Solicitation.pdf

SAP

State of South Carolina

Invitation For Bid

Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400027063 08/26/2024

ANASTASIA SINGH

803-896-8334 asingh@mmo.sc.gov SFAA, Div. of Procurement Services 1201 Main Street, Ste 600 Columbia SC 29201

DESCRIPTION: Printed Envelopes for DSS

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: Department of Social Services

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 10/01/2024 11:00AM ET (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 09/17/2024 4:00PM ET (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: 1 original and 1 redacted copy – Initial here ________if no redacted copy is needed.

CONFERENCE TYPE: None

DATE & TIME:

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions)

LOCATION:

AWARD &

AMENDMENTS

Award will be posted on 10/10/2024 . The award, this solicitation, any amendments, and any related notices will be posted at the following web address: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer)

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

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

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

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

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

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

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

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

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________

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

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

http://www.procurement.sc.gov/

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer)

HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

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

Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.)

(See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

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

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

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

Amendment No.

Amendment Issue Date

Amendment No.

Amendment Issue Date

Amendment No.

Amendment Issue Date

Amendment No.

Amendment Issue Date

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT

PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt Payment" clause)

10 Calendar Days (%) 20 Calendar Days (%) 30 Calendar Days (%) _____Calendar Days (%)

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP. 2009): PREFERENCES DO NOT APPLY

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

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009) End of PAGE TWO

Table of Contents

SAP

SECTION I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

SECTION II.A. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

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

SECTION III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

SECTION V. QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION VI. AWARD CRITERIA

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

SECTION VII.B. TERMS AND CONDITIONS- B. SPECIAL

SECTION VIII. BIDDING SCHEDULE/PRICES

SECTION IX. ATTACHMENTS TO SOLICITATION

Special notice: If you’re new to SC State Process for submitting a bid or haven’t reviewed your vendor record in a while:

See page 13 for vendor registration steps. You must have a vendor number in order to be awarded a state contract.

Registration can take up to 60 days.

See page 14 for Online Bidding Instructions.

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

ACQUIRE SUPPLIES / EQUIPMENT (JAN 2006)

It is the intent of the State Fiscal Accountability Authority (SFAA), Division of Procurement Services (DPS) to solicit

Bids on behalf of SC Department of Social Services (DSS) to provide and deliver printed envelopes for various DSS locations as required in the scope of work. The state will not guarantee a fixed total of envelopes to be purchased as it is based on need. However, during the first 4 years on the current contract DSS ordered 6633 boxes of various sizes.

[01-1005-1]

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

Start date: 10/22/2024 End date: 10/21/2029.

The maximum contract period shall be for five (5) years. This includes one initial one (1) year term and four (4) optional one-year renewal terms.

Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award.

See clause entitled "Term of Contract - Effective Date/Initial Contract Period". [01-1040-1]

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (DEC 2015)

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

ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE.

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

AUTHORITY means the State Fiscal Accountability Authority or its successor in interest.

BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity. [11-35-310(3)] CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract. [11-35-310(4)] CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the procurement officer, directing the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract titled "Changes," if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to order without the consent of the contractor. [11-35-310(9)] CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.

COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number.

Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.

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

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

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

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

YOU and YOUR means Offeror.

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

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

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

US or WE means the using governmental unit.

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means the unit(s) of government identified as such on the Cover Page. If the Cover Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as "Statewide Term Contract," the phrase "Using Governmental Unit" means any South Carolina Public Procurement Unit [11-35-4610(5)] that has submitted a Purchase Order to you pursuant to the contract resulting from this solicitation. Reference the clauses titled "Purchase Orders" and "Statewide Term Contract."

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

[02-2A003-3]

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004)

(a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: www.procurement.sc.gov (b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (1) by signing and returning the amendment, (2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two, (3) by letter, or

(4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment. (c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged. [02-2A005-1]

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015)

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

Additional note: Any and all changes or modifications to this solicitation and resulting contract must be issued via a change order or contract modifications exclusively by the MMO Procurement Officer. Any change or modification directed (whether verbal or in writing) from any other agency/person (including DSS) will not be legally binding.

AWARD NOTIFICATION (MAR 2024)

Notice regarding any award, cancellation of award, or extension of award will be posted at the location and on the date specified on the Cover Page or, if applicable, the most recent notice of extension of award. Should the contract resulting from this Solicitation have a total or potential value more than one hundred thousand dollars, such notice will be sent electronically to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation. Unless a written notice of intent to protest is timely filed pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(1)(b) or the award is otherwise suspended or canceled, the award will be effective on the calendar day (including weekends and holidays) immediately following the seventh business day after such notice is given. [02-2A010-3]

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004)

By submitting Your Bid or Proposal, You are offering to enter into a contract with the Using Governmental Unit(s).

Without further action by either party, a binding contract shall result upon final award. Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror on the Cover Page. An Offer may be submitted by only one legal entity; "joint bids" are not allowed. [02-2A015-1]

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004)

In order to withdraw Your Offer after the minimum period specified on the Cover Page, You must notify the Procurement Officer in writing. [02-2A020-1]

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004)

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation. [02-2A025-1]

AUTHORITY AS PROCUREMENT AGENT (DEC 2015)

The Procurement Officer is an employee of the Authority acting on behalf of the Using Governmental Unit(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Procurement Code. Any contracts awarded as a result of this procurement are between the Contractor and the Using Governmental Units(s). The Authority is not a party to such contracts, unless and to the extent that the Authority is a using governmental unit, and bears no liability for any party's losses arising out of or relating in any way to the contract. [02-2A030-3]

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAR 2024)

GIVING FALSE, MISLEADING, OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON THIS CERTIFICATION MAY RENDER YOU SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 16-9-10 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS AND OTHER APPLICABLE

LAWS.

(a) By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that-

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to—

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-

(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; or (2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the offeror's principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification [As used in this subdivision (b)(2)(i), the term "principals" means the person(s) in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals referenced in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this certification have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure. [02-2A032-2]

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[02-2A035-1]

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006)

The South Carolina Code of Laws, including the Consolidated Procurement Code, is available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php

The South Carolina Regulations are available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php

[02-2A040-2]

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (JUL 2023)

(“OCI FAQ for Contractors” is available at www.procurement.sc.gov) (a) You certify that, to the best of your knowledge and belief: (1) your offer identifies any services that relate to either this solicitation or the work and that have already been performed by you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either; and (2) there are no relevant facts or circumstances that may give rise to an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19- 445.2127, or that your offer identifies and explains any unfair competitive advantage you may have in competing for the proposed contract and any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from your participation in this competition or your receipt of an award.

(b) If you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either, have an unfair competitive advantage or a significant actual or potential conflict of interest, the State may withhold award. Before withholding award on these grounds, the State will notify you of the concerns and provide a reasonable opportunity for you to respond. The State may consider efforts to avoid or mitigate such concerns, including restrictions on future activities. (c) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which the State will rely when considering your offer for award. [02-2A047- 3] http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

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

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004)

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

[02-2A065-1]

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015)

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

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008)

By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror has and will comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official position for financial gain;

Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720, regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who participated in awarding of contract. The state may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall, if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02- 2A075-2]

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004)

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

PRICING (MAR 2024)

(a) Fixed Price. If a fixed price is required, award will not be made on an Offer if the total possible price to the State cannot be determined. (b) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2070E. (c) Unbalanced Pricing. The State will analyze all offers with separately priced line items or subline items to determine if the prices are unbalanced.

Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more line items is significantly over or understated. The responsible procurement officer may reject an offer as unreasonably priced if she determines that unbalanced pricing increases performance risk (e.g., it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment) or could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19- 445.2122C. [02-2A082-1]

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015)

By submitting an Offer, Offeror represents that Offeror is not currently engaged in the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South Carolina can enjoy open trade, as defined in SC Code Section 11-35-5300. [02-2A083-1]

PROTESTS (MAR 2024)

(a) If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest the solicitation or an amendment, your written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest an award, (i) written notice of your intent to protest must be received within seven Business Days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) your actual written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the award notice is posted. Time periods are computed in accordance with Section 11-35-310(13) and the definitions for Day and Business Day. Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). See clause entitled "Protest-CPO." (b) Pursuant to Section 11-35-410, documents directly connected to a procurement activity may be available within five days after request. All document requests should be directed to DocReq@mmo.sc.gov. If a protest is pending, the protestant’s lawyer may access otherwise unavailable information by applying to the CPO for the issuance of a protective order. Additional information is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/legal [02-2A085-3]

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015)

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

(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be solely with the Procurement Officer. [R. 19-445.2010]

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

PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004)

Offers will be publicly opened at the date/time and at the location identified on the Cover Page, or last Amendment, whichever is applicable. [02-2A090-1]

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (MODIFIED)

(a) Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing All questions must be submitted in writing and received by the Procurement

Officer for this solicitation no later than THE DATE AND TIME LISTED ON COVER PAGE 1.

Email is the preferred method for submitting questions to the procurement officer, Title the “Subject Line” of your email, “Questions 5400027063 Envelopes for DSS”. Questions must be submitted in an easily copied format such as MS Word.

Please do not place your questions in tables.

Email: asingh@mmo.sc.gov

Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [See R. 19-445.2042(B)] Any information given a prospective offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective offerors. See clause entitled "Duty to Inquire." We will not identify you in our answer to your question. (b) The State seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged to advise the Procurement Officer -- as soon as possible -- regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition. [See R. 19-445.2140]

[02-2A095-2]

REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004)

The State may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part. The State may reject any or all proposals in whole or in part. [SC Code Section 11-35-1710 & R.19-445.2065] [02-2A100-1]

RESPONSIVENESS (MAR 2024)

(a) Award will not be made on a nonresponsive offer. An offer is nonresponsive (i) if it does not constitute an unambiguous offer to enter into a contract with the State, or (ii) if it imposes conditions inconsistent with, or does not unambiguously agree to, the solicitation’s material requirements. (b) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation. [02-2A105-3]

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004)

Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the Offeror. (a) If the Offeror is an individual, the Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the individual is doing business as a firm. (b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner. (c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. (d) An Offer may be submitted by a joint venturer involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant. (e) If an Offer is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal. [02-2A115-1]

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004)

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

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR BID / PROPOSAL and SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL DATA (FEB 2021)

(a) According to Section 11-35-410, any person submitting a document in response or with regard to any solicitation or other request must "comply with instructions provided in the solicitation for marking information exempt from public disclosure. Information not marked as required by the applicable instructions may be disclosed to the public." IF YOU IDENTIFY YOUR ENTIRE RESPONSE AS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, OR IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY AS REQUIRED, THE STATE MAY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, DETERMINE YOUR BID OR PROPOSAL NONRESPONSIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. (b) By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror (1) agrees to the public disclosure of every page, or portion thereof, of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page, or portion thereof, was redacted and conspicuously marked "Trade Secret" or "Confidential" or "Protected", (2) agrees that any information not redacted and marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets Act, and (3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure. (c) If your offer includes any information that you claim is exempt from public disclosure, you must submit one complete copy of your offer from which you have removed or concealed such information (the redacted copy). Except for the information removed or concealed, the redacted copy must be identical to your original offer. (d) Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If only portions of a page are subject to some protection, do not redact the entire page. The redacted copy must reflect the same pagination as the original and show the empty space from which information was redacted. The Procurement Officer must be able to view, search, copy and print the redacted copy without a password. If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the State may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive. (e) On the redacted copy, you must identify the basis of your claim by marking each redaction as follows: You must separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure because it is either (1) a trade secret as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, or (2) privileged and confidential, as that phrase is used in Section 11-35-410. You must separately mark with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure as a trade secret pursuant to Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act. You must separately mark with the word "PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Section 11-35- 1810. All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. (f) In determining whether to release documents, the State will detrimentally rely on your redaction and marking of documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". By submitting a response, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Carolina, its agencies, officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that you have redacted or marked as "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.) [02- 2A125-3] https://scemd.org/closings/

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MODIFIED)

Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, you should submit your offer or modification in accordance with the clause titled "ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS." Paper offers are not the method of submission. Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, Offerors should submit their offer or modification electronically.

If unable to submit your offer online, notify the Procurement Officer immediately. See clause titled ELECTRONIC

COPIES – REQUIRED MEDIA AND FORMAT

TAX CREDIT FOR SUBCONTRACTING WITH DISADVANTAGED SMALL BUSINESSES (APR 2024)

Pursuant to Section 12-6-3350, a taxpayer having a contract with this State who subcontracts with a socially and economically disadvantaged small business is eligible for an income tax credit equal to four percent of the payments to that subcontractor for work pursuant to the contract. The subcontractor must be certified as a socially and economically disadvantaged small business as defined in Section 11-35-5010 and regulations pursuant to it. The credit is limited to a maximum of fifty thousand dollars annually. A taxpayer is eligible to claim the credit for ten consecutive taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which the first payment is made to the subcontractor that qualifies for the credit. After the above ten consecutive taxable years, the taxpayer is no longer eligible for the credit. A taxpayer claiming the credit shall maintain evidence of work performed for the contract by the subcontractor. The credit may be claimed on Schedule TC-2, “Credit for State Contractors Subcontracting with Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Small Business.” A copy of the subcontractor’s certificate from the Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification is to be attached to the contractor’s income tax return. Questions regarding the tax credit and how to file are to be referred to: SC Department of Revenue, http://dor.sc.gov. Questions regarding subcontractor certification are to be referred to: Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification, http://smbcc.sc.gov. [02-2A135-2]

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (MAR 2024)

You must have a state vendor number to be eligible to submit an offer. To obtain a state vendor number, visit www.procurement.sc.gov and select Doing Business with Us. Then select New Vendor Registration. (To determine if your business is already registered, go to "Vendor Search"). Upon registration, you will be assigned a state vendor number. Vendors must keep their vendor information current. If you are already registered and know your User ID and Password, you can update your information by selecting Update Vendor Registration. If you need to update information but do not have your User ID/Password, you must complete a new vendor registration and On Step 9 – Messages to Administration indicate “Update vendor number” with your existing 10-digit vendor number.

(Please note that vendor registration does not substitute for any obligation to register with the S.C. Secretary of State or S.C. Department of Revenue. You can register with the agencies at South Carolina Business One Stop, http://scbos.sc.gov) [02-2A145-2]

Registration may take up to 60 days. For assistance with Vendor Registration, please contact: (803) 737-0600 or vendorsupport@mmo.sc.gov

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for opening. If the Solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for opening. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for opening, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid. The withdrawal and correction of Offers is governed by S.C. Code Section 11-35-1520 and mailto:vendorsupport@mmo.sc.gov

Regulation 19-445.2085. [02-2A150-1]

CONFIRMATION OF BID

Pursuant to R.19-445-2085, when the responsible Procurement Officer knows or has reason to conclude that a mistake may have been made after opening an offer, the Procurement Officer may elect to communicate with you for the purpose of confirming the bid. Such communications may be conducted only with offerors who have submitted an offer which obviously conforms in all material aspects to the solicitation. This communication will be documented and included with the offer. If the bidder asserts a mistake, the bid may be corrected or withdrawn only if allowed by regulation (e.g., R.19-445.2085A and B and R.19-445.2095I(2)(d)

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

CONFERENCE - PRE-BID/PROPOSAL (JAN 2006)

BID SAMPLES OR DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE (MAR 2024)

Do not submit bid samples or descriptive literature unless expressly requested. Unsolicited bid samples or descriptive literature will not be examined or tested, will not be used to determine responsiveness, and will not be deemed to vary any of the provisions of the solicitation. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2077D. [02-2B017-1]

ELECTRONIC COPIES - REQUIRED MEDIA AND FORMAT (MODIFIED)

If requested by the Procurement Officer, you must submit an electronic copy or copies on USB drive and must be received by the date and time listed on Cover Page 1. Submit the number of copies indicated on the cover page.

Each copy should be on separate media. Every USB drive must be labeled with the solicitation number and the offeror’s name and specify whether its contents address technical proposal or business proposal. If multiple-disk sets are provided, each disk in the set must be appropriately identified as to its relationship to the set, e.g., 1 of 2.

The electronic copy must be identical to the original offer. File format shall be compatible with Microsoft Office

(version 2003 or later), or Adobe Acrobat or equivalent Portable Document Format (.pdf) viewer. The Procurement

Officer must be able to view, search, copy and print electronic documents without a password.

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MODIFIED)

(a) Mandatory Registration. You must register before you can submit an offer on-line See clause entitled “VENDOR

REGISTRATION MANDATORY.”

(b) Steps for On-Line Bidding

1) 1 The link provided on the solicitation’s Cover Page will take you to our web based on-line bidding system, where you will enter and/or upload your offer.

2) Follow the general user instructions posted at www.procurement.sc.gov under the heading “Doing Business with Us” and then “Submitting Offers.”

3) Confirm your offer has a status of “submitted” by refreshing the “RFx and Auctions” screen.

a. Only offers with a status of “submitted” have been received by the State.

b. Offers with a status of “saved” have not been received.

4) Save or print a copy of your offer using the “Print Preview” button after your offer has been submitted.

(c) If you’re having problems entering an on-line offer, you must contact the SCEIS Help Desk for assistance at

(803) 896-0001 and follow the prompts. You may also contact the SCEIS Help Desk on-line at http://www.sceis.sc.gov/vendorrequests/.

Do not contact the Procurement Officer with problems entering an offer into the system. Only questions regarding the solicitation document should be addressed to the Procurement Officer.

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (MAR 2024)

Any protest must be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, Materials Management Office, and submitted in writing

(a) by email to protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.us, or

(b) by post or delivery to 1201 Main Street, Suite 600, Columbia, SC 29201. [02-2B122-2]

RESPONSIVENESS – CORRECTION OF NON-CONFORMITY (MAR 2024):

Offerors will not be given an opportunity to correct any material nonconformity. Any deficiency resulting from a minor informality may be cured or waived at the sole discretion of the Procurement Officer. [02-2B127-1]

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

Unit price to be shown for each item. [02-2B170-1]

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SCDSS must be able to order all items listed on Attachment 1 for delivery to all locations listed on Attachment 2 from awarded contractor’s online secure portal set up and maintained by vendor.

Envelopes should be packaged in boxes of 500 envelopes each. If your bid does not conform, you must provide a description of the packaging and quantity per box to be used. Alternate packaging and/or packing will be given consideration. All packaging shall conform to the current standards acceptable by the trade and ICC regulations

(Iccsafe.org).

SCDSS estimates that 2,813 boxes of 500 envelopes will be ordered annually, however this quantity is not guaranteed.

Minimum order requirements are not allowed and may not be imposed on any offer. Orders will be placed throughout the contract on an as needed basis and quantities will vary.

Envelope Specifications:

1. Envelope, Regular, #10 White Wove, 24lb., Diagonal Seam, Split Gum, Standard Commercial Flap, Chip boxed.

2. Envelope, Window, #10 White Wove, 24lb., Diagonal Seam, Split Gum, Standard Commercial Flap, transparent window film, Chip boxed.

3. Envelope, Regular, #9 White Wove, 24lb., Diagonal Seam, Split Gum, Standard Commercial Flap, Chip boxed.

4. Envelope, 6” x 9”, White Wove, 24lb., Diagonal Seam, Split Gum, Standard Commercial Flap, Chip boxed.

5. Envelope, 6” x 9.5” Window, White Wove, 24lb., Diagonal Seam, Split Gum, Standard Commercial Flap, transparent window film, Chip boxed.

6. Envelope, 8.75” x 11.75”, 28# Brown Kraft, Catalog (Open End) Window with Peel & Seal flap, 2x4 Poly window placed L-3/4”, B-6 ½”, Chip boxed.

Additional Requirements/Specifications:

Envelopes shall perform satisfactorily in automatic inserting and mailing equipment used by SCDSS.

Envelopes must be printed as indicated in Attachment A, using ink color: PMS 541 NAVY (CMYK =100, 78, 32, 21)

(RGB = 0, 59, 112).

All #10 envelopes feature a solid front with or without a window, basic back flap and all #10 envelopes shall measure 4 1/8” by 9 1/2”.

All regular envelopes shall feature a solid front with no window, and a basic back flap. All #9 envelopes shall measure 3.875” x 8.875”.

Contractor must have an online ordering system in place for SCDSS envelope ordering, which would include all information and delivery information.

The contractor shall be required to maintain or have available for his own use an inventory sufficient to make shipment with the time required via the contract.

GUMMING

Seal flap gumming shall be of a type formulated for use under high humidity conditions, with no pre-tabbed, stuck or warped flaps, and shall be of acceptable quality. There shall be a minimum of three (3) interrupted gum strips (solid is acceptable) across top inside of the flap.

WINDOW MATERIAL

Regular window envelopes shall use a clear or translucent material having a maximum opacity or 25%. Material shall be free of wrinkles, streaks or excessive glare. Window must allow clear non-glare readability by OCR equipment.

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION

Window material of regular window envelopes shall be securely glued to the inside of envelopes and lie flat without curl or protruding unglued edges.

STANDARD WINDOW SIZE AND POSITION

The standard #10 window shall be a rectangle, 1 1/8” x 4 1/2”, positioned 7/8” in from the left side and 1/2” from the bottom of the envelope.

BRIGHTNESS

Shall be 75% (minimum)

OPACITY

Envelops shall have sufficient opacity, within the OCR (Optical Character Reader) read area, to screen out non-address printing on envelope inserts, and the envelopes’ inner walls.

Secure Online Portal Requirements

Contractor shall provide an online ordering portal which shall allow SCDSS users to select all envelopes listed on

Attachment A, with the ability to add product(s) from time to time. The portal must provide accurate pricing information for the order, order quantity options, account billing options, delivery dates respective to each order, ability for SCDSS users to input new/revised contacts, and the ability for SCDSS users to select a shipping address from a list of all shipping locations listed in Attachment B (as may be amended from time to time). The portal shall include a shopping cart and shall allow SCDSS users to place an order on hold and print an list of items and respective prices in a shopping cart prior to placing the order. In addition, the portal must produce an online proof

(image) of the envelope being requested to SCDSS at the time of placing order. This proof must be approved by

SCDSS before confirming online order. Contractor must deliver to SCDSS an email confirmation of order receipt within 2 hours of the order being placed.

Shipping and Handling

Unless otherwise specified herein, all deliveries shall be made and all services provided to the location specified in the order within fifteen (15) days after contractor’s receipt of the order. Potential delivery addresses include all of the 58 county DSS offices and other DSS locations specified in Attachment B.

Shipping shall be FOB destination, prepaid. The shipping and handling charge must not exceed 15% of the total order price. Standard delivery is to a loading dock/single delivery location.

Offerors shall have developed plans (at time of bid submission) necessary for processing requests for RUSH ORDER/SHIPMENTS in order to accommodate some special customer needs. If the using governmental unit requests delivery sooner than the 15 days ARO, contractor may invoice the ordering entity actual costs of any additional shipping charges, but such additional charges must be pre-approved by the ordering entity on the purchase order.

Quarterly Reporting

The awarded contractor must submit a single report quarterly to DSS for all envelopes sold broken down by sizes.

An email address for this submittal will be provided to the awarded contractor.

SEE BIDDING SCHEDULE

See Bidding Schedule [03-3005-1]

DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE LOCATION -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006)

After award, all deliveries shall be made, and all services provided to the address on the purchase order or as directed by SCDSS.

[03-3030-1]

QUALITY -- NEW (JAN 2006)

All items must be new. [03-3060-1]

IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT -- GENERAL (MAR 2015)

You shall submit a signed Cover Page and Page Two. If you submit your offer electronically, you must upload an image of a signed Cover Page and Page Two. Your offer should include all other information and documents requested in this part and in parts II.B. Special Instructions; III. Scope of Work; V. Qualifications; VIII.