RFP 04-24-25_Digital Accessibility Consulting.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP # 04-24-25

Digital Accessibility Consulting Service

Issued: 11/14/2024 12:00PM EST.

Due: 01/06/2025 10:00 AM EST.

Table of Contents

BACKGROUND

GENERAL CONDITIONS

SCOPE OF WORK

SUMMARIZED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS & SCORING

SELECTION PROCESS

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

RESPONDENT REGISTRATION FORM

PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION

RESPONDENT’S QUALIFICATION STATEMENT

SUPPLIER REFERENCES

STATEMENT OF NO PROPOSAL

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME STATEMENT

W9

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SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 2

BACKGROUND

HISTORY: St. Petersburg College (“SPC” or the “College”), located in Pinellas County, Florida, and established in 1927, is one of the oldest colleges in the 28-institution Florida College System (“FCS”).

SPC is the first college in the FCS to become a four-year college issuing baccalaureate degrees beginning in 2001. SPC is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees appointed to four-year terms by the Governor of Florida. The Board of Trustees appoints the College President who has administrative responsibilities for college operations. To learn more about SPC, visit the College’s website: https://www.spcollege.edu/friends-partners/about

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: St. Petersburg College (SPC), located in Pinellas County, Florida, offers a wide array of academic and professional courses to a diverse student body, both on-campus and online. To help SPC meet upcoming federal digital accessibility compliance deadlines we are soliciting proposals from consulting firms or providers with experience in digital accessibility. SPC seeks assistance to evaluate its web presence, including its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (PeopleSoft), Learning Management System (Canvas), institutional website, and other services including SPC’s procurement process. The goal is to ensure accessibility compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, with a preference for WCAG 2.2, Level AA compliance, before April 2026, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s final rule

2024-07758, under CFR 28, CFR 35, published in April 2024. The selected vendor will assess our current state of compliance, offer detailed recommendations, and, if necessary, provide an implementation roadmap.

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 3 https://www.spcollege.edu/friends-partners/about

GENERAL CONDITIONS

RESPONDENTS: Respondents who wish to be considered for the services requested in this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must follow the instructions herein and provide all of the requested information. SPC reserves the right to disqualify any Respondent whose proposal does not comply with this RFP.

By submitting a proposal, the Respondent acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions provided in this RFP.

1) EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL: The proposal must be signed by an authorized representative of the Respondent Company. The proposal must be completed in ink or typewritten. If a correction needs to be made to the proposal, the Respondent must draw a single line through the language or figure that needs to be corrected and insert the new language or figure above the stricken text. Corrections must be initialed by the person signing the proposal. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to ensure any handwritten language or figure is legible to the College. Otherwise, the College is not required to consider such language or figure.

2) PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS: Any expense involved in preparing or submitting a proposal, and any work performed in connection with the proposal, shall be borne solely by the Respondent. No payment will be made by the College for any proposal received or for any other effort required, or made by, the Respondent submitting the proposal prior to contract management.

3) PROPOSAL SUBMISSION AND OPENING: The College utilizes BidNet Direct (which is a free site) to advertise and facilitate the dissemination and receipt of competitive requests. The required method to submit a response is via the BidNet Direct site. The direct link to SPC’s BidNet Direct is https://www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/stpetersburgcollege. BidNet Direct is a free service.

Please contact BidNet's Direct Support Team at 800-835-4603 for assistance with the site.

Please see page 17 of this document for the “Summarized Schedule of Events for specific action items.

a) It is the Responder’s responsibility to ensure the proposal is uploaded into the BidNet system before the submission deadline closes. Once closed, BidNet will not accept proposals.

b) Any proposals not submitted via BidNet Direct will not be accepted.

c) By submitting a proposal, the Responder acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions provided in this RFP

d) Once opened, proposals become the property of the College and will not be returned.

4) CONTACT WITH COLLEGE PERSONNEL:

a) Questions for clarification on the RFP necessary to formulate a response shall be submitted directly to the BidNet Direct site.

b) Questions or concerns with the content of the RFP, or issues with the BidNet Direct site, should be sent to Karen Reynolds, Director of Procurement

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 4 https://www.bidnetdirect.com/ https://www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/stpetersburgcollege reynolds.karen@spcollege.edu and to no other person or department at the College. Please include the RFP number & Title in the subject line of these emails.

CONE OF SILENCE: FROM THE TIME THE PUBLIC ADVERTISEMENT OF THIS RFP TAKES PLACE

UNTIL THE TIME THIS RFP IS AWARDED AND APPROVED BY THE COLLEGE’S BOARD OF

TRUSTEES, (IF NECESSARY), A VENDOR SHALL NOT CONTACT ANY OTHER COLLEGE

PERSONNEL OR MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OR ADMINISTRATIVE

STAFF EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO DISCUSS THE SELECTION PROCESS OR TO MAKE

AN ATTEMPT TO FURTHER THEIR INTEREST IN BEING SELECTED. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THE

CONE OF SILENCE POLICY IS GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION FROM THIS PROCESS AND

RESPONDENT WILL NOT RECEIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

5) CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS: The College reserves the right to make changes to this RFP.

Changes may include but are not limited to postponing the due date of proposals or revising RFP specifications. All changes will be announced and disseminated by the College via addendum posted to BidNet and sent to registered Respondents via email with sufficient time for Respondents to amend their proposals following the College’s change. Respondents must acknowledge receipt of all addenda by signing, dating, and returning the acknowledgment page of the addendum with the Respondent’s proposal.

6) CONFLICT OF INTEREST: By submitting a proposal, each Respondent acknowledges and agrees to comply with Section 112.313(3), Florida Statutes, which provides:

DOING BUSINESS WITH ONE’S AGENCY.—No employee of an agency acting in his or her official capacity as a purchasing agent, or public officer acting in his or her official capacity, shall either directly or indirectly purchase, rent, or lease any realty, goods, or services for his or her own agency from any business entity of which the officer or employee or the officer’s or employee’s spouse or child is an officer, partner, director, or proprietor or in which such officer or employee or the officer’s or employee’s spouse or child, or any combination of them, has a material interest.

Nor shall a public officer or employee, acting in a private capacity, rent, lease, or sell any realty, goods, or services to the officer’s or employee’s own agency, if he or she is a state officer or employee, or to any political subdivision or any agency thereof, if he or she is serving as an officer or employee of that political subdivision. The foregoing shall not apply to district offices maintained by legislators when such offices are located in the legislator’s place of business or when such offices are on property wholly or partially owned by the legislator. This subsection shall not affect or be construed to prohibit contracts entered into prior to:

October 1, 1975.

Qualification for elective office.

Appointment to public office.

Beginning public employment

7) COLLUSION/DISCLOSURE: By submitting a proposal, each Respondent acknowledges and agrees to the following statement:

I/WE certify that my proposal is made without previous understanding, agreement, or

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 5 mailto:reynolds.karen@spcollege.edu connection with any person, company or corporation making a proposal for the same work in this Request for Proposal, and that my company’s proposal is in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud, or otherwise illegal action.

Respondent also acknowledges and agrees to the following statement:

No member of my company's ownership, management or staff has a vested financial interest in any aspect or department of the College.

Any Respondent who cannot agree with these statements should not submit a proposal.

8) PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL: Respondent may withdraw their proposal by notifying the College in writing any time before the proposal opening. Upon receiving Respondent’s timely notification of withdrawal, the College will disregard the proposal submission on BidNet and will not move a copy to the selection committee for review.

a) Any proposal submitted to the College constitutes an irrevocable offer by the Respondent to provide the College w i t h the services requested in this RFP and any response thereto, for a period of 120 days from the date proposals are due, as designated by the RFP.

9) SUBCONTRACTING: The name and company of any subcontractor contemplated for use must be included as part of Respondent’s proposal.

10) ACCURACY OF PROPOSAL INFORMATION: Respondents must ensure the accuracy of their proposal information. The College reserves the right to disqualify any proposal that includes inaccurate, misleading, exaggerated, or incorrect information.

11) FUTURE ADVERTISING: In submitting a proposal, a Respondent agrees not to use the results of the College’s selection process in any future commercial advertisement without obtaining the College’s prior written consent.

12) PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES: By submitting a proposal, a Respondent and their company acknowledges and agrees to comply with the Public Entity Crimes Statement referenced below:

a) A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted Respondent list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit proposals on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded work or perform work as a contractor, supplier, sub‐Respondent or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Florida Statutes, Chapter 287 for Category Two for a period of thirty‐six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted Respondent list.

13) PUBLIC RECORDS: Any material submitted in response to this RFP is subject to disclosure under Florida’s Public Records law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 6

14) RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: In addition to all other rights of the College under Florida law or the Board of Trustees Rules and College Procedures, the College specifically reserves the following:

a) The College reserves the right to rank companies pursuant to the relative Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code and to negotiate with the highest-ranking company.

b) The College reserves the right to reject this RFP.

c) The College reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted in response to this

RFP.

d) The College reserves the right to remedy or waive technical or immaterial errors in this RFP or the submitted proposals.

e) The College reserves the right to request any necessary clarifications or statement data without changing the terms of any proposal.

15) DISPUTES & PROTESTS: Any actual or prospective Respondent who is allegedly aggrieved in connection with the issuance of this RFP or pending award of contract, may protest to St.

Petersburg College, Attn: Ms. Karen Reynolds, Director of Procurement, P.O. Box 13489, St.

Petersburg, Florida 33733. The protest must be filed in accordance with Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

16) IDENTICAL OR TIE BIDS: In the event two or more Respondents receive the exact same score from the evaluation team, the following criteria, in order of importance, shall be used to break the tie: (1) Drug Free Work Place Certification, (2) Florida Respondents, or (3) whether Bidder’s place of business is within Pinellas County.

17) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: All work on this project will be carried out in compliance with the

College's commitment to the concept of equal opportunity; that is, there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or against any qualified person with a disability. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex, neither the College nor the Respondent shall not tolerate such conduct.

Should you experience such behavior, please contact SPC EAEO Coordinator at 727-341-3261;

by mail at P.O. Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3489; or by email at eaeo_director@spcollege.edu

18) OSHA: The bidder warrants that any product and service supplied to the College shall conform in all respects to the standards set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, and the failure to comply with this condition will be considered as a breach of contract.

19) LOCAL, SMALL, AND MINORITY BUSINESS PARTICIPATION: Pursuant to Section 255.102, Florida Statutes, St. Petersburg College recognizes the importance of local, small, and minority businesses in all aspects of our institution and procurement practices and actively encourages the development, utilization and economic growth of certified Minority, Women, Veteran and

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 7 mailto:eaeo_director@spcollege.edu

Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/VBE/SDVBE). Our institution encourages the participation of MBE/WBE/VBE/SDVBEs in its procurement process both at the prime vendor level as well as at the subcontractor level of its prime contracts.

20) RESPONSIBLE VENDOR DETERMINATION: Respondent is hereby notified that Section 287.05701, Florida Statutes, requires that St. Petersburg College may not request documentation of or consider a vendor's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor. Nor will the College give a preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological beliefs. Generally, SPC bases its determination of vendor responsibility on factors, including but not limited, to the vendor's ability, experience, financial condition and responsibility, past performance, honesty, and integrity. Vendors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their subcontractors, and determinations of subcontractor responsibility may affect SPC’s determination of the vendor’s responsibility.

21) INDEMNIFICATION: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Responder shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the College, its Trustees, officers, agents, servants, and employees, or any of them, from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and other legal costs including but not limited to costs for paralegal, investigative, and legal support services, and the actual costs incurred for expert witness testimony, arising out of or resulting from the performance of services required under the contract resulting from this RFP, provided that same is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongful conduct of the Responder or other person or company utilized by the Responder in the performance of the work. Nothing herein shall be deemed to affect the rights, privileges, and immunities of the College as set forth in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes.

22) LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicable provisions of all federal, state, local laws and ordinances, College rules and procedures shall govern development, submittal and evaluation of all proposals received in response to this RFP and shall govern any and all claims and disputes which may arise between Respondent and the College by and through each entity’s officers, employees and authorized representatives, or any other person, natural or otherwise; and a lack of knowledge by the Respondent shall not constitute a valid defense against the legal effect thereof.

23) CONTRACT TYPE: The College anticipates entering into a service contract with the successful

Respondent. Deliverables will be aligned with the outcome measures referenced in this RFP.

The laws of Florida shall govern any contract entered into by the College and selected Respondent.

The College reserves the right to terminate this agreement with a 15-day written notice for non-performance.

24) PROOF OF FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES: It should be understood by the vendor that award of this contract may be subject to satisfactory proof of functional capabilities of the equipment, services, and items as specified under this solicitation. If required, the vendor will have to demonstrate these capabilities within fourteen (14) business days after award.

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 8

25) PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS: The Proposal Specifications requested under this RFP follow these General Conditions. To the extent there is a conflict between the General Conditions and the Proposal Specifications, the Proposal Specifications will govern and control.

26) VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT: In accordance with State of Florida Office of the Governor

Executive Order Number 11-02, all Respondents shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all persons employed during the contract term. SPC's contractors and their subcontractors are required to register with and use the E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees.

Contractors must require subcontractors to provide the contractor with an affidavit stating that the subcontractor does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien.

The contractor shall maintain a copy of such affidavit for the duration of the contract with SPC.

SPC and its contractor or subcontractor who has a good faith belief that a person or entity with which it is contracting has knowingly violated s. 448.09(1) shall terminate the contract with the person or entity. This termination is not a breach of contract and may not be considered as such.

A contractor will be liable for any additional costs incurred by SPC as a result of the termination of a contract.

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SCOPE OF WORK

The primary objectives are:

1. Evaluate the accessibility of SPC’s entire web presence, including but not limited to:

• ERP (PeopleSoft)

• LMS (Canvas)

• Institutional website

• Other digital services (such as online portals, third-party integrations)

2. Provide a gap analysis outlining the current level of accessibility compliance against WCAG

2.1, Level AA and potentially WCAG 2.2, Level AA.

Develop a comprehensive roadmap with actionable recommendations to achieve compliance before April 2026, as manadted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s final rule 2024-07758, under CFR 28, CFR 35, published in April 2024.

3. Offer guidance on maintaining long-term accessibility compliance, including the College’s procurement process, related trainings, and updates to policies and procedures.

RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors should submit a response addressing the following:

1. Company Overview:

• Years of experience in digital accessibility consulting.

• Expertise in assessing ERP, LMS, and web platforms for accessibility.

• Examples of similar projects, including at higher education institutions.

2. Approach and Methodology:

• Detailed description of the approach for evaluating SPC’s web presence and digital platforms.

• Proposed timeline for the assessment, gap analysis, and roadmap development.

• How the firm will assess and prioritize tasks to meet compliance with WCAG 2.1, Level AA or WCAG 2.2, Level AA standards.

3. Accessibility Standards and Guidelines:

• How the firm ensures compliance with WCAG 2.1, Level AA and potentially WCAG 2.2, Level AA.

• Any proprietary tools, frameworks, or methodologies used in accessibility evaluations.

4. Deliverables:

• Description of the final deliverables, including reports, gap analyses, and roadmaps.

• Any ongoing support provided after the initial engagement, including training and compliance monitoring.

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 10

5. Cost Estimate:

• Estimated cost for the assessment and consulting services.

• Breakdown of costs associated with evaluation, report creation, and ongoing support.

6. References:

• Provide at least three references from previous clients, preferably from higher education institutions, for whom the vendor has provided digital accessibility consulting services.

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SUMMARIZED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Day/Date Description

11/14/2024 12:00 pm

RFP released to BidNet (https://www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/stpetersburgcollege)

11/25 – 11/29/2024 College closed for Thanksgiving break

12/2/2024 2:00 pm

RFP Questions Due:

Questions for clarification on the RFP necessary to formulate a response shall be submitted directly to the BidNet Direct site.

12/06/2024 RFP Questions/Answers Posted in form of addendum on BidNet Direct site.

12/19/2024 - 01/01/2025 College closed for winter breaK

01/06/2025 10:00 am RFP Due on BidNet Direct site

01/06/2025 10:30 am

Public Opening of Proposals A Zoom meeting invite will be posted as a BidNet communication for virtual attendance.

01/07 – 01/16/2025

Screening Committee review

01/17/2025 Top firms will be posted on BidNet Direct site

01/22 – 01/24/2025 Schedueld Zoom Presentations

01/28/2024 Intent to Award posted to BidNet

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SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 12 https://www.bidnetdirect.com/florida/stpetersburgcollege

PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS & SCORING

The evaluation criteria below correspond with the criteria provided in the Proposal Specifications above.

Company Overview Years of Experience; Expertise w/ ERP, LMS, and web platforms for accessibility; similar projects.

0-20 points

Approach and Methodology Approach for web presence and digital platforms; Timeline for assessment, gap analysis, roadmap;

Ability to assess/prioritize tasks to meet compliance

0-20 points

Accessibility Standards and Guidelines:

Ensures compliance with WCAG 2.1, Level AA and potentially WCAG, Level 2.2.; Proprietary tools, frameworks, or methodologies used in accessibility evaluations.

Deliverables:

Final deliverables, including reports, gap analyses, roadmaps; support after initial engagement, training. compliance monitoring.

0-20 points

Cost Estimate:

Estimated cost of assessment/consulting services; costs associated with evaluation, report creation, ongoing support.

Total Points:

100 Points

SELECTION PROCESS

1) The Selection Committee of St. Petersburg College may consist of members from the College, outside counsel/partners, or persons recommended by the Board of Trustees with background and experience in community leadership. It is anticipated that the Selection Committee for this RFP will consist of a maximum of nine members.

2) The Selection Committee will individually review and score all qualified responses received through the process outlined in this RFP. The three suppliers with the highest combined committee scores will be moved to a short list of responses. All others will be eliminated from further consideration.

3) The remaining proposers will be invited to participate in a one-hour Zoom presentation during the week of January 22 – 24, 2025. The exact date/time will be schedule via the Purchasing department. The intent to award will be posted shortly thereafter.

4) Should the College be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the top ranked responder considered to be the most qualified, at a price the College determines to be fair, SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 13 competitive, and reasonable, negotiations with that responder will be formally terminated. The College may then undertake negotiations with the next most qualified responder. The College reserves the right to determine not to proceed with the project.

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INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The successful contractor shall supply the college with certificate(s) of insurance evidencing coverage during the period the contractor is providing services per the following:

Type of Policy

Limits

Workers Compensation/ Employers Liability

Statutory/If claiming exemption from workers’ comp requirements, proof of exemption or signed declaration must be provided.

Commercial General Liability To include products/completed operations, bodily injury, broad form property damage, and independent contractors (if applicable).

$1,000,000 per occurrence

Automobile Liability To include all vehicles owned, leased hired, non-owned and employee non-owned vehicles.

Individual contractors and Subcontractors will be required to show personal automobile liability in the absence of corporate coverage.

Certificate showing proof of coverage.

Additional Requirements The Board of Trustees, St. Petersburg College shall be named as additional insured with regard to General Liability coverage. A copy of the endorsement must be provided.

All coverage/certificate(s) to be in effect during the time the contractor is installing the equipment or providing a service on the College premises and must be provided to the College’s Risk Management Officer within five (5) days of notification of bid award. In the event any binder is delivered, a certified copy of the policy or a Certificate of Insurance shall replace it within thirty (30) days in lieu thereof. Each such copy of a certificate shall contain a valid provision or endorsement that the policy may not be canceled, terminated, changed or modified without giving thirty (30) days written advance notice thereof to the College’s representative. This Agreement may be subject to immediate termination, at the Colleges discretion, in the event that contractor fails to maintain or comply with any of the Insurance requirements set forth herein.

Certificate(s) of insurance shall be executed on a standard ACCORD form and signed with the Certificate Holder listed as follows:

Board of Trustees St. Petersburg College 14025 58th Street North Clearwater FL 33760

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RESPONDENT REGISTRATION FORM

Anyone interested in doing business with St. Petersburg College is required to complete the Respondent Registration Form. The completed form does not guarantee an opportunity to submit a proposal, but does help the College in evaluating your business for future opportunities.

Business Name

Mailing Address

(Street/P.O. Box)

City

State

Zip

County

Contact Person Title

Telephone # Fax #

Email Address

Website Address

Type of business/service offered

Is your company certified by the State of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity as a Minority/Woman Owned

Business? _____ YES _____ NO

Is your company certified as a Minority/Woman Owned Business by another entity _____ YES _____ NO

If yes to either please include a copy of the certification

Please return the completed form to SPCPurchasing@spcollege.edu ATTN: Karen Reynolds, Purchasing Director

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 16

PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION

I certify that this proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement or connection with any corporation, company or person submitting a proposal for the same services, materials, supplies or equipment, and is, in all respects, fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this proposal; I certify that I am authorized to sign this proposal.

I hereby agree to furnish the items and/or services stated in my proposal. I have read and understand the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal.

This company is in compliance with the non-discrimination clause contained in Section 202, Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375, relative to Equal Employment Opportunity for all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin and the implementing rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor.

I certify that I have received the following addenda (if any):

Addendum Dated

Addendum Dated

Addendum Dated

Addendum Dated

Signature

Name(s) and Title(s)

Legal Name of Respondent

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip

Telephone Fax

Email

Date

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 17

RESPONDENT’S QUALIFICATION STATEMENT

The undersigned certifies under oath the truth and correctness of all statements and all answers to questions and information provided hereinafter.

Submitted to: St. Petersburg College, Director of Procurement

Submitted by

Name:

Address:

Principal Office:

____ Corporation ____ Partnership ____ Individual ____ Joint Venture ____ Other

(Note: Attach separate sheets as required.)

1. How many years has your organization provided the requested services?

2. How many years under the present business name?

If applicable:

Former business name: # Years:

3. Corporations, answer the following:

Date of incorporation:

State of incorporation:

President:

Regional Manager:

District Manager:

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 18

4. Partnerships, answer the following:

Date of organization:

Type of partnership:

Names and addresses of partners (if applicable):

1. ________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________

5. If other than a corporation or partnership, describe organization and name principals:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________

6. Have you ever failed to complete any contract awarded to you? YES NO

If yes, indicate when, where, why, and name/telephone number of persons we may talk to about this:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 19

7. Has any officer or partner of your organization ever been an officer or partner of another organization that failed to complete a contract? YES

NO If yes, state circumstances:

9. Worker's Compensation insurance policy number ________________________________________

Name of company: _______________________________________________________________

Policy amount: __________________________________________________________________

10. Comprehensive General Liability OR Professional Liability

Policy number: ________________________________________________________________

Name of company: _____________________________________________________________

Policy amount: ________________________________________________________________ ($500,000 combined single limit minimum)

The Board of Trustees, St. Petersburg College, will be named additional insured for General Liability coverage if our company is awarded the bid? YES NO

PLEASE NOTE: A “No” answer will disqualify your bid.

11. Name(s) and telephone number(s) of person(s) designated as liaison with the College in administering the contract in the event of bid award (attach sheet if necessary):

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 20

Respondent’s Qualification Statement reviewed and submitted by:

Printed Name

Title

Authorized Signature

NOTARIZATION

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of ______________ 20____

Personally known to me ______ YES _____ NO

OR

Produced Identification:

Type of Identification:

Notary Public State of:

My Commission expires:

NOTARY SIGNATURE

(Printed, typed or stamped Commissioned name of Notary Public)

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 21

SUPPLIER REFERENCES

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER THAT YOUR PROPOSAL MAY BE REVIEWED AND

PROPERLY EVALUATED.

COMPANY NAME:

LENGTH OF TIME COMPANY HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS:

BUSINESS ADDRESS:

HOW LONG IN PRESENT LOCATION:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER:

TOTAL NUMBER OF CURRENT EMPLOYEES: FULL TIME PART TIME

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES YOU PLAN TO USE TO SERVICE THIS CONTRACT:

All references will be contacted by a St. Petersburg College (SPC) Designee via email or phone call to obtain answers to questions, as applicable before an evaluation decision is made.

Respondents must have experience in work of the same or similar nature, and must provide references that will satisfy the SPC.

Proposer must furnish a reference list of at least four (4) customers for whom they have performed similar services.

LIST BELOW, THE LOCAL COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENTAL REFERENCE(S) THAT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY

PERFORMED SIMILAR CONTRACT SERVICES:

1. 2.

COMPANY: COMPANY:

ADDRESS: ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE: TELEPHONE:

CONTACT: CONTACT:

CONTACT EMAIL: CONTACT EMAIL:

COMPANY EMAIL ADDRESS: COMPANY EMAIL ADDRESS:

3. 4.

COMPANY: COMPANY:

ADDRESS: ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE: TELEPHONE:

CONTACT: CONTACT:

CONTACT EMAIL: CONTACT EMAIL:

COMPANY EMAIL ADDRESS: COMPANY EMAIL ADDRESS:

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 22

STATEMENT OF NO PROPOSAL

RFQ _________________________

If your company does not intend to respond to this RFQ, please complete and return this form prior to the date shown for receipt of Proposals to: SPCPurchasing@spcollege.edu Attn: Mrs. Karen Reynolds, Director of Procurement

The undersigned declines to submit a proposal on the above referenced Invitation to Proposal for the following reason(s):

____ Specifications are too "restrictive." (Please explain below)

____ Unable to meet specifications

____ Specifications were unclear. (Please explain below)

____ Insufficient time to respond

____ We do not offer this type of product or equivalent

____ Our production schedule would not permit us to perform

____ Other (please explain below)

Company Name Phone Number

Address City State Zip

Printed Name Title

Signature Email address

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 23

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

The undersigned Respondent in accordance with Florida Statute 287.087 hereby certifies that they:

1. Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.

2. Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

3. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are proposed a copy of the statement specified in subsection (1).

4. In the statement specified in subsection (1), notify the employees that as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under proposal, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement, and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere, to any violation of Chapter 893, or any controlled substance law of the United States or any state violation occurring in the workplace, no later than days after such conviction.

5. Impose a sanction on or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, if such is available in the employee’s community, by an employee who is so convicted.

6. Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug free workplace through implementation of this section

As the person authorized to sign the statement, I certify that this company complies fully with the above requirements.

Respondent’s Signature

Date

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 24

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME STATEMENT

SWORN STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 287.133(3)(a), FLORIDA STATUTES, ON PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES

THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF A NOTARY PUBLIC OR OTHER OFFICER

AUTHORIZED TO ADMINISTER OATHS.

1. This sworn statement is submitted to:

(Print name of public entity)

By:

(Print individual's name and title)

For:

(Print name of entity submitting sworn statement) whose business address is:

and (if applicable) its Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is:

(If entity has no FEIN, include the Social Security Number of the Individual signing this sworn statement.)

2. I understand that a "public entity crime" as defined in Paragraph 287.133(1)(g), Florida Statutes, means a violation of any state or federal law by a person with respect to and directly related to the transaction of business with any public entity or with an agency or political subdivision of any other state or of the United States, including, but not limited to, any proposal or contract for goods or services to be provided to any public entity or an agency or political subdivision of any other state or of the United States and involving antitrust, fraud, theft, bribery, collusion, racketeering, conspiracy, or material misrepresentations.

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 25

3. I understand that "convicted" or "conviction" as defined in Paragraph 287.133(1)(b), Florida Statutes, means a finding of guilt or a conviction of a public entity crime, with or without an adjudication of guilt, in any federal or state trial court of record relating to charges brought by indictment or information after July 1, 1989, as a result of a jury verdict, non-jury trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.

4. I understand that an "affiliate" as defined in Paragraph 287.133(1)(a), Florida Statutes, means:

(1) A predecessor or successor of a person convicted of a public entity crime; or

(2) An entity under the control of any natural person who is active in the management of the entity and who has been convicted of a public entity crime. The term "affiliate" includes those officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members and agents who are active in the management of an affiliate. The ownership by one (1) person of shares constituting a controlling interest in another person, or a pooling of equipment or income among persons when not for fair market value under an arm's length agreement, shall be a prima facie case that one (1) person controls another person.

A person who knowingly enters into a joint venture with a person who has been convicted of a public entity crime in Florida during the preceding 36 months shall be considered an affiliate.

5. I understand that a "person" as defined in Paragraph 287.133(1)(e), Florida Statutes, means any natural person or entity organized under the laws of any state or of the United States with the legal power to enter into a binding contract and which submits proposals or applies to submit a proposal on contracts for the provision of goods or services let by a public entity, or which otherwise transacts or applies to transact business with a public entity. The term "person" includes those officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, and agents who are active in management of an entity.

6. Based on information and belief, the statement which I have marked below is true in relation to the entity submitting this sworn statement. (Please indicate which statement applies.)

_____Neither the entity submitting this sworn statement, nor any of its officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, or agents who are active in management of the entity, nor an affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to September 1, 1990.

_____The entity submitting this sworn statement, or one (1) or more of its officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, or agents who are

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 26 active in management of the entity or an affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to September 1, 1990.

_____The entity submitting this sworn statement, or one (1) or more of its officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, or agents who are active in management of the entity or an affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to September 1, 1990. However, there has been a subsequent proceeding before a Hearing Officer of the State of Florida, Division of Administrative Hearings and the Final Order entered by the Hearing Officer determined that it was not in the public interest to place the entity submitting this sworn statement on the convicted vendor list. (Attach a copy of the final order)

I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SUBMISSION OF THIS FORM TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF ST.

PETERSBURG COLLEGE FOR THE PUBLIC ENTITY IDENTIFIED IN PARAGRAPH 1 (ONE) ABOVE IS

FOR THAT PUBLIC ENTITY ONLY AND, THAT THIS FORM IS VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31 OF

THE CALENDAR YEAR IN WHICH IT IS FILED. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT I AM REQUIRED TO

INFORM THE PUBLIC ENTITY PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT IN EXCESS OF THE

THRESHOLD AMOUNT PROVIDED IN SECTION 287.017, FLORIDA STATUTES, FOR CATEGORY

TWO OF ANY CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM.

(Signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of 20 .

Personally known

OR Produced identification (Type of identification)

Notary Public - State of

My commission expires

(Printed typed or stamped commissioned name of notary public)

SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 27

Form W-9 (Rev. January 2011) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Give Form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS.

P ri nt o r ty p e

S ee

S p ec ifi c In st ru ct io ns o n p ag e

2.

Name (as shown on your income tax return)

Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above

Check appropriate box for federal tax classification (required): Individual/sole proprietor C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Trust/estate

Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=partnership) ▶

Other (see instructions) ▶

Exempt payee

Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)

City, state, and ZIP code

Requester’s name and address (optional)

List account number(s) here (optional)

Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on the “Name” line to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3.

Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Social security number

Employer identification number

Part II Certification Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and

3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below).

Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 4.

Sign Here

Signature of U.S. person ▶ Date ▶

General Instructions Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Purpose of Form A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA.

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:

1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),

2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners’ share of effectively connected income.

Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:

• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien,

• A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States,

• An estate (other than a foreign estate), or

• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).

Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax on any foreign partners’ share of income from such business.

Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, a partnership is required to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S.

status and avoid withholding on your share of partnership income.

Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 1-2011)SPC RFP 04-24-25 Digital Accessibility Consulting 28

Form W-9 (Rev. 1-2011) Page 2

The person who gives Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States is in the following cases:

• The U.S. owner of a disregarded entity and not the entity,

• The U.S. grantor or other owner of a grantor trust and not the trust, and

• The U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust.

Foreign person. If you are a foreign person, do not use Form W-9.

Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 (see Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).

Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.

If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items:

1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.

2. The treaty article addressing the income.

3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.

4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.

5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.

Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years.