Performance Based Brake Testing System RFP.docx

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement Michigan State Police Performance Based Brake Testing System Request for Proposal No. 230000002354 Buyer: Paula Hurst Thomas Direct Phone: 517-243-9786 Email: HurstP3@michigan.gov

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for:

One-Time Purchase of Performance Based Brake Testing System RFP Timeline

*A bidder’s proposal received at 9:00:01 a.m. Eastern is late and subject to disqualification.

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

proposal instructions

Version 11(5/2020)

Version 2023-1 2

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 this RFP. 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.

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. 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.

4. QUESTIONS. Bidder questions about this RFP must be emailed to HurstP3@michigan.gov 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.

5. 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) 284-0550 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.

6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. AWARD RECOMMENDATION. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder who meets the requirements of this RFP and offers the lowest overall price, as determined by MSP. The State will post an Award Recommendation and Synopsis on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS or in the manner it was originally published.

11. DEBRIEF MEETING AND BID PROTEST. The State will publish an Award Recommendation 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 OlivarezV1@michigan.gov no later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern, three business days after posting the Award Recommendation and Evaluation Synopsis. The State reserves the right to adjust this timing and will publish any change.

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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT FORM AND THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. As a public record, 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, the State may exempt some information from disclosure as permitted by law. 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.

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. If a bidder fails to properly complete and submit the CT Form or otherwise fails to follow CT Form instructions, the proposal may be publicly disclosed in its entirety without redaction after an award recommendation.

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

i. 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.”

ii. Failure to complete and sign a CT Form may result in disqualification of the bidder. If a bidder fails to properly complete and submit the CT Form or otherwise fails to follow the CT Form instructions, the proposal, in its entirety, will be treated as a “Public Copy” and may be publicly disclosed by the State without redaction after bidders have been notified of an award recommendation.

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

This bid is brand/model specific. No alternate bids will be accepted.

Bidders must be the manufacturer, or a manufacturer authorized distributor. The State reserves the right to further verify distributor status with the manufacturer.

The Contractor will be subject the following security procedures: All personnel accessing criminal justice information systems or facilities are required to pass a fingerprint-based background check. Any criminal convictions may result in the vendor being refused access to the facility.

The Contractor’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.

Warranty Information should be submitted with the bid submission.

INSTRUCTIONS. Complete either Section 1 or Section 2 of this CT Form and sign where indicated. Do not complete both sections. 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. If a bidder fails to properly complete and submit the CT Form or otherwise fails to follow CT Form Instructions, the proposal, in its entirety, will be treated as a “Public Copy” and may be publicly disclosed by the State without redaction after bidders have been notified of an award recommendation. See the Confidential Treatment Form and The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) sections 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 the bidder does not request confidential treatment of any material contained in the proposal. If this section is completed, do not complete Section 2. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT IS REQUESTED.

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

RFP Number

RFP Title

Signature

Date

Printed Name, Title, Company confidential treatment form

Section 2. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT IS REQUESTED This 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. If this section is completed, do not complete Section 1. CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT IS NOT REQUESTED.

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 the Proposal Page #, Section #, and Paragraph #, (2) Identifies whether the material is a Trade Secret (TS), Proprietary Financial Information (FI), or Proprietary Information (PI), (3) Explains the specific legal grounds that support treatment of the material as TS, FI, or PI. Bidders must provide a complete justification as to how the material falls within the scope of an applicable FOIA Exemption or relevant case law. Bidders must not simply cite to an applicable exemption or case name, and (4) Provides the contact information for the person at Bidder’s organization authorized to respond to inquiries by the State concerning the material.

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”.

(1) Proposal Page #, Section #, Paragraph # (2) Material is Trade Secret (TS), Proprietary Financial Information (FI), Proprietary Information (PI) (3) Applicable FOIA Exemption with Written Justification (4) Bidder Contact Information

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

RFP Number

RFP Title

Signature

Date

Printed Name, Title, Company confidential treatment form

Bidder must provide a detailed response to each question. “You” and “company” refers to the bidder.

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.

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

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

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

If you enter “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.

If you enter “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 the Evaluation Process section of the Proposal Instructions must be provided with Bidder’s proposal.

7. Michigan Economic Impact

Number of employees currently employed at locations within the State of Michigan.

Number of additional employees to be employed at locations within the State of Michigan if awarded this Contract (if any)

Minimum wage paid to employees employed at locations within the State of Michigan.

Average wage paid to employees employed at locations within the State of Michigan.

Percentage of employees employed at locations within the State of Michigan that are covered by employer-provided health insurance.

8. Labor, Antidiscrimination and Environmental Laws Compliance

Bidder must disclose any violations of state or federal labor, antidiscrimination and employment laws and regulations received within the past five years.

Bidder must disclose any violations of state or federal environmental laws and regulations received within the past five years.

9. Supplier Diversity

10. Other

11. Response to State Requests

vendor questions worksheet

Contractor must enter company name here.

Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 230000002354 Performance Based Brake Testing System Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Schedule A – Specifications

This Request for Proposal is for the VIS-Check Performance Based Brake Tester (PBBT) system. A PBBT is a machine which can assess the braking performance of a vehicle. This is done through direct measurements of the brake forces at each wheel end, axle or for the entire vehicle.

This bid is brand/model specific. No alternate bids will be accepted.

Specifications for this purchase:

Manufacturer: VIS-Service Automation Model: VIS-Check System Model #: VIS-TF-RL

· Must be portable; mobile; and towable performance-based break tester (PBBT).

· Must meet stringent 65 FR 48799 performance-based brake tester functional specifications.

· Must be self-contained device that can power itself without connection to external electrical service when in operation mode.

· Must meet the FMCSA and CVSA reporting standards (integrated software useable for entry as North American Standard level one inspection PBBT data entry).

· Must be compatible with inSPECT, ASPEN, and SafeSPECT.

· Must be able to measure each wheel end and display axle by axle results to identify pass/fail results.

· Must be a combined weight under 7,500 pounds so that it can be towed with a quarter ton (150/1500) series type vehicle not requiring a super duty vehicle.

· Device must include roller dynamometers (roller-dyno) and flat plate brake testers.

· Device must provide clear Pass/Fail per FMCSR 393.52a

· Device must weigh each axle.

· Device must measure rolling resistance.

· Device must graphically quantify each wheel end.

· Device must have automated test cycle with prompting.

· Warranty required on all equipment.

Warranty:

Awarded Contractor must provide a manufacturer’s warranty on equipment and must provide warranty information requested, below.

Bidder must provide detailed information requested below:

Describe all warranties included in the bid:

Provide the length of the warranty:

Explain the process for reporting warranty issues:

Explain how any repairs or replacements are made, including timing, etc.:

If the warranty is provided through a third-party or manufacturer, the Contractor must confirm that the manufacturer’s warranty passes through to the State:

Provide the name, address, contact name, phone number and email address of the party responsible for the warranty:

Items are to be shipped to:

Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division 7150 Harris Drive Dimondale, MI 48821

Schedule A – statement of work contract activities

Enter company name here

Request For Proposal No. 230000002354 Performance Based Brake Testing System Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement System Schedule B – Pricing

1. The Contractor must provide a pricing schedule for the proposed Contract Activities using the pricing schedule, 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.

VIS-Check Performance-Based Break Tester (PBBT).

Per attached specifications each

Warranty each

Referenced Brand/Manufacturer: VIS Service Automation

Bidder Manufacturer:

All bids must be F.O.B. Destination with transportation charges prepaid on the order. Other F.O.B. terms will not be accepted and shall disqualify a Bidder from further consideration.

Bidders are to indicate lead time for delivery, after receipt of order (ARO):

Lead Time for Delivery: calendar days

Proposal is valid for: calendar days.

This period must be at least 90 calendar days from the due date for responses to this RFP.

This bid is model specific. No alternate bids will be accepted.

Bidder certifies they are the manufacturer or manufacturer authorized distributor:

YES________________ NO_________________

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement Schedule B - Pricing

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS

The parties agree as follows:

1. Duties of Contractor. Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables (the “Contract Activities”) described in a Statement of Work, the initial Statement of Work is attached as Schedule A – Statement of Work. 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 unless otherwise specified in a Statement of Work.

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) 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; (i) comply with all State physical and IT security policies and standards which will be made available upon request; and (j) 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. 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 a Statement of Work) if, in the opinion of the State, it will ensure performance of the Contract.

3. Insurance Requirements.

a. General Requirements. Contractor, at its sole expense, must maintain the insurance coverage as specified herein for the duration of the Term. Minimum limits may be satisfied by any combination of primary liability, umbrella or excess liability, and self-insurance coverage. To the extent damages are covered by any required insurance, Contractor waives all rights against the State for such damages. Failure to maintain required insurance does not limit this waiver.

b. Qualification of Insurers. Except for self-insured coverage, all policies must be written by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating of A- VII or higher unless otherwise approved by DTMB Enterprise Risk Management.

c. Primary and Non-Contributory Coverage. All policies for which the State of Michigan is required to be named as an additional insured must be on a primary and non-contributory basis.

d. Claims-Made Coverage. If any required policies provide claims-made coverage, Contractor must:

(1) Maintain coverage and provide evidence of coverage for at least 3 years after the later of the expiration or termination of the Contract or the completion of all its duties under the Contract;

(2) Purchase extended reporting coverage for a minimum of 3 years after completion of work if coverage is cancelled or not renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a retroactive date prior to the Effective Date of this Contract

e. Proof of Insurance

(1) Insurance certificates showing evidence of coverage as required herein must be submitted to the Contract Administrator within 10 days of the contract execution date.

(2) Renewal insurance certificates must be provided on annual basis or as otherwise commensurate with the effective dates of coverage for any insurance required herein.

(3) Insurance certificates must be in the form of a standard ACORD Insurance Certificate unless otherwise approved by DTMB Enterprise Risk Management.

(4) All insurance certificates must clearly identify the Contract Number (e.g., notated under the Description of Operations on an ACORD form).

(5) The State may require additional proofs of insurance or solvency, including but not limited to policy declarations, policy endorsements, policy schedules, self-insured certification/authorization, and balance sheets.

(6) In the event any required coverage is cancelled or not renewed, Contractor must provide written notice to the Contract Administrator no later than 5 business days following such cancellation or nonrenewal.

f. Subcontractors. Contractor is responsible for ensuring its subcontractors carry and maintain insurance coverage.

g. Limits of Coverage & Specific Endorsements. (See Table 6.1 Below)

TABLE 6.1

Commercial General Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations $2,000,000 General Aggregate 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 20 10 12 19 and CG 20 37 12 19.

Automobile Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$1,000,000 Per Accident Contractor must have their policy: (1) endorsed to add “the State of Michigan, its departments, divisions, agencies, offices, commissions, officers, employees, and agents” as additional insureds; and (2) include Hired and Non-Owned Automobile coverage.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Minimum Limits:

Coverage according to applicable laws governing work activities.

Waiver of subrogation, except where waiver is prohibited by law.

Employers Liability Insurance

Minimum Limits:

$500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Each Employee by Disease $500,000 Aggregate Disease

h. Non-Waiver. This Section 6 is not intended to and is not to be construed in any manner as waiving, restricting, or limiting the liability of either party for any obligations under this Contract, including any provisions hereof requiring Contractor to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the State.

4. Relationship of the Parties. The relationship between the parties is that of independent contractors. Contractor, its employees, and agents will not be considered employees of the State. No partnership or joint venture relationship is created by virtue of this Contract. Contractor, and not the State, is responsible for the payment of wages, benefits and taxes of Contractor’s employees and any subcontractors. Prior performance does not modify Contractor’s status as an independent contractor. Neither party has authority to contract for nor bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.

Intellectual Property Rights. If a Statement of Work requires Contractor to create any intellectual property, Contractor hereby acknowledges that the State is and will be the sole and exclusive owner of all right, title, and interest in the Contract Activities and all associated intellectual property rights, if any. Such Contract Activities are works made for hire as defined in Section 101 of the Copyright Act of 1976. To the extent any Contract Activities and related intellectual property do not qualify as works made for hire under the Copyright Act, Contractor will, and hereby does, immediately on its creation, assign, transfer and otherwise convey to the State, irrevocably and in perpetuity, throughout the universe, all right, title and interest in and to the Contract Activities, including all intellectual property rights therein.

5. Subcontracting. Contractor may not delegate any of its obligations under the Contract without the prior written approval of the State. Contractor must notify the State at least 90 calendar days before the proposed delegation and provide the State any information it requests to determine whether the delegation is in its best interest. If approved, Contractor must: (a) be the sole point of contact regarding all contractual matters, including payment and charges for all Contract Activities; (b) make all payments to the subcontractor; and (c) incorporate the terms and conditions contained in this Contract in any subcontract with a subcontractor. Contractor remains responsible for the completion of the Contract Activities, compliance with the terms of this Contract, and the acts and omissions of the subcontractor. The State, in its sole discretion, may require the replacement of any subcontractor.

6. Staffing. The State’s Contract Administrator may require Contractor to remove or reassign personnel providing services by providing a notice to Contractor.

7. Background Checks. Pursuant to Michigan law, all agencies subject to IRS Pub. 1075 are required to ask the Michigan State Police to perform fingerprint background checks on all employees, including Contractor and Subcontractor employees, who may have access to any database of information maintained by the federal government that contains confidential or personal information, including, but not limited to, federal tax information. Further, pursuant to Michigan law, any agency described above is prohibited from providing Contractors or Subcontractors with the result of such background check. For more information, please see Michigan Public Act 427 of 2018. Upon request, or as may be specified in a Statement of Work, Contractor must perform background checks on all employees and subcontractors and its employees prior to their assignment. The scope is at the discretion of the State and documentation must be provided as requested. Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with the requested background checks. The State, in its sole discretion, may also perform background checks.

8. Assignment. Contractor may not assign this Contract to any other party without the prior approval of the State. Upon notice to Contractor, the State, in its sole discretion, may assign in whole or in part, its rights or responsibilities under this Contract to any other party. If the State determines that a novation of the Contract to a third party is necessary, Contractor will agree to the novation and provide all necessary documentation and signatures.

9. Change of Control. Contractor will notify the State, within 30 days of any public announcement or otherwise once legally permitted to do so, of a change in Contractor’s organizational structure or ownership. For purposes of this Contract, a change in control means any of the following: (a) a sale of more than 50% of Contractor’s stock; (b) a sale of substantially all of Contractor’s assets; (c) a change in a majority of Contractor’s board members; (d) consummation of a merger or consolidation of Contractor with any other entity; (e) a change in ownership through a transaction or series of transactions; (f) or the board (or the stockholders) approves a plan of complete liquidation. A change of control does not include any consolidation or merger effected exclusively to change the domicile of Contractor, or any transaction or series of transactions principally for bona fide equity financing purposes.

In the event of a change of control, Contractor must require the successor to assume this Contract and all of its obligations under this Contract.

10. Ordering. Contractor is not authorized to begin performance until receipt of authorization as identified in a Statement of Work.

11. Acceptance. Contract Activities are subject to inspection and testing by the State within 30 calendar days of the State’s receipt of them (“State Review Period”), unless otherwise provided in a Statement of Work. If the Contract Activities are not fully accepted by the State, the State will notify Contractor by the end of the State Review Period that either: (a) the Contract Activities are accepted but noted deficiencies must be corrected; or (b) the Contract Activities are rejected. If the State finds material deficiencies, it may: (i) reject the Contract Activities without performing any further inspections; (ii) demand performance at no additional cost; or (iii) terminate this Contract in accordance with Section 18, Termination for Cause.

Within 10 business days from the date of Contractor’s receipt of notification of acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of any Contract Activities, Contractor must cure, at no additional cost, the deficiency and deliver unequivocally acceptable Contract Activities to the State. If acceptance with deficiencies or rejection of the Contract Activities impacts the content or delivery of other non-completed Contract Activities, the parties’ respective Program Managers must determine an agreed to number of days for re-submission that minimizes the overall impact to the Contract. However, nothing herein affects, alters, or relieves Contractor of its obligations to correct deficiencies in accordance with the time response standards set forth in this Contract.

If Contractor is unable or refuses to correct the deficiency within the time response standards set forth in this Contract, the State may cancel the order in whole or in part. The State, or a third party identified by the State, may perform the Contract Activities and recover the difference between the cost to cure and the Contract price plus an additional 10% administrative fee.

12. Delivery. Contractor must deliver all Contract Activities F.O.B. destination, within the State premises with transportation and handling charges paid by Contractor, unless otherwise specified in a Statement of Work. All containers and packaging become the State’s exclusive property upon acceptance.

13. Risk of Loss and Title. Until final acceptance, title and risk of loss or damage to Contract Activities remains with Contractor. Contractor is responsible for filing, processing, and collecting all damage claims. The State will record and report to Contractor any evidence of visible damage. If the State rejects the Contract Activities, Contractor must remove them from the premises within 10 calendar days after notification of rejection. The risk of loss of rejected or non-conforming Contract Activities remains with Contractor. Rejected Contract Activities not removed by Contractor within 10 calendar days will be deemed abandoned by Contractor, and the State will have the right to dispose of it as its own property. Contractor must reimburse the State for costs and expenses incurred in storing or effecting removal or disposition of rejected Contract Activities.

14. Warranty Period. The warranty period, if applicable, for Contract Activities is a fixed period commencing on the date specified in a Statement of Work. If the Contract Activities do not function as warranted during the warranty period, the State may return such non-conforming Contract Activities to the Contractor for a full refund.

15. Invoices and Payment. Invoices must conform to the requirements communicated from time-to-time by the State. All undisputed amounts are payable within 45 days of the State’s receipt. Contractor may only charge for Contract Activities provided as specified in a Statement of Work.