Oak-0000000891 OCHD Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing.pdf

OCNHD: Analysis of Impediments to Fair

Housing

Event 000891

Distributed by:

Oakland County Procurement Division 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Bldg. 41W

Waterford, MI 48328

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Section 1.0: Scope of Work and Bidder Proposals

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Solicitation Timeline

1.3 Scope of Services

1.4 Qualifications

Section 2.0: Bidder Information and Acceptance

2.1 Bidder Profile

2.2 References

2.3 Certificate of Compliance with Public Act of 517 of 2012

Section 3.0: Bidding, Evaluation, Selection, & Award Process

3.1 Oakland County Responsibility

3.2 Truth and Accuracy of Representations

3.3 Bidders Questions

3.4 Preparation of the Proposal

3.5 Adherence to Mandatory Requirements (Pass/Fail)

3.6 Evaluation Process

3.7 Evaluation Criteria and Award

3.8 Optional Tools to Enhance Evaluation Process

3.9 Oakland County Option to Reject Proposals

3.10 Freedom of Information Act

3.11 Contacts with Oakland County Personnel

3.12 Final Agreement Award Determination

3.13 Changes and Addenda to Proposal Documents

3.14 Reservation of Rights

3.15 Withdrawal of Proposal

3.16 Cancellation

Section 4.0: General Terms & Conditions

4.1 Gifts/Gratuities

4.2 Interests of Bidder and County

4.3 Indemnification and Hold Harmless

4.4 Taxes & Payment Terms

4.5 Equal Employment Opportunity

4.6 Nondiscrimination

4.7 Governing Law and Venue

4.8 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

4.9 Advertising

Attachment A – Scope of Work Attachment B – Professional Services Terms and Conditions Template

E v e n t # 8 9 1

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Section 1.0: Scope of Work and Bidder Proposals

1.1 Introduction

The Oakland County Procurement Division, on behalf of the Health and Human Services/Neighborhood Housing Development, is requesting proposals to provide Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. The purpose of this competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) is to promote and ensure the fairest, most efficient means to obtain the best value to Oakland County shall be assessed in accordance with the established evaluation criteria outlined in this RFP.

Oakland County, Michigan is in southeast Michigan, immediately north of the City of Detroit. The County covers 910 square miles and encompasses 62 cities, villages and townships (CVTs).

Located astride the Interstate 75 corridor and at the heart of “Automation Alley”, Oakland County is a world technology center. Oakland County’s population is approximately 1.2 million, encompasses 545,000 parcels of property, and features one of the lowest operating tax rates in the state of Michigan. Oakland County is one of the few counties in the nation with a AAA bond rating.

Additional information can be found on Oakland County’s website.

This RFP is not a contractual offer or commitment to purchase services. Proposals must conform to the procedures, format, and content requirements outlined in this document. Significant deviations or failure to submit required information may be grounds for disqualification. Oakland County reserves the right to waive, at its discretion, any irregularity or informality that Oakland County deems correctable or otherwise not warranting rejection of the RFP.

1.2 Solicitation Timeline

Proposals to this Request for Proposal/Qualification are due on May 16, 2025 2:00 PM EST.

DUE DATE ITEM

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 Request for Proposal Available

5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Pre-Submittal Question Deadline

5:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 Pre-Submittal Response from OCNHD

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 @ 4:00 PM Proposals due

Tuesday-Friday, May 27 - May 30, 2025 Contractor Interviews

Friday, 30th 2025 Contractor Selection

Friday, June 16, 2025 Execute Contractor Agreement

Monday, August 25, 2025 First draft of AI submitted

Monday, September 1, 2025 Review and comment of draft AI+ to consultant

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Public Hearing and Contractor presentation before Citizens Advisory Council

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - Thursday October 9, 2025 30 Day Comment Period

Monday, October 17, 2025 Final AI+ with record of public comments and actions taken to address each comment submitted

All documentation for this event is available on the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN). Bidders are to register as a Supplier on the MITN website. If help is needed, call the MITN help line 800-835-4603.

http://www.oakgov.com/ https://www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn/oakland-county https://www.bidnetdirect.com/mitn/oakland-county

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The primary contact for this RFP is Joan Daniels.

Specific requests for clarification must be submitted before May 8, 2025 @5:00 EST. All questions should be submitted in MITN and will be answered in the form of an addendum to the RFP.

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to check the MITN website for addendums.

1.3 Scope of Services

See Scope of Work Document Attachment A

B. CONTRACTOR AND PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The proposals must include on the firm’s letterhead their Equal Employment

Opportunity (EEO) Affirmative Action policy, a description of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and the organizations’ s pro bono activities.

2. Bidder must submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the State in which its business is domiciled or certify that it is not required to obtain such a certificate or otherwise register with that State. If the Bidder is domiciled outside of Michigan, Bidder will also be required to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Michigan or certify on its Business Information Questionnaire that it is not required to obtain such a certificate or otherwise register with the State of Michigan.

Information regarding how to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the State of Michigan may be found here.

3. The proposal must include a description of the Bidder’s demonstrated efforts in sustainability, including but not limited to greenhouse gas reduction goals, decarbonization, environmental social and governance (ESG) goals, corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, or similar sustainable accounting frameworks, and other sustainable purchasing and procurement practices and attach as an Appendix if a formal policy is in effect.

1.4 Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Proposals will only be accepted by the County from Bidders that possess:

A. Contractor Requirements Eligible Contractors must:

• Be a (limited partnership, limited liability company, for-profit corporation or non-profit corporation), authorized to do business in the State of Michigan.

https://www.michigan.gov/difs/industry/licensing-ins/tpa/licensed/certificate-of-good-standing-duplicate-certificate-of-authority

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• Provide organizational documents, including all certificates and amendments. For nonprofits, provide evidence of status from the IRS.

• Have phone, internet, and e-mail access. Internet and e-mail access must be adequate to allow the contractor to receive, download, upload and transmit complex data, files and attachments.

Desired Qualifications

The following or similar qualifications are necessary for the successful performance and completion of the services described in APPENDIX A:

• Have previous or similar experience in fair housing data collection, data interpretation and development of an AI+

• Employ experienced staff to perform services or have personnel supervised by experienced staff

• Can successfully complete and submit the AI+ to the County by the due date

• Work with the County, local governments, individuals and groups to complete the Al+

• Research, compile, analyze and summarize data

• Incorporate the progress made on the previous 2020 AI Update which is available at:

ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE 2020

• Identify potential barriers “impediments to fair housing choice” that may exist within Oakland

County

• Develop implementation strategies and recommended actions to overcome the identified fair housing choice barriers based on history, circumstances, and experience and recommend strategies/policies/activities for the AI+.

Federal Requirements This is a federally funded, competitive request for proposals for professional services. Under the competitive proposal method, offerors are required to submit cost proposals that show the elements (e.g., labor, materials, overhead, profit) of their proposed costs or price. Grants funding the AI+ are subject to Federal requirements including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards 2 CFR Part 200.

Under Executive Order 12549 , the proposer must not be debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction. The applicant certifies by submission of a proposal that it is not a debarred, suspended, or ineligible contractor by any Agency of Federal or State government. No proposal received from a debarred, suspended, or ineligible contractor will qualify for an award.

Equal Opportunity

All qualified contractors will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability and familial status. Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Women-Owned

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Business Enterprises (WBE) are encouraged to submit proposals.

The contents of the proposal must include:

1. Cover Letter Provide a one-page cover letter on company letterhead that includes the complete legal name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the contact person(s). List the name and title of each authorized person to represent the company in negotiations. The proposal cover letter must be signed by an authorized agent.

2. Company Profile Provide a brief history and description of the company including the year established, former name and year established if applicable, name of parent company and date acquired if applicable. Identify principals/partners by name, title, % ownership and brief resume for each.

3. Qualifications and Experience Provide a statement of qualifications for the organization, including an organizational chart, statement of company size, description of services provided and a statement of the extent of experience/history providing services requested under this RFP. Provide a list of client references for which the Contractor has provided similar services, including the name, email address, street address and phone number of each. Indicate the type, scope and duration of work completed for each. If currently under contract providing similar types of services to an entity, include these also.

4. Project Team Describe the project team. List names, titles, professional qualifications and provide resumes or curriculum vitae of key individuals and their responsibilities within the project scope

5. Proposed Approach and Work Plan Describe the strategy and approach to be used to satisfy the Scope of Work as outlined in APPENDIX

• Include specific methodologies to complete each aspect of the project.

• Identify public input strategies and key “deliverables”.

• List any items that cannot be provided.

6. Schedule Provide a detailed work plan with milestones to complete the AI+ on time

7. Contract Price and Payment Oakland County will enter a contract for professional services based on a fixed price to the contractor for the specified Scope of Work and proposal budget.

By responding to this RFP and submitting a proposal, the contractor acknowledges and agrees that the County will only execute a contract prepared by Oakland County. The proposal must include a line item budget identifying all expenses related to the work to be performed.

The cost analysis should include all applicable items such as:

• Staff costs (# of hours/per hour rate, etc.)

• Costs of supplies and materials

• Other direct costs

• Transportation costs

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Total cost must reflect a fixed price for the duration of the contract. No price changes will be permitted.

Incremental payments to the Contractor will be made at the completion of identified milestones within the contract “not to exceed” amount. A ten (10) percent holdback of the contract price will be held as final payment upon delivery and acceptance of the final product. Upon execution of the contract by the County and

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Section 2.0: Bidder Information and Acceptance

1. The undersigned declares that the Bid Documents, including, without limitation, any RFP Addenda, and Exhibits have been read.

2. The undersigned is authorized, offers, and agrees to furnish the articles and/or services specified in accordance with the Specifications, Terms & Conditions of the Bid Documents.

3. The undersigned has reviewed the Bid Documents and fully understands the requirements in this Bid and that each Bidder who is awarded a contract shall be, in fact, a Prime Contractor, not a subcontractor, and agrees that its Proposal, if accepted by Oakland County, will be the basis for the Bidder to enter into a contract with the County in accordance with the intent of the Bid Documents.

4. The undersigned acknowledges receipt and acceptance of all addenda.

5. The undersigned agrees to the terms, conditions, certifications, and requirements listed in Section 2.

6. The undersigned acknowledges that Bidder will be in good standing in the State of Michigan, with all the necessary licenses, permits, certifications, approvals, and authorizations necessary to perform all obligations in connection with this RFP and associated Bid Documents.

7. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to be familiar with all of the specifications, terms and conditions of this RFP and, if applicable, the site condition. By the submission of a Proposal, the Bidder certifies that if awarded a contract they will make no claim against Oakland County based upon ignorance of conditions or misunderstanding of the specifications.

8. Insurance certificates are not required at the time of the proposal submission.

However, if awarded, the Bidder acknowledges and agrees to provide the minimum insurance requirements identified in the terms and conditions of the attached sample Professional Services Contract (Attachment A).

9. This is an electronic solicitation. Only responses uploaded into MITN/Bidnet will be considered. Emailed documents will not be accepted or reviewed.

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2.1 Bidder Profile

Official Name of Bidder: Type of Entity/Organization (check one):

☐ Corporation

☐ Joint Venture

☐ Limited Liability Partnership

☐ Partnership

☐ Limited Liability Corporation

☐ Non-Profit / Church

☐ Other:

Street Address:

City:

State: Zip Code:

Website:

Primary Contact Name:

Primary Contact Phone Number

Primary Contact Email Address:

Federal Tax ID Number: Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Number (if applicable):

Has your company ever been debarred by the Federal Government? ☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, when? Has it been lifted and if so, when?

Has your company ever been debarred by any State or local ☐ Yes ☐ No Governments?

If yes, has it been lifted and if so, when?

Is your company a minority owned, woman owned, LGBTQ owned or veteran owned business?

Is your company a certified diverse business?

The individual below is authorized to sign on behalf of the company submitting this proposal.

Proposals must be signed by an official authorized to bind the provider to its provisions for a period of at least 90 days.

Signature:

Name and Title of Signer:

Date:

*Please include a current W-9

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2.2 References

1. Provide the names and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three (3) persons representing Bidder for whom the Bidder has performed work similar to that proposed, and who may be contacted as references. Preferably, these references should include Municipalities or Utilities similar to the County and should include the types of recent projects cited above.

2. Provide a List of any contracts which have been terminated, including the circumstances surrounding the termination. Provide the name and telephone number of your client's representatives of any such contracts.

3. List all legal proceedings, lawsuits, or claims which have been filed against any of

Bidder’s past or present employees within the last five (5) years. Indicate circumstance where you paid all or part of the claim.

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2.3 Certificate of Compliance with Public Act of 517 of 2012

I certify that neither (Bidder), nor any of its successors, parent companies, subsidiaries, or companies under common control, are an “Iran Linked Business” engaged in investment activities of $20,000,000.00 or more with the energy sector of Iran, within the meaning of Michigan Public Act 517 of 2012. In the event it is awarded Contract as a result of this Invitation to Proposal, Bidder will not become an “Iran linked business” during the course of performing the work under the Contract.

NOTE: IF A PERSON OR ENTITY FALSELY CERTIFIES THAT IT IS NOT AN IRAN LINKED

BUSINESS AS DEFINED BY PUBLIC ACT 517 OF 2012, IT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

CIVIL PENALTIES OF NOT MORE THAN $250,000.00 OR TWO TIMES THE AMOUNT OF

THE CONTRACT FOR WHICH THE FALSE CERTIFICATION WAS MADE, WHICHEVER IS

GREATER, PLUS COSTS AND REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES INCURRED, AS MORE

FULLY SET FORTH IN SECTION 5 OF ACT NO. 517, PUBLIC ACTS OF 2012.

Name of Company:

By:

Title:

Date:

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Section 3.0: Bidding, Evaluation, Selection, & Award Process

3.1 Oakland County Responsibility

Oakland County is not responsible for representations made by any of its officers or employees prior to the execution of the Professional Services Agreement unless such understanding or representation is included in the Professional Services Agreement.

3.2 Truth and Accuracy of Representations

False, misleading, incomplete, or deceptively unresponsive statements in connection with a proposal shall be sufficient cause for rejection of the proposal. The evaluation and determination in this area shall be at the Oakland County Chief Procurement Officer’s sole judgment and their judgment shall be final.

3.3 Bidders Questions

Bidders may submit written questions regarding this RFP in MITN. All questions must be received by the date and time specified in the timeline above in 1.2. All questions, without identifying the bidder, will be compiled with the appropriate answers and issued as an addendum to the RFP.

When submitting questions please specify the RFP section and paragraph number and quote the language that prompted the question. This will ensure that the question can be quickly found in the RFP. The County reserves the right to group similar questions when providing answers.

Oakland County may modify the RFP at any time during the bid process. All changes to the RFP will be posted as an addendum under the Bid number, each posting officially revises the

RFP.

3.4 Preparation of the Proposal

Each Bidder must submit a complete proposal in response to this RFP. The proposal must remain valid for at least 120 days from the closing date for responses to this RFP.

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3.5 Adherence to Mandatory Requirements (Pass/Fail)

Oakland County Chief Procurement Officer or their designee shall review the Proposal and determine if the Bidder meets the minimum requirements as outlined in this RFP.

Failure of the Bidder to comply with the minimum mandatory requirements may eliminate its proposal from any further consideration. Oakland County may elect to waive any informality in a proposal if the sum and substance of the proposal are present.

3.6 Evaluation Process

All proposals will be reviewed for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within this RFP. Proposals not meeting the mandatory requirements will be deemed non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration. Oakland County reserves the right to withdraw the RFP to award one respondent, or to any combination of Respondents, by item, group of items, or total response. Oakland County may elect to waive any informality in a proposal if the sum and substance of the proposal are present. Oakland County may contact the Bidder for clarification of the Bidder’s Proposal. Oakland County may use other sources of information to perform the evaluation. Oakland County may require the Bidder to submit additional and/or supporting materials.

Responsive proposals will be evaluated on the factors identified in this RFP. The Bidder(s) whose proposal is most advantageous to the Oakland County, taking into consideration the evaluation factors, will be recommended for award approval.

After prospective Bidder(s) have been selected, Oakland County and the prospective Bidder(s) will negotiate an Agreement. If a satisfactory Agreement cannot be negotiated, Oakland County may, at its sole discretion, begin negotiations with the next qualified bidder who submitted a proposal.

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3.7 Evaluation Criteria and Award

A. Screening and Selection Criteria The Evaluation Committee will score all qualified proposals and invite finalists to make a presentation and respond to questions. The Committee will choose the most responsive proposal based on its overall strength by consensus scoring. Finalselection is not restricted to any single factor such as cost. Each proposal will be rated and ranked based on the following 100-point scoring criteria:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (20 points)

• Demonstration of organizational capacity to manage project

• Qualifications and experience of successful completion of similar projects

• Accessibility of consultants and customer service

• Communication skills, including clarity of proposal

PROJECT TEAM (25 points)

• Demonstrated familiarity with federal fair housing laws and HUD’s Fair Housing Planning Guide

• Demonstrated experience and expertise of the staff assigned to undertake the project

• Familiarity with Oakland County, its jurisdictions and housing market

• Knowledge and experience working with public and private entities in the housing market and multiple stakeholders

• Knowledge and experience in conducting research, surveys, data collection and analysis

QUALITY OF PROPOSAL (30 points)

• Clarity and completeness of proposed work plan

• Responsiveness to the project’s objectives

• Effectiveness and creativity of proposed scope of services

• Specific approach and methodologies for completing various aspects of the study

• Responsiveness to HUD’s Fair Housing Planning Guide requirements

• Responsiveness to Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Market Analysis Scope of Work

PROJECT DELIVERABLES (10 points)

• Clarity and completeness of proposed deliverables

• Demonstration of ability to meet proposed time frame

BUDGET (15 points Maximum)

• Total price

• Cost reasonableness

• Clarity and completeness of proposed budget with itemized budget and detailed explanation of costs The Evaluation Committee may consider any other information it deems relevant and may make any recommendations it determines to be in the best interest of the County. The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to evaluate proposals without relying on external websites, sales brochures, marketing materials or white papers.

Inaccuracy of any information supplied within a proposal, or other errors constitutes grounds for rejection.

B. Presentation The Evaluation Committee will notify firms deemed most qualified based on scores to make presentations to the evaluation committee and respond to questions. The presentation will be scored. Each Contractor will have one

P a g e 15 | 20 hour for their presentation and time to answer questions. Consultants will be advised by email of the exact time and location for the presentation. Oakland County Community & Home Improvement reserves the right to make the final decision regarding Contractor selection.

D. Deliverables Deliverables that are anticipated under this RFP are described in the Scope of Work, Attachments. All deliverables become the property of Oakland County.

• Provide an AI+ that meets all the elements of the Scope of Work

• Provide documentation of all outreach activities, public input and consultation and input received on the AI+

• Identify and provide references for all data sources within the AI+

• Provide an Appendix to summarize transcripts from public hearings, meetings and public comments

• Provide an Appendix that summarizes all data sources organized by the AI+ Table of Contents

• Provide detailed data files (flash drive) organized by the AI+ Table of Contents

• Provide a written report on the 15th of each month outlining progress based on the Scope of Work

• Provide a draft of the Al+ report with supporting data in electronic format for review and comment by the County per the RFP schedule

• Revise the draft AI+ according to any changes proposed by the County

• Develop a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the AI+ for public presentation.

The presentation should address the purpose of the AI+ including the process, analysis, conclusions and recommendations

• Present the draft AI+ PowerPoint at a public hearing hosted by the Neighborhood Housing & Development Citizens Advisory Council

• Present the draft AI+ PowerPoint to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners as requested

• Release the draft AI+ to the public providing 30 calendar days to submit comments

• Review and address comments received through the public comment period and prepare a revised final AI+ for approval

• Provide the final AI+ including a reader-friendly executive summary with applicable graphs, tables, pictures and charts with a summary of AI+ recommendations per the RFP schedule

• Provide one electronic copy (flash drive) and five single sided paper copies of the AI+. Paper copies should be presented in individual three ring binders with table of contents, tabs per section and required appendice.

EVALUATION CRITERIA MAXIMUM POINTS

Project Management 20 Project Team 25 Quality of Proposal 30 Project Deliverables 10 Price Proposal (Attachment A) 15

TOTAL 100

The final award, when made, will be awarded to the Bidder determined by Oakland County, at its discretion, to have submitted the best proposal, taking into consideration the Bidder’s

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The successful Bidder shall commence work only after the transmittal of a fully executed contract and after receiving written notification to proceed from Oakland County. Failure of the successful Bidder to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award.

3.8 Optional Tools to Enhance Evaluation Process

Oakland County during the evaluation of proposals may find it necessary to utilize one or multiple tools, as listed below, to facilitate their understanding of the proposal(s) in order to select the best offering to Oakland County:

• Clarifications

• Deficiency Report

• Oral Presentation

• Site Visit

• Best and Final Offer (BAFO)

• Negotiations

3.9 Oakland County Option to Reject Proposals

Oakland County may, in its sole and absolute discretion, reject any or all proposals submitted in response to this RFP. The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Bidder in connection with the preparation and submission of any proposal. Oakland County reserves the right to waive inconsequential disparities in a submitted proposal.

3.10 Freedom of Information Act

All information submitted to Oakland County by the Bidder is subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231, et seq.

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3.11 Contacts with Oakland County Personnel

All contact with Oakland County regarding this RFP or any matter relating thereto must be in e-mail to the primary Procurement contact listed above in 1.2. If it is discovered that a Bidder contacted and received information regarding this RFP from any Oakland County personnel other than the Procurement Contact, Oakland County, in its sole discretion, may disqualify its proposal from further consideration. Only those communications made by Oakland County Procurement in writing will be binding with respect to this RFP.

3.12 Final Agreement Award Determination

Oakland County reserves the right to make one total award, multiple awards, or a combination of awards, and to exercise its judgment concerning the selection of one or more proposals, the terms of any resultant agreement, and the determination of which, if any, proposal best serves the interests of Oakland County.

3.13 Changes and Addenda to Proposal Documents

Each change or addendum issued in relation to this RFP will be online and on file in the Procurement Office. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to acquire knowledge of any changes, modifications or additions to the authorized version of the RFP. No award will be made to any Bidder who fails to submit the Addendum Signature Page(s), if applicable.

3.14 Reservation of Rights

Oakland County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to negotiate the terms and conditions of all and any part of the proposals, to waive irregularities and/or formalities, and in general to make award in the manner as determined to be in the County’s best interest and its sole discretion.

Oakland County reserves the right to modify this RFP at any time prior to the due date, or to extend the due date, or to cancel this RFP at any time. Oakland County further reserves the right to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part for good cause when in the best interests of the County. Oakland County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Bidder in connection with the preparation and submission of any proposal.

3.15 Withdrawal of Proposal

Proposals may be withdrawn in person by a Bidder, or authorized representative, provided their identity is made known and a receipt is signed for the RFP but only if the withdrawal is made prior to the stated Proposal deadline. No proposal may be withdrawn for at least 90 days after the submission deadline except the successful Bidder whose prices shall remain firm for the entire contract period. In case of error by the Bidder in making up a proposal, the Chief Procurement Officer may, in their sole discretion, reject such a proposal upon presentation of a letter by the Bidder which sets forth the error, the cause thereof, and sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim.

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3.16 Cancellation

The RFP may be cancelled or any or all proposals may be rejected in whole or in part as may be specified in the RFP, when it is in the best interest of the County.

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Section 4.0: General Terms & Conditions

4.1 Gifts/Gratuities

Consistent with State law and the County adopted Standards of Conduct, Elected Officials, Department Heads, and/or County Employees will not be offered or entitled to earn or receive personal gifts, gratuities, credits or other benefits of economic value by reason of their official business.

4.2 Interests of Bidder and County

The bidder assures that they have no interests which would conflict with the performance of services required by the Contract, if awarded. The Bidder also assures that, in the performance of a Contract, no officer, agents, employee of the County, or member of its governing bodies, may participate in any decision relating to the Contract which affects his/her personal interest or the interest of any corporation, partnership or association in which he/she is directly or indirectly interested or has any personal or pecuniary interest. However, this paragraph does not apply where specifically exempt under Michigan Law.

4.3 Indemnification and Hold Harmless

The bidder shall, at its own expense, protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Oakland County, its elected and appointed officers, employees and agents from all claims, damages (including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special and punitive damages), costs, lawsuits and expenses including, but not limited to, all costs from administrative proceedings, court costs, and attorney fees, that they may incur as a result of any acts, omissions or negligence of the selected firm, its employees or agents or its subcontractors of sub-subcontractors, or any of their officers, employees or agents which may arise out of the contract.

The bidder’s indemnification responsibilities shall include the sum of damages, costs and expenses which are in excess of the sum paid out on behalf of or reimbursed to Oakland County or its elected and appointed officers, employees, or agents by the insurance coverage obtained and/or maintained by the selected firm pursuant to the requirements of this RFP/Q and the contract entered into.

4.4 Taxes & Payment Terms

Oakland County is exempt from Federal Excise and State Sales Tax. Bidder is required to pay all applicable taxes lawfully assessed in connection with its performance of the awarded Contract.

4.5 Equal Employment Opportunity

The bidder and its subcontractors, as required by law, shall not discriminate against the employee or applicant for employment with the respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, or a matter directly relates to employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability that is unrelated to the individual’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position. Breach of this covenant may be regarded as a material breach of the awarded Contract.

The Bidder agrees to post notices containing this policy against discrimination in conspicuous places

P a g e 20 | 20 available to applicants for employment and employees. All solicitations or advertisements for employees, placed by or on the behalf of a Contract, if awarded, will state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status and religion.

4.6 Nondiscrimination

The Bidder, its contractors and subcontractors, as required by law, shall not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, or a matter directly or indirectly related to employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability that is unrelated to the individual’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position, height, weight, or marital status. Breach of this Section shall be regarded as a material breach of the contract.

4.7 Governing Law and Venue

The Bidder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. In the event any actions arising under a Contract, resulting from this solicitation, are brought by or against the County of Oakland, the venue for such actions shall be established in accordance with the statutes of the State of Michigan and/or Michigan Court Rules. In the event that any action is brought under the Contract in Federal Court, the venue for such action shall be the Federal Judicial District of Michigan, Eastern District, Southern Division.

4.8 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The Bidder shall render the services required by this RFP in complete compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

4.9 Advertising

The Bidder shall not advertise, issue a press release or otherwise publish information concerning this solicitation or contract without prior written consent of the County. The County shall not unreasonably withhold permission.