Ombuds_Services.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2023-RFP-091-PR

OMBUDS SERVICES

County of Dane

City-County Building, Room 425, 53703

Madison, WI 53703

RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2023

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: August 22, 2023

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 12, 2023, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

County of Dane

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Ombuds Services

I. Introduction II. RFP Guidelines and Overview

III. Contract Term IV. Project Overview/Scope of Work V. RFP Response Requirements & Evaluation Criteria

VI. Pricing Proposal VII. Vendor Questionnaire

VIII. Standard Terms and Conditions

Request For Proposal #2023-RFP-091-PR Title: Ombuds Services

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Summary

Dane County is soliciting proposals from interested firms and/or individuals to develop and operate an

Ombuds program.

Dane County is committed to providing every employee a safe and respectful workplace. The Ombuds program will serve as an independent and impartial resource for all employees. The selected firm or individual will assist employees in navigating county programs established to address workplace concerns. Additionally, this program will provide in-person training related to processes and procedures of County employment.

The selected firm or individual will also be expected to report to a subcommittee of the County Board annually and to make recommendations for further action.

The purpose of this document is to provide interested parties with information to enable them to prepare and submit a proposal according to the specifications set forth within this document.

The County intends to use the results of this process to award a contract or issue a purchase order for the product(s) and/or services(s) stated: Ombuds Program Services

The Dane County Purchasing Division is the sole point of contact for questions and issues that may arise during the RFP process.

1.2. Contact Information

Pete Patten

Purchasing Manager

Email: patten.peter@countyofdane.com

Phone: (608) 267-3523

Department:

Administration

1.3. Timeline

Release Project Date August 1, 2023

Question Submission Deadline August 22, 2023, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline August 29, 2023, 4:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline September 12, 2023, 2:00pm mailto:patten.peter@countyofdane.com tel:(608)267-3523

2. RFP GUIDELINES AND OVERVIEW

2.1. GENERAL SOLICITATION PROCESS

1. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

A. The County will provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you need accommodations at a vendor conference or site visit, contact the Purchasing Officer listed or call WI Relay 711 for TDD Services.

2. VENDOR REGISTRATION

A. Interested vendors are required to register at the County's eProcurement Portal. Registration is free and will ensure that you receive notifications of solicitations that match your profile and category codes as well as providing the County with up-to-date company contact information.

B. Once registered, please double check to make sure your vendor information including commodity codes is up-to-date by signing into your account at the County's eProcurement

Portal.

3. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A. Specific and estimated dates and times of actions related to this solicitation are listed in the timeline in the Introduction Section. The actions with specific dates must be completed as indicated unless otherwise changed by the County. In the event that the County finds it necessary to change any of the specific dates and times in the calendar of events listed below, it will do so by issuing an addendum to this RFP and posting such addendum on the Dane

County eProcurement Portal.

4. CLARIFICATION OF THE SPECIFICATIONS / QUESTIONS

A. All inquiries concerning this solicitation must be submitted via the County's eProcurement

Portal.

B. Questions must be submitted before 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

1. Requests submitted after that time frame will not be considered.

C. Proposers are expected to raise any questions, exceptions, or additions they have concerning the solicitation at this point in the process. If a proposer discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this solicitation, the proposer should immediately notify the contact person of such error and request modification or clarification to the solicitation document.

D. Proposers are prohibited from communicating directly with any employee of Dane County, except as described herein. No County employee or representative other than those individuals https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane listed as County contacts on this solicitation is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this solicitation.

5. ADDENDA & REVISIONS

A. In the event that it becomes necessary to provide additional clarifying data or information, or to revise any part of this bid, addenda and/or supplements will be posted via the

County's eProcurement Portal. Bidders are responsible to regularly monitor the web site for any such postings. It is recommended to check the eProcurement Portal for addenda prior to submitting a proposal. Bidders must acknowledge the receipt/review of any addenda via the eProcurement Portal.

B. The Purchasing Division has the sole authority for modifications to specifications and/or the solicitation document.

6. INSPECTION OF PREMISES/VENDOR SITE VISIT - when applicable

A. When applicable, bidder’s may inspect site(s) prior to submitting bids to determine all requirements associated with the project by contacting Pete Patten. Failure to do so will in no way relieve the successful bidder from the necessity of providing, without additional cost to the

County, all necessary services that may be required to carry out the intent of the resulting contract.

2.2. BID / PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Dane County strongly encourages all vendors to submit proposals well in advance of the solicitation deadline. By doing so, if there are any technical difficulties, there is time to attempt to resolve the situation before the deadline. Late bids will not be accepted.

If there are technical difficulties while trying to submit, first, contact OpenGov Support by clicking into the small blue circle on the bottom, right side of your screen while logged into the OpenGov system.

1. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

A. Dane County reserves the right to accept any part of this bid deemed to be in the best interest of the County. The County also retains the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

B. Proposals must be submitted via the County's eProcurement Portal before 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Late, faxed, mailed, hand-delivered, or incomplete proposals will be rejected unless otherwise specified. Dane County is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this solicitation.

C. To Submit a Proposal:

1. Register at the County's eProcurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

2. Click on the green "+Subscribe" button on the left side of the screen and proceed to create an account or sign in if an account already exists.

3. Once registered, click on the "draft" button to draft your proposal.

4. Provide company information

5. Complete the entire Vendor Questionnaire

6. Where indicated, upload the required documents.

7. The file upload status can be seen for each document uploaded.

8. Confirm all files have been uploaded

9. Review your work and click on "submit" proposal

10. Acknowledge any addenda

2. MULTIPLE PROPOSALS & ACCEPTANCE

A. Multiple proposals from a vendor will be permissible; however, the proposer must create separate accounts with separate log-in sequences, emails, and passwords on the

County’s eProcurement Portal. Each such proposal must be submitted separately and labeled as

Proposal #1, Proposal #2, etc.

B. Please message procurementsupport@opengov.com with any questions regarding set up.

3. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SUBMITTING COST PROPOSALS

A. The Cost Proposal section of this solicitation will either be incorporated into the system as a

Pricing Table or as a separate Cost Proposal Attachment that must be downloaded, completed, saved, and uploaded to the Vendor Questionnaire section.

B. On occasion, certain Dane County Highway RFPs may not include a Cost Proposal element to the solicitation.

C. Price(s) quoted shall include all labor, materials, equipment, shipping and other costs and conditions outlined within the bid. Pricing shall remain fixed.

4. RIGHT TO REJECT PROPOSALS & NEGOTIATE CONTRACT TERMS

A. The County reserves the right to accept any part of a submission deemed to be in the best interest of the County and to reject any and all proposals and to negotiate the terms of the contract, including the award amount, with the selected proposer prior to entering into a contract. If contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully with the highest scoring proposer, the County may negotiate a contract with the next highest scoring proposer.

2.3. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE DEFINITIONS

1. LOCAL VENDOR PURCHASING PREFERENCE - applicable to RFBs mailto:procurementsupport@opengov.com

A. Under Dane County Ordinance 25.08(11)(c-e), a Locally Based and Owned Vendor, Locally

Operated Vendor, or Non-Locally Operated Vendor may be invited to match the low bid if the low bid is offered by a vendor that is not identified as a Locally Based and Owned Vendor, Locally Operated Vendor, or Non-Locally Operated Vendor according to Dane County Ordinance requirements. Local Vendor Preferences do not apply to bids for sand, gravel, salt, asphalt and concrete.

Locally Based and Owned Vendors:

1. When bids are reviewed, the County will determine if a Locally Based and Owned Vendor responding to the bid is the low bidder. If a Locally Based and Owned Vendor is the low bidder, they will be awarded the bid.

2. If a Locally Based and Owned Vendor is not the low bidder but is within 15% of the low bid, the County will contact the Locally Based and Owned Vendor and provide that vendor the option of matching the low bid price.

3. If no Locally Based and Owned Vendors are among the responding bidders, or the Locally

Based and Owned Vendor declines to match the low bid, then the County will determine if a

Locally Operated Vendor has responded to the bid.

Locally Operated Vendors:

4. If a Locally Operated Vendor is within 10% of the low bid, the County will contact the Locally

Operated Vendor and provide that vendor the option of matching the low bid price.

5. If no Locally Operated Vendors are among the responding bidders, or the Locally Operated

Vendor declines to match the low bid, then the County will determine if a Non-Locally Operated

Vendor has responded to the bid.

Non-Locally Operated Vendors:

6. If a Non-Locally Operated Vendor is within 5% of the low bid, the County will contact the

Non-Locally Operated Vendor and provide that vendor the option of matching the low bid price.

7. If no Non-Locally Operated Vendors are among the responding bidders, or the Non-Locally

Operated Vendor declines to match the low bid, then the County will award the bid to the low bidder without regard to the location of the vendor.

2. LOCAL VENDOR PURCHASING PREFERENCE - applicable to RFPs

A. Under County ordinances, a Local Vendor is defined as a supplier or provider of equipment, materials, supplies or services that has an established place of business within the County of

Dane. An established place of business means a physical office, plant or other facility. A post office box address does not qualify a vendor as a Local Vendor.

1. County ordinance provides that a local vendor (within Dane County) automatically receive five points toward the evaluation score.

2. County ordinance provides that vendors located within the counties adjacent to Dane County

(Columbia, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk) automatically receive two points toward the evaluation score.

3. LOCAL CONTENT VENDOR PREFERENCE - generally only applicable to RFBs

A. Under Dane County Ordinance 25.08(4)(f-j), bidders offering goods made in Dane County, its surrounding counties, or the State of Wisconsin receive a price preference on sealed bid solicitations. Bids are first evaluated to determine if any bidders are offering products that qualify as Dane County-Made Goods, Regionally-Made Goods, or Wisconsin-Made Goods. Local

Vendor Preferences do not apply to bids for sand, gravel, salt, asphalt and concrete.

B. A bidder offering Dane County-Made Goods will be considered the successful bidder if their price is up to 15% higher than the low bid for goods that are not Dane County-Made Goods. If no vendors meet this criteria, then the County will determine if any bidder is offering Regionally-

Made Goods. If so, then such a bidder will be considered successful if their price is up to 12.5% higher than the low bid for goods that are not Regionally-Made Goods. If no vendors meet this criteria, then the County will determine if any bidder is offering Wisconsin-Made Goods. If so, that bidder will be considered successful if their price is up to 10% higher than the low bid for goods that are not Wisconsin-Made Goods. If no vendors are offering Dane County-Made, Regionally-Made, or Wisconsin-Made Goods, then the County will evaluate the low bid without regard to the content of the goods.

4. FAIR LABOR PRACTICES CERTIFICATION

A. Dane County Ord. 25.09 (1) is as follows:

1. (28) BIDDER RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Any bid, application or proposal for any contract with the county, including public works contracts regulated under chapter 40, shall include a certification indicating whether the bidder has been found by the National Labor Relations

Board (NLRB) or the Wisconsin Employment Relations Committee (WERC) to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations within the last seven years.

The purchasing manager shall investigate any such finding and make a recommendation to the committee, which shall determine whether the conduct resulting in the finding affects the bidder’s responsibility to perform the contract.

B. If a company indicates that they have been found by the NLRB or WERC to have such a violation in the Vendor Questionnaire section, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation with is required to be uploaded with the bid submission.

C. Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:

www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

5. COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

A. Participating in cooperative purchasing gives vendors the opportunity for additional sales without additional bidding. Municipalities and state agencies use cooperative purchasing to expedite purchases. A “municipality” is defined as any county, city, village, town, school district, board of school directors, sewer district, drainage district, vocational, technical and adult education district, or any other public body having authority to award public contracts (s.

https://www.nlrb.gov/ http://werc.wi.gov/

16.70(8), Wis. Stats.). Federally recognized Indian tribes and bands in this state may participate in cooperative purchasing with the state or any municipality under ss. 66.0301(1) and (20, Wis.

Stats.

B. In the Vendor Questionnaire section, you will have the opportunity to participate in allowing municipalities and state agencies to piggyback this bid. Participation is not mandatory. A vendor’s decision on participating in this service has no effect on awarding the bid.

C. Dane County is not a party to these purchases or any dispute arising from these purchases and is not liable for delivery or payment of any of these purchases.

6. DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL & PROPRIETY INFORMATION - generally only applicable to RFPs

A. All restrictions on the use of data contained within a proposal and all confidential information must be clearly stated on the Vendor Information Attachment under the “Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information” section.

B. Proprietary information submitted in a proposal, or in response to the RFP, will be handled in accordance with the applicable Wisconsin State Statute(s).

C. Submitted pricing will always become public information when proposals are opened and therefore cannot be designated as confidential.

D. Other information cannot be kept confidential unless it is a trade secret. Trade secret is defined in Sect. 134(80)(1)(c) Wis. State Statutes, as follows: "Trade secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method technique or process to which all of the following apply:

1. The information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

2. The information is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy that are reasonable under the circumstances.

E. To the extent permitted by law, it is the intention of Dane County to withhold the contents of the proposal from public view until such times as competitive or bargaining reasons no longer require non-disclosure, in the opinion of Dane County. At that time, all proposals will be available for review in accordance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law.

F. In the event the Designation of Confidentiality of this information is challenged, is required to provide legal counsel or other necessary assistance to defend the Designation of Confidentiality.

G. Failure to designate confidential and proprietary information within the Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information section of the Vendor Information Attachment may mean that all information provided as part of the proposal response will be open to examination or copying. The County considers other markings of confidential in the proposal document to be insufficient. The undersigned agrees to hold the County harmless for any damages arising out of the release of any material unless they are specifically identified within the Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information section of the Vendor Information Attachment.

2.4. EVALUATION

1. PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

A. The proposals will first be reviewed to determine if all applicable requirements are met. Failure to meet mandatory requirements may result in the proposal being rejected. In the event that all vendors do not meet one or more of the mandatory requirements, the County reserves the right to continue the evaluation of the proposals and to select the proposal which most closely meets the requirements specified in the solicitation.

2. PROPOSAL SCORING - applicable to RFPs

A. Accepted proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation team and scored against the stated criteria in the evaluation section of the RFP posting. This scoring will determine the ranking of vendors based upon their written proposals. If the team determines that it is in the best interest of the County to require a Phase 2 Evaluation which may include oral presentations, the highest-ranking vendors will be invited to make such presentations. Those vendors that participate in the interview process will then be scored, and the final ranking will be made based upon those scores.RFP Cost Proposal's will be scored using a standard quantitative calculation where the most cost criteria points will be awarded to the proposal with the lowest cost.

3. ORAL PRESENTATIONS/INTERVIEW - applicable to RFPs

A. Top ranked selected proposers may be required to make oral interview presentations and/or site visits to supplement their proposals, if requested by the County. The County will make every reasonable attempt to schedule each presentation at a time and location that is agreeable to the proposer. Failure of a proposer to conduct a presentation to the County on the date scheduled may result in rejection of the vendor’s proposal.

2.5. AWARD

1. RFB AWARD

A. The County will award the bid to the responsive and responsible bidder whose bid is most advantageous to the County. In determining the most advantageous bid, the County may consider criteria such as, but not limited to, cost, bidder’s past performance and/or service reputation, and service capability, quality of the bidder’s staff or services, customer satisfaction, references, the extent to which the bidder’s staff or services meet the County’s needs, bidder’s past relationship with the County, total long term cost to the County, fleet continuity and any other relevant criteria listed in this solicitation.

B. A resulting award and any part thereof shall not be subcontracted or assigned to another

Contractor without prior written permission of the County. The Contractor shall be directly responsible for any Subcontractor’s performance and work quality when used by the Contractor to carry out the scope of the job. Subcontractors must abide by all terms and conditions under this Contract.

2. RFP AWARD

A. An RFP award will typically be granted in one of two ways.

1. The award may be granted to the highest scoring responsive and responsible proposer.

2. Alternatively, the highest scoring proposer or proposers may be requested to submit final and best offers. If final and best offers are requested, they will be evaluated against the stated criteria, scored and ranked. The award will then be granted to the highest scoring proposer.

B. A resulting award and any part thereof shall not be subcontracted or assigned to another

Contractor without prior written permission of the County. The Contractor shall be directly responsible for any Subcontractor’s performance and work quality when used by the Contractor to carry out the scope of the job. Subcontractors must abide by all terms and conditions under this Contract.

3. PAYMENT TERMS AND INVOICING

A. Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, Dane County will pay properly submitted vendor invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of goods or services. Payment will not be made until goods or services are delivered, installed (if required), and accepted as specified. Invoices presented for payment shall be submitted to via email to the Department Invoice Email

Address shown on the Bill To section of the PO issued. The Dane County purchase order number must be noted on the submitted invoice.

B. Other incidental or standard industry charges not identified herein, are not allowed under this contract. Miscellaneous service charges used to help the Contractor pay various fluctuating current and future costs are not allowed. These charges include, but are not limited to, costs directly or indirectly related to the environment, energy issues, fuel charges, service and delivery of goods and services.

4. NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO AWARD

A. Upon finalizing the award, a notification email may be sent via the OpenGov system showing the awarded vendor(s).

B. As a courtesy, the County may send a Notice of Intent letter to responding vendors at the time of the award. - applicable to RFPs

C. Written notice of award to a vendor in the form of a purchase order or other document, mailed or emailed to the address shown on the bid will be considered sufficient notice of acceptance of bid.

5. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

A. The successful vendor is required to submit to Dane County a Certificate of Insurance prior to performing any work under this contract. The certificate is required prior to issuance of purchase order. See Section 22.0 Insurance Responsibility in the Standard Terms & Conditions.

B. Please contact your insurance representative to issue an Additional Insured Endorsement naming County of Dane, a municipal corporation, its boards, commissions, agencies, officers, employees and representatives listed as an ADDITIONAL INSURED on the General Liability policy.

C. Indicate mailing address as:

o County of Dane

Risk Management

City County Building Room 425

210 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.

Madison, WI 53703

D. Please inform your insurance representative that you have agreed to provide us with 30 Days written notice in the event of cancellation for any reason before the expiration date of your policy or policies.

E. Call 608-266-4965 with any questions.

6. PERMITS & LICENSES

A. The Contractor selected under this bid shall be required to obtain the necessary permits and licenses prior to performing any work under this contract. The Contractor will be required to demonstrate valid possession of appropriate required licenses and will keep them in effect for the term of this contract.

B. Contractor must be financially responsible for obtaining all required permits and licenses to comply with pertinent regulations, municipal, county, State of Wisconsin and Federal laws, and shall assume liability for all applicable taxes.

7. SATISFACTORY WORK

A. Any work found to be in any way defective or unsatisfactory shall be corrected by the

Contractor at its own expense at the order of the County. The County also reserves the right to contract out services not satisfactorily completed and to purchase substitute services elsewhere. The County reserves the right to charge the vendor with any or all costs incurred or retain/deduct the amount of such costs incurred from any monies due or which may become due under this contract.

8. GOVERNMENT STANDARDS

A. All materials, equipment, and supplies provided to the County must fully comply with all safety requirements as set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and all applicable OSHA

Standards. Bidders shall comply with all local, state and federal regulations, directives and laws.

9. DANE COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

A. On October 18, 2012, the Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 103, 2012-2013 establishing the following sustainability principles for the county:

o Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to fossil fuel dependence and to wasteful use of scarce metals and minerals;

o Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to dependence upon persistent chemicals and wasteful use of synthetic substances;

o Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to encroachment upon nature and harm to life-sustaining ecosystems (e.g., land, water, wildlife, forest, soil, ecosystems); and o Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to conditions that undermine people’s ability to meet their basic human needs.

2.6. CONTRACTING

Contracts are generally a result from the RFP process only.

1. CONTRACT/PROJECT ADMINISTRATION

A. The County department(s) utilizing the service will be responsible for drafting, coordinating, monitoring and administering the resulting service contract/purchase order. The department shall be responsible for notifying the awarded vendor about contract renewals or extensions.

Any modifications or additions to the contract(s)/purchase order(s) shall be communicated by the department to the Purchasing Division.

2. CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT - SUBCONTRACTORS

A. A resulting contract and any part thereof shall not be subcontracted or assigned to another

Contractor without prior written permission of the County. The Contractor shall be directly responsible for any subcontractor's performance and work quality when used by the Contractor to carry out the scope of the job. Subcontractors must abide by all terms and conditions under this Contract.

3. CONTRACT ADDITIONS

A. The County reserves the right to add new items and locations at a price conforming to other like items on the contract. The procedure for such additions shall be as follows:

1. The County Purchasing Officer will contact the vendor requesting pricing for the item(s) to be added.

2. The vendor, within three working days, should respond in writing and include the bid number, contract period and the price for each item or service to be provided.

3. Upon receipt, the County shall issue a Change Order adding the service or product(s) to the

Contract or Purchase Order.

B. The County reserves the right to accept or reject prices and obtain bids on the open market for these add ons.

C. When applicable, Contractor may be required to sign a Dane County Contract.

4. CONTRACT TERMINATION

A. If for any reason the successful contractor fails to fulfill the requirements of the contract for providing the specified services, the County shall have the right to cancel the contract at any time and negotiate for the services with another contractor.

5. CONTRACT PAYMENT TERMS & INVOICING

A. Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, Dane County will pay properly submitted vendor invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of goods or services. Payment will not be made until goods or services are delivered, installed (if required), and accepted as specified. Invoices presented for payment shall be submitted to via email to the Department Invoice Email

Address shown on the Bill To section of the PO issued. The Dane County purchase order number must be noted on the submitted invoice.

B. Other incidental or standard industry charges not identified herein, are not allowed under this contract. Miscellaneous service charges used to help the Contractor pay various fluctuating current and future costs are not allowed. These charges include, but are not limited to, costs directly or indirectly related to the environment, energy issues, fuel charges, service and delivery of goods and services.

3. CONTRACT TERM

The contract shall be effective on the date indicated on the Dane County Purchase Order or the Dane

County Contract execution date.

Anticipated Contract Term: 1 year with options to renew for an additional 4 - 1 year extensions.

• If applicable, any optional or renewal terms are not automatic extensions. Renewal terms must be agreed upon mutually by Dane County and Contractor.

Anticipated Contract Term Dates (subject to change pending contract execution date or official project start date determined by County):

Term 1: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Term 2: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025

Term 3: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Term 4: January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2027

Term 5: January 1, 2028 - December 31, 2028

4. PROJECT OVERVIEW/SCOPE OF WORK

The following definitions and links are used throughout the RFP.

County: Dane County

County Agency: Department/Division utilizing the service or product.

Dane County Purchasing website: https://www.danepurchasing.com/

Proposer/Vendor/Firm/Contractor: a company submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

4.1. SCOPE OF WORK OVERVIEW

Dane County is committed to providing every employee a safe and respectful workplace. The Ombuds program will serve as an independent and impartial resource for all employees. Dane County currently has approximately 3,000 employees across all departments.

The selected firm or individual will assist employees in navigating county programs established to address workplace concerns. Additionally, this program will provide in-person training related to processes and procedures of County employment.

The selected firm or individual will also be expected to report to a subcommittee of the County Board annually and to make recommendations for further action. The frequency of these reports has not yet been established, but the County is anticipating quarterly updates. The time and manner of how these meetings would be conducted would be established by mutual agreement.

4.2. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

A. To promote transparency, fairness, and accountability within our organization.

B. To help resolve disputes or conflicts through informal and collaborative means.

C. To provide recommendations for systemic improvements based on identified patterns or trends.

4.3. SCOPE OF WORK

The awarded vendor shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

A. Providing confidential consultations to individuals seeking guidance or advice.

1. In-person and virtual consultations would both be acceptable methods to conduct consultations and meetings with individuals. In-person attendance may be required for any committee meetings.

B. Facilitating conflict resolution processes and mediation, if required.

C. Provide in-person training related to the processes and procedures of County employment.

D. Assist County employees in navigating County programs established to address workplace concerns.

https://www.danepurchasing.com/

E. Maintaining documents and records, and preparing reports summarizing the issues and findings.

Information submitted to the selected firm may be subject to open records. Detailed information regarding open records will be shared with the successful proposer.

F. Making recommendations for systemic improvements to prevent similar issues from recurring.

G. Promoting awareness of the Ombudsman services and its role within the organization.

H. Annual Report summarizing activities, including recommendations for program or systematic improvements.

5. RFP RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS & EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. RFP Response - Proposers shall upload and submit their proposal response document(s) to Section 1 of the Vendor Questionnaire.

• The RFP Response shall be organized to comply with the section numbers and names as shown below. Each section heading shall be clearly marked.

o If applicable, the Local Vendor Preference section is answered within the Vendor

Questionnaire and doesn't need to be included in the RFP Response document.

• Cover Letter / Cover Page o Provide a Cover Letter or Cover page and at minimum should include:

▪ Contact Person for the RFP process

▪ RFP Title

▪ RFP #

▪ Name of Proposer

• Table of Contents may be included but is not required.

• Graphics may be included but are not required.

2. Cost Proposal Response

• Complete the Pricing Table if there is one located within the RFP Posting.

• If there is no Pricing Table within the RFP Posting:

o Download and complete the Pricing Section document from the Attachment Section of the

RFP Posting.

o Upload the completed Pricing Section document to Section 1 of the Vendor Questionnaire.

3. Document Formatting - The RFP Response and Cost Proposal (if applicable) documents must be saved in PDF format unless otherwise specified within the RFP document and the file name shall include the

RFP# and name of business submitting proposal.

• Example of how to name the files:

o RFP Response Document: "2023-RFP-025 – Vendor Name" o Cost Proposal Document (if no pricing table): "2023-RFP-025 – Vendor Name - Cost

Proposal"

4. Evaluation Criteria - each section includes the Point Value assigned to it for evaluation purposes.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Experience & Qualifications

A. Company or individual profile, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

B. Qualifications and experience of proposed team members.

C. Confirm that company has been providing these services for a minimum of 5 years.

D. Detail past experiences working with and reporting to government subcommittees.

E. Confirm that company is registered to do business in the State of Wisconsin.

Points Based 15

(14.3% of Total)

2. Understanding of the Organization's

Needs & Approach to Services

A. Proposed approach and methodology for setting up and providing Ombuds services.

B. Proposed timeline and work plan for implementing the services.

C. Provide a detailed summary of how trainings for employees are conducted.

Points Based 25

(23.8% of Total)

3. Demonstrated Expertise - Conflict

Resolution, Mediation &

Investigative Techniques

A. Sample reports or documentation from previous Ombuds assignments – minimum of 3.

B. Provide a list of government clients that these services have been provided to – minimum of 3.

Points Based 25

(23.8% of Total)

4. Workload Capacity & Resources

A. Proposed staffing plan demonstrating how services would be provided to the

County.

B. Detail how the anticipated workload would be handles effectively.

Points Based 10

(9.5% of Total)

5. Cost Points Based 25

(23.8% of Total)

6. Local Vendor Preference Points Based 5

(4.8% of Total)

6. PRICING PROPOSAL

PROGRAM PRICING

Provide lump sum pricing to set up and operate an Ombuds Program.

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of Measure Unit Cost Total

1 Initial Set Up of

Ombuds Program 1 Each

2 Year 1 -

Operation of

Ombuds Program

1 Each

3 Year 2 -

Operation of

Ombuds Program

1 Each

4 Year 3 -

Operation of

Ombuds Program

1 Each

5 Year 4 -

Operation of

Ombuds Program

1 Each

6 Year 5 -

Operation of

Ombuds Program

1 Each

TOTAL

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AS NEEDED - STANDARD HOURLY RATE PRICING

The hourly rates listed below would apply to additional services outside of the initial scope of work and on an as needed basis. Normal Work Hours (7:30am - 4:30pm - Monday - Friday). For all unused Position

Title Lines, make sure to click on "No Bid" for each of those lines.

Line Item Description Position Title Unit Cost Unit of Measure No Bid

7 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

Line Item Description Position Title Unit Cost Unit of Measure No Bid

8 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

9 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

10 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

11 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

12 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

13 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

14 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

15 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

16 Enter the

Position Title in the next column -

Per Hour

7. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

7.1. RFP DOCUMENT UPLOADS

7.1.1. RFP Response Document - Upload your Proposal*

Please DO NOT include Cost information in this section.

*Response required

7.1.2. RFP Response - Supplemental Document Upload

Upload any additional or required information documents that supplements this solicitation.

7.1.3. RFP Cost Proposal - Supplemental Document Upload

If applicable, upload any documents providing further clarification of the submitted pricing from the

Pricing Table. This is not required.

7.1.4. W9 Upload*

Upload your company's W9 form.

NOTE: The W9 is required to be signed within the past 12 months

*Response required

7.2. VENDOR INFORMATION

7.2.1. Local Vendor Preference *

Select a Local Vendor Preference:

Vendors located within Dane County automatically receive five points toward the evaluation score.

Vendors located within the counties adjacent to Dane County (Columbia, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk) automatically receive two points toward the evaluation score.

Vendors located outside of Dane County and the 7 counties adjacent to Dane County would choose "No

Preference".

NOTE: A post office box address does not qualify as an established place of business.

☐ No Preference

☐ Yes - Dane County

☐ Yes - Columbia County

☐ Yes - Dodge County

☐ Yes - Green County

☐ Yes - Jefferson County

☐ Yes - Iowa County

☐ Yes - Rock County

☐ Yes - Sauk County

*Response required

7.2.2. Fair Labor Practice Certification *

Has your company been found by the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") or the Wisconsin

Employment Relations Commission ("WERC") to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed?

If yesis answered, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation is required to be uploaded with your bid submission.

Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:

www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

☐ No, our company has NOT been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.

☐ Yes, our company HAS been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.

*Response required

7.2.3. Cooperative Purchasing*

Reference Guidelines - Section F.

Does your company agree to furnish the commodities or services of this bid to municipalities and state agencies?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

7.2.4. Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information* Please specify what information you wish to designate as confidential and proprietary. Please identify section/ pages/ topic /documents, etc.

NOTE: Pricing sections cannot be designated as confidential and proprietary.

If nothing will be designated, simply type "None" in the section below.

*Response required

7.3. RFP ADDENDA

7.3.1. I understand that if any addendum is issued I will have to acknowledge the posted addendum. * ☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.3.2. If an addendum is posted after I have submitted my proposal response and the resulting addendum requires action to be taken either in the Specification Section or Pricing Section, I understand that:* http://www.nlrb.gov/ http://werc.wi.gov/

1. I will have to unsubmit my proposal response.

2. I will have to acknowledge the posted addendum.

3. I will have to take action in responding to the changes on either the Specification Section or Pricing

Section.

4. I will then have to resubmit my proposal response.

Further instructions on addendum(a) postings can be found here.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.4. SIGNATURE AFFIDAVIT

7.4.1. RFP Response Signature Affidavit*

This is an electronic signature form via DocuSign that is required to be signed upon finalizing submission of bid or proposal.

NOTE: For detailed instructions on how to complete the forms via DocuSign, please access the help articles below:

How to Complete DocuSign Forms

How to Download, Complete and Upload without DocuSign

Click here to go to the form

*Response required https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/articles/4413350-managing-addenda https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/articles/5659414-how-to-complete-docusign-forms https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/articles/5608000-how-to-download-docusign-forms https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=edc59ca5-ec84-4fbd-949b-c65e2eec75b7&env=na4&acct=89dea4ef-d946-42fe-b789-43edb8d4c6b1&v=2

8. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8.1. APPLICABILITY

The terms and conditions set forth in this document apply to Requests for Proposals (RFP), Bids and all other transactions whereby the County of Dane acquires goods or services, or both.

8.2. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Standard Terms and Conditions shall apply to any contract, including any purchase order, awarded as a result of this request. Special requirements of a resulting contract may also apply. Said written contract with referenced parts and attachments shall constitute the entire agreement, and no other terms and conditions in any document, acceptance, or acknowledgment shall be effective or binding unless expressly agreed to in writing by the County. Unless otherwise stated in the agreement, these standard terms conditions supersede any other terms and/or conditions applicable to this agreement.

8.3. DEFINITIONS

As used herein, “vendor” includes a provider of goods or services, or both, who is responding to an RFP or a bid, and “bid” includes a response to either an RFP or a bid.

8.4. SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications herein are the minimum acceptable. When specific manufacturer and model numbers are used, they are to establish a design, type of construction, quality, functional capability or performance level, or any combination thereof, desired. When alternates are proposed, they must be identified by manufacturer, stock number, and such other information necessary to establish equivalency. Dane County shall be the sole judge of equivalency. Vendors are cautioned to avoid proposing alternates to the specifications that may result in rejection of their bid.

8.5. DEVIATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

Deviations and exceptions from terms, conditions, or specifications shall be described fully in writing, signed, and attached to the bid. In the absence of such statement, the bid shall be accepted as in strict compliance with all terms, conditions, and specifications and vendor shall be held liable for injury resulting from any deviation.

8.6. QUALITY

Unless otherwise indicated in the request, all material shall be first quality. No pre-owned, obsolete, discontinued or defective materials may be used.

8.7. QUANTITIES

The quantities shown herein are based on estimated needs. The County reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities to meet actual needs.

8.8. DELIVERY

Deliveries shall be FOB destination freight prepaid and included unless otherwise specified. County will reject shipments sent C.O.D. or freight collect.

8.9. PRICING

Unit prices shown on the bid shall be the price per unit of sale as stated on the request or contract. For any given item, the quantity multiplied by the unit price shall establish the extended price, the unit price shall govern in the bid evaluation and contract administration.

1. Prices established in continuing agreements and term contracts may be lowered due to market conditions, but prices shall not be subject to increase for the term specified in the award. Vendor shall submit proposed increases to the Purchasing Division thirty (30) calendar days before the proposed effective date of the price increase. Proposed increases shall be limited to fully documented cost increases to the vendor that are demonstrated to be industry wide. Price increases may not be granted unless they are expressed in bid documents and contracts or agreements.

2. Submission of a bid constitutes bidder’s certification that no financial or personal relationship exists between the bidder and any county official or employee except as specially set forth in writing attached to and made a part of the bid. The successful bidder shall disclose any such relationship which develops during the term of the contract.

8.10. ACCEPTANCE-REJECTION

Dane County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any technicality in any bid submitted and to accept any part of a bid as deemed to be in the best interests of the County.

Submission of a proposal or a bid constitutes the making of an offer to contract and gives the County an option valid for 60 days after the date of submission to the County.

1. Proposals must be submitted via the County's eProcurement Portal. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS

TO THIS POLICY.

8.11. METHOD OF AWARD

Award shall be made to the lowest responsible responsive bidder conforming to specifications, terms, and conditions, or to the most advantageous bid submitted to the County on a quality versus price basis.

8.12. ORDERING/ACCEPTANCE

Written notice of award to a vendor in the form of a purchase order or other document, mailed or delivered to the address shown on the bid will be considered sufficient notice of acceptance of bid. A formal contract containing all provisions of the contract signed by both parties shall be used when required by the Dane County Purchasing Division.

8.13. PAYMENT TERMS AND INVOICING

Unless otherwise agreed, Dane County will pay properly submitted vendor invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of goods and services. Payment will not be made until goods or services are delivered, installed (if required), and accepted as specified. Invoices presented for payment must be submitted in accordance with instructions contained on the purchase order.

1. NO WAIVER OF DEFAULT: In no event shall the making of any payment or acceptance of any service or product required by this Agreement constitute or be construed as a waiver by County of any breach of the covenants of the Agreement or a waiver of any default of the successful vendor, and the making of any such payment or acceptance of any such service or product by County while any such default or breach shall exist shall in no way impair or prejudice the right of County with respect to recovery of damages or other remedy as a result of such breach or default.

8.14. TAXES

The County and its departments are exempt from payment of all federal tax and Wisconsin state and local taxes on its purchases except Wisconsin excise taxes as described below. The State of Wisconsin

Department of Revenue has issued tax exempt number CES 008-1020421168-06 to Dane County.

1. The County is required to pay the Wisconsin excise or occupation tax on its purchase of beer, liquor, wine, cigarettes, tobacco products, motor vehicle fuel and general aviation fuel. The County is exempt from Wisconsin sales or use tax on these purchases. The County may be subject to other states’ taxes on its purchases in that state depending on the laws of that state. Vendors performing construction activities are required to pay state use tax on the cost of materials.

8.15. GUARANTEED DELIVERY

Failure of the vendor to adhere to delivery schedules as specified or to promptly replace rejected materials shall render the vendor liable for all costs in excess of the contract price when alternate procurement is necessary. Excess costs shall include administrative costs.

8.16. APPLICABLE LAW AND VENUE

This contract shall be governed under the laws of the State of Wisconsin, and venue for any legal action between the parties shall be in Dane County Circuit Court. The vendor shall at all times comply with and observe all federal and state laws, local laws, ordinances, and regulations which are in effect during the period of this contract and which in any manner affect the work or its conduct.

8.17. ASSIGNMENT

No right or duty in whole or in part of the vendor under this contract may be assigned or delegated without the prior written consent of Dane County.

8.18. NON-DISCRIMINATION/AFFIRMATIVE

ACTION: During the term of this Agreement the vendor agrees, in accordance with sec. 111.321, Wis.

Stats., and Chapter 19 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances, not to discriminate against any person, whether an applicant or recipient of services, an employee or applicant for employment,…