RFP Final_University Program ROI Study.pdf

Version 8/2024

TITLE PAGE

FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS

BOG 24-003

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

FOR

University Degree Program ROI Study

Respondent Name:

Respondent Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone: Fax Number:

E-Mail Address:

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEID):

BY AFFIXING MY SIGNATURE ON THIS PROPOSAL TITLE PAGE, I HEREBY STATE THAT I

HAVE READ THE ENTIRE RFP TERMS, CONDITIONS, PROVISIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

AND ALL ITS ATTACHMENTS, INCLUDING THE REFERENCED PUR 1000 AND PUR 1001.

I hereby certify that my company, its employees, and its principals agree to all of the terms, conditions, provisions and specifications during the competitive solicitation and any resulting Contract including those contained in the Board Terms and Conditions.

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed (Typed) Name and Title:

*An authorized representative is an officer of the respondent’s organization who has legal authority to bind the organization to the provisions of the Proposals. This usually is the President, Chair of the Board, or owner of the entity.

Documentation establishing delegated authority must be included with the Proposal if signed by other than the authorized representative.

BOG24-003

Request for Proposal University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0: Introduction

SECTION 2.0: Procurement Rules and Information

SECTION 3.0: Instructions for Proposal Submittal

SECTION 4.0: Special Conditions

SECTION 5.0: Proposal Evaluation Process and Criteria…………………………………….

ATTACHMENT A: Scope of Services

ATTACHMENT B: Cost Proposal

ATTACHMENT C: Evaluation Criteria

ATTACHMENT D: Prior Experience Form

ATTACHMENT E: Statement of Non-Collusion

ATTACHMENT F: Respondent Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies List……

ATTACHMENT G: Identical Tie Certification…………………………………….……………

ATTACHMENT H: Vendor Certification (PUR 7801) ………………………………………..

ATTACHMENT I: Forced Labor Certifications (PUR 2024) ……………….……..……..….

ATTACHMENT J: Foreign Countries of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355) ……………….

ATTACHMENT K: Subcontractors List……………………………………………………..…

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SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Statement of Purpose

The Board of Governors (the Board) is requesting proposals for an independent research organization to conduct an evaluation of five undergraduate programs within the State University System of Florida related to its operational costs, student outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) of each program.

1.2 Legal Authority

Chapter 287, Florida Statutes and Section 20.155, Florida Statutes.

1.3 Scope of Services

A detailed Scope of Services for this solicitation is provided as Scope of Services (Attachment A), in this RFP.

1.4 Incorporation by Reference

The PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001), and PUR 1000, General Contract Requirements (PUR 1000), are hereby incorporated by reference to the terms of this solicitation. Refer to Sections 3.1 and 4.1 of this RFP for further detail.

1.5 Solicitation Definitions

In addition to the definitions in the PUR 1000 and PUR 1001, and the Scope of Services (Attachment A), the following definitions also apply to this RFP:

Board: The Board of Governors; may be used interchangeably with BOG.

Business Days: Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time on all business days.

Calendar Days: All days, including weekends and holidays.

Contract: The Order that will be awarded to the successful Provider under this RFP, unless indicated otherwise.

Deliverable: A tangible, specific, quantifiable, and measurable event or item that must be produced to complete a project or part of a project directly related to the scope of services.

Minor Irregularity: As used in the context of this solicitation, indicates a variation from the RFP terms and conditions which does not affect the price of the Proposal, or give the Respondent an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by other Respondents, or does not adversely impact the interests of the Board.

Order: As used in the context of this solicitation, refers to a Purchase Order.

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Proposal: The complete written response of the Respondent to the RFP (technical and cost proposals), including properly completed forms, supporting documents, and attachments.

Respondent: The business entity that submits a proposal.

Provider: The successful Respondent awarded a contract by the Board in accordance with the terms of this RFP.

State: State of Florida.

Vendor Information Portal (VIP): Refers to the State of Florida’s internet-based vendor information system, which is available at: https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com.

Where there is a conflict between a definition in this solicitation, Section 1.5, above, and the definition in Scope of Services (Attachment A), the definition in this solicitation will prevail when the term is used in this solicitation. The definition in the Scope of Services (Attachment A), will prevail when the term is used in the Scope of Services (Attachment A).

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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SECTION 2.0 PROCUREMENT RULES AND INFORMATION

2.1 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer assigned to this solicitation is: Jillian Green

Florida Board of Governors Attention: Jillian Green 325 West Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Email: BOGPurch@flbog.edu

******ALL EMAILS TO THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER MUST CONTAIN THE

SOLICITATION NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL*************

2.2 Restrictions on Communications

Pursuant to section 287.057(25), Florida Statutes, “Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer listed in Section 2.1., above. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Proposal.”

2.3 Term

It is anticipated that the Contract resulting from this RFP will be from February 1, 2025, through March 31, 2025, or the Contract execution date whichever is later, subject to renewal as identified in Section 2.4. The Contract resulting from this RFP is contingent upon availability of funds.

2.4 Renewal

The Contract resulting from this solicitation may be renewed. Renewals may be made on a yearly basis for no more than three years beyond the initial contract, or for the term of the original contract, whichever is longer. Renewals must be in writing, subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the initial Contract and any written amendments signed by the parties. Renewals are contingent upon satisfactory fiscal and programmatic performance evaluations as determined by the Board and are subject to the availability of funds. Renewals of the initial contract are otherwise governed by Florida Statute 287.057(14).

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2.5 Timeline

EVENT DUE DATE LOCATION

RFP Advertised / Released

December 20, 1:00 p.m.

Posted to the Vendor Information Portal at:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

Questions Submitted (only email inquiries will be accepted)

Must be received

PRIOR TO:

January 8, 1:00 p.m.

Submit to: Florida Board of Governors Attention: Jillian Green E-mail: BOGPurch@flbog.edu

Answers to Questions

(Anticipated Date)

January 13, Posted to Vendor Information Portal at:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

Sealed Proposals (Electronic delivery pdf or Word format)

Must be received

PRIOR to:

January 21, 1:00 p.m.

PUBLIC OPENING

Public opening will be by conference call only. 888-585-9008 Participant #362-708-

510. Submission of proposals to:

BOGPurch@flbog.edu

Evaluation of Proposals

(Anticipated Date)

January 21, Evaluation Team Members to begin evaluations individually.

Posting of Intent to Award

(Anticipated Date)

January 28, Posted to the Vendor Information Portal at:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

2.6 Addenda

If the Board finds it necessary to supplement, modify, or interpret any portion of the solicitation during the procurement process, a written addendum will be posted on the VIP.

It is the responsibility of the Respondent to be aware of any addenda that might affect this RFP or their Proposal.

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2.7 Questions

This provision takes precedence over General Instruction #5 in PUR1001.

Questions related to this solicitation must be received, by email, by the Procurement Officer identified in Section 2.1, within the time indicated in Section 2.5. Verbal questions or those submitted after the period specified in Section 2.5 will not be addressed.

Answers to questions submitted in accordance with Section 2.5 will be posted on the

VIP.

2.8 Basis of Award

A single award will be made to the responsive, responsible Respondent offering the most advantageous Proposal through the evaluation of proposals in accordance with Section

5.2. The Board reserves the right to not make an award under this RFP, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

2.9 Identical Tie Proposals

In the event the Board’s evaluation results in identical scoring outcomes between two or more Respondents, the Board will provide the Identical Tie Certification, Attachment G, form for the affected Respondents to complete. If one or more Respondents are entitled to the certified veteran business enterprise preference specified in section 295.187, Florida Statutes, and one or more business entitled to this preference or another preference provided by law submit bids, proposals, or replies for procurement of commodities or contractual services which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality, and service, the Board will award the procurement or contract to the business having the smallest net worth. If one or more Respondents has the certified veteran preference, it and any other vendor entitled to another preference provided by law will be requested by the Board to submit Respondents net worth.

In the event the Board is unable to select a Respondent using the Tie Breaker Criteria specified in Attachment G, and the net worth criteria above, or if the net worth criteria above does not apply, then, the affected Respondent(s) name will be placed in a container for the Board’s Procurement Officer to randomly select the awardee of this solicitation. The date, time, and location will be posted on VIP.

2.10 Modifications and Withdrawal

A Respondent may modify or withdraw its Proposal at any time prior to the submittal deadline, as specified in Section 2.5, by submitting a request to the Procurement Officer.

Requests for modification or withdrawal of a submitted Proposal must be in writing and signed by an authorized signatory of the Respondent. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire Proposal will be returned to the Respondent and will not be considered unless resubmitted by the Proposal due date and time.

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2.11 Clarification Process

The Board may request clarification from the Respondent to resolve ambiguities or questioning information (i.e., minor irregularities) presented in its Proposal. Clarifications may be requested throughout this procurement process. The Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be in writing and must address only the information requested. The Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be submitted to the Board within the time specified by the Board.

2.12 Contract Formation

The Board will enter into a Contract with the awarded Provider pursuant to Section 2.8, Basis of Award. The Contract will incorporate the terms of the Scope of Services (Attachment A), the Board’s Order, and the awarded Provider’s Cost Proposal (Attachment B).

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SECTION 3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

3.1 General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001)

The General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001) is incorporated by reference in this solicitation. This document should not be returned with the Proposal. The PUR 1001 is located at http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780.

The terms of this solicitation control over any conflicting terms of the PUR 1001.

3.2 Proposal Format

This section describes the format in which Proposals are to be submitted. The Board discourages lengthy Proposals. Additional information deemed appropriate by the Respondent may be included but should be placed within the relevant section. Additional tabs beyond those designated in Section 3.3 will not be evaluated.

Proposals should be limited to a page size of 8.5” x 11” inches. Font size and style are at the Respondent’s discretion but must be at least 11 point. All pages must be sequentially numbered, and one-inch margins should be used.

All Proposals must contain the sections outlined below. Those sections are called “Tabs.” A “Tab,” as used herein, is a section separator, offset and labeled, so each Board Evaluator can easily turn to “Tabbed” sections during the evaluation process.

3.3 Proposal Contents

It is a mandatory requirement of this RFP that the Proposal contain the specified documents and address all items listed below. Proposals to this RFP should be prepared using simple terms and minimal technical or industry specific language. The Respondent must organize its Proposal submittal contents as follows:

3.3.1. TAB 1 – Mandatory Requirements

Respondents must complete and submit the following mandatory information or documentation as part of their Proposal by the time specified in Section 2.5. Any Reply which does not contain the information below will be deemed non-responsive to this RFP:

3.3.1.1. Minimum Experience and Qualifications: Respondents must provide with their Proposal a resume or written summary that demonstrates the following:

3.3.1.1.1. Respondent has completed ROI studies on programs in a public State University System.

3.3.1.1.1.1. Prefer completed ROI studies in multiple states.

http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780

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3.3.1.1.2. Respondent has prepared or collaborated on a minimum of one report working with state systems to develop and standardize outcomes across multiple universities.

3.3.1.1.3. Respondent has sophisticated databases/models which must capture credentials, skills, employers, sectors, and occupations, including salaries and wage histories.

3.3.1.1.4. Respondent has prepared or collaborated on a minimum of one report evaluating the career outcomes of graduates for universities and programs of study according to an array of standardized and comparable metrics.

3.3.1.1.5. Respondent has prepared or collaborated on a minimum of one report measuring the economic impact of graduates, including their participation in targeted growth sectors.

3.3.1.1.6. Respondent must provide a minimum of one and a

maximum of three relevant work samples demonstrating the respondent’s ability to perform the required services.

3.3.1.2 Proposals must be received by the time specified in the Timeline, Section 2.5.

3.3.1.3 Proposals must be received in the format specified in Section 3.2.

3.3.1.4 Copies of the Proposals must be received as specified in Section 3.3.

3.3.1.5 The Title Page of this RFP must be completed, signed, and returned with the Technical Proposal.

3.3.1.6 Cost Proposal (Attachment B) must be completed as specified in

Section 3.4.

3.3.1.7 Prior Experience Form (Attachment D) as specified in Section 3.9.

3.3.1.8 Statement of Non-Collusion (Attachment E), as specified in

Section 4.3.

3.3.1.9 Respondent Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists

(Attachment F), as specified in Section 4.2.

3.3.1.10 Identical Tie Certification form (Attachment G), as specified in Section 2.11.

3.3.1.11 Vendor Certification (PUR 7801) (Attachment H) must be completed and submit with the Proposal.

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3.3.1.12 Forced Labor Certifications (PUR 2024) (Attachment I) as specified in Section 4.6.

3.3.1.13 Foreign Countries of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355)

(Attachment J) as specified in Section 4.7.

3.3.1.14 Subcontractor Form (Attachment K), as specified in Section 4.9.

3.3.2 TAB 2 – Technical Proposal

The Respondent must provide a narrative of the information listed below.

Respondents should be thorough and detailed in their responses and are encouraged to include any additional relevant information that would assist in the evaluation of their Proposal. The Respondent must include:

3.3.2.1 Executive Overview: Ensure the overview includes the following:

3.3.2.1.1 Describe the Respondent’s understanding of the scope of the work included in this RFP.

3.3.2.1.2 Detail the Respondent’s ability to meet the qualifications to provide the required services.

3.3.2.1.3 Evidence that the Respondent is qualified to provide services.

3.3.2.1.4 Include a summary of the Respondent’s ability to meet the overall requirements in the timeframes established by the Board and provide examples where requested timeframes had been met under prior contracts.

3.3.2.2 Respondent must fully describe in its Proposal its plan for conducting each requirement identified in the Scope of Services (Attachment A).

3.3.3 TAB 3 – Cost Proposal (Sealed Separately)

The Respondent must separate the Cost Proposal (Attachment B) as described in Section 3.4.2.

3.4 Copies of Proposals

Respondents must submit the following copies:

3.4.1. Technical Proposal

One original and electronic copies of the Technical Proposal must be submitted no later than the date and time set forth in Section 2.5, the Timeline.

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Refer to Section 3.8 for information on redacting confidential information, if applicable.

Respondents must not disclose cost information in the body of the Technical Proposal. Including cost information will cause the Proposal to be disqualified (Mandatory Requirement, refer to Section 3.3.1).

3.4.2. Cost Proposal

One original electronic copy of the Cost Proposal (Mandatory Requirement, refer to Section 3.3) must be submitted using Cost Proposal (Attachment B) no later than the date and time set forth in the timeline.

The Cost Proposal (Attachment B) must be submitted separately and must be identified in accordance with Section 3.5. No additional documentation should be included in the Cost Proposal submission.

3.5 Proposal Labeling

3.5.1. Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal should be submitted and identified as follows:

BOG 24-003

Request for Proposal for University Program ROI Study Due:

Respondent’s Name

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

3.5.2. Cost Proposal

It is mandatory that the Respondent’s Cost Proposal be in a separate email and identified as follows:

BOG 24-003

Request for Proposal for University Program ROI Study Respondent’s Name

COST PROPOSAL

3.5.3. All proposals must be delivered electronically to BOGPurch@flbog.edu.

3.6 Instructions for Submittal

3.6.1. Respondents must complete, sign, and return the “Title Page” with the Proposal submittal.

3.6.2. Respondents must complete, sign, and return the “Cost Proposal” in a separate email with the Proposal submittal.

3.6.3. Respondents must submit all technical and cost data in the formats specified in the RFP.

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3.6.4. Proposals must be sent via email to the location indicated in Section 2.5., the Timeline.

3.6.5. The Board is not responsible for improperly marked proposals.

3.6.6. It is the respondent’s responsibility to submit its response at the proper place and time indicated in Section 2.5., the Timeline.

3.6.7. The Board’s email time submitted will provide the official time for Proposal receipt.

3.6.8. Materials submitted will become the property of the State of Florida and accordingly, the state reserves the right to use any concepts or ideas contained in the response.

3.7 Cost of Preparation

Neither the Board nor the State is liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in responding to this solicitation.

3.8 Public Records and Trade Secrets

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, public records must be made available pursuant to the provisions of the Public Records Act. If Respondent considers any portion of their Proposal to this solicitation to be confidential, exempt, trade secret as defined in F,S, 119.0715, or otherwise not subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, the Florida Constitution, or any other authority, Respondent must segregate and clearly mark the document(s) as “CONFIDENTIAL”.

Simultaneously, Respondent will provide the Board with a separate redacted electronic copy of their Proposal and briefly describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the public records law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption.

This redacted copy must contain the solicitation name, number, and the name of Respondent on the cover, and must be clearly titled “REDACTED COPY.”

The redacted copy must be provided to the Board at the same time Respondent submits its Proposal and must only exclude or obliterate those exact portions which are claimed confidential, proprietary, or trade secret. Respondent will be responsible for defending its determination that the redacted portions of their Proposal are confidential, trade secret, or otherwise not subject to disclosure. Further, the Respondent must protect, defend, and indemnify the Board for all claims arising from or relating to the determination that the redacted portions of their Proposal are confidential, proprietary, trade secret, or otherwise not subject to disclosure. If Respondent fails to submit a redacted copy with their Proposal, the Board is authorized to produce the entire documents, data, or records submitted by Respondent in answer to a public records request for these records.

3.9 Prior Experience Form

Respondents must provide contact information for three entities the Respondent has provided services of a similar size and nature of those requested in this solicitation.

Respondents must use Attachment D, Prior Experience Form of this RFP to provide the

University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 14 required information. The Board reserves the right to contact any and all entities in the course of this solicitation in order to verify experience.

3.10 Special Accommodations

Persons with disability requiring special accommodations should call the Board’s Purchasing office at least five business days, prior to any pre-Proposal conference, Proposal opening, or meeting at (850) 245-0466.

3.11 Late Proposals

The Procurement Officer must receive Proposals pursuant to this RFP no later than the date and time specified in Section 2.5. Proposals that are not received by the date and time specified will not be considered.

3.12 Poor performance notice

The proposer should provide for both the Proposer and its employees, subcontractors, and subcontractor employees copies of any and all documents regarding complaints filed, investigations made, warning letters, notice of breach, notice of default, termination notice, suspension notice or any disciplinary action initiated under any contract or job performance within the past (7) years. The Board reserves the right to seek further information on this matter and the information obtained from this review may be reflected in the Proposer’s score or used to declare the Proposer not a responsible vendor.

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SECTION 4.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS

4.1 PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions

The PUR 1000 is incorporated by reference in this RFP and contains general Contract terms and conditions that will apply to any Contract resulting from this RFP to the extent they are not otherwise modified. This document should not be returned with the Proposal.

The PUR 1000 is located at http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777.

The terms of this solicitation control over any conflicting terms of the PUR 1000.

4.2 Scrutinized Companies

Contracts entered into by the Board are subject to section 287.134, Florida Statutes. All Respondents seeking to do business with the Board must be in compliance with section 287.135, Florida Statutes. The Board may, at its option, terminate a contract if Respondent is found to have submitted a false certification as provided under section 287.135(5), Florida Statutes, been placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel, or have been engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

The Respondent must complete ATTACHMENT F, Respondent Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists, in its entirety and submit with its Proposal.

4.3 Conflict of Interest and Statement of Non-Collusion

Section 287.057(19)(c), Florida Statutes, provides “A person who receives a contract that has not been procured pursuant to subsections (1)-(3) to perform a feasibility study of the potential implementation of a subsequent contract, who participates in the drafting of a solicitation or who develops a program for future implementation, is not eligible to contract with the agency for any other contracts dealing with that specific subject matter, and any firm in which such person has any interest is not eligible to receive such contract. However, this prohibition does not prevent a vendor who responds to a request for information from being eligible to contract with an agency.”

The Board considers participation through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, or auditing or any other advisory capacity to constitute participation in drafting of the solicitation.

The Respondent must complete ATTACHMENT E, Statement of Non-Collusion Form, with its Proposal.

4.4 Certificate of Authority

All limited liability companies, corporations, corporations not for profit, and partnerships seeking to do business with the State must be registered with the Florida Department of State in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 605, 607, 617, and 620, Florida Statutes, respectively, prior to Contract execution. The Board retains the right to ask for http://dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777

University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 16 verification of compliance before Contract execution. Failure of the successful Provider to have appropriate registration may result in withdrawal of Contract award.

4.5 Provider Registration

Each Provider doing business with the State for the sale of commodities or contractual services as defined in section 287.012, Florida Statutes, must register in the MyFloridaMarketPlace system, unless exempted under Rule 60A-1.033, Florida Administrative Code. State agencies must not enter into an agreement for the sale of commodities or contractual services as defined in section 287.012, Florida Statutes, with any Respondent not registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace system, unless exempted by rule. The successful Provider must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace system within five days after posting of the Intent to Award.

Registration may be completed at: https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

A Provider lacking internet access may request assistance from MyFloridaMarketPlace Customer Service at 866-352-3776 or from State Purchasing, 4050 Esplanade Drive, Suite 300, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

4.6 Forced Labor Certifications (PUR 2024)

In accordance with section 787.06(13), Florida Statutes, and section 287.1346(4)(b), Florida Statutes, Respondents must complete and submit ATTACHMENT I, Forced Labor Certifications (PUR 2024), with its Proposal.

4.7 Foreign Countries of Concern (PUR 1355)

In accordance with section 287.138(4)(a), Florida Statutes, the Board may not accept a bid, proposal, or reply for a contract which would grant Respondent access to Personal Identifying Information unless the Respondent provides the Board with an attestation signed by an officer or representative of the Respondent on Form PUR 1355, “Foreign Country of Concern Attestation” Form.

All Respondents must complete and submit the ATTACHMENT J, Foreign Countries of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355), with its Proposal.

4.8 Application, Data Security and Confidentiality

The Contractor, its employees, subcontractors, and agents must comply at all times with all Board data security procedures and policies during the performance of the resulting agreement as specified in this solicitation.

4.9 Subcontractors

Respondent may enter into written subcontracts for performance of services under the Contract resulting from this solicitation. Anticipated subcontract agreements known at the time of Proposal submission and the amount of the subcontract must be identified in the Proposal. If a subcontract has been identified at the time of Proposal submission, a copy of the proposed subcontract must be submitted to the Board. No subcontract that Respondent enters into with respect to performance under the Contract will in any way

University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 17 relieve Respondent of any responsibility for performance of its Contract responsibilities with the Board. The Board reserves the right to request and review information in conjunction with its determination regarding a subcontract request and reject any subcontractor proposed by the Respondent in its Proposal.

The Respondent must complete ATTACHMENT K, Subcontractors List Form, in its entirety and submit it with the Proposal.

4.10 Indemnification

Respondent must save and hold harmless and indemnify the Board against any and all liability, claims, judgments, or costs of whatsoever kind or nature for injury to, or death of any person or persons and for loss or damage to any property resulting from the use, service operation, or performance of work under the terms of the Contract, resulting in whole or in part from the negligent acts or omissions by Respondent, their subcontractor, or any of the employees, agents, or representatives of Respondent or subcontractor.

4.11 Performance Measures

Pursuant to section 287.058, Florida Statutes, the resulting Contract must contain performance measures which specify the required minimum level of acceptable service to be performed. The performance measures are detailed in the Scope of Services

(ATTACHMENT A).

4.12 Financial Consequences

Pursuant to section 287.058, Florida Statutes, the resulting Contract must contain financial consequences that will apply if Respondent fails to perform in accordance with the Contract terms. The financial consequences are detailed in the Scope of Services

(ATTACHMENT A).

4.13 Order

Respondents must become familiar with the Board’s Order which contains administrative, financial, and non-programmatic terms and conditions mandated by federal laws, state statutes, administrative code rules, and directive of the Chief Financial Officer.

Use of the Order is mandatory for Board Purchase Orders issued in MyFloridaMarketPlace as they contain the basic clauses required by law. The terms and conditions contained in the Order Terms and Conditions are non-negotiable. The State of Florida, Order Terms and Conditions are located at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketp lace/mfmp_agency_customers/po_terms_conditions

4.14 Conflict of Law and Controlling Provisions

Any Contract resulting from this RFP, and any conflict of law issue, will be governed by the laws of Florida. Venue must be in Leon County, Florida, to the exclusion of all other jurisdictions.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_agency_customers/po_terms_conditions https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/myfloridamarketplace/mfmp_agency_customers/po_terms_conditions

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Respondents acknowledge that this solicitation (including but not limited to the resulting Contract, exhibits, attachments, or amendments) is not a rule nor subject to rulemaking under Chapter 120 (or its successor) of the Florida Statutes and is not subject to challenge as a rule or non-rule policy under any provision of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

4.15 Agency Inspectors General

It is the duty of every state officer, employee, agency, special district, board, commission, contractor, and subcontractor to cooperate with the inspector general in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing pursuant to section 20.055, Florida Statutes.

4.16 Records and Documentation

To the extent that information is used in the performance of the resulting Contract or generated as a result of it, and to the extent that information meets the definition of “public record” as defined in section 119.011(12), Florida Statutes, said information is hereby declared to be and is hereby recognized by the parties to be a public record and absent a provision of law or administrative rule or regulation requiring otherwise, Respondent must make the public records available for inspection or copying upon request of the Board’s custodian of public records in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

Respondent’s refusal to comply with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, will constitute an immediate breach of the Contract resulting from this RFP and entitles the Board to unilaterally terminate the Contract.

Unless a greater retention period is required by state or federal law, all documents pertaining to the program contemplated by this RFP must be retained by Respondent for a period of six years after the termination of the resulting Contract or longer as may be required by any renewal or extension of the Contract. During the records retention period, Respondent agrees to furnish, when requested to do so, all documents required to be retained. Submission of such documents must be in the Board’s standard word processing format. If this standard should change, it will be at no cost incurred to the Board. Data files will be provided in a format readable by the Board.

Respondent must maintain all records required to be maintained pursuant to the resulting Contract in such manner as to be accessible by the Board upon demand. Where permitted under applicable law, access by the public must be permitted without delay.

4.17 Attorney’s Fees

In the event of a dispute prior to or post award, each party responding to this solicitation is responsible for its own attorneys’ fees, except as otherwise provided by law.

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SECTION 5.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

5.1 Introduction

The Board will evaluate and score proposals to determine the most advantageous Proposal. The ability of the Board to evaluate a respondent’s Proposal is dependent upon the completeness of the Proposal.

Failure of a Respondent to provide information requested by this RFP may result in reduction in scoring during the evaluation.

The Board may accept or reject any and all proposals, and waive any minor irregularity, technicality, or omission if the Board determines that doing so will serve the State’s best interests.

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

Technical proposals will be scored by the evaluation team based on the evaluation criteria specified in Attachment C. The total raw scores provided by each team member will be averaged together. These average scores will be used to determine each respondent’s Technical Proposal score.

Cost Proposals will be scored by the Procurement Officer based upon the Respondent’s proposed cost, as prescribed in Section 3.4.2 of this RFP. The proposed cost will be scored in accordance with the below formula:

Maximum Cost Proposal Points x (Lowest Proposal Cost/Respondent’s Proposal Cost) = COST SCORE

Each respondent’s overall score will consist of the average technical proposal score plus the cost proposal score.

RFP Scoring Components Maximum Points

Technical Proposal – Section 3.3.2, TAB 2 80

Cost Proposal – Evaluation 20

TOTAL MAXIMUM POINTS POSSIBLE 100

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5.3 Notice of Agency Decision

At the conclusion of evaluation of the proposals the Board will announce its intended decision. Notice will be posted on the state’s Vendor Information Portal. The Board will award the responsible, responsive Respondent determined to be the most advantageous to the state, taking into consideration technical and cost proposals. The Board reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals or to waive any minor irregularity in Proposals received.

Notice of Award does not guarantee issuance of a contract.

The Board reserves the right to award more than one Contract as a result of this RFP.

5.4 Protests

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post a bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond will constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Only documents delivered by the United States Postal Service, a private delivery service, in person, or by E-Filing during business hours will be accepted. Documents received after business hours will be filed the following business day.

Do not send Proposals to the Agency Clerk’s Office. Send all Proposals to the Procurement Officer and email as listed in Section 2.5, Timeline.

No filings may be made by email. All filings must be made ONLY with the Agency Clerk and are considered "filed" when stamped by the official stamp of the Agency Clerk.

It is the responsibility of the filing party to meet all filing deadlines.

The protest must be submitted by using one of the following delivery methods:

By Mail:

Agency Clerk, Attn: General Counsel Florida Board of Governors 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1614 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Telephone No. (850) 245-0466

By hand delivery:

Agency Clerk, Attn: General Counsel Florida Board of Governors 325 West Gaines Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399;

By E-Filing:

generalcounsel@flbog.edu

ATTACHMENT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES

BOG24-003

Request for Proposal University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 21

A. Services to be provided:

1. General Description:

a. General Statement: This Contract is for the services of researching five undergraduate programs within the State University System of Florida related to its operational costs, student outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) of each program. The following programs should be included in the report:

1) Computer Science (FGCU, FL Poly, NCF, UNF, UWF)

2) Civil Engineering (FAMU, FAU, FGCU, FIU, FL Poly, FSU, UCF, UF, UNF, USF)

3) Finance (FAU, FGCU, FIU, FSU, NCF, UCF, UF, UNF, USF, UWF)

4) Nursing (FAMU, FAU, FGCU, FIU, FSU, UCF, UF, UNF, USF, UWF)

5) Women/Gender Studies (FIU, UF, USF)

b. Authority: Sections 287 and 20.155, Florida Statutes.

2. Definition of Terms:

a. FAMU – Florida A & M University

b. FAU – Florida Atlantic University

c. FGCU – Florida Gulf Coast University

d. FIU – Florida International University

e. FL Poly – Florida Polytechnic University

f. FSU – Florida State University

g. NCF – New College of Florida

h. UCF - University of Central Florida

i. UF – University of Florida

j. UNF – University of North Florida

k. USF - University of South Florida

l. UWF - University of West Florida

B. Manner of Service Provision

1. Scope of Work: Respondent will prepare an extensive report documenting operational costs, student outcomes, and ROI of each identified university degree program.

a. Task List: Respondent will provide an analysis of at least the following information for each listed program:

1) The number of students in each program. Data will be provided by the Board.

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Request for Proposal

Page | 22

2) The number of faculty and other staff employed for each program.

Data will be provided by the Board.

3) The modeled costs to operate each program, inclusive of total staff compensation and benefits, facility costs, and any other related expenses, including overhead.

4) A detailed correlation between degree of study and directly related career roles and associated expected starting compensation, as well as expected career earnings for students upon completion of those programs.

5) A detailed ROI for each program.

6) ROI for state funding expenditures.

7) ROI for student funding expenditures.

8) The Provider will send weekly written status updates emailed to Tim

Jones, Senior Vice Chancellor.

9) The Provider will facilitate and participate in bi-weekly meetings with Board staff, either face-to-face or virtually, to provide status updates and answer questions.

b. Deliverables: Respondent must complete or submit the following deliverables in the time and manner specified:

1) A comprehensive report that provides detailed information pertaining to all the points listed above. The report should detail the data sources, methodologies, and analyses conducted supporting all conclusions reached regarding the research questions and include the following sections at a minimum:

a. Executive Overview (this section should be able to serve as a stand-alone piece that provides a full overview of the report)

b. Background

c. Goals

d. Objectives

e. Deliverables

f. Technical/Methodological Details

g. Personnel assigned and contact information (company name, phone number, email address)

2) The report should provide detailed information supporting a reader’s full understanding of the ROI of each program.

3) The Provider will submit a draft report by 5:00 p.m. EST, March 14, 2025.

BOG24-003

Request for Proposal University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 23

4) The Provider will submit the final report by 5:00 p.m. EST, March 31, 2025.

5) Weekly written status reports must be submitted as specified.

6) Bi-weekly meetings with Board staff must be conducted as specified.

c. Performance Measures: Pursuant to section 4.11, Performance

Measures, of this RFP, each performance measure will be based on Attachment A, Scope of Services, and the Provider’s Proposal.

2. Financial Consequences: Pursuant to section 4.12, Financial Consequences, of this RFP, Failure of the Provider to complete or submit a deliverable in the time and manner specified will result in a reduction in payment for that deliverable. The financial consequence amounts will be based on the Provider's’ Proposal and the Attachment A, Scope of Services, but will not exceed 10 percent per task.

3. Service Location and Times:

a. Service Location: Provider’s location.

b. Changes in Location: Notify the Board’s Contract Manager in writing within 15 days of any location change that will affect the Respondent’s ability to complete the deliverables under this contract.

c. Service Times: Services under this Contract must be provided Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, excluding state holidays.

4. Staffing Requirement:

a. Staffing Level: Respondent must maintain an adequate administrative organizational structure and support staff sufficient to complete the deliverables under this contract.

b. Subcontractors: The Board (will allow) subcontractors for the provision of services under this contract.

C. Method of Payment:

1. Payment: This is a fixed price contract. The Board will pay the Respondent upon completion of the deliverables as specified in Section B.1.b., in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Contract, and the Provider’s price sheet, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

2. Unit of Service: A unit of service will consist of the completion of the required deliverable as specified in Section B.1.b.

3. Invoice Requirements: Respondent must submit a properly completed invoice to the Board’s Contract Manager within 30 days of completing each deliverable as

BOG24-003

Request for Proposal University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 24 specified. At a minimum, each invoice must be submitted on the Respondent’s letterhead, contain a description of all deliverables for the invoice period, number of units delivered per deliverable, total amount due per deliverable, total invoice amount, invoice number, invoice date, and period of services.

D. Special Provisions:

1. Contract Renewal: This contract may be renewed on a yearly basis for no more than three years beyond the initial contract or for the original term of the contract, whichever is longer, and is subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the initial contract and any written amendments signed by the parties. Renewals must be in writing, made by mutual agreement, and will be contingent upon satisfactory fiscal and programmatic performance evaluations as determined by the Board and will be subject to the availability of funds.

2. Priority: This contract, its exhibits, and attachments, (RFP 24-003, University

Degree Program ROI Study), and Respondent’s response to this RFP, contain all the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties. In the event of any conflict among these documents, the order of precedence will be this contract, the RFP and then Respondent’s Response.

E. CONTRACTOR TRAVEL

1. REIMBURSEMENT:

a. Reimbursement for travel expenses is authorized only when approved in advance by the Department Contract Manager and conducted in accordance with Section 112.061, Florida Statutes and Department Internal Operating Procedure (IOP) 56-37.

ATTACHMENT B

COST PROPOSAL

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The cost proposal is allotted 20 points and represents 20% of the overall RFP score. The Respondent providing maximum cost proposal points x (lowest proposal cost/respondent’s proposal cost) = Cost Score.

A single award will be made to the responsive, responsible Respondent offering the lowest grand total for the services requested in this RFP.

Unit price will control in the case of mathematical error(s).

No changes should be made to the format of this price page.

Initial Term Price Proposal:

Description of product/service Total Annual Amount:

Deliverables as specified in Attachment A, Scope of Services

Renewal Year Price Proposal:

Description of product/service Total Annual Amount:

Deliverables as specified in Attachment A, Scope of Services

OVERALL GRAND TOTAL

INITIAL CONTRACT TERM TOTAL $__________________________

RENEWAL YEAR TOTAL $__________________________

GRAND TOTAL

(INTITIAL TERM + RENEWAL YEAR) $__________________________

Respondent Name:

Respondent Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone: Fax Number:

ATTACHMENT B

COST PROPOSAL

University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 26

E-Mail Address:

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEID):

BY AFFIXING MY SIGNATURE ON THIS REPLY, I HEREBY STATE THAT I HAVE READ THE

ENTIRE ITN TERMS, CONDITIONS, PROVISIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ALL ITS

ATTACHMENTS, INCLUDING THE REFERENCED PUR 1000 AND PUR 1001. I hereby certify that my company, its employees, and its principals agree to abide to all of the terms, conditions, provisions and specifications during the competitive solicitation and any resulting contract including those contained in the Standard Contract.

Signature of Authorized Representative:

Printed (Typed) Name and Title:

*An authorized representative is an officer of the respondent’s organization who has legal authority to bind the organization to the provisions of the Proposal. This usually is the President, Chairman of the Board, or owner of the entity. A document establishing delegated authority must be included with the Proposal if signed by other than the authorized representative.

ATTACHMENT C

EVALUATION CRITERIA

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Respondent Name: ____________________________________________________________

The information below will be used by each evaluator to independently evaluate the technical response for each responsive, responsible proposal received. Each evaluation criteria listed below applies to Section 3 and the Deliverables outlined in Attachment A, Scope of Services. Points will be awarded only for the evaluation criteria listed in this attachment.

EVALUATION CRITERIA –Section 3.3.1.1. (30 points available)

CRITERIA #1: How comprehensive is the Respondent's overall experience and qualifications as specified in the RFP?

Allocation of Points Evaluation Scoring - Response Guide

30 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a detailed response; exceeds minimum requirements; demonstrates superior understanding of the project, its capability, and understanding approach.

20 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a brief descriptive response; meets minimum requirements; demonstrates general understanding of project.

10 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a vague response and is not clearly presented;

below minimum requirements; demonstrates insufficient understanding of the project; demonstrates poor programmatic capability.

0 points Respondent’s Proposal provides little to no information; fails to address the required information in Proposal.

_________ Total Points Awarded

Notes:

EVALUATION CRITERIA – Section 3.3.2.1. (30 points available)

CRITERIA #2: How comprehensive is the Respondent's Executive Overview as specified in the

RFP?

Allocation of Points Evaluation Scoring - Response Guide

30 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a detailed response; exceeds minimum requirements; demonstrates superior understanding of the project, its capability, and understanding approach.

20 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a brief descriptive response; meets minimum requirements; demonstrates general understanding of project.

ATTACHMENT C

EVALUATION CRITERIA

University Degree Program ROI Study Page | 28

10 points Respondent’s Proposal provides a vague response and is not clearly presented;

below minimum requirements; demonstrates insufficient understanding of the project; demonstrates poor programmatic capability.

0 points Respondent’s Proposal provides little to no information; fails to address or include the required information in Proposal.

_________ Total Points Awarded

Notes:

EVALUATION CRITERIA – Section 3.3.1.1.5.