MA RFP 12.10.24.docx

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

POST-PERFORMANCE REVIEW

The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (“GOMB”) of the State of Illinois requests proposals from responsible Offerors to meet its needs. A brief description is set forth below for the Offeror’s convenience, with detailed requirements in subsequent sections of this solicitation. In this document, the State of Illinois and GOMB are collectively referred to as “the State.” If interested and able to meet these requirements, GOMB appreciates and welcomes an Offer.

Brief Description:

The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget seeks a pool of qualified Municipal Advisors to assist with the issuance of State debt, to develop rating agency strategies, to analyze refunding structures, to develop and execute strategies to manage its debt portfolio, and to undertake other debt management initiatives as necessary in the execution of GOMB’s statutory duties. Firms acting in this role must have demonstrated expertise in the areas outlined above. Bond issues may involve “competitive” or “negotiated” bond sale structures.

GOMB expects the pool of qualified Municipal Advisors to also serve as the State’s Independent Registered Municipal Advisor (“IRMA”) and sign a letter to that effect which will be posted on our website. GOMB anticipates maintaining a pool of up to six (6) firms, and, therefore, plans to make multiple awards based upon this solicitation.

The resulting contracts with the awarded Offerors shall have an initial term of three (3) years. In no event will the total terms of the contracts, including the initial term, any renewal terms, and any extensions exceed ten (10) years. 30 ILCS 500/20-60. Subject to the maximum total term limitation, GOMB reserves the options to renew all or less than all contracts awarded for up to ten (10) years in any combination of time.

Please read the entire solicitation package and submit an Offer in accordance with the instructions. All forms and signature areas contained in the solicitation package must be completed in full and submitted along with the technical response and price proposal which combined will constitute the Offer. Do not submit the instruction pages with Offers.

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

Offers that do not adhere to the form and content of the Request for Proposal requirements may not be considered.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

PROFESSIONAL AND ARTISTIC REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Municipal Advisory Services

25-507GOMB-MGMTB-B-45603

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

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

SECTION 1.

SECTION 2

Pricing E.

SECTION 3.

The following sections (Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms A), and IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms B) of the solicitation may be found on the CPO’s website at:

https://cpo-general.illinois.gov/solicitation-and-contract-templates.html Vendor Disclosure (formerly named FORMS A ) Complete this section if you are not using a State of Illinois Vendor Registration Number which represents registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

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

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

Download from the CEI’s website and complete these documents if this RFP contains a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal.

BEP Utilization Plan

Download from theCEI’s website and complete these documents if this RFP contains a Veteran Small Business Program (VBP) goal.

Veteran Small Business Utilization Plan

OUTLINE

SECTION 1.

A. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

A.1. BIDBUY: GOMB publishes Requests for Proposals (RFP) in BidBuy. BidBuy consists of public webpages that may be referred to as the “Bulletin” or information “on BidBuy”. BidBuy also permits vendors to create password protected Seller Accounts allowing electronic quoting for some procurement methods. The RFP, along with other attachments and information on BidBuy, constitutes the State’s solicitation. Offerors must pay special attention to the instructions found on BidBuy as they augment the information in this RFP. Offerors shall read the entire contents of this RFP and direct any questions to the Information Contact found on the BidBuy posting.

Price entries on the items tab in BidBuy will be locked automatically upon submission of the offer. If GOMB requires pricing to be submitted in an attachment, Offerors shall upload pricing under the “Required Documents” section on the attachments tab and check the box “Does the Attachment contain any pricing, cost or discount information?”. Failure to check this box allows your pricing to be viewed when bids are opened and may result in disqualification of your offer. NOTE: Do not check “Does the Attachment contain any pricing, cost or discount information?” if the attachment does NOT include pricing, cost, or discount information.

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

The Offeror is solely responsible for ensuring timely submission of its electronic solicitation response. Failure to allow adequate time prior to the solicitation end date to complete and submit a response to a solicitation, particularly in the event technical support assistance is required, places the Offeror and its bid, offer, or response at risk of not being accepted. Please note that BidBuy is maintained by the Chief Procurement Officer for General Services, not GOMB, and GOMB cannot provide technical support assistance.

GOMB encourages Offerors to make sure that their BidBuy accounts are up-to-date. Offerors should access their BidBuy accounts prior to the solicitation due date and time to make sure that Offerors’ information is up-to-date and passwords are current. Files may be uploaded at any time prior to submission.

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

Note: any pricing entered in the Unit Cost of the Items Tab will be locked until after Technical Evaluations take place. Do not enter cost, pricing, or any discount information in the Alternate Description field. Entering cost, pricing or discount information in the Alternate Description may result in disqualification.

Note: If taking any exceptions, please list exceptions in the Technical Proposal.

: “Upload” (next to each required attachment) : “Choose File” Note: If a pricing document is required, mark the box next to the question, “Does this Attachment contain any pricing, cost, or discount information?”

Failure to mark this box when attaching a pricing document may result in disqualification.

Check this box ONLY if a separate pricing document is required.

Do NOT check this box for any other required quote attachment such as the Technical Proposal, Vendor Disclosure (Formerly Forms A)/(IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (Formerly Forms B), BEP Utilization Plan, or Offer.

A.2. CONFLICT BETWEEN INFORMATION IN PAPER FORMAT AND ON BIDBUY: If GOMB provides information in paper format (i.e. the RFP and other attachments) that is different or in conflict with the information GOMB provides on BidBuy, then the information in paper format is presumed to represent GOMB’s intent. If the Offeror provides information in paper format that is different or in conflict with the information the Offeror provides in BidBuy through their Seller Account, then the information in paper format shall represent the Offeror’s intended submission.

A.3. HOW TO ENTER INFORMATION: Type information in the red text form fields provided. If the information requested does not apply to the Offeror’s situation, then enter “N/A” into the text form field. Please enter the requested information or N/A into every text form field.

A.4. PUBLISHED PROCUREMENT INFORMATION: GOMB publishes procurement information, including solicitations, awards, and amendments, on the General Services Illinois Procurement Bulletin, referred to as the Bulletin or BidBuy (https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/). Procurement information may not be available in any other form or location. Offeror is responsible for monitoring the Bulletin. The State will not be held responsible if Offeror fails to receive the optional e-mail notice of future amendments to the solicitation.

A.5. INFORMATION CONTACT: The individual listed in the “Info Contact:” on the Bulletin posting shall be the single point of contact for this solicitation. Unless otherwise directed, Offerors should only communicate with the Information Contact. GOMB shall not be held responsible for information provided by or to any other person.

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

A.6. OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND AGENCY RESPONSE: All questions, other than questions raised at a Pre-Submission Conference, pertaining to this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Information Contact no later than December 16, 2024. Questions received and Agency responses may be posted as an Amendment to the original solicitation on the Bulletin; only these posted answers to questions shall be binding on GOMB . Offerors are responsible for monitoring the Bulletin.

A.7. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

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

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

A.8. OFFER DUE DATE, TIME, AND ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: Each solicitation contains the Offer Due Date and Time appearing as the “Bid Opening Date:” on the Bulletin posting. Offers will be opened at the Submit/Deliver Offers To address provided below on the “Bid Opening Date:”

A.8.1. Offer Firm Time: The Offer must remain firm for 90 days from opening.

A.8.2. Submit/Deliver Offers To: Offers must be submitted via Bidbuy.

A.9. ORGANIZATION REQUIRED: Offers may be submitted in as few as four and as many as seven packets. Please follow these instructions carefully. Separately seal and label each packet.

A.9.1. Packet 1 shall contain the Offeror’s response to the Specifications/Qualifications/Statement of Work provided in Section 1, Part D.

A.9.2. Packet 2 shall contain Offeror’s Pricing provided in Section 2, Part E.

A.9.3. Packet 3 shall contain the Offeror’s Offer found in Section 1, Part C, and applicable forms found in Section 3, Parts F through J.

A.9.3.1. Exceptions must be provided on the Exceptions to Solicitation and Contract Terms and Conditions form (Section 3, Part G) or must be in a substantially similar format. Agency discourages taking exceptions. State law shall not be circumvented by the exception process. Exceptions may result in rejection of the Offer.

Additional Offeror Provisions may be stated on this form and should not include exceptions to GOMB specifications, terms and conditions, or any other part of this solicitation. This is supplemental information that supports an Offeror’s position; for example, an Offeror’s licensing agreement.

A.9.3.2. GOMB may state additional terms and conditions to contracting in the State Supplemental Provisions (Section 3, Part H).

A.9.4. Packet 4 shall contain either Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms A) or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms B). Vendor Disclosure contains eight forms and shall be returned by Offerors that do not have an active registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG).

IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure consists of two pages and a one page Taxpayer Identification Number. Forms B is only returned by Offerors that have a valid IPG registration number with expiration date and elect to not use the forms found in Vendor Disclsoure.

A.9.5. Packet 5 shall contain a redacted copy of the Offer.

A.9.5.1. Offeror should provide a redacted copy of the Offer, if applicable, that removes material considered to be a trade secret or competitively sensitive, confidential, or proprietary. See F.9. in Standard Terms and Conditions, Section 3, Part F.

A.9.6. Packet 6 shall contain a response to the Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities participation requirements. Packet 6 is only returned if a Business Enterprise Program goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.9.7. Packet 7 shall contain a response to the Veteran Small Business (VSB) participation requirements. Packet 7 is only returned if a VSB goal is stated in the Bulletin posting.

A.10. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS: GOMB requires electronic submissions for competitive solicitations through BidBuy. Manual submissions in paper format or through electronic storage media, for example USB drives or digital video discs (DVDs), shall not be accepted nor considered unless specifically requested in writing and approved by GOMB in advance of the Bid Opening Date.

A.10.1. The Bidder may submit the following forms and others by uploading them in the Attachment tab.

· Offer to GOMB

· Contract

· Redacted copy of Bid (if applicable)

· Exceptions to Solicitation Contract Terms and Conditions (if applicable)

· References (if applicable)

· Standard Certifications

· Vendor Disclosure (formerly Forms A) (if applicable)

· IPG Active Registered Vendor Dislcosure (formerly Forms B) (if applicable)

· Letter of Intent (if applicable)

· BEP Utilization Plan (if applicable)

· Veteran Small Business Utilization Plan (if applicable)

· Bid or Performance bond (if applicable) If the Bidder submits its Bid entirely via BidBuy, the Bidder must complete, sign, and upload all required documents, such as the, BEP Utilization Plan if applicable, and either Vendor Disclosure (formerly Forms A) or IPG Active Registered Vendor Dislcosure (formerly Forms B).

A.11. SECURITY: Performance Bond: N/A.

A.12. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE: N/A.

A.13. MINORITY CONTRACTOR INITIATIVE: The State requires a fee of $15 to cover expenses related to the administration of the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative. Any offeror awarded a contract of $1,000 or more under Section 20-10, 20-15, 20-25 or 20-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) is required to pay a fee of $15. The Comptroller shall deduct the fee from the first check issued to the Vendor under the contract and deposit the fee in the Comptroller’s Administrative Fund. 15 ILCS 405/23.9.

A.14. FEDERAL FUNDS: The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds. Upon notice of intent to award, the percentage of goods and/or services involved that are Federally funded and the dollar amount of such Federal funds will be disclosed.

A.15. EMPLOYMENT TAX CREDIT: Offerors who hire qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders may be eligible for tax credits. 30 ILCS 500/45-67 and 45-70. Please contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (217-524-4772) for information about tax credits.

A.16. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM: Illinois law and rules govern this solicitation and any resulting contract. Offeror must bring any action relating to this solicitation or any resulting contract in the appropriate court in the State of Illinois. This document contains statutory references to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (“ILCS”). Offeror may view the full text at www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp. The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500) and the Office of the Governor Procurement Rules (44 ILL. ADM. CODE PART 1500) are applicable to this solicitation and may be respectively viewed at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=532&ChapterID=7) and https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/04401500sections.html.

A.17. PUBLIC RECORDS AND REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT: Offers become the property of the State and late submissions will not be returned. All offers will be open to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable laws and rules, unless Offeror requests in its Offer that the State treat certain information as confidential. A request for confidential treatment will not supersede the State’s legal obligations under FOIA. The State will not honor requests to keep entire Offers confidential. Offerors must show the specific grounds in FOIA or other law or rule that support confidential treatment. Regardless, the State will disclose the successful Offeror’s name, the substance of the Offer, and the price.

If Offeror requests confidential treatment, Offeror must submit additional copies (see Instructions for Submission of Offers in Section A.10.) of the Offer with proposed confidential information redacted. This redacted copy must tell the general nature of the material removed, and shall retain as much of the Offer as possible. In a separate attachment, Offeror shall supply a listing of the provisions identified by section number for which it seeks confidential treatment and identify the statutory basis or bases under Illinois law, including a detailed justification for exempting the information from public disclosure.

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

A.18. RESERVATIONS: Offeror must read and understand the solicitation and tailor the Offer and all activities to ensure compliance. GOMB reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all offers, award by item or service, group of items or services, grand total, and waive minor defects. GOMB may request a clarification, inspect Offeror’s premises, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of the Offer, including information about subcontractors and suppliers. GOMB may request Best & Final Offers when appropriate. GOMB will make all decisions on compliance, evaluation, and terms and conditions, and shall make decisions in the best interests of the State and in accordance with the Illinois Procurement Code, rules and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations. This competitive process may require that Offeror provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with GOMB. If an offeror does not comply with requests for information and cooperate, GOMB may reject the offer as non-responsive to the solicitation. Submitting an offer does not entitle Offeror to an award or a contract. Posting a vendor’s name in a BidBuy notice does not entitle the vendor to a contract. GOMB is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of any offer. Any awarded vendor shall not commence, and will not be paid for any billable work undertaken prior to the date all parties execute the contract, unless approved in writing in advance by GOMB. GOMB retains the option to engage incumbent vendor(s) on projects as necessary.

A.19. AWARD: GOMB is not obligated to award a contract pursuant to this solicitation. If GOMB issues an award, the award will be made to the responsive and responsible offerors whose offers best meet the specified criteria unless otherwise permitted by the Illinois Procurement Code and Illinois Administrative Code. However, if GOMB does not consider the price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable price, then GOMB reserves the right to cancel an award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of GOMB and the State. GOMB will determine whether the price is fair and reasonable by considering the offer, including the offeror’s qualifications, the offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget and other relevant factors. GOMB will post a notice to the Bulletin identifying the apparent most responsive and responsible offeror.

A.20. REFERENCES: |X| Yes |_| No. If “Yes” is marked, Offeror must provide references from established private firms or government agencies other than GOMB, who can attest to Offeror’s experience and ability to perform the contract that is the subject of this solicitation. Offeror must provide the name, contact information and a description of the supplies or services provided using the References form found in Section 3, Part J.

A.21. INVOICING ADDRESS: The awarded Vendor shall invoice at the completion of the contract unless invoicing is tied in the contract to milestones, deliverables, or other invoicing requirements agreed to in the contract. The Bulletin posting contains the “Bill-to Address:” where invoices should be sent.

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

A.22. PROTEST REVIEW OFFICE: Offeror may submit a written protest to the Protest Review Office following the requirements of the Standard Procurement Rules. 44 ILL. ADM. CODE 1.5550. For protests related to specifications, the Protest Review Office must physically receive the protest no later than fourteen (14) days after the solicitation or related addendum was posted to the Bulletin. For protests related to rejection of individual proposals or awards, the protest must be received by close of business no later than fourteen (14) days after the protesting party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest. The Protest Review Office’s information is as follows:

Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Attn: Protest Review Office

Springfield, IL 62706 A.23. EVALUATION PROCESS: GOMB determines how well offers meet the Responsiveness requirements. GOMB will rank offers, without consideration of price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation. Offerors who fail to meet minimum requirements or who receive fewer than the minimum required points, if any, will not be considered for price evaluation and award.

GOMB evaluates three categories of information: Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Price. GOMB considers the information provided and the quality of that information when evaluating offers. If GOMB finds a failure or deficiency, GOMB may reject the offer or reflect the failure or deficiency in the evaluation.

A.23.1. RESPONSIVENESS: A Responsive Offeror is one who submits an offer that conforms in all material respects to the Request for Proposal, and includes all required forms.

A.23.1.1. Subcontractor Disclosure: If the Offer includes any subcontractors, then Offeror shall complete the Subcontractor Disclosure form found in Section 3, Part I.

A.23.1.2. References: If references are required, then Offeror shall complete and return the References form in Section 3, Part J.

A.23.1.3. If completing IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms B), then responsiveness may include and may not be limited to:

· Active Illinois Procurement Gateway registration # with expiration date

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

· Disclosure of pending and current contracts

· Certifications timely to this solicitation A.23.1.4. If completing Vendor Disclosure (formerly named Forms A), required forms may include and may not be limited to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest: Offeror shall complete and return the Financial Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest form in Vendor Disclosure, Part 7.

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

A.23.1.5. GOMB will determine whether the Offer meets the stated requirements. Minor differences or deviations that have negligible impact on the price or suitability of the supply or service to meet GOMB’s needs may be accepted or corrections allowed. If no offeror meets a particular requirement, the State may waive that requirement.

A.23.1.6. When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered with proof that the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality, performance and desired characteristics.

A.23.1.7. GOMB will determine whether the Offer complied with the instructions for submitting offers. Except for late submissions, and other requirements that by law must be part of the submission, GOMB may require that an offeror correct deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.23.2. RESPONSIBILITY: A responsible Offeror is one who has the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and who has the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. GOMB determines whether the Offeror is a “responsible” offeror; an offeror with whom GOMB can or should do business. For example GOMB may consider the following:

A.23.2.1. A “prohibited bidder” includes any person assisting an employee of the State of Illinois by reviewing, drafting, directing, or preparing any invitation for bids, a request for proposal, or request of information, or providing similar assistance unless such assistance was part of a publically issued opportunity to review drafts of all or part of these documents. For purposes of this section, an employee of the State of Illinois means one who, by the nature of his or her duties, has the authority to participate personally and substantially in the decision to award a State contract. No person or business shall submit specifications to a State agency unless requested to do so by an employee of the State. No person or business that contracts with a State agency to write specifications for a particular procurement need shall submit a bid or proposal or receive a contract for that procurement need.

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

A.23.2.2. Other factors that GOMB may evaluate to determine responsibility include, but are not limited to: political contributions, certifications, conflict of interest, financial disclosures, taxpayer identification number, past performance in business or industry, references (including those found outside the offer), compliance with applicable laws, financial responsibility, insurability, effective equal opportunity compliance, payment of prevailing wages if required by law, capacity to produce or sources of supply, and the ability to provide required maintenance service or other matters relating to the offeror’s ability to deliver in the quality and quantity within the time and price as specified in this solicitation.

A.23.2.3. Awarded offerors must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of GOMB, to ensure performance of the contract and must provide proof upon request. GOMB may require a performance bond if, in the opinion of GOMB, it ensures performance of the contract. GOMB may terminate the contract, consistent with the termination for cause provision of the contract, if the vendor lacks the financial resources to perform under the contract.

A.23.2.4. GOMB may require that an offeror correct any deficiencies as a condition of further evaluation.

A.23.3. PRICE: GOMB identifies the lowest priced offer that meets the responsibility and responsiveness requirements.

A.24. BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR MINORITIES, WOMEN, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: The Bulletin posting indicates whether this solicitation contains a goal to include businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. In the event the posting does not include a participation goal, please note that GOMB applies an aspirational 30% annual BEP participation rate across all bond issuances. If this solicitation is for non-construction supplies or services and contains a goal, then failure to submit a Utilization Plan shall render the Offer non-responsive. 30 ILCS 575/4(f). All questions regarding the subcontracting goal must be directed to the Agency Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Liaison prior to submission of proposals.

BEP Liaison: Yvette Riley

Phone Number: 312-814-1089

Email Address: Yvette.Riley2@illinois.gov

Businesses included in Utilization Plans as meeting BEP requirements as prime vendors or subcontractors must be certified as BEP vendors prior to the Bid Opening Date. Go to https://cei.illinois.gov/ for complete requirements for BEP certification. Go to https://ceibep.diversitysoftware.com/ to search for certified BEP vendors.

A.25. VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND UTILIZATION PLAN: N/A

A.26. BIDBUY TERMINOLOGY AND GUIDANCE: BidBuy is an online e-procurement system. There may be some difference between the procurement terminology used in this solicitation and the terms used in BidBuy. Please learn more about BidBuy by accessing the online resources found here:

https://www2.illinois.gov/cpo/PathwayToProcurement/Pages/Guides-and-Manuals.aspx.

-END OF INSTRUCTIONS-

STATE OF ILLINOIS

SUBCONTRACTOR DISCLOSURES

ATTACHMENT FF

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING OFFERS

State of Illinois RFP 30 Attachment FF– Subcontractor Disclosures V.13.3

B. SELECTION OF VENDOR

B.1. This solicitation is for “professional and artistic services.” Professional and artistic services means those services provided under contract to GOMB by a person or a business, acting as an independent contractor, qualified by education, experience, and technical ability. 30 ILCS 500/1-15.60.

B.2. GOMB may award to the most responsive and responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the below criteria.

B.3. GOMB determines how well Offers meet the responsiveness requirements. GOMB ranks Offers, without consideration of price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation. Offerors who receive fewer than the minimum required points will not be considered for price evaluation and award.

B.4. There are three parts to each proposal – technical, commitment to diversity, and pricing. Each part of the proposal is evaluated and ranked independently of the other parts of the proposal. The evaluation results shall be used in ranking of proposals.

B.5. If GOMB does not consider the price to be fair and reasonable and negotiations fail to meet an acceptable price, GOMB reserves the right to cancel the award and take appropriate action to meet the needs of GOMB . GOMB determines whether the price is fair and reasonable by considering the Offer, including the Offeror's qualifications, the Offeror's reputation, all prices submitted, other known prices, the project budget, and other relevant factors.

B.6. The chart below shows the elements of responsiveness that GOMB evaluates, their relative weights in point format and any minimum point requirements.

B.6.1. The total number of points for responsiveness is 200.

B.6.2. RESPONSIVENESS ELEMENTS

As described in Part D with accompanying maximum points for each element.

B.7. Sections 20-15 and 35-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/20-15, 30 ILCS 500/35-30) require Offerors to show a demonstrated commitment to diversity (C2D).

% of individuals in management/supervisory positions out of all staff who identify as women, minorities or person with disabilities. 13% of C2D points % of total staff who identify as women, minorities or person with disabilities. 12% of C2D points.

B.8. The total number of points for Price is 40. GOMB will determine Price points using the following formula:

Maximum Price Points X (Lowest Price/Offeror’s Price) = Total Price Points B.9. The maximum number of points is 280 (Responsiveness 200 + C2D 40 + Price 40).

SELECTION OF VENDOR

C. Project Title / BidBuy Reference # 25-507GOMB-MGMTB-B-45603 The undersigned authorized representative of the identified Offeror hereby submits this Offer to perform in full compliance with the subject solicitation. By completing and signing this form, the Offeror makes an Offer to the State of Illinois that GOMB may accept.

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

C.1. SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW: Offeror reviewed the Request for Proposal, including all referenced documents and instructions, completed all blanks, provided all required information, and demonstrated how it will meet the requirements of the State of Illinois.

|_| Yes |_| No C.2. ADDENDA: Offeror acknowledges receipt of any and all addenda to the solicitation and has taken those into account in making this Offer.

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

|_| Yes |_| No |_| N/A C.4. OFFER SUBMISSION: Offeror is submitting the correct number of copies, in a properly labeled container(s), to the correct location, and by the due date and time.

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

|_| Yes |_| No C.6. BOND: If applicable, Offeror is submitting its Bid Bond or Performance Bond.

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

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

C.8. PACKET 1 – SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

|_| Yes |_| No

C.9. PACKET 2 – PRICING

C.10. PACKET 3 – OFFER

|_| Yes |_| No

C.11. PACKET 4 – VENDOR DISCLOSURES (formerly named FORMS A)

C.12. PACKET 4 – IPG ACTIVE REGISTERED VENDOR DISCLOSURE (formerly named FORMS B)

C.13. PACKET 5 – REDACTED OFFER

C.14. PACKET 6 – BEP UTILIZATION PLAN

C.15. PACKET 7 – VSB UTILIZATION PLAN

C.16. PREFERENCES

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

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

|_| Resident Bidder (30 ILCS 500/45-10).

|_| Soybean Oil-Based Ink (30 ILCS 500/45-15).

|_| Recycled Materials (30 ILCS 500/45-20).

|_| Recycled Paper (30 ILCS 500/45-25).

|_| Environmentally Preferable Supplies (30 ILCS 500/45-26).

|_| Correctional Industries (30 ILCS 500/45-30).

|_| Not-for-Profit Agencies for Persons with Significant Disabilities (30 ILCS 500/45-35).

|_| Gas Mileage (30 ILCS 500/45-40).

|_| Small Businesses (30 ILCS 500/45-45).

|_| Illinois Agricultural Products (30 ILCS 500/45-50).

|_| Corn-Based Plastics (30 ILCS 500/45-55).

|_| Disabled Veterans (30 ILCS 500/45-57).

|_| Vehicles Powered by Agricultural Commodity-Based Fuel (30 ILCS 500/45-6) |_| Biobased Products (30 ILCS 500/45-75).

|_| Historic Preference Area (30 ILCS 500/45-80).

|_| Procurement of Domestic Products (30 ILCS 517).

|_| Proposed product is manufactured in Illinois (30 ILCS 517).

|_| Public Purchases in Other States (30 ILCS 520).

|_| Illinois Mined Coal (30 ILCS 555).

|_| Steel Products Procurement (30 ILCS 565).

|_| Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575).

|_| Veterans Preference (330 ILCS 55).

Items that Qualify and Explanation: Click here to enter text.

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed Name of Signatory: Click here to enter text.

Offeror’s Name: Click here to enter text.

Date: Click here to enter a date.

OFFER TO THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

D. SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

D.1. GOAL: The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (“GOMB”) seeks a pool of qualified Municipal Advisors to assist with the issuance of State debt, to develop rating agency strategies, to analyze refunding structures, to develop and execute strategies to manage its debt portfolio, and to undertake other debt management initiatives as necessary in the execution GOMB’s statutory duties. Firms acting in this role must have demonstrated expertise in the areas outlined above. Bond issues may involve “competitive” or “negotiated” bond sale structures.

GOMB expects the pool of qualified Municipal Advisors to also serve as the State’s Independent Registered Municipal Advisor (“IRMA”) and sign a letter to that effect which will be posted on our website. GOMB anticipates maintaining a pool of up to six (6) firms, and, therefore, plans to make multiple awards based upon this solicitation.

D.2. SUPPLIES OR SERVICES REQUIRED:

D.2.1. Review underwriter financing ideas as requested.

D.2.2. Participate in meetings and conference calls with GOMB staff, underwriters, bond counsel, and other bond financing team members as needed.

D.2.3. Analyze the cost-benefit of different bond structuring and pricing options. This includes but is not limited to insured bonds versus uninsured, evaluating couponing structures, and callable versus non-callable bonds.

D.2.4. Assist with developing and executing strategies to lower the all-in borrowing costs of the State’s debt portfolio and to identify and mitigate risks associated with the portfolio.

D.2.5. Advise the State of particularly advantageous times to enter the market.

D.2.6. For negotiated transactions, advise the State on underwriter and team selection.

D.2.7. For competitive transactions, manage the competitive sale, bid verification, marketing processes, and prepare a closing memorandum. Additionally, assist GOMB in identifying firms for and securing escrow agent and verification agent services, as necessary and appropriate.

D.2.8. Advise on rating agency matters and strategies for agency meetings, including the preparation of rating agency presentations and a synopsis of their likely concerns, and potential questions and answers.

D.2.9. Participate in all pricing discussions. Provide data regarding rates on comparable issues in the market shortly before and concurrent with the sale of the State’s securities and different indices that can be used to assist in pricing discussions.

D.2.10. Assist with responding to requests for analysis from State of Illinois constitutional officers and other interest parties.

D.2.11. Provide market and regulatory updates as applicable.

D.2.12. Participate in bond document review and due diligence sessions. Coordinate with GOMB and counsel to ensure compliance with federal tax law.

D.2.13. Independently evaluate the underwriters’ quantitative analyses related to the bond sizing, structure, and flow of funds.

D.2.14. Participate in post-financing review as directed by GOMB. This work will include a post-pricing report addressing how the State’s bonds priced relative to market indices, comparables, and any goals established prior to sale and secondary market trade activity.

D.2.15. Provide such other municipal advisory services as requested by the State.

D.3. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES: In addition to deliverables required for the successful issuance of State securities, vendors will annually provide GOMB with updated copies of any and all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) plans and practices implemented by the vendor, updated responses to the Commitment to Diversity scoring factors, and reports on any efforts undertaken to encourage diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in its work and industry.

D.4. OFFEROR / STAFF SPECIFICATIONS: Click here to enter text.

D.5. OFFEROR’S PROPOSED SOLUTION TO MEET THE STATE’S REQUIREMENTS: Please respond in the following prescribed format:

Please provide a narrative answering all questions to qualify for the GOMB’s Municipal Advisor pool. Please limit your responses to twenty-four (24) pages total.

D.5.1. Make an affirmative statement that your firm is registered with the SEC and MSRB as a Municipal Advisor. Please provide relevant documentation showing compliance with the municipal advisor registration requirements for these entities.