RFQ v2.docx

SAP

State of South Carolina

Request for qualifications

Solicitation Number:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

5400021122 March 19, 2021

Michael Thomas, CPPO 803-896-0752 Michael.Thomas@admin.sc.gov

DESCRIPTION: Statewide Cable and Wiring Services Request for qualifications-RFQ

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: Statewide Contract

The Term "Offer" Means Your "Bid" or "Proposal". Unless submitted on-line, your offer must be submitted in a sealed package. Solicitation Number & Opening Date must appear on package exterior. See "Submitting Your Offer" provision.

SUBMIT YOUR SEALED OFFER TO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:

MAILING ADDRESS:

Department of Administration Division of Technology 4430 Broad River Road Columbia, SC. 29210 Attn: Michael Thomas, CPPO

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

Department of Administration Division of Technology 4430 Broad River Road Columbia, SC. 29210 Attn: Michael Thomas, CPPO

SUBMIT RESPONSE (Opening Date/Time): April 19, 2021, 11:00 AM, EST (See "Deadline for Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: April 2, 2021, 12:00 Noon, EST (email questions to michael.thomas@admin.sc.gov)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: Refer to page 3

CONFERENCE TYPE: N/A

DATE & TIME:

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions) LOCATION: Conference call in

Unless submitted on-line, you must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By submitting a bid or proposal, you agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" and "Electronic Signature" provisions.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer) Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the Offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO.

(See "Taxpayer Identification Number" provision)

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurement.sc.gov)

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________ ___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) ___ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

COVER PAGE (NOV. 2007)

SAP

SAP

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer)

HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for Offerors home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.) (See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address

____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent) (See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address

____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt Payment" clause)

10 Calendar Days (%)

20 Calendar Days (%)

30 Calendar Days (%)

_____Calendar Days (%)

____In-State Office Address same as Home Office Address

____In-State Office Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009)

End of PAGE TWO

PAGE THREE

The Offeror must submit the following:

· 1ea paper copies of the submission including one electronic copy.

All copies requested must be delivered no later than the date and time specified on the cover page of the solicitation to the following address:

Department of Administration Division of Technology 4430 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210 Attn: Michael Thomas, CPPO Solicitation # 5400021122

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL OFFERORS 3

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR

TAX CREDIT FOR SUBCONTRACTING W/DISADVANTAGED

SECTION VI. AWARD CRITERIA (reserved) 58

SECTION VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- A. GENERAL 59

ASSIGNMENT, NOVATION, AND CHANGE OF NAME, IDENTITY,

CONTRACTOR’S LIABILITY INSURANCE –

INFORMATION SECURITY

SECTION I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

(1.0 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT)

The Division of Technology Operations (DTO) is a major operating unit of the South Carolina Department of Administration. DTO performs numerous functions related to the provision, use, security, privacy, and administration of information technology in state government. The purpose of DTO is to set the direction for the state’s use of technology and to make government more efficient, accountable, and accessible to citizens through the use of information technology. The DTO’s Division of Technology Operations manages the state’s data center, backbone network and telecommunication service and promotes the cost-effective uses of technology in state and local government. DTO currently provides telecommunications services to the State based on S.C. Code Ann. Section 1-11-430.

It is the intent of DTO, to solicit qualification documents, from qualified Offerors and their manufacture suppliers. The objective of this RFQ is to identify financially viable, technically competent firms to install dark fiber copper cabling and inside wiring to, between and in buildings at public schools, state supported schools of higher education, state office buildings and other privately-owned buildings occupied by government agencies, state, county or municipal facilities across South Carolina. Through this RFQ, the State is seeking qualification documents, and general pricing information on lots 1-3 included within this RFQ.

The purpose of this solicitation is a request for qualifications. These request for qualification requirements are set forth in Section V of this RFQ. This request for qualification will be followed by a written fixed price bid solicitation. This second fixed price bid will establish the final contract for services for the State.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY & PROCUREMENT CODE EXEMPTION

All Offerors are advised that the services requested under this request for qualifications are being acquired using the Telecommunications Authority as set forth in Section 1-11-430 of the South Carolina Code of Laws and the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code Exemption #114 (7/14/93). After reviewing this solicitation document, Offerors should advise the State of any problems they perceive where this may bear upon their ability to comply. Such questions and/or concerns must be presented in writing to the Procurement Official listed above by the date and time specified on the front of the solicitation.

S.C. Code Ann. Section 1-11-430 (Telecommunications Authority) This code section requires that all state entities be treated as a single enterprise for purposes of securing and utilizing local and long-distance telecommunications equipment and services. The Department of Administration’s Division of Technology is directed to secure and coordinate the supply of all telecommunications equipment and services for the state government enterprise. No entity of state government may enter into an agreement or renew an existing agreement for telecommunications services without the Department of Administration’s Division of Technology, approval.

“In post-divestiture circumstances, the State, its boards, committees, commissions, councils, and agencies, and other entities excluding counties, municipalities, and special service and school districts must be treated as a single enterprise for purposes of securing and utilizing local and long distance telecommunications equipment and services.

The Department of Administration’s Division of Technology shall secure all telecommunications equipment and services for the state government enterprise under terms it considers suitable and coordinate the supply of the equipment and services for state government use. No entity of state government may enter into an agreement or renew an existing agreement for telecommunications services unless approved by the Department of Administration’s Division of Technology.”

SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS

CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE.

AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.

BOARD means the South Carolina Department of Administration or its successor in interest.

BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity.

CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract.

CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the procurement officer, directing the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract titled “Changes,” if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to order without the consent of the contractor.

CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.

COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number. Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.

FEES mean the administrative fees payable by the Contractor.

FPB means fixed price bid.

LOT means one (1) of the three (3) lots of services listed in Section three (3) of this Solicitation.

OFFER means the bid or proposal submitted in response this solicitation. The terms Bid and Proposal are used interchangeably with the term Offer.

OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used interchangeably with the term Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and Bid/Proposal As Offer To Contract.

PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on the Cover Page, an amendment, or an award notice.

YOU and YOUR means Offeror.

RFQ means request for qualifications.

SOLICITATION means this RFQ document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.

STATE means the Using Governmental Unit(s) identified on the Cover Page.

SUBCONTRACTOR means any person you contract with to perform or provide any part of the work.

US or WE mean the using governmental unit.

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means the unit(s) of government identified as such on the Cover Page. If the Cover Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as “Statewide Term Contract,” the phrase “Using Governmental Unit” means any South Carolina Public Procurement Unit that has submitted a Purchase Order to you pursuant to the contract resulting from this solicitation. Reference the clauses titled “Purchase Orders” and “Statewide Term Contract.”

WORK means all labor, materials, equipment, services, or property of any type, provided or to be provided by the Contractor to fulfill the Contractor's obligations under the Contract.

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004)

(a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: www.procurement.sc.gov.

(b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation

(1) by signing and returning the amendment,

(2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two,

(3) by letter, or

(4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment.

(c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.

[02-2A005-1]

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015)

All authority regarding this procurement is vested solely with the responsible Procurement Officer. Unless specifically delegated in writing, the Procurement Officer is the only government official authorized to bind the government with regard to this procurement or the resulting contract. [02-2A007-1]

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004) Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation. [02-2A025-1]

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AS PROCUREMENT AGENT (FEB 2015)

The Procurement Officer is an employee of the Division of Administration acting on behalf of the Using Governmental Unit(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Procurement Code. Any contracts awarded as a result of this procurement are between the Contractor and the Using Governmental Units(s). The Division of Administration is not a party to such contracts, unless and to the extent that the Division of Administration is a using governmental unit, and bears no liability for any party’s losses arising out of or relating in any way to the contract. [02-2A030-2]

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(a) (1) By submitting an Offer, Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that-

(i) Offeror and/or any of its Principals-

(A) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal agency.

(B) Have not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, or receiving stolen property; and

(C) Are not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.

(D) Are not presently engaged in investment activities in Iran as defined in S.C. Code section 11-57-300 of the Iran Divestment Act of 2014.

(ii) Offeror has not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any public (Federal, state, or local) entity.

(2) "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).

(b) Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Procurement Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(c) If Offeror is unable to certify the representations stated in paragraphs (a)(1), Offeror must submit a written explanation regarding its inability to make the certification. The certification will be considered in connection with a review of the Offeror’s responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish additional information as requested by the Procurement Officer may render the Offeror non-responsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly or in bad faith rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the State, the Procurement Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004):

Any offer received after the Procurement Officer of the governmental body or his designee has declared that the time set for opening has arrived, shall be rejected unless the offer has been delivered to the designated purchasing office or the governmental body’s mail room which services that purchasing office prior to the opening. [R.19-445.2070(G)] [02-2A050-1]

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004)

By submitting an Offer, Contractor certifies that, if awarded a contract, Contractor will comply with all applicable provisions of The Drug-free Workplace Act, Title 44, Chapter 107 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended. [02-2A065-1]

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015)

Offeror, by submitting an Offer, represents that it has read and understands the Solicitation and that its Offer is made in compliance with the Solicitation. Offerors are expected to examine the Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror's risk. All ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation shall be interpreted to require the better quality or greater quantity of work and/or materials, unless otherwise directed by amendment. Offeror assumes responsibility for any patent ambiguity in the Solicitation that Offeror does not bring to the State's attention. See clause entitled “Questions from Offerors.” [02-2A070-2]

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008)

By submitting an offer, the Offeror certifies that the Offeror has and will comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official position for financial gain; Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720, regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who participated in awarding of contract. The state may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall, if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02-2A075-2]

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004)

Do not include any sales or use taxes in Your price that the State may be required to pay. [02-2A080-1]

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015)

Violation of these restrictions may result in disqualification of your offer, suspension, or debarment, and may constitute a violation of law.

(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be solely with the Procurement Officer.

(b) You are advised to familiarize yourself with Regulation 19-445.2165, which restricts donations to a governmental entity with whom you have or seek to have a contract. You represent that your offer discloses any gifts made, directly or through an intermediary, by you or your named subcontractors to or for the benefit of the Using Governmental Unit during the period beginning eighteen months prior to the Opening Date.] [02-2A087-1]

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (FEB 2015)

(a) Any prospective Offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions regarding the original solicitation or any amendment must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless an earlier date is stated on the Cover Page. Label any communication regarding your questions with the name of the procurement officer, and the solicitation's title and number. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [ (B)] Any information given a prospective Offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective Offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective Offerors. See clause entitled “Duty to Inquire.” We will not identify you in our answer to your question.

(b) The State seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged to advise the Procurement Officer -- as soon as possible -- regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition. [] [02-2A095-2]

REJECTION/CANCELLATION

The State may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part.

RESPONSIVENESS/IMPROPER OFFERS

(a) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.

(b) Multiple Offers. Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has significant differences other than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each separate offer must be submitted as a separate document. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers may be submitted as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and you submit a separate cost proposal for each offer, if applicable.

(c) Responsiveness. Any Offer which fails to conform to the material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected as nonresponsive. Offers which impose conditions that modify material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected. If a fixed price is required, an Offer will be rejected if the total possible cost to the State cannot be determined. Offerors will not be given an opportunity to correct any material nonconformity. Any deficiency resulting from a minor informality may be cured or waived at the sole discretion of the Procurement Officer.

(d) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price.

(e) Unbalanced Bidding. The State may reject an Offer as nonresponsive if the prices bid are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items. A bid is materially unbalanced when it is based on prices significantly less than cost for some work and prices which are significantly overstated in relation to cost for other work, and if there is a reasonable doubt that the bid will result in the lowest overall cost to the State even though it may be the low evaluated bid, or if it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment.

(f) Do not submit bid samples or descriptive literature unless expressly requested. Unsolicited bid samples or descriptive literature will not be examined or tested, will not be used to determine responsiveness, and will not be deemed to vary any of the provisions of the solicitation.

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004)

Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the Offeror.

(a) If the Offeror is an individual, the Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the individual is doing business as a firm.

(b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner.

(c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign.

(d) An Offer may be submitted by a joint venture involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant.

(e) If an Offer is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal. [02-2A115-1]

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004)

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal government processes so that offers cannot be received at the government office designated for receipt of bids by the exact time specified in the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal government processes resume. In lieu of an automatic extension, an Amendment may be issued to reschedule bid opening. If state offices are closed at the time a pre-bid or pre-proposal conference is scheduled, an Amendment will be issued to reschedule the conference. Useful information may be available at: https://scemd.org/closings/ [02-2A120-3]

SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

(An overview is available at www.procurement.sc.gov) For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that Offeror contends contains information that is exempt from public disclosure because it is either (a) a trade secret as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1), or (b) privileged and confidential.,.

For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that Offeror contends contains a trade secret as that term is defined by Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act.

For every document Offeror submits in response to or with regard to this solicitation or request, Offeror must separately mark with the word "PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof.

All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the State may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive. If only portions of a page are subject to some protection, do not mark the entire page.

By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror

(1) agrees to the public disclosure of every page of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page is conspicuously marked "TRADE SECRET" or "CONFIDENTIAL" or "PROTECTED",

(2) agrees that any information not marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets Act, and

(3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure.

In determining whether to release documents, the State will detrimentally rely on Offeror's marking of documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "PROTECTED". By submitting a response, Offeror agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Carolina, its agencies, officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that Offeror marked as "confidential" or "trade secret" or "PROTECTED". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.) [02-2A125-2]

TAX CREDIT FOR SUBCONTRACTING WITH DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESSES

Pursuant to Section 12-6-3350, a taxpayer having a contract with this State who subcontracts with a socially and economically disadvantaged small business is eligible for an income tax credit equal to four percent of the payments to that subcontractor for work pursuant to the contract. The subcontractor must be certified as a socially and economically disadvantaged small business and regulations pursuant to it. The credit is limited to a maximum of fifty thousand dollars annually. A taxpayer is eligible to claim the credit for ten consecutive taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which the first payment is made to the subcontractor that qualifies for the credit. After the above ten consecutive taxable years, the taxpayer is no longer eligible for the credit. A taxpayer claiming the credit shall maintain evidence of work performed for the contract by the subcontractor. The credit may be claimed on Form TC-2, "Minority Business Credit." A copy of the subcontractor's certificate from the Governor's Office of Small and Minority Business (OSMBA) is to be attached to the contractor's income tax return. Questions regarding the tax credit and how-to file are to be referred to: SC Department of Revenue, Research and Review, Phone: (803) 898-5786, Fax: (803) 898-5888. Questions regarding subcontractor certification are to be referred to: Governor's Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance, Phone: (803) 734-0657, Fax: (803) 734-2498. [02-2A135-1]

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (MODIFIED)

You must have a state vendor number to be eligible to submit an offer. To obtain a state vendor number, visit www.procurement.sc.gov and select New Vendor Registration. (To determine if your business is already registered, go to "Vendor Search"). Upon registration, you will be assigned a state vendor number. Vendors must keep their vendor information current. If you are already registered, you can update your information by selecting Change Vendor Registration. (Please note that vendor registration does not substitute for any obligation to register with the S.C. Secretary of State or S.C. Department of Revenue.)

(1)

SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Offeror must submit one the following:

(1) 1 paper copy of the RFQ submission including an electronic copy.

CONTENTS OF OFFER

(a) Offers should be complete and carefully worded and should convey all of the information requested.

(b) Offers should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of Offeror’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFQ. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

(c) If your offer includes any comment over and above the specific information requested in the solicitation, you are to include this information as a separate appendix to your offer. Offers which include either modifications to any of the solicitation’s contractual requirements or an Offeror’s standard terms and conditions may be deemed non-responsive and not considered for award.

CLARIFICATION

The Procurement Officer may elect to communicate with you after opening for the purpose of clarifying either your offer or the requirements of the solicitation. Such communications may be conducted only with Offerors who have submitted an offer which obviously conforms in all material aspects to the solicitation. Clarification of an offer must be documented in writing and included with the offer. Clarifications may not be used to revise an offer or the solicitation.

ELECTRONIC COPIES – REQUIRED MEDIA AND FORMAT (MAR 2015):

In addition to your original offer, you must submit an electronic copy or copies on compact disk (CD), DVD, or USB drive. Submit the number of copies indicated on the cover page. Each copy should be on separate media. Your business and technical proposals must be on separate media. Every disk or USB drive must be labeled with the solicitation number and the Offeror’s name and specify whether its contents address technical proposal or business proposal. If multiple-disk sets are provided, each disk in the set must be appropriately identified as to its relationship to the set, e.g., 1 of 2. The electronic copy must be identical to the original offer. File format shall be compatible with Microsoft Office (version 2003 or later), or Adobe Acrobat or equivalent Portable Document Format (.pdf) viewer. The Procurement Officer must be able to view, search, copy and print electronic documents without a password. [02-2B070-2]

QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST: Offer shall only include products that are on the qualified products list or products, as per the attached pricing templates.

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006): Unit price to be shown for each item. [02-2B170-1]

Manufacture part numbers should be included along with the price sheets

SECTION III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Overview The State is requesting qualifications of Vendors able to provide Cable and Wiring Services. It is the intent of the State of South Carolina (State), Department of Administration, on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Administration’s Division of Technology (DTO), to solicit qualification documents from qualified Offerors to provide Cable and Wiring services. Following the second bid, referred to as a Fixed Price Bid, FPB, the selected Offerors will be expected to participate in statewide procurement contracts bids for the solutions described in the three lots herein and to provide services to individual using governmental units (UGS) on the basis of those statewide contracts.

Cable and wiring systems are a critical component of the State’s information technology infrastructure and as such must be protected and must meet State and Federal security policies and standards. The State requires Offerors of these services to specify how they will comply with State privacy and security policies and standards across all elements of their proposed solutions. These policies and standards can be found at: https://admin.sc.gov/technology/policies_procedures.

The objective of this RFQ is to identify multiple financially viable, technically competent firms to install optical fiber, copper cabling and inside wiring to, between and in buildings at public schools, state supported schools of higher education, state office buildings and other privately-owned buildings occupied by government agencies, state, county or municipal facilities across South Carolina. Through this RFQ, the State will identify multiple contractors for the purpose of providing cable and wiring materials and labor to install listed materials.

The State is requesting contractors provide the information requested on the attachment, from which the fixed price bid will be generated.

Definitions:

Inside Plant Inside plant (ISP), as defined in the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) ICT Terminology Handbook version 2.0, is a telecommunications infrastructure systems (e.g., balanced twisted-pair cabling, optical fiber cabling, coaxial cabling, racks, cabinets, cabling pathways, information outlets) inside a building. Telecommunication companies refer to this as inside wire (IW) or intra-facility cabling (IFC).

Examples of typical ISP work include: pulling optical fiber and copper cable; installation of jacks, faceplates and patch panels; building pathways utilizing j-hooks, cable tray, wire molding, coring walls and floor; building main distribution area (MDA) and intermediate cross connect (IC) rooms; installing fire-resistant plywood; installing floor and wall racks; testing inside optical fiber cabling and Category 5, 5e, 6 and 6A cable. Contractor will provide DTO with a point of contact for each job.

Outside Plant Outside plant (OSP), as defined in the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) ICT Terminology Handbook version 2.0, is a telecommunication infrastructure designed for installation exterior to buildings and is typically routed into the entrance facility (EF).

Examples of typical OSP work include: pulling optical fiber and copper cable; installing new conduit via trenching, directional boring or hand digging; installing new handholes and building risers; locating utilities in the path; removing and replacing concrete, asphalt, plants and sod. Contractor will provide DTO with a point of contact for each job.

Design and Engineering Design and Engineering Services include designing inside and outside plant cabling systems, conduit layout, strand count on optical fiber and pair count on copper cable. These are to be used on an as needed basis. These services are to only be used in the planning and design phase of cabling projects. These services do not include pricing projects that have already been designed and do not apply to day-to-day contract projects.

SECTION IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT – GENERAL

You shall submit the following documents for this request for qualification:

· A signed Cover Page and Page Two.

· Executive overview (not to exceed 2 pages).

· Completed pricing templates

Details of items to be furnished:

1. Executive Overview (Limit 2 pages) Each Offeror’s response must include an overview/summary description of its proposed solution and an explanation demonstrating the Offeror’s understanding of needs as expressed in this solicitation. Offeror should explicitly state its ability to meet the minimum requirements, and/or how its proposed solution will satisfy the agency's needs. Offeror should clearly identify the specific lot(s) to which they are responding: Lot 1, Inside Wiring; Lot 2, Outside Wiring; Lot 3, Design and Engineering Services.

2. Completed Pricing Templates Each Offerors response must include all line items pricing by the Offeror. Offerors must contact their respective suppliers and provide pricing for the line items to include any labor services to provide install services for the line item. Your proposed pricing should include all costs associated with the requirement of the line item.

3. Qualifications Your offer must include documentation of all qualifications required in Section V.

SECTION V. QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATION OF OFFEROR (MAR 2015):

(1) To be eligible for award, you must have the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith performance. We may also consider a documented commitment from a satisfactory source that will provide you with a capability. We may consider information from any source at any time prior to award. We may elect to consider

(i) key personnel, any predecessor business, and any key personnel of any predecessor business, including any facts arising prior to the date a business was established, and/or

(ii) any subcontractor you identify.

(2) You must promptly furnish satisfactory evidence of responsibility upon request. Unreasonable failure to supply requested information is grounds for rejection.

(3) Corporate subsidiaries are cautioned that the financial capability of an affiliated or parent company will not be considered in determining financial capability; however, we may elect to consider any security, e.g., letter of credit, performance bond, parent-company corporate guaranty, that you offer to provide Instructions and forms to help assure acceptability are posted on procurement.sc.gov, link to “Standard Clauses & Provisions.”

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QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY (MAR 2015):

(a) This section establishes special standards of responsibility.

UNLESS YOU POSSESS THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, DO NOT SUBMIT AN OFFER:

· The Offeror must have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working with cabling and wiring contracts and installation in both, private businesses, or governmental entities; and

· Offeror must have been in business that has been organized and operating in its current form for a minimum of five (5) years. Provide a detailed, narrative statement with adequate information to establish that you meet all the requirements stated in subparagraph (a) above. Include all appropriate documentation.

· A completed pricing template with the Offerors proposed pricing by line item.

(b) Provide a detailed, narrative statement with adequate information to establish that you meet all the requirements stated in subparagraph (a) above. Include all appropriate documentation.

If you intend for us to consider the qualifications of your key personnel, predecessor business(es), or subcontractor(s), explain the relationship between you and such person or entity. [R. 19-445.2125(F)] [05-5010-2]

QUALIFICATIONS - CERTIFICATIONS

The Offeror must provide a list of its technicians who are certified to service fiber optic cable, equipment and components and the types and levels of certification that these individuals have achieved.

The Offeror’s must provide a list of their employees that are BICSI certified as a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD). Copies of resumes are desired.

The Offeror must provide a copy of its State business license, certificate of general liability insurance and certificate of workers’ compensation insurance.

QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED INFORMATION (MAR 2015):

Submit the following information or documentation for you and for any subcontractor (at any tier level) that you identify pursuant to the clause titled Subcontractor – Identification. Err on the side of inclusion. You represent that the information provided is complete.

(a) The general history and experience of the business in providing work of similar size and scope.

(b) Information reflecting the current financial position. Include the most current financial statement and financial statements for the last two fiscal years. If the financial statements have been audited in accordance with the following requirements, provide the audited version of those statements. [Reference Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 5 (FASB, December, 1984), as amended.]

(c) A detailed, narrative statement listing the three most recent, comparable contracts (including contact information) which have been performed. For each contract, describe how the supplies or services provided are similar to those requested by this solicitation, and how they differ.

(d) A list of every business for which supplies or services substantially similar to those sought with this solicitation have been provided, at any time during the past three years.

(e) A list of every South Carolina public body for which supplies, or services have been provided at any time during the past three years, if any.

(f) List of failed projects, suspensions, debarments, and significant litigation.

(g) List of key personnel, including experience on resumes.

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SUBCONTRACTOR – IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2015):

If you intend to subcontract, at any tier level, with another business for any portion of the work and that portion either (1) exceeds 10% of your cost, (2) involves access to any “government information,” as defined in the clause entitled “Information Security - Definitions,” if included, or (3) otherwise involves services critical to your performance of the work (err on the side of inclusion), your offer must identify that business and the work which they are to perform.