Questions and Answers.docx

Questions for DQ-2015000341 Information Technology Research and Advisory Service Membership

Please note: The State has decided not to provide a response to a portion of each of these questions. We are not providing our opinion of: “If it is important, on a scale of 1-5 how important?”

WRITTEN RESEARCH

Questions:

· Would it be important to have visibility into the quantity of IT-related subjects written in the last six months?

Response: That would be helpful.

· Is it important for the firm to have dedicated Government Research and analysts focused on IT’s enablement of Government functions and challenges?

Response: Yes.

· Would it be important to have visibility into the quantity of Government-specific research written in the last six months across all IT subject areas?

Response: That would be helpful.

1. AVAILABLE TOOLS “BEST PRACTICE” POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Questions:

· Is it important to have technical frameworks, solution maps, planning guides, and execution models?

Response: Yes.

· Would you want to see how many “best practices” policy and procedure tools, and other technical frameworks were written in the last six months?

Response: Yes.

2. IT RELATED TEMPLATES

Questions:

· Would it be valuable to see how many IT related templates have been written in the last six months across all IT subject areas, including the subjects listed in the question?

Response: That would be helpful.

3. AD HOC RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS REQUESTS

Questions:

· Is it important that there is a local dedicated resource for the State of Colorado to handle ad-hoc research requests?

Response: No, a local dedicated resource is not required, but could be helpful.

· Is it also important the local resource holds monthly office hours to field ad-hoc requests and to drive optimal usage of the service?

Response: No, there do not need to be set monthly office hours, but responsiveness is important.

· Is it important to know how many analysts have work history and/or 20+ years experience in the Government sector, that are available in the firm to do the research and for analysis requests?

Response: That would be helpful.

4. PEER NETWORKING

Questions:

· Is it important that the peer network for OIT Senior Leadership specifically consist of true peers and be free of vendor participants?

Response: That would be preferred.

· Is it important that the peer network can also be user-defined (select by industry, role and complexity of the organization) through the online research portal?

Response: That would be helpful.

· Would it be important for OIT to understand what the peer network looks like in terms of number of participants for the key roles listed in questions 9 – 12 and for government peers?

Response: That would be helpful.

5. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS AND INSTALLATION OVERVIEWS

Questions:

· Is it important to have detailed solution maps, reference architectures, evaluation criteria, guidance frameworks, and planning guides to assist in technical implementations?

Response: Yes.

· Is it important to know how many of these technical support tools have been published in the last year?

Response: That would be helpful.

6. ROBUST METRICS

Questions:

· Is it important that the IT metrics and data are based on actual benchmarking studies (not purely survey data) and includes an opportunity to segment across multiple IT areas and Government industries?

Response: Yes.

· Is it important that there are dedicated analysts to assist OIT to contextualize the metrics and customize to the unique needs of OIT and the Government vertical?

Response: Yes, that would be very helpful.

7. VENDOR PERSONNEL DEDICATED TO OIT

Questions:

· Is it important to have a local, dedicated Account Management resource to support OIT who works solely with State Government clients?

Response: No. A dedicated account management resource is important, but that person does not have to be local and work solely with state government clients. In fact, a mixture of clients may be more beneficial.

· Is it important to have a list of dedicated, Government focused analysts with Government-specific work history?

Response: Yes.

8. ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY SERVICE

Questions:

· Is it important to have advisors with over 20 years of experience in the industry and also with the technical expertise and previous work history in Enterprise Architecture?

Response: That is helpful. They don’t necessarily need have to 20+ (or a set #) years experience, though. Instead the quality of knowledge and experience they have is more important.

· Would you want to know how many analysts are with the firm, whose primary focus is Enterprise Architecture?

Response: That would be helpful.

9. CIO ADVISORY SERVICES

Questions:

· Is it important to have advisors who are former CIOs of/or advisors to other State Government CIOs?

Response: Yes, that is a plus.

· Would you want to know how many analysts are with the firm, whose primary focus is CIO research, and has 20+ years of experience?

Response: That would be helpful.

10. INFORMATION SECURITY ADVISORY SERVICES

Questions:

· Is it important to have advisors with over 20 years of experience in the industry and also with the technical expertise and previous work history in Information Security?

Response: That is helpful. They don’t necessarily need have to 20+ (or a set #) years experience, though. Instead the quality of knowledge and experience they have is more important.

· Would you want to know how many analysts are with the firm, whose primary focus is Information Security, and has 20+ years of experience?

Response: That would be helpful.

11. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

Questions:

· Is it important to have advisors with over 20 years of experience in the industry and also with the technical expertise and previous work history in Program/Project Management?

Response: That is helpful. They don’t necessarily need have to 20+ (or a set #) years experience, though. Instead the quality of knowledge and experience they have is more important.

· Would you want to know how many analysts are with the firm, whose primary focus is Project Management, and has 20+ years of experience?

Response: That would be helpful.

14. Other Value Added Services Questions:

· Is it important for OIT to have access to local analyst briefings and peer networking events?

Response: Yes.

· Is it important for the entire OIT team to have access to weekly webinars?

Response: That is a plus.

· Would you like to see a complete listing of webinars produced in 2014?

Response: That would be helpful.

REFERENCES:

Questions:

· Is it important for OIT to have references from similar state government agencies?

Response: That would be helpful.

· Is it important for OIT to know how many other state and local government clients the proposing firms has in the US and world-wide?

Response: That would be helpful.

· Is it important for OIT to see references from other government entities in Colorado?

Response: That would be helpful.

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Questions:

· There is reference in the solicitation terms to the State Purchase Oder Terms and Conditions, can you provide us a copy of those terms or point to where on the Colorado website we can find them?

Response: Z

· An Exhibit A ARRA Terms and Conditions is referenced in section 3 AGREEMENTS but wasn’t included in the document. Can you please provide it or is it not relevant to this solicitation?

Response: It is not relevant, because ARRA funds will not be used for this.

· In section 3 AGREEMENTS the following sentence said, “Any exceptions to these terms shall not be accepted”. But in the solicitation bid terms sections 4.1 and 4.2 there is the means to negotiate final terms for the services. Will OIT be willing to negotiate mutually acceptable terms?

Response: OIT’s preference is not to negotiate mutually acceptable terms. Our preference is the State Purchase Order Terms and Conditions

· If OIT is willing to negotiate mutually acceptable terms, do we provide you with a copy of our general terms and conditions as part of our response or do we provide a section in our response calling out the additions, exceptions, and modifications we would recommend to the State’s terms?

Response: We are hoping to issue a purchase order for these services with a scope of work that is derived from the response that we select. If you must please provide a section in your response calling out the additions, exceptions, and modifications you would recommend to the State’s terms.

PRICING

Questions:

· Do you want a comprehensive list of our services and pricing in the table or just what we are proposing to question 13. SERVICE MODEL?

Response: Just pricing related to your response to question 13.

· If the table is to reflect the proposed service model, would we complete a separate table for each service model if we are proposing more than one option?

Response: Yes.

· Can we have multiple “Cost” columns for a service if we have different levels of pricing for a service?

Response: Yes.

· There is a button to check to confirm that pricing is good for 90 days but there is a note under the pricing table stating that pricing will be firm for 120 days. What is the correct pricing duration?

Response: We would like firm pricing for 120 days.

· It indicates that documents can be submitted by e-mail or mail. Is there a preference?

Response: email.

· How many hard copies of the response should be submitted?

Response: None

· Should the response and price page be submitted in the same document?

Response: Yes, we would like the response and cost on two separate documents

Purchase Order Terms and Conditions

1. Offer/Acceptance. If this purchase order (“PO”) refers to vendor’s bid or proposal, this PO is an ACCEPTANCE of vendor’s OFFER TO SELL in accordance with the terms and conditions of the “solicitation” identified in vendor’s bid or proposal. The solicitation includes an RFP, IFB, or any other form of order by buyer. If a bid or proposal is not referenced, this PO is an OFFER TO BUY, subject to vendor’s acceptance, demonstrated by vendor’s performance or written acceptance of this PO. Any COUNTER-OFFER TO SELL automatically CANCELS this PO, unless a change order is issued by buyer accepting a counter-offer. This PO shall supersede and control over any vendor form(s) or part(s) thereof included in or attached to any bid, proposal, offer, acknowledgment, or otherwise, in the event of inconsistencies or contradictions, regardless of any statement to the contrary in such form(s) or parts thereof.

2. Safety Information. All chemicals, equipment and materials proposed and/or used in the performance of this PO shall conform to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Vendor shall furnish all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any regulated chemicals, equipment or hazardous materials at the time of delivery.

3. Changes. Vendor shall furnish products and/or services strictly in accordance with the specifications and price set forth for each item. This PO shall not be modified, superseded or otherwise altered, except in writing signed by purchasing agent and accepted by vendor. Each shipment received or service performed shall comply with the terms of this PO, notwithstanding invoice terms or acts of vendor to the contrary, unless this PO has been modified, superseded or otherwise altered in accordance with this section.

4. Delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation or this PO, delivery shall be FOB destination. Buyer is relying on the promised delivery date, installation, and/or service performance set forth in vendor’s bid or proposal as material and basic to buyer’s acceptance. If vendor fails to deliver or perform as and when promised, buyer, in its sole discretion, may cancel its order, or any part thereof, without prejudice to its other rights, return all or part of any shipment so made, and charge vendor with any loss or expense sustained as a result of such failure to deliver or perform as promised. Time is of the essence.

5. Intellectual Property. Any software, research, reports, studies, data, photographs, negatives or other documents, drawings or materials (collectively “materials”) delivered by vendor in performance of its obligations under this PO shall be the exclusive property of buyer. Ownership rights shall include, but not be limited to, the right to copy, publish, display, transfer, prepare derivative works, or otherwise use the materials. Vendor shall comply with all applicable Cyber Security Policies of the State of Colorado (the “State”), or buyer, as applicable, and all confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, security controls, and reporting requirements.

6. Quality. Buyer shall be the sole judge in determining “equals” with regard to quality, price and performance. All products delivered shall be newly manufactured and the current model, unless otherwise specified.

7. Warranties. All provisions and remedies of the Colorado Uniform Commercial Code, CRS, Title 4 (“CUCC”), relating to implied and/or express warranties are incorporated herein, in addition to any warranties contained in this PO or the specifications.

8. Inspection and Acceptance. Final acceptance is contingent upon completion of all applicable inspection procedures. If products or services fail to meet any inspection requirements, buyer may exercise all of its rights, including those provided in the CUCC. Buyer shall have the right to inspect services provided under this PO at all reasonable times and places. "Services" as used in this section includes services performed or tangible material produced or delivered in the performance of services. If any of the services do not conform to PO requirements, buyer may require vendor to perform the services again in conformity with PO requirements, without additional payment. When defects in the quality or quantity of service cannot be corrected by re-performance, buyer may (a) require vendor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to PO requirements and (b) equitably reduce the payment due vendor to reflect the reduced value of the services performed. These remedies do not limit the remedies otherwise available in this PO, at law, or in equity.

9. Cash Discount. The cash discount period will start from the later of the date of receipt of acceptable invoice, or from date of receipt of acceptable products/services at the specified destination by an authorized buyer representative.

10. Taxes. Buyer and the State are exempt from all federal excise taxes under Chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code [No. 84-730123K] and from all State and local government sales and use taxes [CRS, Title 39, Article 26, Parts I and II]. Such exemptions apply when materials are purchased for the benefit of State, except that in certain political subdivisions (e.g., City of Denver) vendor may be required to pay sales or use taxes even though the ultimate product or service is provided to buyer. Buyer shall not reimburse such sales or use taxes.

11. Payment. Buyer shall pay vendor for all amounts due within 45 days after receipt of products or services and a correct notice of amount due. Interest on the unpaid balance shall begin to accrue on the 46th day at the rate set forth in CRS §24-30-202(24) until paid in full. Interest shall not accrue if a good faith dispute exists as to buyer’s obligation to pay all or a portion of the amount due. Vendor shall invoice buyer separately for interest on delinquent amounts due, referencing the delinquent payment, number of day’s interest to be paid, and applicable interest rate.

12. Vendor Offset. [Not Applicable to Inter-governmental POs] Under CRS §24-30-202.4 (3.5), the State Controller may withhold payment under the State’s vendor offset intercept system for debts owed to State agencies for: (a) unpaid child support debts or arrearages; (b) unpaid balances of tax, accrued interest, or other charges specified in CRS §39-21-101, et seq.; (c) unpaid loans due to the Student Loan Division of the Department of Higher Education; (d) amounts required to be paid to the Unemployment Compensation Fund; and (e) other unpaid debts owing to the State as a result of final agency determination or judicial action.

13. Assignment and Successors. Vendor shall not assign rights or delegate duties under this PO, or subcontract any part of the performance required under this PO, without the express, written consent of buyer. This PO shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon vendor and buyer and their respective successors and assigns. Assignment of accounts receivable may be made only upon written notice furnished to buyer.

14. Indemnification. If any article sold or delivered under this PO is covered by a patent, copyright, trademark, or application therefore, vendor shall indemnify and hold harmless buyer from any and all loss, liability, cost, expenses and legal fees incurred on account of any claims, legal actions or judgments arising out of manufacture, sale or use of such article in violation or infringement of rights under such patent, copyright, trademark or application. If this PO is for services, vendor shall indemnify, save, and hold harmless buyer, its employees and agents, against any and all claims, damages, liability and court awards including costs, expenses, and attorney fees and related expenses, incurred as a result of any act or omission by vendor, or its employees, agents, subcontractors or assignees, arising out of or in connection with performance of services under this PO.

15. Independent Contractor. Vendor shall perform its duties hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an employee. Neither vendor nor any agent or employee of vendor shall be deemed to be an agent or employee of buyer. Vendor and its employees and agents are not entitled to unemployment insurance or workers compensation benefits through buyer and buyer shall not pay for or otherwise provide such coverage for vendor or any of its agents or employees. Unemployment insurance benefits will be available to vendor and its employees and agents only if coverage is made available by vendor or a third party. Vendor shall pay when due all applicable employment, income, and local head taxes incurred pursuant to this PO. Vendor shall not have authorization, express or implied, to bind buyer to any agreement, liability or understanding, except as expressly set forth herein. Vendor shall (a) provide and keep in force workers' compensation and unemployment compensation insurance in the amounts required by law, (b) provide proof thereof when requested by buyer, and (c) be solely responsible for its acts and those of its employees and agents.

16. Communication. All communication concerning administration of this PO, prepared by vendor for buyer’s use, shall be furnished solely to purchasing agent.

17. Compliance. Vendor shall strictly comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations in effect or hereafter established, including, without limitation, laws applicable to discrimination and unfair employment practices.

18. Insurance. Vendor shall obtain, and maintain, at all times during the term of this PO, insurance as specified in the solicitation, and provide proof of such coverage as requested by purchasing agent.

19. Termination Prior to Shipment. If vendor has not accepted this PO in writing, buyer may cancel this PO by written or oral notice to vendor prior to shipment of goods or commencement of services.

20. Termination for Cause. (a) If vendor refuses or fails to timely and properly perform any of its obligations under this PO with such diligence as will ensure its completion within the time specified herein, buyer may notify vendor in writing of non-performance and, if not corrected by vendor within the time specified in the notice, terminate vendor's right to proceed with the PO or such part thereof as to which there has been delay or a failure. Vendor shall continue performance of this PO to the extent not terminated and be liable for excess costs incurred by buyer in procuring similar goods or services elsewhere. Payment for completed services performed and accepted shall be at the price set forth in this PO. (b) Buyer may withhold amounts due to vendor as buyer deems necessary to reimburse buyer for excess costs incurred in curing, completing or procuring similar goods and services.(c) If after rejection, revocation, or other termination of vendor's right to proceed under the CUCC or this clause, buyer determines for any reason that vendor was not in default or the delay was excusable, the rights and obligations of buyer and vendor shall be the same as if the notice of termination had been issued pursuant to termination under §21.

21. Termination in Public Interest. Buyer is entering into this PO for the purpose of carrying out the public policy of the State, as determined by its Governor, General Assembly, and Courts. If this PO ceases to further the public policy of the State, buyer, in its sole discretion, may terminate this PO in whole or in part and such termination shall not be deemed to be a breach of buyer’s obligations hereunder. This section shall not apply to a termination for vendor’s breach, which shall be governed by §20. Buyer shall give written notice of termination to vendor specifying the part of the PO terminated and when termination becomes effective. Upon receipt of notice of termination, vendor shall not incur further obligations except as necessary to mitigate costs of performance. For services or specially manufactured goods, buyer shall pay (a) reasonable settlement expenses, (b) the PO price or rate for supplies and services delivered and accepted, (c) reasonable costs of performance on unaccepted supplies and services, and (d) a reasonable profit for the unaccepted work. For existing goods, buyer shall pay (e) reasonable settlement expenses, (f) the PO price for goods delivered and accepted, (g) reasonable costs incurred in preparation for delivery of the undelivered goods, and (h) a reasonable profit for the preparatory work. Buyer’s termination liability under this section shall not exceed the total PO price plus a reasonable cost for settlement expenses. Vendor shall submit a termination proposal and reasonable supporting documentation, and cost and pricing data as required by CRS §24-106-101, upon request of buyer.

22. PO Approval. This PO shall not be valid unless it is executed by purchasing agent. Buyer shall not be responsible or liable for products or services delivered or performed prior to proper execution hereof.

23. Fund Availability. Financial obligations of buyer payable after the current fiscal year are contingent upon funds for that purpose being appropriated, budgeted and otherwise made available. If this PO is funded in whole or in part with federal funds, this PO is subject to and contingent upon the continuing availability of federal funds for the purposes hereof. Buyer represents that it has set aside sufficient funds to make payment for goods delivered in a single installment, in accordance with the terms of this PO.

24. Choice of Law. State laws, rules and regulations shall be applied in the interpretation, execution, and enforcement of this PO. The CUCC shall govern this PO in the case of goods unless otherwise agreed in this PO. Any provision included or incorporated herein by reference which conflicts with such laws, rules, and regulations is null and void. Any provision incorporated herein by reference which purports to negate this or any other provision in this PO in whole or in part shall not be valid or enforceable or available in any action at law, whether by way of complaint, defense, or otherwise. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation or this PO, venue for any judicial or administrative action arising out of or in connection with this PO shall be in Denver, Colorado. Vendor shall exhaust administrative remedies in CRS §24-109-106, prior to commencing any judicial action against buyer.

25. Public Contracts for Services. [Not Applicable to offer, issuance, or sale of securities, investment advisory services, fund management services, sponsored projects, intergovernmental POs, or information technology services or products and services] Vendor certifies, warrants, and agrees that it does not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien who will perform work under this PO and will confirm the employment eligibility of all employees who are newly hired for employment in the United States to perform work under this PO, through participation in the E-Verify Program or the Department program established pursuant to CRS §8-17.5-102(5)(c), Vendor shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform work under this PO or enter into a contract or PO with a subcontractor that fails to certify to vendor that the subcontractor shall not knowingly employ or contract with an illegal alien to perform work under this PO. Vendor shall (a) not use E-Verify Program or Department program procedures to undertake pre-employment screening of job applicants during performance of this PO, (b) notify subcontractor and buyer within three days if vendor has actual knowledge that subcontractor is employing or contracting with an illegal alien for work under this PO, (c) terminate the subcontract if subcontractor does not stop employing or contracting with the illegal alien within three days of receiving notice, and (d) comply with reasonable requests made in the course of an investigation, undertaken pursuant to CRS §8-17.5-102(5), by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. If vendor participates in the Department program, vendor shall deliver to the buyer a written, notarized affirmation that vendor has examined the legal work status of such employee, and shall comply with all of the other requirements of the Department program. If vendor fails to comply with any requirement of this provision or CRS §8-17.5-101 et seq., buyer may terminate this PO for breach and, if so terminated, vendor shall be liable for damages.

26. Public Contracts with Natural Persons. Vendor, if a natural person eighteen (18) years of age or older, hereby swears and affirms under penalty of perjury that he or she (a) is a citizen or otherwise lawfully present in the United States pursuant to federal law, (b) shall comply with the provisions of CRS §24-76.5-101 et seq., and (c) has produced a form of identification required by CRS §24-76.5-103 prior to the date vendor delivers goods or begins performing services under terms of the PO.

Date Issued: 7/1/74 Rule 2-2 Date Revised: 1/1/09