RFP Document.pdf

Dated 10/16/23

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

OFFICE OF FAMILY NUTRITION SERVICES

600 EAST CAPITOL AVENUE

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA 57501

BREASTFEEDING PEER COUNSELING SERVICES

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM CT January 10, 2025.

RFP #: 25-0904004-005 State POC: Stacy Palm EMAIL: sdwic@state.sd.us

READ CAREFULLY

FIRM NAME: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

ADDRESS: TYPE OR PRINT NAME:

CITY/STATE: TELEPHONE NO:

ZIP (9 DIGIT): FAX NO:

E-MAIL:

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE NO:

FAX NO: E-MAIL:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Manage the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program within the South Dakota Department of Health Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program.

Subrecipient agrees to carry out all administrative and supervisory responsibilities and provide fiscal management for this contractual agreement. Subrecipient will work with the Breastfeeding Coordinator if disciplinary action is needed. The BFPC responsibility is to provide basic breastfeeding education/support and encouragement to WIC pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers. The purpose of this program is to provide mother to mother support mainly through electronic interactions that include text, phone, emails, virtual consultation, virtual help desk and/or face-to-face visits. The goal of the program is to increase the number of WIC mothers who breastfeed and increase the duration of time in which they breastfeed. Additionally, the BFPC will assist the WIC Program in the overall promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding through breastfeeding support groups, special projects, attendance at trainings and meetings and word of mouth.

1.2 ISSUING OFFICE AND RFP REFERENCE NUMBER

The Office of Family Nutrition Services is the issuing office for this document and all subsequent addenda relating to it, on behalf of the State of South Dakota, Department of Health. The reference number for the transaction is RFP #25-0904004-005. This number must be referred to on all proposals, correspondence, and documentation relating to the RFP.

1.3 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

RFP Publication September 30, 2024

Offeror Questions Due Responses to Offeror Questions

November 20, 2024

December 13, 2024

Proposal Submission January 10, 2025

Proposal Revisions (if required) February 7, 2025 Anticipated Award Decision/Contract Negotiation February 21, 2025

1.4 SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL

An electronic copy must be submitted via email to SDWIC@state.sd.us by the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. It must include a wet signature, signed in blue ink, by an officer of the responder, legally authorized to bind the responder to the proposal. Proposals that are not properly signed may be rejected.

Proposals received after the deadline will be late and ineligible for consideration.

No proposal shall be accepted from, or no contract or purchase order shall be awarded to any person, firm or corporation that is in arrears upon any obligations to the State of South Dakota, or that otherwise may be deemed irresponsible or unreliable by the State of South Dakota.

1.5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILITY AND

VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION – LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

Bidders submitting a response to the Department’s RFP make each of the following certifications.

By signing and submitting this proposal, the offeror certifies that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation, by any Federal department or agency, from transactions involving the use of Federal funds. Where the offeror is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, the bidder shall attach an explanation to their offer.

1.6 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The State of South Dakota requires that all contractors, vendors, and suppliers doing business with any State agency, department, or institution, provide a statement of non-discrimination. By signing and submitting their proposal, the offeror certifies they do not discriminate in their employment practices with regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, ancestry, national origin or disability.

1.7 BUSINESS WITH A PROHIBITED ENTITY

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by SDCL 5-18A. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.8 BUSINESS THAT BOYCOTTS PERSON OR ENTITY OF ISRAELI ORIGIN

For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

1.9 CERTIFICATION OF NO STATE LEGISLATOR INTEREST

Offeror (i) understands neither a state legislator nor a business in which a state legislator has an ownership interest may be directly or indirectly interested in any contract with the State that was authorized by any law passed during the term for which that legislator was elected, or within one year thereafter, and (ii) has read South Dakota Constitution Article 3, Section 12 and has had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice on the applicability of that provision to any Agreement entered into as a result of this RFP. By signing an Agreement pursuant to this RFP, Offeror hereby certifies that the Agreement is not made in violation of the South Dakota Constitution Article 3, Section 12.

1.10 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by the offeror prior to the established due date and time.

No oral, telephonic, telegraphic or facsimile responses or modifications to informal, formal bids, or Request for Proposals will be considered.

In the event the winning proposer’s contract is withdrawn or terminated for any reason, the State reserves the right to revisit the selection of the RFP, and select the next highest scoring qualified bidder, subject to the condition that the offer, as made in the bid, is still valid from the bidder.

1.11 OFFEROR INQUIRIES

Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to sdwic@state.sd.us with the subject line “RFP #25-0904004-005”

The State will to respond to offeror’s inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State’s response will be posted on the state’s e-procurement system. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.

1.12 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The proposal of the successful offeror(s) becomes public information. Proprietary information can be protected under limited circumstances such as client lists, non-public financial statements, personnel information other than salaries and routine directory information, financial information supplied for qualifying for a bid submitted to the department.

If the bidder desires to protect proprietary or trade information, the bidder shall mark that information in the RFP as proprietary or trade information. It may be contained in a single section or marked by the use of font, size, or markings. An entire proposal may not be marked as proprietary. The Executive Summary must contain specific justification explaining why the information is to be protected. The Department staff will review what information is claimed to be proprietary or trade information and make discretionary decisions regarding its protection under the Public Records Act. All materials submitted become the property of the State of South Dakota and may be returned only at the State's option.

1.13 LENGTH OF CONTRACT

The contract will begin on June 1, 2025.

The contract will end on May 31, 2030.

1.14 DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS (ORAL PRESENTATION/NEGOTIATIONS)

An oral presentation by an offeror to clarify a proposal may be required at the sole discretion of the State. However, the State may award a contract based on the initial proposals received without discussion with the Offeror. If oral presentations are required, they will be scheduled after the submission of proposals. Oral presentations will be made at the offeror’s expense.

This process is a Request for Proposal/Competitive Negotiation process. Each Proposal shall be evaluated, and each respondent shall be available for negotiation meetings at the State’s request.

The State reserves the right to negotiate on any and/or all components of every proposal submitted. From the time the proposals are submitted until the formal award of a contract, each proposal is considered a working document and as such, will be kept confidential. The negotiation discussions will also be held as confidential until such time as the award is completed.

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Any contract or agreement resulting from this RFP will include the State’s standard terms and conditions as listed below, along with any additional terms and conditions as negotiated by the parties:

In the RFP response the bidder should provide some indication whether the terms are acceptable, if negotiation is required or the terms are unacceptable. The State reserves the right to disqualify the bidder based upon terms it deems “NOT AGREEABLE” or if negotiation does not yield an acceptable agreement by the state. These indications assist the parties draft a contract more quickly upon selection.

Agreeable Negotiable Not Agreeable

2.1 The Contractor will perform those services described in the Scope of Work, attached hereto as Section 3 of the RFP and by this reference incorporated herein.

2.2 The Contractor’s services under this Agreement shall commence on June 1, 2025, and end on May 31, 2030, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

2.3 The Contractor will not use State equipment, supplies or facilities.

The Contractor will provide the State with its Employer Identification Number, Federal Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number upon execution of this Agreement.

2.4 The State will make payment for services upon satisfactory completion of the services. The TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT is an amount not to exceed $________________. The State will not pay Contractor's expenses as a separate item. Payment will be made pursuant to itemized invoices submitted with a signed state voucher. Payment will be made consistent with SDCL ch. 5-26

2.5 The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability or other proceedings that may arise as the result of performing services hereunder. This section does not require the Contractor to be responsible for or defend against claims or damages arising solely from errors or omissions of the State, its officers, agents or employees

2.6 The Contractor, at all times during the term of this Agreement, shall obtain and maintain in force insurance coverage of the types and with the limits as follows:

A. Commercial General Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain occurrence based commercial general liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit it shall apply separately to this Agreement or be no less than two times the occurrence limit.

B. Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous

Professional Liability Insurance:

The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain professional liability insurance or miscellaneous professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000.00.

C. Business Automobile Liability Insurance:

The Contractor shall maintain business automobile liability insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 for each accident. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

D. Worker’s Compensation Insurance:

The Contractor shall procure and maintain workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance as required by South Dakota law.

Before beginning work under this Agreement, Contractor shall furnish the State with properly executed Certificates of Insurance which shall clearly evidence all insurance required in this Agreement. In the event a substantial change in insurance, issuance of a new policy, cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy, the Contractor agrees to provide immediate notice to the State and provide a new certificate of insurance showing continuous coverage in the amounts required.

Contractor shall furnish copies of insurance policies if requested by the State.

2.7 While performing services hereunder, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an officer, agent, or employee of the State of South Dakota.

2.8 Contractor agrees to report to the State any event encountered in the course of performance of this Agreement which results in injury to the person or property of third parties, or which may otherwise subject Contractor or the State to liability. Contractor shall report any such event to the State immediately upon discovery.

Contractor's obligation under this section shall only be to report the occurrence of any event to the State and to make any other report provided for by their duties or applicable law. Contractor's obligation to report shall not require disclosure of any information subject to privilege or confidentiality under law (e.g., attorney-client communications). Reporting to the State under this section shall not excuse or satisfy any obligation of Contractor to report any event to law enforcement or other entities under the requirements of any applicable law

2.9 This Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto upon thirty (30) days written notice. In the event the Contractor breaches any of the terms or conditions hereof, this Agreement may be terminated by the State at any time with or without notice. If termination for such a default is effected by the State, any payments due to Contractor at the time of termination may be adjusted to cover any additional costs to the State because of Contractor's default.

Upon termination the State may take over the work and may award another party an agreement to complete the work under this Agreement. If after the State terminates for a default by Contractor it is determined that Contractor was not at fault, then the Contractor shall be paid for eligible services rendered and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.

2.10 This Agreement depends upon the continued availability of appropriated funds and expenditure authority from the Legislature for this purpose. If for any reason the Legislature fails to appropriate funds or grant expenditure authority, or funds become unavailable by operation of law or federal funds reductions, this Agreement will be terminated by the State. Termination for any of these reasons is not a default by the State nor does it give rise to a claim against the State.

2.11 This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the State. This Agreement may not be amended except in writing, which writing shall be expressly identified as a part hereof, and be signed by an authorized representative of each of the parties hereto.

2.12 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in

accordance with the laws of the State of South Dakota. Any lawsuit pertaining to or affecting this Agreement shall be venued in Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County, South Dakota.

2.13 The Contractor will comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements applicable to providing services pursuant to this Agreement, and will be solely responsible for obtaining current information on such requirements.

2.14 The Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform the services described herein without the express prior written consent of the State. The Contractor will include provisions in its subcontracts requiring its subcontractors to comply with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, to indemnify the State, and to provide insurance coverage for the benefit of the State in a manner consistent with this Agreement. The Contractor will cause its subcontractors, agents, and employees to comply, with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, guidelines, permits and requirements and will adopt such review and inspection procedures as are necessary to assure such compliance.

2.15 Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that all reports, plans, specifications, technical data, miscellaneous drawings, software system programs and documentation, procedures, or files, operating instructions and procedures, source code(s) and documentation, including those necessary to upgrade and maintain the software program, and all information contained therein provided to the State by the Contractor in connection with its performance of services under this Agreement shall belong to and is the property of the State and will not be used in any way by the Contractor without the written consent of the State. Papers, reports, forms, software programs, source code(s) and other material which are a part of the work under this Agreement will not be copyrighted without written approval of the State.

2.16 The Contractor certifies that neither Contractor nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or suspension, or declared ineligible from participating in transactions by the federal government or any state or local government department or agency. Contractor further agrees that it will immediately notify the State if during the term of this Agreement Contractor or its principals become subject to debarment, suspension or ineligibility from participating in transactions by the federal government, or by any state or local government department or agency.

2.17 Any notice or other communication required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the address set forth above.

Notices shall be given by and to ___________________ on behalf of the State, and by ________________, on behalf of the Contractor, or such authorized designees as either party may from time to time designate in writing. Notices or communications to or between the parties shall be deemed to have been delivered when mailed by first class mail, provided that notice of default or termination shall be sent by registered or certified mail, or, if personally delivered, when received by such party.

2.18 In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction shall hold any provision of this Agreement unenforceable or invalid, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision hereof.

2.19 All other prior discussions, communications and representations concerning the subject matter of this Agreement are superseded by the terms of this Agreement, and except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof.

2.20 Venue for any and all legal action regarding or arising out of the transaction covered herein shall be solely in the State of South Dakota. The laws of South Dakota shall govern this transaction.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

• Vendor will comply with the terms and conditions of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 which WIC is section 1786: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10328/pdf/COMPS-10328.pdf. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3307

• Vendor agrees to hire, train, discipline, manage and provide oversight of the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling (BFPC) Program staff including paraprofessionals, known as Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, and Breastfeeding Specialist designated to complete the roles and responsibilities outlined in this contract. See Attachment A, B and C.

• Vendor ensures that all new Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are trained using the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum. In addition, all BFPCs will complete the cultural competency and general WIC orientation modules as well as an annual confidentiality, civil rights, and HIPAA training provided by the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. All training using USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum will be tracked by the sub-recipient agency. All other trainings will be tracked by the State.

• Maintain current and accurate information on all materials being used for participant education.

New materials must be approved prior to use by the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.

• Submit a monthly Detailed Expense Report, Monthly Report for each Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Breastfeeding Specialist and Project Administrator. Reports must be submitted by the 10th of each month to the Central Office WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. The following information must be included:

o Detailed Expense Report (see attachment D). Additional information that must be included for each BFPC staff including hourly wages, gross income, social security expense, Medicare expense, and net pay.

o Receipts must accompany all purchases (supplies, internet/phone expense, hotel rooms, etc.)

o Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Monthly Reports (attachment E). Monthly reports must include caseload data (participation by clinic, type and number of counseling contacts, new referrals, and breastfeeding participants graduating from the program at 12 months post-partum), information on outreach, impact on area/participants, trainings attended and miscellaneous items.

o Breastfeeding Specialist Monthly Report (attachment F). Monthly reports must include caseload data (number of contacts with Peer Counselors, number of formal referrals from Peer Counselors, type and number of counseling contacts, breastfeeding class and support group attendance), Peer Counselor monitoring in Zendesk, Peer Counselor https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10328/pdf/COMPS-10328.pdf https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3307 https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3307 mentoring, impact, new ideas or recommendations, requests or concerns, training development and presentation, training and meeting attendance and miscellaneous items.

o Project Administrator Monthly Report (attachment G). Monthly report must include monthly highlights, outreach, requests or recommendations to WIC and miscellaneous items.

• There are currently nine (9) part time Peer Counselors and one (1) part time Breastfeeding Specialist in locations throughout the state. The number and location of BFPC staff is subject to change depending on turnover and funding allocated by USDA – Food and Nutrition Services.

Annual Reviews of each BFPC staff are required and may be completed onsite or through a virtual platform. Consultation will be conducted with each BFPC staff to discuss results of the annual review to ensure the program is meeting the needs of participants. Annual Reviews will include the following:

o Participant chart reviews (attachment H and I) – Conducted through WIC’s management information system (WIC-IT) and software used by Maia Synergy’s Peer Counselor Tracker (PCT), Zendesk and/or Textline.

o Participant and clinic staff surveys – Conducted by Survey Monkey with the links shared by BFPC staff with WIC staff and participants.

o BFPC Feedback Form (attachment J) – A form evaluating job satisfaction.

• Peer-to-Peer Reviews will be completed at least two times per year by assigning BFPC staff together in groups and giving them a participant from each other’s caseload to review (attachment K).

• Periodic Reviews must also occur to assure the participants are being contacted per guidelines, documentation is timely and complete, to provide training for new employees and/or to deal with personnel issues.

• Assure timesheets for payroll is completed accurately and submitted by BFPC staff weekly (see attachment L).

o Make monthly payments to BFPC staff upon satisfaction that services have been completed timely and accurately.

• Vendor will work cooperatively with the Local Agency Breastfeeding Coordinators and the Regional Teams to coordinate communication and assure referrals are happening.

o Coordinate monthly virtual meetings including sending out agendas and providing meeting minutes.

o Coordinate and plan an annual BFPC conference, can be virtual or in-person, with collaboration from the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.

• Complete an annual report for the 12-month contract period and submit to the Central Office WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator by June 10th to be included in the WIC State Plan. Annual report must include:

o Total number of participants served during 12-month contract period o Total training opportunities provided to the BFPC staff o Total number of hours of breastfeeding services provided per BFPC staff and total for all staff.

o Total costs of each BFPC staff and the subrecipient.

o Total number of Breastfeeding Classes/Support Groups.

o Final Expense report for the annual costs per category.

• Provide all necessary supplies to complete job duties. Supply purchases must be approved by WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator prior to the purchase to assure that they qualify as allowable expenses, prior to reimbursement.

• Complete subrecipient close out report within 30 days of the end of the contract.

• Provide an annual budget for BFPC in March of each year (attachment M).

• Must assure that the BFPC staff comply with the following:

o SD DOH policies No. 10 Communications-Social Media Accounts, No 10.1 Health

Communication and Marketing Review and Approval and No. 60 Respectful Workplace.

3.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 The offeror is cautioned that it is the offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and that the State of South Dakota is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. The offeror's failure to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the proposal.

3.2 Offeror's Contacts: Offerors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc. to the buyer of record indicated on the first page of this RFP. Offerors and their agents may not contact any state employee other than the buyer of record regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Offerors and their agents who have questions regarding this matter should contact the buyer of record.

3.3 Provide the following information related to at least three previous and current service/contracts, performed by the offeror’s organization, which are similar to the requirements of this RFP.

a. Name, address and telephone number of client/contracting agency and a representative of that agency who may be contacted for verification of all information submitted;

b. Dates of the service/contract; and

c. A brief, written description of the specific prior services performed and requirements thereof.

4.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORMAT

4.1 An electronic original of the proposal shall be submitted to the Department.

4.1.1 The offeror shall provide an electronically formatted copy of their proposal via email by the due date.

4.1.2 The proposal shall be page numbered and should have an index and/or a table of contents referencing the appropriate page number.

4.2 REQUIRED ORGANIZATION OF EACH PROPOSAL

All proposals must be organized, tabbed with labels and presented in this exact order:

4.2.1 RFP Form. The State’s Request for Proposal form (1st page of RFP) completed and signed.

4.2.2 Executive Summary. The one-to-two-page executive summary is to briefly describe the offeror's proposal. This summary should highlight the major features of the proposal. It must indicate any requirements that cannot be met by the offeror. The reader should be able to determine the essence of the proposal by reading the executive summary.

Proprietary information requests should be identified in this section.

4.2.3 Detailed Response. This section should constitute the major portion of the proposal and must contain at least the following information:

4.2.3.1 A complete narrative of the offeror's assessment of the work to be performed, the offeror’s ability and approach, and the resources necessary to fulfill the requirements. This should demonstrate the offeror's understanding of the desired overall performance expectations.

4.2.3.2 A specific point-by-point response, in the order listed, to each requirement in the

RFP. The response should identify each requirement being addressed as enumerated in the RFP.

4.2.3.3 A clear description of any options or alternatives proposed.

4.2.4 Cost Proposal. Cost will be evaluated independently from the technical proposal.

Offerors may submit multiple cost proposals. All costs related to the provision of the required services must be included in each cost proposal offered.

See section 6.0 for more information related to the cost proposal.

4.2.5 Experience and reliability of the offeror's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process. Therefore, the offeror is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFP.

4.2.6 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the offeror to perform the requirements of this RFP, whether from the offeror's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the offeror should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

5.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

5.1 After determining that a proposal satisfies the mandatory requirements stated in the Request for Proposal, the evaluator(s) shall use subjective judgment in conducting a comparative assessment of the proposal by considering each of the following criteria:

5.1.1 Specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence as demonstrated by the proposed approach and methodology to meet the project requirements;

5.1.2 Resources available to perform the work, including any specialized services, within the specified time limits for the project;

5.1.3 Record of past performance, including price and cost data from previous projects, quality of work, ability to meet schedules, cost control, and contract administration;

5.1.4 Availability to the project locale;

5.1.5 Familiarity with the project locale;

5.1.6 Proposed project management techniques; and

5.1.7 Ability and proven history in handling special project constraints.

5.2 Experience and reliability of the offeror's organization are considered subjectively in the evaluation process. Therefore, the offeror is advised to submit any information which documents successful and reliable experience in past performances, especially those performances related to the requirements of this RFP.

5.3 The qualifications of the personnel proposed by the offeror to perform the requirements of this RFP, whether from the offeror's organization or from a proposed subcontractor, will be subjectively evaluated. Therefore, the offeror should submit detailed information related to the experience and qualifications, including education and training, of proposed personnel.

5.4 The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the State of South Dakota.

5.5 Award: The requesting agency and the highest ranked offeror shall mutually discuss and refine the scope of services for the project and shall negotiate terms, including compensation and performance schedule.

5.5.1 If the agency and the highest ranked offeror are unable for any reason to negotiate a contract at a compensation level that is reasonable and fair to the agency, the agency shall, either orally or in writing, terminate negotiations with the contractor. The agency may then negotiate with the next highest ranked contractor.

5.5.2 The negotiation process may continue through successive offerors, according to agency ranking, until an agreement is reached or the agency terminates the contracting process.

5.5.3 If the agency negotiates a contract with any qualified vendor and the contract is terminated for any cause it may return to this bid and negotiate a contract with a qualified bidder.

6.0 COST PROPOSAL

Please provide a line-item budget detailing all expenses for salaries, supplies, administration, hotel, mileage, meals, training, indirect costs, phone/internet, postage and any anticipated miscellaneous expenses (example: Attachment M).

1.1 All Peer Counselors will be paid at an hourly wage dependent on years of service – no expenses for benefits will be included. FICA and unemployment insurance will be paid. If the legislature does approve annual raises the State will contact the Vendor with information on percentage of raise and timelines for implementation. Any annual raises will increase the starting pay for all new Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and will be applied to existing BFPC pay. Current pay includes:

1.1.1 Starting wage at $20.59/hour

1.1.2 After 1 year of service, $21.70/hour

1.1.3 After 3 years of service, $22.26/hour

1.1.4 After 6 years of service, $22.82/hour

1.1.5 After 10 years of service, $23.37/hour

1.1.6 Breastfeeding Specialist negotiable wage starting at $34.00/hour

1.1.7 Program Administrator at $27.82/hour

1.2 Costs associated with travel will be reimbursed at the current State Rates. Current State Rates:

1.2.1 Hotel – Maximum Rate plus tax

1. Standard rate = $107

2. Deadwood/Spearfish - Lawrence County

a. October – May = $107

b. June – September = $140

3. Hot Springs – Fall River/Custer Counties

a. October – May = $107

b. June – September = $161

4. Rapid City – Pennington County

a. September – May = $107

b. June – August= $158

1.2.2 Mileage – 0.655 cents per mile

1.2.3 Meals – Breakfast – $6.00, Lunch - $14.00, Supper - $20.00

1.3 Budget Line Items may include:

1.3.1 Personnel – list each staff person separately and include their total annual salary (no benefits included)

1.3.2 Travel – List all proposed travel expenses including formulas used to determine amounts (i.e. 100 miles x 0.655 = $65.50)

1.3.3 Communications – phone, data and internet expenses (State will pay a portion of their expenses as they also use the internet for personal use, up to $50.00).

1.3.4 Supplies/Materials (Office supplies, postage, printing, etc.) – include applicable supplies necessary, i.e. business cards, name tags, backpack, file cases, computer maintenance/repair, copier agreement. All supplies/materials must have prior approval before purchase.

1.3.5 Contract Oversight and Management - Postage, envelopes, paper, copies, equipment, professional services, liability and director’s insurance.

1.3.6 Other – This will be evaluated by the State and determined if this is an allowable cost associated with the administration of the contract.