RFQQ 25-02 – IMLS GP Graphic Designer.pdf

RFQQ No. 25-02

STATE OF WASHINGTON

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

WASHINGTON STATE LIBRARY DIVISION

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATION

RFQQ NO. 25-02

PROJECT TITLE: IMLS Grant Project Graphic Designer

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: December 23, 2024

EXPECTED TIME PERIOD FOR CONTRACT: January 15, 2025 to April 30, 2025

CONTRACTOR ELIGIBILITY: This procurement is open to those contractors that satisfy the minimum qualifications stated herein and that are available for work in Washington State.

CONTENTS OF THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATION

1. Introduction

2. General Information for Contractors

3. Proposal Contents

4. Evaluation and Contract Award

5. Exhibits A. A-1 Contractor’s Certifications A-2 Contractor’s Profile & References B. Contract

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose and Background

1.2 Objective

1.3 Minimum Qualifications

1.4 Apparent Successful Contractor Selection & Contract Award

1.5 Period of Performance

1.6 Definitions

1.7 ADA

2. General Information for Contractors

2.1 RFQQ Coordinator

2.2 Estimated Schedule of Procurement Activities

2.3 Preproposal Conference

2.4 Submission of Proposals

2.5 Proprietary Information/Public Disclosure

2.6 Revisions to the RFQQ

2.7 Small & Diverse Businesses

2.8 Acceptance Period

2.9 Responsiveness

2.10 Most Favorable Terms

2.11 Contract

2.12 Costs to Propose

2.13 No Obligation to Contract

2.14 Rejection of Proposals

2.15 Commitment of Funds

2.16 Electronic Payment

2.17 Insurance Coverage

2.18 Evaluation Preference……………………………………………………………………………… .6

3. Proposal Contents

4. Evaluation and Contract Award

4.1 Evaluation Procedure

4.2 Responsibility

4.3 Responsiveness

4.4 Evaluation Weighting and Scoring

4.5 Oral Presentations

4.6 Best and Final Offer

4.7 Request for Documents

4.8 Contract Execution

4.9 Notification to Contractors

4.10 Complaint, Debriefing and Protest Procedures

5. RFQQ Exhibits…… Exhibit A A-1 Contractor’s Certifications

Exhibit B Contract

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

In 2021, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded a National Leadership Grant to Institutional Library Services, a program of the Washington State Library Division of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS or WSL), for a project entitled The Prison Libraries Performance Initiative (PLPI). When completed, the PLPI project will have developed tutorials, templates, best practices, and webinars and will make these available to library professionals working in prison settings. The goal of the project is to improve prison library services in all U.S. states and territories.

OSOS previously contracted with a graphic designer to develop brand colors, iconography and one explainer video. OSOS is seeking an experienced graphic designer to expand upon these assets and provide additional infographics and explainer videos relating to prison library services. The finished product will be accessible from a Springshare LibGuide which is currently under development.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this RFQQ is to hire a contractor with superior graphic design and communication skills to create and update graphic and video assets for the PLPI product.

Specific duties include:

• Preparing status reports and meeting with the WSL grant team regularly

• Developing new graphic design elements including infographics and iconography that build on assets already developed

• Developing 2-3 explainer videos that build on graphic assets already developed

• Proposing potential improvements to current graphic design aesthetic and elements

1.3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

By the time of contract execution, Contractor must be registered to do business with the state and have a current Unified Business Identifier (UBI).

Contractor must possess at least ten (10) years’ demonstrated experience as a graphic designer and

(5) years’ demonstrated experience in explainer video development.

1.4 APPARENT SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND CONTRACT AWARD

The contract that would result from this solicitation has an initial estimated value less than $150,000.

Per RCW 39.26 and Enterprise Services Policy No. POL-DES-090-06 Section C.4, OSOS intends to award the contract to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible small business (as defined in RCW 39.26.010(22)(a)) or veteran-owned business, unless there was no responsive and responsible proposal from a small or veteran-owned business.

If there is no responsive and responsible proposal from a small or veteran-owned business, OSOS will determine the Apparent Successful Contractor based on the highest ranked responsive and responsible proposal, from all other bids submitted.

1.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFQQ is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about January 15, 2025, and to end on April 30, 2025.

1.6 DEFINITIONS

Definitions for the purposes of this RFQQ include:

Apparent Successful Contractor – the Contractor identified by OSOS, after evaluation of Proposals, who is recommended for contract award.

Contractor – the individual or company submitting a Proposal in order to attain a contract with

OSOS.

OSOS/WSL– The Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library Division, the agency of the state of Washington that is issuing this RFQQ.

Proposal – A formal offer submitted in response to this solicitation.

RFQQ – This Request for Qualifications and Quotation.

WEBS – Washington’s Electronic Business Solution, an online vendor registration and bid notification system.

1.7 Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

OSOS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contractors may contact the RFQQ Coordinator to receive this RFQQ in Braille or on tape.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

2.1 RFQQ COORDINATOR

The RFQQ Coordinator is the sole point of contact in OSOS for this procurement. All communication between the Contractor and OSOS upon receipt of this RFQQ shall be with the RFQQ Coordinator, as follows:

Name Ivan Zavrazhnov Address 6880 Capitol Blvd SE City, State, Zip Code Tumwater, WA 98501 E-Mail Address ivan.zavrazhnov@sos.wa.gov

Any other communication will be considered unofficial and non-binding on OSOS. Contractors are to rely on written statements issued by the RFQQ Coordinator. Communication directed to parties other than the RFQQ Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Contractor.

2.2 ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

Issue RFQQ December 2, 2024 (Mon) Question and Answer Period December 2-11, 2024 Last Date for Questions regarding RFQQ December 11, 2024 (Mon) Preproposal Conference December 11, 2024 (Wed) Publish complete list of Q&As, including from Preproposal Conference, on WEBS and OSOS website

December 13, 2024 (Fri)

Last Amendment to RFQQ December 16, 2024 (Mon) Last Date for Complaint December 17, 2024 (Tue) Proposals Due December 23, 2024 (Mon) Evaluate Proposals December 26-30, 2024 Conduct Oral Presentations with Finalists (if applicable) January 3-5, 2025 Announce Apparent Successful Contractor and Notify Unsuccessful Contractors

January 8, 2025 (Wed)

Debriefing See Section 4.10

Protest See Section 4.10 Negotiate Contract January 9-12, 2025 Begin Contract Work January 15, 2025 (Wed)

OSOS reserves the right to revise the above schedule.

2.3 PREPROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A mandatory preproposal conference is scheduled to be held via Microsoft Teams (information to join meeting is below) on Wednesday, December 11th beginning at 11:00am and concluding at the earlier to occur of 12:00pm or until there are no more vendor questions. All prospective proposers are required to attend. OSOS shall be bound only to written answers to questions. Any oral responses given at the preproposal conference shall be considered unofficial.

Meeting ID: 252 465 208 18 Passcode: 28YJ9vE2

Dial in by phone: +1 206-899-2560 Phone conference ID: 551 666 275#

Within five business days of the preproposal conference, a copy of the questions and answers from the preproposal conference will be posted on WEBS and on the Current Procurements webpage of the OSOS website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/procurements.aspx.

2.4 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Contractors are required to submit an electronic copy of their Proposal. The Proposal must be received by OSOS no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on Monday, December 23, 2024. Attachments to the e-mail shall be in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel or Adobe PDF format.

The Proposal is to be sent to the RFQQ Coordinator at the e-mail address noted in Section 2.1.

Late Proposals will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. All Proposals and any accompanying documentation become the property of OSOS.

The Contractor’s Proposal must respond to all of the solicitation requirements. Do not respond by referencing material presented elsewhere. The e-mailed Proposal shall be considered complete and stand on its own merits. Failure to respond to any portions may result in rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive.

Include Contractor’s contact information for this RFQQ with name, title, email, and telephone number.

The Apparent Successful Contractor will be expected to enter into a contract which is substantially the same as the Contract attached as Exhibit B. In no event is a Contractor to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions in response to this solicitation. Contractors may submit exceptions as allowed in Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification. All exceptions to the contract terms and conditions must be submitted as an attachment to Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification. OSOS will review requested exceptions and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion.

2.5 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Materials submitted in response to this competitive procurement shall become the property of OSOS.

All Proposals received shall remain confidential until OSOS has announced an Apparent Successful Contractor; thereafter, the Proposals shall be deemed public records as defined under the Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56.

http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/procurements.aspx

Any information in the Proposal that the Contractor desires to claim as proprietary and exempt from disclosure under the provisions of RCW 42.56.270 must be clearly designated. The page must be identified and the particular exception from disclosure upon which the Contractor is making the claim.

Each page claimed to be exempt from disclosure must be clearly identified by the word “Confidential” printed on the lower right-hand corner of the page.

OSOS will consider a Contractor’s request for exemption from disclosure; however, OSOS will decide predicated upon RCW Chapter 42.56 and Chapter 143-06 of the Washington Administrative Code.

Marking the entire Proposal exempt from disclosure will not be honored. The Contractor must be reasonable in designating information as confidential. If any information is marked as proprietary in the Proposal, such information will not be made available until the affected Contractor has been given an opportunity to seek a court injunction against the requested disclosure.

A charge will be made for copying and shipping, as outlined in RCW 42.56.120. No fee shall be charged for inspection of contract files, but twenty-four (24) hours’ notice to the RFQQ Coordinator is required.

All requests for information should be directed to the RFQQ Coordinator.

2.6 REVISIONS TO THE RFQQ

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQQ, amendments will be published on WEBS and the OSOS website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/procurements.aspx. For this purpose, any pertinent information, and answers to substantive questions by potential Contractors shall be considered an amendment to the RFQQ and also posted in WEBS and on the OSOS website. OSOS also reserves the right to cancel or reissue this RFQQ, in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.

2.7 SMALL & DIVERSE BUSINESSES

OSOS, in accordance with Washington law, encourages small and diverse businesses to compete for and participate in state procurements as contractors and as subcontractors to awarded bidders. See, e.g., RCW 39.19 (OMWBE certified businesses); RCW 43.60A.200 (WDVA certified veteran-owned businesses); and RCW 39.26.005 (Washington small businesses).

OMWBE Certification. Contractors may contact the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) regarding information on Minority-Owned and Women-Owned certified firms, state and federal certification programs, or to become certified. OMWBE can be reached by telephone, 866-208-1064, or through their website at OMWBE. OMWBE-Certified firms may provide their certification information on Exhibit A-2 – Contractor’s Profile & References.

WDVA Certification. Contractors may contact the Washington State Department of Veterans’ Affairs (WDVA) for information regarding Certified Veteran-Owned businesses or to become a Certified Veteran-Owned Business. The WDVA can be reached by telephone, (360) 725-2169, or through their website at WDVA. The qualification requirements to be a Certified Veteran-Owned Business are set forth in Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification.

Washington Small Businesses. Contractors may contact OSOS about small and diverse business inclusion and qualification as a Washington Small Business. If you qualify as a Washington Small Business, identify yourself as such in WEBS. Call WEBS Customer Service at 360-902-7400. The qualification requirements to self-certify as a Washington Small Business are set forth in Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification.

2.8 ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Proposals must provide 60 days for acceptance by OSOS from the later of the due date for receipt of Proposals or receipt of best and final offers (if utilized). Contractor agrees that during the acceptance period it may not modify, withdraw, or cancel its Proposal.

http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/procurements.aspx https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.19 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.200 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.26.005 http://www.omwbe.wa.gov/ http://www.omwbe.wa.gov/ http://www.omwbe.wa.gov/ https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veteran-owned-businesses/vob-search http://www.dva.wa.gov/

2.9 RESPONSIVENESS

All Proposals will be reviewed by the RFQQ Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this RFQQ. Contractor is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of the RFQQ may result in rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive.

OSOS also reserves the right, however, at its sole discretion to waive minor administrative irregularities.

2.10 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

OSOS reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the Proposal submitted.

Therefore, the Proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms which the Contractor can propose. OSOS reserves the right to contact a Contractor for clarification of its Proposal. OSOS also reserves the right to enact a best and final offer (BAFO) process. If so enacted, the procedure is described in Section 4.

The Contractor should be prepared to accept this RFQQ, all amendments to this RFQQ, all clarifying responses, and a best and final offer, as applicable, for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFQQ. Contract negotiations may incorporate some or all of the Contractor’s Proposal. It is understood that the Proposal will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to OSOS.

2.11 CONTRACT

The form of the contract that may be awarded as a result of this solicitation is attached as Exhibit B- Contract. The Apparent Successful Contractor will be expected to enter into a contract which is substantially the same as the Contract attached as Exhibit B. In no event is a Contractor to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions in response to this solicitation. Contractors may submit exceptions as allowed in Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification. All exceptions to the contract terms and conditions must be submitted as an attachment to Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification. OSOS will review requested exceptions and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion.

2.12 COSTS TO PROPOSE

OSOS will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Contractor in preparation of a Proposal submitted in response to this RFQQ, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFQQ.

2.13 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

This RFQQ does not obligate the state of Washington or OSOS to contract for services specified herein.

2.14 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

OSOS reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all Proposals received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this RFQQ.

2.15 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

The Secretary of State or their delegate are the only individuals who may legally commit OSOS to the expenditure of funds for a contract resulting from this RFQQ. No cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract.

2.16 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

The state of Washington prefers to utilize electronic payment in its transactions. The Apparent Successful Contractor will be provided a form to complete with the contract to authorize such payment method.

2.17 INSURANCE COVERAGE

Should a contract be awarded pursuant to this RFQQ, the Contractor will be required to provide insurance coverage as described in Exhibit B - Contract.

Contractor will at all times comply with all applicable workers’ compensation, occupational disease, and occupational health and safety laws, statutes, and regulations to the full extent applicable. The state will not be held responsible in any way for claims filed by the Contractor or its employees for services performed under the terms of the contract.

2.18 EVALUATION PREFERENCE

Pursuant to RCW 39.26.160(3) (best value criteria) and consistent with Executive Order 18-03 – Supporting Workers’ Rights to Effectively Address Workplace Violations (dated June 12, 2018), OSOS will evaluate bids for best value and will provide a bid preference in the amount of 5% to any Contractor who certifies, pursuant to Exhibit A-1 – Contractor’s Certification, that their firm does NOT require its employees, as a condition of employment, to sign or agree to mandatory individual arbitration clauses or class or collective action waivers.

3. PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Proposals must be complete, legible, signed, and follow all instructions stated in the solicitation (including the exhibits). Unless otherwise specified in writing by OSOS, documents included with an electronic proposal must be prepared in MS Word, MS Excel, or Adobe PDF. Where required to do so, Contractors may sign using either a physical or electronic signature.

Contractors’ Proposals must respond to all of the solicitation requirements. Do not respond by referencing material presented elsewhere. The e-mailed Proposal shall be considered complete and stand on its own merits. Failure to respond to any portions may result in rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive.

This section identifies the submittals that must be provided as instructed below to constitute a responsive Proposal. Proposals that do not include all of the applicable submittals identified below are considered non-responsive and will be rejected. In addition, a Contractor’s failure to complete any submittal as instructed may result in the Proposal being rejected. Contractors may not provide unsolicited materials.

For any supplemental materials expressly required by OSOS in writing, Contractors must identify such supplemental materials with the Contractor’s name.

Contractors must submit the following electronic documents separately as email attachments:

EXHIBIT A-1 – CONTRACTOR’S CERTIFICATION

Complete the certification, attach any exceptions or required explanations, and submit it to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention:

ContractorName_CERTIFICATION.pdf. The certification must be complete. Where there are choices, bidders must check a box. The certification must be signed and submitted by a duly authorized representative of the Contractor.

(PARTIALLY SCORED – Pursuant to Executive Order 18-03, a 5% evaluation preference is given to those Contractors that certify that they do NOT require their employees, as a condition of employment, to sign or agree to mandatory individual arbitration clauses or class or collective action waivers).

https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/18-03%20-%20Workers%20Rights%20%28tmp%29.pdf?=32717 https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/exe_order/18-03%20-%20Workers%20Rights%20%28tmp%29.pdf?=32717

EXHIBIT A-2 – CONTRACTOR’S PROFILE & REFERENCES

Complete as instructed and submit to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention: ContractorName_REFERENCES.pdf.

(PARTIALLY SCORED – A Contractor’s submitted references can earn up to a maximum of 10 points if they are a top-scoring Contractor).

MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL

No form is provided for this submittal. The management proposal must include the following and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications set forth in Section 1.3 are met:

A. Project Management

1. Project Team Structure/Internal Controls - Provide a description of the proposed project team structure and internal controls to be used during the course of the project, including any subcontractors. Provide an organizational chart of your firm indicating lines of authority for personnel involved in performance of this potential contract and relationships of this staff to other programs or functions of the firm. This chart must also show lines of authority to the next senior level of management. Include who within the firm will have prime responsibility and final authority for the work.

2. Staff Qualifications/Experience – Identify staff, including subcontractors, who will be assigned to the potential contract, indicating the responsibilities and qualifications of such personnel, and include the amount of time each will be assigned to the project. Provide resumes for the named staff which include information on the individuals’ particular skills related to this project, education, experience, significant accomplishments and any other pertinent information. Contractor must commit that staff identified in its Proposal will actually perform the assigned work. Any staff substitution must have the prior approval of

OSOS.

B. Experience of the Contractor

Indicate the experience the Contractor and any subcontractors that demonstrates the qualifications of Contractor and any subcontractors for the performance of the potential contract. Include a list of contracts the Contractor has had during the last five years that relate to the Contractor’s ability to perform the services needed under this RFQQ. List contract reference numbers, contract period of performance, contact persons, telephone numbers, and fax numbers/e-mail addresses.

Submit to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention:

ContractorName_MANAGEMENT.pdf.

(SCORED – Up to a maximum of 140 points).

COST PROPOSAL

No form is provided for this submittal. Identify all costs including expenses to be charged for performing the services necessary to accomplish the objectives of the contract. The Contractor is to submit a fully detailed budget for the contract term, including staff costs, applicable hourly rates and any expenses necessary to accomplish the objectives under the contract.Total cost for the term cannot exceed Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00).

Contractors are required to collect and pay Washington state sales tax, if applicable. Costs for subcontractors are to be broken out separately.

Submit to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention:

ContractorName_COST.pdf.

(SCORED – Up to a maximum of 50 points).

CONTRACT ISSUES LIST [IF APPLICABLE]

No form is provided for this submittal. This is a required submittal ONLY IF Contractor has business issues with the contract attached as Exhibit B. If so, Contractor must prepare a Contract Issues List, attach it to Exhibit A-1 and submit it to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention: ContractorName_ISSUES.pdf.

Note, however, that OSOS reserves the right not to modify the contract and to award the contract on the basis of a Contractor’s willingness to agree to the contract attached as Exhibit B.

(NOT SCORED)

CONTRACTOR’S DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN – SUBCONTRACTORS [IF APPLICABLE].

No form is provided for this submittal. This is a required submittal ONLY IF Contractor will be using subcontractors to perform the contract. If so, Contractor must outline its inclusion plan for diverse business subcontractors pertaining to the contract and submit it to the RFQQ Coordinator using the following file naming convention:

ContractorName_INCLUSIONPLAN.pdf.

(NOT SCORED)

4. EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE

Proposals will be evaluated strictly in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation and any amendments issued. The evaluation of Proposals shall be accomplished by an evaluation team, to be designated by OSOS, which will determine the ranking of the Proposals. Both the Contractors’ responsibility and the responsiveness of their Proposals to this solicitation will be evaluated. In scoring against stated criteria, the evaluation team may consider such factors as accepted industry standards and a comparative evaluation of other Proposals in terms of differing price and quality. These scores will be used to determine the most advantageous Proposal to OSOS.

After receipt of Proposals and prior to the recommendation of an award, OSOS, at its sole discretion, may initiate discussions with one or more Contractors for clarification, and/or select the top-scoring Contractors as finalists for an oral presentation, and/or initiate a best and final offer process.

4.2 RESPONSIBILITY

In determining whether a Contractor is responsible, OSOS will consider (1) the Contractor’s ability, capacity, and skill to perform the contract; (2) The Contractor’s character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency; (3) Whether the Contractor can perform the contract within the time specified; (4) the quality of Contractor’s performance of previous contracts; (5) The previous and existing compliance by the Contractor with laws relating to the contract; (6) Whether, within the three-year period immediately preceding the date of this RFQQ, the Contractor has been determined by a final and binding citation and notice of assessment issued by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries or through a civil judgment entered by a court of limited or general jurisdiction to have willfully violated, as defined in RCW 49.48.082, any provision of RCW Chapter 49.46, 49.48, or 49.52; and (7) Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.

4.3 RESPONSIVENESS

OSOS will initially classify all Proposals as either "responsive" or "nonresponsive”. OSOS may deem a Proposal nonresponsive if: (1) any of the required information is not provided; (2) the submitted price is found to be excessive or inadequate as measured by the RFQQ criteria; or (3) the Proposal does not meet RFQQ requirements and specifications. OSOS may find any Proposal to be nonresponsive at any time during the procurement process. If OSOS deems a Proposal nonresponsive, it will not be considered further. The RFQQ Coordinator will notify the Contractor by email.

4.4 EVALUATION WEIGHTING AND SCORING

The following weighting and points will be assigned to the Proposal for evaluation purposes:

Management Proposal – 70%

Project Team Structure/ Internal Controls 20 points (maximum) Staff Qualifications/Experience 50 points (maximum) Experience of the Contractor 50 points (maximum) Other 20 points (maximum)

140 points

Cost Proposal – 25%

50 points

Executive Order 18-03 Evaluation Preference – 5%

10 points

Sub-Total

200 points

References (top-scoring Contractor(s) only)

10 points

GRAND TOTAL

210 POINTS

The score for the cost proposal will be computed by dividing the lowest cost Proposal received by the Contractor’s total cost. Then the resultant number will be multiplied by the maximum possible points for the cost section. References will be contacted for the top-scoring Contractor(s) only, based on the written Proposal. References will then be scored and included in the Grand Total.

4.5 ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Oral presentations, if considered necessary or desirable, may be utilized in selecting the Apparent Successful Contractor. OSOS, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top-scoring Contractors from the evaluation of Proposals for an oral presentation and final determination of contract award. The cut-off for the top-scoring Contractors will be based on several considerations, such as responsiveness, qualifications, and competitiveness, suitability of the products and services offered, cost and economy, and the ability of the Contractor to perform. Should OSOS elect to hold oral presentations, it will contact the top-scoring Contractors to schedule a date, time and location. Commitments made by the Contractor in the oral presentation, if any, will be considered binding. The score from the oral presentation will be considered independently and will determine the Apparent Successful Contractor.

4.6 BEST AND FINAL OFFER (BAFO).

Contractors are encouraged to submit their most competitive offer, but there is a potential for a best-and-final offer (BAFO) process. This section defines that process.

OSOS reserves the right, any point during the evaluation of Proposals, to notify all remaining responsive and responsible Contractors that OSOS will require them to submit BAFOs. Contractors will not be allowed to make material changes to their Proposals unless they receive a request for a BAFO from

OSOS.

The notice will be in writing and will set a specific time and date certain by which the Contractor must submit the BAFO to OSOS. The BAFO notice may set additional conditions and requirements for its submission. The notice will advise Contractors that the BAFO shall be in writing and that following the closing date for submission, OSOS intends to select the highest scoring responsive and responsible Contractor for award. Prior to the closing date for the submission of BAFOs, OSOS may, at its discretion, engage in discussion with any or all remaining Contractors regarding how they can make their Proposals more responsive to the selection criteria in the RFQQ. All Contractors shall be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of Proposals, and such revisions may be permitted after submissions and prior to award for the purpose of obtaining BAFOs. In conducting discussions, there shall be no disclosure of any pricing information or other content derived from Proposals submitted by competing Contractors.

For purposes of the BAFO, Contractors may make such changes to their original Proposals as they believe appropriate to enhance their potential for selection and award under the selection criteria set forth in the RFQQ and the BAFO notice. Changes to the original Proposal must be clearly identified in the re-submitted Proposal using the Track Changes function in Microsoft Word.

Evaluation of BAFOs and selection of the Apparent Successful Contractor will be based upon the evaluation criteria set out in the RFQQ. Terms proposed as part of a BAFO must be substantially in accordance with the terms requested in this RFQQ and may not materially alter the requirements of the RFQQ. Contractors may be requested to make an oral presentation regarding their BAFO. The evaluation team may accept or reject any information submitted in a BAFO.

Contractors are not required to submit a BAFO and may submit a written response stating that their original Proposal remains as originally submitted. If a BAFO process is initiated, all Contractors that submitted a Proposal will be eligible for a debriefing conference.

At the conclusion of negotiations with the Apparent Successful Contractor, OSOS will require that the Contractor submit a signed contract as a BAFO pending acceptance.

4.7 REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS

Upon concurrence with the recommendation of the evaluation team, the RFQQ Coordinator will request from the Apparent Successful Contractor the required documents and information, such as insurance policy documents, contract performance security, an electronic copy of any requested material (e.g., the Proposal, responses to clarification questions), and any other necessary documents. Receipt of this request does not constitute a contract between the Contractor and OSOS.

4.8 CONTRACT EXECUTION

Upon receipt of all required materials, a Contract substantially in the form of the attached Exhibit B will be presented to the Apparent Successful Contractor for signature. The Apparent Successful Contractor will be expected to accept and agree to all material requirements contained in the contract. If the Apparent Successful Contractor does not accept all material requirements, OSOS may move to the next highest scoring Contractor, or cancel the RFQQ. Work under the contract may begin when the contract is signed by all parties and OSOS has given Contractor a notice to proceed.

4.9 NOTIFICATION TO CONTRACTORS

Contractors whose Proposals are not selected for further consideration or award will be notified via facsimile or e-mail.

4.10 COMPLAINT, DEBRIEFING AND PROTEST PROCEDURES

This section details the applicable requirements for complaints, debriefs, and protests.

A. COMPLAINTS. This solicitation offers a complaint period for Contractors wishing to voice objections to this solicitation. The complaint period ends five (5) business days before the proposal due date. The complaint period is an opportunity to voice objections, raise concerns, or suggest changes that were not addressed during the question and answer period. Failure by the Contractor to raise a complaint at this stage may waive its right for later consideration. OSOS will consider all complaints but is not required to modify or cancel the solicitation. If Contractor complaints result in changes to the solicitation, written amendments to the solicitation will be issued and posted on WEBS and the OSOS website.

1. CRITERIA FOR COMPLAINT. A formal complaint may be based only on one or more of the following grounds: (a) The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition; (b) The solicitation evaluation or scoring process is unfair or flawed; or (c) The solicitation requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a response.

2. INITIATING A COMPLAINT. A complaint must: (a) Be submitted to and received by the RFQQ Coordinator no less than five (5) business days prior to the proposal due date; and (b) Be in writing. A complaint should clearly articulate the basis of the complaint and include a proposed remedy.

3. RESPONSE. When a complaint is received, the RFQQ Coordinator (or designee) will consider all the facts available and respond in writing prior to the deadline for proposal submittals, unless more time is needed. OSOS is required to promptly post the response to a complaint on WEBS.

4. RESPONSE IS FINAL. The RFQQ Coordinator’s response to the complaint is final and not subject to administrative appeal. Issues raised in a complaint may not be raised again during the protest period. Furthermore, any issue, exception, addition, or omission not brought to the attention of the RFQQ Coordinator prior to Proposal submittal may be deemed waived for protest purposes.

B. DEBRIEF CONFERENCES. A debrief conference is an opportunity for a Contractor and OSOS to meet and discuss the Contractor’s Proposal (and, as further explained below, is a necessary prerequisite to filing a protest). Following the evaluation of the proposals, OSOS will issue an announcement of the Apparent Successful Contractor. Contractors will have three (3) business days to request a debrief conference. Once a debrief conference is requested, OSOS will offer the requesting Contractor one meeting opportunity and notify the Contractor of the debrief conference place, date, and time. Please note, because the debrief process must occur before making an award, OSOS likely will schedule the debrief conference shortly after the announcement of the Apparent Successful Contractor and the Contractor’s request for a debrief conference. OSOS will not allow the debrief process to delay the award. Therefore, Contractors should plan for contingencies and alternate representatives. Contractors who wish to protest must first participate in a debrief conference. Contractors who are unwilling or unable to attend the debrief conference will lose the opportunity to protest. Participation in a debrief conference is a prerequisite for a Contractor wishing to file a protest.

1. TIMING. A debrief conference may be requested by a Contractor following the announcement of the Apparent Successful Contractor.

2. PURPOSE OF DEBRIEF CONFERENCE. Any Contractor who has submitted a timely Proposal may request a debrief conference. A debrief conference provides an opportunity for the Contractor to meet with OSOS to discuss Contractor’s Proposal and evaluation. It does not provide an opportunity to discuss other Contractor’s proposals and evaluations.

3. REQUESTING A DEBRIEF CONFERENCE. The request for a debrief conference must be made in writing via email to the RFQQ Coordinator and received within three (3) business days after the announcement of the Apparent Successful Contractor. Debrief conferences may be conducted either in person at the OSOS offices in Olympia, Washington, or virtually (e.g., by telephone or web-based virtual meeting such as Zoom, Skype, MS Teams), as determined by OSOS, and may be limited by OSOS to a specified period of time. The failure of a Contractor to request a debrief conference within the specified time and attend a debrief conference constitutes a waiver of the right to submit a protest. Any issue, exception, addition, or omission not brought to the attention of the RFQQ Coordinator before or during the debrief conference may be deemed waived for protest purposes.

C. PROTESTS. Following a debrief conference, a Contractor may protest the contract award(s).

1. CRITERIA FOR A PROTEST. A protest may be based only on one or more of the following:

(a) Bias, discrimination, or conflict of interest on the part of an evaluator; (b) Error in computing evaluation scores; or (c) Non-compliance with any procedures described in the solicitation.

2. INITIATING A PROTEST. Any Contractor that participates in a debrief conference may protest an award to the Apparent Successful Contractor. A protest must: (a) Be submitted to and received by the Protest Officer specified below, within five (5) business days after the protesting Contractor’s debrief conference (see Form and Substance, and Other below);

(b) Be in writing; (c) Include a specific and complete statement of facts forming the basis of the protest; and (d) Include a description of the relief or corrective action requested.

3. PROTEST RESPONSE. After reviewing the protest and available facts, the Protest Officer will issue a written response within ten (10) business days from receipt of the protest, unless additional time is needed.

4. DECISION IS FINAL. The protest decision is final and not subject to administrative appeal. If the protesting Contractor does not accept the protest response, the protesting Contractor may seek relief in Thurston County Superior Court.

D. COMMUNICATION DURING COMPLAINTS, DEBRIEFS, AND PROTESTS. All communications about this solicitation, including complaints, debriefs, and protests, must be addressed to the RFQQ Coordinator unless otherwise directed.

1. FORM, SUBSTANCE, & OTHER. All complaints, requests for debrief, and protests must:

i. Be in writing;

ii. Be signed by the complaining or protesting Contractor or an authorized agent, unless sent by email;

iii. Be delivered within the time frame(s) outlined herein;

iv. Identify the solicitation number;

v. Conspicuously state “Complaint,” “Debrief,” or “Protest” in any subject line of any correspondence or email; and

vi. Be sent to the address identified below.

2. COMPLAINTS & PROTESTS. All complaints and protests must (a) State all facts and arguments on which the complaining or protesting Contractor is relying as the basis for its action; and (b) Include any relevant documentation or other supporting evidence.

E. HOW TO CONTACT OSOS

1. TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT. Send an email message to the RFQQ Coordinator listed in this solicitation. The email message must include “Complaint” in the subject line of the email message. Alternatively, mail the complaint to the RFQQ Coordinator at the following address:

Attn: Ivan Zavrazhnov, RFQQ Coordinator

Office of the Secretary of State

Operations Division

PO Box 40224 Olympia, WA 98504-0224

2. TO REQUEST A DEBRIEF CONFERENCE. Send an email message to the RFQQ Coordinator listed in this solicitation. The email message must include “Debrief” in the subject line of the email message.

3. TO SUBMIT A PROTEST. Send an email message to the RFQQ Coordinator listed in this solicitation. The email message must include “Protest” in the subject line of the email message. Alternatively, mail the protest to the RFQQ Coordinator at the following address:

Attn: Ivan Zavrazhnov, RFQQ Coordinator

Office of the Secretary of State

Operations Division

PO Box 40224

Olympia, WA 98504-0224

5. RFQQ EXHIBITS

Exhibit A A-1 Contractor’s Certifications

Exhibit B Contract