RFR_NetworkServices_ITT46_rev1_8.doc

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Office For Administration and finance

Operational Services Division

One Ashburton Place, 10th Floor, Room 1017, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1552

Request for Response (RFR) Network Services RFR ASK "RFR Number/Document Number" \* MERGEFORMAT Document Number: ITT46 - Network Services This is a reopening

COMMBUYS Bid#:

BD-17-1080-OSD03-SRC01-15146

April 20, 2017 Version 1.8

Revision History

Sec. 2.3 On-line Bidder’s Webcast: corrected date and time.

Added requirement for service description document for each category.

Sec. 3.2.3.1: No roaming charges made desirable.

Sec. 3.6.1.7: heading deleted.

Sec. 3.10.7.2: heading deleted.

Sec. 3.10.7.7.12: requests must be written for penalty to apply.

1.4

Sec. 3.1.2.4: Clarified geographic coverage description requirement.

Sec. 3.9: Replaced references to GreenSTAR with MASSBuys.

Sec.

Sec. 3.2.1.3.13, 3.2.1.6.2, 3.2.1.8.1, 3.2.1.9.12: Corrected references to the Massachusetts State 911 Department.

Removed SIP Trunking from Category 2.

Revised Sections 1.3, 1.6, 2, 3.1.3, 3.1.6

Deleted Section 2.3

Replaced and updated references to Comm-PASS with COMMBUYS Revised Sections 1.3, 1.4,1.7, 3.1, 3.1.2.4, 3.1.2.5, 3.4.1, 3.5, 3.6.2.1, 5, Added Section 8.8 Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Prohibition

RFR Introduction and General Description

11.1 Procurement Scope and Description

11.1.1 Category 1: Voice Services

11.1.2 Category 2: Connectivity/Bandwidth Services

11.1.3 Category 3: Mobile Communication Services and Devices

11.1.4 Category 4: Managed Services

11.1.5 Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)

21.2 Background Information

31.2.1 About OSD

31.2.2 About the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)

41.3 Number of awards

51.4 Adding Contractors After Initial Statewide Contract award

51.5 Acquisition Method(s)

51.6 Contract Duration

51.7 Performance and payment time frames which exceed Contract duration

61.8 Estimated Value of the Contract (Including All Options to Renew)

61.9 Mandatory Use Contract

Estimated Procurement Calendar

72.1 Submission of Bid Questions

82.2 Locating Bid Q&A

82.3 Deleted

82.4 Debriefing

Specifications

83.1 Bidder Qualifications and Requirements For All Categories

83.1.1 Unique Account Identifier

83.1.2 Company Profile

93.1.3 Open Ratings/Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)

113.1.4 Reference Letters

113.1.5 Employee requirements for business under this contract

123.1.6 E-Rate

123.1.7 Engagement Reports

123.2 Category-Specific Specifications

123.2.1 Category 1: Voice Services

393.2.2 Category 2: Connectivity/Bandwidth Services

513.2.3 Category 3: Mobile Wireless Communication Services and Devices

553.2.4 Category 4: Managed Services

643.3 Service Specifications

643.3.1 Technical Support

643.3.2 Technical support response time guarantee

653.3.3 Monitoring, Notification and Customer Reporting

663.3.4 Emergency response plans/preparedness

663.3.5 Design requirements

663.3.6 Installation

663.3.7 Training and Training Materials

673.3.8 Maintenance agreements and eligibility requirements

673.3.9 Requirements at Statewide Contract or engagement termination

673.4 Environmental Specifications

673.4.1 Executive Order 515, Establishing an Environmental Purchasing Policy

683.5 License Agreements and Service Agreements

683.6 Compensation Structure/Pricing

683.6.1 Cost tables

693.6.2 Labor rates or project based compensation

703.6.3 Travel expenses and all other expenses

703.6.4 Sample Configurations/Scenarios for evaluation

703.7 Left blank intentionally

703.8 Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan

713.8.1 Subcontracting:

713.8.2 Ancillary Uses of Certified M/WBE Firm(s):

713.9 Participation in the OSD’s Annual Marketing Event, MASSBuys

723.10 Requirements for Doing Business After a Contract Has Been Awarded

723.10.1 Statewide Contract Administration Fee and Report

743.10.2 Regulatory/Tariff Filings

753.10.3 Minimum amount of business with this Contract

753.10.4 Continued qualification based on performance

753.10.5 Security and confidentiality

763.10.6 Contract Management (Contractor’s Interface with Commonwealth’s Contract Manager)

783.10.7 Orders (Contractor’s Interface with Eligible Entities)

823.10.8 Alternatives

Evaluation Criteria

824.1 Mandatory requirements

824.2 Desirable specifications

824.3 Alternatives

824.4 Evaluation Components

824.4.1 Price

834.4.2 Supplier Diversity Plan (formerly Affirmative Market Plan) (minimum of 10% weight)

834.4.3 Company certifications and affiliations

834.4.4 Company experience

834.4.5 Financial stability including bankruptcy, litigation and contract defaults

834.4.6 References and reference information and/or requirements

834.4.7 Online/web capability

834.4.8 Other desirable or optional specifications

How to Submit a Bid Response

845.1 Quote Submission Method

845.2 COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions

845.3 COMMBUYS Support

855.4 Bid Opening Date/Time

855.5 Bid Package

855.6 Quote Contents

855.6.1 RFR Submission Checklist

855.6.2 The RFR Checklist is found in the Response Form for All Bidders. All Bidders must complete this form.Additional attachments

855.6.3 Additional Bid Response Terms

865.7 Bid Response Materials

865.7.1 Electronic Signatures

865.7.2 Ink Signatures

865.8 Limits and Restrictions

865.8.1 File Naming Conventions

865.8.2 File Size Limits

865.8.3

SECTION N/A

865.8.4 File Format Restrictions

875.9 Withdrawing a Quote

875.9.1 Prior to Bid Opening Date/Time

875.9.2 After Bid Opening Date/Time

Appendix 1 – Required Terms for all Statewide RFRs

886.1 General Procurement Information

886.1.1 Alterations

886.1.2 Bidder’s Contact Information

886.1.3 COMMBUYS Subscription

896.1.4 The COMMBUYS system introduces new terminology, which bidders must be familiar with in order to conduct business with the Commonwealth. To View this terminology and to learn more about the COMMBUYS system, please visit the COMMBUYS Resource Center. Costs

896.1.5 Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

896.1.6 Minimum Bid Duration

896.1.7 Ownership of Submitted Responses

896.1.8 Prohibitions

906.1.9 Public Records Law

906.1.10 Reasonable Accommodation

906.1.11 COMMBUYS Market Center

906.2 Evaluation – Best Value Selection and Negotiation

906.3 Terms and Requirements Pertaining to Awarded Statewide Contracts

906.3.1 COMMBUYS subscription

906.3.2 Commonwealth Tax Exemption

916.3.3 Contractor's Contact Information

916.3.4 Contractual Status of Orders and Service Contracts

916.3.5 Electronic Procurement Systems (eProcurement) reference section 6.1.3

916.3.6 Emergency Standby Commodities and/or Services

926.3.7 HIPAA: Business Associate Contractual Obligations

926.3.8 Pricing: Federal Government Services Administration (GSA) or Veteran’s Administration Supply

926.3.9 Pricing

926.3.10 Publicity

926.3.11 Save Smart Program ($ave $mart)

936.3.12 Statewide Contractor Marketing Requirements

936.3.13 Subcontracting Policies

936.3.14 Transaction Fee

Appendix 2 – Required Terms for all INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Statewide RFRs

947.1 Enterprise Policy and Standards

947.2 Clarification of Language in Section 11, Indemnification of the Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

957.3 Executive Order 504 Information Technology System and Data Security Disclosure and Commitment Form

Appendix 3 - Instructions for Execution and Submission of Commonwealth Standard Forms

968.1 Commonwealth Standard Contract Form

968.2 Commonwealth Terms and Conditions

978.3 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Mass. Substitute W9 Form)

978.4 Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing

988.5 Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form #2 – Declaration of SDP Partners

988.6 Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) Plan Form #1 – SDP Plan Commitment

988.7 Business Reference Form

988.8 Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Prohibition

988.9 Prompt Payment Discount Form

APPENDIX 4 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS RESPONDING TO BIDS ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH COMMBUYS

10210 Glossary

1 RFR Introduction and General Description The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in collaboration with the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) and the Network Infrastructure Services Strategic Sourcing Team are soliciting Bidders for the acquisition of a wide variety of Network Infrastructure Services. This procurement is intended to result in a Contract that will be the successor to a number of current statewide contracts including: the Communication Network Services contract - ITT09, the Centrex Services & Equipment contract - ITT18, the Remote Access & Virtual Private Networking contract – ITT19DesignatedITD and the Internet Hosting and Access Services contract – ITT37.

The resulting Contract will be the primary Statewide Contract used by Executive Agencies of the Commonwealth for the goods and services covered by the Contract. The Statewide Contract will also be available for use by other Eligible Entities listed below. Each Commonwealth Agency and Eligible Entity is responsible for executing its own purchase orders and paying its own invoices for goods and/or services acquired from this Statewide Contract. Contractors will be responsible for marketing their goods and/or services to Commonwealth Agencies and other Eligible Entities.

1.1 Procurement Scope and Description

This procurement is for the acquisition of Network Infrastructure Services in four (4) categories.

1.1.1 Category 1: Voice Services

Services in this category include, but are not limited to: Local Exchange Services, Long Distance, Toll Free, Centrex, Calling Card, Directory Assistance, Pay per Call, Pay Telephone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

1.1.2 Category 2: Connectivity/Bandwidth Services

Services in this category include, but are not limited to: T1, ISDN, DSL, ATM, Frame Relay, Ethernet, Broadband Cable, Point-to-Point Wireless (Satellite, Microwave, etc.), Private Line, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), DWDM and Fiber.

1.1.3 Category 3: Mobile Communication Services and Devices

Services in this category include, but are not limited to: cellular, pcs and satellite services, handsets and other mobile devices that access the cellular and satellite networks, and related distributed antennae systems.

1.1.4 Category 4: Managed Services

For the purposes of this RFR, this category provides management of eligible entities’ site and/or enterprise voice and data network services inclusive of LAN and WAN managed services. Converged voice and data network services can be fully IP Telephony.

Managed services include, but are not limited to: Internet Access, Co-location, Virtual Private Networking (VPN), email, ftp, news groups, hosting services (web sites, network service applications and others), Host name registration, portal services, firewall, intrusion detection, data back-up, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Conferencing Services (audio, video, web), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Broadcast Communications (TV via cable, satellite, IP) and Emergency Notification (reverse 911)

1.1.5 Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)

The Bidder may propose network termination equipment to be installed with the proposed network services (See Attachment C – Cost Tables). CPE may only be provided or purchased as required for the provisioning and operation of the proposed service. This termination equipment shall not consist of PCs, servers, switches, PBX equipment or any other significant network equipment systems not directly related to this contract.

Acceptance of the proposed network termination equipment will be at the sole discretion of the SST. All Network Services proposed by the Bidder must be capable of being installed without requiring the acquisition of such equipment from the Bidder.

1.2 Background Information

The Operational Services Division (OSD) is being joined by the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) in the issuance of this RFR. OSD, as the lead entity in this solicitation, has executed a formal Memoranda of Understanding with MHEC that defines the terms of each entity’s participation.

The main responsibilities of MHEC include:

· Participation on OSD’s Strategic Sourcing Team, including identification of eligible entities, historical, present and anticipated service requirements and specialized terms and conditions and contract requirements;

· Posting of bid notification in the local newspaper, Goods and Services Bulletin, e-mail notification to all vendors and will be posted at the MHEC’s bulletin board at least two weeks prior to the bid opening date and referral of all interested bidders and inquiries to OSD;

· Participation in the development of the RFR evaluation process and criteria;

· Execution of separate contracts with successful bidder(s) and publish contract information on the MHEC webpages;

· Establishment of a primary contact for all issues related to this contract;

· Responsibility for all contract management issues between contractors and MHEC eligible entities;

· Reporting of any contract performance issues and concerns to OSD in a timely manner.

OSD’s responsibilities, as the lead entity include:

· Provide a designated Strategic Sourcing Team leader to assemble and lead a team and serve as the primary point of leadership and contact for the solicitation;

· Provide the team with identification of eligible entities, historical, present and anticipated service requirements and specialized terms and conditions and contract requirements;

· Write the solicitation document consistent with M.G.L. c. 7, § 22; c, 30, § 51, § 52; 801 C.M.R. 21.00 and the overall principles of best value and include all procurement requirements of MHEC in the solicitation;

· Provide public notice of the solicitation on the OSD procurement webpage, COMMBUYS (www.COMMBUYS.com);

· Lead the evaluation and award process

· Execute contracts for use by OSD’s Eligible Entities members

· Assume responsibility for contract management for Eligible Entities and serve as the record keeper for the solicitation.

1.2.1 About OSD

The statutory authority vested in the State Purchasing Agent and the Operational Services Division (OSD) to oversee the procurement of commodities and services by Commonwealth entities is found in M.G.L. c. 7, s. 4A(a), M.G.L. c. 7, s. 22, M.G.L. c. 30, s. 51 and M.G.L. c. 30, s. 52. These statutes form the basis of OSD’s issuance of its procurement regulation, 801 CMR 21.00, which provides all Commonwealth departments with uniform rules and standards governing the procurement of commodities or services, or both, including human and social services for clients.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, s. 4A(a), OSD’s functions include “the management of the acquisition of all goods, supplies, equipment and services, excepting the acquisition of such goods, supplies, equipment and services as otherwise provided for in any general or special law or in any administrative rule or regulation promulgated by the commissioner of administration, the provision of assistance and advice for such acquisitions, …the administration of the collective purchasing program for the political subdivisions of the commonwealth….” (Emphasis added)

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 7, s. 22A, public entities in the Commonwealth may work together to conduct collective purchasing according to the rules established by the State Purchasing Agent. Furthermore, regulation 801 CMR 21.05(4) recognizes that collective purchasing provides opportunities for maximizing the value of procurement through “teaming” with other public entities in the procurement process. Pursuant to OSD policy, collective purchasing must be based on research documenting that the procurement is consistent with the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 7, sections 22 and 22A and M.G.L. Chapter 30, sections 51 and 52, that it is fair, open and competitive, and that the contract terms (including price terms) represent best value to the department.

Entities eligible to use the contracts that result from this RFR, shall include:

· Cities, towns, districts, counties and other political subdivisions;

· Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches, including all Departments and elected offices therein;

· Independent public authorities, commissions and quasi-public agencies;

· Local public libraries, public school districts and charter schools;

· Public hospitals owned by the Commonwealth;

· Public purchasing cooperatives;

· Non-profit, UFR-certified organizations that are doing business with the Commonwealth;

· Other states and territories with no prior approval by the State Purchasing Agent required; and

· Other entities when designated in writing by the State Purchasing Agent.

1.2.2 About the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)

Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) was established by M.G.L Ch. 15a, Sec. 24A in 1977 to provide efficiencies in the State College and University procurement processes and to leverage the economic advantages of combined buying volumes. The MHEC Bid, Award, and Contract process is in compliance with Public Bidding Laws, Rules and Regulations. As a premier contracting group, all current MHEC contracts can be adopted by its Members without the additional IFB process work needing to be done before contract use.

Today the MHEC has grown expanding its membership to include non-profit public and private institutions of higher education, technical, charter and vocational schools, municipalities including elementary and secondary schools, preparatory schools, and educational non-profit organizations located within New England.

To learn more about MHEC and or subscribe to their vendor services please see MHEC vendor related documents at: www.mhec.net.

MHEC membership currently consists of 133 members.

http://private.mhec.net/ListMembersAlpha.aspx

1.3 Number of awards

Statewide and Municipal Awards

For the purposes of this contract reopening the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been divided into six (6) regions which include specific counties as indicated on the map and descriptions below:

Region Descriptions

1: West Region, including Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties;

2: Central Region, including Worcester County;

3: Northeast Region, including Middlesex and Essex Counties;

4: Boston Region, including Suffolk and Norfolk Counties;

5: Southeast Region, including Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable Counties;

6: Islands Region, including Dukes and Nantucket Counties.

The SST is seeking additional vendors capable of servicing one or more municipalities in regions 1, 5, and 6. Bidders should refer to the list of municipalities attached to this Bid reopening.

The target number of additional vendor awards for each category is listed below. These are target numbers; the SST may award more or fewer Statewide Contracts if it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so.

Category 1: Voice Services – up to 2 additional awards in municipalities in regions 1, 5 & 6.

Category 2: Connectivity/Bandwidth Services – up to 2 additional awards in municipalities in regions 1, 5 & 6.

Category 3: Mobile Communication Services and Devices – up to 2 additional awards in municipalities in regions 1, 5 & 6.

Category 4: Managed Services – up to 4 additional awards in municipalities in regions 1, 5 & 6.

1.4 Adding Contractors After Initial Statewide Contract award

If, over the life of the Contract, the SST determines that additional Contractors should be added, these may first be drawn from qualified companies which responded to this Solicitation but were not awarded contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth, the Solicitation may be reopened to obtain additional bids. Further, the SST will review annually vendor performance and suspend from the contract those who underperform. Where this occurs, additional bidders may be awarded contracts to fill the vacated slots.

See Section 3.10.4 “Continued Qualification based on Performance”.

The SST also reserves the right to suspend the review of additional submissions for specific regions or close the Bid for new Quotes entirely if it deems that the number of Vendors awarded at that point adequately meets the needs of eligible entities. If, subsequent to such a decision, the SST determines that additional Vendors should be added, these may first be drawn from qualified companies which responded to this Bid but were not awarded contracts. If necessary to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth, the Bid may be reopened to obtain additional Quotes.

1.5 Acquisition Method(s)

The acquisition method(s) to acquire goods and/or services from this Solicitation are outright purchase, Fee for Service (e.g. monthly recurring charge) and license.

1.6 Contract Duration

Contract(s) resulting from this reopening will have an end date that is coterminous with the existing ITT46 statewide contract, 9/30/2019.

1.7 Performance and payment time frames which exceed Contract duration All term leases, rentals, maintenance or other agreements for services entered into during the duration of this Contract and whose performance and payment time frames extend beyond the duration of this Contract shall remain in effect for performance and payment purposes (limited to the time frame and services established per each written agreement). No written agreement shall extend more than one (1) year beyond the final termination date of this Statewide Contract without the prior written approval of the OSD Contract Manager. No new agreements for services may be executed after the Contract has expired. Any vendor entering into new engagements with eligible entities after contract expiration will be subject to remedial measures, including but not limited to mandatory point deduction for future bid submissions and suspension of other contracts with OSD.

1.8 Estimated Value of the Contract (Including All Options to Renew) The estimated value was derived by reviewing ITT09, ITT12 (services only), ITT18, ITT19 & ITT37 Contractor sales reports for fiscal year 2011 as well as data from the Commonwealth’s accounting system, MMARS, and from data provided by the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC).

The Commonwealth makes no guarantee that any commodities or services will be purchased from any Contract resulting from this Bid. Any estimates or past procurement volumes referenced in this Bid are included only for the convenience of Bidders, and are not to be relied upon as any indication of future purchase levels.

For fiscal year 2011, July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011, based on data reported by current vendors, which includes municipalities as well as all State agencies, supplemented with data from the Commonwealth’s accounting system, which includes a subset of State agencies, expenditures for the services being merged into ITT46 were:

Category 1: Voice Services: $62 million Category 2: Connectivity/Bandwidth Services: $19.3 million Category 3: Cellular Services: $38.7 million Category 4 Managed Services: $21.5 million The Connectivity/Bandwidth Services are almost certainly undercounted as, based on the reporting, these services were frequently categorized as more generic “telecommunications services” included in the reporting for Category 1.

1.9 Mandatory Use Contract

This contract is mandatory for use by Executive Department Agencies, unless otherwise approved by the Assistant Secretary for Operational Services in cases where the Agency has shown in writing that the contract cannot meet their needs. The contract is also available for use by other Eligible Entities including municipalities and non-Executive branches of government. Many of these Eligible Entities use Statewide Contracts because of pricing and terms, the fact that due diligence has been done to select the contractors, and to avoid the time, expense, and risk of conducting their own competitive procurements.

MAGNet is the Commonwealth’s internal Wide Area Network operated by the Information Technology Division (ITD) on behalf of Commonwealth agencies. There may be different business and technical requirements for the services provided by contractors to MAGNet and non-MAGNet buyers. Services offered by bidders under this RFR to Executive Department agencies and/or MAGNet connected agencies must comply with the Commonwealth’s Information Technology Enterprise Policies, Standards and Guidance addressed in Appendix 2 of this document.

2 Estimated Procurement Calendar

Training for Online Submission via COMMBUYS:

How to Create a Quote in COMMBUYS

May 17, 2017 Register

Vendor Webcast Trainings.

Scroll down to find "How to Find Bids and Submit Quotes."

Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as displayed on the COMMBUYS system clock displayed to Bidders after logging in. If there is a conflict between the dates in this Procurement Calendar and dates in the Bid's Header, the dates in the Bid's Header on COMMBUYS shall prevail, Bidders are responsible for checking the Bid record, including Bid Q&A, on COMMBUYS for Procurement Calendar updates.

2.1 Submission of Bid Questions

The "Bid Q&A" function in COMMBUYS allows Bidders to ask written questions and receive written answers regarding this Bid. All Bidders’ questions must be submitted through the Bid Q&A found on COMMBUYS (See "locating Bid Q&A," below). Questions must be asked prior to the Deadline stated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar. The Strategic Sourcing Services Team SST reserves the right not to respond to late questions. Bidders are responsible for verifying that their questions are recorded in COMMBUYS and appear on the Bid Q&A page. Questions submitted to the SST outside of COMMBUYS will not be answered.

Content entered must be suitable for public viewing. Bidders must not include inappropriate content, including but not limited to, information that could be considered personal, security sensitive, inflammatory, incorrect, or collusory. The SST reserves the right to edit or delete any inappropriate content.

ALL answers are final when posted. Any subsequent revisions to previously provided answers will be dated.

Bidders and awarded Vendors are required to view the COMMBUYS requirements associated with this bid are responsible for compliance with those requirements

2.2 Locating Bid Q&A

Log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, acknowledge receipt of the Bid, and scroll down to the bottom of the Bid Header page. The "Bid Q&A" button allows Bidders access to the Bid Q&A page.

2.3 Deleted

2.4 Debriefing

The SST will conduct debriefings for unsuccessful Bidders, if requested within 14 calendar days of the resulting MASTER Blanket Purchase Order being posted on COMMBUYS. The SST will provide debriefing guidelines in advance of each debriefing.

3 Specifications Additional required terms appear in the Appendices to this RFR.

3.1 Bidder Qualifications and Requirements For All Categories Bidders who wish to propose service must affirm their compliance with applicable Massachusetts laws and regulations, including M.G.L. c. 159, Section 12. Bidders are required to provide supporting documentation upon request.

The Bidder must identify, in its response, which services are provided via its own network facilities and those being resold or provided by a subcontractor. In all cases, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be listed as the customer of record with the service provider.

The Commonwealth will not accept responses from Bidders who are “independent sales agents” of a service provider or whose primary business is the traditional "reselling" or "aggregation" of another service provider's network of services.

3.1.1 Unique Account Identifier

Network infrastructure services are essential to the ability of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide for the public health and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Bidder must agree that, if awarded a contract, the Bidder shall create a “Unique Account Identifier” in its billing system to be associated with the accounts of all contracting Eligible Entities under this Agreement. The Contractor must associate all Eligible Entitles with this Unique Account Identifier in order to prevent the application of prohibited fees and/or actions, see Section 3.6.1.1 Prohibited Charges and Section 3.10.7.6 Prohibited Charges and Actions.

3.1.2 Company Profile

Bidders must provide the following information in the Bidder’s Response Form:

Years in business in the industry

Bidders must have at least three years in continuous operation and experience in the service being bid. In the case of companies formed via merger, acquisition or some other means, the SST may consider the experience of all companies involved in the transaction.

Annual revenue

Bidders of any network service with the exception of pay telephone services must have a minimum of $1,000,000 in verifiable annual revenue for each of the three years preceding the issue date of this RFR. Bidders of only pay telephone services must have a minimum of $100,000 in verifiable annual revenue for each of the three years preceding the issue date of this RFR.

Location of offices Left blank intentionally.

Geographic coverage Bidders must clearly identify the municipality(ies) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in which the proposed service(s) are offered. If the Bidder is not offering service to the entire Commonwealth, Bidders must identify the municipality(ies) using the attachment to this Bid reopening named “MAMuniList.xls”.

If the Bidder is proposing multiple services with differing geographic coverage areas, the coverage area for each service must be identified separately using additional columns in the “MAMuniList.xls” spreadsheet.

It is desirable that Bidders provide the proposed services throughout Region 1 and/or Region 5 and/or Region 6.

Company registration and certifications

It is desirable that Bidders provide copies of Certifications or evidence of compliance with IT industry best practices applicable to the category in which you are bidding, such as ISO/IEC 20000 certification and ITIL.

3.1.3 Open Ratings/Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)

The SST has chosen to utilize independent parties, Open Ratings and Dun and Bradstreet Information Services (D&B), to assist in the evaluation process in two areas, reference checking and financial stability. The required reports are the “Supplier Qualifier Report” and the “Past Performance Evaluation (Supplier Performance Review).” The “Supplier Analysis Report” may be substituted for the “Supplier Qualifier Report.” It is the "Bidders" responsibility to ensure that all data associated with their DUNS# is current and accurate. Missing data can halt the generation of the SQR and PPE for 5-10 days.

How to Request Reports

It is recommended that all Bidders submit the request for the reports directly to Open Ratings at "ppereport.com". When placing an order for the Past Performance Evaluation (Supplier Performance Review) and the Supplier Qualifier Report, select the “State and County” report option at the appropriate prompt during the ordering process. The Bidder must pay online with Open Ratings for both reports.

Bidders must request that a copy of each report be sent to the SST, Jeanne Pestana at jeanne.pestana@state.ma.us. A copy will also be sent to the Bidder’s contact person named on the request form in the recipient section. (Open Ratings only sends reports via email)

Important Note: Bidders may choose to obtain the reports by following some other process; however, following the instructions above will result in the correct reports being submitted by Dun & Bradstreet to jeanne.pestana@state.ma.us. If Bidders follow a different process, the correct reports may not be produced. Bidders should note that it is not acceptable for the Bidder to simply include the reports in their proposal or to email the reports themselves, only reports emailed by Open Ratings and/or Dun and Bradstreet to jeanne.pestana@state.ma.us will be acceptable.

Timing of the Report Request

Bidders are urged to request the Open Ratings / Dun and Bradstreet reports as soon as possible. Typically, reports can be prepared within 30 days; however, there can be delays in report preparation, so Bidders should NOT wait until 30 days before the Solicitation is due to request the reports. (FYI-There is no way to expedite a report since the process is dependent on the responsiveness of the references provided).

Bidder’s Legal Name Bidders should note that Open Ratings will use the company’s legal name when requesting surveys. If clients are more likely to recognize the company’s “doing business as” name, it is up to the Bidder to let their clients know they may be asked by Open Ratings to complete surveys referencing the company’s legal name.

Bidders must ensure that the company name given on the Open Ratings/Dun and Bradstreet reports matches the name on the Bidder’s Response. Reports for parent companies or subsidiary companies are not acceptable.

Use of Reports Obtained Previously

If Bidders have had the required reports completed by Open Ratings and/or Dun and Bradstreet within six months of the release date of the RFR, those reports may be submitted in lieu of obtaining new reports. However, the Bidder must arrange for Open Ratings and/or Dun and Bradstreet to email copies of the reports directly to jeanne.pestana@state.ma.us. Reports will not be accepted if they are simply included in the Bidder’s Response or emailed by the Bidder.

Errors in Open Ratings / Dun and Bradstreet Reports

If a Bidder receives the reports but believes they contain errors, it is the Bidder’s responsibility to contact: D&B's Customer Resource Center at 888-299-3118 to report any changes/updates if the issue concerns the “Supplier Qualifier Report” or the “Supplier Analysis Report,” and the Open Ratings Coordinator (727-329-1184; orders@openratings.com) at Open Ratings if the problem is with the “Past Performance Evaluation (Supplier Performance Review)” in time to obtain a corrected version to include with the RFR Response. All errors on either report must be corrected through D&B, corrections can take up to 10 days...once corrections are made to the Open Ratings database by D&B the Bidder may contact Open Ratings to regenerate a corrected report.

Explanation Required for Certain Ratings

Bidders whose “Supplier Risk Score” on the Supplier Qualifier Report or Supplier Analysis Report is above 7 must provide a satisfactory explanation to the SST regarding the company’s financial position. Bidders whose “Overall Performance Rating” on the Past Performance Evaluation (Supplier Performance Review) is below 80 must provide an explanation to the SST regarding their customer satisfaction score. The SST may disqualify Bidders if, in the sole judgment of the SST, the explanations provided are not satisfactory.

Important Note: Failure to have these reports sent to jeanne.pestana@state.ma.us by Open Ratings and/or Dun and Bradstreet prior to the RFR deadline may result in disqualification of the Proposal. Bidders are advised to contact the Open Ratings Coordinator (727-329-1184; orders@openratings.com) if they have not received their reports by two weeks in advance of the Proposal due date. As mentioned above, Open Ratings cannot expedite the process. Bidders must allow a minimum of 30 days, possibly longer if references are unresponsive.

3.1.4 Reference Letters

In addition to the references provided to Dun & Bradstreet, reference letters from three current clients for whom the Bidder has provided services in each category being bid since January 1, 2015 must be submitted with the bid using the reference letter template provided. One set of reference letters, regardless of the number of categories bid, will suffice provided that the clients are receiving services in each category being bid. The reference letters must be from among the list of clients provided to Open Ratings/Dun and Bradstreet.

The format for the reference letters are included as an MS Word document under the “Forms & Terms” tab of this RFR, entitled “Reference Letter Form for ITT46”.

References must be provided in the following order of preference:

· any state government

· county government, or municipal government (including schools and public libraries)

· federal agencies; and

· private companies or other non-governmental entities Please note that Bidders may not ask a member of the SST to provide a reference letter.

Please provide a list of three of your largest customers in Massachusetts if available.

Please provide a list of your three largest state government customers if available.

3.1.5 Employee requirements for business under this contract

The Commonwealth reserves the right to conduct a security background check or otherwise approve any employee, Subcontractor or agent furnished by the Contractor and to refuse access to or require replacement of any personnel for cause based on, including but not limited to, professional, technical or training qualifications, quality of work or change in security status or non-compliance with the Eligible Entity’s security or other requirements. Such approval shall not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to perform all work in compliance with the Contract terms.

Background/CORI check requirements

The Commonwealth maintains strict building and property security requirements. This may require Contractors to obtain permission from the designated Eligible Entity representative prior to Contractor personnel attempting to access the site. The Bidder must provide personnel who will agree to all security requirements including, but not limited to, background checks and physical searches prior to entering or exiting Eligible Entity sites that require such.

3.1.6 E-Rate

Some of the goods and services purchased under this procurement may be funded in part by the E-Rate Program. Bidders awarded a contract in ITT46 agree to follow the requirements of the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) E-Rate Program for all business conducted with schools and libraries on ITT46. Bidders intending to conduct business with schools and/or libraries under a contract resulting from this solicitation must:

· include in their response the Bidder’s Service Provider Identification Number (SPIN);

· agree that any contract entered into as a result of their response to this RFR is subject to the availability of discounts on a year-to-year basis. If the anticipated discount is not awarded by the SLD then the Eligible Entity may at its sole discretion either terminate the purchase or adjust the quantities of equipment and service purchased without penalty;

· agree to invoice the SLD for the discount amount using the SLD approved forms and procedures – http://www.sl.universalservice.org; Once the SLD has made a funding commitment the Contractor must invoice the Eligible Entity only for the after-discount amount;

· agree to assist the Eligible Entity in resolving any administrative issues that may arise from the SLD program.

3.1.7 Engagement Reports

By submitting a proposal the Bidder agrees that if it is awarded a contract resulting from this RFR, it will submit sales reports, reports of its spend with its SDP Partner, Statewide Contract Administration Fee and Network Services Management Fee reports, collectively “Engagement Reports” on a quarterly basis, on forms to be published on COMMBUYS. See Report Requirements & Due Dates under Section 3.10.6 Contract Management.

3.2 Category-Specific Specifications

Each Category will be evaluated separately and Bidders will be allowed to provide services only in those Categories for which they receive an award.

Bidders may submit bids for one or more services within one or more Categories.

3.2.1 Category 1: Voice Services

Category 1 Services may include, but are not limited to: local exchange service, long distance service, international service, incoming and outgoing toll-free service, centrex, calling card, pay telephone service, SIP trunking and voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

Information requested for services proposed in this category must be supplied in the Category 1 Service Description document created and submitted by the Bidder.

System Fraud Control

The Bidder must provide, in its response, an established plan for the prevention of unauthorized use of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ and eligible entities’ network services to meet the requirements of this RFR.

The Bidder must describe, in its response, the methods it will employ to prevent the unauthorized changing of the primary intra-LATA and inter-LATA carrier (“slamming”).

The Bidder must describe, in its response, the methods it will employ to ensure that unauthorized third party charges (“cramming”) do not appear on its monthly bill to the contracted Eligible Entity.

It is desirable that the Contractor have a special department or team established to help in the prevention of unauthorized use and toll fraud. The Bidder must describe, in its response, how this department or team interacts with the Commonwealth Agencies contracted for its Communication Network Services for the prevention of toll fraud, i.e. prevention classes, line usage monitoring, etc.

It is desirable that the Contractor monitor those services contracted by the Eligible Entity for large increases over normal usage. The Bidder must notify the affected Eligible Entity immediately upon identifying this usage increase and make recommendations to end such possible fraud.

Call Answer Supervision

The Bidder must provide full call and answer supervision for both domestic United States and International calling to ensure that erroneous billing of calls will not happen.

Local Exchange Service

Local Exchange Services include, but are not limited to:

· Outbound IntraState/Local

· Outbound IntraLATA/Regional

· Inbound Toll-Free

· IntraLATA/Regional

· Local IntraState Local Calling Area Defined

For the purposes of this RFR and resulting contract, the Commonwealth considers “Local Exchange Calls” to be a call originating and/or terminating in the same Local Exchange Area.

The Bidder is required to adhere to the local calling area definitions for Massachusetts. as defined in the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) Tariff – Mass. No. 10, Part A, Section 6.

Dialing Plans The services provided by the Bidder must adhere to all standards for the North American and International Numbering Plans.

Access Types The Bidder must identify the circuit type(s) used to provide the proposed service and cost, if any, for the access type in the Cost Tables. Circuit types include, but are not limited to: analog two-wire circuit, digital trunk (DS-0, DS-1, DS-3, etc.), digital ISDN basic rate interface, digital ISDN primary rate interface and Ethernet.

Access Type Requirements

Bidders must provide for the processing of calls using Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals or Touch Tone service. Such functionality must be included in the basic monthly cost of the proposed local exchange service.

Bidders proposing analog access must offer:

· analog lines/trunks that can be used either in a single line mode or in a multi-line hunt group arrangement, and

· analog lines/trunks that have no limit to the number of lines/trunks that may be included in one multi-line hunt group arrangement Bidders proposing digital access must offer:

· digital trunks that allow for multiple calls to be received from a single dialed number, and

· The Bidder must state the limit to the number of calls that can be processed simultaneously with each of the digital access types being proposed for its local exchange service.

Calling Features It is desirable that the following features be included with the proposed non-PBX voice services at no additional charge:

· Call Forwarding

· Call Waiting

· Call Conferencing (3 Party Calling)

· Incoming Caller Identification

· Incoming Caller Identification w/Calling Party Name

· Caller Identification Blocking

· Last Call Return (Access by Code)

· Incoming Call Trace Capability

· Speed Dialing (Frequently Dialed Numbers)

· Repeat Dialing of Last Number Called

· Disconnection Intercept Messages

· DTMF (Touch Tone) Service

· Voicemail All recurring and non-recurring charges, if any, associated with these features must be included in the Cost Tables.

Pay-per-Call Service Restriction

The Bidder must propose service that allows the contracting Eligible Entity to block access to some or all prerecorded announcements, talk lines, and information services. These distinct prefixes include, but are not limited to, the following:

or Exchange

The Bidder must include any additional area codes and/or exchanges that provide such pay-per-call services which may become available in the future in the proposed blocking feature.

Directory Assistance Call Transfer Restriction

The Bidder must propose local exchange service that can restrict the caller from accessing or being connected to their desired telephone number through directory assistance service.

Collect or 3rd Party Call Acceptance

The Bidder must propose service that restricts the acceptance of collect calls and third party billed calls upon request of the contracting Eligible Entity.

Operator Services

The Bidder must provide operator service for assistance in placing calls, person-to-person calls, collect calls and third party calls 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The Bidder must describe, in its response, its operator service offering. This description must include whether it is automated and how callers access live support.

The Bidder must provide operator service at no additional charge to contracting Eligible Entities with the exception of surcharges applied to person-to-person, collect or third party billed calls.

Incoming Caller Identification

The Bidder must propose a service that allows for the caller to either block or activate the caller identification service. This option must allow the Eligible Entity to utilize caller identification service in the following ways:

The Contractor activates the caller identification for all calls originating from that telephone number; the end user may enter a simple code on the touch tone pad to block the caller identification feature on a per-call basis.

The Contractor blocks the caller identification feature for all calls originating from the telephone number; the end user may enter a simple code on the touch tone pad to activate the caller identification service, on a per call basis.

Remote Call Forwarding

The Bidder must describe, in its response, how its proposed service will allow for the activation of Remote Call Forwarding. Remote Call Forwarding, for the purposes of this RFR, is a function by which the Bidder provides a local telephone number to an Eligible Entity which forwards all incoming calls to that number to another pre-designated telephone number. This pre-designated telephone number may exist at any location served by the North American Dialing Plan.

The proposed Remote Call Forwarding function must allow for multiple calls to be forwarded simultaneously should the receiving telephone service be capable of processing multiple calls, e.g. in a multi-line hunt group.

The Bidder must provide all costs associated with provisioning Remote Call Forwarding in the Cost Tables.

Pre-Subscription for Toll Services (Equal Access)

The Bidder must provide local exchange service that allows the contracting Eligible Entity to pre-subscribe to any authorized Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) for inter-LATA and international toll calling.

The Bidder must provide local exchange service that allows the contracting Eligible Entity to pre-subscribe to any authorized Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) or Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC) for intra-LATA toll calling.

Emergency 911 Calls

The Bidder must affirm in its response that it meets the requirements of the Massachusetts State 911 Department for compatibility with emergency and enhanced 911 services including delivery of required calling number and location identification to the Public Safety Access Point (PSAP).

Access to Toll Free Service

The Bidder must propose service that meets industry standards for compatibility with all toll free geographic codes and local exchanges. This includes, but is not limited to, 800/888/877/866/855 geographic codes.

The Bidder must provide service that allows the contracting Agency to place calls to all toll free telephone numbers at no cost.

Directory of Telephone Numbers

The Bidder must describe, in its response, how it will provide directory listings of Eligible Entities to the general public of the Commonwealth at no cost to the Eligible Entity or the general public.

It is desirable that any “foreign listing” of an Eligible Entity’s telephone number be provided at no cost to the Agency or the general public. For the purposes of this RFR, a “foreign listing” is the appearance of a telephone number (from another calling area) in the directory of a different calling area.

The Bidder must allow for contracting Eligible Entities to install service with…