RFP Z-90 Consulting Services for Labor Standards_Q&A_updated.pdf

RFP #Z-90 Consulting Services for Labor Standards - Questions and Answers

Question 1) What process improvements and new technology solutions have been implemented to better serve Division of Labor Standards customers?

Answer 1) The Division of Labor Standards has utilized various new technology solutions and process improvement to improve customer service. For example, Labor Standards has and continue to create on-line complaint forms, the Division has consolidated three complaint forms into one, instituted management reports and objectives, updated template correspondence, developed a public dashboard of child labor cases, created a first-ever employer outreach survey, equipped staff with cameras, cell phones, and iPads to facilitate quality and timely customer service, and reorganized Division offices.

Question 2) The RFP instructs the bidder to label the sample report, resumes, and MWBE certification as "attachments" 5, 7, and 8, respectively, but the attachments are not found in Contract

Reporter. Are attachments 5, 7, and 8 physical documents, or just naming conventions? If just naming conventions, is there a preferred format for any of these sections?

Answer 2) Attachments 5, 7, and 8 are not provided by NYSDOL. These documents must be provided by Bidder. See Sections 4.1 and 9 of RPF #Z-90 for more details.

Question 3) Is there a place in Attachment 4 where we can provide rates by staff level for the optional two (2) additional periods not to exceed (3) month each at the conclusion of the six (6) month period?

Answer 3) No, the Contractor must guarantee all proposed fees, as submitted in Attachment 4, for the entire duration of the Contract Term and any possible extensions.

Question 4) Would NYSDOL consider changing the submission process from hard copy and USB flash drives to electronic submission via email?

Answer 4) NYSDOL continues to evaluate the proposal submission process. However, for the propose of RFP #Z-90, Bidders must follow the proposal submission requirements as outlined in

Section 7 of the RFP.

Question 5) Can you please clarify how NYSDOL would like to see the Cost Proposal submitted?

Currently, Attachment 4 - Cost Proposal is in an Excel file and, 4.2 Cost Requirements states - "Bidders must provide all pricing information requested on Attachment 4 and should not modify or change the Attachment" and 7.3 Cost Proposal Documents states that the Cost Proposal must include a title page and table of contents, which are not included in the Excel template. How would NYSDOL like for the Cost Proposal to be submitted - 1. A submission in Excel format of Attachment 4 - Cost Proposal? 2. A submission in PDF format that includes a title page, table of contents, and image of the completed Attachment 4 - Cost Proposal, or something else?

Answer 5) Bidders must submit a completed and signed Attachment 4 – Cost Proposal. As stated within Attachment 4, bidders shall not alter the Cost Proposal with the exception of filling out information in the highlighted yellow cells. In addition, per Section 7.3 of the RFP, the

Cost Proposal must include a Title Page, Table of Contents, and Attachment 4 – Cost

Proposal. The Cost Proposal packet shall be submitted as three (3) hard copies, printed, and bound in three-ring presentation binders, one (1) of which must contain original signatures.

The Bidder must also submit three (3) USB 2 or 3 compliant flash drives each with a corresponding searchable electronic media copy of the Cost Proposal labeled “Vendor

Name – RFP #Z-90 Labor Standards Consultant - Cost” and saved as Excel and/or Adobe

Acrobat format files.

Question 6) In addition to submitting a completed Attachment 4 - Cost Proposal, we are interested in providing an alternative cost proposal with another option for pricing and invoicing.

Section 6.8 of the RFP states that "Proposals must conform to the terms set forth in the

RFP, as extraneous terms or material deviations (including additional, inconsistent, conflicting or alternative terms) may render the Proposal nonresponsive and may result in rejection of the Proposal." Is it permissible to submit an alternative cost proposal, in addition to the provided cost proposal, without being deemed non-responsive?

Answer 6) Only Attachment 4 – Cost Proposal will be evaluated per Section 4.2 - Cost Requirements.

Any pricing or add-on costs that do not conform will be disregarded as extraneous, will not be evaluated, and cannot be charged to NYSDOL after award of a Contract. Bidder’s pricing must hold firm throughout the life of the contract term, as well as any extension that may be required.