OEV26006103 Prequal Researchers SPR.pdf

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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) OEV26006103

Pre-Qualification for Transportation Research Institutions, Expert Consultants, and Researchers, to Support RIDOT’s Research and Innovation Program

SECTION A. INTRODUCTION

The Rhode Island Department of Administration/Division of Purchases, on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), is seeking proposals in response to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to support RIDOT in advancing its Research & Innovation Program, as it is outlined in the State’s Planning and Research (SPR) Subpart B Research Program. RIDOT’s research program aims to support and encourage innovation throughout the Department by promoting applied research, implementation of new and emerging technologies, and producing findings that significantly enhance the operations of the Department. It is focused on challenges faced by RIDOT and its State transportation partners and looks to fund research that addresses “on-the-ground” issues and questions.

Through this RFQ, RIDOT looks to identify qualified universities, corporations, governmental agencies, and other research institutions that can support RIDOT’s Research & Innovation Program of high-quality applied transportation research and technology transfer activities. RIDOT’s research program aims to provide innovative, relevant, timely, and cost-effective solutions to the increasingly complex problems that RIDOT and the general transportation community in Rhode Island are facing in the delivery of programs and execution of their mission.

The scope of work under this RFQ is to provide technical support to advance RIDOT’s mission for its Research & Innovation Program as included in the SPR Subpart B Research Program. The selected respondents will be expected to support RIDOT with delivering one or more research projects as identified by RIDOT during the life of this procurement. The specific number of projects supported by a particular respondent will be determined by RIDOT based on the qualifications, experience, and past performance of the proposed principal investigators under each pre-qualified entity.

This RFQ represents Phase 1 of the procurement process wherein RIDOT will evaluate qualifications on a “Pass/Fail” basis. Respondents must receive a “Pass” score for all criteria in order to Prequalify and be considered for Phase 2, which is the assignment of Task Orders for specific research projects. Pre-Qualified respondents shall be given a fair opportunity to be considered for Task Order assignments based upon their specific areas of expertise, overall qualifications, past performance, and RIDOT’s needs. Task Orders for specific research project(s) will be initiated by RIDOT during the life of this RFQ and will be based on the agency’s needs and ideas/challenges submitted and approved as part of RIDOT’s SPR Subpart B Research and Innovation Program.

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As part of Phase 2, Pre-Qualified Entities that meet the specific criteria of expertise for a particular research project will be asked to submit a two-page Letter of Interest (LOI) in response to RIDOT’s Task Order request. The LOI shall delineate the entity’s relevant experience, expertise, and ability to collaborate with RIDOT relative to the specific Task Order scope of work.

Pre-Qualification status will be effective for three (3) years. However, this RFQ is an Open Enrollment so firms may submit the required documents for approval onto the Pre-Qualification list throughout the three-year term. At the State’s discretion, the RIDOT may extend the effective status of this RFQ for an additional two years. The effective status of this RFQ shall not exceed five (5) years. RIDOT intends to fund the original 3-year solicitation with $2.25 million in SPR Subpart B Research Funds and reserves the right to add additional funding as needed. The expected annual budget for Years 4 and 5 should RIDOT opt to exercise that option is anticipated to be around $750,000 per year.

In order to be prequalify under this RFQ, respondents must complete and submit the Principal Investigator (PI) Expertise Topics spreadsheet provided in Appendix B of this RFP, identifying the areas of expertise for each PI included in their submission. Services procured under this solicitation shall be coordinated and managed under the direction of RIDOT’s Division of Planning in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other state, local, or federal agencies as required.

Because RIDOT’s research program seeks practical remedies for operational problems, it is emphasized that proposals should indicate strong capability gained through extensive successful experiences in the relevant problem area. Therefore, respondents to this RFQ and subsequent Task Orders, should first make a frank, thorough self-appraisal to determine whether they possess the relevant capability and experience necessary to ensure successful completion of the project.

Research projects will be primarily based on the key focus areas for RIDOT as detailed further in Section B of this RFQ and updated annually through the federally approved SPR Subpart B Research program.

RIDOT sees the research supported under this RFQ as linking closely to these focus areas and as an opportunity to identify practical and implementable solutions. This, however, does not preclude the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the State of Rhode Island from pursuing through this RFQ additional research opportunities in alignment with the Department’s vision of being a forward thinking and innovating agency.

SECTION B. SCOPE OF WORK AND REQUIREMENTS

RIDOT is seeking to procure the services of multiple qualified responders to advance the mission of its Research and Innovation Program as outlined in the agency’s SPR Subpart B Research Program. RIDOT’s Research Program aims to support and encourage innovation throughout the Department by promoting research, encouraging the implementation of new and emerging technologies, and producing findings that significantly enhance the operations of the Department. Successful proposals will be practical and results-oriented rather than theoretical in nature.

RIDOT’s Research Program has multiple priorities focused on asset management and preservation, data and systems, environment (including climate change and decarbonization), freight, mobility, safety, and other areas such as resiliency, sustainability, lifecycle planning, and improving overall asset lifecycle costs.

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While RIDOT’s research program is primarily focus on applied and implementable research, this should not preclude the agency from pursuing more theoretical and policy related research topics. The strategic goals and main topics of interest include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

a. Asset Management / Asset Preservation

i. Complete Lifecycle

ii. Longevity / Resiliency / Sustainability

iii. Maintenance-Friendly

iv. Highway Performance Management System

b. Data and Systems

i. Geographic Information Systems

ii. Mobile LiDAR

iii. Mobile Applications

iv. Traveler Information

c. Emerging Technologies

i. Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

ii. Digital Infrastructure

iii. Unmanned Aircraft Systems

iv. Automated / Electric Vehicles

d. Environment

i. Climate Change Mitigation / Adaptation / Nature-Based Solutions

ii. Climate Change Resilience

iii. Decarbonization

iv. Historic Preservation

v. Natural Resource Impacts

e. Freight

i. First / Last Mile

ii. Multimodal Freight Networks

iii. Supply Chains

iv. Community Impacts of Freight

f. Mobility

i. Integration and Modal Shift

ii. Micromobility

iii. System Performance

iv. Transit

g. Planning / Project Delivery

i. Planning

ii. Expedited Project Delivery

h. Safety

i. Safety Education

ii. Safety Engineering

iii. Safety Data

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Appendix A includes a sample list of projects under these strategic goals/topics of interest for which RIDOT might seek proposals in the future.

Respondents in their proposals must identify the research goal and/or topic of interest under which their proposal falls. In addition to the identification of the relevant expertise of the institutions responding, respondents must identify the relevant expertise of each PI included in their proposal.

SECTION C. ELIGIBILITY, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS, AND DELIVERABLES

The services contemplated shall, in general, consist of the work described in Section C of this RFQ. To qualify for selection, prospective respondents must, at a minimum, demonstrate that they meet the technical requirements outlined in this section and receive a “Pass” score for every criterion.

ELIGIBILITY

There are no restrictions on who may submit a proposal in response to this RFQ following a self-appraisal of qualifications to determine whether the respondent and the submitted Principal Investigators possess the requisite capability and experience necessary to ensure successful and effective delivery of the research project(s) solicited as Task Orders by RIDOT. Please note that Joint venture submissions under this RFQ are not allowed.

RIDOT research may be conducted by qualified universities, corporations, governmental agencies, and other research institutions. Each of these entities may submit a proposal in response to this RFQ as long as they demonstrate the possession of extensive, verified capability coupled with a proven record of experience in the specific problem areas for which they are submitting and necessary qualifications to provide for successful completion of the research project(s) and no financial conflicts of interest.

Proposals may include multiple Principal Investigators (PI); categorized by their specific area of expertise.

Submitted proposals must identify a Lead Research Program Manager, responsible for the administrative aspects of the services to be provided under this RFQ.

RIDOT strongly encourages the submission of proposals that demonstrate cross-disciplinary collaboration and/or collaboration with under-served or non-traditional transportation stakeholders, novel and innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. RIDOT particularly welcomes the participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as identified by the US Dept. of Education, small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women’s business enterprises who are encouraged to submit proposals in response to this RFQ.

This RFQ allows for the submission of proposals from respondents outside of the United States; however, given the potential challenges with contract administration and possible site visits, it is likely that these organizations would face a more difficult time in the selection process.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three (3) years of experience in one or more of the topics identified in above in Section B, Scope of Work and Requirements, preferably with other State Departments of Transportation, the National Cooperative Research Programs administered by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and in particular the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), and/or the

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National Science Foundation (NSF) and demonstrated competence with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and US Department of Transportation (US DOT) priorities.

2. Respondents must submit the qualifications and accomplishments of the research team members. Contact information (name, address, and telephone number) must be provided for the PI/Lead PI/Co-PIs. Respondents must also submit the pertinent background information for the PI as well as other research team members, including any sub-consultants, who will be critical to the project. Respondents must discuss in the proposal how their academic, industrial, and/or research experiences relate to their submission. Respondents may include short resumes, which must be up to two pages in the NSF biographical sketch format and only discuss information relevant to the project. In addition, respondents must submit a completed PI Expertise Topics spreadsheet as provided in Appendix B.

3. For each proposed PI, respondents must provide at least three (3) examples of successfully completed research projects led by the respective PI. These accomplishments must have involved the proposed PI and/or research team members in a way that is closely related to the work discussed in their proposal. In addition, respondents should identify all known instances of their research being put into practice; if not known, this should be indicated.

4. Respondents must discuss the anticipated composition of their team in their proposals. As discussed earlier, this RFQ is open to all who are interested and meet the requisite qualifications and requirements.

ANTICIPATED WORK TYPES

In general, selected respondents will be responsible for preparation of all or portions of the deliverables as outlined in the sample research project requests described in Appendix A. All work shall conform to the requirements outlined each individual Task Order and in the Research Plan and Deliverables outlined below, and is subject to approval by RIDOT.

RESEARCH PLAN AND DELIVERABLES

During Phase 2 of this solicitation (LOI), Respondents must submit a research plan that describes in detail how they will accomplish the objective(s) outlined in the specific Task Order. Sample research project requests are included in Appendix A. This research plan will become a part of the contract upon the awarding of a Task Order by RIDOT; therefore, it should reflect clearly and concisely the proposed approach to address RIDOT’s research project request and demonstrate how the proposed research team will successfully execute this task. The research plan should also include information on the proposed methodology. Such information should be described in sufficient detail to allow for a comprehensive review by RIDOT during the evaluation stage. RIDOT will not hold any pre-proposal briefings or meetings with respondents. Therefore, the research plan provides the only opportunity for respondents to explain their rationale and approach for their proposal.

The research plan must include the following sections:

1. Introduction

a. Describes the respondent’s approach to managing and delivering the research project request.

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b. Discusses how the proposed team will operate and how team members’ qualifications and experiences will impact the research project.

c. Identifies the availability and application of any special data, facilities, contacts, or equipment that may be needed.

Research Approach

a. Reviews how the objectives of the RIDOT research project request will be met using an innovative and collaborative approach.

b. Discusses in detail each phase or task of the proposed research so that it is possible for RIDOT to assess the project’s potential level of success.

I. Each phase or task should include a description of at least one milestone and associated deliverable and the anticipated timing and delivery.

c. Identifies potential risks to successfully completing tasks on-time and on-budget and describes potential mitigation strategies for minimizing risk.

Anticipated Research Results

a. Provides specific statements that discuss the anticipated research results and the application of such results in the “real world.”

b. Examples of research results may include the anticipated product(s); a description of how the research will advance the current practice; or an implementation plan.

c. Identifies the anticipated audience for such research results.

d. Brainstorms future potential implementation activities as well as metrics for tracking implementation progress.

I. If the project may not immediately feed into practice, this section should discuss potential ways or additional activities that could lead to implementation.

SECTION D. PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Proposals shall be organized as described in this section. If Prime vendors are teaming up with sub-contractors/consultants to complete any portion of the work listed in this RFQ, Respondents shall identify the firms and delineate the type of services they will provide, and work arrangements established between the Prime and proposed Sub-Consultant firm(s), if any, to be assigned to this project. Please note that Joint Ventures are not allowed under this solicitation.

SECTION I—INTRODUCTION AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Cover Page: Respondents shall identify the name and address of the lead institution in their submittal. The cover page should also identify the name and bid number of this RFQ.

2. Letter of Transmittal: Respondents shall submit a Letter of Transmittal signed by an owner, officer, or other authorized agent. This person shall be the contact point for all communications from RIDOT related to this RFQ. The letter must acknowledge receipt of all Addenda.

3. Executive Summary: Provide an overview of the contents of their submittal, including a brief statement highlighting their qualifications and suitability to the different levels of project complexity and the RIDOT strategic goal and/or topic of interest under which their proposal falls.

4. Organization Introduction: Respondents shall include a complete description of their organization and other relevant information documenting their organization’s professional practice and areas

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5. Organizational Chart: Provide an organizational chart for the entire proposed team including all Principal Investigators and any Sub-Consultants and the services they will provide, grouped by area of expertise. Respondents shall delineate the “chain of command” and identify the major functions to be performed and their reporting relationships in managing Task Orders. The chart shall identify the Research Program Manager for the lead institution responsible for all administrative coordination.

6. Staff Qualifications: Submitted Principal Investigators shall demonstrate a minimum of three (3) YEARS relevant experience in the particular topic of their expertise.

a. Respondents shall include the qualifications of qualified PIs, including resumes, research assignments and area of specialization for each staff member identified.

b. Respondents must demonstrate adequately trained staff necessary to complete the scope of services in a timely manner, including the necessary administrative support for billing and project finalization. Respondents shall include any applicable certification(s) and/or professional registration(s) which are pertinent to this project initiative.

c. Respondents must identify a Research Program Manager who will be responsible for all administrative aspects of the research program to ensure that work on research projects progresses according to agreed schedules and to act as the liaison between the respondent and RIDOT for all Task Orders assigned to the respondent.

SECTION II—WORK PLAN AND TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

1. Research Plan and Project Approach: Respondents shall provide a research plan as outlined in Section D.4 above, “RESEARCH PLAN AND DELIVERABLES.” Respondents shall discuss their ability to respond in a timely manner and the process for addressing the particular RIDOT strategic goal and/or topic of interest under which their proposal falls, in accordance with the research project requests included in Appendix A.

SECTION III—RELEVANT PRIOR EXPERIENCE, SAMPLES, EXISTING WORKLOAD, AND REFERENCES

1. Relevant Prior Experience: Respondents shall include a listing of their organization’s projects similar to the work being requested.

a. PIs included in a proposal must have completed at least THREE (3) PROJECTS of similar scope with either other State Departments of Transportation, the NCHRP, the TCRP, and/or the NSF within the last 5 YEARS.

b. Respondents must demonstrate their ability to meet all requirements listed in Section D.2 of this RFQ, “TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.”

2. Samples of Previous Work and Project References: Submit at least three (3) samples of previous work, including naming the agency soliciting of such work (i.e., your reference) where the PI successfully completed research related to the RIDOT research project request(s) for which you are submitting a proposal.

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3. Existing Workload: For each PI included in their proposal, respondents are to include a current listing of all projects contracted to perform along with estimated completion dates.

SECTION E. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

A Technical Evaluation Group (TEG), the majority of which must be currently employed by the State of Rhode Island, will be convened by RIDOT. The TEG will be comprised of a chairperson and RIDOT technical personnel assigned to evaluate and score all proposals. All members of the TEG will be required to execute a Conflicts Disclosure Statement prior to evaluation. The Final Selection Recommendations will be presented to the State Architectural/Engineering Consultant Services Selection Committee for final approval.

Technical Proposals will be evaluated qualitatively based upon the following selection criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Pass Fail

I. Respondent Qualifications (Section 1)

1. Did the respondent include all requested components in their submission, in the order requested?

2. To what extent does the proposed project team possess the credentials, expertise, and technical knowledge to complete the scope of work described in this RFQ?

3. Do any proposed sub-consultants meet the same requirements listed above?

II. Research Plan and Technical Experience (Section 2)

1. Research Plan and Project Approach: Respondents shall submit a research plan and discuss their ability to deliver a research project successfully. The plan must include the required sections and provide sufficient detail as to how the respondent plans to manage, execute, and implement the project.

III. Relevant Prior Experience, Samples, Existing Workload and References (Section 3)

1. Relevant Prior Experience: Respondents shall include a listing of projects similar to the work being requested.

(a). Respondents must have completed at least THREE (3)

PROJECTS of similar scope with either other State Departments of Transportation, the NCHRP, the TCRP, and/or the NSF within the last 5 YEARS.

(b). Respondents must demonstrate their ability to meet all requirements listed in Section D.2 of this RFQ, “TECHNICAL

REQUIREMENTS.”

2. Samples of Previous Work: Submit at least three (3) samples of previous work per the instructions provided in Section III (2).

3. Existing Workload: Respondents shall include a current listing of

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SECTION F. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

Although this RFQ has NOT been assigned a specific DBE goal, respondents are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within their research work. Responders are advised that each proposed task will be independently reviewed based upon scope of work as to the assignment of an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal.

Should an EEO goal be assigned, the bidder must demonstrate all reasonable efforts to outreach and employ minority students, as defined by the US Dept of Education, as an integral part of the research team for the specified task. Should a DBE goal be assigned, the bidder shall demonstrate Good Faith all projects supported by the PIs included in their proposal, along with estimated completion dates.

4. Project References: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least TWO (2) previous clients who are familiar with past research projects delivered by your organization shall be included. By so listing, specific permission is granted to RIDOT to contact said individuals to verify the satisfactory performance of the services provided. Respondent acknowledges that RIDOT is granted specific permission to discuss past performance of Respondent and any of its proposed team members on any projects.

IV. Approach To Scope and Project Methodology

1. Demonstration of a clear understanding of the project requirements

2. Quality of the project research plan and proposed teams of PIs

V. Collaboration

1. Demonstration of collaboration across disciplines other than transportation

2. Demonstration of collaboration with industry, State DOTs, and other transportation organizations

VI. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Innovation

1. The Respondent’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as innovation, such as diversity in the project team; a new approach to an existing challenge; collaboration with under-served or non-traditional transportation stakeholders (e.g., outreach/partnerships with primary schools); or if there is a cash or in-kind match from the federal government or other organizations (e.g., industry, State DOTs, other transportation organizations, universities) that are committed to the research as evidenced by letters of commitment from said organizations

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Efforts (GFE) to secure RI certified DBE firms to participate on the specified task. A list of current Rhode Island certified DBE firms may be obtained through the State’s Office Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion website at https://dedi.ri.gov/.

SECTION G. METHOD OF PAYMENT

The method of payment shall be Lump Sum, i.e., a fixed price that includes labor, overhead, non-salary direct costs and fixed fee for the performance of specific services. Reimbursable expense shall be pre-approved and shall be reimbursed to the vendor without mark-up. No other forms of compensation will be paid unless authorized by RIDOT.

SECTION H. APPENDIX A

Appendix A includes sample scopes of research projects/topics of interest. While RIDOT may elect to move forward with the solicitation of these scopes in the future, inclusion of these scopes as part of this RFQ is for illustration purposes only.

SECTION I. APPENDIX B

Appendix B provides a copy of the Principal Investigator (PI) Expertise Topics spreadsheet.

https://dedi.ri.gov/

Division of Purchases One Capitol Hill │ Providence, RI 02908 │ (401) 574-8100

Jay Hauser, State Purchasing Agent

The following provision(s) as posted in the original solicitation is (are) hereby stricken and not applicable and/or required as a condition to award:

BID CLAUSES/REQIREMENTS

Affirmative Action

By submission of proposals in response to this solicitation vendors agree to comply with R. I.

General Laws § 28-5.1-10 which mandates that vendors/subcontractors doing business with the State of Rhode Island exercise the same commitment to equal opportunity as prevails under Federal contracts controlled by Federal Executive Orders 11246, 11625 and 11375.

Vendors are required to ensure that they, and any subcontractors awarded a subcontract under this solicitation, undertake or continue programs to ensure that minority group members, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability.

Vendors and subcontractors who do more than $10,000 in government business in one year are prohibited from engaging in employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability, and are required to submit an “Affirmative Action Policy Statement.”

Vendors with 50 or more employees and $50,000 or more in government contracts must prepare a written “Affirmative Action Plan” prior to issuance of a purchase order/contract.

a. For these purposes, equal opportunity shall apply in the areas of recruitment, employment, job assignment, promotion, upgrading, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, and rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

b. Vendors further agree, where applicable, to complete the “Contract Compliance Report” as well as the “Certificate of Compliance” and submit both documents, along with their Affirmative Action Plan or an Affirmative Action Policy Statement, prior to issuance of a purchase order/contract. Information on Affirmative action and both reports can be found at Affirmative Action | Rhode Island Office of Division of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (ri.gov).

For further information, contact the Rhode Island Equal Opportunity Office, at 222-3090 or via e-mail at ODEO.EOO@doa.ri.gov.

https://dedi.ri.gov/about-office/equal-opportunity-office/affirmative-action-plans https://dedi.ri.gov/about-office/equal-opportunity-office/affirmative-action-plans mailto:ODEO.EOO@doa.ri.gov

Instructions and Notifications to Vendors

10. By submission of proposals in response to this solicitation vendors agree to comply with R.

I. General Laws § 28-5.1-10 which mandates that vendors/subcontractors doing business with the State of Rhode Island exercise the same commitment to equal opportunity as prevails under Federal contracts controlled by Federal Executive Orders 11246, 11625 and 11375.

Vendors are required to ensure that they, and any subcontractors awarded a subcontract under this solicitation, undertake or continue programs to ensure that minority group members, women, and persons with disabilities are afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability.

Vendors and subcontractors who do more than $10,000 in government business in one year are prohibited from engaging in employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability, and are required to submit an “Affirmative Action Policy Statement.”

Vendors with 50 or more employees and $50,000 or more in government contracts must prepare a written “Affirmative Action Plan” prior to issuance of a purchase order.

a. For these purposes, equal opportunity shall apply in the areas of recruitment, employment, job assignment, promotion, upgrading, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, and rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

b. Vendors further agree, where applicable, to complete the “Contract Compliance Report” as well as the “Certificate of Compliance” and submit both documents, along with their Affirmative Action Plan or an Affirmative Action Policy Statement, prior to issuance of a purchase order/contract. For Affirmative Action information and documents, Affirmative Action | Rhode Island Office of Division of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (ri.gov)

For further information, contact the Rhode Island Equal Opportunity Office, at 222-3090 or via e-mail at dedi.ri.gov.

OEV

https://dedi.ri.gov/about-office/equal-opportunity-office/affirmative-action-plans https://dedi.ri.gov/about-office/equal-opportunity-office/affirmative-action-plans