SOKID_RFX0002629_0.00.pdf

Office of Procurement and Contracts 900 SW Jackson St., Room 451 South Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: 785-296-2376 Fax: 785-296-7240 https://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-contracts

Adam Proffitt, Secretary Todd Herman, Director

Laura Kelly, Governor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Bid Event Number: EVT0010302

Requisition ID: 0000062647

Document Number: RFX0002629

Replaces Contract: New

Date Posted: April 29, 2025

Closing Date: June 3, 2025, 2:00 PM

Procurement Officer: Bonnie Edwards Telephone: 785-296-3125 E-Mail Address: bonnie.edwards@ks.gov Web Address: http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts/

Agency: Kansas Department of Agriculture

Item: Commodity Flow Study

Period of Contract: Date of Award through December 31, 2025

(Date of award shall be signed by the Director of Purchases)

Bid Guarantee: No monetary bid guarantee required.

This Bid Event was recently posted to the Procurement and Contracts Internet website.

The document can be downloaded by going to the following website:

http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts/

It shall be the bidder's responsibility to monitor this website on a regular basis for any changes/amendments.

mailto:bonnie.edwards@ks.gov http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts/

Event ID: EVT0010302

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Scope of Work (and Task order Requirements if applicable)

Section 2 – Cost Sheet

Section 3 – Bidding Instructions

Section 4 – Proposal Response

Section 5 – Terms and Conditions

Section 6 – Required Forms

Section 7 – DA146-A

1. SPECIFICATIONS

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is seeking proposals for a Commodity Flow Study to track domestic and international agribusiness and identify market development opportunities. The purpose of this solicitation is assessing intrastate commodity flows while identifying market development opportunities for the Kansas agriculture community.

The proposer’s technical proposal shall address all the items mentioned in the Specifications section of this solicitation in the. Proposal Response and include details on how you propose to meet the specifications of this section

1.1. Statement of Work

According to the 2024 Kansas Agriculture and Related Industries Economic Contribution report, the Kansas agriculture sector plays a very important role in the financial health and vitality of our state. Seventy-three Kansas agriculture and related sectors combine for a total direct output of $62 billion and support 143,522 jobs. Adding in indirect and induced effects, these data points increase to a total output of $88.1 billion and support 260,582 jobs (IMPLAN, August 2024; 2023 data adjusted to 2024).

In 2016, the Kansas Department of Agriculture began the process of engaging agriculture industry stakeholders to develop a strategic plan to eliminate or minimize barriers to agriculture industry economic growth and identify outcomes and action steps to advance 19 agriculture commodity sectors. In August 2016, more than 400 farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and agriculture organizations gathered in Manhattan to identify challenges and opportunities within the Kansas agriculture industry and propose action items to support industry advancement.

Upon completion of the first Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth held in August 2016, stakeholders had identified outcomes and action items to advance 19 sectors of agriculture, ranging from animal health and beef production to corn, sorghum and specialty crop production. This project became known as the Kansas Ag

Growth Project. One key outcome of the original agency research and farmer, ranchers and agribusiness interviews indicated a focused need to support commodity flow both intra and interstate. This topic was documented in multiple sectors during summit gatherings and was included in our Kansas Advantages, Challenges and Opportunities summary document. Safely and efficiently moving agricultural products – from live animal and raw commodities to value-added food, feed, energy and fiber products – relies on a robust and modern transportation system. Opportunities exist to improve infrastructure, close gaps, develop systems and make cluster (dairy processing, for example) marketing improvements to enhance commodity flow capabilities and improve market efficiency and competitiveness of Kansas agriculture domestically and globally.

1.2. The process commenced in 2016 and culminated in a comprehensive dynamic flow study commissioned in 2021 and completed in April 2022, which addressed the following: (please note that a copy of this study can be provided upon written request to the procurement officer named on the first page of this solicitation.)

• Evaluation of the current production volumes of four main grain commodities – corn, sorghum, soybeans and wheat (by six major classes) – per county and determine end users/supply chain users (including feed/mill feed flow and demand), likely mode of transportation (infrastructure assessment/utilization) and gaps/market development opportunities.

• Evaluation of the current volumes of animal agriculture per county (beef cattle, fed cattle, dairy cattle

(including milk supply/demand), pork, sheep, goats, broilers, layers, turkeys and horses) and determine end users, likely mode of transportation (infrastructure assessment/utilization) and gaps/market development opportunities.

• Evaluation of ethanol, biofuels and distiller’s dried grains with soluble sub-sector by county and determine end users, likely mode of transportation (infrastructure assessment/utilization) and gaps/market development opportunities.

• Determine how commodities are used once off farm and in-market and determine what gaps/markets may exist beyond the initial purchaser.

• Determine volume of commodities that leave Kansas and return as a value-added product, again identifying market development opportunities.

https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/9650/638621800201870000

• Perform an agricultural freight rate analysis evaluating rail, truck and inland waterway (i.e., Missouri

River Corridor) opportunities.

• Make recommendations for market development for grains, animal agriculture and renewables based on data findings.

• Using a case study approach, estimate the implications of a new soybean processor on the movement of soybeans and soybean meal.

1.3. Due to its dynamic nature, Kansas agriculture continues to evolve and mature. With nearly four years having passed since the original work commenced. KDA would like to build upon past efforts to develop a strategic plan to eliminate or minimize barriers to agriculture industry economic growth and identify outcomes and action steps to advance agriculture commodity sectors and add the following components to the comprehensive update.

• Kansas and neighboring Missouri are major producers of pet food, which is a significant user of crops, livestock and poultry-based commodities as pet food ingredients. Understanding the movement of these commodities from points of production to pet food processors is of high interest to KDA.

• The original work briefly summarized six (at the time) anticipated developments that had implications for commodity flows within and through Kansas. A few of these changes, including others not included in the original research, have come to fruition since 2022. KDA is interested in ensuring these changes are accounted for in this update. Additionally, KDA wishes to understand the implications of future developments in commodity movement and further requests the following be provided in the updated analysis:

o Provide “what-if” analyses for up to three case studies of near-term or hypothetical changes in

Kansas agriculture that would have significant impacts on the production, movement and use of

Kansas commodities.

1.4. Similar to the original work, it is expected of the Contractor to break down findings by state, county and

USDA crop reporting district (a total of nine). See Map Below.

https://data.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/boundary_maps/ks.gif

1.5. The study completion goal is on or before December 31, 2025, The respondent will clearly establish and provide the following:

• Background of the inquiry

• Objectives of our engagement

• Scope of work you will complete

• Project organizational structure including positions and functions for work on this project

• Key team members and sub-contractors with bios and resumes explaining qualifications on this project

• Approach to delivering the consultancy to KDA

• Expected Time it will take to complete the work

• Deliverables we will receive

• Professional fee structure

The respondent is asked to provide a summary of the projects that exhibit a successful completion of projects with similar subjects and issues. The bid document requires a minimum of two examples of similar studies completed for agriculture clients over the past three years.

The respondents will provide a timeline that is their best estimate of the start date and duration of the major tasks identified in the proposal. The actual timing of the kickoff meeting and all subsequent tasks will be determined by the signing date of the contract. Please also build in no less than three (3) project update meetings in the schedule.

The respondent is required to provide a summary statement of the methodology and individual steps that will fulfill or exceed the required specifications listed above that need addressed.

The respondents will provide a minimum of three references for projects completed that are similar in nature to this one.

2. COST SHEET

Contractor Name:

Please provide a cost sheet that is clear and concise. The Cost sheet should contain additional supporting price breakdowns, materials and narrative explanations but please be concise. Do not duplicate Forms submitted in the Technical Proposal.

Note: This contract is for a fixed price bid. All costs are to be all inclusive (including time, travel, and materials). Under no circumstances will payment be made prior to acceptance of service.

Total Cost Proposed: $_

3. Bidding Instructions

3.1. Bid Event ID / Reference Number

The Bid Event ID / RFP number, indicated in the header of this page, as well as on the first page of this proposal, has been assigned to this RFP and MUST be shown on all correspondence or other documents associated with this RFP and MUST be referred to in all verbal communications. All inquiries, written or verbal, shall be directed only to the procurement officer reflected on Page 1 of this proposal. There shall be no communication with any other State employee regarding this RFP except with designated state participants in attendance ONLY DURING:

• Negotiations

• Contract Signing

• as otherwise specified in this RFP.

Violations of this provision by bidder or state agency personnel may result in the rejection of the proposal.

3.2. Questions/Addenda

Questions requesting clarification of the bid event must be submitted in WRITING to the Procurement Officer prior to the close of business on May 13, 2025, to the following address:

Bonnie Edwards Telephone: 785-296-3125 Facsimile: 785-296-7240 E-Mail Address: bonnie.edwards@ks.gov

Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts 900 SW Jackson, Suite 451-South Topeka, KS 66612-1286

Failure to notify the Procurement Officer of any conflicts or ambiguities in this bid event may result in items being resolved in the best interest of the State. Any modification to this bid event shall be made in writing by addendum and mailed to all vendors who received the original request. Only Written communications are binding.

Answers to questions will be available in the form of an addendum on the Procurement and Contracts' website, http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts.

It shall be the responsibility of all participating bidders to acquire any and all addenda and additional information as it is made available from the web site cited above. Vendors/Bidders not initially invited to participate in this Bid Event must notify the Procurement Officer (Event Contact) of their intent to bid at least 24 hours prior to the event's closing date/time. Bidders are required to check the website periodically for any additional information or instructions.

3.3. Pre-Bid Conference

No pre-bid conference is scheduled for this bid event.

3.4. Negotiated Procurement

This is a negotiated procurement pursuant to K.S.A. 75-37,102. Final evaluation and award will be made by the Procurement Negotiation Committee (PNC) consisting of the following entities (or their designees):

• Secretary of Department of Administration;

• Director of Purchases, Department of Administration; and

• Head of Using Agency mailto:bonnie.edwards@ks.gov http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts

3.5. Appearance Before Committee

Any, all or no bidders may be required to appear before the PNC to explain the bidder's understanding and approach to the project and/or respond to questions from the PNC concerning the proposal; or, the PNC may award without conducting negotiations, based on the initial proposal. The PNC reserves the right to request information from bidders as needed. If information is requested, the PNC is not required to request the information of all bidders.

Bidders selected to participate in negotiations may be given an opportunity to submit a revised technical and/or cost proposal/offer to the PNC, subject to a specified cut off time for submittal of revisions. Meetings before the PNC are not subject to the Open Meetings Act. Bidders are prohibited from electronically recording these meetings. All information received prior to the cut off time will be considered part of the bidder's revised offer.

No additional revisions shall be made after the specified cut off time unless requested by the PNC.

3.6. Notices

All notices, demands, requests, approvals, reports, instructions, consents or other communications (collectively "notices") that may be required or desired to be given by either party to the other shall be IN WRITING and addressed as follows:

Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts 900 SW Jackson, Suite 451-South Topeka, Kansas 66612-1286

RE: EVT0010302

or to any other persons or addresses as may be designated by notice from one party to the other.

3.7. Cost of Preparing Proposal

The cost of developing and submitting the proposal is entirely the responsibility of the bidder. This includes costs to determine the nature of the engagement, preparation of the proposal, submitting the proposal, negotiating for the contract and other costs associated with this RFP.

3.8. Preparation of Proposal

Prices are to be entered in spaces provided on the cost proposal form if provided herein. Computations and totals shall be indicated where required. In case of error in computations or totals, the unit price shall govern.

The PNC has the right to rely on any prices provided by bidders. The bidder shall be responsible for any mathematical errors. The PNC reserves the right to reject proposals which contain errors.

All copies of cost proposals shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope or container separate from the technical proposal. The outside shall be identified clearly as "Cost Proposal" or "Technical Proposal" with the Bid Event ID / RFP number and closing date.

A proposal shall not be considered for award if the price in the proposal was not arrived at independently and without collusion, consultation, communication or agreement as to any matter related to price with any other bidder, competitor or public officer/employee.

Technical proposals shall contain a concise description of bidder's capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP with emphasis on completeness and clarity of content. Repetition of terms and conditions of the RFP without additional clarification shall not be considered responsive.

3.9. Signature of Proposals

Each proposal shall give the complete legal name and mailing address of the bidder and be signed by an authorized representative by original signature with his or her name and legal title typed below the signature line. If the contract's contact will be a different entity, indicate that individual's contact information for communication purposes. Each proposal shall include the bidder's tax number.

3.10. Acknowledgment of Amendments

All bidders shall acknowledge receipt of any amendments to this bid event by returning a signed hard copy with the bid. Failure to acknowledge receipt of any amendments may render the proposal to be non-responsive.

Changes to this bid event shall be issued only by the Office of Procurement and Contracts in writing.

3.11. Modification of Proposals

A bidder may modify a proposal by letter or by FAX transmission at any time prior to the closing date and time for receipt of proposals.

3.12. Withdrawal of Proposals

A proposal may be withdrawn on written request from the bidder to the Procurement Officer at the Office of Procurement and Contracts prior to the closing date.

3.13. Competition

The purpose of this bid event is to seek competition. The bidder shall advise the Office of Procurement and Contracts if any specification, language or other requirement inadvertently restricts or limits bidding to a single source. Notification shall be in writing and must be received by the Office of Procurement and Contracts no later than five (5) business days prior to the bid closing date. The Director of Purchases reserves the right to waive minor deviations in the specifications which do not hinder the intent of this bid event.

3.14. Evaluation of Proposals

Award shall be made in the best interest of the State as determined by the PNC or their designees. Although no weighted value is assigned, consideration may focus toward but is not limited to:

• Cost. Bidders are not to inflate prices in the initial proposal as cost is a factor in determining who may receive an award or be invited to formal negotiations. The State reserves the right to award to the lowest responsive bid without conducting formal negotiations, if authorized by the PNC.

• Adequacy and completeness of proposal

• Bidder's understanding of the project

• Compliance with the terms and conditions of the RFP

• Experience in providing like services

• Qualified staff

• Methodology to accomplish tasks

• Response format as required by this RFP

3.15. Acceptance or Rejection

The Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or part of a proposal; to waive any informalities or technicalities; clarify any ambiguities in proposals; modify any criteria in this RFP; and unless otherwise specified, to accept any item in a proposal.

3.16. Proposal Disclosures

At the time of closing, only the names of those who submitted proposals shall be made public information. No price information will be released. A List of Responding Bidders may be obtained in the following manner:

Requesting a List of Responding Bidders via E-mail to tabsheets@ks.gov or in writing to the following address. Include the Bid Event number EVT0010302 in all requests.

Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts Attn: Bid Results 900 SW Jackson, Suite 451-South Topeka, KS 66612-1286

All other documents pertaining to the bid (tabsheet, individual bids, proposals, contract, etc.) are not available until the bid has been awarded, contract executed or all bids rejected.

Once a bid file is available, a request for a cost estimate may be submitted to the e-mail or address noted above for the costs associated with the reproduction of bid documents. Procurement and Contracts will attempt to provide all Open Records requests with electronic copies when possible.

mailto:tabsheets@ks.gov

Requests will not be fulfilled until payment has been received.

Documents will be sent via First Class Mail. If requested, they may be sent via express mail services at the expense of the requester.

A Tabsheet may be requested for the bid event listed by emailing tabsheets@ks.gov or by calling 785-296- 2376. All other information falls under the Open Records Act and will need to be requested through the Department of Administration's Office of the Chief Counsel, https://admin.ks.gov/offices/chief-counsel.

3.17. Disclosure of Proposal Content and Proprietary Information All proposals become the property of the State of Kansas. The Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq) of the State of Kansas requires public information be placed in the public domain at the conclusion of the selection process, and be available for examination by all interested parties. (http://www.admin.ks.gov/offices/chief-counsel/kansas-open-records-act/kansas-open-records-act-procurement-and-contracts) No proposals shall be disclosed until after a contract award has been issued. The State reserves the right to destroy all proposals if the RFP is withdrawn, a contract award is withdrawn, or in accordance with Kansas law. Late Technical and/or Cost proposals will be retained unopened in the file and not receive consideration or may be returned to the bidder.

Trade secrets or proprietary information legally recognized as such and protected by law may be requested to be withheld if clearly labeled "Proprietary" on each individual page and provided as separate from the main proposal. Pricing information is not considered proprietary and the bidder's entire proposal response package will not be considered proprietary.

All information requested to be handled as "Proprietary" shall be submitted separately from the main proposal and clearly labeled, in a separate envelope or clipped apart from all other documentation. The bidder shall provide detailed written documentation justifying why this material should be considered "Proprietary". The Office of Procurement and Contracts reserves the right to accept, amend or deny such requests for maintaining information as proprietary in accordance with Kansas law.

The State of Kansas does not guarantee protection of any information which is not submitted as required.

3.18. Exceptions

By submission of a response, the bidder acknowledges and accepts all terms and conditions of the RFP unless clearly avowed and wholly documented in a separate section of the Technical Proposal to be entitled:

"Exceptions".

3.19. Notice of Award

An award is made on execution of the written contract by all parties.

3.20. News Releases

Only the State is authorized to issue news releases relating to this bid event, its evaluation, award and/or performance of the resulting contract.

mailto:tabsheets@ks.gov https://admin.ks.gov/offices/chief-counsel

4. Proposal Response

4.1. Submission of Proposals Electronically

If submitted electronically, Bids must be submitted via email to procurement@ks.gov by the due date and time.

Subject Line of email must contain EVT0010302 and your company name.

For bids submitted via email, bidder's proposal shall consist of:

• A Technical Proposal, including the signed Event Details document, applicable literature and other supporting documents, in Microsoft® Word, Excel or searchable PDF®.

• A Cost Proposal, in Microsoft® Word, Excel or searchable PDF®.

The technical proposal file must be named “EVT0010302 Technical Proposal” and the cost proposal file must be named “EVT0010302 Cost Proposal”.

Bidder’s proposal shall be received no later than 2:00 p.m., Central Time, on the closing date.

It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure bids are received by the closing date and time. Delays in email delivery shall not excuse late bid submissions. Max email file size is 20MB, several files can be submitted but must be labeled accordingly (example: Technical 1 of 3, Costs 2 of three, Proprietary 3 of three etc.) All description must also contain the required information as listed above.

Faxed telephoned proposals are not acceptable.

Proposals received prior to the closing date shall be kept in a secured file until closing. The State shall not be responsible for the premature opening of a proposal or for the rejection of a proposal that was not received prior to the closing date because it was not properly identified on the email. Late Technical and/or Cost proposals will be retained unopened in the file and not receive consideration.

4.2. Submission of Proposals via courier service

Bids may be hand delivered to our office or by courier service offered through UPS or FEDEX .

For bids submitted via delivery, bidder's proposal shall consist of:

• One (1) original and of the Technical Proposal, including the signed Event Details document, applicable literature and other supporting documents;

• One (1) original of the Cost Proposal,

• One (1) USB containing the technical proposal and one (1) USB containing the cost proposals are required.

This shall be provided in Microsoft® Word, Excel or searchable PDF®. Technical and cost responses shall be submitted on separate media.

All copies of cost proposals shall be submitted in a separate sealed envelope or container separate from the technical proposal. The outside shall be identified clearly as "Cost Proposal" or "Technical Proposal" with the Bid Event ID number and closing date.

Bidder's proposal, sealed securely in an envelope or other container, shall be received no later than 2:00 p.m., Central Time, on the closing date, addressed as follows:

Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts Proposal #: EVT00103021 Closing Date: June 3, 2025 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 451-South Topeka, KS 66612-1286

It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure bids are received by the closing date and time. Delays in mail delivery or any other means of transmittal, including couriers or agents of the issuing entity shall not excuse late bid submissions.

mailto:procurement@ks.gov

Faxed telephoned proposals are not acceptable.

Proposals received prior to the closing date shall be kept secured and sealed until closing. The State shall not be responsible for the premature opening of a proposal or for the rejection of a proposal that was not received prior to the closing date because it was not properly identified on the outside of the envelope or container. Late Technical and/or Cost proposals will be destroyed or may be returned to the bidder at the bidders’ expense.

4.3. Proposal Format

Bidders are instructed to prepare their Technical Proposal following the same sequence as this RFP.

4.4. Transmittal Letter

All bidders shall respond to the following statements:

(a) the bidder is the prime contractor and identifying all subcontractors;

(b) the bidder is a corporation or other legal entity;

(c) no attempt has been made or will be made to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal;

(d) the bidder does not discriminate in employment practices with regard to race, color, religion, age (except as provided by law), sex, marital status, political affiliation, national origin or disability;

(e) no cost or pricing information has been included in the transmittal letter or the Technical Proposal;

(f) the bidder presently has no interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict with the performance of services under this contract and shall not employ, in the performance of this contract, any person having a conflict;

(g) the person signing the proposal is authorized to make decisions as to pricing quoted and has not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to the above statements;

(h) whether there is a reasonable probability that the bidder is or will be associated with any parent, affiliate or subsidiary organization, either formally or informally, in supplying any service or furnishing any supplies or equipment to the bidder which would relate to the performance of this contract. If the statement is in the affirmative, the bidder is required to submit with the proposal, written certification and authorization from the parent, affiliate or subsidiary organization granting the State and/or the federal government the right to examine any directly pertinent books, documents, papers and records involving such transactions related to the contract.

Further, if at any time after a proposal is submitted, such an association arises, the bidder will obtain a similar certification and authorization and failure to do so will constitute grounds for termination for cause of the contract at the option of the State;

(i) bidder agrees that any lost or reduced federal matching money resulting from unacceptable performance in a contractor task or responsibility defined in the RFP, contract or modification shall be accompanied by reductions in state payments to Contractor; and

(j) the bidder has not been retained, nor has it retained a person to solicit or secure a state contract on an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee, except for retention of bona fide employees or bona fide established commercial selling agencies maintained by the bidder for the purpose of securing business.

For breach of this provision, the Committee shall have the right to reject the proposal, terminate the contract for cause and/or deduct from the contract price or otherwise recover the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee or other benefit.

4.5. Bidder Information

The bidder must include a narrative of the bidder's corporation and each subcontractor if any. The narrative shall include the following:

(a) date established;

(b) ownership (public, partnership, subsidiary, etc.);

(c) number of personnel, full and part time, assigned to this project by function and job title;

(d) resources assigned to this project and the extent they are dedicated to other matters;

(e) organizational chart;

(f) financial statement may be required.

4.6. Qualifications

A description of the bidder's qualifications and experience providing the requested or similar service shall be submitted with the Technical Proposal. The bidder must be an established firm recognized for its capacity to perform. The bidder must have sufficient personnel to meet the deadlines specified in the bid event.

4.7. Experience

All bidders are preferred to have a minimum of five (5) years continuous active participation in the applicable industry, providing equipment/services comparable in size and complexity to those specified herein.

4.8. Methodology

Bidders shall submit with the bid, a detailed explanation of the methodology for implementing services.

4.9. References

Provide three (3) references who have purchased similar items or services from the bidder in the last five (5) year(s). References shall show firm name, contact person, address, e-mail address and phone number.

Bidder's employees and the buying agency shall not be shown as references.

4.10. Bidder Contracts

Bidders must include with their RFP response, a copy of any contracts, agreements, licenses, warranties, etc.

that the bidder would propose to incorporate into the contract generated from this Bid Event. (State of Kansas form DA-146a remains a mandatory requirement in all contracts.)

5. Terms and Conditions

5.1. Contract

The successful bidder will be required to enter into a written contract with the State. The contractor agrees to accept the provisions of Form DA 146a (Contractual Provisions Attachment), which is incorporated into all contracts with the State and is incorporated into this bid event.

5.2. Contract Documents

This bid event, any amendments, the response and any response amendments of the Contractor, and the State of Kansas DA-146a (Contractual Provision Attachment) shall be incorporated into the written contract, which shall compose the complete understanding of the parties.

In the event of a conflict in terms of language among the documents, the following order of precedence shall govern:

• Form DA 146a;

• written modifications to the executed contract;

• written contract signed by the parties;

• the Bid Event documents, including any and all amendments; and

• Contractor's written offer submitted in response to the Bid Event as finalized.

5.3. Captions

The captions or headings in this contract are for reference only and do not define, describe, extend, or limit the scope or intent of this contract.

5.4. Definitions

A glossary of common procurement terms is available at http://admin.ks.gov/offices/procurement-and-contracts, under the "Procurement Forms" link.

5.5. Contract Formation

No contract shall be considered to have been entered into by the State until all statutorily required signatures and certifications have been rendered and a written contract has been signed by the contractor.

5.6. Statutes

Each and every provision of law and clause required by law to be inserted in the contract shall be deemed to be inserted herein and the contract shall be read and enforced as though it were included herein. If through mistake or otherwise any such provision is not inserted, or is not correctly inserted, then on the application of either party the contract shall be amended to make such insertion or correction.

5.7. Governing Law

This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Kansas and shall be deemed executed in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.

5.8. Jurisdiction

The parties shall bring any and all legal proceedings arising hereunder in the State of Kansas District Court of Shawnee County, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon by the State of Kansas. Contractor waives personal service of process, all defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction and forum non conveniens. The Eleventh Amendment of the United States Constitution is an inherent and incumbent protection with the State of Kansas and need not be reserved, but prudence requires the State to reiterate that nothing related to this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of the Eleventh Amendment

5.9. Mandatory Provisions

The provisions found in Contractual Provisions Attachment (DA 146a) are incorporated by reference and made a part of this contract.

5.10. Termination for Cause

The Director of Purchases may terminate this contract, or any part of this contract, for cause under any one of the following circumstances:

• the Contractor fails to make delivery of goods or services as specified in this contract;

• the Contractor provides substandard quality or workmanship;

• the Contractor fails to perform any of the provisions of this contract, or

• the Contractor fails to make progress as to endanger performance of this contract in accordance with its terms.

The Director of Purchases shall provide Contractor with written notice of the conditions endangering performance. If the Contractor fails to remedy the conditions within ten (10) days from the receipt of the notice (or such longer period as State may authorize in writing), the Director of Purchases shall issue the Contractor an order to stop work immediately. Receipt of the notice shall be presumed to have occurred within three (3) days of the date of the notice.

5.11. Termination for Convenience

The Director of Purchases may terminate performance of work under this contract in whole or in part whenever, for any reason, the Director of Purchases shall determine that the termination is in the best interest of the State of Kansas. In the event that the Director of Purchases elects to terminate this contract pursuant to this provision, it shall provide the Contractor written notice at least 30 days prior to the termination date. The termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice. The Contractor shall continue to perform any part of the work that may have not been terminated by the notice.

5.12. Rights and Remedies

If this contract is terminated, the State, in addition to any other rights provided for in this contract, may require the Contractor to transfer title and deliver to the State in the manner and to the extent directed, any completed materials. The State shall be obligated only for those services and materials rendered and accepted prior to the date of termination.

In the event of termination, the Contractor shall receive payment prorated for that portion of the contract period services were provided to or goods were accepted by State subject to any offset by State for actual damages including loss of federal matching funds.

The rights and remedies of the State provided for in this contract shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.

5.13. Debarment of State Contractors

Any Contractor who defaults on delivery or does not perform in a satisfactory manner as defined in this Contract may be barred for a period up to three (3) years, pursuant to KSA 75-37,103, or have their work evaluated for pre-qualification purposes pursuant to K.S.A. 75-37,104.

5.14. Antitrust

If the Contractor elects not to proceed with performance under any such contract with the State, the Contractor assigns to the State all rights to and interests in any cause of action it has or may acquire under the anti-trust laws of the United States and the State of Kansas relating to the particular products or services purchased or acquired by the State pursuant to this contract.

5.15. Hold Harmless

The Contractor shall indemnify the State against any and all loss or damage to the extent arising out of the Contractor's negligence in the performance of services under this contract and for infringement of any copyright or patent occurring in connection with or in any way incidental to or arising out of the occupancy, use, service, operations or performance of work under this contract.

The State shall not be precluded from receiving the benefits of any insurance the Contractor may carry which provides for indemnification for any loss or damage to property in the Contractor's custody and control, where such loss or destruction is to state property. The Contractor shall do nothing to prejudice the State's right to recover against third parties for any loss, destruction or damage to State property.

5.16. Force Majeure

The Contractor shall not be held liable if the failure to perform under this contract arises out of causes beyond the control of the Contractor. Causes may include, but are not limited to, acts of nature, fires, tornadoes, quarantine, strikes other than by Contractor's employees, and freight embargoes.

5.17. Assignment

The Contractor shall not assign, convey, encumber, or otherwise transfer its rights or duties under this contract without the prior written consent of the State. State may reasonably withhold consent for any reason.

This contract may terminate for cause in the event of its assignment, conveyance, encumbrance or other transfer by the Contractor without the prior written consent of the State.

5.18. Third Party Beneficiaries

This contract shall not be construed as providing an enforceable right to any third party.

5.19. Waiver

Waiver of any breach of any provision in this contract shall not be a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach.

Any waiver shall be in writing and any forbearance or indulgence in any other form or manner by State shall not constitute a waiver.

5.20. Injunctions

Should Kansas be prevented or enjoined from proceeding with the acquisition before or after contract execution by reason of any litigation or other reason beyond the control of the State, Contractor shall not be entitled to make or assert claim for damage by reason of said delay.

5.21. Staff Qualifications

The Contractor shall warrant that all persons assigned by it to the performance of this contract shall be employees of the Contractor (or specified Subcontractor) and shall be fully qualified to perform the work required. The Contractor shall include a similar provision in any contract with any Subcontractor selected to perform work under this contract.

Failure of the Contractor to provide qualified staffing at the level required by the contract specifications may result in termination of this contract or damages.

5.22. Subcontractors

The Contractor shall be the sole source of contact for the contract. The State will not subcontract any work under the contract to any other firm and will not deal with any subcontractors. The Contractor is totally responsible for all actions and work performed by its subcontractors. All terms, conditions and requirements of the contract shall apply without qualification to any services performed or goods provided by any subcontractor.

5.23. Independent Contractor

Both parties, in the performance of this contract, shall be acting in their individual capacity and not as agents, employees, partners, joint ventures or associates of one another. The employees or agents of one party shall not be construed to be the employees or agents of the other party for any purpose whatsoever.

The Contractor accepts full responsibility for payment of unemployment insurance, workers compensation, social security, income tax deductions and any other taxes or payroll deductions required by law for its employees engaged in work authorized by this contract.

5.24. Worker Misclassification

The Contractor and all lower tiered subcontractors under the Contractor shall properly classify workers as employees rather than independent contractors and treat them accordingly for purposes of workers' compensation insurance coverage, unemployment taxes, social security taxes, and income tax withholding.

Failure to do so may result in contract termination.

5.25. Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)

All contractors are expected to comply with the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), as may be amended from time to time. This Act, with certain limitations, requires the verification of the employment status of all individuals who were hired on or after November 6, 1986, by the Contractor as well as any subcontractor or sub-contractors. The usual method of verification is through the Employment Verification (I-9) Form.

With the submission of this bid, the Contractor hereby certifies without exception that such Contractor has complied with all federal and state laws relating to immigration and reform. Any misrepresentation in this regard or any employment of persons not authorized to work in the United States constitutes a material breach and, at the State's option, may subject the contract to termination for cause and any applicable damages.

Unless provided otherwise herein, all contractors are expected to be able to produce for the State any documentation or other such evidence to verify Contractor's IRCA compliance with any provision, duty, certification or like item under the contract.

Contractor will provide a copy of a signed Certification Regarding Immigration Reform and Control Form (http://admin.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ofpm/procurement-contracts/irca.doc?sfvrsn=6) with the technical proposal.

5.26. Proof of Insurance

Upon request, the Contractor shall present an affidavit of Worker's Compensation, Public Liability, and Property Damage Insurance to Procurement and Contracts.

5.27. Conflict of Interest

The Contractor shall not knowingly employ, during the period of this contract or any extensions to it, any professional personnel who are also in the employ of the State and providing services involving this contract or services similar in nature to the scope of this contract to the State. Furthermore, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, during the period of this contract or any extensions to it, any state employee who has participated in the making of this contract until at least two years after his/her termination of employment with the State.

5.28. Nondiscrimination and Workplace Safety

The Contractor agrees to abide by all federal, state and local laws, and rules and regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment and controlling workplace safety. Any violations of applicable laws or rules or regulations may result in termination of this contract.

5.29. Confidentiality

The Contractor may have access to private or confidential data maintained by State to the extent necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this contract. Contractor must comply with all the requirements of the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) in providing services under this contract. Contractor shall accept full responsibility for providing adequate supervision and training to its agents and employees to ensure compliance with the Act. No private or confidential data collected, maintained or used in the course of performance of this contract shall be disseminated by either party except as authorized by statute, either during the period of the contract or thereafter. Contractor agrees to return any or all data furnished by the State promptly at the request of State in whatever form it is maintained by Contractor. On the termination or expiration of this contract, Contractor shall not use any of such data or any material derived from the data for any purpose and, where so instructed by State, shall destroy or render it unreadable.

5.30. Environmental Protection

The Contractor shall abide by all federal, state and local laws, and rules and regulations regarding the protection of the environment. The Contractor shall report any violations to the applicable governmental agency. A violation of applicable laws or rule or regulations may result in termination of this contract for cause.

5.31. Care of State Property

The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper care and custody of any state owned personal tangible property and real property furnished for Contractor's use in connection with the performance of this contract.

The Contractor shall reimburse the State for such property's loss or damage caused by the Contractor, except for normal wear and tear.

5.32. Prohibition of Gratuities

Neither the Contractor nor any person, firm or corporation employed by the Contractor in the performance of this contract shall offer or give any gift, money or anything of value or any promise for future reward or compensation to any State employee at any time.

5.33. Retention of Records

Unless the State specifies in writing a different period of time, the Contractor agrees to preserve and make available at reasonable times all of its books, documents, papers, records and other evidence involving transactions related to this contract for a period of five (5) years from the date of the expiration or termination of this contract.

Matters involving litigation shall be kept for one (1) year following the termination of litigation, including all appeals, if the litigation exceeds five (5) years.

The Contractor agrees that authorized federal and state representatives, including but not limited to, personnel of the using agency; independent auditors acting on behalf of state and/or federal agencies shall have access to and the right to examine records during the contract period and during the five (5) year post contract period.

Delivery of and access to the records shall be within five (5) business days at no cost to the state.

5.34. Off-Shore Sourcing

If, during the term of the contract, the Contractor or subcontractor plans to move work previously performed in the United States to a location outside of the United States, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Procurement and Contracts and the respective agency in writing, indicating the desired new location, the nature of the work to be moved and the percentage of work that would be relocated. The Director of Purchases, with the advice of the respective agency, must approve any changes prior to work being relocated. Failure to obtain the Director's approval may be grounds to terminate the contract for cause.

5.35. On-Site Inspection

Failure to adequately inspect the premises shall not relieve the Contractor from furnishing without additional cost to the State any materials, equipment, supplies or labor that may be required to carry out the intent of this Contract.

5.36. Indefinite Quantity Contract

This is an open-ended contract between the Contractor and the State to furnish an undetermined quantity of a good or service in a given period of time. The quantities ordered will be those actually required during the contract period, and the Contractor will deliver only such quantities as may be ordered. No guarantee of volume is made. An estimated quantity based on past history or other means may be used as a guide.

5.37. Prices

Prices shall remain firm for the entire contract period and subsequent renewals. Prices shall be net delivered, including all trade, quantity and cash discounts. Any price reductions available during the contract period shall be offered to the State of Kansas. Failure to provide available price reductions may result in termination of the contract for cause.

5.38. Payment

Payment Terms are Net 30 days. Payment date and receipt of order date shall be based upon K.S.A. 75- 6403(b). This Statute requires state agencies to pay the full amount due for goods or services on or before the 30th calendar day after the date the agency receives such goods or services or the bill for the goods and services, whichever is later, unless other provisions for payment are agreed to in writing by the Contractor and the state agency. NOTE: If the 30th calendar day noted above falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the following workday will become the required payment date.

Payments shall not be made for costs or items not listed in this contract.

Payment schedule shall be on a frequency mutually agreed upon by both the agency and the Contractor.

5.39. Accounts Receivable Set-Off Program

If, during the course of this contract the Contractor is found to owe a debt to the State of Kansas, a state agency, municipality, or the federal government, agency payments to the Contractor may be intercepted / setoff by the State of Kansas. Notice of the setoff action will be provided to the Contractor. Pursuant to K.S.A. 75- 6201 et seq, Contractor shall have the opportunity to challenge the validity of the debt. The Contractor shall credit the account of the agency making the payment in an amount equal to the funds intercepted.

K.S.A. 75-6201 et seq. allows the Director of Accounts & Reports to setoff funds the State of Kansas owes Contractors against debts owed by the Contractors to the State of Kansas, state agencies,…