OBDF Loan Referral RFQ.pdf

RFQ S-12300-00011380 – OBDF Loan Referral Services

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Oregon Business Development Department

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF) Loan

Referral Services

OregonBuys Bid Number S-12300-00011380 Business Oregon RFQ # C2024549

Single Point of Contact (“SPC”):

Denise Wendler, Procurement and Contracts Specialist Oregon Business Development Department 775 Summer Street NE, Suite 310 Salem, OR 97301 Phone: 971-718-6790 E-mail: Denise.Wendler@biz.oregon.gov

The State of Oregon promotes equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

mailto:Denise.Wendler@biz.oregon.gov

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Proposers Information and Certification Sheet Attachment B – Disclosure Exemption Affidavit Attachment C – Reference Check Form Attachment D – Sample Contract Attachment E – Sample OBDF Loan Referral Form

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 SCHEDULE

1.3 OREGONBUYS

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

2.2 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 3: PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

3.2 MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS

4.1 QUESTIONS / REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

4.2 PROPOSAL DELIVERY

4.3 PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

4.4 PROPOSAL DUE

4.5 PROPOSAL REJECTION

4.6 EVALUATION PROCESS

SECTION 5: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION

5.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS

5.2 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL PROPOSERS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5.3 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

6.2 PUBLIC RECORDS LAWS

6.3 CANCELLATION OF RFQ; REJECTION OF PROPOSAL; NO DAMAGES

6.4 COST OF SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

6.5 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

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SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Oregon Business Development Department (“Business Oregon”, “OBDD”, or “Agency”) is seeking to contract for loan referral services for the Oregon Business Development Fund (“OBDF”) loan program. Generally, Contractors will be responsible for identifying eligible prospective loan applicants and making referrals to Business Oregon.

All firms submitting Proposals in response to this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) are referred to as “Proposers” in this document; after negotiations, the awarded Proposers will be designated as “Contractors”. “Proposal” means a Proposer’s response to this RFQ submitted via OregonBuys.

Additional details on the scope of the services are included in section 2.3, Scope of Work/Specifications. Business Oregon anticipates the award of multiple contracts from this RFQ.

Business Oregon will enter into a contract with each selected Proposer. The initial term of the Contracts is anticipated to be 5 years with options to renew up to an additional 5 years for each Contract.

Contractors for OBDF loan referral services will receive a loan referral fee of up to 0.75% of the Business Oregon approved and funded OBDF loan amount, up to the maximum amount identified in OAR 123-017-0055, as that rule may be amended from time to time, per loan. Payment of referral fees is subject to Business Oregon’s successful closing of each OBDF referred loan, including borrower payment of all applicable Business Oregon loan fees and closing costs. Business Oregon will not divide referral fees for individual referrals between OBDF loan referral contractors. If multiple OBDF loan referral contractors submit referrals for the same project, Business Oregon will pay the contractor that submitted a complete and accepted referral first. Any subsequent referrals will not be accepted or receive compensation. In no instance shall any one Contractor receive more than $600,000 in loan referral fees during the term of the Contract. Business Oregon reserves the right to amend any part of the Contract, including but not limited to, the contracts for time, contingent upon need, or for changes in the program requirements or the fees paid for services provided.

1.2 SCHEDULE

Business Oregon intends to leave this RFQ open for a period of five years and will remain active in OregonBuys through 11/01/2029. Business Oregon will accept Proposals on an intermittent rolling basis and will specify open periods in OregonBuys for proposal acceptance within the 5-year period.

Business Oregon will review Proposals as they are received.

1.3 OREGONBUYS

This RFQ, including all amendments, and attachments, is posted as a Bid Solicitation in the OregonBuys web-based eProcurement System. RFQ documents will not be mailed to prospective Proposers. The OregonBuys website is available at: http://oregonbuys.gov. OregonBuys is the only official repository for RFQ documents; RFQ documents will not be separately mailed. Business Oregon assumes no responsibility for content obtained from other sources.

Modifications, if any, to this RFQ will be published as Bid Amendment(s) in OregonBuys. Proposers are solely responsible for checking OregonBuys to determine whether or not any Bid Amendments have been issued. Bid Amendments are incorporated into the RFQ by this reference.

http://oregonbuys.gov/

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1.3.1 OREGONBUYS ASSISTANCE

Individuals needing assistance with OregonBuys may contact the OregonBuys Helpdesk by telephone at 1.855.800.5046 or by email at support.oregonbuys@oregon.gov.

1.3.2 OREGONBUYS REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Proposers must be registered in OregonBuys to do business with the State of Oregon. Registration is free. Current and correct registration information is the sole responsibility of the registered party.

Business Oregon accepts no responsibility for missing or incorrect information.

To create an OregonBuys account, click the blue “Supplier Registration” button in the top right corner of the OregonBuys website. For registration assistance, see vendor registration guidance:

https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/SupplierRegistrationGuide.pdf. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that their vendor registration and information is current and correct in OregonBuys. Business Oregon shall not be responsible for defective registration or incorrect vendor information.

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

The single point of contact (“SPC”) for this RFQ is identified as the Purchaser in OregonBuys and on the Cover Page of this RFQ. Proposer shall direct all communications related to any provision of the RFQ only to the SPC, whether about the technical requirements of the RFQ, contractual requirements, the RFQ process, or any other provision.

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

Business Oregon is issuing this RFQ to select contractors that will aid OBDD in carrying out the obligations provided in ORS 285B.050 through ORS 285B.098 and OAR Chapter 123 Division 017.

This RFQ is not subject to the Public Contracting Code pursuant to ORS 279A.025(2)(q)(B).

2.2 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

Business Oregon seeks to contract with entities that will:

a. Promote and market the OBDF loan program and the suite of business finance and business development tools administered by Business Oregon;

b. Identify eligible loan applicants for the OBDF program and other OBDD loan programs;

c. Refer eligible OBDF loan applicants to Business Oregon that meet OBDD loan preference requirements, which may include, but are not limited to the following:

1) Job Creation/Retention;

2) Rural or Distressed Areas, as defined in OAR 123-001-0050; and

3) Traded Sector companies, as defined in OAR 123-017-0010;

d. Leverage private lending sources on behalf of borrowers and in coordination with Business Oregon, provide local support to borrowers, and act as a connecting source between Business Oregon, lenders, and referred borrower.

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Selected Proposers will:

mailto:support.oregonbuys@oregon.gov https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/SupplierRegistrationGuide.pdf

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a. Promote and market the OBDF program as well as the suite of business finance programs and business development tools administered by Business Oregon. Other business finance programs include but are not limited to:

1) Capital Access Program (“CAP”),

2) Credit Enhancement Fund (“CEF”),

3) Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (“EDLF”),

4) Industrial Development Bonds (“IDB”), and

5) Oregon Royalty Fund ("ORF”).

b. Submit Loan Referrals to Business Oregon that meet OBDF program eligibility requirements, as outlined in OAR Chapter 123 Division 017;

c. Provide recognition of Business Oregon in promotional and media materials; and

d. Perform any tasks necessary for the completion of the activities in this section.

Selected Proposers will deliver to Business Oregon, at a minimum and subject to further modification at Business Oregon’s discretion, the following information for each OBDF Loan Referral:

a. Borrower’s name, contact information, and contact person.

b. The name and contact information for the business being referred.

c. A brief description of the business being referred and a narrative demonstrating the traded sector nature of the business related activities.

d. A brief explanation of the project that includes:

1) Amount and type of proposed project funding;

2) Proposed OBDF loan amount;

3) Purpose of the proposed funding;

4) Location of project to be funded;

5) Name and contact information for other lender(s) involved in the project (if applicable); and

6) Relationship of referring entity to the business being referred.

Proposers may expand and add detail to the information included in the OBDF Loan Referral Form based on their expertise and prior experience. A sample OBDF Loan Referral form is included in this RFQ as Attachment E.

SECTION 3: PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for evaluation, Proposer must be a registered vendor in OregonBuys. Furthermore, the Proposal must demonstrate how Proposer meets all requirements of this RFQ. Proposers must submit documentation demonstrating the following:

3.1.1 Business Purpose/Mission: Proposer must be a local development group as defined in ORS 285B.050 and demonstrate that economic development is a principal component identified in Proposer’s Charter and/or Articles of Incorporation, which must be filed a minimum of 24 months prior to date of Proposal submission.

3.1.2 Licensing/Registration requirements - Proposer must demonstrate they are a non-depository, Oregon based economic development for-profit, non-profit, or governmental entity with operating offices based in Oregon. Proposer must be licensed to do business in its state and be prepared to comply with requirements

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3.2 MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for evaluation, Proposals must contain each of the following elements (further described in section 3.2 and section 4.6.2), completed and signed as requested:

a. Narrative - A brief narrative describing the Proposer’s interest, organizational structure, and qualifications related to the Scope of Work/Specifications listed in section 2.3.

b. Evaluation Criteria - Responses to each of the Evaluation Criteria listed in section 4.6.2

c. Attachment A - Proposer Information and Certification Sheet

d. Attachment B - Disclosure Exemption Affidavit

e. Attachment C - Reference Check Form

3.2.1 Proposal Page Limits

Proposals must be limited to 12 pages. Agency will discard all pages in excess of the allowable number. One (1) page is defined as: one side of a single 8-1/2" x 11" page, with 12-point minimum font size for the substantive text. Proposers may use their discretion for the font size of other materials (e.g., graphics, charts). Any page or partial page with substantive text, graphics, charts, resumes, etc., will be counted as one (1) page. Any pages exceeding this limit will not be provided to the evaluation committee or considered in the evaluation. The following items do not count toward the page limit:

a. Title Page

b. Table of Contents

c. Attachment A – Proposer Information and Certification Sheet

d. Attachment B - Disclosure Exemption Affidavit

e. Attachment C - Reference Check form

3.2.2 Proposal Format and Quantity

Proposals should follow the format and reference the sections listed in the Proposal Requirements section 3.3. Responses to each section and subsection should be labeled to indicate the item being addressed.

Proposers must submit its Proposal and all other submittal requirements electronically through OregonBuys. Proposer shall follow the procedures outlined in section 4.2 for electronic submission.

Agency will accept Proposals in .pdf format or as electronic files compatible with Microsoft Office applications. The signed Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment A) bearing the Proposer’s authorized representative’s Signature must be submitted as a .PDF file.

If Proposer believes any of its Proposal is exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478), Proposer shall complete and submit the Disclosure Exemption Affidavit (Attachment B) and Proposer also shall submit a fully redacted version of its Proposal, clearly identified as the redacted version.

Proposers should not password protect submissions.

Failure to demonstrate compliance with these submission requirements may result in a finding of non-responsiveness.

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3.2.3 Authorized Representative

Failure of an authorized representative to sign the Proposal may subject the Proposal to rejection by Agency.

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set forth in this RFQ. Proposer shall describe the services to be performed. A Proposal that merely offers to provide the as stated in this RFQ may be considered non-responsive and will not be considered further. Proposals should not include extensive artwork, unusual printing, or other materials not essential to the utility and clarity of the Proposal. Do not include marketing or advertising material in the Proposal, unless requested. Proposals should be straightforward and address the requests of the

RFQ.

3.3.1 Narrative (Not Scored)

A brief narrative describing the Proposer’s interest, organizational structure, and qualifications related to the Scope of Work/Specifications listed in section 2.3.

3.3.2 Response to Evaluation Criteria (Scored)

The response to Evaluation Criteria must provide a comprehensive response to each of the questions in section 4.6.2 – Evaluation Criteria.

3.3.3 Reference Check Form (Attachment C, Not Scored)

Proposer shall provide 3 references from current or former client firms for similar projects performed for any clients within the last 5 years. References must be able to verify the quality of previous, related Work.

Agency may check to determine if references provided support Proposer’s ability to comply with the requirements of this RFQ. Agency may use references to obtain additional information, or verify any information needed. Agency may contact any reference (submitted or not) to verify Proposer’s qualifications. References will not be scored but may be used as part of a “responsibility” check to verify the Proposer’s ability to perform.

SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS

4.1 QUESTIONS / REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

All inquiries, whether relating to the RFQ process, administration, deadline, or method of award, or to the intent or technical aspects of the RFQ must be submitted via email to the SPC identified on the cover page of this solicitation.

Substantive questions and answers will be issued as official addenda to this RFQ during open solicitation periods in OregonBuys. Changes or modifications to this RFQ shall be binding on Agency only if in the form of written addenda issued by Agency.

Any addenda to this RFQ will be posted to OregonBuys. Anyone who has received a copy of this RFQ from a source other than Agency is responsible for checking with the SPC or online postings.

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Agency is not responsible for sending addenda to any potential Proposers.

4.2 PROPOSAL DELIVERY

Proposer is solely responsible for ensuring its Proposal is submitted through OregonBuys in accordance with the RFQ requirements. Agency is not responsible for any transmission errors or delays, or for any mis-delivery for any reason. Additional information may be found in the OregonBuys Terms of Use. Proposals submitted by any means not authorized will not be accepted.

Proposer shall submit its Proposal electronically through OregonBuys, http://oregonbuys.gov.

Proposer should follow the procedures outlined in detailed instructions on how to submit a Proposal (Bid) which can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Pages/supplierresources.aspx.

For OregonBuys purposes only, when completing the Quote process in OregonBuys, please enter a unit cost of $1.00 only on the Items Tab.

4.3 PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

If a Proposer wishes to make modifications to a submitted Proposal, or to withdraw its Proposal, it must do so through OregonBuys.

4.4 PROPOSAL DUE

A Proposal (including all required attachments and submittal items) must be received in OregonBuys Agency relies on the OregonBuys system clock to determine the correct time and is not responsible for any errors of any kind involved with electronic submission, delays, or difficulties experienced in the transmission of any Proposal, nor for notifying Proposers of complete or incomplete receipt of a Proposal.

4.5 PROPOSAL REJECTION

Agency may reject a Proposal for any of the following reasons:

a. Proposer fails to substantially comply with all prescribed RFQ procedures and requirements, including but not limited to the requirement that Proposer’s authorized representative sign the Proposal.

b. Proposer has liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State or any department or agency of the State.

c. Proposer makes any contact regarding this RFQ with State representatives such as State employees or officials other than the SPC or those the SPC authorizes, or inappropriate contact with the SPC.

d. Proposer attempts to influence a member of the Evaluation Committee.

e. Proposal is conditioned on Agency’s acceptance of any other terms and conditions or rights to negotiate any alternative terms and conditions that are not reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the RFQ or RFQ Amendments.

4.6 EVALUATION PROCESS

4.6.1 Responsiveness Determination

All Proposals received prior to the closing date will be reviewed to determine if they are responsive to http://oregonbuys.gov/ https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Pages/supplierresources.aspx

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4.6.2 Evaluation Criteria

Each Proposal meeting all responsiveness requirements will be independently evaluated by members of an Evaluation Committee. Evaluation Committee members may change, and Agency may have additional or fewer evaluators for optional rounds of competition. Evaluators will assign a score for each of the six evaluation criterion listed below in this section up to the maximum points available. The score for each criterion will be based on the percentages identified in the table in section 4.6.3.

SPC may request further clarification to assist the Evaluation Committee in gaining additional understanding of a Proposal. A response to a clarification request may only clarify or explain portions of the already submitted Proposal and may not contain new information not included in the original Proposal.

Proposers must respond to each of the following:

4.6.2.1 Describe your firm’s prior experience in economic development specific to Oregon. (15 points maximum)

4.6.2.2 Describe your firm’s economic development philosophy. How has your firm demonstrated a commitment to economic development in Oregon? (15 points maximum)

4.6.2.3 Describe how you partner with other federal, state and or local agencies in providing economic development in your area. (15 points maximum)

4.6.2.4 Regarding your firm’s approach and methodology, describe what resources are made available by your organization and how your firm markets those tools. Include a short description of how you will promote Business Oregon’s Finance programs and other Agency programs in your market area. (15 points maximum)

4.6.2.5 Describe your firm’s process for engaging and screening potential projects for an OBDF financing referral. (20 points maximum)

4.6.2.6 Describe how your firm will ensure adequate response, including fielding client requests and inquiries regarding financing options. (20 points maximum)

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4.6.3 Point Calculation

4.6.4 Score Calculation

For each of the six criterion listed in section 4.6.2, the SPC will average the evaluator scores by totaling the points awarded by each Evaluation Committee member (each with a maximum of 100 possible points) and dividing by the number of evaluators. The SPC will then add the points up from each evaluation criteria to determine each Proposer’s score for a total possible score of 100.

SECTION 5: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION

5.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS

5.1.1 Award Consideration

Agency, if it awards any Contracts, will award Contracts to responsible Proposers based upon the scoring methodology and process described in section 4 who receive a score of 60 or above from the evaluation.

5.1.2 Intent to Award Notice

Agency will issue a Notice of Intent to Award to all Proposers selected for an award. Execution of a Contract for selected Proposers is subject to successful negotiation of any negotiable provisions as set

PERCENTAGE

OF

MAXIMUM

AVAILABLE

POINTS FOR

EACH

CRITERIA

EXPLANATION

1-59% POOR TO FAIR – Proposer meets minimum requirements but does not demonstrate “Satisfactory” knowledge of the subject matter.

60-70% SATISFACTORY– Response meets all requirements in an acceptable manner. Response demonstrates an ability to comply with guidelines, parameters, and requirements with little or no additional value provided.

71-89%

GOOD TO VERY GOOD – Response provides useful information, while showing experience and knowledge within the affected services area.

Response demonstrates above average knowledge and ability with no apparent deficiencies noted.

90-100%

OUTSTANDING - Response meets all the requirements and has demonstrated in a clear and concise manner a thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and opportunity. Proposer provides deep and meaningful insight into its expertise, knowledge, and understanding of the subject matter.

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Business Oregon will notify all Proposers that it does not select for an award.

5.2 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL PROPOSERS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposers who are selected for a Contract under this RFQ will be required to submit additional information and comply with the following:

5.2.1 Insurance

Prior to contract execution, Proposer shall secure and demonstrate to Agency proof of insurance as required in this RFQ or as negotiated. Insurance Requirements are found in Exhibit B of Attachment D – Sample Contract.

5.2.2 Taxpayer Identification Number

Proposer shall provide its Taxpayer Identification Number and backup withholding status on a completed W-9 form when requested by Agency or when the backup withholding status or any other relevant information of Proposer has changed since the last submitted W-9 form, if any.

By submitting a Proposal, Proposer represents and warrants that is not in violation of any Oregon tax laws, including but not limited to a state tax imposed by ORS 320.005 to 320.150 and 403.200 to

403.250 and ORS chapters 118, 314, 316, 317, 318, 321 and 323 and local taxes administered by the Department of Revenue under ORS 305.620.

5.2.3 Business Registry

Proposer shall be duly authorized by the State of Oregon to transact business in the State of Oregon before executing the Contract. Visit http://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/register.aspx for Oregon Business Registry information.

5.3 CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

After selection of successful Proposer(s), Agency may enter into Contract negotiations with the successful Proposer. By submitting a Proposal, Proposer agrees to comply with the requirements of the RFQ, including the terms and conditions of the Sample Contract (Attachment D).

Proposer shall review the attached Sample Contract and note exceptions.

Proposer must submit those exceptions to Agency during the at the time Proposer submits its Proposal.

Unless Agency agrees to modify any of the terms and conditions, Agency intends to enter into a Contract with the successful Proposer substantially in the form set forth in Sample Contract (Attachment D).

It may be possible to negotiate some provisions of the final Contract; however, Agency is not required to make any changes and many provisions cannot be changed. Proposer is cautioned that the State of Oregon believes modifications to the standard provisions constitute increased risk and increased cost to the State. Therefore, Agency will consider the scope of requested exceptions in the evaluation of Proposal.

Any subsequent negotiated changes are subject to prior approval of the Oregon Department of Justice.

Agency is NOT willing to negotiate the following items:

a. Choice of law http://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/register.aspx

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b. Choice of venue

c. Constitutional requirements

d. Requirements of applicable federal and State law

In the event that the parties have not reached mutually agreeable terms within 30 calendar days, Agency may terminate Negotiations.

SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

This RFQ is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. Venue for any administrative or judicial action relating to this RFQ, evaluation and award is the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State of Oregon; provided, however, if a proceeding must be brought in a federal forum, then it must be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. In no event shall this section be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon of any form of defense or immunity, whether sovereign immunity, governmental immunity, immunity based on the eleventh amendment to the Constitution of the United States or otherwise, to or from any claim or consent to the jurisdiction of any court.

6.2 PUBLIC RECORDS LAWS

All Proposals are public record and are subject to public inspection after Agency issues the Notice of the Intent to Award. Application of the Oregon Public Records Law will determine whether any information is actually exempt from disclosure.

6.3 CANCELLATION OF RFQ; REJECTION OF PROPOSAL; NO DAMAGES.

Agency may reject any or all Proposals in-whole or in-part or may cancel this RFQ at any time when the rejection or cancellation is in the best interest of the State or Agency, as determined by Agency.

Neither the State nor Agency is liable to any Proposer for any loss or expense caused by or resulting from the delay, suspension, or cancellation of the RFQ, award, or rejection of any Proposal.

6.4 COST OF SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

Proposer shall pay all the costs in submitting its Proposal, including, but not limited to, the costs to prepare and submit the Proposal, costs of samples and other supporting materials, costs to participate in demonstrations, or costs associated with protests.

6.5 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

Business Oregon reserves all rights regarding this RFQ, including, but not limited to, the right to:

a. When appropriate, Business Oregon will issue revisions, substitutions, or clarifications as addenda to this RFQ;

b. Waive any minor informality or non-conformance with the provisions or procedures of this RFQ;

c. Seek clarification of any Proposal;

d. Negotiate the requirements described in this RFQ;

e. Amend or extend the term of any Contract that is issued as a result of this RFQ;

f. Reject any Proposal upon finding that to accept the Proposal may impair the integrity of

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g. Verify any information or endorsements included in the Proposal or letters of support.