RFP605CO22000277_Feb_3_25_solicitation_doc.pdf

Solicitation Number: RFP605CO22000277

On the Job Training Supportive Services

MODOT Request for Proposal (RFPR)

MoDOT - Dept of Transportation

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General Header Information

RFP605CO22000277

No. RFP605CO22000277 Title: On the Job Training Supportive Services Start Date: August 19, 2021 at 11:00:00 PM GMT End Date: September 20, 2021 at 3:00:00 PM GMT Vendor Q&A Start Date:

Vendor Q&A End Date:

Estimated Total Value:

Who can respond to this bid? : All Vendors Description: The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks proposals from qualified organizations to provide On the Job Training Supportive Services - Building Career Opportunities in the Heavy Highway Industry to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The contract period will be from November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022.

Delivery Terms: Free On Board Destination Payment Terms: Net 30 Days Contact Information: MoDOT - Dept of Transportation

Lori Tackett 830 MoDOT Drive Jefferson City MO, 65109 United States Tel: 573-522-9481 Email: Lori.Tackett@modot.mo.gov

Contact Details: If you have any questions, please contact:

Lori Tackett 830 MoDOT Drive Jefferson City MO, 65109 United States Tel: 573-522-9481 Email: Lori.Tackett@modot.mo.gov

Selected Categories:

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RFP605CO22000277

NOTICE

Vendor Responsibility

The vendor is solely responsible for ensuring timely submission of their solicitation response. Failure to allow adequate time prior to the solicitation end date to complete and submit a response to a solicitation, particularly in the event technical support assistance is required, places the vendor and their response at risk of not being accepted on time.

The State of Missouri's Privacy Policy can be accessed here.

MODOT Section Numbering

Section Numbering All section numbering contained in this solicitation is for the convenience of reference only and is not intended to define or limit the scope of any provision of this solicitation and may not be sequential.

ADDENDA

Addendum 01 The due date for receipt of proposals has been changed to Monday, September 20, 2021, at

10:00 AM Central Time by this Addendum. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in full force.

Addendum 02 http://www.mo.gov/privacy-policy/

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The following clarifications, and/or additional information, are believed to be of general interest to all potential Offerors. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged and in full force.

QUESTION 1: Scope of Work - 4.1.7 - Graduate 100% of all participants during the reporting period. Could you please clarify the 100% graduation rate requirement? While we can work hard to eliminate barriers to program participation, we cannot guarantee perfect success.

RESPONSE: MoDOT understands there are barriers that may prevent this. Documentation explaining why programs are not completed and of your attempts to assist in program completion would be requested in the event of participants not completing their program.

QUESTION 2: Goal 4 - Provide work readiness, computer literacy, financial management, family wellness, health/fitness, OSHA-10, CPR/First-Aid, CDL training and flagging to all enrolled students. [...] Students must obtain their CDL permit (Class B) prior to the end of the contract period. Could you please clarify these requirements? While the current program model includes many of these components, we are aware of the time limitations when we only can provide training for the 5-6 week period. Most specifically, we would like clarification on the computer literacy component since this is something we have not specifically provided to participants and the requirement that students must obtain the CDL (Class B) permit prior to the end of the contract period. Specific to the CDL requirement, we are concerned about accessibility issues, both in terms of vehicles for training and available trainers, particularly in light of the continuing concerns around COVID-19. In terms of the flagging training requirement, what entity provides this training?

RESPONSE: Participants should have enough computer skills to function in the heavy highway work system. They should have skills to access email, electronic time sheet systems, etc.

QUESTION 3: Goal 6 - Place 60% of all new enrollees with heavy highway employers. In addition, mentor and monitor 100% of all placements for a period of 2-5 years from the date of graduation. We are not concerned with the 60 percent placement requirement as our current program boasts an over 80% placement rate. We are concerned with the mentoring/monitoring piece for 2-5 years since the contract period only runs for one year without the opportunity for renewal. In addition, this requirement conflicts with the six-month mentoring and monitoring requirement outlined in the Scope of Work section 4.1.7, which reads: "In addition, mentor and monitor 100% of all placements for a period of 6 months from the date of graduation." Please clarify which requirement controls.

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RESPONSE: Follow ups with participants should be done at 3 months, 6 months, and then annually to track their employment and determine if additional services are needed. If participants need to return for refreshing skills or job placement assistance, this would be the re-enrollment listed in section 4.1.8.

QUESTION 4: Scope of Work 4.1.1 - No less than 1 previously served students shall be enrolled in each of the 3 coverage areas (St. Louis, Kansas City, and outstate area) for a total of 3 previously served students to be served by all areas. Could we have some clarification as to this particular requirement? Are we required to re-enroll a previously enrolled student to receive services under this new project? Is there an upper cap on the number of previously served students who can be enrolled? I assume this is intended to provide assistance to a student who has successfully completed the program but not yet secured employment. Further clarification will be appreciated.

RESPONSE: If previous participants are found to need additional assistance during the follow up, they would then be served with job placement and/or updating of skills. Program funds provide for the specified students per contract period.

QUESTION 5: Scope of Work 4.1.8 - Provide training, resources, industry certifications, placement, retention and supportive services ... to former students. We have specific questions with regard to the requirements outlined in sections 4.1.8.1 - 4.1.8.3 as the training is quite beyond the 5-6 week program structure offered to participants. Are these sections intended to bring in students (re-enroll prior program graduates) from previous cohorts to receive specialized training?

Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Support services, as needed, would be provided to assist students in obtaining re-employment or retaining employment. Any specialized training beyond the program would be provided from other sources, i.e., employer, apprenticeship programs, etc.

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Solicitation Requirements:

RFP605CO22000277

MoDOT Instructions for Submitting a Response

Instructions for Submitting a Response

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The Missouri Department of Transportation advertises all bid solicitation documents on the

MissouriBUYS Bid Board (https://www.missouribuys.mo.gov). MissouriBUYS is the State of

Missouri’s web-based statewide eProcurement system which is powered by WebProcure, through our partner, Perfect Commerce.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL VENDORS:

The Missouri Department of Transportation prefers receipt of all bid responses as electronic submissions. Hard copy submissions may be permitted based on the circumstances and content of the relevant solicitation with the approval of the buyer five (5) business days prior to the solicitation close date.

The solicitation as it appears digitally on the MissouriBUYS website is the official document of record. It is incumbent on the Vendor to inspect and ensure any downloaded or printed version of the solicitation that it contains all information, terms and conditions contained in the solicitation as it appears digitally on the MissouriBUYS website. In the event of any dispute regarding the contents of the solicitation, the solicitation as it appears digitally on the MissouriBUYS website shall take precedence and priority over any other downloaded or printed version of the solicitation.

The vendor is solely responsible for ensuring timely submission of their solicitation response. Failure to allow adequate time prior to the solicitation end date to complete and submit a response to a solicitation, particularly in the event technical support assistance is required, places the vendor and their response at risk of not being accepted on time.

To respond electronically to a solicitation, the vendor must first register with MissouriBUYS by going to the MissouriBUYS Home Page (https://missouribuys.mo.gov), clicking the “Register” button at the top of the page, and completing the Vendor Registration. Once registered the vendor should log back into MissouriBUYS and edit their profile by selecting the organizational contact(s) that should receive an automated confirmation of the vendor’s electronic bid responses successfully submitted to the state.

To respond electronically to a solicitation, the vendor must login to MissouriBUYS and locate the desired solicitation on the Bid Board. The vendor must read and accept the current Solicitation

Documents and any subsequent addendums, as well as complete pricing and any other identified requirements. Vendors should upload their completed response to these accepted documents

(including exhibits, forms, and other information concerning the solicitation) as an attachment to the electronic solicitation response. Step-by-step instructions for how a registered vendor responds to a solicitation electronically are available on the MissouriBUYS system at:

https://missouribuys.mo.gov/sites/missouribuys/files/How_To_Respond_To_A_Solicitation.pdf https://www.missouribuys.mo.gov https://missouribuys.mo.gov https://missouribuys.mo.gov/sites/missouribuys/files/How_To_Respond_To_A_Solicitation.pdf

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Addendum Document: If an addendum document is subsequently issued, please follow these steps to accept the addendum document(s).

1. If you have not accepted the original solicitation document go to the Overview page, find the section titled, Original Solicitation Documents, review the solicitation document(s) then click on the box under Select, and then click on the Accept button.

2. To accept the addendum document, on the Overview page find the section titled Addendum

Document, review the addendum document(s) then click on the box under Select, and then click on the Accept button.

Note: If you submitted an electronic response prior to the addendum date and time, you should review your solicitation response to ensure that it is still valid by taking into consideration the revisions addressed in the addendum document. If a revision is needed to your solicitation response and/or to indicate your acceptance of the addendum document, you will need to retract your response and re-submit your response by following these steps:

1. Log into MissouriBUYS.

2. Select the Solicitations tab.

3. Select View Current Solicitations.

4. Select My List.

5. Select the correct Opportunity Number (Opportunity No); the Overview page will display.

6. Click on Review Response from the navigation bar.

7. Click on Retract if your response needs to be revised.

8. A message will come up asking, “Are you sure you want to retract the Bid”. Click on Continue to confirm.

9. Click on Respond and revise as applicable.

10. Click on Review Response from the navigation bar and then click on Submit to submit your response.

1. MODOT RFP STANDARD PROPOSAL PROVISIONS

1.1. Standard Provisions

The solicitation for the procurement of services referenced therein, is being issued under, and governed by, the provisions of Title 7 Missouri Department of Transportation, Division 10 Missouri Highways and

Transportation Commission, Chapter 11 Procurement of Supplies, of the Code of State Regulations. The

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC/Commission), acting by and through its operating arm, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), draws the Offerors attention to said 7

CSR 10-11 for all the provisions governing solicitation and receipt of proposals and the award of the contract pursuant to this solicitation.

1.2. Standard Provisions

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All proposals must be submitted by a responsible officer or employee of the firm. Obligations assumed by such submission must be fulfilled.

1.3. Standard Provisions

MHTC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals for any reason whatsoever. Time is of the essence for responding to the RFP within the submission deadlines.

2. MODOT RFP PROPOSAL CERTIFICATION

2.1. Proposal Certification

The Offeror shall provide a fee proposal to MHTC in accordance with the terms of this Request for Proposal

(RFP). All services shall be performed at the fees offered and in accordance with the terms of this RFP.

2.2. Proposal Certification

By submission of the proposal, each Offeror, and in the case of a joint proposal, each party thereto as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief:

2.2.1. The prices in this proposal have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other Offeror or any competitor.

2.2.2. Unless otherwise required by law, the proposed prices have not been knowingly disclosed by the

Offeror prior the opening, directly or indirectly, to any other Offeror or to any competitor.

2.2.3. No attempt has been made or will be made by the Offeror to induce any other person, partnership or corporation to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition.

2.2.4. The Offeror certifies this proposal is made without any connection with any other person, firm, organization or business entity making a proposal for the same purpose, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud, and that no elected official or other member, officer or employee or person whose salary is payable in whole or in part from the MHTC/MoDOT is directly or indirectly interested therein, or in any portion of the profits thereof.

3. MODOT RFP GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

3.1. General Description

This document constitutes a RFP from prospective qualified Offerors to provide On the Job

Training Supportive Services to the MHTC, as set forth in this RFP. It is the intent of this RFP to have the successful Offeror(s) enter into an Agreement with MHTC (hereinafter Resulting

Agreement), to supply said services as outlined herein.

3.2. Background

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MHTC is seeking a qualified Offeror who can provide an increase in the total number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals throughout Missouri and surrounding areas, participating in

Federal-aid highway projects to fulfill the on-the-job training (OJT) positions. It is the intent of this

RFP to have the successful Offeror enter into a Services Agreement with MHTC (hereinafter

“Resulting Agreement”), to supply the OJT Supportive Services as outlined herein.

MoDOT received funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for OJT/SS, which intended to directly impact the local economy by increasing employment opportunities for minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals. The OJT/SS project provides educational experiences to enhance work maturity skills, High School Equivalency

(HSE) attainment, tools, equipment and vocational training and national certification to enter long-term employment in highway/heavy construction and any other training programs that will assist minorities, females and economically disadvantaged individuals into the heavy highway industry in

Missouri.

The award of contract(s) for the OJT/SS will be determined and funded by FHWA. An award of the contract for providing the OJT/SS services in the St. Louis area will be made to the successful

Offeror in the amount of $45,223.67. For the purposes of the award of this RFP in the St. Louis area, the St. Louis area will be defined at that geographic area within a 45 mile radius from the

MoDOT St. Louis District Office located at 1590 Woodlake Drive, Chesterfield, MO (hereinafter, “St.

Louis area”). An award of the contract for providing OJT/SS services in the Kansas City area will be made to the successful Offeror in the amount of $45,223.67. For the purposes of the award of this RFP in the Kansas City area, the Kansas City area will be defined as that geographic area within a 45 mile radius from the MoDOT Kansas City District Office located at 600 NE Colbern

Road, Lee Summit, MO (hereinafter, “Kansas City area”). An award of the contract for providing

OJT/SS services in all other areas outside of the St. Louis area and the Kansas City area

(hereinafter, “outstate area”), will be made in the amount of $45,223.66. The award of the contract pursuant to this RFP may be to multiple vendors based upon the responses received. If one or more of the responses from a designated area (Kansas City, St. Louis, or outstate) are deemed insufficient to merit a contract award, the MHTC reserves the right to distribute the award among the successful Offeror(s) in their respective area(s) as well as increasing the number of students to be served.

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MoDOT operates as a customer focused and results driven, state agency under a decentralized organization structure with headquarters in Jefferson City, Missouri and is governed by the MHTC, a six (6) member Commission appointed by the Governor. The Central Office provides oversight and support to seven (7) geographical districts primarily responsible for delivery of MoDOT's mission and tangible results. Each district contains approximately fifteen percent (15%) of the total road mileage in the state highway system. MoDOT employs approximately 5,100 full-time employees. About eighty percent (80%) of those employees work in the seven (7) districts with the remainder working in the various divisions within the Central Office facility.

3.3. Contract Period

The Contract Period for the performance of the services described in this RFP is from the date of the fully executed Resulting Agreement through November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022. The successful Offeror(s) shall perform any and all the services listed herein as often as requested by

MHTC for the entire duration of the Contract Period as defined herein at the Guaranteed-Not-To-

Exceed Prices submitted by the successful Offeror(s) in response to this RFP.

3.4. Renewal Period

There are no renewal options for this RFP.

3.5. Schedule of Events

Below is the schedule that will be followed. Unless otherwise specified, the time of day will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time. MHTC reserves the right at its sole discretion to expand this schedule, as deemed necessary, without any notification except for the deadline date for submitting a proposal.

3.5.1. August 17, 2021 - Issuance of RFP

3.5.2 August 30, 2021 - Deadline for Offerors to submit written questions and requests for clarification to the RFP Contact - Lori Tackett; Email: Lori.Tackett@modot.mo.gov.

3.5.3. September 1, 2021 - Issuance of Amendment with resolution to any questions submitted.

3.5.4. September 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM, Central Time - Deadline for submission of proposals and scheduled public reading of firm names of proposals received.

4. MODOT RFP SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFIC SERVICES

4.1 Scope of Work

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The successful Offeror agrees to provide to MHTC the following services:

4.1.1. Provide minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals with an educational experience to enhance their employment and work maturity skills, as a means to achieving economic self-sufficiency. No less than 8 new students shall be enrolled in each of the 3 coverage areas (St. Louis area, Kansas City area and outstate area) for a total of 24 new students to be served by all areas. No less than 1 previously served students shall be enrolled in each of the 3 coverage areas (St. Louis area, Kansas City area and outstate area) for a total of 3 previously served students to be served by all areas.

4.1.2. Provide educational experience to enhance the employability and retention to the targeted population attaining full or part-time employment on Federal-aid highway construction jobs by

October 31, 2022.

4.1.3. Provide HSE exam preparation courses and HSE preparation testing for minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals enrolled in the program with 100 percent successfully passing the HSE test as a prerequisite necessary to enter employment in the field of heavy highway construction.

4.1.4. Provide necessary and essential tools and equipment to OJT/SS participants and offer vocational skills classroom and on-site training in the proper and safe use of those tools in order to prepare them for careers in the field of heavy highway construction and support their continued employment on Federal-aid highway construction jobs. Provide introductory and intermediate construction skills training to 100 percent of the targeted population necessary to attain full or part time employment on Federal-aid highway construction jobs by December 31, 2019. Provide tools and equipment to the targeted population throughout enrollment into the training program and after attainment of employment on Federal-aid highway construction jobs.

4.1.5. Provide work readiness, computer literacy, financial management, family wellness, health and fitness, OSHA-10, CPR/First-Aid, CDL training and flagging training to 100% of the participants.

4.1.6. Provide industry-specific (highway/heavy) construction training to 100 percent of the OJT/SS participants to prepare them for entry into employment on Federal-aid highway construction jobs upon completion of the program and retain employment on federal-aid projects. Provide industry-specific construction training to 100 percent of the targeted population who choose the highway construction track to assist with the attainment of employment and retention on Federal-aid highway construction jobs.

4.1.7. Graduate 100% of all participants during the reporting period. Place 60% of all graduates with heavy highway contractors working on MoDOT federal highway projects. In addition, mentor and monitor 100% of all placements for a period of 6 months from the date of graduation.

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4.1.8. Provide training, resources, industry certifications, placement, retention and supportive services such as daycare, advanced training, job searching, interviewing skills, etc. to former students. Three individuals will be recruited throughout the State (1 in each area of the state) to determine areas they may need additional assistance in order to become re-employed or employed in the heavy highway industry. Services could include the following:

4.1.8.1. Provide training and retention services to apprentices and journeymen who are not currently employed in the heavy highway industry with positions with heavy highway contractors.

4.1.8.2. Assistance to students in obtaining hours to complete their apprenticeship program through outreach and placement with heavy highway contractors.

4.1.8.3. Specialized training and certifications to those trainees currently enrolled in a program in areas such as scaffolding training, welding certifications, global positioning systems (GPS) training, crane operator certifications, flagging certification, etc.

4.1.8.4. Training to provide students with career building skills to assist with interviewing skills and résumé building. This may include teaching and assisting students in finding employment in the heavy highway industry.

4.1.8.5. Career building workshop/fair for students upon completion of the program inviting Labor

Management Organizations, community based organizations, contractors and other potential employers to interact with students for possible placement with these organizations for heavy highway positions.

4.1.8.6. Job shadowing opportunities for students. This may include partnering with contractors from various trades to invite students to visit with them to shadow the various career opportunities and positions in the heavy highway industry.

4.1.8.7. Placement of students who complete the program into positions in the heavy highway industry for employment on projects with contractors who have federal aid highway projects with

MoDOT. MoDOT will consider students for placement as seasonal employees if the entity will assist the students with completing the online MoDOT application when seasonal job opportunities are available.

4.2 Specific Services

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The Offeror(s) agree to perform specific services within the above stated scope of work to include, but not be limited to the following:

4.2.1. Purpose Statement

The purpose statement must provide a summary including the amount of funding the entity is requesting, why the funding is requested and how the funds will be used.

4.2.2. Performance Period

The total performance period shall be November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022, unless further explanation is given to deviate from this time frame and is approved by MoDOT and FHWA.

4.2.3. Scope of Work

A clear and precise timeline that includes 1) all key tasks or activities that will be carried out to implement the program; 2) when all key tasks or activities will be carried out over the performance period; 3) monthly dates for submission of evaluation and monitoring data results to MoDOT no later than the 10th day of the following month (which is a requirement for reimbursement). An annual report must be submitted within 20 days of the program’s completion.

The Offeror must identify project personnel, resources and a synopsis of in-kind contributions and cash match funding. In addition, the Offeror must identify partnerships and collaborations that will be utilized during the reporting period.

4.2.4. Performance Goals, Measurements and Objectives

A performance-based OJT/SS program will always include specific goals and objectives, activities/strategies, and performance measures. Performance measurements reflect how well the goals and objectives are met. A performance-based program is results oriented.

The following are the seven goals that must be addressed in the RFP:

Goal 1 – Provide heavy highway hands-on construction skills training and work experiences, industry certifications, placement, retention and support services to increase skill levels of 100% of enrolled participants. St. Louis, Kansas City and Outstate will be required to serve at least 8 students per area.

Goal 2 - Provide GED test preparation course and touring to all enrolled participants. All enrolled students must have their HSE or obtain their HSE prior to graduating from the program or upon the end of the contract period.

Goal 3 – Provide necessary construction tools and equipment training to 100% of enrolled students by the end of the contract period.

Goal 4 – Provide work readiness, computer literacy, financial management, family wellness, health/fitness, OSHA-10, CPR/First-Aid, CDL training and flagging training to all enrolled students.

Students must be certified in OSHA-10 and CPR/First/Aid prior to the end of the contract period.

Students must obtain their CDL permit (Class B) prior to the end of the contract period.

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Goal 5 – Graduate 100% of all participants enrolled (24 statewide). St. Louis, Kansas City and

Outstate will be required to gradate at a minimum 8 students in each area prior to the end of the contract period.

Goal 6 – Place 60% of all new enrollees with heavy highway employers. In addition, mentor and monitor 100% of all placements for a period of 2-5 years from the date of graduation. St. Louis, Kansas City and Outstate will be required to place at a minimum 5 students in each area of the state prior to the end of the contract period.

Goal 7 – Provide training, resources, industry certifications, placement, retention, and support services such as daycare, minor vehicle repair, advanced training, job searching, interviewing skills, etc. to 3 former graduates of the OJT Supportive Services Program or other similar programs who are currently unemployed/underemployed. St. Louis, Kansas City and Outstate will be required to serve at a minimum 1 individual in each area of the state prior to the end of the contract period.

Additional goals may be included. The program goals MUST be written in one (1) sentence, be clear and concise, and identify the targeted population.

5. MODOT RFP REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF PROPOSAL AND

SUBMISSION

5.1. Required Elements of Proposal

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Each Offeror shall provide a cover letter signed by an authorized firm representative stating he/she has read and understands all of the terms and conditions of doing business with

MHTC in response to this request for proposal. The proposal must be divided into sections corresponding to the list of elements described below.

5.1.1. Experience, Expertise and Reliability - With regard to documenting its experience, expertise, and reliability in performing the requested services, the Offeror must provide information related to previous and current contractual relationships considered identical or similar in scope to the one anticipated to result between MHTC and the successful Offeror pursuant to this RFP. At a minimum, the following information must be provided:

5.1.1.1. Name, address, telephone number of contracting agency/entity, and a contact person who can verify all data submitted.

5.1.1.2. Contract dates.

5.1.1.3. A brief, written description of the specific services provided, methods used, and the results associated with the specific services provided.

5.1.1.4. List of any pending legal action(s) involving your firm that could directly or indirectly impact the services provided to MHTC.

5.1.2. Proposed Method of Performance - Each Offeror must present a written narrative demonstrating the method and/or manner in which it proposes to satisfy the requirements of this

RFP. The language of the narrative shall be straightforward and limited to facts, solutions to the problems, and plans of proposed action as well as the timeline for completion of proposed action.

5.1.3.1. By reading the proposal, MHTC must be able to gain a comfortable grasp of the services to be provided and the methods proposed by the Offeror to provide them. A detailed explanation should be included to understand how the services comply with the requirements of this RFP.

5.1.3.2. In order to show feasibility, a timetable setting forth appropriate milestones shall be included in Offeror's proposal, with sufficient detail explaining how Offeror will meet those timelines/milestones.

5.1.4. Recommendations from References - Proposals should indicate the name, title and telephone number of at least five officials of clients, students, partners or stakeholders. The proposal may also include letters of support from references. See Exhibit 5.

5.1.5. In-kind Contributions and Cash Match Funding - Please describe all in-kind contributions or cash match that will be utilized. Indicate the name of entity, amount of funding, detailed explanation of the type of services to be provided. See Exhibit 6.

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5.1.6. Partnerships/Collaboration - Please describe all partnerships or collaboration with industry entities such as labor organizations, unions, and/or contractors that will be utilized. Indicate the name of entity, detailed explanation of the type of services to be provided, or the extent of the partnership/collaboration. See Exhibit 7.

5.1.7. Past success with placement and retention with heavy highway contractors - See Exhibit 8.

5.1.8. Pricing Page- See Exhibit 9.

5.2. Submission of Proposals

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5.2.1. Electronic Proposal Format - If a registered vendor is responding electronically through the

MissouriBUYS System website, in addition to completing the on-line pricing, the registered vendor should submit completed exhibits, forms, and other information concerning the proposal as an attachment to the electronic proposal. The registered vendor is instructed to review the RFP submission provisions carefully to ensure they are providing all required pricing, including applicable renewal pricing. Instructions on how a registered vendor responds to a bid on-line are available on the MissouriBUYS System website at:

https://missouribuys.mo.gov/bidboard.html.

In the event that the vendor is an agency of state government or other such political subdivision which is prohibited by law or court decision from complying with certain provisions of an RFP, such vendor may submit a proposal which contains a list of statutory limitations and identification of those prohibitive clauses.

The vendor should include a complete list of statutory references and citations for each provision of the

RFP, which is affected by this paragraph. The statutory limitations and prohibitive clauses may (1) be requested to be clarified in writing or (2) be accepted without further clarification if the statutory limitations and prohibitive clauses are deemed acceptable. If MHTC determines clarification of the statutory limitations and prohibitive clauses is necessary, the clarification will be conducted in order to agree to language that reflects the intent and compliance of such law and/or court order and the RFP.

5.2.1.1. The exhibits, forms, and Pricing Page(s) provided herein can be saved into a word processing document, completed by a registered vendor, and then sent as an attachment to the electronic submission.

Other information requested or required may be sent as an attachment. Additional instructions for submitting electronic attachments are on the MissouriBUYS System website. Be sure to include the solicitation/opportunity (OPP) number, company name, and a contact name on any electronic attachments.

Electronic copies of the proposal and electronic attachments should be searchable.

5.2.1.2. In addition, a registered vendor may submit the exhibits, forms, Pricing Page(s), etc., through mail or courier service. However, any such submission must be received prior to the specified end date and time.

5.2.1.3. If a registered vendor submits an electronic and hard copy proposal response and if such responses are not identical, the vendor should explain which response is valid. MHTC will consider the response with the terms most favorable to MHTC.

5.2.2. Hard Copy Proposal Format - If the vendor is submitting a proposal via the mail or a courier service or is hand delivering the proposal, the vendor should include completed exhibits, forms, and other information concerning the proposal (including completed Pricing Page(s) with the proposal. The vendor is instructed to review the RFP submission provisions carefully to ensure they are providing all required pricing, including applicable renewal pricing.

5.2.2.1. The proposal should be page numbered and the signed page one from the original RFP and all signed addendums should be placed at the beginning of the proposal.

5.2.2.2. The vendor should include one (1) original proposal. The front cover of the original proposal should be labeled original.

https://missouribuys.mo.gov/bidboard.html

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5.2.2.3. In addition, the vendor should include one (1) complete electronic copy of their proposal in

Microsoft compatible format on password protected flash drives. The electronic copy should be in a searchable format to facilitate the evaluation process. The vendor should be sure to provide the password so MoDOT can access the documents. The vendor should ensure all media is identical to the vendors hardcopy original proposal. In case of a discrepancy, the original hardcopy proposal document shall govern.

Electronic copies of the proposal and electronic attachments should be searchable.

5.2.3. Signatures - Any form containing a signature line in this RFP and any amendments, pricing pages, etc., must be manually signed and returned as part of the proposal.

5.2.4. Pricing The Offeror is required to specify the pricing associated with this RFP as a firm fixed price.

The successful Offeror will be responsible for performing all services listed in this RFP at the prices submitted. MHTC will not be liable for any charges beyond those detailed in the proposal.

5.2.4.1. MHTC shall not make any payment to the successful Offeror in advance of the services rendered by the successful Offeror.

5.2.4.2. Each Offeror is responsible for its own expense in preparing, delivering or presenting a proposal, and for subsequent interviews or negotiations with MHTC, if any, as provided for in this RFP.

5.2.5. Proposal Life The Offerors must include a statement in the proposal that indicates the length of time during which MHTC may rely on all proposal commitments. All proposals made in response to this RFP and quoted pricing must remain in effect for a period of not less than 90 days after the date for proposal submission. Any proposal accepted by MHTC for the purpose of contract negotiations shall remain valid until superseded by a contract or until rejected by MHTC.

5.2.6. Submission of All Information Required The Offerors must respond to this RFP by submitting all the information required herein for its proposal to be evaluated and considered for award. Failure to submit all the required information shall be deemed sufficient cause for disqualification of a proposal from consideration.

5.2.7. Public Inspection The Offerors are hereby advised that all proposals and the information contained in or related thereto are subject to Missouri Open Records Act and after contract award and execution of the

Resulting Agreement shall be open to public inspection and may be viewed and copied by any member of the public; therefore, MHTC does not assume any responsibility whatsoever in the event that such information is used or copied by individual persons or organizations.

5.2.7.1. Offerors claiming a statutory exception to the Missouri Open Records Act must clearly identify any confidential documents. The Offeror must also specify which statutory exception provision applies. MHTC reserves the right to make determinations of confidentiality. If MHTC does not agree that the information designated is confidential under one of the disclosure exceptions to the Missouri Open Records Act, it may either reject the proposal or discuss its interpretation of the allowable exceptions with the Offeror. If agreement can be reached, the proposal will be considered. If agreement cannot be reached, MHTC will remove the proposal from consideration for award and return the proposal to the Offeror.

5.2.7.2. MHTC will not consider prices to be confidential information.

5.2.7.3. The Offeror must submit its proposal based on the conditions contained in this paragraph without reservations.

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5.2.8. Clarification of Requirements It shall be the Offerors responsibility to ask questions, request changes or clarification, or otherwise advise MHTC/MoDOT if any language, specifications or requirements of the

RFP appear to be ambiguous, contradictory, and/or arbitrary, or appear to inadvertently restrict or limit the requirements stated in the RFP to a single source.

5.2.8.1. Any and all communication from Offerors regarding specifications, requirements, competitive proposal, etc., must be directed to the RFP Contact listed herein, unless the RFP specifically refers the

Offerors to another contact. Such communication shall be received by the date noted in the Schedule of

Events.

5.2.8.2. Every attempt will be made to ensure that the Offeror receives an adequate and prompt response.

However, in order to maintain a fair and equitable proposal process, all Offerors will be advised, via the issuance of an addendum to the RFP, of any relevant or pertinent information related to the procurement.

Therefore, Offerors are advised that unless specified elsewhere in the RFP, any questions received after the listed date may not be answered.

5.2.9. After an initial screening of the written proposals, any, or all of the Offerors submitting a proposal in response to this RFP may be required to give an oral presentation of their proposal. Additional technical information may be requested for clarification purposes, but in no way to change the original written proposal submitted. MHTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to decide to conduct interviews with any or all of the Offerors. MHTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the interview method, format and location. If an interview is conducted, it is preferred that the interviewed Offerorâs personnel to be assigned to the work, as well as key representatives, be present at and participate in the interview.

5.2.10. Official Position of MHTC Offerors are cautioned that the only official position of the MHTC and

MoDOT is that which is issued by MHTC in the RFP or an amendment thereto. No other means of communication, whether oral or written, shall be construed as a formal or official response or statement.

6. MODOT RFP EVALUATION FACTORS AND PROCESS

6.1. Evaluation Factors

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The following factors shall be considered in the evaluation of the proposals:

6.1.1. Evaluation Criteria - Any agreement for services Resulting from this RFP shall be awarded to the Offeror providing the best proposal to MHTC. After determining responsiveness, proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria and maximum points per each criterion:

6.1.1.1. Experience, Expertise and Reliability - 25 Maximum Points

6.1.1.2. Proposed Method of Performance - 20 Maximum Points

6.1.1.3. Recommendations from references - 12 Maximum Points

6.1.1.4. In-Kind Contributions and Cash Match Funding - 15 Maximum Points

6.1.1.5. Partnership/Collaboration - 18 Maximum Points

6.1.1.6. Past success with placement and retention with heavy highway contractors - 10 Maximum

Points

6.1.2. Historic Information - MHTC reserves the right to consider historic information and facts, whether gained from the Offeror's proposal, presentations or interviews as applicable, references, or other sources, including but not limited to the listed subcontractors, in the evaluation process.

6.1.3. Responsibility to Submit Information - Each Offeror is cautioned that it is the Offeror's sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation criteria and MHTC is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the Offeror's proposal. Failure of the

Offeror to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the Offeror's proposal.

6.2. Proposal Review/ Evaluation

MHTC will select a group of individuals to comprise the proposal review team. MHTC may, in its sole discretion, form a subgroup of the proposal review team, consisting of one or more team members, to comprise a separate proposal evaluation team that would be responsible for evaluating proposals with regard to compliance with RFP requirements. All evaluation team members will use the evaluation criteria stated above and present the evaluations to the review team for further action in the proposal evaluation and contract award process. If MHTC opts to not create a separate subgroup proposal evaluation team, the proposal review team shall also act as the proposal evaluation team.

7. MODOT RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7.1. Agreement Components

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The Resulting Agreement between MHTC and the successful Offeror shall incorporate by reference as its components the following: the RFP and any written amendments thereto and the proposal submitted by the successful Offeror in response to the RFP. In case of a conflict between or inconsistency in the terms contained in the RFP and the proposal submitted by the Offeror in response to the RFP, the terms of the

RFP shall govern. In the event of a conflict between or inconsistency in the terms of the RFP and the

Resulting Agreement, the terms of the Resulting Agreement shall govern. MHTC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to clarify any relationship in writing and such written clarification shall govern in case of any conflict with or inconsistency in the applicable requirements stated in the RFP and the successful Offeror's proposal.

7.2. MHTC's Representative

The External Civil Rights Director is designated as MHTC's representative with authority to act on behalf of MHTC for the purpose of administering the Resulting Agreement. MHTC's representative may designate by written notice other persons having the authority to act on behalf of MHTC in furtherance of the performance of the Resulting Agreement. Each Offeror shall fully coordinate its activities with the designated representative and shall consult the MHTC representative regarding any problem arising out of the provision of the services to the MHTC pursuant to this RFP and the

Resulting Agreement. As the work of the successful Offeror progresses, advice and information on matters covered by the Resulting Agreement shall be made available by the successful Offeror to the designated representative throughout the effective period of the Agreement. MHTC reserves the right to limit the authority of Buyer of Record and MHTC's representative provided herein as it deems necessary in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time throughout the duration of the RFP process and the Contract Period.

7.3. Assignment

The successful Offeror shall not assign, transfer, or delegate any interest in the services to be provided under this RFP and the Resulting Agreement without the prior written consent of the MHTC representative.

The successful Offeror may at its own expense employ clerical or technical assistance in the performance of the services under this RFP and the Resulting Agreement, such clerical and technical assistance provider being as fully bound as the Offeror to all confidentiality and work product provisions of this RFP and the

Resulting Agreement.

7.4. Amendments

Any change in the Resulting Agreement, whether by modification or supplementation, must be accomplished by a formal contract amendment approved and signed by representatives of the Successful Offeror and

Commission, respectively, each of whom being duly authorized to execute the contract amendment on behalf of the Successful Offeror and Commission, respectively.

7.5. Disputes

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Disputes Under the RFP and Resulting Agreement: The MHTC representative and/or Buyer of Record, as applicable, will decide all questions which may arise as to the quality, quantity, and acceptability of any

Offerors proposals submitted in response to this RFP, and of the services under this RFP and the Resulting

Agreement performed by the successful Offeror and as to the rate of progress of the services; all questions which may arise as to the interpretation of the services to be performed under this RFP and the Resulting

Agreement; all questions as to the acceptable fulfillment of the Resulting Agreement on the part of the successful Offeror; the proper compensation for performance or breach of the Resulting Agreement; and all claims of any character whatsoever in connection with or growing out of the services to be performed or performed by the successful Offeror, whether claims under this RFP and the Resulting Agreement or otherwise. The decision of the MHTC representative and/or Buyer of Record, as applicable, shall be conclusive, binding, and incontestable.

7.6. Successors and Assigns

The Commission and the Offerors agree that this RFP and, as applicable, the Resulting Agreement as well as all agreements entered into under the provisions of this RFP, shall be binding upon the parties thereto and their successors and assigns.

7.7. Sole Beneficiary

The Resulting Agreement will be made for the sole benefit of the parties thereto and nothing in this RFP or the Resulting Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits to anyone other than the

Commission and the successful Offeror.

7.8. Cancellation of Resulting Agreement

MHTC may cancel the Resulting Agreement at any time by providing the successful Offeror with a written notice of cancellation. Should the Commission exercise its right to cancel the Resulting Agreement, cancellation will become effective upon the date specified in the notice of cancellation.

7.9. Bankruptcy

Upon filing for any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding by or against any Offeror or assignee, whether voluntarily, or upon the appointment of a receiver for the benefit of creditors, Commission reserves the right and sole discretion to reject the Offerors proposal, or, as applicable, either cancel the Resulting Agreement or affirm the Resulting Agreement and hold the successful Offeror responsible for damages.

7.10. Status of Independent Contractor

The successful Offeror represents itself to be an independent contractor offering such services to the general public and shall not represent itself or its employees to be an employee of MHTC or MoDOT.

Therefore, the successful Offeror shall assume all legal and financial responsibility for taxes, FICA, employee fringe benefits, workers compensation, employee insurance, minimum wage requirements, overtime, or other such benefits or obligations.

7.11. Subcontractor

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Any Offerors proposal must identify all subcontractors, if any, and outline the contractual relationship between the Offeror and each subcontractor. Either a copy of the executed subcontract or a letter of agreement over the official signature of the firms involved must accompany each proposal. MHTC must approve the successful Offerors subcontracting any portion of the services to be provided under the

Agreement. The successful Offeror is responsible for the performance of any obligations that may result from this RFP and the Agreement and shall not be relieved by the non-performance of any subcontractor.

7.12. MBE/WBE Participation Encouraged

Minority Participation Encouraged: Offerors are encouraged to obtain…