Proposal No. 826-27.pdf

NOTICE AND INSTRUCTIONS COMM/SVCS/CONST.V.04.24.2024

Responding vendors must read all sections of this Proposal Invitation carefully.

Even if your company has submitted proposals on previous BuyBoard proposal invitations, terms and requirements may have changed.

NOTICE OF PROPOSAL INVITATION

The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative d/b/a BuyBoard® (Cooperative), 12007 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759 is a statewide purchasing cooperative for school districts, junior colleges, cities, counties, and other political subdivisions.

The Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. (TASB), a Texas nonprofit corporation, 12007 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759, serves as the Cooperative’s administrator. The Cooperative is endorsed by TASB, the Texas Municipal League (TML), a Texas unincorporated nonprofit association, 1821 Rutherford Lane, Austin, Texas 78754, and the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), a Texas nonprofit association, 1204 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78701.

The Cooperative’s contracts for commodities and services are available to the members of TASB, TML, and TAC, and other local governmental entities that are members of the Cooperative and eligible to purchase through a government purchasing cooperative or interlocal contract. TASB, the Cooperative administrator, provides an online marketplace to the Cooperative known as the BuyBoard which enables members to review available contracts and make purchases of awarded commodities and services electronically.

The Cooperative is soliciting sealed proposals for products, supplies, services and/or equipment as set forth in this Proposal Invitation on behalf of all present and future members of the Cooperative. There may be over 1,000 Texas public school districts and junior colleges, over 900 municipalities, 400 counties, and numerous other political subdivisions (i.e. river authorities, special districts, public housing authorities, etc.) participating in the Cooperative at any given time. Awarded products and services may also be available to the administrator’s nonprofit entity BuyBoard subscribers and, in the event of a piggyback award, members of the National Purchasing Cooperative located throughout the United States as further explained in the Proposal Invitation.

Completed sealed proposals for Proposal No. 826-27 for Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components must be received on or before 4:00 PM October 8, 2026, either by submitting the Proposal electronically through the Cooperative’s designated website or by hard copy submission as set out in the Instructions to Proposers. Late proposals will not be accepted.

Unless a different time period is stated in the General Information document for this Proposal Invitation, questions, requests for information or clarification, or comments regarding this Proposal Invitation, including the specifications, must be submitted in writing, addressed as indicated below, and received by the Cooperative administrator no later than the 10th business day before the Proposal Due Date. The Cooperative will respond only to written questions.

The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative

Attn: TASB Director, Cooperative Procurement 12007 Research Blvd.

Austin, TX 78759

E-Mail: bids@buyboard.com

PROPOSAL INVITATION NO. 826-27

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE AND INSTRUCTIONS Page Notice of Proposal Invitation 1 Instructions to Proposers 4

GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information 7

PROPOSAL FORMS

Proposer’s Acceptance and Agreement 12

PROPOSAL FORMS PART 1: COMPLIANCE FORMS

Proposal Acknowledgements 13 Felony Conviction Disclosure 14 Resident/Nonresident Certification 15 Debarment Certification 15 Vendor Employment Certification 15 No Boycott Verification 16 No Excluded Nation or Foreign Terrorist Organization Certification 17 Historically Underutilized Business Certification 17 Acknowledgement of BuyBoard Technical Requirements 18 Construction-Related Goods and Services Affirmation 18 Deviation and Compliance 19 Vendor Consent for Name Brand Use 20 Confidential/Proprietary Information 21 EDGAR Vendor Certification 22 Compliance Forms Signature Page 27

PROPOSAL FORMS PART 2: VENDOR INFORMATION FORMS

Vendor Business Name 28 Vendor Contact Information 29 Federal and State/Purchasing Cooperative Experience 29 Governmental References 30 Company Profile 30 Texas Regional Service Designation 31 State Service Designation 32 National Purchasing Cooperative Vendor Award Agreement 33 Local/Authorized Seller Listings 35 Manufacturer Dealer Designation 36

Proposal Invitation Questionnaire 37

Proposal Specification Summary 41 Required Forms Checklist 43

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

General Terms and Conditions 44

APPENDICES

Appendix I: BuyBoard Technical Requirements 71

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

Electronic Proposal Submission The Cooperative requests that Vendors submit Proposals electronically in accordance with the instructions herein via the link available on the following website:

buyboard.com/vendor

There is no cost to the Vendor to register or use the electronic proposal submission option. To the extent a vendor is unable to submit a Proposal electronically through the proposal website, instructions for hard copy submissions are provided below.

Before you submit

In order to submit a Proposal electronically, you must have a working registered vendor username and password to login. If you do not have a registered vendor username and password, you may obtain one by registering at buyboard.com/vendor. Note to ex isting BuyBoard vendors: The registered vendor login used for electronic proposal submission is NOT the same as your ex isting login used to check purchase orders or similar vendor information under awarded contracts. Vendors are highly encouraged to ensure you have a working vendor login well in advance of the submission deadline.

Vendor is responsible for ensuring it has the technical capability to submit its Proposal via electronic submission.

Browser requirements can be found at https://buyboard.ionwave.net/BrowserCompatibility.html.

VENDOR SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING TIMELY SUBMISSION OF VENDOR’S PROPOSAL. Neither the Cooperative nor the Cooperative administrator shall be responsible for equipment or software failure, internet or website downtime, corrupt or unreadable data, or other technical issues that may cause delay or non-delivery of a Proposal or inaccessibility of the submitted data. Accordingly, Vendors are highly encouraged to prepare and allow for sufficient time to familiarize itself with the electronic submission requirements and to address any technical or data issues prior to the Proposal Due Date.

How to submit Proposal electronically

Login using your registered vendor login at buyboard.com/vendor under the “Register/Login/Submit Proposal” link.

The page will open to the list of “Available Bids.”

Click on the applicable Proposal Invitation number under the “My Invitations” or “Other Bid Opportunities” section to view this Proposal Invitation request.

Review and follow all instructions on the w ebpage.

VENDOR INFORMATION – Select the “Attributes” tab to locate the Vendor Contact Information fields required to be completed and submitted.

Vendors must respond to each item by providing the information requested. If you fail to complete any of the line items, you will receive an error and will be unable to submit your Proposal.

PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS – Select the “Line Items” tab to locate the Proposal Specifications.

Input all required proposal pricing information (discount (%) off catalog/pricelist, line item pricing, hourly labor rates, and/or other related pricing information) as specified.

http://www.buyboard.com/vendor http://www.buyboard.com/vendor https://buyboard.ionwave.net/BrowserCompatibility.html http://www.buyboard.com/vendor

Vendors must respond to each line item by either providing the information requested in the specifications, adding alternates to provide additional information (as necessary), or by indicating no bid. If you fail to complete any of the line items, you will receive an error and will be unable to submit your Proposal.

Vendors proposing various manufacturer product lines per line item on the Proposal Specification Form must submit the information as follows or the Proposal may not be considered:

i. Manufacturers shall be listed in alphabetical order

ii. Vendor must list one specific percentage discount for each manufacturer listed. Use the “Add Alternates” option as needed to add additional manufacturers.

PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS - To upload your Proposal documents, select the “Response Attachments” tab and upload a signed, complete copy of your Proposal in searchable PDF format, including all required proposal documents (Proposal Forms, and any other documents required by the Proposal Invitation). Electronic Catalogs/Pricelists must be submitted with the Proposal in the format required by these Instructions to Proposers or it will not be considered.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION - Select the “Response Submission” tab to submit the Proposal.

If an error or multiple errors occur, the system will display the location of the error(s).

Go to the problem area and correct the errors. You must go to the specific tab(s) that contain(s) the error(s) to review the error detail and correct the error(s). Your submission w ill not be submitted until all errors are corrected.

Once all errors are corrected, proceed to the “Response Submission” tab to submit the response.

How to submit hard copy Proposal – Paper copies w ill NOT be accepted

While the Cooperative requests electronic submission of Proposals through the designated website, any Vendor without the technical capability or wishing to submit a hard copy Proposal may do so in accordance with the following instructions:

Contact BuyBoard staff at bids@buyboard.com to request a copy of the Proposal Specification Form and other forms not included in this packet in hard copy form at least five (5) business days prior to the Proposal Due Date.

Submit the signed, completed Proposal in a sealed envelope or carton properly marked with the Proposal Invitation number and Proposal submittal date and time and containing all required proposal documents (including forms, completed Proposal Specification Form, and any other documents required by the Proposal Invitation). The Proposal must be submitted in electronic, searchable PDF format on a USB flash drive, CD or DVD. Paper copies w ill NOT be accepted.

The Proposal Specification Form and Electronic Catalogs/Pricelists must be submitted with the Proposal in the format required by these Instructions to Proposers or it will not be considered.

Vendors proposing various manufacturer product lines per line item on the Proposal Specification

Form must submit the information as follows or the Proposal may not be considered:

a. Manufacturers shall be listed in alphabetical order

b. Vendor must list one specific percentage discount for each manufacturer listed.

Any hard copy electronic Proposals must be delivered via hand delivery or U.S. Mail to the address below so as to be received on or before the Proposal Due Date and time:

The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative 12007 Research Blvd.

Austin, TX 78759 mailto:bids@buyboard.com

VENDOR SHALL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING TIMELY SUBMISSION OF VENDOR’S PROPOSAL.

Neither the Cooperative nor the Cooperative administrator shall be responsible for Proposals delivered late by the United States Postal Service or any other delivery or courier service. Further, neither the Cooperative nor the Cooperative administrator shall be responsible for Proposals delivered in a corrupt or unreadable electronic format.

Faxed and/ or emailed Proposals w ill NOT be accepted.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VENDOR CATALOGS/PRICELISTS IN PROPOSALS

Note: The following instructions set forth the requirements for Vendor catalogs/pricelists submitted with Proposals for proposal evaluation purposes. If awarded a Contract, Vendor may be required to resubmit catalogs/pricelists in the format described in the BuyBoard Technical Requirements as detailed further in the Proposal Invitation.

Electronic catalogs/pricelists must be submitted with Vendor’s Proposal in the required format (whether submitted electronically through the designated website or in hard copy format via mail or hand delivery) or the Proposal will not be considered. The following is required of all Vendor catalog(s)/pricelist(s) submitted to the Cooperative for evaluation with the Proposal:

Vendors shall submit catalog(s)/pricelist(s) with the Proposal in a readily available and readable electronic format, with Excel or searchable PDF preferred. No paper catalogs or manufacturer/vendor websites will be accepted.

Below is a sample chart, with examples of data for each field, showing the data fields that Vendors MUST include in each submitted pricelist/catalog with the Proposal:

BuyBoard Specification

Item No.

Category

Part/Item Number

Item Description

MSRP/List

Price (before BuyBoard Discount)

Desk

$50.00

Chair

$20.00

The catalogs/pricelists must include all listed data fields (BuyBoard specification category, part/item number, item description, and list price) or the Proposal will not be considered. Catalogs and pricelists should contain only items that relate to the items requested in the specifications. Vendors are discouraged from including irrelevant or non-responsive information with their Proposal. The Cooperative reserves the right to deem a Proposal non-responsive if the Proposal, including catalogs or pricelists submitted with the Proposal, do not specifically relate to the intent of the Proposal Invitation or contain what the Cooperative deems to be, in its sole discretion, excessive irrelevant or non-responsive information, including information which makes it burdensome or impractical for the Cooperative to identify responsive products and pricing.

WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be withdrawn or modified prior to the Proposal Due Date and time, but only in accordance with section B.11 (Withdrawal or Modification of Proposal) of the General Terms and Conditions in this Proposal Invitation.

General Information CONST. V.04.23.2024

GENERAL INFORMATION

Proposal Invitation No. 826-27 – Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components

*P lease make sure that you have review ed and completed all sections of this Proposal Invitation.

1. Notice of Proposal Invitation and Instructions to Proposers

2. General Information

3. Proposal Forms

4. Proposal Specifications

5. General Terms and Conditions

6. BuyBoard Technical Requirements

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal responses (including completed and signed Proposal Invitation forms, completed Proposal specifications, and pricelists/catalogs) must be submitted in electronic format in the manner prescribed in the Instructions to Proposers.

INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT

The intent of this Proposal Invitation is to solicit sealed Proposals to establish a contract for various types of Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components, that may be procured by Cooperative members. Because individual members require different equipment, supplies, and/or services, this Proposal Invitation is a request for a discount off of catalog or price list for supplies, materials, and equipment; a not-to-exceed hourly labor rate for installation and repair; and a coefficient to be applied to the RS Means unit price book for a labor rate for installation and repair. Purchases can be made by a Cooperative member at any time during the Contract term. Except as provided in section E.4 of the General Terms and Conditions or otherwise in this Proposal Invitation, Vendor shall hold its Awarded Pricing firm during the Contract term. In the event of price decreases, such price decreases shall be allowed for all products.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components A photovoltaic power system (“Photovoltaic Power System”) is a power system designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics, converting the sun's radiation into usable electricity. A Photovoltaic Power System, as specified in this Proposal Invitation, will include the tangible equipment and components used to supply usable, “behind the meter” solar power, including solar panels, solar inverters, as well as mounting, cabling, and other accessories to set up a working system. Photovoltaic Power Systems may include stand alone, ground mounted, rooftop-mounted, and/or building-integrated systems with capacities to produce various ranges of kilowatt capacity.

This Proposal Invitation seeks proposals solely for the sale, installation, maintenance, and repair of Photovoltaic Power System equipment, as specified in the Proposal Specifications, which may be utilized by Cooperative members for on-site, “behind the meter” power generation. This Proposal Invitation does NOT include, and the following will NOT be permitted under any awarded Contract:

System or equipment leases, power purchase agreements, energy services agreements, or other similar arrangements through which the Cooperative member would not take title to and own the photovoltaic system, including all equipment, and all of the energy produced therefrom;

Financing (To the extent a Cooperative member may wish to finance purchases of items awarded under this Proposal Invitation, such financing must be separately procured);

Retail electric services;

Services that are required to be procured under the Professional Services Procurement Act (Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code), including without limitation architecture and professional engineering services;

or Energy management services;

Any other item not provided for in the Proposal Specifications.

Manufacturer Authorization Letter(s) - Vendors proposing shall be approved and authorized by the manufacturer to sell, install, and service the brand(s) of product(s) proposed. Proposers responding to this Proposal Invitation shall submit an approval letter from each manufacturer for each product line proposed. The requirement to provide an approval letter from the manufacturer applies to both seller and installer. Manufacturers responding directly to this proposal invitation, in lieu of an authorization letter, shall submit a written explanation that the company is the manufacturer of the product line(s) proposed. Dealer authorization agreements will not be accepted as a substitute for the manufacturer authorization letter.

The manufacturer authorization letters must include the following:

1. Composed on manufacturer letterhead (an email message is not a substitute for the letter),

2. Addressed to “The Local Government Purchasing Cooperative,”

3. Dated within the current calendar year,

4. List the regions in Texas and states that Vendor is authorized to sell, install, and service product(s) proposed, and

5. Name, Title, and Signature of Authorized Official from Manufacturer.

TERM OF CONTRACT

The term of this contract will be from March 1, 2027, through February 29, 2028, with two possible one-year renewals.

As set forth in the General Terms and Conditions, an awarded Vendor has no right to or vested interest in contract renewal. The determination as to whether to renew or non-renew any Vendor Contract, in whole or in part, shall be in the sole discretion of the Cooperative.

For purposes of this Proposal Invitation, a Vendor must generate a minimum of $15,000 through the Contract during an annual contract term or may not be offered a renewal. A Vendor’s failure to generate this minimum amount may also be considered by the Cooperative as part of Vendor’s past performance evaluation on future proposal invitations.

VALUE OF CONTRACT

The estimated value of this contract is $3,945,090; however, this estimate is based on prior contracts for similar types of products and services and should not be construed to be a guaranty of either a minimum or maximum amount since usage may be dependent upon multiple factors including Cooperative members’ actual needs and available funding.

SERVICE FEE

An awarded Vendor under this Proposal Invitation must pay the Cooperative a service fee in the amount of 2% per Purchase Order generated from any contract awarded under this Proposal Invitation, and the service fee is to be included in the Awarded Pricing. Vendor agrees to pay this service fee and remit the fee to the Cooperative in Austin, Texas, promptly upon payment by the Cooperative member for any Purchase Order(s) and within 30 days of the date of each service fee invoice. As set forth in more detail in the General Terms and Conditions, an awarded Vendor will be required to provide the Cooperative with copies and/or reports of all Purchase Orders generated from Vendor’s Contract(s) that Vendor receives directly from Cooperative members, Vendor Invoices, and/or such other documentation regarding Cooperative member purchases under any awarded Contract as the Cooperative Administrator may require in its reasonable discretion. The Cooperative shall have the right, upon reasonable written notice, to review records of awarded Vendors pertaining to purchases under any awarded Contract to verify purchase activity under the Contract, the accuracy of service fees payable by Vendor, or as otherwise reasonably necessary for the administration of the Contract or when required by law.

LABOR RATE AND HOURS OF WORK (REPAIR AND INSTALLATION SERVICES BASED ON HOURLY RATE AND/OR COEFFICIENT

TO BE APPLIED TO UNIT PRICE BOOK)

For installation and repair services of Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components, the proposal specifications allow Vendors to propose either a not-to-exceed hourly labor rate and/or a coefficient labor rate to be applied to the Gordian RSMeans unit price book. To the extent a Vendor proposes based on a coefficient to be applied to the unit price book, Vendor must submit a coefficient for both Standard Hours and Non-Standard Hours.

Whether proposing installation and/or repair services based on an hourly rate and/or coefficient, Vendors are expected to pursue the contracted tasks during the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (“Standard Hours”). Hours other than Standard Hours shall be considered non-standard hours (“Non-Standard Hours”).

Non-Standard Hour rates are permissible only where work during Non-Standard Hours is either specifically requested or approved in writing by the Cooperative member. If a vendor elects to perform services during Non-Standard Hours, at its own option for Vendor’s own convenience when neither requested nor required by the Cooperative member, Vendor must perform such work at Standard Hours rates and satisfy the following requirements:

Vendor submits a request to the Cooperative member in writing at least two working days in advance stating the specific times of the Non-Standard Hours during which the Vendor wishes to perform work;

There is no additional cost to the Cooperative member;

An authorized representative of the Cooperative member approves the request in advance in writing; and Vendor agrees to any special conditions imposed by the Cooperative member as set forth in the approval document.

UNIT PRICE BOOK AND PROPOSER’S COEFFICIENT

For this Proposal Invitation, the unit price book will be the current calendar year issue of the Gordian Facilities Construction Cost Data Book with RSMeans Data with updates as applicable (“Unit Price Book”). The Proposer’s Coefficient is the price multiplier that the Vendor proposes to be applied to the Unit Price Book (“Proposer’s Coefficient”).

Much of the work may be performed during normal operating hours. However, as is typical with educational or other public facilities work, other work hours may be necessary.

Vendors shall propose a Proposer’s Coefficient that is a net decrease from or increase to the "Total Including O&P" costs column in the Unit Price Book, and not the "Bare Total" column. If necessary, the "Total Including O&P" shall also be adjusted for the nearest city, and not the national average listed in the Unit Price Book. Proposer’s Coefficient shall be carried to two (2) decimal places only.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Any information submitted by Proposer that Proposer considers to be confidential must be clearly identified as such on the Confidential/Proprietary Information Form.

AWARD AND EVALUATION

All information required by this Proposal Invitation, including catalogs/pricelists where required by the Proposal Specifications, must be submitted with the Proposal or your Proposal will be deemed nonresponsive. Responsive Proposals will be evaluated, and any Contracts will be awarded based on the evaluation and award criteria as set out in Section C.2 of the General Terms and Conditions determined to provide best value to Cooperative members.

COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS

By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer certifies that Proposer has provided its valid, proper and correct business entity name and information in its Proposal, that such entity is operating in good standing with the proper authority from whatever state or local jurisdiction is required, and Proposer has obtained, and, if awarded, will continue to maintain during the entire term of this Contract, all permits, approvals, and/or licenses necessary for lawful performance of its obligations under this Contract. Proposer further certifies that, if awarded, Proposer will comply with all applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations in regard to awarded products and/or services.

BUYBOARD WEBSITE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Information on awarded Contracts, including awarded products and services under this Proposal Invitation, will be available to Cooperative members on the online marketplace platform utilized by the Cooperative: the BuyBoard. Vendors should review and confirm Vendor’s ability to meet the BuyBoard Technical Requirements contained in Appendix I of this Proposal Invitation. The BuyBoard Technical Requirements may be updated from time to time as set forth in the General Terms and Conditions. To the extent a Vendor is awarded a Contract under this Proposal Invitation but is unable to meet the applicable BuyBoard Technical Requirements and provide the information in the format required by those requirements, Vendor acknowledges that the information available on the BuyBoard for Vendor’s awarded products or services may be limited. This may place Vendor at a disadvantage and impact the ability of Cooperative members to search, find, review, and purchase Vendor’s awarded products and services through the BuyBoard website. To improve and enhance the experience of Cooperative members seeking to procure goods and services, the Cooperative may also, in its sole discretion, provide Vendors with an opportunity to have Vendor’s logo, product images, and similar brand and trademark information included in the BuyBoard online marketplace in relation to Awarded Items. Vendors shall review the BuyBoard Vendor Consent for Name Brand Use included with the Proposal Forms in this Proposal Invitation.

BUYBOARD ADVISORY REGARDING CONSTRUCTION-RELATED GOODS AND SERVICES

The Cooperative issued the BuyBoard Procurement and Construction-Related Goods and Services Advisory for Texas Members, which provides information specifically relevant to the procurement of construction-related goods and services by Texas Cooperative members. The advisory is available at https://www.buyboard.com/Vendor/Resources.aspx.

An awarded Vendor that sells construction-related goods or services to a Cooperative member under a Contract awarded pursuant to this Proposal Invitation must provide the Cooperative member with a copy of the Advisory before executing a Member Construction Contract (as defined in the General Terms and Conditions associated with this Proposal Invitation) or accepting the Cooperative member’s Purchase Order for construction-related goods or services, whichever comes first.

By the Construction Related Goods and Services Affirmation form in the Proposal Forms, Proposer agrees that, if awarded a Contract, Proposer will comply with this and other Advisory requirements in connection with the sale of construction-related goods or services to Cooperative members under the Contract award.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXCLUDED

The scope of services in this Proposal Invitation and any resulting contract award do not include services that are required to be procured under the Professional Services Procurement Act (Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code), including without limitation architecture and professional engineering services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASES USING FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS (2 C.F.R. 200 Uniform Guidance/EDGAR)

When a Cooperative member seeks to procure goods and services using funds under a federal grant or contract, specific federal laws, regulations, and requirements may apply in addition to those under state law. This includes, but is not limited to, the procurement standards of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 C.F.R. 200 (sometimes referred to as the “Uniform Guidance” or new “EDGAR”). All https://www.buyboard.com/Vendor/Resources.aspx

Vendors submitting a Proposal must complete the EDGAR Vendor Certification Form contained in the Proposal Forms regarding their willingness and ability to comply with certain requirements which may be applicable to specific Cooperative member purchases using federal grant funds. This information will not be used for evaluation purposes but will be made available to Cooperative members for their use while considering their purchasing options when using federal grant funds. Cooperative members may also require Vendors to enter into ancillary agreements, in addition to the BuyBoard contract’s general terms and conditions, to address the member’s specific contractual needs, including contract requirements for a procurement using federal grants or contracts.

PROPOSAL FORMS CONST. V.03.13.2026

PROPOSER’S ACCEPTANCE AND AGREEMENT

Proposal Invitation Name

Photovoltaic Power System Equipment and Components

Proposal Due Date/Opening Date and Time

October 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM

Proposal Invitation Number

826-27

Location of Proposal Opening Texas Association of School Boards, Inc.

BuyBoard Department 12007 Research Blvd.

Austin, TX 78759

Contract Term March 1, 2027, through February 29, 2028, with two possible one-year renewals.

Anticipated Cooperative Board Meeting Date

February 2027

By signature below , the undersigned acknow ledges and agrees that you are authorized to submit this Proposal, including mak ing all acknow ledgements, consents, and certifications herein, on behalf of Proposer and, to the best of your know ledge, the information provided is true, accurate, and complete.

Name of Proposing Company Date

Street Address Signature of Authorized Company Official

City, State, Zip Printed Name of Authorized Company Official

Telephone Number of Authorized Company Official Position or Title of Authorized Company Official

Fax Number of Authorized Company Official Federal ID Number

PROPOSAL FORMS PART 1: COMPLIANCE FORMS

INSTRUCTIONS:

Proposer must review and complete all forms in this Proposal Forms Part 1:

Proposal Acknowledgements Felony Conviction Disclosure Resident/Nonresident Certification Debarment Certification Vendor Employment Certification No Boycott Verification No Excluded Nation or Foreign Terrorist Organization Certification Historically Underutilized Business Certification Acknowledgement of BuyBoard Technical Requirements Construction-Related Goods and Services Affirmation Deviation and Compliance Vendor Consent for Name Brand Use Confidential/Proprietary Information EDGAR Vendor Certification Compliance Forms Signature Page

An authorized representative of Proposer must init ial in the bottom right corner of each page where indicated and complete and sign the Compliance Forms Signature Page. Proposer’s failure to fully complete, initial, and sign forms as required may result in your Proposal being rejected as non-responsive.

PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The proposing company (“you” or “your”) hereby acknowledges and agrees as follows:

1. You have carefully examined and understand all information and documentation associated with this Proposal Invitation, including the Instructions to Proposers, General Information, General Terms and Conditions, attachments/forms, appendices, item specifications, and line items (collectively “Requirements”);

2. By your response (“Proposal”) to this Proposal Invitation, you propose to supply the products or services submitted at the pricing quoted in your Proposal and in strict compliance with the Requirements, unless specific deviations or exceptions are noted in the Proposal;

3. By your Proposal, you acknowledge and certify all items set forth in the General Terms and Conditions, Section B.12 (Certifications), including all non-collusion certifications and certifications regarding legal, ethical, and other matters set forth therein.

4. Any and all deviations and exceptions to the Requirements have been noted in your Proposal on the required form and no others will be claimed;

Initial: _____

5. If the Cooperative accepts any part of your Proposal and awards you a Contract, you will furnish all awarded products or services at the pricing quoted and in strict compliance with the Requirements (unless specific deviations or exceptions are noted on the required form and accepted by the Cooperative), including without limitation the Requirements related to:

a. conducting business with Cooperative members, including offering pricing to members that is the best you offer compared to similarly situated customers in similar circumstances;

b. payment of a service fee in the amount specified and as provided for in this Proposal Invitation;

c. the possible award of a piggy-back contract by the National Purchasing Cooperative or nonprofit entity, in which event you will offer the awarded products and services in accordance with the Requirements; and

d. submitting price sheets or catalogs in the proper format as required by the Cooperative as a prerequisite to activation of your Contract;

6. You have clearly identified on the included form any information in your Proposal that you believe to be confidential or proprietary or that you do not consider to be public information subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act or similar public information law;

7. The individual submitting this Proposal is duly authorized to enter into the contractual relationship represented by this Proposal Invitation on your behalf and bind you to the Requirements, and such individual (and any individual signing a form or Proposal document) is authorized and has the requisite knowledge to provide the information and make the representations and certifications required in the Requirements;

8. You have carefully reviewed your Proposal, and certify that all information provided is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge, and you authorize the Cooperative to take such action as it deems appropriate to verify such information; and

9. Any misstatement, falsification, or omission in your Proposal, whenever or however discovered, will be grounds for disqualifying you from consideration for a contract award under this Proposal Invitation, termination of a contract award, or any other remedy or action provided for in the General Terms and Conditions or by law.

FELONY CONVICTION DISCLOSURE

Subsection (a) of Section 44.034 of the Texas Education Code (Notification of Criminal History of Contractor) states: “A person or business entity that enters into a contract with a school district must give advance notice to the district if the person or an owner or operator has been convicted of a felony. The notice must include a general description of the conduct resulting in the conviction of a felony.”

Section 44.034 further states in Subsection (b): “A school district may terminate a contract with a person or business entity if the district determines that the person or business entity failed to give notice as required by Subsection (a) or misrepresented the conduct resulting in the conviction. The district must compensate the person or business entity for services performed before the termination of the contract.”

Please check (√) one of the following:

My company is a publicly held corporation. (Advance notice requirement does not apply to publicly held corporation.)

My company is not owned or operated by anyone who has been convicted of a felony.

My company is owned/operated by the following individual(s) who has/have been convicted of a felony:

Name of Felon(s): ____________________________________________________________________________________

Details of Conviction(s): ________________________________________________________________________________

RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT CERTIFICATION

Chapter 2252, Subchapter A, of the Texas Government Code establishes certain requirements applicable to proposers who are not Texas residents. Under the statute, a “resident” proposer is a person whose principal place of business is in Texas, including a contractor whose ultimate parent company or majority owner has its principal place of business in Texas. A “nonresident” proposer is a person who is not a Texas resident. Please indicate the status of your company as a “resident” proposer or a “nonresident” proposer under these definitions.

I certify that my company is a Resident Proposer.

I certify that my company is a Nonresident Proposer.

If your company is a Nonresident Proposer, you must provide the following information for your resident state (the state in which your company’s principal place of business is located):

Company Name Address

City State Zip Code

A. Does your resident state require a proposer whose principal place of business is in Texas to under-price proposers whose resident state is the same as yours by a prescribed amount or percentage to receive a comparable contract?

Yes No

B. What is the prescribed amount or percentage? $_______________ or ______________%

DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

By signature on the Compliance Forms Signature Page, I certify that neither my company nor an owner or principal of my company has been debarred, suspended or otherwise made ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension,” as described in the Federal Register and Rules and Regulations.

Neither my company nor an owner or principal of my company is currently listed on the government-wide exclusions in SAM, debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies or declared ineligible under any statutory or regulatory authority.

My company agrees to immediately notify the Cooperative and all Cooperative members with pending purchases or seeking to purchase from my company if my company or an owner or principal is later listed on the government-wide exclusions in SAM, or is debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies or declared ineligible under any statutory or regulatory authority.

VENDOR EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATION

Section 44.031(b) of the Texas Education Code establishes certain criteria that a school district must consider when determining to whom to award a contract. Among the criteria for certain contracts is whether the vendor or the vendor’s ultimate parent or majority owner (i) has its principal place of business in Texas; or (ii) employs at least 500 people in Texas.

If neither your company nor the ultimate parent company or majority owner has its principal place of business in Texas, does your company, ultimate parent company, or majority owner employ at least 500 people in Texas?

Yes No Initial: ______

NO BOYCOTT VERIFICATION

A Texas governmental entity may not enter into a contract with a value of $100,000 or more that is to be paid wholly or partly from public funds with a company (excluding a sole proprietorship) that has 10 or more full-time employees for goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: (1) does not boycott Israel and will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract (TEX. GOV’T CODE Ch. 2271), (2) does not boycott energy companies and will not boycott energy companies during the term of the contract (TEX. GOV’T CODE Ch. 2276), and (3) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association and will not discriminate during the term of the contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade association (TEX. GOV’T CODE Ch. 2274). Accordingly, this certification form is included to the extent required by law.

“Boycott Israel” means refusing to deal with, terminating business activities with, or otherwise taking any action that is intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or limit commercial relations specifically with Israel, or with a person or entity doing business in Israel or in an Israeli-controlled territory, but does not include an action made for ordinary business purposes. TEX. GOV’T CODE §808.001(1).

“Boycott energy company” means, without an ordinary business purpose, refusing to deal with, terminating business activities with, or otherwise taking any action that is intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or limit commercial relations with a company because the company: (A) engages in the exploration, production, utilization, transportation, sale, or manufacturing of fossil fuel-based energy and does not commit or pledge to meet environmental standards beyond applicable federal and state law; or (B) does business with a company described by Paragraph (A). TEX. GOV’T CODE §809.001(1).

“Discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association” means, (A) with respect to the entity or association, to:

(i) refuse to engage in the trade of any goods or services with the entity or association based solely on its status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association; (ii) refrain from continuing an existing business relationship with the entity or association based solely on its status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association; or (iii) terminate an existing business relationship with the entity or association based solely on its status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (B) does not include: (i) the established policies of a merchant, retail seller, or platform that restrict or prohibit the listing or selling of ammunition, firearms, or firearm accessories; and (ii) a company’s refusal to engage in the trade of any goods or services, decision to refrain from continuing an existing business relationship, or decision to terminate an existing business relationship:

(aa) to comply with federal, state, or local law, policy, or regulations or a directive by a regulatory agency; or (bb) for any traditional business reason that is specific to the customer or potential customer and not based solely on an entity’s or association’s status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association. TEX. GOV’T CODE §2274.001(3).

By signature on the Compliance Forms Signature Page, to the extent applicable, I certify and verify that Vendor does not boycott Israel, boycott energy companies, or discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association and will not do so during the term of any contract awarded under this Proposal Invitation, that this certification is true, complete and accurate, and that I am authorized by my company to make this certification.

NO EXCLUDED NATION OR FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATION

Chapter 2252 of the Texas Government Code provides that a Texas governmental entity may not enter into a contract with a company engaged in active business operations with Sudan, Iran, or a foreign terrorist organization – specifically, any company identified on a list prepared and maintained by the Texas Comptroller under Texas Government Code §§806.051, 807.051, or

2252.153. (A company that the U.S. Government affirmatively declares to be excluded from its federal sanctions regime relating to Sudan, Iran, or any federal sanctions regime relating to a foreign terrorist organization is not subject to the contract prohibition.)

By signature on the Compliance Forms Signature Page, I certify and verify that Vendor is not on the Texas Comptroller’s list identified above; that this certification is true, complete and accurate; and that I am authorized by my company to make this certification.

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

The Cooperative does not evaluate the Proposer’s responses provided to this HUB certification form or consider HUB certification status as part of the proposal evaluation or award criteria set out in the General Terms and Conditions. This form is requested solely for informational purposes for Cooperative members to the extent it may be relevant to an individual Cooperative member’s federal, state or local requirements.

A Proposer that has been certified as a Historically Underutilized Business (also known as a Minority/Women Business Enterprise or “MWBE” and all referred to in this form as a “HUB”) is encouraged to indicate its HUB certification status when responding to this Proposal Invitation. (Please check (√) all that apply)

I certify that my company has been certified as a HUB in the following categories:

Minority Owned Business Women Owned Business Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business (veteran defined by 38 U.S.C. §101(2), who has a service-connected disability as defined by 38 U.S.C. § 101(16), and who has a disability rating of 20% or more as determined by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense)

Certification Number: ____________________________________________________

Name of Certifying Agency: _______________________________________________

My company has NOT been certified as a HUB.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BUYBOARD TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vendor shall review the BuyBoard Technical Requirements included in this Proposal Invitation. By signature on the Compliance Forms Signature Page, the undersigned affirms that Proposer has obtained a copy of the BuyBoard Technical Requirements, has read and understands the requirements, and certifies that Vendor is able to meet and will comply with those requirements except as follows: [List and explain BuyBoard Technical Requirements, if any, to which your company cannot or will not comply.]

Note: In accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of the Contract, to the extent Vendor is awarded a Contract under this Proposal Invitation but is unable or unwilling to meet the applicable BuyBoard Technical Requirements, the information available on the BuyBoard for Vendor’s awarded products or services may be limited, potentially placing Vendor at a disadvantage and impacting the ability of Cooperative members to search, find, review, and purchase Vendor’s awarded products and services on the BuyBoard website. Further, to the extent Vendor has acknowledged ability to meet and comply with the BuyBoard Technical Requirements, any subsequent failure or refusal by Vendor to promptly provide information upon request to the Cooperative administrator in accordance with those technical requirements may be deemed an event of default under the Contract.

CONSTRUCTION-RELATED GOODS AND SERVICES AFFIRMATION

The Cooperative issued the BuyBoard Procurement and Construction-Related Goods and Services Advisory for Texas Members (“Advisory”), which provides information specifically relevant to the procurement of construction-related goods and services by Texas Cooperative members. The Advisory, available at buyboard.com/Vendor/Resources.aspx, provides an overview of certain legal requirements that are potentially relevant to a Cooperative member’s procurement of construction or construction-related goods and services, including those for projects that may involve or require architecture, engineering or independent testing services. A copy of the Advisory can also be provided upon request. Because many BuyBoard contracts include goods or installation services that might be considered construction-related, Proposer must make this Construction Related-Goods and Services Affirmation regardless of type of goods or services associated with this Proposal Invitation.

A contract awarded under this Proposal Invitation covers only the specific goods and/or services awarded by the Cooperative.

As explained in the Advisory (“Advisory”), Texas law prohibits the procurement of architecture or engineering services through a purchasing cooperative. This Proposal Invitation and any Contract awarded thereunder does not include such services. Architecture or engineering services must be procured by a Cooperative member separately, in accordance with the Professional Services Procurement Act (Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code) and other applicable law and local policy.

By signature on the Compliance Forms Signature Page, Proposer affirms that Proposer has obtained a copy of the Advisory, has read and understands the Advisory, and is authorized by Proposer to make this affirmation. If Proposer sells construction-related goods or services to a Cooperative member under a Contract awarded under this Proposal Invitation, Proposer will comply with the Advisory and applicable legal requirements, make a good faith effort to make its Cooperative member customers or potential Cooperative member customers aware of such requirements, and provide a Cooperative member with a copy of the Advisory before accepting the member’s Purchase Order, Member Construction Contract, or other agreement for construction-related goods or services.

https://www.buyboard.com/Vendor/Resources.aspx

DEVIATION AND COMPLIANCE

If your company intends to deviate from the General Terms and Conditions, Proposal Specifications or other requirements associated with this Proposal Invitation, you MUST list all such deviations on this form, and provide complete and detailed information regarding the deviations on this form…