RFP 2025000285-RESEA Program Study .pdf

DIVISION OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE-RESEA

PROGRAM STUDY

Request for Proposals (RFP) KABA 2025000285

Responses due on (Monday, May, 19th, 2025 at

11:59pm, MST)

Responses must be uploaded to the appropriate

Bidnet posting https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/coloradodepartmentoflaboremployment

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 2 I. Introduction 4 II. Project Synopsis 5 III. RFP Process 5

A. RFP Modifications 5 B. Tentative Schedule of Events 5 C. Question & Answer Period 6 D. Oral Presentations/Site Visits/Demonstrations/Interviews 7 E. Addendum or Supplement to Request for Proposal 7 F. Process for Responding 7

1. Bidnet Instructions 7

2. Format of Submission 8

3. Proposal Contents 8

H. No Multiple Proposal Responses 8 I. Valid Proposal Period 8 J. Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals 9 K. Confidential/Proprietary Information 9 L. Acceptance of RFP Terms 9 M. Rejection of Proposals 10 N. Best and Final Offers 10 O. Proposal Pricing 10 P. Proposal Evaluation 10 Q. Selection of Proposal Notice 11 R. Award of Contract 12 S. Protested Solicitations and Awards 12

IV. Information and Requirements 12 A. External Communications, Outreach, and Logos 12 B. Incurring Costs 13 C. Taxes 13 D. Prime Contractor 13 E. Parent Company/Vendor Identification 13 F. Reciprocal Preference 13 G. Doing Business in Colorado 14 H. Contract Performance Outside the United States or Colorado 14

I. Conflict of Interest 14 J. Security Clearance Background Checks on Employees and Subcontractors 15 K. Security Policy 15 L. RFP Response Material Ownership 15 M. Certification of Independent Price Determination 16 N. Ownership of Contract Products/Services 16 O. Standard Contract 16 P. Insurance 17 Q. Non-Discrimination 17 R. Section 508 Compliance 17 S. Minority and Women-Owned Business and Small Business Enterprises 18 T. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business 18 U. Apprenticeship 18 V. Attachment A, Signature Page 20

ATTACHMENT B - STATEMENT OF WORK 21

Attachment C, Proposal Response Requirements 24

Attachment D, Sample Contract 26 Attachment E, Contract Certification Form 27 Attachment F, Work Outside Colorado and the United States 28 Attachment G, Conflict of Interest Disclosure 30 Attachment H, Confidentiality Request 31 Attachment I, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBEs) 32 Attachment J, Vendor Accessibility Guidelines and Checklist 33 Attachment K, Proposal Checklist 34

I. Introduction

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is used for the State of Colorado (State) by and through the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Procurement and Contract Services Unit (PCS) for the benefit of Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) as well as any other CDLE Divisions or State Departments for which a need may be discovered.

PCS is posting this RFP on Colorado Vendor Self-Service (VSS) in order that Respondents who have an interest may submit a proposal in accordance with the terms of this solicitation. Though not a requirement, Respondents are encouraged to become a member of VSS prior to the submission deadline. Solicitations for most Colorado State Agencies (Agencies), including CDLE, are posted on VSS. The URL for VSS is:

www.colorado.gov/vss. The VSS Help Desk, 303-866-6464 or VSSHelp@state.co.us, is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., local time.

Solicitation details posted on VSS by Agencies for goods, services, and construction are public and do not require registration to view. Should a company opt to register with VSS, it may elect to receive automatic notification in categories of interest. Additionally, there is no cost to register on VSS. However, per Procurement Rule 24-102-202.5-04, Respondents need not be registered with VSS in order to be deemed responsive to this

RFP.

In an effort to expand the potential pool of Respondents to this RFP thus providing the best value for the State, PCS also utilizes additional methods of advertisement. As such, PCS will make this RFP available to companies outside of the VSS platform.

PCS is also posting this RFP on Bidnet. Respondents do not need to register on Bidnet or pay funds to access the solicitation. In the event CDLE RFP documents are too large to upload to VSS, a note on the posting will be made and those documents will be available on Bidnet.

Respondents are expected to familiarize themselves with the proposed project’s details.

Any person, firm, entity, joint venture, or corporation desiring to submit a proposal should examine this RFP and shall judge for themselves all the circumstances and conditions affecting their proposal. Failure on the part of any Respondent to make such thorough examination or to investigate thoroughly the conditions of the proposal will not be grounds for a declaration the successful proposer did not understand the RFP.

Should a Respondent find a discrepancy or omission in this RFP, or should a Respondent be in doubt as to the meaning of any provision of this RFP, the Respondent should promptly notify PCS, and any necessary clarifications or addenda will be provided in writing. CDLE will not be responsible for any oral instructions or interpretations given by or to anyone.

This RFP encompasses the following attachments:

Request for Information https://prd.co.cgiadvantage.com/PRDVSS1X1/Advantage4 http://www.colorado.gov/vss

● Attachment A - Signature Page

● Attachment B - Statement of Work & Proposal Technical Requirements

● Attachment C - Cost Proposal Requirements

● Attachment D - Sample Contract

● Attachment E - Contract Certification Form

● Attachment F - Work Outside State/U.S.

● Attachment G - Conflict of Interest Disclosure

● Attachment H - Confidentiality Requests

● Attachment I - M/WBE Self Certification Form

● Attachment J - Proposal Checklist

II. Project Synopsis

CDLE is seeking proposals from qualified Respondents to leverage the data currently being gathered through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) impact study of the federally funded RESEA program. The current study is evaluating the effectiveness of the Colorado RESEA program in helping Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants to secure employment and improve their earnings, thereby reducing their UI receipt. The primary objective of the extension of this study is to leverage current data and identify new data points to address additional research questions that can provide actionable evidence about the effectiveness of the Colorado RESEA program.

III. RFP Process

A. RFP Modifications

CDLE reserves the right to terminate, suspend, modify the selection process, reject any or all submittals, modify the terms and conditions of this selection process, and/or waive any informalities, irregularities, or omissions in any submittals, as the State’s best interests may appear.

B. Tentative Schedule of Events

This schedule contains tentative dates for this procurement and may be subject to change. UI reserves the right to conduct oral presentations and/or site visits and/or interviews and/or demonstrations should the need arise.

Activity Date Location RFP Published 04/18/2025 VSS & Bidnet

Request for Information

Q & A Period Deadline 04/30/2025 3:00pm Email Answers Posted 05/01/2025 5:00pm VSS & Bidnet RFP Submission Deadline 05/19/2025 11:59pm Bidnet Oral Presentations etc. if applicable Month of May, 2025 Virtual Environment as

Approved by CDLE Best & Final Offers Month of June, (Estimate) Email Notice of Award Month of June (Estimate) Email Contract Signing Month of July (Estimate) Docusign

Contract Period Contract Signing Plus One(1) Year with Four (4) Options

N/A

C. Question & Answer Period

This RFP provides Respondents with sufficient information to enable the preparation of a proposal sufficient to be submitted for consideration to satisfy the project goals listed herein. However, Respondents are encouraged to ask questions and request clarification of any part of this document. Failure to clarify information does not constitute justification for an RFP protest if the Respondent knew or should have known of the confusion prior to the end of the question and answer period. It will be presumed Respondent, before submitting a proposal, closely reviewed the RFP, all exhibits and attachments, any modifications and/or addendums, and other items relevant to the RFP.

During the question and answer period, Respondents may email PCS with any questions and/or requests for clarification concerning this RFP. The question and answer period begins on the date of this RFP’s publication and ends on the question and answer period deadline, as listed in the tentative schedule above. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated as the question and answer period deadline. Email timestamps will be used to determine timeliness.

Email all inquiries to: Joel Knotts at Joel.knotts@state.co.us. Use this RFP’s number, as listed on the cover page, in the subject line.

Answers to Respondents’ questions are scheduled to be published as a modification to the RFP on VSS on the date listed in the tentative schedule above.

No other interactions in regard to this RFP shall occur with UI, CDLE, Agencies, and/or State employees, agents, and/or assignees. Failure to abide by this rule may result in disqualification from the RFP process and complete rejection of any submitted proposals.

D. Oral Presentations/Site

Visits/Demonstrations/Interviews

Respondents may be asked to prepare an oral presentation or to make their facilities available for a site visit by the evaluation committee. Respondents may also be asked to provide a demo of their proposed solution or interview in front of the evaluation committee. Such events will be at the Respondent’s expense. The dates for these potential events are listed in the tentative schedule herein. Evaluation Committee members have the right to modify a Respondent’s proposal evaluation based on clarifications provided at the relevant event.

E. Addendum or Supplement to Request for

Proposal

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, an addendum and/or modification will be published on VSS and Bidnet. It is incumbent upon Respondents to carefully and regularly monitor VSS and/or Bidnet for any such postings.

F. Process for Responding

Proposals must be received on or before the date and time indicated in the tentative schedule listed herein. Proposals should be formatted and submitted as described herein. Late proposals will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to ensure the proposal is received by PCS on or before the proposal submission date and time. Proposal responses determined to be at a variance with any requirement as stated herein may not be accepted.

1. Bidnet Instructions

In the spirit of continuous improvement and cost management, CDLE has joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System. The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (BidNet®) is an online notification system that is being utilized by multiple governmental entities. Participating entities post their bids, quotes, proposals, addendums, and awards on this one centralized system. Review bids or register today by visiting the link below:

Vendor registration is FREE; however, vendors may elect to receive automatic e-mail notification of all open solicitations matching their vendor profile for an annual fee. If a vendor does not select the upgraded option, it is the responsibility of the vendor to monitor the website regularly in order to be aware of business opportunities and review changes or addendums to bids, quotes, and proposals. Vendors who upgrade to receive email notifications will receive opportunities matching their business goods/services provided automatically.

For help registering or questions about the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, please contact IPT by BidNet at 800.835.4603 to speak with the Vendor Support Team.

2. Format of Submission

Proposals should be submitted in text-searchable PDF format and meet the Governor’s Office of Information Technology Accessibility requirements located here:

https://oit.colorado.gov/accessibility-law

A complete list of required and as applicable documents may be found in the Attachment K herein. Any page limitations on each required or as applicable document may be found there.

3. Proposal Contents

Proposals should consist of the items contained in the Proposal Checklist found on Attachment K herein. Naming conventions for the PDF tabs and/or individual PDF documents should be as follows:

RESPONDENT NAME_DOCUMENT TITLE_RFP NUMBER

H. No Multiple Proposal Responses

Respondents may submit only one (1) proposal in response to this RFP. In addition, Respondents should propose a solution that addresses all components in this RFP.

Incomplete or additional submissions may be rejected.

I. Valid Proposal Period

All aspects of a submitted proposal to this RFP, including pricing, will be firm for a period of no less than three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days after the RFP submission deadline. Estimated proposal prices are not acceptable.

https://oit.colorado.gov/accessibility-law

J. Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals

Respondents may modify or withdraw a submitted proposal at any time prior to the RFP submission deadline. To do so, Respondents should email PCS at the address found herein with the intent to modify or withdraw the submission and the RFP number found on the cover page clearly stated in the email subject line.

K. Confidential/Proprietary Information

Any proposed restrictions on the use or inspection of material contained within a proposal response must be clearly stated in the proposal response. Respondents may request PCS consider confidential or proprietary information through the following steps:

Step 1. The Respondent, with its proposal, shall submit written requests for confidentiality. The Respondent must provide a justification and state specifically what elements of the proposal are to be considered confidential/proprietary. A sample form may be found in the Attachments.

Step 2. Confidential/proprietary information must be readily identified, marked, and listed on the request form.

Step 3. The Purchasing Director will make a written determination as to the apparent validity of any written request for confidentiality. Neither a proposal in its entirety, nor proposal price information will be considered confidential and proprietary. Any information that will be included in a resulting contract cannot be considered confidential.

Step 4. In the event PCS does not concur with the Respondent’s request for confidentiality, the written determination will be sent to the Respondent. Ref. Section 24-72-201 et. seq., C.R.S., as amended, Public (open) Records.

Step 5. If the Respondent does not agree with the Purchasing Director’s determination and the parties cannot come to an agreement, the Respondent may a) resubmit the proposal without the confidential information included, b) withdraw the proposal, or c) file a protest. See the protest section herein for more information regarding protest rights.

L. Acceptance of RFP Terms

A proposal submitted in response to this RFP will constitute a binding offer.

Acknowledgment of this condition shall be indicated by the autographic signature of the

Respondent or an officer of the Respondent legally authorized to execute contractual obligations. A submission in response to this RFP acknowledges acceptance by the Respondent of all terms and conditions, including compensation and the State contract template language, as set forth herein. A Respondent should clearly and thoroughly identify any variation between its proposal and the RFP requirements.

Failure to do so shall be deemed a waiver of any rights to subsequently modify the terms of performance, except as outlined or specified in the RFP. A completed Contract Certification form, found in the Attachments, must be submitted with the RFP response.

The contents of the proposal response, including persons specified to implement the project, of the successful Respondent will become contractual obligations. Failure of the successful Respondent to accept these obligations in a contract, purchase order, or similar authorized commitment document may result in cancellation of the award.

M. Rejection of Proposals

PCS reserves the right to 1) to reject any or all proposals; 2) to waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received as determined by PCS; and 3) to accept any portion of a proposal or all items in a proposal if deemed in the best interest of CDLE.

Failure of a Respondent to provide any information requested in this RFP and in the manner or format required in this solicitation may result in disqualification of the proposal.

N. Best and Final Offers

PCS reserves the right to request Best and Final Offers “(BAFO”s) for this solicitation.

Evaluation Committee members have the right to modify a Respondent’s evaluation based on information provided in a BAFO. BAFOs may be considered in determining the apparent successful Respondent(s).

O. Proposal Pricing

All prices and fees contained in proposal responses, or BAFOs if conducted, shall be firm for the term of any resulting contract.

P. Proposal Evaluation

PCS will conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation of the submissions received in response to this RFP. The objective of the evaluation is to determine the proposal that most effectively meets UI goals and requirements as stated in this RFP.

The contract(s) for this project will be awarded to the Respondent(s) whose proposal(s) will be most advantageous to CDLE and the State as a whole.

An Evaluation Committee will be established to judge the merit of proposals received in response to this RFP. The award decision is a business judgment reflecting an integrated assessment of the relative merits of the proposals using the factors set forth below in no particular order:

Category Description

Company qualifications Committee will evaluate based on references provided and examples of similar projects of similar size

Price Committee will evaluate total cost based on what is most advantageous to the State

Qualifications Committee will evaluate based on resumes of key personnel and proposal timeline provided

Once the Evaluation Committee has narrowed their decision based on the initial submissions, they may request clarifications and/or updates during oral presentations, site visits, interviews, demonstrations, and/or BAFOs. The Respondent(s) with the proposal(s) deemed most advantageous to the State will be selected for recommendation of award. The selected Respondent(s) will receive a “Notice of Intent to Make an Award.”

A brief overview of the evaluation process follows:

● Review of all proposals received for compliance with the requirements of this

RFP.

● Review of all confidentiality requests and written determinations.

● Preliminary evaluations of all proposals.

● Requests for clarification, if necessary.

● Oral presentations, demonstrations, interviews, and/or site visits, if applicable.

● BAFO requests, if necessary.

● Final evaluations.

● Recommendation for award.

Q. Selection of Proposal Notice

Upon review and approval of the Evaluation Committee’s recommendation for award, PCS will issue a “Notice of Intent to Make an Award” or “Notice of Intent to Not Award” via email to all Respondent(s).

R. Award of Contract

Following a “Notice of Intent to Make an Award,” A commitment document must be finalized by all parties concerned by the date specified in the Notice. In the event the parties are unable to enter into a commitment document, PCS may elect to cancel the "Notice of Intent to Make an Award" letter and award the Respondent(s) whose proposal(s) scored the next highest.

S. Protested Solicitations and Awards

An aggrieved party in connection with this solicitation may file a written protest in accordance with C.R.S. 24-109-102 within ten (10) business days of when the aggrieved party knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the grievance.

Written protests shall be mailed to:

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Procurement and Contract Services Unit Attn: Procurement Official - Protest 633 17th Street Suite 1120 Denver, CO 80202

Written protests may also be emailed to: reneerita.kennedy@state.co.us.

IV. Information and Requirements

A. External Communications, Outreach, and Logos

External communications and outreach pertaining to this RFP or award are not permitted without prior written approval from CDLE’s Government Policy and Public Relations Office. External communications and outreach include, but are not limited to, news releases, advertising and marketing materials.

Use of CDLE or project logos are not permitted without prior written approval from CDLE’s Government Policy and Public Relations Office.

mailto:reneerita.kennedy@state.co.us

B. Incurring Costs

The State is not liable for any cost incurred by Respondents prior to issuance of a legally executed contract, purchase order, or other authorized commitment document.

No property interest, of any nature, shall occur until a contract is awarded and executed.

C. Taxes

State, as purchaser, is exempt from all federal excise taxes under Chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code (Registration No. 84-7301123K) and from all state and local government use taxes (C.R.S. 39-26-704). The Colorado State and Local Sales Tax Exemption Number is 98-01159-000. Respondent is hereby notified that materials are purchased in certain political subdivisions (for example in the City of Denver) the Respondent may be required to pay sales tax even though the ultimate product or service is provided to the State. This sales tax will not be reimbursed by the State

D. Prime Contractor

CDLE will consider the selected Respondent(s) to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters including the performance of services and the payment of any and all charges. Subcontractor specifics must be disclosed at time of proposal response within the proposal; e.g. name, location, breakdown of the Subcontractor’s activities under the proposal.

E. Parent Company/Vendor Identification

If a Respondent is owned or controlled by a parent company, the name, main office address and parent company's tax identification number should be provided in the proposal. The tax identification number provided must be that of the Respondent submitting a proposal to the RFP. The Respondent must be a legal entity with the legal right to contract. All applicable W-9s must be provided with the RFP proposals.

F. Reciprocal Preference

Per Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 24-103-906, a resident Respondent may be allowed a preference against a non-resident Respondent equal to the preference given or required by the state in which the non-resident Respondent is a resident.

G. Doing Business in Colorado

In order to do business in Colorado, the Colorado Secretary of State requires entities to register in accordance with C.R.S. 7-71-101, and obtain and maintain a rating of “good standing” status throughout the term of an awarded contract.

http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/businessHome.html. Respondents must register before contract execution, but do not need to register before submitting a proposal

H. Contract Performance Outside the United States or Colorado

In part, Colorado Revised Statute 24-102-206 states: (1) Prior to contracting or as a requirement for the solicitation of any contract from the state for services, as appropriate, any prospective vendor should disclose in a statement of work where services will be performed under the contract, including any subcontracts, and whether any services under the contract or any subcontracts are anticipated to be performed outside the United States or the state. If the prospective vendor anticipates services under the contract or any subcontracts will be performed outside the United States or the state, the vendor should provide in its statement of work a provision setting forth why it is necessary or advantageous to go outside the United States or the state to perform the contract or any subcontracts. In lieu of providing this required information in a detailed statement-of-work, offerors may utilize the form included in the Attachments.

At the conclusion of Vendor’s performance, Vendor will be required to submit actual figures detailing the extent to which services, including those of subcontractors, were performed outside the United States or the state.

I. Conflict of Interest

Respondents are required to include in their proposal a section regarding Conflicts of Interest. Respondents shall state whether there currently are, or potentially could be, organizational or other conflicts-of-interest regarding this solicitation, their proposal, their staff or their proposed subcontractors, any related business with the State, or with CDLE employees. The conflict of interest form may be found in the Attachments.

PCS reserves the right to make a non-responsive determination on a Respondent’s proposal or cancel the award if there is a conflict, a perceived conflict, or if a conflict or appearance is disclosed from any other source.

http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/businessHome.html

During the term of the contract, the selected Respondent will not enter into any third party relationship that creates a conflict of interest or creates the appearance of a conflict of interest.

J. Security Clearance Background Checks on

Employees and Subcontractors

1. Criminal Background Checks (private entities)

The successful Respondent should ensure all employees and subcontractor’s employees have passed comprehensive criminal background checks prior to performing work under this contract. In the State’s sole discretion, the State may require certain employee(s) submit to a State criminal background check, at the State’s cost. The Successful Respondent shall immediately remove from this project any employees or subcontractors that do not meet the minimum standards of a criminal background check, whether conducted by the employer or the State. All information collected by the State regarding the successful Respondents employee(s) shall be deemed confidential.

2. Criminal Background Checks (governmental entities)

Successful Respondent shall ensure all employees and subcontractor’s employees have passed comprehensive criminal background checks prior to performing work under this contract.

K. Security Policy

If applicable, the successful Respondent must adhere to the State of Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) Security policies located at:

http://www.oit.state.co.us/ois/policies.

L. RFP Response Material Ownership

CDLE has the right to retain the original proposal response and other proposal response materials for its files. As such, CDLE may retain or dispose of all copies as is lawfully deemed appropriate. Proposal response materials may be reviewed by any person after the "Notice of Intent to Award" has been posted on VSS, subject to the terms of Section 24-72-201 et seq., C.R.S., as amended, Public (Open) Records.

CDLE has the right to use any or all information/material presented in reply to the RFP, subject to limitations outlined in the paragraph, Confidential/Proprietary Information herein. Respondent expressly agrees CDLE may use the materials for all lawful State purposes, including the right to reproduce and distribute copies of the material submitted for purposes of evaluation, and as part of the resulting contract, and to make

Request for Information http://www.oit.state.co.us/ois/policies the information available to the public in accordance with the provisions of the Public Records Act.

M. Certification of Independent Price

Determination

Except as otherwise disclosed with particularity, through its submission of a proposal, the Respondent certifies the prices and other terms in the offer have been arrived at independently without any consultation, communication, agreement with, or knowledge of the contents of the offer by any other competing Respondent. For purposes of this paragraph, "consultation, communication, agreement with, or knowledge" does not include knowledge of prices or terms gained through availability of established price lists or catalogues made available to the public by the competing Respondent. No attempt has been made or will be made by the Respondent to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition.

N. Ownership of Contract Products/Services

Upon the established RFP close date, submissions become the property of the State.

All products and/or services produced in response to the contract resulting from this RFP will be the sole property of the State, unless otherwise noted in the RFP or contract. The contents of the successful Respondent’s proposal will become contractual obligations.

O. Standard Contract

The successful Respondent is required to enter into a formal commitment document with CDLE. Any commitment document resulting from this RFP will incorporate standard State contract terms, including Special Provisions or Purchase Order Terms & Conditions, if applicable. These terms are included in the Sample Agreement included in the Attachments. The Sample Agreement indicates notes to the Respondent(s) related to items that are non-negotiable by CDLE. Respondent(s) should NOT submit proposals if they are unwilling to agree to the CDLE Sample Agreement non-negotiable terms and conditions.

Respondents must clearly identify any exceptions to the terms and conditions described in this RFP and provide justification and alternative language on Attachment form as part of the proposal response. Failure to provide this information will result in CDLE’s assumption that Respondent(s) agree to all language as provided in the Sample Agreement.

Respondents are strongly encouraged to seek advice from legal counsel regarding such contractual exceptions. Respondents should not assume any term or condition in this RFP is negotiable. In the event the parties are unable to negotiate terms that are fully satisfactory to CDLE within a reasonable period of time, at CDLE’s sole discretion, CDLE may elect to enter into negotiations with another vendor within the competitive range.

If a “Notice of Intent to Make an Award” has been issued and the parties are unable to enter into a contract that is fully satisfactory to CDLE within a reasonable period of time, at CDLE’s sole discretion, CDLE may elect to cancel the “Notice of Intent to Make an Award” and commence contract negotiations with another vendor within the competitive range. All negotiated contracts are subject to required State approvals.

P. Insurance

Awarded Respondent should agree to CDLE’s Insurance Requirements found in the Sample Agreement included in the Attachments and provide a copy of a valid insurance certificate prior to commencement of any work or services.

Q. Non-Discrimination

Respondents shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local laws, ordinances, executive orders, and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, and sex, including but not limited to: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (P.L. 88-352), 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Unless required by federal law or regulation, employers may not automatically bar applicants or employees with an arrest or conviction record from employment.

R. Section 508 Compliance

If applicable, all electronic and information technology deliverables under this solicitation shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 (d); 36 CFR Part 1194) and the Access Board Standards. Section 508 requires that accessibility for people with disabilities is incorporated into all electronic and information technology developed, procured and maintained under the resulting solicitation award.

The solution shall also conform to the most current version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) available at https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ Ability to conform to these standards will be verified through a demonstration by the vendor. The vendor shall provide a policy, commitment, or mission statement regarding electronic accessibility.

Request for Information https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

● State of Colorado Accessibility Statement

● C.R.S. 24-85-104, ARTICLE 85. "INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS FOR

INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED", (PDF)

● TS-OEA-001: Technology Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, (PDF)

● TS-OEA-002: Technology Accessibility for Web Content and Applications, (PDF)

● WCAG 2.1 Standards, W3C

● Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section508.gov

S. Minority and Women-Owned Business and Small

Business Enterprises

CDLE is dedicated to creating, operating, and maintaining a procurement and contracting system that provides all Colorado individuals and businesses, including minority and/or women-owned enterprises (M/WBE) and small business enterprises, with an equal and fair opportunity to compete for CDLE business. Respondents should take all necessary affirmative steps, as required by 45 CFR 93.36(3), Colorado Executive Orders, and Procurement Rules, to ensure small, minority, and women business enterprises are utilized, when feasible, as sources of supplies, equipment, construction, and services purchased under awarded contract.

In an effort to track levels of participation by women or minorities doing business with the State of Colorado, a Minority and Women-Owned Business Self Certification should be submitted with final proposals to this RFP. The Certification may be found in the Attachments.

T. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 24-103-905 allows for a preference to

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). To qualify for this preference, a SDVOSB should submit documentation of SDVOSB certification issued through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with their offer. Any SDVOSB certification submitted shall be verified by CDLE.

U. Apprenticeship

Pursuant to Executive Order D 2023 016 Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning for the State Workforce and Promoting Work-Based Learning as a Solution for Colorado

Employers, the State encourages Respondent(s) to build new or expand existing

Request for Information https://oit.stg.colorado.gov/standards-policies-guides/guide-to-accessible-web-services/state-of-colorado-accessibility https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/2000a_sl_315.pdf https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/2000a_sl_315.pdf https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_ZUv6gW8QZMenFUNlgxQ3dRZ28 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GTMGpJspCagbaVyw0OmMBgl35JgRYw1P/view?usp=sharing https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs to create more employment and career opportunities across the State.

V. Attachment A, Signature Page

This form must accompany all quotations. A person legally authorized to bind the company must sign.

RFP Title:

RFP Number:

Company Tax ID Number (FEIN):

Company DUNS Number:

Company Legal Name (per W-9):

Company DBA, if applicable:

Company Address:

Contact Name:

Contact Phone:

Contact Fax:

Contact Email:

Should this RFP be modified, Bidder shall indicate review of all modifications as published on VSS.

Our Company acknowledges receipt of the (RFP Title and #) Modification

Numbers (List all applicable numbers):

Signature of legally authorized representative ________________________________

Printed Name __________________________________________________________

Title _____________________________________________ Date ________________

Parent Company - A vendor, owned or controlled by a parent company must provide the name, main office address, and tax identification number of that company on a copy of this form. The tax identification number provided must be that of the vendor’s parent company who will be legally responsible for performing services under any commitment document resulting from this DQ.

THIS FORM MUST ACCOMPANY ALL PROPOSALS. A PERSON LEGALLY AUTHORIZED

TO BIND THE COMPANY MUST SIGN.

ATTACHMENT A

ATTACHMENT B - STATEMENT OF WORK

I. INTRODUCTION

The primary goal of this effort is to meet the USDOL requirement that states conduct rigorous evaluations of their Reemployment Services and Eligibility

Assessment (RESEA) programs to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

II. BACKGROUND

A. Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) is a mandatory

Unemployment Insurance program operated by the UI Division at CDLE. The aim of RESEA is to quickly connect UI claimants with services available in

Colorado Workforce Centers with the goal of reducing their weeks of unemployment through rapid engagement with reemployment services. The

Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 authorized the permanent and nationwide implementation of the RESEA program and encouraged states to conduct evaluations to build evidence that meet the CLEAR high or moderate causal evidence rating requirement set by DOL.

B. Many states are currently implementing RESEA programs that provide some combination of monitoring and services activities, as per DOL’s recommendations. UI would like to distinguish its RESEA program. UI’s current study is producing evidence that meets the high causal evidence CLEAR criteria, thereby contributing to the portfolio of evidence-based practices in this policy area and justifying continued Federal funding for the Colorado

RESEA program. Through an additional program study, UI would like to continue to provide evidence that the RESEA program is effective.

III. ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

The following table includes definitions for any unique symbols or notations that are used in the document

1. AJC: American Job Center, also referred to as Career One-Stop Center or

Workforce Center

2. CDLE: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

3. CLEAR: Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research

4. RCT: Randomized Controlled Trial

ATTACHMENT B

5. RESEA: Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment

6. UC: Unemployment Compensation

7. UI: Unemployment Insurance

8. UIPL: Unemployment Insurance Program Letter

9. USDOL: U.S. Department of Labor

10. WFC: Workforce Center

11. WPRS: Worker Profiling Reemployment Services

12. WIOA: Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act

IV. VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

1. Mandatory items for consideration of the contractor’s proposal:

A. Extensive knowledge of RESEA and WFC programs.

B. Experience with research design and conducting RCT impact evaluations.

C. Ability to ramp up quickly and begin a study during 2025.

D. Understanding of the goals of USDOL RESEA study requirements.

E. Ability to analyze and assess the current RESEA program & data to use current program data and new data to apply new study criteria.

F. Ability to sign a data sharing agreement and provide protection of CDLE program data.

2. Identify the required services, i.e. consulting, research, analysis, development, installation, testing, and training.

A. Data analysis and report preparation by the vendor based on study goals and requirements.

3. Software, hardware, and equipment requirements:

A. Access to a computer and the internet.

B. Ability to receive and process a file from CDLE

4. Expected end result:

A. Creation of an RCT impact evaluation which includes:

● Research questions

● Methodology

● Data collection

● Evaluation timelines

B. Adherence to USDOL’s CLEAR (Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and

Research) guidelines, which emphasize:

● Rigor – Use of reliable research methods

● Relevance – Addressing key reemployment and UI-related outcomes

● Replicability – Ensuring findings can inform national best practices

C. The proposed design should not disrupt regular program operations.

ATTACHMENT B

D. The vendor will provide policy-relevant analysis, including the use of state-of-the-art analytic methods and state UI data to create a multi-year program study that provides evidence as to whether the

RESEA program is effective. Proposed study areas should consider whether the Colorado RESEA program reduces UI benefit duration, increases reemployment rates, and improves cost-effectiveness, etc.

E. The vendor will produce an interim report each year of the study along with a final evaluation report due at the conclusion of the study.

F. Final report must be compliant with the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) Technology Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities Standard (TS-OEA-001) found at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_ZUv6gW8QZMenFUNlgxQ3dRZ2

8.

V. STATES RESPONSIBILITIES

1. CDLE will provide RESEA program information and subject matter expertise to the vendor as requested to finalize study parameters.

2. CDLE will work with the vendor to facilitate successful file transfer of RESEA program data to the vendor.

3. CDLE will provide a project manager to coordinate communication, status reporting and project oversight.

4. CDLE project team will be available to meet with the RESEA program study team on a regular basis throughout the duration of the study.

VI. PROJECT TIMELINE

CDLE would prefer that the study begin in 2025 with a duration of 36-42 months. One interim report would be due each year of the study, with the final evaluation report due at the conclusion of the study. The vendor will provide a total of 4 reports as a component of the study.

ATTACHMENT B

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_ZUv6gW8QZMenFUNlgxQ3dRZ28 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_ZUv6gW8QZMenFUNlgxQ3dRZ28

Attachment C, Proposal Response Requirements

Any marketing material shall be limited to three pages in length

I. COMPANY OVERVIEW/RESUMES

1. When was your company founded?

2. Provide an organizational overview and resumes of key personnel (i.e., project managers, and others who might be involved in this project).

3. Has your company ever operated under another name? If yes, please provide details.

4. Provide details of any changes to (ownership, structure or acquisitions) in the last 12 months.

5. Describe your top 3 customers and percentage of your revenue they generate?

6. Do you subcontract part or subcontract the work, If so what areas and to whom?

7. Do you have experience doing business with the State of Colorado?

8. Explain your organization's approach to account management?

9. How do you ensure effective communication with your client companies?

10. Please provide three complete and separate client references.

11. Do you have experience doing business with other State Labor and Employment

Agencies?

II. TECHNICAL

1. Describe your primary business focus, areas of expertise, or credentials relevant to the content of this RFP, and/or experience with similar projects?

2. Describe how status updates will be provided, including how to report on tasks completed and upcoming, risk assessment and mitigation, scope/schedule/cost and overall project status, etc?

3. Describe the top 2 - 3 projects you implemented that were similar in scope?

4. What have been lessons learned with similar projects?

5. Describe the key personnel from your company required to complete this project?

III. TOTAL COST

1. Explain your primary pricing model and costs?

2. Estimated hourly costs/position titles for the proposed team from the vendor?

3. Estimated monthly and yearly costs?

4. Describe any additional costs not specifically broken down as part of this RFP?

5. Please provide a total cost for this project?

ATTACHMENT C

Attachment D, Sample Contract

See Separate Document - Titled Attachment D - Sample Contract - in Word Format

ATTACHMENT D

Attachment E, Contract Certification Form

RFP# KABA 2025000285

I, on behalf of the Respondent identified below, hereby certify I have read a copy of the sample contract attached to the RFP and understand the terms and provisions contained in that contract. I agree not to request changes to the sections of the attached Sample Contract marked non-negotiable and that I have proposed pricing information to cover any issues I may have. I further hereby certify it is the Respondent’s intent to comply with each and every term and provision contained in the sample contract and propose no modifications to the sample contract except as follows:

1) ________________________________________________________________

2) ________________________________________________________________

3) ________________________________________________________________

I understand the modification(s) stated above, if any, are offered for discussion purposes only and the State of Colorado reserves the right to accept, reject, or future negotiate any and all proposed modifications to the sample contract. I further understand a redlined version of the sample contract should be included in the proposal response should any modifications be desired.

Company Legal Name: ___________________________________________________

Authorized Signature: ____________________________________________________

Signatory’s Full Name: ___________________________________________________

Signatory’s Title: ________________________________________________________

Date of Signature: _______________________________________________________

ATTACHMENT E

Attachment F, Work Outside Colorado and the

United States

Procurement and Contract Services

633 17th Street, Suite 1200 Denver, CO 80202-3660 | (303) 318-8000 | colorado.gov/cdle

RFP Title and Number

Vendor/Contractor Legal Name

Vendor/Contractor Signature

Date

Printed Name of Signer

Title

Vendor/Contractor Disclosure Statement

Contract Performance Outside the United States or Colorado

Colorado Revised Statute 24-102-206

To the extent the vendor and/or contractor has not disclosed the following information in the Statement of Work, this form shall be completed and returned to the contracting agency prior to the performance of work. This applies to all state contracts (including purchase orders) and solicitations for services executed after

August 3, 2007.

1. Are any services under the contract or any subcontracts anticipated to be performed outside the United States or the State of Colorado? (circle one)

Yes No

If “Yes” please complete the following two questions:

2. Where will the services be performed under the contract, including any subcontracts? (List country(ies) and/or state(s).

ATTACHMENT F

3. Explain why it is necessary or advantageous to go outside the United States or the State of Colorado to perform the contract or any subcontracts. Attach additional pages if necessary.

In part, C.R.S. 24-102-206 states:

4. Prior to contracting or as a requirement for the solicitation of any contract from the state for services, as appropriate, any prospective vendor shall disclose in a statement of work where services will be performed under the contract, including any subcontracts, and whether any services under the contract or any subcontracts are anticipated to be performed outside the

United States or the state. If the prospective vendor anticipates services under the contract or any subcontracts will be performed outside the United States or the state, the vendor shall provide in its statement of work a provision setting forth why it is necessary or advantageous to go outside the United States or the state to perform the contract or any subcontracts.

At the conclusion of Contractor performance, Contractor will be required to submit actual figures detailing the extent to which services, including those of subcontractors, were performed outside the State of Colorado and/or the United

States.

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

ATTACHMENT F

Attachment G, Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Respondents should state whether there are, or potentially could be, actual or perceived organizational or other conflicts of interest with the State of Colorado, CDLE, or CDLE employees with regard to: this RFP, Respondent’s submission to this

RFP, Respondent’s staff, or Respondent’s proposed subcontractors. Attach additional pages if necessary.

Procurement and Contract Services Unit reserves the right to make a non-responsive determination on a Respondent’s quotation or cancel the award of a successful Respondent’s quotation if there is a conflict and/or a perceived conflict disclosed from any other source.

Is your company registered with the Colorado Secretary of State (circle one):

Yes

No

If “Yes” Provide a copy of the respective Certificate of Good Standing.

ATTACHMENT G

Attachment H, Confidentiality Request

Respondent should describe here what elements of its proposal, if any, it considers confidential/proprietary. Any element of its proposal not listed here and/or co-mingled with the proposal documents as a whole will not be considered confidential/proprietary.

● Quotation Element:

○ Justification for Confidentiality Request:

ATTACHMENT H

Attachment I, Minority and Women-Owned

Businesses (M/WBEs)

Please check all the boxes that apply.

In an effort to track levels of participation by women and minorities doing business with the State of Colorado, the following information is requested. Please indicate the appropriate category of ownership for your company. “Owned” in this context means a business that is at least 51 percent owned by an individual(s) who also control(s) and operate(s) it. “Control” in this context means exercising the power to make policy decisions. “Operate” means actively involved in the day-to-day management. If your business is jointly owned by both men and women or is a large publicly held corporation, please check the box labeled “Not Applicable.”

Gender Information:

⃞ Female Owned

⃞ Male Owned

⃞ Not Applicable

Owner Ethnicity Information:

⃞ African American

⃞ Asian/Pacific American

⃞ Hispanic American

⃞ Native American

⃞ White (non-Hispanic)

⃞ Not Applicable

⃞ Other:

Small Business Information:

A small business is defined as: a business organized for profit, is independently owned and operated, and has 25 or fewer full time equivalent employees. Are you a small business?

⃞ Yes

⃞ No

ATTACHMENT I

Attachment J, Vendor Accessibility Guidelines and

Checklist

This checklist will be referred to before purchasing digital products and services.

Bidder shall indicate whether the goods and/or services…