete, it may be rejected by the Department. All calculations will be reviewed and verified. The Department may correct mathematical errors; however, in the event of any miscalculation, unit prices shall prevail.

The items or services sought in this ITB will be considered deliverables in the Contract.

If the completed and correct version of the Price Sheet is not included in a Vendor’s Bid, the Bid will be deemed non-Responsive.

5.4.3 Additional Bid Requirement for Out-of-State Vendors (Florida Preference)

Per Section 287.084, F.S., a Bid from a Vendor whose principal place of business is NOT located within the State of Florida must include a written letter from an attorney licensed to practice law in the state where their principal place of business is located, which identifies any preference(s) granted by that state to its business entities in the award of public contracts under the current laws of that state. If no preference is provided in that state, the attorney’s letter should contain a statement specifying that no preference is granted. The Department considers a Vendor’s principal place of business as the principal address registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/).

If this letter is not included in the Bid of a Vendor whose principal place of business is NOT located within the State of Florida, or if the letter does not accurately reflect the current preferences of that state, if any, the Bid will be deemed non-Responsive.

When the lowest Responsive Bid is submitted by a Responsible Vendor whose principal place of business is NOT located within the State of Florida, and the state where the lowest Responsible Vendor’s principal place of business is located does not offer any preference for its business entities, a five percent (5%) price preference shall be applied to any Responsive Bid from a Responsible Vendor whose principal place of business is located within the State of Florida. If the state where the out-of-state Vendor is located provides a different price preference for businesses having a principal place of business in that state, that same price preference shall be applied to the Responsive Bids from Florida-based Responsible Vendors.

For example, if an Oklahoma-based company submits a Responsive Bid and is the lowest Responsible Vendor, and Oklahoma offers no preference for the award of Oklahoma-based companies in public contracts, then a five percent (5%) preference would be given to Florida-based Vendors in consideration of an award.

If Oklahoma offered a 10% preference in the award of contracts to Oklahoma-based businesses, then a 10% preference would be applied to Florida-based Vendors in consideration of an award.

5.4.4 Contact Information and Scrutinized Company Certification

The Vendor must certify it is not listed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created under Section 215.4725, F.S., and they are not currently engaged in a boycott of Israel. If the Contract exceeds $1,000,000.00 in total, not including renewal years, the Vendor must certify that they are not listed on either

1) the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, or 2) the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List created under Section 215.473, F.S., and they are not engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria, as stated in Section 287.135(2)(b)2, F.S. Pursuant to Sections 287.135(5), F.S., and 287.135(3), F.S., the Vendor agrees the Department may immediately terminate the Contract for cause if the Vendor is found to have submitted a false certification or if the Vendor is placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel, or has engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria during the term of the Contract.

Any company that submits a Bid must certify that the company is not participating in a boycott of Israel.

Vendors shall accomplish this certification(s) by completing and returning Attachment II, Vendor’s Contact Information and Certification. If Attachment II is not included in the Vendor’s Bid, the Bid will be deemed non-Responsive.

5.4.5 Bid Contents

All documents produced or provided as part of any Bid or this ITB process shall become and remain the exclusive property of the Department and may not be removed by the Vendor or its agents. The Department has the exclusive right to use any or all ideas, adaptations of ideas, or content presented in any Bid.

Selection or rejection of a Bid shall not affect this right.

5.4.6 Bid Withdrawal

After submission, a Vendor may withdraw its Bid by submitting a written request to the Procurement Officer. A Vendor’s request to withdraw its Bid must originate from the email of their duly authorized representative or be signed by their duly authorized representative. The Department must receive such requests within 72 hours of the Public Bid Opening Date indicated in the Timeline.

If multiple Bids are received from the same Vendor, and the Vendor has not withdrawn one (1) of its Bids, then the Department will only evaluate the Vendor’s Bid received last.

All other Bids shall remain valid for 180 Days from the Bid Deadline.

5.5 Other Vendor Requirements

5.5.1 State Licensing Requirement

All entities defined under Chapters 607, 617, or 620, F.S., seeking to do business with the Department must be on file and in good standing with the Florida Department of State at the time of Bid submission.

5.5.2 MFMP Registration

All contractors doing business with the State as defined in Section 287.012, F.S., must register in the MFMP VIP system unless exempted under Rule 60A-1.033, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). State agencies shall not agree to purchase commodities or contractual services with any Vendor not registered in MFMP unless exempted by rule. A Vendor not currently registered in MFMP shall do so within five (5) Days of the ITB award. Vendors may complete their MFMP registrations at: http://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com. Vendors needing assistance regarding their MFMP registration may contact the MFMP Customer Service Desk at (866) 352-3776 or vendorhelp@myfloridamarketplace.com.

The State of Florida, through the Department of Management Services (DMS), has instituted MyFloridaMarketPlace, a statewide eProcurement system pursuant to section 287.057(24), F.S. All payments issued by Agencies to registered Vendors for purchases of Commodities or Contractual Services under Chapter 287, F.S., shall be assessed the Transaction Fee of seven-tenths of one percent (0.7%) of the total amount of the payments received from the State or Eligible Users, as prescribed by Rule 60A-1.031, F.A.C, or as may otherwise be established by law.

Vendors shall pay the Transaction Fee and are subject to automatic deduction of the Transaction Fee, when automatic deduction becomes available. Vendors shall submit any monthly reports required pursuant to Rule 60A-1.031, F.A.C. All such reports and payments are subject to audit. The Agency will have grounds for declaring the Vendor in default if the Vendor fails to comply with the payment of the Transaction Fee or reporting of payments, which may subject the Vendor to being suspended from business with the State of Florida.

5.5.3 Substitute W-9

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all Vendors doing business with the State to submit a Substitute W-9 Form electronically. To submit Forms, find frequently asked questions, and receive other assistance, Vendors can visit https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com. For additional help, Vendors may contact DFS at (850) 413-5519 or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com.

5.6 Public Bid Opening

Bids are due and will be publicly opened at the time, date, and location specified in the Timeline. The Department will not accept or consider Bids received after the Bid Deadline.

Vendors may not modify their Bids after the Bid Deadline. Department staff are not responsible for the accidental opening of a Bid that has been improperly sealed or not addressed as indicated in the Timeline.

5.7 Bid Evaluation

5.7.1 Basis of Award

The Department intends to issue an award to the Responsible Vendor who submits a Responsive Bid with the lowest Total Price Score, as evidenced in Attachment I- Price Sheet. A Vendor must bid on all items for its Bid to be considered Responsive.

The Department will assign price points to Vendors based on the Unit Price and Percentage Discount off the MSRP, as outlined in Attachment I, Price Sheet. If applicable, the Department will apply a preference to Florida-based Vendors as indicated in Section 5.4.3.

The Department will assign Price Points for Inmate Transport Bus using the following equation:

Lowest price offered by any Vendor X 200 = Price Points Vendor’s Price

The Department will assign Price Points for ADA-Compliant Inmate Transport Bus using the following equation:

Lowest price offered by any Vendor X 50 = Price Points Vendor’s Price

The Department will assign Price Points for Replacement Parts and Equipment for the Percentage Discount off MSRP using the following equation:

Vendor’s discount percentage off MSRP X 200 = Price Points Highest Discount Percentage off MSRP offered by any Vendor

The Department will add all Price Points assigned to Vendors to determine the Highest Total Price Score using the following equation:

Inmate Transport Buses Price Points + ADA-compliant Transport Buses Price Points + Replacement Parts and Equipment Price Points = Total Price Score

In the event the Responsible Vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price is found non-Responsive, the Department may proceed to the next Responsive Bid from a Responsible Vendor with the next lowest Grand Total Price and continue the award process.

5.7.2 Identical Bids

If the Department receives identical pricing or scoring from multiple Vendors, the Department shall determine the order of award using the following criteria:

A) If two (2) equal Bids are received, and one (1) Bid is from a certified minority business enterprise, the Department will award a Contract to the certified minority business enterprise in accordance with Section 287.057(12) F.S.

Minority Business Certifications submitted by the Vendor as part of its Bid must be active and current at the time of submission. A Bid containing a blank, incomplete, invalid, or falsified Minority Business Certification will be deemed non-Responsive.

B) Per Section 295.187(4), F.S., when considering two (2) or more Bids, at least one (1) of which is from a certified veteran business enterprise, which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality, and service, the Department shall award a Contract to the certified veteran business enterprise. If a veteran business enterprise and one (1) or more businesses entitled to a preference by law submit Bids, which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations including price, quality, and service, the Department shall award a Contract to the business having the smallest net worth.

C) Per Section 287.087, F.S., whenever two (2) or more Bids that are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the Department, the Bid from a business that certifies it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process. A Vendor may certify it has implemented a drug-free workplace program by completing Attachment VII- Certification of Drug-Free Workplace.

D) Per Section 287.082, F.S., whenever two (2) or more competitive sealed

Bids are received, one (1) or more of which relates to commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within the State of Florida, and whenever all things stated in such received Bids are equal with respect to price, quality, and service, the commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within this State shall be given preference.

E) Per Section 287.092, F.S., any foreign manufacturing company with a factory in the State and employing over 200 employees working in the State shall have preference over any other foreign company when price, quality, and service are the same, regardless of where the product is manufactured.

5.7.3 Rejection of Bids

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any Bids or separable portions thereof and waive any minor irregularity, technicality, or omission if the Department determines that doing so will serve its best interest(s). The Department may reject any Bid not submitted in the manner specified in this ITB and those otherwise considered non-Responsive. Material deviations cannot be waived by the Department and shall result in a Bid being deemed non-Responsive.

5.7.4 Bid Disposal

All Bids submitted shall become the property of the Department and will be considered public records, subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, F.S.

5.8 No Prior Participation or Conflict of Interest

Per Section 287.057(19)(c), F.S., a person who receives a contract that has not been procured pursuant to Subsections (1)-(3) of S. 287.057, F.S. to perform a feasibility study of the potential implementation of a subsequent contract, who participates in the drafting of a solicitation or who develops a program for future implementation, is not eligible to contract with the agency for any other contracts dealing with that specific subject matter, and any firm in which such person has any interest is not eligible to receive such contract.

However, this prohibition does not prevent a Vendor who responds to a request for information from being eligible to contract with an agency.

The Department considers participation in a solicitation to be any actions related to the decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or functioning in any other advisory capacity.

The Vendor shall not compensate, in any manner, directly or indirectly, any officer, agent, or employee of the Department, for any act or service, that they may do, or perform, for, or on behalf of, any officer, agent, or employee of the Vendor. Officers, agents, or employees of the Department shall not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in any contract or purchase made, or authorized to be made by anyone for, or on behalf of, the Department. The Vendor shall have no interest and shall not acquire any interest that conflicts in any manner, or degree, with the performance of the services required under this ITB.

Per Section 287.057(19), F.S., the Department shall avoid, neutralize, or mitigate significant potential organizational conflicts of interest before the award of a contract and may not proceed with an award if a conflict of interest exists based upon the Vendor’s gaining of an unfair competitive advantage.

5.9 Protest Procedures

Under Section 120.57(3), F.S., any person who is adversely affected by the agency decision or intended decision shall file a notice of protest or formal written protest with the Department's Agency Clerk. Filings may be made physically at 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500, by email to CO-GCAgencyClerk@fdc.myflorida.com, or by fax to (850) 922-4355. Protests must be made in compliance with Rules 28-110.003, 28-110.004, and 28-110.005, F.A.C. Filings received after the business hours of Monday

– Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET will be filed the next Business Day.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), F.S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

SECTION 6: Other Terms and Conditions

6.1 Vendor Diversity

The State of Florida is committed to supporting its diverse business industry and population by ensuring participation by minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned business enterprises in the State's economic life. The Department works in conjunction with the Florida Department of Management Services, Office of Supplier Development, to provide training on how to access its procurement opportunities.

The Office of Supplier Development offers resources to diverse business enterprises, including the Mentor Protégé Program, which connects eligible business enterprises with private corporations for business development mentoring. For more information, including contact information, on the Mentor Protége Program, Vendors may visit the Office of Supplier Development's website at:

Office of Supplier Development - Florida Department of Management Services.

6.2 Environmental Considerations

The State supports and encourages initiatives to protect and preserve our environment. If applicable, the Vendor shall submit a plan to support the procurement of commodities and materials with recycled content, referencing the intent of Section 403.7065, F.S. The Vendor shall also provide a plan, if applicable, for reducing or handling hazardous waste generated by the Vendor's company, referencing Rule 62-730.160, F.A.C. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires any generator of hazardous waste materials exceeding certain thresholds to have a valid and current hazardous waste generator identification number. This identification number shall be submitted as part of the Vendor's explanation of its hazardous waste plan and shall explain, in detail, its handling and disposal of this waste.

6.3 Intellectual Property

To the extent that the Contract requires a Vendor to produce original writing, sound recordings, pictorial reproductions, drawings, other graphic representation, or works of any similar nature, the Department has the right to use, duplicate, and disclose such materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, for any purpose whatsoever, and to allow its agents to do the same.