RFQQ 2606 SEA.docx

State of Washington, Department of Ecology RFQQ No. XXXX2606 SEA, Wilderness First Aid and First Responder TrainingADD RFQQ Title

RFQQ No. XXXX2606 SEA, Wilderness First Aid and First Responder Training

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND QUOTATIONS (RFQQ)

(Request for Qualifications and Quotation (RFQQ) for Services) – RFQQ is used for a specific project or task completion. Formal sealed procurement where the work or project and associated tasks are reasonably well defined, the objective is to select a qualified firm to perform the work at a competitive price. Evaluation uses a scoring method with cost and non-cost factors. Qualification is the primary consideration in scoring the points. The evaluation focuses on the analysis of the respondent's qualifications and ability to perform the task, and an evaluation of the quoted price elements. The best scoring bidder wins the award. The awarding document is a Service contract.

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RFQQ Procurement Coordinator: Phoebe TysonMichele Boderck Phone: (360) 407-6483360-742-7767 Email: mbod461@ecy.wa.gov ptys461@ecy.wa.gov

Instructions to Bidders:

· Any questions concerning this solicitation are to be directed to the above Procurement Coordinator.

· Bid must be received on or before the Bid Due Date and Time by ECOLOGY to be considered responsive.

· Check WEBS for any amendments (use Search WEBS for Active Bids).

How to respond to this bidding opportunity:

· Review RFQQ Section 2.67 for Submission of Bids instructions.

· Only emailed bids are accepted in response to this RFQQ. Attach your bid submittal to your email.

· Bid must contain an official signature of a duly authorized officer or agent of the Bidder’s company empowered with the right to bind the Bidder. Remember to sign your Bid.

· For electronic submissions by email, attach a scanned PDF of the signature page to your Bid, electronic digital signatures are accepted.

· Email subject line is to note the Solicitation Number and Solicitation Title.

Bids must be received by the due date & time at this email address:

· Bidders are responsible for the timely delivery of their bid to the email address shown below:

· Please submit bids via email directly to the Procurement Coordinator identified above, by email to mbod461@ecy.wa.govptys461@ecy.wa.gov. .

RFQQ No. XXXX2606 SEA, Wilderness First Aid and First Responder Training

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Announcements and Special Information Bidders are required to read, understand, and accept all information contained within this entire solicitation package. By responding to this solicitation, the Bidder acknowledges having read and understood the entire solicitation, and accepts all the information contained herein.

In support of the State’s economic and environmental goals, we encourage you to consider the following elements in responding to our solicitations. These are not a factor of award (unless otherwise specified in this document):

· Using environmentally preferable products and services that exceed EPA guidelines.

· Supporting a diverse supplier pool, including small, veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses.

· Supplying products made or grown in Washington.

Objective The objective of this Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) is to establish a service contract for the Department of Ecology (ECOLOGY) in accordance with RCW 39.26.

ECOLOGY is seeking one firm to provide in-person, instructor led training for Washington Conservation Corps members and staff in basic First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP), Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA), and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) that meets Ecology’s ECOLOGY’s scheduling parameters. These trainings will provide Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) staff and corps members with the knowledge and understanding necessary to assist with both medical and trauma based emergencies.

Refer to Appendix FI, Statement of Work and Deliverables, for more information.

Background

About Washington Department of Ecology:

The Washington Department of Ecology (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/) employs about 1,700 people located in six major offices and a number of smaller offices throughout the State. ECOLOGY’s headquarters is in Lacey. The mission of the agency is to protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment, and promote the wise management of air, land, and water for the benefit of current and future generations. The agency is organized into ten environmental programs plus one administrative program with six divisions. The agency provides services in the areas of environmental permitting; technical assistance; inspections and enforcement; contracts, grants, and loans; environmental monitoring and analysis; policy and rule development; and education and outreach.

About Washington Conservation Corps The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) was established in 1983 as a service corps program offered through the Department of Ecology. The WCC provides work experience, skills, and training to members through projects that support conservation, rehabilitation, and enhancement of Washington’s natural, historic, environmental, and recreational resources. Today, the WCC has around 300 members working on various projects in every part of Washington. Our partners include Federal, Tribal, State, and Local organizations.

Period of Performance The period of performance of any Contract resulting from this RFQQ is from date of award until October 31, 2026, unless at ECOLOGY’s sole discretion the contract is terminated sooner, or extended for additional periods. Amendments extending the period of performance, if any, shall be exercised at the sole discretion of ECOLOGY and are subject to written mutual agreement.

ECOLOGY reserves the right to extend the contract for up to 5 years or portions thereof, should additional funding be obtained by ECOLOGY.

The total contract term may not exceed six (6) years, unless an emergency exists and/or special circumstances require a partial term extension.

The actual Project Schedule and period of performance may vary depending on the Apparent Successful Bidder’s response and Contract negotiations. See the course schedule in aAppendix FI, Statement of Work and Deliverables Course Schedule for pre-defined dates.

Funding Funding will be provided by ECOLOGY’Ss Washington Conservation Corps Program, which is housed under the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program. The maximum budget for this procurement is $80,000, this is inclusive of all cost, including materials and travel. Any bid response in excess of the budget will be considered non-responsive. In the event additional funds are required due to an approved change order, or should additional funding be obtained by ECOLOGY; the parties may negotiate an amended Statement of Work. Any such Statement of Work is contingent upon the availability of funding.

No Costs or Charges No costs or charges under the proposed contract may be incurred before the Contract is fully executed.

Acquisition Authority ECOLOGY issues this RFQQ acting under the delegated authority of the Department of Enterprise Services, in accordance to Revised Code of Washington RCW 39.26, which establishes Department of Enterprise Services and regulates the manner in which state agencies may acquire goods and services.

Authority to Bind The Director of the Department of Ecology, or the Director’s designee, is the only individual who may legally commit ECOLOGY to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this RFQQ.

Contract Formation A Bid submitted in response to this Solicitation is an offer to contract with ECOLOGY. A Bid becomes a contract only when legally awarded and accepted in writing by ECOLOGY.

Incorporation of Documents into a Contract This Solicitation document, any subsequent Amendments, and the Bidder’s Response will be incorporated into the resulting Contract.

Type of Contract ECOLOGY anticipates awarding a service contract for the Wilderness First Aid and First Responder Training.

ECOLOGY expects the Contract signed with the Apparent Successful Bidder to be substantially the same as the Sample Service Contract, Appendix GJ. To be responsive to this RFQQ, Bidder must indicate a willingness to enter into a contract substantially the same as the Sample Service Contract, Appendix GJ, by signing the Certifications and Assurances, Appendix A, and returning it with its bid. Bidder’s submission of a Response to this solicitation constitutes acceptance of these contract requirements, unless otherwise noted in Bidder’s submittal.

The Bidder may submit exceptions to this solicitation as allowed in Appendix A - Certifications and Assurances. However, under no circumstances is a Bidder to submit its own standard contract terms and conditions as a response to this solicitation. The terms and conditions of any other contract shall have no force or effect. Instead, Bidder is to review and identify the language in Appendix GJ, Sample Service Contract and its attached General Terms and Conditions that the Bidder finds problematic, state the issue, and propose the specific language or contract modification that the Bidder is requesting changed, and then attach such to Appendix A, Certifications and Assurances, as a bid submittal. Any specific areas of dispute with the Sample Service Contract must be identified in the Bidder’s Response. ECOLOGY will review any requested exceptions and accept or reject them at its sole discretion, and may, at the sole discretion of ECOLOGY be grounds for disqualification from further consideration in the award of a contract.

The foregoing should not be interpreted to prohibit either party from proposing additional contract terms and conditions during negotiation of the final Contract.

Definitions Bidder is to review those definitions found in Chapter 39.26 RCW, all terms and conditions contained herein will be read consistently with those definitions.

In addition to the definitions identified in the Appendix GJ, Sample Service Contract, and its attached General Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply for the purposes of this RFQQ include:

“ASB” means Apparent Successful Bidder.

“Bid” means a written offer or quote for goods or services in response to a solicitation issued for such goods or services.

“Bidder” means an individual or entity who submits a response to this solicitation.

“Contractor” means an individual or company whose Bid has been accepted by ECOLOGY and is awarded a fully executed, written contract.

“DES” means state of Washington Department of Enterprise Services.

“ECOLOGY” means The Department of Ecology, an agency of the state of Washington.

“Response” means a Bid.

“RFQQ” (Request for Qualifications and Quotations) means a solicitation document in which the agency describes the services needed and invites vendors to provide their qualifications to perform the services and to specify their costs or fees.

“Vendor” means an individual or entity who may submit a bid for this solicitation.

“WEBS” (Washington’s Electronic Business Solution) means the Vendor registration and Bidder notification system maintained by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services located at: How to Work With the State | Department of Enterprise Services (DES) (wa.gov).

Federal Provisions (use if applicable if not delete Section) Bidder is to review the minimum federal requirements that apply to the awarded Contractor in Appendix GJ, Sample Service Contract, Appendix B, Special Terms and Conditions.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS

RFQQ Procurement Coordinator The RFQQ Procurement Coordinator is the sole point of contact in ECOLOGY for this procurement. Any other communication with ECOLOGY staff will be considered unofficial and non-binding on ECOLOGY. Communication directed to parties other than the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Bidder. Bidders are to rely only on written statements issued by the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator through an amendment.

RFQQ Procurement Schedule Comment by Aladin, Aziz (ECY): Work with MB The dates and times listed below represent the procurement schedule. ECOLOGY reserves the right to change the schedule as needed. Notification of changes to the procurement schedule prior to Bid Response Due Date and Time will be sent electronically to all properly registered users in the Department of Enterprise Services’ WEBS who have downloaded this solicitation from WEBS. Changes to the procurement schedule after Bid Response Due Date and Time may not be communicated.

All times are local time in Lacey, WA.

December 18, 2025 By 4:00 pm (Lacey, WA) Bid Response Due Date and Time

Below dates are anticipated and are subject to change.

December 19, 2025 – January 16, 2026 Evaluation Period

Pre-Bid Conference An optional pre-bid conference to address solicitation requirements will be held at time and location indicated below. While attendance is not mandatory, Vendors are encouraged to attend and actively participate.

VIRTUAL PRE-BID CONFERENCE:

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Dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000,,453849492# United States, Olympia Find a local number Phone conference ID: 453 849 492# DATE AND TIME: November 13, 2025 9-10am

Purpose of this Pre-bid Conference is to review the bid requirements, bidding process, and field any questions. Vendors are expected to raise any questions, exceptions, or additions they have concerning the bid document and process at the Pre-Bid Conference.

If interpretations, specifications changes, or other changes to the Solicitation are required as a result of the conference, the Procurement Coordinator will issue amendments to the Solicitation and provide those amendments by posting them on WEBS at WEBS (wa.gov).

Assistance for disabled, blind or hearing-impaired persons who wish to attend the Pre-Bid Conference is available with prior arrangement with ECOLOGY. Contact the Procurement Coordinator identified on the cover page of this Solicitation for assistance.

WEBS Registration ECOLOGY will use Bid Opportunities | Department of Enterprise Services (DES) (wa.gov) exclusively for the issuance of this RFQQ and all RFQQ updates (i.e., addenda, amendments, answers to submitted questions, etc.). Vendors are responsible for checking WEBS for any changes to the RFQQ.

Bidders are solely responsible for:

1. Properly registering with the Department of Enterprise Services’ WEBS at Bid Opportunities | Department of Enterprise Services (DES) (wa.gov).

2. Maintaining an accurate Vendor profile in WEBS with the correct contact information.

3. Downloading the RFQQ with all attachments and exhibits, and any and all amendments.

To ensure receipt of all solicitation documents, the RFQQ for this solicitation must be downloaded from WEBS. Notification of amendments to the solicitation will only be provided to those Vendors who have registered with WEBS and have downloaded the RFQQ from WEBS. Failure to do so may result in a potential Bidder having incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate information, or a Bidder submitting an incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate Bid.

Bidders and potential bidders accept full responsibility and liability for failing to receive any amendments resulting from their failure to register with WEBS and download the RFQQ from WEBS, and hold the state of Washington harmless from all claims of injury or loss resulting from such failure. Contact the WEBS Customer Service for any questions regarding WEBS at (360) 902-7400.

RFQQ Amendments Prior to Bid Due Date and Time, ECOLOGY reserves the right to change portions of this solicitation. Any changes or corrections will be by one or more written amendment(s), dated, attached to or incorporated in and made a part of this solicitation document. All changes must be authorized and issued in writing by the Procurement Coordinator. If there is any conflict between amendments, or between an amendment and the RFQQ, whichever document was issued last in time shall be controlling.

Only Bidders who have properly registered and downloaded the original solicitation directly via WEBS system will receive notification of amendments and other correspondence pertinent to the procurement. ECOLOGY shall use WEBS for all updates (i.e., amendments, answers to questions, etc.). Vendors are responsible for checking WEBS for any changes to the RFQQ.

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQQ, amendments will be placed on the Department of Enterprise Service’s WEBS website Bid Opportunities | Department of Enterprise Services (wa.gov).

Bidder Questions and Answers Bidders are responsible for communicating to the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator any issues, exceptions, additions, or omissions concerning the solicitation. Specific questions or comments concerning the RFQQ must be submitted to the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator via email by the date and time set forth in the Estimated Procurement Schedule identified herein.

The solicitation designates a particular time period for vendor questions and comments in order to help in the procurement process. Early submission of questions and comments is encouraged. For questions received after the Question/Answer Period, in the interest of maintaining the procurement process, ECOLOGY reserves the right at its sole discretion whether to provide an answer.

An answer to any Vendor question given orally or via email is considered as tentative, unofficial, and non-binding on ECOLOGY. For any changes to the RFQQ as a result of Vendor questions or comments will be issued via a written amendment by the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator and provided to Vendors through WEBS, this will assure accurate and consistent information to all Vendors.

Submission of Bids Due date and time: All bid submittals must be received by the Procurement Coordinator no later than the due bid date and time specified in the Estimated Procurement Schedule at the specific location identified on cover page of this solicitation.

Bidders are responsible for the timely submission of their bids. Bids not received by the date and time specified, or at location other than that specified, will not be accepted and shall be disqualified from further consideration.

For emails, the "receive date/time" posted by the ECOLOGY’s email system will be used as the official time stamp for the time of receipt for the response. Bidders should allow sufficient time to ensure timely receipt of their email. ECOLOGY assumes no responsibility for delays or errors caused by Bidder’s email system, ECOLOGY’s email system, network events, or any other party.

Bidders assume full responsibility for timely, correct, and complete receipt of all submissions to the Procurement Coordinator. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to contact the Procurement Coordinator to verify that the items submitted are received in complete and usable form.

Bid Submittal: Submit an electronic copy of the bid submittal to the Procurement Coordinator identified on the cover page. Bids must be legible and properly signed by an authorized representative of the Bidder. Incomplete or illegible Bids may be rejected as nonresponsive.

Bid Format: Electronic copy must be in either Microsoft or Adobe product formats. Electronic digital signatures are accepted. The Bidder may submit PDF images with original signatures for the bid documents that require the signature of an authorized bidder representative. Unsigned Bids will be rejected on opening unless satisfactory evidence was submitted clearly establishing the Bidder’s desire and intent to be bound by their Bid, such as a signed cover letter.

Identification and Delivery: To facilitate proper delivery and processing, bids sent by email are to include in the subject line the RFQQ number and title.

Cost of Response Preparation ECOLOGY will not reimburse Bidders for any costs associated with preparing or presenting a Response to this RFQQ.

Response Property of ECOLOGY All materials submitted in response to this solicitation become the property of ECOLOGY, unless received after the deadline in which case the Response will be returned to the sender. ECOLOGY has the right to use any of the ideas presented in any material offered that is not proprietary to the Bidder, selection or rejection of a Response does not affect this right.

Proprietary or Confidential Information In accordance with RCW 39.26.030, all records submitted to the Department of Ecology relating to state procurement are exempt from public disclosure prior to the announcement of the apparent successful bidder. Upon receipt of a bid and until such announcement is issued, Department of Ecology will withhold bidder submissions and deny disclosure in the event a request for public inspection or copying is made pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW.

However, once the apparent successful bidder announcement is issued, Department of Ecology will withhold information marked confidential or proprietary only to the extent ECOLOGY believes information is exempt under applicable laws. When a third party requests a bidder’s information, ECOLOGY may or may not notify the affected bidder prior to releasing. In the event of such notification, the bidder must obtain a court order enjoining disclosure or Department of Ecology will release the information on the date specified.

Errors in Response Bidders are liable for all errors or omissions contained in their Responses. Bidders will not be allowed to alter Response documents after the deadline for Response submission. ECOLOGY is not liable for any errors in Responses.

Waive Minor Administrative Irregularities ECOLOGY reserves the right to consider the actual level of Bidder’s compliance with the requirements specified in this solicitation and to waive informalities in a Bid. Informality is an immaterial variation from the exact requirements of the competitive solicitation, having no effect or merely a minor or negligible effect on quality, quantity, or delivery of the supplies or performance of the services being procured, and the correction or waiver of which would not affect the relative standing of, or be otherwise prejudicial to Bidders. ECOLOGY reserves the right to waive minor administrative irregularities contained in any Response.

Responsiveness All Bids will be reviewed by the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions, and minimum requirements specified in this RFQQ. The Bidder is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of the RFQQ may result in rejection of their bid as non-responsive. Any Bid that is rejected as non-responsive will not be evaluated for award.

Exclusive Use This RFQQ is being issued for ECOLOGY’s exclusive use for the purpose set forth in this RFQQ. The results of this RFQQ may not be used to satisfy the competitive requirements of any other agency that may choose to purchase similar goods or services directly from the awarded Contractor(s).

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ECOLOGY complies with the ADA and related federal and state laws and regulations. To request ADA reasonable accommodations for public access and mobility for attending meetings, printed materials in a format for the hearing or visually impaired, or ADA parking please contact the Procurement Coordinator. Persons with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711 and those with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341. Vendors may contact the Procurement Coordinator to receive this solicitation in Braille or on tape.

Nondiscrimination Nondiscrimination Requirement. During the term of this Contract, Bidder, including any subcontractor, shall not discriminate on the bases enumerated at RCW 49.60.530(3).

Nondiscrimination Certification. Pursuant to legislative enactment, Bidder shall certify it has not willfully violated Washington’s nondiscrimination law, RCW 49.60.530(3), 9 RCW. Refer to RCW 39.26.160 (2) (f) for requirements. Bidder is to submit a completed certification for Nondiscrimination Certification form in Appendix E – Nondiscrimination Certification with their response. Bidder is to review requirements for nondiscrimination in the General Terms and Conditions, Appendix, JG, Sample Service Contract.

Small Businesses and Diverse Businesses ECOLOGY, 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. Review, 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).

Bidder that qualifies is to submit the certification attached, Appendix F, Small Business and Veteran Business Certification. In support of the state’s economic goals and to support a diverse supplier pool. ECOLOGY will evaluate bids for best value and provide a bid preference identified herein to any bidder who certifies, pursuant to the certification attached, Appendix F, Small Business and Veteran Business Certification.

Minority and Women-Owned Business Participation In accordance with the legislative findings and policies set forth in RCW 39.19, the state of Washington encourages participation in all of its contracts by Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) firms either self-identified or certified by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises | (wa.gov). While the state does not give preferential treatment, it does seek equitable representation from the minority and women’s business community.

Participation may be either on a direct basis in response to this solicitation or as a Subcontractor to a Contractor. However, unless required by federal statutes, regulations, grants, or contract terms referenced in the original solicitation, no preference will be included in the evaluation of Bids and Proposals, no minimum level of MWBE participation shall be required as condition for receiving an award, and Bids and Proposals will not be evaluated, rejected or considered non-responsive on that basis.

Any affirmative action requirements set forth in federal regulations or statutes included or referenced in the original Solicitation will apply. Bidders may contact Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) to obtain information on certified firms for potential sub-contracting arrangements. Nothing in this Section is intended to prevent or discourage Bidders from inviting participation from non-MWBE firms as well as MWBE firms. For questions regarding the above, contact OMWBE toll free at 866-208-1064.

Bidders who are MWBE or intend to use MWBE subcontractors are encouraged to identify the participating firm on the MWBE Participation Form, Appendix B.

Wage Laws and Workers’ Rights Certifications Pursuant to legislative enacted, Bidder shall certify it has not willfully violated Washington’s wage laws, Title 49 RCW. Refer to RCW 39.26.160 (2) (f) for requirements.

Bidder is to submit with their response the completed certification form, Appendix C – Wage Laws Certification.

Pursuant to the Washington State Governor’s Executive Order 18-03, the Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking to contract with qualified entities and business owners who certify that their employees are not, as a condition of employment, subject to mandatory individual arbitration clauses and class or collective action waivers.

Bidder is to submit with their response the completed certification form, Appendix D – Workers’ Rights Certification.

Non-Endorsement and Publicity Neither ECOLOGY nor the end users are endorsing the Contractor’s goods or services, nor suggesting that they are the best or only solution to their needs. Contractor agrees to make no reference to ECOLOGY, any end user or the state of Washington in any literature, promotional material, brochures, sales presentation or the like, regardless of method of distribution, without the prior review and express written consent of ECOLOGY.

No Best and Final Offer ECOLOGY reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the Bid submitted. Therefore, the Bid should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms that the Bidder can propose. There will be no best and final offer option, unless at the sole discretion of ECOLOGY it is determined to be in the best interest of the state.

No Obligation to Contract ECOLOGY reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all Bidders. Neither the release of this solicitation document nor the execution of a resulting Contract obligates ECOLOGY to make any purchases.

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

Right to Cancel ECOLOGY reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFQQ in whole or in part, prior to contract signature.

Award Intent ECOLOGY intends to award only one (1) Contract. One (1) successful Bidder will be identified via this procurement.

Insurance Coverage The awarded Contractor is required to obtain insurance to protect the State should there be any claims, suits, actions, costs, or damages or expenses arising from any negligent or intentional act or omission of the Bidder or its Subcontractor(s), or their agents, while performing work under the terms of any Contract resulting from this solicitation. Review Appendix GJ, Sample Service Contract, for a description of the insurance requirements.

Subcontractor Use Bidder agrees that any and all Subcontractor relationships must be Subcontractor(s) to the Bidder and the Bidder must be the Prime Contractor. Bidder agrees that, as Prime Contractor, the Bidder accepts full responsibility for successful performance of the work requested in this RFQQ and will indemnify Ecology for the acts and omissions of its Subcontractor(s). Bidder agrees that Ecology has the rights to request the removal of any Subcontractor(s) or other third-party staff from performance under the resultant contract, if such happens the Contractor will not be relieved of its responsibilities under the contract.

1.1 Subcontractor Participation Monitoring and Reporting

Once a contract is awarded through the solicitation or proposal process, the awarded Prime Contractor is obligated to complete the vendor registration in Access Equity. Access Equity is a secure online vendor management system (B2GNow). Confidential information (Tax ID, etc.) will not be published. Prime Contractors that have previously registered with B2Gnow for any public entity, must verify the system has updated information. Contractors can access the system at https://omwbe.diversitycompliance.com/ or through a direct link on the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) website at: https://omwbe.wa.gov/.

Each month during the contract, the Prime Contractor will report payments to ALL Subcontractors through the Access Equity system. This monthly reporting information includes total payment in dollars made to the Subcontractor, payment dates, and any additional information required to verify payment to Subcontractors. The Prime Contractor will enter this payment information into the Access Equity system, and the Subcontractors will verify this payment information in the system. Online training is available through the Access Equity/B2Gnow system. This requirement applies to both Prime Contractors and Subcontractors.

For further information and reporting requirements review Appendix JG, Sample Service Contract.

EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

Basis for Evaluation Contract award shall be made to the Bidder based on the evaluation and award criteria established herein and subject to consideration of all factors identified in RCW 39.26 and preferences in state law.

ECOLOGY reserves the right subject to the provisions of RCW 39.26.160 to: (1) Waive any informality; (2) Reject any or all Bids, or portions thereof; (3) Accept any portion of the items bid unless the Bidder stipulates all or nothing in their Bid; (4) Cancel a solicitation and re-solicit Bids; (5) Negotiate with the highest scoring Responsive and Responsible Bidder to determine if that Bid can be improved for the Purchaser; (6) Award on an all or none consolidated basis taking into consideration “lifecycle costs;” and, (7) Award in aggregate when in the best interest of the state.

ECOLOGY reserves the right to award on an All or Nothing consolidated basis taking into consideration reduction in administrative costs as well as unit bid prices.

ECOLOGY seeks to acquire the goods and services that best meet the State’s needs and offers best value in the interest of ECOLOGY.

Bids will only be evaluated on the basis of the information provided in the Bidder’s Bid. Bidders are not to assume that the evaluators know anything about the Bidder. Therefore, it is important that the responses be clear and complete so that the evaluators can adequately understand all aspects of the Bid. Failure of a Bidder to provide such may result in the Bidder receiving a low evaluation score or being deemed non-responsive.

Evaluation Steps

Step 1: Responsiveness Evaluation Bids will be initially reviewed by the RFQQ Procurement Coordinator to determine on a pass/fail basis compliance with administrative requirements of this RFQQ. Responses meeting the administrative requirements will then be reviewed on a pass/fail basis to determine if the Response meets the Mandatory requirements (M) outlined in Section 4 – Bid Submittal Requirements, and the Bidder meets the Minimum Bidder Qualifications. Only Bids that satisfactorily pass the Responsiveness Evaluation will be further evaluated. ECOLOGY reserves the right to determine at its sole discretion whether Bidder’s Response to a requirement is sufficient to pass. If the Bidder does not pass the Responsiveness Evaluation step, they will be deemed non-responsive and will not be further evaluated.

Step 2: Evaluation of Bids ECOLOGY will use the Evaluation Criteria to evaluate and score Bidder’s responses to the scored requirements in Section 4 – Bid Submittal Requirements.

The evaluation of Bids shall be accomplished by an evaluation team, to be designated by ECOLOGY, which will determine the scoring of the Bids.

Step 3: Bidder Interviews ECOLOGY may select the top-scoring Bidder(s) advanced from Step 2, for a Bidder Interview (review Section 3.5). ECOLOGY reserves the right to select and award to a Bidder without conducting interviews. If the Bidder does not pass the Bidder Interview, they may be deemed non-responsive and will not be further evaluated.

Step 4: Reference Evaluation The Evaluation Team may contact references and evaluate Bidder’s references for Pass/Fail. References will be used to assist in the evaluation of timeliness, performance, industry knowledge, and customer service, and other related topics.

ECOLOGY reserves the right to contact references supplied by the Bidder and to contact others who may have pertinent information regarding the Bidder’s prior experience and ability to perform the services contemplated in this procurement, and use such in the evaluation process. If the Bidder does not pass the Reference Evaluation, they may be deemed non-responsive and will not be further evaluated.

Clarification of Bid The Procurement Coordinator may contact the Bidder for clarification of any portion of the Bidder’s Bid.

Evaluation and Scoring Points The evaluation scores assign a relative importance for each scored topic. The following categories and points will be assigned for Bid evaluation purposes:

Technical Proposal

Management Proposal

Small Business and Veteran- Owned Business Preference

*Procurement Evaluation For Executive Order 18-03 (Firms Without Mandatory Individual Arbitration For Employees). 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. ECOLOGY will evaluate bids for best value and provide a bid preference identified herein to any bidder who certifies, pursuant to the certification attached as Appendix D, Workers’ Rights Certification for Executive Order 18-03, 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 waiver.

Bidder Interview ECOLOGY, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top-scoring Bidder(s) from the written evaluation for an oral presentation and determination of contract award. ECOLOGY will contact the top scoring Bidder(s) to schedule a date, time, and location for a Bidder Interview. ECOLOGY reserves the right to select and award to a Bidder without conducting an interview based on Bidder’s score.

If an interview is requested, ECOLOGY will prepare a list of technical questions for the Bidder to answer in a sixty minute period. The answers to the questions will be on a Pass/Fail basis to aid in the evaluation of the bid. The Bidder presentation will include review and confirmation of the Bidder’s Bid, and may include service and product description and demonstration, demonstration of Bidder’s capabilities, etc. to aid in the evaluation of the Bidder. Representations made by the Bidder during the oral presentation will be considered binding.

If possible and for best results, the Bidder’s proposed Principal/Project Manager and key staff who will be providing the services should participate.

The Pass/Fail from the Bidder’s presentation will be used to determine the Apparent Successful Bidder.

Selection of Apparent Successful Bidder Apparent Successful Bidder selection begins after all evaluation steps are completed as outlined in Section 3 – Evaluation and Contract Award.

Based on the evaluation process, one Bidder with the highest total score and best meet the State’s needs and offers the best value in the interest of ECOLOGY will be declared the ASB. When evaluation of responses produces numerical ratings that are substantially equivalent, i.e., scores separated by 2% or less of the total available points, ECOLOGY reserves the right to award the contract to the Bidder whose response is deemed to be in ECOLOGY’s best interest.

Notification of Apparent Successful Bidder All Bidders responding to this solicitation will be notified when ECOLOGY has determined the ASB. The date of announcement of the ASB will be the date of the notification from ECOLOGY. The Bidders will be notified via email from DES/WEBS of the ASB determination.

Designation as an Apparent Successful Bidder does not imply that the State will issue an award to your firm. It merely suggests that at this moment in time the State believes your bid to be responsive. This designation allows the State to perform a further responsiveness and responsibility analysis and ask for additional documentation. The State is also at liberty to re-review and determine whether the bid is truly responsive as initially believed. The Bidder must not construe this as a notification of award, impending award, an attempt to negotiate, etc. If you act or fail to act in reliance of this notification, you do so at your own risk and expense.

Contract Negotiations with Apparent Successful Bidder After the notification of the ASB, ECOLOGY may enter into contract negotiations with the ASB, which may include discussion regarding the terms of the Bid. Contract negotiations may result in incorporation of some or the Bidder’s entire Bid. The Bidder should be prepared to accept this RFQQ for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFQQ. It is also understood that the Bid will become part of the contract and the official file.

Should contract negotiations fail to be completed within one (1) month after initiation, ECOLOGY may immediately cease contract negotiations and declare the Bidder with the next highest score as the new ASB and enter into contract negotiations with that Bidder.

The ASB will be expected to execute the Contract within ten (10) Business Days of its receipt of the final Contract. If the selected Bidder fails to sign the Contract within the allotted ten (10) days timeframe, ECOLOGY may elect to cancel the award, and award the Contract to the next ranked Bidder, or cancel or reissue this solicitation (review Section 2.243 - Right to Cancel).

Debriefing of Unsuccessful Bidders Only Bidders who submit a Response may request an optional debriefing conference to discuss the evaluation of their Response. Upon request, a debriefing conference will be scheduled with an unsuccessful Bidder. The Procurement Coordinator must receive the request for a debriefing conference within three (3) business days after the announcement of ASB is sent to the responding Bidders. The debriefing conference is held within three (3) business days of the request, unless ECOLOGY chooses a more convenient time.

Discussion at the debriefing conference will be limited to the following:

· Evaluation and scoring of the Bidder’s Bid.

· Critique of the Bidder’s Bid.

· Review of the Bidder’s final score and ranking in comparison with other Bidders’ final scores without identifying the other Bidders.

Debriefing conferences may be conducted in person or on the telephone, and will be scheduled for no more than one hour.

Complaint and Protest Requirements For Complaints and Protests concerning this solicitation, review Appendix HK, Complaint and Protest Procedures, regarding the grounds for, filing, and resolution of complaints and protests.

BID SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Bid Presentation and Organization Bidders are encouraged to label and organize their Bid Response in the following order for ease of evaluation:

· Bidder’s introductory cover letter acknowledging receipt of all RFQQ amendments issued, if any.

· Appendix A – Signed Certifications and Assurances.

· Appendix B – MWBE Participation Form.

· Appendix C – Wage Laws Certification.

· Appendix D – Workers’ Rights Certification.

· Appendix E – Nondiscrimination Certification.

· Appendix F – Small Business and Veteran Businesses form, if applicable.

· Appendix G – Diverse Business Inclusion Plan – Subcontractor Declaration form.

· Appendix H – Diverse Business Inclusion Plan – Subcontractors form, if applicable.

· Any noted exceptions to Appendix GJ, Sample Service Contract.

· Amendments, (if any) signed and returned as instructed in the Amendment – Bidder is to check the WEBS site for any and all amendments.

· Response to Minimum Bidder Qualifications (Section 4.2).

· Response to the Technical Proposal (Section 4.3).

· Response to the Management Proposal (Section 4.4).

· Response to Past Customer References (Section 4.5).

· Response to Subcontractor Use (Sections 4.6 and 4.7).

· Response to Informational Background (Section 4.8).

· Response to Bid Price Requirements (Sections 4.9 and 4.10).

· Other documentation or materials, as necessary.

· Electronic copy of bid submittals.

Standard brochures are not to be included in the Bid submittals. There should not be any unnecessary attachments, enclosures, or exhibits.