On-line ESL Subcription Service RFP.docx

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On-line English Language Training Program
Solicitation number
RFP 641 190000003157 1
Issued by
Michigan

About this file

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for an on-line English Language Training Program pilot project. The solicitation seeks a technology-based ESL service provider to deliver live online instruction and technical/occupational English language training to various skill levels, with course offerings aligned to career paths in healthcare, technology, hospitality, and other sectors. The contractor must provide three project phases: pre-launch planning, pilot program implementation with user licenses, and post-pilot results discussion. The RFP requires submission of proposals by 12:00 p.m. Eastern on September 13, 2019, with an anticipated contract start date of September 15, 2019, and contract expiration on September 30, 2020. A pre-launch virtual meeting and two in-person on-boarding events are mandatory, along with a virtual wrap-up call at pilot conclusion. The contract term is one year with no renewal options specified, as this is explicitly identified as a short-term, time-bound pilot program.

Pricing must be submitted separately and presented as a cost-per-license basis with all associated fees included; quick payment discounts are encouraged. The State will evaluate proposals based on product quality (25 points), service capabilities (25 points), delivery capabilities (25 points), and vendor qualifications (25 points), with a minimum threshold of 80 points required for pricing evaluation. The contractor must provide administrator training, technical support during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST), and a dashboard for monitoring participant progress. All licenses must be available within 30 business days of order. The contractor is responsible for all insurance requirements, including commercial general liability ($1,000,000), professional liability ($3,000,000), and cyber liability ($1,000,000), along with background checks for staff. No incumbent is identified. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $166 per day apply for late or improper completion. The State reserves the right to award the contract based on best value rather than lowest price and may conduct facility tours, reference checks, or require oral presentations during evaluation.

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

On-line English Language Training Program Request for Proposal No. 190000003157

Solicitation Manager Name: Gregory Rivet Email: rivetg@michigan.gov Main Phone: 1-517-335-8841

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for:

On-line English Language Training Program (Pilot)

RFP Timeline

Event
Time
Date
RFP issue date
N/A
9/11/2019
Deadline for bidders to submit questions about this RFP
1:00 p.m. Eastern
9/12/2019
Anticipated date State will post answers to bidder questions on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS
3:00 p.m. Eastern
9/12/2019
Proposal deadline*
12:00 p.m. Eastern
9/13/2019
Anticipated contract begin date
N/A
9/15/2019

*A bidder’s proposal received at 12:00:01 p.m. Eastern is late and subject to disqualification.

This RFP is subject to change. Check www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS for current information.

PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. PROPOSAL PREPARATION. The State recommends reading all RFP materials prior to preparing a proposal, particularly these Proposal Instructions and the Vendor Questions Worksheet. Bidders must follow these Proposal Instructions and provide a complete response to the items indicated in the table below. References and links to websites or external sources may not be used in lieu of providing the information requested in the RFP within the proposal. Include the bidder’s company name in the header of all documents submitted with your proposal.

RFP Structure and Documentation

Document
Description
Bidder Response Instructions
Cover Page
Provides RFP title and number, important dates, and contact information for Solicitation Manager
Informational
Proposal Instructions
Provides RFP instructions to bidders
Informational
Confidential Treatment Form
Required verification on whether bidder’s proposal contains confidential information
Bidder to complete and submit by proposal deadline
Vendor Questions Worksheet
Questions to bidders on background and experience
Bidder to complete and submit by proposal deadline
Schedule A – Statement of Work
Statement of work
Bidder to complete and submit by proposal deadline
Schedule B – Pricing
Pricing for goods and services sought by the State through this RFP
Bidder to complete and submit by proposal deadline
Contract Terms
Provides legal terms for a contract awarded through this RFP
Deemed accepted by bidder unless information required in Section 8, Evaluation Process is submitted by proposal deadline

2. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE. The sole point of contact for the State concerning this RFP is listed on the Cover Page. Contacting any other State personnel, agent, consultant, or representative about this RFP may result in bidder disqualification.

3. OPTIONAL] PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING. Not Applicable requests received outside this time period cannot be guaranteed.

4. MODIFICATIONS. The State may modify this RFP at any time. Modifications will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS . This is the only method by which the RFP may be modified.

5. QUESTIONS. Bidder questions about this RFP must be emailed to the Solicitation Manager no later than the time and date specified on the Cover Page. In the interest of transparency, only written questions are accepted. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS. Submit questions using the format below; a Microsoft Excel format or similar is suggested.

Q #
Document and Section
Page #
Bidder Question

6. DELIVERY OF PROPOSAL.

Electronic – The bidder must submit its proposal, all attachments, and any modifications or withdrawals electronically through www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS. The price proposal should be saved separately from all other proposal documents. The bidder should submit all documents in a modifiable (native) format (examples include but are not limited to Microsoft Word or Excel and Google Docs or Sheets). In addition to submitting documents in a modifiable format, the bidder may also submit copies of documents in PDF. Attachment file size is limited to 6 MB per document. Bidder’s failure to submit a proposal as required may result in disqualification. The proposal and attachments must be fully uploaded and submitted prior to the proposal deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to submit a proposal, as the SIGMA VSS system requires the creation of an account and entry of certain information, in addition to uploading and submitting the materials. The SIGMA VSS system will not allow a proposal to be submitted after the proposal deadline identified in the solicitation Closing On/Closing Date fields (Summary view/Detail view), even if a portion of the proposal has been uploaded.

Questions on how to submit information or how to navigate in the SIGMA VSS system can be answered by calling (517) 373-4111 or (888) 734-9749. The Solicitation Manager will not provide assistance related to the submittal of the proposal and all attachments on the day of the proposal deadline. Responsibility for a complete submission lies with the bidder.

7. MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. To avoid disqualification, the bidder must provide documentation to support the following:

· Training must be technology based and provided the following:

· On-line live, in person instruction

· Dashboard for program monitoring and progress review

Only proposals meeting the mandatory minimum requirements will be considered for evaluation.

8. EVALUATION PROCESS. The State will evaluate each proposal based on the following factors:

Technical Evaluation Criteria
Weight
1.
Product Quality – Schedule A, Statement of Work, Sections 1-4
25
2.
Service Capabilities – Schedule A, Statement of Work, Sections 5
25
3.
Delivery Capabilities – Schedule A, Statement of Work, Section 6
25
4.
Vendor Questions Worksheet
25
Total
100

Proposals receiving 80 or more technical evaluation points will have pricing evaluated and considered for award.

The State may utilize all bidder information, without regard to a proposal’s technical score, to determine fair market value for goods or services sought. The State is not obligated to accept the lowest price proposal. If applicable, the State’s evaluation will include consideration of a bidder’s qualified disabled veterans/service-disabled veteran owned business(QDV/SDVOB) status under MCL 18.1261(8). Additional information on the SDVOB preference is available at: https://www.michigan.gov/dtmb/0,5552,7-358-82550_85746_48677-412612--,00.html.

The State strongly encourages strict adherence to the Contract Terms. The State reserves the right to deem a bid non-responsive for failure to accept the Contract Terms. Nevertheless, the bidder may submit proposed changes to the Contract Terms in track changes (i.e., visible edits) with an explanation of the bidder’s need for each proposed change. Failure to include track changes with an explanation of the bidder’s need for the proposed change constitutes the bidder’s acceptance of the Contract Terms. General statements, such as that the bidder reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions, may be considered non-responsive.

The State may but is not required to conduct an on-site visit to tour and inspect the bidder’s facilities; require an oral presentation of the bidder's proposal; conduct interviews, research, reference checks, and background checks; and request additional price concessions at any point during the evaluation process.

9. NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY. The State reserves the right to issue a Notice of Deficiency to bidders if the State determines after the proposal deadline that a portion of the RFP was deficient, unclear, or ambiguous. Failure to respond to a Notice of Deficiency timely may be cause for disqualification.

10. CLARIFICATION REQUEST. The State reserves the right to issue a Clarification Request to a bidder to clarify its proposal if the State determines the proposal is not clear. Failure to respond to a Clarification Request timely may be cause for disqualification.

11. RESERVATIONS. The State reserves the right to:

a. Disqualify a bidder for failure to follow these instructions.

b. Discontinue the RFP process at any time for any or no reason. The issuance of an RFP, your preparation and submission of a proposal, and the State’s subsequent receipt and evaluation of your proposal does not commit the State to award a contract to you or anyone, even if all the requirements in the RFP are met.

c. Consider late proposals if: (i) no other proposals are received; (ii) no complete proposals are received; (iii) the State received complete proposals, but the proposals did not meet mandatory minimum requirements or technical criteria; or (iv) the award process fails to result in an award.

d. Consider an otherwise disqualified proposal, if no other proposals are received.

e. Disqualify a proposal based on: (i) information provided by the bidder in response to this RFP; (2) the bidder’s failure to complete registration on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS ; or (3) if it is determined that a bidder purposely or willfully submitted false or misleading information in response to the RFP.

f. Consider prior performance with the State in making its award decision.

g. Consider overall economic impact to the State when evaluating proposal pricing and in the final award recommendation. This includes but is not limited to: considering principal place of performance, number of Michigan citizens employed or potentially employed, dollars paid to Michigan residents, Michigan capital investments, job creation, tax revenue implications, and economically disadvantaged businesses.

h. Consider total-cost-of-ownership factors (e.g., transition and training costs) when evaluating proposal pricing and in the final award recommendation.

i. Refuse to award a contract to any bidder that has failed to pay State taxes or has outstanding debt with the State.

j. Enter into negotiations with one or more bidders on price, terms, technical requirements, or other deliverables.

k. Award multiple, optional-use contracts, or award by Contract Activity.

l. Evaluate the proposal outside the scope identified in Section 8, Evaluation Process, if the State receives only one proposal.

12. AWARD RECOMMENDATION. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder who offers the best value to the State, as determined by the State. Best value will be determined by the bidder meeting the minimum point threshold and offering the best combination of the factors stated in Section 8, Evaluation Process, and price, as demonstrated by the proposal. The State will post an Award Recommendation and Evaluation Synopsis on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS .

13. DEBRIEF MEETING AND BID PROTEST. The State will post an Award Recommendation and Evaluation and Synopsis, which will provide instructions on how to request a debrief meeting

If you wish to initiate a protest of the award, you must submit your written protest to rivetg@michigan.gov no later than 3:00 p.m., 2 calendar days after posting the Award Recommendation and Evaluation Synopsis or by8:00 a.m. the next business day if that date falls on a state holiday or weekend. The State reserves the right to adjust this timing and will publish any change on the SIGMA VSS system.

Additional information about the protest process is available at www.michigan.gov/micontractconnect under the “Programs and Policies” link.

14. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD. Contracts equal to $250,000 or greater than require approval by the State Administrative Board. The State Administrative Board’s decision is final; however, its approval does not constitute a contract. The award process is not complete until the awarded contractor receives a contract fully executed by all parties.

15. GENERAL CONDITIONS. The State will not be liable for any costs, expenses, or damages incurred by a bidder participating in this solicitation. The bidder agrees that its proposal will be considered an offer to do business with the State in accordance with its proposal, including the Contract Terms, and that its proposal will be irrevocable and binding for a period of 180 calendar days from date of submission. If a contract is awarded to the bidder, the State may, at its option, incorporate any part of the bidder’s proposal into a contract. This RFP is not an offer to enter into a contract. This RFP may not provide a complete statement of the State’s environment or contain all matters upon which agreement must be reached. Other than verified trade secrets, proposals submitted via www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS are the State’s property.

16. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FORM AND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. All portions of the bidder’s proposal and resulting contract are subject to disclosure as required under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231, et seq. However, some information may be exempt from disclosure. Under MCL 18.1261(13)(b), records containing “a trade secret as defined under section 2 of the uniform trade secrets act, 1998 PA 448, MCL 445.1902,” are exempt from disclosure under FOIA. In addition, “financial or proprietary information” submitted with a bidder’s proposal is exempt from disclosure under FOIA. A bidder’s failure to comply with this Section is grounds for rejecting a bidder’s proposal as non-responsive. As a part of its proposal, each bidder must follow the procedure below.

a. SUBMIT A COMPLETED “CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FORM” (CT FORM) WITH YOUR BID. Completion and submission of the CT Form is required regardless of whether the bidder seeks confidential treatment of information. Failure to submit a completed CT Form may be cause for disqualification from the solicitation process.

i. Complete and sign Section 1 of the CT Form if the bidder does NOT request confidential treatment of information contained in its proposal; or

ii. Complete and sign Section 2 of the CT Form if the bidder requests confidential treatment of certain information. Bidder must also submit a “Public Copy” of the proposal with the trade secret, financial, and proprietary information redacted and clearly labeled as the “Public Copy.”

b. FOIA REQUESTS. If a FOIA request is made for a bidder’s proposal, the Public Copy may be distributed to the public along with the bidder’s CT Form. The CT Form is a public document and serves as an explanation for the redactions to the Public Copy. Do not put any trade secret, financial, or proprietary information in the CT Form. Do not redact the CT Form itself.

c. NO ADVICE. The State will not advise a bidder as to the nature or content of documents entitled to protection from disclosure under FOIA or other laws, as to the interpretation of such laws, or as to the definition of trade secret or financial or proprietary information. Nothing contained in this provision will modify or amend requirements and obligations imposed on the State by FOIA or other applicable law.

d. FAILURE TO REQUEST CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT. Failure to request material be treated as confidential as specified herein relieves the State, its agencies, and personnel from any responsibility for maintaining material in confidence.

e. Bids containing a request to maintain an entire proposal as confidential may be rejected as non-responsive. Bidders may not request confidential treatment with respect to resumes, pricing, and marketing materials. The State reserves the right to determine whether material designated as exempt by a bidder falls under MCL 18.1261 or other applicable FOIA exemptions. If a FOIA request is made for materials that the bidder has identified as trade secret, financial, or proprietary information, the State has the final authority to determine whether the materials are exempt from disclosure under FOIA.

f. Bidder forever releases the State, its departments, subdivisions, officers, and employees from all claims, rights, actions, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses and fees, which arise out of or relate to the disclosure of all or a portion of bidder’s proposal submitted under this RFP. Bidder must defend, indemnify and hold the State, its departments, subdivisions, officers, and employees harmless, without limitation, from and against all actions, claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, attorney fees, and expenses (including those required to establish the right to indemnification), arising out of or relating to any FOIA request, including potential litigation and appeals, related to the portion of bidder’s proposal submitted under this RFP that bidder has identified as a trade secret, or financial or proprietary information. The State will notify bidder in writing if indemnification is sought. The State is entitled to: (i) regular updates on proceeding status; (ii) participate in the defense of the proceeding; (iii) employ its own counsel; and to (iv) retain control of the defense, or any portion thereof, if the State deems necessary. Bidder will not, without the State’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), settle, compromise, or consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any claim, action, or proceeding. If a State employee, official, or law is involved or challenged, the State may control the defense of that portion of the claim. Any litigation activity on behalf of the State, or any of its subdivisions under this Section, must be coordinated with the Department of Attorney General. An attorney designated to represent the State may not do so until approved by the Michigan Attorney General and appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General.

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FORM (CT FORM)

INSTRUCTIONS. Complete either Section 1 or Section 2 of this CT Form and sign where indicated. This CT Form must be signed by the individual who signed the bidder’s proposal. A completed CT Form must be submitted with your proposal, regardless of whether your proposal contains confidential information. Failure to submit a completed CT Form with your bid is grounds for rejecting the proposal as non-responsive. See Section 16 of the Proposal Instructions for additional information.

Section 1. Confidential Treatment Is Not Requested

This section must be completed, signed, and submitted with the proposal if bidder does not request confidential treatment of any material contained in the proposal.

By signing below, the bidder affirms that confidential treatment of material contained in the proposal is not requested.

________________________________________________________________
RFP NumberRFP Title
_________________________________________________________
SignatureDate

[Printed Name] [Title] [Company]

Section 2. Confidential Treatment Is Requested

The section must be completed, signed, and submitted with the proposal if bidder requests confidential treatment of any material contained in the proposal. Submission of a completed CT Form is required to request confidential treatment.

Provide the information in the table below. Bidder may add rows or additional pages using the same format shown in the table. Bidder must specifically identify the information to be protected as confidential and state the reasons why protection is necessary. The CT Form will not be considered fully complete unless, for each confidentiality request, the bidder: (1) identifies whether the material is a trade secret (TS), financial information (FI), or proprietary information (PI); (2) explains the specific legal grounds that support treatment of the material as TS, FI, or PI; and (3) provides the contact information for the person at bidder’s organization authorized to respond to inquiries by the State concerning the material. Bidders must not simply cite to an applicable act or case name; rather, bidders must provide a complete justification as to how the material falls within the scope of an applicable act or relevant case law.

CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FORM (CT FORM)

RFP page #, paragraph #, and section #
State whether the material is a trade secret (TS), financial information (FI), or proprietary information (PI)
Explain the specific grounds in State or other applicable law which supports treatment of the material as TS, FI, or PI. Do not simply cite to the applicable act. Provide a complete justification as to how the material falls within the scope of the applicable act or relevant case law.
Provide the bidder contact information

By signing below, the bidder affirms that confidential treatment of material contained in its proposal is requested and has attached to this form a redacted “Public Copy” of the bidder’s proposal.

________________________________________________________________
RFP NumberRFP Title
_________________________________________________________
SignatureDate

[Printed Name] [Title] [Company]

VENDOR QUESTIONS WORKSHEET

Provide a detailed response to each question. “You” and “company” refers to the bidder.

Information Sought
Bidder Response

1. Contact Information

Bidder’s sole contact person during the RFP process. Include name, title, address, email, and phone number.

Person authorized to receive and sign a resulting contract. Include name, title, address, email, phone number and vendor customer code in SIGMA VSS.

2. Company Background Information

Legal business name and address. Include business entity designation, e.g., sole proprietor, Inc., LLC, or LLP.

What state was the company formed in?

Phone number

Website address

Number of years in business and number of employees

Legal business name and address of parent company, if any

Has there been a recent change in organizational structure (e.g., management team) or control (e.g., merger or acquisition) of your company? If the answer is yes: (a) explain why the change occurred and (b) how this change has affected your company.

Discuss your company’s history. Has growth been organic, through mergers and acquisitions, or both?

Has bidder ever been debarred, suspended, or disqualified from bidding or contracting with any entity, including the State of Michigan? If yes, provide the date, the entity, and details about the situation.

Has your company been a party to litigation against the State of Michigan? If the answer is yes, then state the date of initial filing, case name and court number, and jurisdiction.

Within the last 5 years, has your company or any of its related business entities defaulted on a contract or had a contract terminated for cause? If yes, provide the date, contracting entity, type of contract, and details about the termination or default.

State your gross annual sales for each of the last 5 years.

If receiving a contract under this RFP will increase your gross revenue by more than 25% from last year’s sales, explain how the company will scale-up to manage this increase.

Describe partnerships and strategic relationships you think will bring significant value to the State.

State the physical address of the place of business that would have primary responsibility for this account if bidder is awarded a contract under this RFP.

3. Qualified Disabled Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Program

Under MCL 18.1261, a “qualified disabled veteran” means a business entity that is 51% or more owned by 1 or more veterans with a service-connected disability. A “service-connected disability” means a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service as described in 38 USC 101(16). Are you a qualified disabled veteran?
Enter YES or NO.

To demonstrate qualification as a qualified disabled veteran, you must provide:

(a) Proof of service and conditions of discharge (DD214 or equivalent);

(b) Proof of service-connected disability (DD214 if the disability was documented at discharge or Veterans Administration Rating Decision Letter or equivalent if the disability was documented after discharge); and

(c) Legal documents setting forth the ownership of the business entity.

In lieu of the documentation identified above, you may provide proof of certification by the National Veterans Business Development Council.

Enter the names of documents submitted with your proposal to demonstrate status as a qualified disabled veteran.

4. Participation in RFP Development or Evaluation

Did your company, an employee, agent, or representative of your company, or any affiliated entity participate in developing any component of this solicitation? For purposes of this question, business concerns, organizations, or individuals are affiliates of each other if, directly or indirectly: (1) either one controls or has power to control the other or (2) a third-party controls or has the power to control both. Indicia of control include, but are not limited to, interlocking management or ownership, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities or equipment, and common use of employees.

If you entered “YES”, you are not eligible for contract award or to work as a subcontractor for the awarded vendor.

If you are awarded a contract under this solicitation, in order to provide the goods or services required under a resulting contract, do you intend to partner or subcontract with a person or entity that assisted in the development of this solicitation?
If you entered “YES,” you are not eligible for contract award. An awarded vendor may not partner or subcontract with anyone to provide goods and services required under a resulting contract if that subcontractor or partner assisted in the development of this solicitation.
Will your company, or an employee, agent, or representative of your company, participate in the evaluation of the proposals received in response to this RFP?
If you entered “YES”, you are not eligible for contract award or to work as a subcontractor for the awarded vendor.

5. State of Michigan Experience and Prior Experience

Does your company have experience working with the State of Michigan? If so, please provide a list (including the contract number) of the contracts you hold or have held with the State for the last 10 years.

Describe at least [3] relevant experiences from the last [5] years supporting your ability to successfully manage a contract of similar size and scope for the work described in this RFP.

Experience 1

Company name Contact name Contact role at time of project Contact phone Contact email

City State Zip

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

2. What role did your company play?

3. How is this project experience relevant to the subject of this RFP?

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

Experience 2

Company name

Contact role at time of project

City

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

Experience 3

Company name

Contact role at time of project

City

1. Project name and description of the scope of the project

Dollar value

Start and end date (mm/yy – mm/yy)

Status (completed, live, other – specify phase)

Results obtained

6. Standard Contract Terms

Bidder must affirm agreement with the attached Contract Terms. If not in agreement, written exceptions in accordance with Section 8 Evaluation Process must be provided with Bidder’s proposal.

7. Other

Abusive Labor Practices. The Contractor certifies that it will not furnish any Deliverable that was produced fully or partially by forced labor, forced or indentured child labor, or indentured servitude.
Enter YES or NO.
Certification of Michigan Business- Public Act 431 of 1984, Sec. 268. I certify that the company has, pursuant to the provisions of Sec 268 of Public Act 431 of 1984, filed a Michigan Business Tax Corporate Income Tax Return. I certify that the company has, pursuant to the provisions of Sec 268 of Public Act 431 of 1984, filed a Michigan Income Tax return showing income generated in, or attributed to the State of Michigan. I certify that the company has, pursuant to the provisions of Sec 268 of Public Act 431 of 1984, withheld Michigan Income Tax from compensation paid to the company’s owners and remitted the tax to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Enter YES or NO.
Iran Linked Business- Public Act 517 of 2012. I certify that the Company is not an Iran-Linked business as defined by Public Act 517 of 2012.
Enter YES or NO.
Clean Corporate Citizen. I certify that the Company is a Clean Corporate Citizen as defined by the Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451.
Enter YES or NO.
Convict Labor. The Contractor certifies that if using convict labor, it is complying with all applicable state and federal laws and policies.
Enter YES or NO.
SOM Debt/Tax Payment. All SOM tax/debts. I certify that all applicable State of Michigan taxes are paid, and that no outstanding debt is owed to the State of Michigan.
Enter YES or NO.
Authorization to Verify Information provided by Vendor. I authorize the State to verify that all information provided in this registration, in bidding and contracting documents, and any attachments or supplement documents and processes are accurate.
Enter YES or NO.

Request For Proposal No 190000003157 On-line English Language Training Program

SCHEDULE A

STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT ACTIVITIES

This schedule identifies the anticipated requirements of any Contract resulting from this RFP. The term “Contractor” in this document refers to a bidder responding to this RFP.

The Contractor must respond to each requirement or question and explain how it will fulfill each requirement. Attach any supplemental information and appropriately reference within your response.

BACKGROUND

The Office of Global Michigan (formerly Michigan Office of New Americans) has been using an English language training solution for its current participants who are seeking employment. The Office of Global Michigan is seeking to build capacity through the addition of on-line/web-based technology service.

SCOPE

The state is seeking to complete a 6 month pilot program which is short-term and time-bound of technology-based ESL services to include both live on-line course instruction and technical/occupational English language provision.

REQUIREMENTS

Contractor will provide services in three phases: Contractor will provide approximately three phases: 1) pre-launch planning to determine courses for various language capabilities; 2) the actual pilot program/usage of licenses for individuals; and 3) a post-pilot program discussion about results. Additionally, the contractor will provide a dashboard for monitoring of progress of participants. The contractor will provide in-person on-boarding for the launch of the second phase (the actual usage of licenses by the individuals). The contractor will also provide administrator trainings and technical support to the administrators. The contractor must provide documentation on how the trainings offered can be career focused.

1) Please describe your technology platform for on-line learning and identify what differentiates your system from others.

Bidder Response

2) The contractor must provide a platform that can be delivered to a variety of English language learners of vary degrees of skill levels and be tailored to unique career expectations. Please describe how your platform would accommodate this requirement.

3) Please describe you course offerings and identify how they align with various career paths such as healthcare, technology, hospitality, etc

1. General Requirements

1.1. Transition

Post-contract transition language is in the Standard Contract Terms. This is a pilot program. Once it ends, there will be no expectation of transition to a full program

1.2. Training

The Contractor must provide the following training: Administrator Training. The Contractor must explain its training capabilities and any training that is included in its proposal.

1. Please acknowledge that your company has the ability to provide the mandatory minimum requirement of providing live, in person on-line training to program participants.

2. The Contractor must provide documentation and training materials. The contractor will also provide administrator trainings and technical support to the program administrators at the Office of Global Michigan.

2. Services Levels

2.1. Time Frames

All licenses must be available within 30 business days from receipt of order. The receipt of order date is pursuant to Section 2, Notices, of the Standard Contract Terms.

2.2. Delivery

Delivery will be expected within 30 calendar days upon date of order.

3. Acceptance

3.1. Acceptance, Inspection and Testing

The State will use the following criteria to determine acceptance of the Contract Activities: When all activities listed in Schedule A statement of Work have been deemed successfully completed.

1. Please provide Account Manager Name and Contact Information

3.2. Final Acceptance

Final Acceptance is when the project is completed and functions according to the requirements. Any intermediate acceptance of sub-deliverables does not complete the requirement of Final Acceptance.

4. Staffing

4.1. Contractor Representative

The Contractor must appoint one individual, specifically assigned to State of Michigan accounts, that will respond to State inquiries regarding the Contract Activities, answering questions related to ordering and delivery, etc. (the “Contractor Representative”).

The Contractor must notify the Contract Administrator at least 15 calendar days before removing or assigning a new Contractor Representative.

4.2. Customer Service Toll-Free Number

The Contractor must specify its toll-free number for the State to make contact with the Contractor Representative. The Contractor Representative must be available for calls during the hours of 8 am to 5 pm EST.

4.3. Technical Support, Repairs and Maintenance

The Contractor must specify its toll-free number for the State to make contact with the Contractor for technical support, repairs and maintenance. The Contractor must be available for calls and service during the hours of 8 am to 5 pm EST.

When providing technical support, the Call Center must resolve the caller’s issue within 30 minutes.

4.4. Work Hours

The Contractor must provide Contract Activities during the State’s normal working hours Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, and possible night and weekend hours depending on the requirements of the project.

Key individuals who will be directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Contract (“Key Personnel”). Key Personnel must be specifically assigned to the State account, be knowledgeable on the contractual requirements, and respond to State inquires within 24 hours.

The State has the right to recommend and approve in writing the initial assignment, as well as any proposed reassignment or replacement, of any Key Personnel. Before assigning an individual to any Key Personnel position, Contractor will notify the State of the proposed assignment, introduce the individual to the State’s Project Manager, and provide the State with a resume and any other information about the individual reasonably requested by the State. The State reserves the right to interview the individual before granting written approval. In the event the State finds a proposed individual unacceptable, the State will provide a written explanation including reasonable detail outlining the reasons for the rejection. The State may require a 30-calendar day training period for replacement personnel.

Contractor will not remove any Key Personnel from their assigned roles on this Contract without the prior written consent of the State. The Contractor’s removal of Key Personnel without the prior written consent of the State is an unauthorized removal (“Unauthorized Removal”). An Unauthorized Removal does not include replacing Key Personnel for reasons beyond the reasonable control of Contractor, including illness, disability, leave of absence, personal emergency circumstances, resignation, or for cause termination of the Key Personnel’s employment. Any Unauthorized Removal may be considered by the State to be a material breach of this Contract, in respect of which the State may elect to terminate this Contract for cause under Termination for Cause in the Standard Terms. It is further acknowledged that an Unauthorized Removal will interfere with the timely and proper completion of this Contract, to the loss and damage of the State, and that it would be impracticable and extremely difficult to fix the actual damage sustained by the State as a result of any Unauthorized Removal. Therefore, Contractor and the State agree that in the case of any Unauthorized Removal in respect of which the State does not elect to exercise its rights under Termination for Cause, Contractor will issue to the State the corresponding credits set forth below (each, an “Unauthorized Removal Credit”):

(i) For the Unauthorized Removal of any Key Personnel designated in the applicable Statement of Work, the credit amount will be $5,000.00 per individual if Contractor identifies a replacement approved by the State and assigns the replacement to shadow the Key Personnel who is leaving for a period of at least 30 calendar days before the Key Personnel’s removal.

(ii) If Contractor fails to assign a replacement to shadow the removed Key Personnel for at least 30 calendar days, in addition to the $5,000.00 credit specified above, Contractor will credit the State $166.00 per calendar day for each day of the 30 calendar-day shadow period that the replacement Key Personnel does not shadow the removed Key Personnel, up to $5,000.00 maximum per individual. The total Unauthorized Removal Credits that may be assessed per Unauthorized Removal and failure to provide 30 calendar days of shadowing will not exceed $10,000.00 per individual.

Contractor acknowledges and agrees that each of the Unauthorized Removal Credits assessed above: (i) is a reasonable estimate of and compensation for the anticipated or actual harm to the State that may arise from the Unauthorized Removal, which would be impossible or very difficult to accurately estimate; and (ii) may, at the State’s option, be credited or set off against any fees or other charges payable to Contractor under this Contract.

The Contractor must identify the Key Personnel, indicate where they will be physically located, describe the functions they will perform, and provide current chronological résumés.

4.6. Organizational Chart

The Contractor must provide an overall organizational chart that details staff members, by name and title, and subcontractors.

1. Bidder Response

4.7. Disclosure of Subcontractors

If the Contractor intends to utilize subcontractors, the Contractor must disclose the following:

The legal business name; address; telephone number; a description of subcontractor’s organization and the services it will provide; and information concerning subcontractor’s ability to provide the Contract Activities.

The relationship of the subcontractor to the Contractor.

Whether the Contractor has a previous working experience with the subcontractor. If yes, provide the details of that previous relationship.

A complete description of the Contract Activities that will be performed or provided by the subcontractor.

1. Please describe in detail any and all subcontracts as outlined above.

4.8. Security

The Contractor will be subject the following security procedures:

The Contractor must explain any additional security measures in place to ensure the security of State facilities.

The bidder’s staff may be required to make deliveries to or enter State facilities. The bidder must: (a) explain how it intends to ensure the security of State facilities, (b) whether it uses uniforms and ID badges, etc., (c) identify the company that will perform background checks, and (d) the scope of the background checks. The State may require the Contractor’s personnel to wear State issued identification badges.

4.9 Access to Tax Information

The Contractor must comply with the requirements of IRS Publication 1075 (including Exhibit 7 Safeguarding Contract Language) and Michigan Department of Treasury Safeguard Requirements of Confidential Tax Data.

5. Project Management

5.1. Project Plan

Identify the project plan and how it will be managed. Project plan should identify items such as the required contact personnel; the date the project plan must be submitted to the State; project management process; project breakdown identifying sub-projects, tasks, and resources required; expected frequency and mechanisms for updates/progress reviews; process for addressing issues/changes; and individuals responsible for receiving/reacting to the requested information.

The Contractor will carry out this project under the direction and control of the Program Manager. Within 30 calendar days of the Effective Date, the Contractor must submit a project plan to the Program Manager for final approval. The plan must include: (a) the Contractor's organizational chart with names and title of personnel assigned to the project, which must align with the staffing stated in accepted proposals; and (b) the project breakdown showing sub-projects, tasks, and resources required.

1. Please outline and provide your project plan

2. Please describe your pre-launch planning to determine courses for various language capabilities

5.2. Meetings

The Contractor must attend the following meetings:

Contractor must attend a pre-launch meeting (via telephone/virtual) and two in-person on-boarding events. Contractor must also attend (via telephone/virtual) a wrap-up call at the end of the pilot.

The State may request other meetings, as it deems appropriate.

5.3. Reporting

The Contractor must submit, to the Program Manager any all available reports. Reports should may be made available as an option on the dashboard or as written reports: Proposal Manager must identify the type and frequency of reports required. The Contractor must explain its reporting capabilities and any reporting that is included in its proposal.

1. Please describe you reporting capabilities.

2. Describe your ability to incorporate results from reports as well as your ability to participate in a post-pilot program discussion about results.

3. Describe in detail how your dashboard for monitoring of progress of participants works

6. Pricing

6.1. Price Term

Pricing is firm for the entire length of the Contract.

6.2. Price Changes

Adjustments will be based on changes in actual Contractor costs. Any request must be supported by written evidence documenting the change in costs. The State may consider sources, such as the Consumer Price Index; Producer Price Index; other pricing indices as needed; economic and industry data; manufacturer or supplier letters noting the increase in pricing; and any other data the State deems relevant.

Following the presentation of supporting documentation, both parties will have 30 days to review the information and prepare a written response. If the review reveals no need for modifications, pricing will remain unchanged unless mutually agreed to by the parties. If the review reveals that changes are needed, both parties will negotiate such changes, for no longer than 30 days, unless extended by mutual agreement.

The Contractor remains responsible for Contract Activities at the current price for all orders received before the mutual execution of a Change Notice indicating the start date of the new Pricing Period.

7. Ordering

7.1. Authorizing Document

The appropriate authorizing document for the Contract will be a Purchase Order (PO). [

8. Invoice and Payment

8.1. Invoice Requirements

All invoices submitted to the State must include: (a) date; (b) purchase order; (c) quantity; (d) description of the Contract Activities; (e) unit price; (f) shipping cost (if any); and (g) total price. Overtime, holiday pay, and travel expenses will not be paid.

8.2. Payment Methods

The State will make payment for Contract Activities based on an invoice from the vendor for approved items.

8.3. Procedure- Reserved

9. Liquidated Damages. Late or improper completion of the Contract Activities will cause loss and damage to the State and it would be impracticable and extremely difficult to fix the actual damage sustained by the State. Therefore, if there is late or improper completion of the Contract Activities the State is entitled to collect liquidated damages in the amount of $5,000 and an additional $166 per day for each day Contractor fails to remedy the late or improper completion of the Work.

Request For Proposal No. 190000003157

SCHEDULE B

PRICING

1. The Contractor must provide a pricing schedule for the proposed Contract Activities using the format below. The pricing schedule should be submitted in a modifiable format (e.g.. Microsoft Word or Excel); however, you may also submit an additional pricing schedule in a non-modifiable format (e.g., PDF). Failure to complete the pricing schedule as requested may result in disqualification of your proposal.

2. Price proposals must include all costs, including but not limited to, any one-time or set-up charges, fees, and potential costs that Contractor may charge the State (e.g., shipping and handling, per piece pricing, and palletizing).

3. The Contractor is encouraged to offer quick payment terms. The number of days must not include processing time for payment to be received by the Contractor's financial institution.

Quick payment terms: ________ % discount off invoice if paid within ________ days after receipt of invoice.

4. By submitting its proposal, the Contractor certifies that the prices were arrived at independently, and without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Contractor.

Item
Cost per license/seat
Total
Licenses/Seats (enter number)
$
$
Other (describe other items needed)
$
$

Total

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS

This STANDARD CONTRACT (“Contract”) is agreed to between the State of Michigan (the “State”) and [Insert Company Name] (“Contractor”). This Contract is effective on September 15, 2019 (“Effective Date”), and unless terminated, expires on September 30, 2020.

The parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of Contractor. Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables described in Schedule A – Statement of Work (the “Contract Activities”). An obligation to provide delivery of any commodity is considered a service and is a Contract Activity.

Contractor must furnish all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for the performance of the Contract Activities, and meet operational standards, unless otherwise specified in Schedule A.

Contractor must: (a) perform the Contract Activities in a timely, professional, safe, and workmanlike manner consistent with standards in the trade, profession, or industry; (b) meet or exceed the performance and operational standards, and specifications of the Contract; (c) provide all Contract Activities in good quality, with no material defects; (d) not interfere with the State’s operations; (e) obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, permits or other authorizations necessary for the performance of the Contract; (f) cooperate with the State, including the State’s quality assurance personnel, and any third party to achieve the objectives of the Contract; (g) return to the State any State-furnished equipment or other resources in the same condition as when provided when no longer required for the Contract; (h) not make any media releases without prior written authorization from the State; (i) assign to the State any claims resulting from state or federal antitrust violations to the extent that those violations concern materials or services supplied by third parties toward fulfillment of the Contract; (j) comply with all State physical and IT security policies and standards which will be made available upon request; and (k) provide the State priority in performance of the Contract except as mandated by federal disaster response requirements. Any breach under this paragraph is considered a material breach.

Contractor must also be clearly identifiable while on State property by wearing identification issued by the State, and clearly identify themselves whenever making contact with the State.

2. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Contract must be in writing and will be considered given and received: (a) when verified by written receipt if sent by courier; (b) when actually received if sent by mail without verification of receipt; or (c) when verified by automated receipt or electronic logs if sent by facsimile or email.

3. Contract Administrator. The Contract Administrator for each party is the only person authorized to modify any terms of this Contract, and approve and execute any change under this Contract (each a “Contract Administrator”):

Version 6 (8/2019) 2

4. Program Manager. The Program Manager for each party will monitor and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Contract (each a “Program Manager”):

5. Performance Guarantee. Contractor must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the State, to ensure performance of the Contract and must provide proof upon request. The State may require a performance bond (as specified in Schedule A) if, in the opinion of the State, it will ensure performance of the Contract.

6. Insurance Requirements. Contractor must maintain the insurances identified below and is responsible for all deductibles. All required insurance must: (a) protect the State from claims that may arise out of, are alleged to arise out of, or result from Contractor's or a subcontractor's performance; (b) be primary and non-contributing to any comparable liability insurance (including self-insurance) carried by the State; and (c) be provided by a company with an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or better, and a financial size of VII or better.

Required Limits
Additional Requirements

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations

Deductible Maximum:

$50,000 Each Occurrence Contractor must have their policy endorsed to add “the State of Michigan, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, employees, and agents” as additional insureds using endorsement CG 20 10 11 85, or both CG 2010 07…

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