RFO DIR-CPO-TXA-610

State of Texas Department of Information Resources

Request for Offer Texas Agency Network Wireless, Pagers, and Satellite Services, and Related Hardware (TEX-AN-WPS)

DIR-CPO-TXA-610

Issued: May 26, 2026 Responses Due: July 23, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (CT)

SOLICITATION CONTENTS

This Request for Offer (RFO) issued by DIR consists of the following documents:

RFO Attachments:

Attachment A: Respondent Information Form Attachment B: Subcontracting Plan (SP) Attachment C: Policy Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) - Vendor Self-Assessment Attachment D: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®) Attachment E: EDGAR Certification Form Attachment F: Respondent Release of Liability Attachment G: Exceptions Attachment H: Respondent Experience and History Form Communications Technology Services Agreement (CTSA) Attachments Attachment 1: Sample Contract Attachment 2: Standard Terms and Conditions Attachment 3: Pricing and Volumes

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

0. Objective Through this Request for Offer (“RFO”), the Texas Department of Information Resources (“DIR”) seeks to provide cellular, wireless, pager, and satellite services (“WPS Services”), including voice and data plans and related equipment as part of the Texas Agency Network (“TEX-AN”). Successful Respondent(s) shall provide awarded services under this RFO directly to DIR Customers, providing DIR Customers with an effective and efficient means to obtain a variety of wireless voice and data solutions to meet their needs.

DIR invites interested parties that meet the RFO qualifications to submit proposals regarding their solutions and related service offerings (the submitting parties “Respondents” and the submissions “Responses”). Respondents are not required to submit service offerings for all categories. All information shall be submitted in the format stipulated in this RFO. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this document shall have the meanings provided to them in Attachment 2 Standard Terms and Conditions.

As a result of this RFO, DIR expects to receive and evaluate proposal Responses and select multiple Respondents with whom to enter into contracts (each such Respondent a “Successful Respondent”) for the services described herein. Article 4 Evaluations, Negotiations, and Award contains more information regarding the Response evaluation and vendor selection process.

Statutory Authority DIR has authority to complete the objectives of this procurement. DIR is authorized to enter into this Agreement under its authority per Chapters 2054 and 2170 of the Texas Government Code by 1) negotiating, managing, and administering telecommunications contracts with communications technology providers; and 2) combining the buying power of eligible Customers to obtain volume-discounted pricing for selected technology products and services.

This RFO is not a solicitation for professional or consulting services as defined in Chapter 2254, Texas Government Code.

Background and Overview Introduction As stated above, DIR seeks one or more Successful Respondents to provide WPS Services, including voice and data plans and related equipment, as part of TEX-AN. This RFO defines requirements the Successful Respondents must meet to achieve the objectives of this procurement.

Background Through the Communications Technologies Services (“CTS”) program, DIR assists state agencies, local governments, and other eligible DIR Customers with cost-effective acquisition of their telecommunications services by negotiating, managing, and administering contracts with telecommunications providers. State agencies are required to utilize the contracts to the fullest extent possible and require a waiver to purchase telecommunications services outside of the contracts. All other Eligible Customers are voluntary; they are not mandated to use DIR contracts but are eligible to use them.

DIR combines the buying power of DIR Customers to obtain volume-discounted pricing for selected technology and telecommunication products and services. In addition to offering volume-discounted pricing, DIR created the CTS program to make it easier for DIR Customers to acquire these products and services. For certain services in the CTS program, DIR contracts directly with the vendors; then, DIR Customers contact the vendor for product and service details and pricing information; negotiate their own service level agreements and additional terms and conditions, if necessary; and send their purchase orders (with the DIR contract number) and payments directly to the participating awarded vendor.

DIR’s vision for TEX-AN is to award three distinct contract categories over time. This first categorical procurement seeks to have Respondents provide cellular, wireless, pager, and satellite services, including voice and data plans and related equipment as part of TEX-AN. The other two categories, Telecom Managed Services, and Carrier Class services, will be forthcoming in future years.

Minimum Qualifications Respondents to this RFO must be a manufacturer, publisher, or service provider who will sell directly to Eligible Customers through a DIR Communications Technology Services Agreement (“CTSA”).

Respondents must submit pricing for one or more services within scope to be considered responsive and eligible for a contract. However, Respondents are not required to submit service offerings for all categories to be considered responsive and eligible for a contract.

Best Value DIR reserves the right to award all services proposed by a Respondent or individual categories proposed, and, at DIR’s sole discretion, may award line items within categories that provide best value to the state.

Out-of-Scope Out-of-scope services include the following:

1. In-building Wi-Fi,

2. Telecom managed services,

3. Wired services,

4. Integrated conference services,

5. Sale of equipment without voice or data plans,

6. Any terrestrial fiber services, and

7. Stand-alone equipment sales (Any equipment sold must be a part of the overall cellular, wireless, or satellite solution required to transport and receive wireless communication).

Operating Model and Sales Reporting DIR is not soliciting TEX-AN WPS Services for its own use. Instead, DIR is competitively soliciting bids to establish CTSAs for use by Eligible Customers. Therefore, CTSAs have a value of $0.

Customers must identify their own needs, then contact a Successful Respondent and for quotes, orders and payments. Based on their needs, Customers may submit a Statement of Work (“SOW”) when requesting a quote. Each Customer makes the best value determination and enters into a Purchase Agreement with the Successful Respondent.

SCOPE

0. Required Services - Purpose DIR intends to contract for cellular, wireless, pagers, satellite voice and data plans, and related equipment. The intent of awarded services under this RFO is to provide eligible DIR Customers an effective and efficient means to obtain a variety of wireless voice and data solutions to meet their needs. The scope of TEX-AN WPS Services includes, but is not limited to:

Respondents should submit all services they are interested in providing along with the related price for each service.

DIR is also interested in Respondents responding with emerging technologies services that may be developed and deployed during the lifecycle term of the contract but may not be available at the time of submission to this RFO. Further information on emerging technologies can be reviewed in Section 2.1.4 Emerging Technologies.

As a result of this RFO, DIR expects to receive and evaluate Responses and select one (1) or more qualified Respondents with whom to enter into negotiations. Article 4 Evaluations, Negotiations, and Award contains more information regarding evaluation and Respondent selection process. Any contract(s) awarded shall be indefinite quantity contracts with no minimum guarantees of any purchases. For administrative efficiency for DIR and DIR Customers, DIR reasonably anticipates that it will award a finite number of contracts as determined by the competitive range created through evaluation of Responses.

NOTE: Stand-alone equipment sales are not allowed through this contract. Any equipment sold must be a part of the overall cellular, wireless, or satellite solution.

Service Objectives Successful Respondent(s) will provide awarded services in accordance with standard industry practice. The services shall include wireless network solutions of any kind within scope of this RFO, as well as the deployment of equipment required for voice and data communications transport.

Cellular Voice Plans Respondents shall propose any cellular voice plans within their inventory to be offered to DIR Customers. Cellular voice plans may be included individually, or in conjunction with data plans, pooled plans, and unlimited plans. Respondents shall submit proposed Service Level Agreements (“SLAs”) for any service offered that contains SLAs. Additionally, for wireless network services requiring build out, DIR Customers reserve the right to negotiate SLAs to meet network infrastructure goals.

Cellular Data Plans Respondents shall propose any plan within their inventory to be offered to DIR Customers. Cellular data plans may be included individually, or in conjunction with voice plans, pooled plans, and unlimited plans. Respondents shall submit proposed SLAs for any service offered that contains SLAs.

Equipment Requirements for Cellular Voice and Data Plans Respondents shall offer equipment required to effectively use any voice or data plan. Eligible equipment may include but not be limited to cell phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, and other accessories capable of transporting and receiving cellular communications. Any equipment containing a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, or similar industry technology may be acceptable.

Wireless Services and Equipment Requirements Respondents shall provide any wireless solutions to support wireless communication of voice and data. Respondents shall submit proposed SLAs for any service offered that contains SLAs. Additionally, for wireless network services requiring build out, DIR Customers reserve the right to negotiate SLAs to meet network infrastructure goals.

Wireless Services may include, but not be limited to:

1. Communications related to Internet of Things (IoT).

a. Smart infrastructure data transport.

b. Smart traffic data transport.

c. Sensor notification transport.

2. Campus or regional wireless mesh services, private wireless services.

3. Point-to-point microwave, wireless, cellular solutions.

4. Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

5. Any other wireless service capable of providing broadband services to underserved rural areas.

6. Outdoor Wi-Fi services for events.

7. Equipment necessary for wireless technology to transport and receive communications is within scope of this RFO. Equipment may include, but not be limited to:

a. Communication towers or poles, roof top/building mounts, etc.

b. Sensors that monitor infrastructure, or any other public service component.

c. Microwave dishes and related head end equipment.

d. Routers, modulators, and demodulators, if necessary.

Pager Equipment and Messaging Plans Respondents shall propose any pager service plans and related equipment, including, but not limited to:

Satellite Voice and Data Plans, including Required Equipment Respondents shall propose voice and data plans and respective satellite phone costs, similar to cellular services, for DIR Customers. Such plans shall not include the deployment of satellite dishes or routers for service. Successful Respondent shall submit proposed SLAs for any service offered that contains SLAs.

Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) Satellite Services and Required Equipment Respondents shall propose any offered LEO satellite services for DIR Customers. Services must include data plans and the equipment required to access data plans. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) Satellite Services and Required Equipment Respondents shall propose GEO satellite services for DIR Customers. Services must include data plans and the equipment required to access data plans. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

Related Services Equipment Installation and Turn-Up of Services Respondents shall propose installation and network turn up services and related costs. Pricing may be project based determined by the equipment being installed or may be bid at an firm-fixed hourly rate as defined in Attachment 3 Pricing and Volumes.

Technical Support and Maintenance Respondents shall propose technical support and maintenance services offered for those DIR Customers that require ongoing support and maintenance of equipment for their wireless network(s). Respondents may propose pricing at either an annual firm-fixed rate or a firm-fixed hourly rate, as described in Attachment 3 Pricing and Volumes. For services requiring SOWs, support and maintenance will be negotiated through the SOW process described in Section 1.4, above.

Site Assessments Prior to Installation Respondents shall propose site assessment services for those DIR Customers that may require site reviews prior to ordering certain wireless or satellite services. Many of the wireless services may require clear lines of sight, ensuring no obstruction or interference exists prior to installation. Respondents may propose these services at either a firm-fixed task rate or at a firm-fixed hourly rate, as described in Attachment 3 Pricing and Volumes.

Network Buildout and Assembly Projects Respondents shall propose wireless infrastructure build out and assembly services for those projects that may require installing campus wide mesh networks, private campus wide wireless networks, distributed antennae systems (DAS) solutions, or point-to-point microwave solutions. These services shall be offered through the SOW process described in Section 1.4, above.

Other Services Respondents shall provide necessary service offerings related to any other cellular, wireless, pager, or satellite service that may not be implicitly stated here but falls within the scope of WPS Services. Respondents may propose these services at either a firm-fixed one-time charge, or at a firm-fixed hourly rate, as described in Attachment 3 Pricing and Volumes.

Activation Fees and Termination Fees DIR requests all activation fees and termination fees (including early termination fees) be waived by Respondents as a part of their proposal. Any charges, including telecommunications taxes, fees and surcharges, not included in Attachment 3 Pricing and Volumes shall not be billed by Successful Respondent(s) to DIR Customers.

Emerging Technologies DIR acknowledges that communication systems evolve rapidly. As new technology within scope of the services outlined herein is developed and ready for the market, DIR reserves the right to add emerging technology throughout the life of the Contract in its sole and absolute discretion.

Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility

1. Under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2054, Subchapter M, and DIR implementing rules, DIR’s state agency and Institution of Higher Education Customers must procure EIR that complies with the accessibility standards defined in the Texas Administrative Codes 1 TAC 206, 1 TAC 213, and in the Worldwide Web Consortium WCAG 2.1 AA technical standard as applicable, and when such products or services are available in the commercial marketplace or when such products are developed in response to procurement solicitations.

2. Accordingly, all Respondents must provide the following accessibility documentation:

For each commercial product (also referred to as commercial off the shelf or COTS), and service products such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and any other managed services that include a user interface, a completed Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) or the specific URL to view the ACR online. See RFO Section 2.3, ACR Submission and Review, for detailed requirements.

The Policy Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) for Vendor Self-Assessment. See RFO Section 2.5, PDAA Submission and Self-Assessment Score, for detailed requirements.

3. Responses with missing or incomplete required accessibility documentation may fail the EIR accessibility evaluation.

ACR Submission and Review

1. All Respondents must provide ACRs created using the applicable sections of the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®) Revised Section 508 Edition (version 2.4 or higher), WCAG (version 2.4 or higher), or provide the specific URL to the online ACR on the manufacturer(s)’ websites (where available) for every product (as defined above) or product family (as applicable) included in the submitted pricelist. Instructions on how to complete this document are included in the template itself. The template is included in this RFO as Attachment D: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®).

2. Respondents claiming that a proposed product or family of products is exempt from accessibility requirements must specify the product(s) as such in “Notes” located in the product information section of the VPAT v.2.4 or higher, specifying each exempt product or product family with a supporting statement(s) for this position.

3. Respondents that do not already have accessibility documentation should complete the form included in the bid package or may obtain the form located here: http://www.itic.org/public-policy/accessibility.

4. For responses with greater than 10 ACRs, DIR will review a random sample of ACRs for credibility and completeness.

5. Respondents that submit incomplete ACRs or are unable to provide or obtain ACRs for products it manufactures or for products from manufacturers it represents, may be required to submit a letter (Accessibility Statement) stating that some or all product(s) accessibility documentation may be missing, product accessibility is untested, and an explanation of alternate accommodation.

PDAA Submission and Self-Assessment Score

1. All Respondents must complete the Attachment C: Policy Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) - Vendor Self-Assessment for Responses that include technology products or services. The PDAA generates a self-assessment score which is an indicator of the Respondent’s organizational accessibility maturity or how the organization has implemented accessibility best practices within its operations and business processes. The PDAA is an organizational assessment, not an assessment of the products or services listed in the vendor’s response.

2. A missing, incomplete, blank, or zero-score PDAA may fail the EIR accessibility review and result in disqualification.

Form of Contract Sample Master Cooperative Contract and Terms Negotiation The final terms and conditions of any Contract will be agreed upon during negotiation. However, the minimum standard terms and conditions that will be included in any awarded Contract are contained in the sample Communications Technology Services Agreement (CTSA) included as Attachment 1 and Appendix A Standard Terms and Conditions included as Attachment 2.

DIR reserves the right to make changes to the CTSA if it is in the best interest of the State. Should this occur prior to the award of any Contract as a result of this RFO, any Respondents selected for negotiations will be notified.

Requesting Exceptions Respondents must use Attachment G Exceptions and follow the instructions in RFO Section 3.5.13.6 CTSA Terms and Conditions to request any exception.

Term of Contract DIR anticipates that the initial term of the Contract will be an estimated four (4) years, with optional extension periods (“Renewal Terms”). The exact period of a Renewal Term shall be specified in DIR's notice of extension, provided that the total length of all Renewal Terms together shall not exceed four (4) years.

No termination charges or penalties shall be applicable to any termination before or after the end of the Initial Term. In the event of prolonged contract negotiations, DIR may determine that it is in the best interests of the State to bypass the Respondent and commence negotiations with the next-highest scoring Respondent or continue with the current Respondent with a shorter contract term.

GENERAL INFORMATION

0. Point of Contact Correspondence shall be directed to the sole point of contact for this procurement as follows:

Janika Imafidon Texas Department of Information Resources Chief Procurement Office Thomas Jefferson Rusk Building 208 E 10th St 3rd floor, Suite 309 Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 475-4729 Email: enterprise610@dir.texas.gov Respondents shall make no contact concerning this RFO with other DIR personnel, except as permitted by the point of contact. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification.

Response Integrity To ensure the integrity of the competitive process, a Respondent may not directly or indirectly communicate any of the contents of its Response to:

1. A competitor of the Respondent;

2. Any other company, corporation, firm, partnership, individual, or related entities of the same parent company engaged in the same line of business as the Respondent; or

3. A related entity of the Respondent engaged in the same line of business as the Respondent.

This prohibition is in effect during the preparation of the offer and while the offer is pending with DIR, including the negotiation and finalization of any resulting Contract. The term “related entities” includes, but is not limited to, affiliates, subsidiaries, associates, branches, and divisions. It does not include entities that may occasionally enter into teaming agreements with one another to provide services under a contract with a third party but otherwise have no legal relationship with each other.

When a related entity of the Respondent (whether related at the time Responses are due or at any time thereafter) submits a competing offer, DIR may require additional information to ensure each separate Response is independent. Failure to provide or fully disclose all such information may, at DIR’s discretion, disqualify Respondent or result in the termination of any resulting contract. RESPONDENT HAS AN ONGOING DUTY TO UPDATE ALL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN ITS RESPONSE AT ANY TIME THAT SUCH INFORMATION CHANGES.

Schedule of Events DIR anticipates the following schedule for this RFO. DIR reserves the right to modify these dates at any time. Modifications to the schedule will be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily (“ESBD”) website.

Table 1 Schedule of Events

Bidder’s Conference DIR will hold a virtual bidders conference and webinar for this procurement on the date and time listed above. It is recommended that at least one (1) Respondent representative be present at the conference.

The conference will provide overview information from the RFO and may provide preliminary answers to questions submitted prior to the bidder’s conference. Only answers provided in writing by DIR during the formal question and answer period shall be considered official. Information in any form other than the materials constituting this RFO and its Exhibits, the question-and-answer document(s), and any addenda shall not be binding on DIR. DIR reserves the right to amend answers prior to the offer submission deadline.

ATTENDANCE AT THE BIDDER’S CONFERENCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The bidders conference will be available live via the web. To participate in this live interactive webcast, you must register at:

https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_WW0mfJmfT1uYi91-mMjhWA Written Questions and Official Answers Using Table 2 Questions Template, Respondents shall submit all questions regarding this RFO.

Questions regarding this RFO will be accepted until the date and time specified in Section 3.3 Schedule of Events. Official answers will be posted as an addendum to this RFO, on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), available at https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.

By submission of a question, Respondents acknowledge that the applicable question will be posted with each official answer; therefore, Respondents should not include any confidential or proprietary information in such questions. DIR will not publish the identity of any vendor that submitted any particular inquiry.

Wherever possible, DIR encourages Respondents to use this process to resolve any questions regarding this RFO rather than submitting assumptions or exceptions with its Response. DIR will make a good faith effort to answer all questions submitted. However, DIR may elect not to provide substantive answers to questions that are vague, overly broad, or unrelated to this RFO.

Table 2 Questions

Federal and State Requirements Federal Requirements State agencies are prohibited from doing business with terrorists and terrorist organizations. Any Respondent listed in the Federal Excluded Persons List System (EPLS) authorized by Executive Order #13224, "Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism”, available at https://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/143210.htm, published by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (Terrorism List) shall not be awarded a Contract as a result of this RFO. The Successful Respondent must agree that if at any time during the term of the Contract the Successful Respondent is listed on the terrorism list, the Successful Respondent shall promptly notify DIR. As part of DIR’s contract management, periodic checks will be performed to ensure the Successful Respondent remains in compliance with these federal requirements. DIR shall have the absolute right to terminate the contract without recourse in the event the Successful Respondent becomes listed on the terrorism list.

Should the Successful Respondent become suspended or debarred from doing business with the federal government as listed in the System for Award Management (SAM), available at https://sam.gov/content/home, maintained by the General Services Administration, the Contract may be terminated without recourse, at DIR’s sole discretion.

The Successful Respondent shall comply with the requirements of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ("IIRIRA"), and the Immigration Act of 1990 (8 U.S.C.1101, et seq.) regarding employment verification and retention of verification forms for any individual(s) hired on or after the effective date of the 1996 Act who will perform any labor or services under the Contract.

Education Department of General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) The Education Department of General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) are the federal regulations that govern all federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education on or after December 26, 2014. EDGAR encourages the use of cooperative agreements for procurement or use of common or shared goods and services in order to foster greater economy and efficiency. DIR uses an open market competitive procurement process to award contracts as required by Texas Government Code Sections 2054 and 2157. If Successful Respondent provides evidence of its EDGAR compliance that DIR, to the best of information and belief, finds to be satisfactory, then DIR may identify Successful Respondent as certifying that all or a portion of Successful Respondent’s listings are EDGAR eligible, and DIR may then permit Successful Respondent to so identify all or part of its offerings on Successful Respondent’s DIR website. In such cases, upon request from an Eligible Customer, Successful Respondent must complete EDGAR certification affirmation forms to satisfy such Eligible Customer’s requirement. Respondents may submit a completed Attachment E: EDGAR Certification Form with the Response to demonstrate evidence of EDGAR compliance.

Performance and Debarment In accordance with 34 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 20, Subchapter G, any vendor that is debarred from doing business with the State of Texas will not be awarded a contract under this solicitation. The list of debarred vendors is located on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (TCPA) website at:

https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/programs/vendor-performance-tracking/debarred-vendors.php.

Required Successful Respondent and Subcontractor Current and Former State Employee Disclosures Respondent shall provide all disclosures, for itself and on behalf of all of its subcontractors, as instructed in Attachment A: Respondent Information Form.

Response Submission Requirements Response Deadline Respondents are required to submit Responses in accordance with the requirements outlined in this document.

Responses must be received by DIR on or before the date and time specified in RFO Section 3.3 Schedule of Events. DIR will not accept any Responses received after the Response Deadline. No late Responses will be reviewed.

Respondents shall respond electronically via email, providing Responses in an electronic format (i.e., Microsoft Word files submitted together in a .zip folder) at the date and time specified in Section 3.3 to Enterprise610@dir.texas.gov.

Non-submission of any of the requested information by the date and time specified in Section 3.3 may disqualify the Respondent’s Response from further consideration by DIR.

Response Instructions Respondent will follow the instructions set forth in the following Exhibits and Attachments to this RFO.

Each section, Exhibit, and Attachment of this RFO, along with any other associated files, contains individual detailed instructions regarding the required format of the Respondent’s Response. The Respondent is required to respond according to the instructions contained in each section of this RFO.

Respondent’s Response must be consistent with the structure, sequencing, and terminology used in this RFO. Where provided, the Respondent must use the files enclosed with the RFO and the prescribed format to submit its Response.

Electronic responses are required. Respondents shall follow the specific naming conventions detailed in this section. Respondents must use a three-letter identifier preceding each named file (e.g., Big Service Company, Inc., “BSC”). This three-letter identifier shall replace the “ABC” referenced in the filenames below. All files submitted by the Respondent should use the same three-letter identifier.

Respondents should note that DIR expects each Respondent to comply with the requirements of this RFO as written, and to price its Response accordingly. DIR strongly discourages any Respondent from indicating that it does not agree or does not comply with a provision because the Respondent is unwilling to price it (for risk, liability, or any other reason).

Non-submission of any of the requested information may disqualify the Respondent’s Response from further consideration by DIR.

No Marketing Materials Desired Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those requested and sufficient to present a complete Response are not desired and will not be considered.

Response Format Respondent’s complete Response submitted shall be organized in the four (4) packages as described in Section 3.5.11 Response Organization. The four (4) packages should be submitted as four (4) separate .zip folders with the required files for each package included in the .zip folder. Each package shall be clearly saved and labeled following the naming conventions identified for that package.

All documents created by the Respondent shall be formatted as follows:

1. Paper size: 8.5 x 11 inch; or 8.5 x 14 inch where appropriate.

2. Font parameters: Arial, 11-point font (except for footnotes, headers, tables, table titles, table graphics, or footers).

3. Maximum number of pages: as specified for each document below.

4. Ready for printing: all electronic files submitted will be pre-formatted for printing.

5. Software: all electronic files submitted should be created (or fully compatible) with the current versions of Microsoft Office 365 or Microsoft Project Software suites or packages. Except for documents that are to be signed, Respondents are encouraged NOT to use PDF files.

6. Respondents shall not submit password protected files.

Rejection of Responses DIR has sole discretionary authority and reserves the right to reject any and all Responses received as a result of this RFO. Responses that do not comply with the mandatory submission requirements may be rejected. In addition, DIR reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any Responses submitted, and to waive minor technicalities when in the best interest of the State.

Right to Amend or Withdraw RFO DIR reserves the right to alter, amend, or modify any provision of this RFO, or to withdraw this RFO, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the award of a Contract if doing so is in the best interest of the State. DIR reserves the right to re-solicit for like or similar products and services whenever it determines re-solicitation to be in the best interest of the State.

Any changes or additional information regarding this RFO will be posted as an addendum on the ESBD, at https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd. It is the responsibility of Respondents to monitor the website for addenda. Respondent’s failure to periodically check the ESBD will in no way release the Respondent from addenda or additional information resulting in additional costs to meet the requirements of the RFO.

Pre-Agreement Costs and Responsibilities DIR shall not be responsible or liable for any cost incurred by any Respondent in the preparation and submission of its Response to this RFO or for other costs incurred by participating in this procurement process.

The issuance of this RFO does not imply that DIR is making an offer to do business with any RFO recipient or Respondent. No agreement or other binding obligation on DIR is implied or will occur unless and until a definitive agreement is executed. The issuance of this RFO and the submission of the Respondent’s Response do not create any obligation upon DIR to purchase goods or services from the Respondent, or to enter into any binding legal relationship with one (1) or more of the Respondents.

DIR makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this RFO, or its Appendices and Attachments. Each Respondent is responsible for making its own evaluation of information and data contained in this RFO and in preparing and submitting its Response.

Ownership of Responses All Responses become the property of DIR. DIR reserves the right to use any and all information or materials presented in response to this RFO. Disqualification of a Respondent’s Response does not eliminate this right.

Public Information DIR is a government agency subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Responses submitted to DIR as a result of this RFO are subject to release as public information. Responses of Successful Respondents will be published on DIR’s website after contracts are executed, and all other Responses are subject to release upon completion of the procurement or if the procurement is terminated. If a Respondent believes that its Response, or parts of its Response, may be exempted from disclosure under Texas law, Respondent must submit both a redacted and unredacted copy of its Response. In the unredacted copy, Respondent must specify page-by-page and line-by-line the parts of the Response that it believes are exempt. Respondent may not mark its complete Response “copyrighted” or mark every page as proprietary or confidential. In addition, the Respondent must specify which exception(s) are applicable and provide detailed reasons substantiating the exception(s). DIR may publish or release the redacted copy of the Response without notice to or consent from Respondent. If a Respondent fails to provide redacted and unredacted copies of its Response or fails to specifically identify information that Respondent believes to be excepted from disclosure within its Response, then Respondent waives any and all claims against DIR for the release of such information, regardless of whether DIR provided prior notice to Respondent of such release. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 2252.907, Respondent is required to make any information created, or exchanged with the state pursuant to this Contract, and not otherwise excepted from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, available in a format that is accessible by the public at no additional charge to the state.

The Office of the Texas Attorney General (OAG) has the sole authority to determine whether information is confidential and not subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act. DIR shall comply with all decisions of the OAG.

DIR assumes no responsibility for asserting legal arguments on behalf of any Respondent. Respondents are advised to consult with their legal counsel concerning disclosure issues resulting from this procurement process and to take precautions to safeguard trade secrets and other proprietary information.

News Release Respondent shall not issue any public statements or news or press releases pertaining to this RFO or the resulting Contract without prior written approval of DIR, which may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion. A minimum of ten (10) Business Days written notice is required for such approval.

Response Organization Each Respondent shall organize its Response as follows:

1. Response Package 1: Administrative Submission Requirements

2. Response Package 2: Response to Service Requirements

3. Response Package 3: Service Pricing

4. Response Package 4: Subcontracting Plan Each Response package should have a title page indicating the title and number of the RFO, name of the Respondent, and the date and version number of the proposal. This information should also be present on the header and/or footer of the proposal response along with page numbering. Each Response package should have an associated Table of Contents included within the zip file.

Response Package 1: Administrative Submission Requirements The Respondent must submit the following documents as described in the Table 3 Response Package 1 Files and subsections below. Response Package 1 should be labeled “ABC_DIR_RFO_Package 1.zip” Table 3 Response Package 1 Files

Respondents will be held to the maximum page limit as indicated in the above Table 4. Pages that exceed the maximum page limit will not be evaluated.

Transmittal Letter and Executive Summary Respondent shall submit a transmittal letter on company letterhead, digitally signed by an individual with authority to bind the company in a contract with DIR. The transmittal letter shall include a statement that the person signing is empowered to contractually bind the firm, and that the Response is valid for three hundred and sixty-five (365) days from the day after the deadline for submitting Responses. Any Response containing a term of less than three hundred and sixty-five (365) days for acceptance shall be rejected.

The transmittal letter should include an executive summary of the Response, including a brief written overview of the Respondent’s company and key qualifications.

The executive summary shall not exceed five (5) pages in length (excluding title page). No appendices or specific references to additional information will be accepted.

The Respondent must not include any pricing information or estimated savings in the Executive Summary.

The Respondent must provide, as a separate Microsoft Word document, a file entitled “ABC_DIR_RFO_Executive_Summary.docx.”

Attachment A: Respondent Information Form The Respondent shall complete and sign Attachment A Respondent Information Form of this RFO document. This form must be completed and digitally signed, or the Response may be disqualified as noncompliant.

The Respondent must provide, as a separate Microsoft Word document a file entitled “ABC_DIR_RFO_Attachment_A.docx.”

Financial Information

1. Successful Respondents must be and remain current in payment of all taxes, including sales and franchise taxes. In general, the CPA must identify the Respondent to be “in good standing” with which the state is authorized to do business.

2. The Respondent must include the following items identified in the subsections below as part of Attachment A: Respondent Information Form in its Response. Failure to include any of the items listed for the appropriate company type may result in disqualification of the Respondent’s Response. If the failure to disclose is not learned until a Contract has been awarded to the Successful Respondent, the Contract may be terminated. In the event of such termination, the Successful Respondent shall be liable for all costs associated with the re-procurement, including any increased costs for the services originally awarded.

Publicly Traded Companies

1. The Dun and Bradstreet D-U-N-S number for the Respondent, where the number, company name and company address match the RFO Respondent.

1. Name of exchange on which common stock is listed (e.g., NYSE, AMEX) and ticker symbol (e.g., XOM).

1. Any official document displaying current proof of authority to conduct business in the State. Examples: State Franchise Tax Certification of Account Status and State Sales Tax Permit, both available from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Certification of Fact, which is available from the Secretary of State (SOS Direct), available at: www.sos.state.tx.us.

1. Certificate of Insurance that sets forth limits of liability to include all insurance coverage of the company. If awarded a Contract, the Successful Respondent shall comply with the insurance requirements described in Section 14 of Attachment 2: Appendix A Standard Terms and Conditions.

Privately Owned Companies (C and S corporations, LLCs and similar forms of ownership)

1. The Dun and Bradstreet D-U-N-S number for the Respondent, where the number, company name and company address match the RFO Respondent.

2. Any official document displaying current proof of authority to conduct business in the State. Examples: State Franchise Tax Certification of Account Status and, State Sales Tax Permit, both available from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Certification of Fact, which is available from the Secretary of State.

3. Certificate of Insurance that sets forth limits of liability to include all insurance coverage of the company. If awarded a Contract, the Respondent shall provide a certificate of insurance to protect DIR and DIR Customers for the coverages and in the amounts as described in CTSA Appendix A Terms and Conditions.

4. Copies of all State Public Utility Commission issued Certificates of Convenience and Necessity and/or other licenses or permissions to serve the constituents of Texas under whichever regulatory scheme is applicable to the firm.

Addenda to the RFO Respondents are encouraged to acknowledge receipt of all Addenda by providing a completed and signed version of page one of each addendum with their Response. Respondents will be held to all terms and requirements of each addendum regardless of the provision of a signed page one. Respondents will also be held to all terms and requirements of any Addenda issued after their submission of a response to this solicitation.

Electronic and Information Resources Attachments (Attachment C and Attachment D) Refer to RFO Section 2.2, Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility through RFO Section 2.4, PDAA Submission and Self-Assessment Score, complete each of the following and include in Response in accordance with Table 3 Response Package 1 Files:

1. Attachment C: Policy Driven Adoption for Accessibility (PDAA) - Vendor Self-Assessment

1. Attachment D: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT®) Response Package 2: Response to Service Requirements Response Package 2 Files The Respondent must submit the following documents as described in Table 4: Response Package 2 Files and subsections below. Response Package 2 should be labeled “ABC_DIR_RFO_Package 2.zip” Files to be included in Package 2 are summarized in Table 4: Response Package 2 Files:

Table 4: Response Package 2 Files

Respondents will be held to the maximum page limit as indicated in the above Table 4. Pages that exceed the maximum page limit will not be evaluated.

Respondent Experience Using Attachment H: Respondent Experience and History Form, Respondent shall provide information regarding its experience and service history, including information regarding the company’s history, size, mission, primary line of business, how it is organized, and how its available products and resources will be used to meet this RFO’s requirements.

Respondent shall adhere to the page limits set forth in the form.

Respondents shall not refer to information elsewhere in the RFO Response or reference website links.