RFP - S-69000-00007622~4.pdf

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STATE OF OREGON

COVER PAGE

Oregon Water Resources Department

Is issuing this Request For Proposals (RFP) under OregonBuys Bid Number S-69000-00007622 for

ACQUISITION OF WATER METERS

Date of Issue: August 1st , 2023

Opening Date and Time: August 18th, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Single Point of Contact (SPC): Robin Ramsey, Contract Specialist

Address: 725 Summer ST NE, Suite A City, State, Zip Salem, OR 97301 Phone (voice) (971) 375-8850 E-mail: Robin.V.Ramsey@water.oregon.gov

The State of Oregon promotes equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

mailto:Robin.V.Ramsey@water.oregon.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 SCHEDULE

1.3 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

2.2 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 3: PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

3.2 MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS

4.1 PUBLIC NOTICE

4.2 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

4.3 QUESTIONS / REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

4.4 SOLICITATION PROTESTS

4.5 PROPOSAL DELIVERY OPTIONS

4.6 PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

4.7 PROPOSAL DUE

4.8 PUBLIC OPENING

4.9 PROPOSAL REJECTION

4.10 EVALUATION PROCESS

4.11 POINT AND SCORE CALCULATIONS

4.12 RANKING OF PROPOSERS

4.13 ADDITIONAL ROUNDS

SECTION 5: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION

5.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS

5.2 INTENT TO AWARD PROTEST

5.3 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5.4 PRICE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATION

SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

6.2 CERTIFIED FIRM PARTICIPATION

6.3 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

6.4 OWNERSHIP/PERMISSION TO USE MATERIALS

6.5 CANCELLATION OF RFP; REJECTION OF PROPOSAL; NO DAMAGES

6.6 COST OF SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

6.7 STATEWIDE E-WASTE/RECOVERY PROCEDURE

6.8 RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS

6.9 CHECKLIST DISCLAIMER

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LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A SAMPLE PRICE AGREEMENT

ATTACHMENT B DISCLOSURE EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT

ATTACHMENT C PROPOSER INFORMATION AND CERTIFICATION SHEET

ATTACHMENT D REFERENCE CHECK FORM

ATTACHMENT E PRICE PROPOSAL FORM – provided by proposer

ATTACHMENT F COBID CERTIFICATION / OUTREACH PLAN

ATTACHMENT G RESPONSIBILITY INQUIRY

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SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The State of Oregon, acting by and through the Oregon Water Resources Department (“Agency”), is issuing this Request for Proposal under the provisions of ORS 279B.060 for the purchase of water measurement devices.

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is charged with carrying out the water management policies and rules set by the Water Resources Commission and with overseeing the enforcement of Oregon's water laws.

The OWRD is organized into five divisions: Field Services, Technical Services, Water Rights and Adjudications, Director's Office, and Administrative Services. OWRD headquarters and the Northwest Regional office are in Salem. The OWRD also has four other regional offices and 20 small field offices throughout Oregon.

Additional details on the Scope of the goods or services or both are included in the Scope of Work/Specifications section.

Agency anticipates the award of one Price Agreement from this RFP.

The initial term of the Price Agreement is anticipated to be 2 years with options to renew up to a cumulative maximum of 4 years.

Agency may issue purchase orders or work orders pursuant to this Price Agreement up to 4 years from the effective date of the Price Agreement.

Any purchases under the Price Agreement must be authorized by purchase orders or work orders issued by Agency in accordance with the ordering procedures described in the Attachment A - Sample Price Agreement. Proposers are advised that there is no guarantee of any specific number of purchases under the Price Agreement. Notwithstanding the award of a Price Agreement, Agency may conduct separate solicitations or award project-specific contracts or purchase orders for Goods or Services similar to what is described within this RFP using any method allowed by law.

1.2 SCHEDULE

The table below represents a tentative schedule of events. All times are listed in Pacific Time. All dates listed are subject to change. N/A denotes that event is not applicable to this RFP.

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Event Date Time

Questions / Requests for Clarification Due August 8th, 2023 5:00 PM

Answers to Questions / Requests for Clarification Issued (approx.) August 11th, 2023

RFP Protest Period Ends

7 calendar days prior to RFP Opening

Opening (Proposal Due) See RFP cover page

Opening of Proposal August 21st, 2023 8:00 AM

Issuance of Notice of Intent to Award (approx.) August 28th, 2023

Award Protest Period Ends 7 calendar days after Notice of Intent to Award

1.3 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT (SPC)

The SPC for this RFP is identified on the Cover Page, along with the SPC’s contact information.

Proposer shall direct all communications related to any provision of the RFP only to the SPC, whether about the technical requirements of the RFP, contractual requirements, the RFP process, or any other provision.

SECTION 2: AUTHORITY, OVERVIEW, AND SCOPE

2.1 AUTHORITY AND METHOD

Agency is issuing this RFP pursuant to its authority under ORS 279A.050 and OAR 125-246- 0170(2).

Agency is using the Competitive Sealed Proposal method, pursuant to ORS 279B.060 and OAR 125-247-0260. Agency may use a combination of the methods for Competitive Sealed Proposals, including optional procedures: a) Competitive Range; b) Discussions and Revised Proposals; c) Revised Rounds of Negotiations; d) Negotiations; e) Best and Final Offers; and f) Multistep Sealed Proposals.

2.2 OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE

2.2.1 Agency Overview and Background

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is charged with carrying out the water management policies and rules set by the Water Resources Commission and with overseeing the enforcement of Oregon’s water laws.

The OWRD is organized into five divisions: Field Services, Technical Services, Water Rights and Adjudications, Director's Office, and Administrative Services. OWRD headquarters and the Northwest Regional office are in Salem. The OWRD also has four other regional offices and 20 small field offices throughout Oregon. The Field Services and Technical Services Divisions manage and administer the gage station operations and maintenance. The OWRD operates and maintains over 225 gaging stations across the state. OWRD invites proposals for

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2.2.2 Project Overview and Background

The equipment will be used by OWRD watermasters, hydrologists, and hydrogeologists for water management, watershed specific data collection, surface water data collection, and study projects. See the list of device specifications below. Proposals must include description of supplier customer services, return policy, service, training, and shipping.

2.2.3 Purpose

OWRD is seeking responses to this RFP from potential suppliers. Proposals will be selected based on the criteria listed in the RFP mandatory document attached to this RFP. OWRD intends to select a supplier from the responses received from this RFP. Selected proposer(s) will enter in to a two or more year price agreement for the supply of the devices described in this RFP. OWRD may use the resulting price agreements for the supply of the devices during the specified period. OWRD shall use State Purchase Orders when ordering these items and all delivery instructions or requirements shall be stated on each purchase order.

OWRD seeks to purchase the following gauging/water measurement devices:

• Coaxial Cable Meters

• Flat Tape Meters

Proposer must identify each device being proposed by number and name.

For example:

Item #1. Coaxial Cable Meters

Item #2. Flat Tape Meters

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Proposer must respond to the RFP using the following standards and Specifications. If proposing substitution to these standards, Proposer must identify the item proposed and clearly compare the quality, specification, and standard of the substitution.

Item #1 Coaxial Cable Meters Cable: ≤ 3/8 inch (.375 inches) diameter, depth encoded with marks at least every foot, chemically welded or laser etched; must be strong, highly flexible, and lightweight, electrical contacts for water level measurements and cable weights have the ability to be customized by OWRD staff.

Reel: free-standing on metal frame; a braking system that is easily accessed while measuring, available in various sizes ranging from 100 feet to 1000 feet of cable length capacity. Unit weight for up to 1000 feet of cable must be approximately 20 lbs. or less.

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Electronics must consist of both (LED) and audible (buzzer) signals that the probe end of the cable has contacted water and completed its simple circuit. Unit must include an on/off switch, a test button to test the battery when turned on, and a sensitivity dial to be used to adjust sensitivity to help avoid false readings.

Unit must operate off a battery which is easily accessible and replaceable.

Item #2:

Flat Tape Meters Tape: flexible, polyethylene-coated steel tape with 2 stainless steel conductors; ≤3/8 inch wide; marked with engineering scale in feet, tenths of feet, and hundredths of feet.

Probe: stainless steel with flexible segmented weights; <1/2 inch diameter. Must be capable of accurately indicating water surface to within 0.01 feet.

Reel: free-standing on metal frame; braking system that is easily accessed while measuring;

available in various sizes ranging from 35 feet to 2000 feet of cable length capacity. Unit weight for up to 2000 feet of cable must be approximately 38 pounds or less.

Electronics must consist of both (LED) and audible (buzzer) signals that the probe end of the cable has contacted water and completed its simple circuit. Unit must include an on/off switch, a test button to test the battery when turned on, and a sensitivity dial to be used to adjust sensitivity to help avoid false readings.

Unit must operate off a battery which is easily accessible and replaceable.

SECTION 3: PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS

3.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for evaluation, Proposal must demonstrate how Proposer meets all requirements of this section:

3.1.1 Registered to do business in the State of Oregon.

3.1.2 Manufacturer, authorized distributor, or approved distributor.

3.2 MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.2.1 Proposal Submissions

To be considered for evaluation, Proposal must contain each of the following elements (further detailed in Proposal Requirements section below):

• Administrative Proposal – Must include responses to Section 4.10.2.1

• Disclosure Exemption Affidavit (Attachment B)

• Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment C)

• Price Proposal (Attachment E) – submitted by proposer

• COBID Certification / Outreach Plan (Attachment F)

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• Responsibility Inquiry (Attachment G)

3.2.2 Proposal Page Limits

Proposal is limited to 25 pages. Any pages exceeding this limit will not be provided to the evaluation committee or considered in the evaluation. The following items do not count toward the page limit:

• Disclosure Exemption Affidavit (Attachment B)

• Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment C)

• Price Proposal

• COBID Certification / Outreach Plan (Attachment F)

• Responsibility Inquiry (Attachment G)

3.2.3 Proposal Format and Quantity

Proposal should follow the format and reference the sections listed in the Proposal Requirements section. Responses to each section and subsection should be labeled to indicate the item being addressed.

OregonBuys Electronic Response. Proposer should submit its Proposal electronically through OregonBuys. Proposer should follow the procedures outlined in See: OregonBuys Vendor Formal Solicitation Response.pdf for electronic submission.

The Price Proposal must be submitted as a separate electronic response file.

Proposer shall submit one copy of its Proposal and all other submittal requirements, with Attachment C - Proposer Information and Certification Sheet bearing the Proposer’s authorized representative’s Signature, in one of the following formats: Adobe Acrobat (pdf), Microsoft Word (docx), or Microsoft Excel (xlsx). If Proposer believes any of its Proposal is exempt from disclosure under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478), Proposer shall complete and submit the Disclosure Exemption Affidavit (Attachment B).

Proposer shall also mark as “Confidential” in OregonBuys all attachments to its Proposal that Proposer believes are exempt from disclosure

The Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment C) must bear the Proposer’s authorized representative’s Signature.

3.2.4 Authorized Representative

Failure of Proposer’s authorized representative to sign the Proposal may result in rejection of the Proposal by Agency.

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposal must address each of the items listed in this section and all other requirements set forth in this RFP. Proposer shall describe the Goods to be provided or the Services to be performed or both. A Proposal that merely offers to provide the goods or services as stated in this RFP may be considered non-Responsive to this RFP and will not be considered further.

Proposal should not include extensive artwork, unusual printing, or other materials not essential to the utility and clarity of the Proposal. Do not include marketing or advertising material in the Proposal, unless requested. Proposal should be straightforward and address the requests of the https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf

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RFP. Proposal containing unsolicited marketing or advertising material may receive a lower evaluation score if required information is difficult to locate.

3.3.1 Proposer Information and Certification Sheet

Proposer shall complete and submit the Proposer Information and Certification Sheet (Attachment C).

Failure to demonstrate compliance with Oregon Tax Laws and sign the Proposer Information and Certification Sheet may result in a finding of non-Responsibility.

3.3.2 Administrative Proposal

Briefly describe how Proposer would address each of the selection criteria outlined in Section

4.10.2.1. Describe the return policy, shipping and delivery, and product warranties.

3.3.3 Proposer Responsibility Inquiry

Proposer shall complete and submit the Responsibility Inquiry form (Attachment G).

3.3.4 Price Proposal Form

Proposer shall submit a price list of items that meet the needs described in Section 2.3 of this RFP, including any discounts applicable to the items therein.

SECTION 4: SOLICITATION PROCESS

4.1 PUBLIC NOTICE

The RFP and attachments are published in the State of Oregon’s electronic procurement system OregonBuys at https://oregonbuys.gov/. Documents will not be mailed to prospective Proposers.

Modifications, if any, to this RFP will be made by written Amendment(s) published in OregonBuys. Prospective Proposer is solely responsible for checking OregonBuys to determine whether or not any Amendment(s) have been issued. Amendment(s) are incorporated into the RFP by this reference.

4.2 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A Pre-Proposal conference will not be held for this RFP.

4.3 QUESTIONS / REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

All inquiries, whether relating to the RFP process, administration, deadline, or method of award, or to the intent or technical aspects of the RFP must:

• Be delivered to the SPC via an OregonBuys submission or email;

• Reference the OregonBuys bid number;

• Identify Proposer’s name and contact information;

• Refer to the specific area of the RFP being questioned (i.e., page, section, and paragraph https://oregonbuys.gov/

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• Be received by the due date and time for Questions/Requests for Clarification identified in the Schedule in Section 1.2.

4.4 SOLICITATION PROTESTS

4.4.1 Protests to RFP

Prospective Proposer may submit a Written protest of anything contained in this RFP, including but not limited to, the RFP process, Specifications, Scope of Work, and the Sample Price Agreement. This is prospective Proposer’s only opportunity to protest the provisions of the RFP, except that Proposer may protest as provided below.

4.4.2 Protests to Amendment(s)

Prospective Proposer may submit a Written protest of anything contained in an Amendment.

Protests to an Amendment, if issued, must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the second Business Day following the issuance of the Amendment or the date/time specified in the Amendment, or they will not be considered. Protests of matters not added or modified by the Amendment will not be considered.

4.4.3 Requirements for Protests

All protests must:

• Be delivered to the SPC via email;

• Reference the OregonBuys bid number;

• Identify prospective Proposer’s name and contact information;

• Be sent by an authorized representative;

• State the reason for the protest, including:

o the grounds that demonstrate how the Procurement Process is contrary to law, Unnecessarily Restrictive, legally flawed, or improperly specifies a brand name;

and o evidence or documentation that supports the grounds on which the protest is based; and

• State the proposed changes to the RFP provisions or other relief sought.

Protests to the RFP must be received by the due date and time identified in the Schedule.

Protests to an Amendment must be received by the due date identified in the Amendment.

4.5 PROPOSAL DELIVERY OPTIONS

Proposer is solely responsible for ensuring its Proposal is received by the SPC in accordance with the RFP requirements before Opening. Agency is not responsible for any delays in mail or by common carriers or by transmission errors or delays, or for any mis-delivery for any reason. A Proposal submitted by any means not authorized below will be rejected. The following delivery options are permitted for this RFP:

Delivery through OregonBuys

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Proposal submission should be electronically through OregonBuys. at: OregonBuys.gov

Detailed instructions on how to submit a Proposal can be found at OregonBuys Vendor Formal Solicitation Response.pdf

4.6 PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL

If a Proposer wishes to make modifications to a submitted Proposal, the Proposer must submit its modification in one of the authorized methods listed in Section 4.5 (Proposal Delivery Options). To be effective the modification must include the OregonBuys bid number and be submitted to the SPC prior to Opening.

If a Proposer wishes to withdraw a submitted Proposal, it must submit a Written notice signed by an authorized representative of its intent to withdraw to the SPC via email prior to the Opening in accordance with OAR 125-247-0440. To be effective the notice must include the OregonBuys bid number.

4.7 PROPOSAL DUE

A Proposal (including all required submittal items) must be received by the SPC on or before Opening. All Proposal modifications or withdrawals must also be received prior to Opening.

A Proposal received after Opening is considered LATE and will NOT be accepted for evaluation.

A late Proposal will be returned to the Proposer or destroyed.

4.8 PUBLIC OPENING

A public Opening will be held on the date and time listed in the Schedule set forth in Section 1.2 and in the manner stated on the Cover Page. Only the name of the Proposer will be read at the Opening, no other information will be made available at that time. Proposals received will not be available for inspection until after the evaluation process has been completed and the notice of Intent to Award is issued pursuant to OAR 125-247-0630.

4.9 PROPOSAL REJECTION

Agency may reject a Proposal for any of the following reasons:

• Proposer fails to substantially comply with all prescribed RFP procedures and requirements, including but not limited to the requirement that Proposer’s authorized representative sign the Proposal.

• Proposer has liquidated and delinquent debt owed to the State or any department or agency of the State.

• Proposer fails to meet the responsibility requirements of ORS 279B.110.

• Proposer makes any contact regarding this RFP with State representatives such as State employees or officials other than the SPC or persons authorized by the SPC, or inappropriate contact with the SPC.

• Proposer attempts to influence a member of the Evaluation Committee.

• Proposal is conditioned on Agency’s acceptance of any other terms and conditions or rights to negotiate any alternative terms and conditions that are not reasonably related to those expressly authorized for negotiation in the RFP or Amendment(s).

https://oregonbuys.gov/ https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf https://www.oregon.gov/das/ORBuys/Documents/OregonBuys%20Vendor%20Formal%20Solicitation%20Response.pdf

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4.10 EVALUATION PROCESS

4.10.1 Responsiveness and Responsibility Determination

4.10.1.1 Responsiveness determination

A Proposal received prior to Opening will be reviewed to determine if it is Responsive to all RFP requirements including compliance with Section 3.1 (Minimum Qualifications) and Section 3.2 (Minimum Submission Requirements). If the Proposal is unclear, the SPC may request clarification from Proposer. However, clarifications may not be used to rehabilitate a non-Responsive proposal. If the SPC finds the Proposal non-Responsive, the Proposal may be rejected; however, Agency may waive mistakes in accordance with OAR 125-247-0470.

4.10.1.2 Responsibility Determination

Agency will determine if an apparent successful Proposer is Responsible prior to award and execution of the Price Agreement. Selected Proposer(s) shall submit a signed Responsibility Inquiry form (Attachment G) within 5 Business Days of receipt of Intent to Award notice.

At any time prior to award, Agency may reject a Proposer found to be not Responsible.

4.10.2 Evaluation Criteria

Each Proposal meeting all Responsiveness requirements will be independently evaluated by members of an Evaluation Committee. Evaluation Committee members may change, and Agency may have additional or fewer evaluators for optional rounds of competition. Evaluators will assign a score for each evaluation criterion listed below in this Section 4.10.2 up to the maximum points available as specified in Section 4.11 (Point and Score Calculation).

SPC may request further clarification to assist the Evaluation Committee in gaining additional understanding of a Proposal. A response to a clarification request may only clarify or explain portions of the already submitted Proposal and may not contain new information not included in the original Proposal.

4.10.2.1 Evaluation Item

Please describe your organization’s customer support practices and the extent to which your organization services its customers, history, and success of such practices in the following areas:

RFP Topics

• Repair, return, and/or replacement policy and turnaround time.

• Shipping and Delivery of products.

• Warranties offered on product lines.

• Product demonstration and training.

• Any other practice that sets the organization apart from the other suppliers.

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• Experience in successfully working with OWRD

• Product pricing.

**Important**

Please address all the RFP topics in your response. Clearly label your response as “RFP – Evaluation Item”

4.10.3 PRICE EVALUATION

The SPC will conduct the price evaluation. The SPC will award a price score to each Price Proposal based upon the percentage of the proposed price as compared to the lowest Proposer’s price using the following formula:

lowest price of all Proposers X price points possible = price score price being scored

4.10.4 PREFERENCES

4.10.4.1 Reciprocal Preference

For evaluation purposes per OAR 125-246-0310, Agency shall add a percentage increase to each out-of-state Proposer's Proposal price that is equal to the percentage preference, if any, given to a Resident Proposer in the Proposer's state.

4.10.4.2 Recycled Materials

Agency will give preference to Goods manufactured from Recycled Materials if each of the conditions specified in ORS 279A.125 (2) exists following any adjustments made to the price of the Goods according to any applicable reciprocal preference.

4.10.4.3 Tiebreakers

If Agency receives Proposals identical in price, fitness, availability, and quality and chooses to award a Price Agreement, Agency shall award the Price Agreement in accordance with the procedures outlined in OAR 137-046-0300.

4.11 POINT AND SCORE CALCULATIONS

Scores are the values (0 through 15) assigned by each evaluator.

Points are the total possible for each section as listed in the table below.

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE : 100

POINTS POSSIBLE

Repair, return and/or replacement policy & turnaround time 15 Shipping & Delivery of products 10 https://www.naspo.org/reciprocity1

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Warranties offered on product lines 10 Product demonstration and training 10 Any other practice that sets the organization apart from the other suppliers

Experience in successfully working with OWRD 10

Product pricing - PRICE POINTS POSSIBLE 35

The SPC will average all scores for each evaluation criterion. The average score will be used as a percentage multiplier of the maximum possible points for that criterion. 1=10%, 5=50%, 7.2=72%, 9=90%, etc. Price points are calculated as stated in the Price Evaluation section.

EXAMPLE:

Proposer A receives scores of 10, 9, and 9.5 for criterion worth 50 points. The SPC averages 10, 9, and 9.5 for a score of 9.5 and uses 95% as a multiplier to the possible points of 50. 50 multiplied by 95% is 47.5. Proposer A’s points for the criterion is 47.5.

4.12 RANKING OF PROPOSERS

The SPC will average the scores for each Proposal in a given round of competition (calculated by totaling the points awarded by each Evaluation Committee member and dividing by the number of members). The SPC will combine the average score for each Proposal with Proposer’s price score and reference score.

After any applicable preference has been applied, the SPC will determine the rank of each Proposal, with the highest score receiving the highest rank, and successive rank order determined by the next highest score.

Agency may, in Agency’s sole discretion, determine an apparent successful Proposer with no additional rounds of competition. If additional rounds are conducted, Agency will rank advancing Proposers at the conclusion of each subsequent round and may determine an apparent successful Proposer at any time during the solicitation process.

NEXT STEP DETERMINATION

At the conclusion of a round of competition, Agency may choose to conduct additional round(s) of competition if in the best interest of the State. Additional rounds of competition may consist of, but will not be limited to:

• Interviews

• Presentations/Demonstrations/Additional Submittal Items

• Discussions and submittal of revised Proposals

• Serial or simultaneous negotiations

• Best and Final Offers

4.12.1 Competitive Range Determination

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If Agency, in its sole discretion, determines that one or more additional rounds of competition is necessary, it will select a Competitive Range to indicate the Proposers that will be invited to participate in a subsequent round. The Competitive Range may include all, or at Agency’s sole discretion, some (based primarily on a natural break in the distribution of scores), of the Proposers from a previous round. Agency will post a notice in OregonBuys of its Competitive Range Determination and provide details about the process and schedule for the subsequent round.

4.12.2 Competitive Range Protest

Proposers excluded from a round may submit a Written protest of Competitive Range.

Protests must:

• Be emailed to the SPC;

• Reference the OregonBuys bid number ;

• Identify Proposer’s name and contact information;

• Be sent by an authorized representative

• State the reason for the protest; and

• Be received within 7 calendar days after issuance of the Notice of the Competitive Range unless a different due date and time is specified in such notice.

Agency will address all protests within a reasonable time and will issue a Written decision to the respective Proposer. Protests that do not include the required information may not be considered by Agency.

4.13 ADDITIONAL ROUNDS

No additional round(s) planned for this RFP.

SECTION 5: AWARD AND NEGOTIATION

5.1 AWARD NOTIFICATION PROCESS

5.1.1 Award Consideration

Agency, if it awards a Price Agreement, will award a Price Agreement to the highest ranking Responsible Proposer(s) based upon the scoring methodology and process described in Section 4. Agency may award less than the full Scope of Work described in this RFP.

5.1.2 Intent to Award Notice

Agency will notify all Proposers in Writing that Agency intends to award a Price Agreement to the selected Proposer(s) subject to successful negotiation of any negotiable provisions.

5.2 INTENT TO AWARD PROTEST

5.2.1 Protest Submission

An Affected Proposer shall have 7 calendar days from the date of the Intent to Award notice to file a Written protest.

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A Proposer is an Affected Proposer only if the Proposer would be eligible for Price Agreement award in the event the protest was successful and is protesting for one or more of the following reasons as specified in ORS 279B.410:

• All higher ranked Proposals are non-Responsive.

• Agency has failed to conduct an evaluation of Proposals in accordance with the criteria or process described in the RFP.

• Agency abused its discretion in rejecting the protestor’s Proposal as non-Responsive.

• Agency’s evaluation of Proposal or determination of award otherwise violates ORS

Chapter 279B or ORS Chapter 279A.

If Agency receives only one Proposal, Agency may dispense with the evaluation process and Intent to Award protest period and proceed with Price Agreement Negotiations and award.

5.2.1.1 Protest Requirements

Protests must:

• Be delivered to the SPC via email;

• Reference the OregonBuys bid number;

• Identify Proposer’s name and contact information;

• Be signed by an authorized representative of Proposer;

• Specify the grounds for the protest; and

• Be received within 7 calendar days of the Intent to Award notice.

5.2.2 Response to Protest

Agency will address all timely submitted protests within a reasonable time and will issue a Written decision to the respective Proposer. Protests that do not include the required information may not be considered by Agency.

5.3 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposer(s) who are selected for a Price Agreement award under this RFP will be required to submit additional information and comply with the following:

5.3.1 Insurance

Prior to award, Proposer shall secure and demonstrate to Agency proof of insurance as required in this RFP or as negotiated. Insurance Requirements are found in Exhibit B of Attachment A.

5.3.2 Taxpayer Identification Number

Proposer shall provide its Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and backup withholding status on a completed W-9 form when requested by Agency or when the backup withholding status or any other relevant information of Proposer has changed since the last submitted W- 9 form, if any.

5.3.3 Business Registry

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If selected for award, Proposer shall be duly authorized by the State of Oregon to transact business in the State of Oregon before executing the Price Agreement. Visit http://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/register.aspx for Oregon Business Registry information.

5.3.4 Responsibility Inquiry

Prior to award, Proposer shall be required to complete and submit Attachment G — Responsibility Inquiry.

5.3.5 Pay Equity Certification

If selected for award and the Price Agreement value exceeds $500,000 and Proposer employs 50 or more full-time workers, Proposer shall submit to Agency a true and correct copy of an unexpired Pay Equity Compliance Certificate, issued to the Proposer by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. For instructions on how to obtain the Certificate, visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/Procurement/Pages/PayEquity.aspx.

ORS 279B.110(2)(f) requires that Proposer provide this prior to execution of the Price Agreement.

5.3.6 Nondiscrimination in Employment

As a condition of receiving the award of a Price Agreement under this RFP, Proposer must certify by its Signature on Attachment C - Proposer Information and Certification Sheet, in accordance with ORS 279A.112, that it has in place a policy and practice of preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination against employees who are members of a protected class. The policy and practice must include giving employees a written notice that the policy both prohibits, and prescribes disciplinary measures for, conduct that constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or unlawful discrimination.

5.4 PRICE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATION

5.4.1 Negotiation

After selection of a successful Proposer, Agency may enter into Price Agreement negotiations with the successful Proposer. By submitting a Proposal, Proposer agrees to comply with the requirements of the RFP, including the terms and conditions of the Sample Price Agreement (Attachment A), with the exception of those terms listed below for negotiation.

Proposer shall review the attached Sample Price Agreement and note exceptions.

Proposer must submit those exceptions to Agency during the Questions / Requests for Clarification period set forth in Section 1.2. If Agency agrees to make any requested changes to the Sample Price Agreement, Agency will issue an Amendment to notify Proposers of such changes. Unless Agency issues an Amendment modifying any of the terms and conditions, Agency intends to enter into a Price Agreement with the successful Proposer substantially in the form set forth in Sample Price Agreement (Attachment A).

Following the selection of the apparent successful Proposer, Agency may agree to negotiate changes to the negotiable provisions of the Sample Price Agreement listed below. However, Agency is not required to make any changes and many provisions cannot be changed.

Proposer is cautioned that the State of Oregon believes modifications to the standard http://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/register.aspx https://www.oregon.gov/das/Procurement/Pages/PayEquity.aspx

DAS Procurement Services, Version 4.5 March 31, 2023 Page 18 of 20 provisions constitute increased risk and increased cost to the State.

Any subsequent negotiated changes are subject to prior approval of the Oregon Department of Justice.

Agency is willing to negotiate ONLY the Statement of Work and the following terms and conditions:

In the event that the parties have not reached mutually agreeable terms within 14 calendar days, Agency, at its discretion, may terminate Negotiations and commence Negotiations with the next highest ranking Proposer.

Agency is willing to negotiate all items, except those listed below:

• Choice of law

• Choice of venue

• Constitutional requirements

• Requirements of applicable federal and State Law

In the event that the parties have not reached mutually agreeable terms within 14 calendar days, Agency may terminate Negotiations and commence Negotiations with the next highest ranking Proposer.

SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The State of Oregon is committed to taking active steps toward increasing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion values across procurement processes for minority, women, emerging small, and service-disabled veteran owned businesses by reducing barriers to compete for and be awarded state contracts. All interested businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for this contracting opportunity.

6.2 CERTIFIED FIRM PARTICIPATION

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) Chapter 200, Agency encourages the participation of small businesses, certified by the Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (“COBID”) in all contracting opportunities. This includes certified small businesses in the following categories: disadvantaged business enterprise, minority-owned business, woman-owned business, a business that a service-disabled veteran owns or an emerging small business.

Agency also encourages joint ventures or subcontracting with certified small business enterprises. For more information, visit:

https://oregon4biz.diversitysoftware.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.asp?XID=6787&TN= oregon4biz

If the Price Agreement has potential subcontracting opportunities, the successful Proposer may be required to submit a completed Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan (Attachment F) prior to execution.

6.3 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

This RFP is governed by the laws of the State of Oregon. Venue for any administrative or judicial https://oregon4biz.diversitysoftware.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.asp?XID=6787&TN=oregon4biz https://oregon4biz.diversitysoftware.com/FrontEnd/VendorSearchPublic.asp?XID=6787&TN=oregon4biz

DAS Procurement Services, Version 4.5 March 31, 2023 Page 19 of 20 action relating to this RFP, evaluation and award is the Circuit Court of Marion County for the State of Oregon; provided, however, if a proceeding must be brought in a federal forum, then it must be brought and conducted solely and exclusively within the United States District Court for the District of Oregon. In no event shall this Section 6.2 be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon of any form of defense or immunity, whether sovereign immunity, governmental immunity, immunity based on the eleventh amendment to the Constitution of the United States or otherwise, to or from any claim or consent to the jurisdiction of any court.

6.4 OWNERSHIP/PERMISSION TO USE MATERIALS

All Proposals are public records and are subject to public inspection after Agency issues the Notice of Intent to Award. Application of the Oregon Public Records Law will determine whether any information is exempt from disclosure.

All Proposals submitted in response to this RFP become the Property of Agency. By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP, Proposer grants the State a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free license for the rights to copy, distribute, display, prepare derivative works of and transmit the Proposal solely for the purpose of evaluating the Proposal, negotiating a Price Agreement, if awarded to Proposer, or as otherwise needed to administer the RFP process, and to fulfill obligations under Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 through 192.478).

Proposals, including supporting materials, will not be returned to Proposer, except in the case of Proposals that were submitted late and rejected by Agency.

6.5 CANCELLATION OF RFP; REJECTION OF PROPOSAL; NO DAMAGES.

Pursuant to ORS 279B.100, Agency may reject any or all Proposals in-whole or in-part or may cancel this RFP at any time when the rejection or cancellation is in the best interest of the State or Agency, as determined by Agency. Neither the State nor any State agency is liable to any Proposer for any loss or expense caused by or resulting from the delay, suspension, or cancellation of the RFP or a Price Agreement award, or the rejection of any Proposal.

6.6 COST OF SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL

Proposer shall pay all costs incurred in connection with its Proposal, including, but not limited to, the costs to prepare and submit the Proposal, costs of samples and other supporting materials, costs to participate in demonstrations, and costs associated with protests.

6.7 STATEWIDE E-WASTE/RECOVERY PROCEDURE

If applicable, Proposer shall include information in its Proposal that demonstrates compliance with the Statewide E-Waste/Recovery Procedure #107-011-050_PR. Visit the DAS website www.oregon.gov/das and use the search bar feature to locate the procedure.

6.8 RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS

Proposer shall use recyclable products to the maximum extent economically feasible in the performance of the Services or Work described in this RFP and the subsequent Price Agreement.

(ORS 279B.025)

6.9 CHECKLIST DISCLAIMER

Any checklists that may be contained in this RFP are provided only as a courtesy to prospective https://www.oregon.gov/das

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Proposer. Agency makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of any Checklist.

Prospective Proposer is solely responsible for reviewing and understanding the RFP and complying with all the requirements of this RFP, whether listed in a checklist or not. Neither the State nor Agency is liable for any claims, or subject to any defenses, asserted by Proposer based upon, resulting from, or related to, Proposer’s failure to comprehend all requirements of this RFP.

3.3 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

4.13 ADDITIONAL ROUNDS