State of Missouri Office of Administration, Division of Purchasing

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Validation Stickers Equipment and Registration Materials

PROPOSAL DUE NO LATER THAN: OCTOBER 9, 2026 AT 2:00 PM CT

Proposal response must be submitted electronically through MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov.

E-mailed, mailed, courier, or hand-delivered proposal responses will not be accepted.

RFP CONTACT INFORMATION:

BUYER: Jennie Rees

PHONE NO.: (573) 751-6442

EMAIL: jennie.rees@oa.mo.gov See “RFP Questions” in Section 1 for appropriate communications during the procurement process.

DELIVER SUPPLIES/SERVICES FREE ON BOARD (FOB) DESTINATION TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

Missouri Department of Revenue 301 West High Street, Rm 124 Jefferson City, MO 65101

ATTENTION:

1. After reviewing the Request for Proposal (RFP), the vendor must complete and return Exhibit A, Proposal Signature Page and all other necessary exhibits.

2. Due to lead times for obtaining the information needed to complete the various Business Compliance Exhibits herein as explained in the RFP’s Vendor Response Exhibits, vendors are encouraged to IMMEDIATELY begin securing these verifications.

3. The vendor must be registered in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS in a “Prospective” or “Spend Authorized” registration status to submit a proposal. The vendor must achieve “Approved” registration status in MissouriBUYS (WebProcure/Proactis) and “Spend Authorized” registration status in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS to be considered for a contract award. Reference Section 5.

RFP Organization:

RFP Sections:

RFP Vendor Response Exhibits (Return these exhibits with the proposal):

BUSINESS COMPLIANCE EXHIBITS

Attachments (Separate Documents) (Do not return these documents with response)

Separate Documents: The vendor is advised that the separate documents to this document referenced above provide additional requirements, information, and/or instruction. The separate documents must be downloaded from the Division of Purchasing’s MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, website at: https://missouribuys.mo.gov/. The separate documents are downloadable from the same web page where the solicitation document is downloadable. It shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor to obtain each of the separate documents. The vendor shall not be relieved of any responsibility for performance under the subsequent contract due to the failure of the vendor to obtain a copy of the separate documents.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION

Introduction:

Purpose: This document constitutes a request for sealed proposals for the provision of license plate validation stickers and registration materials to be printed by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) (hereinafter referred to as the “state agency”).

For reference of how the validation stickers are applied to a license plate, see Attachment 1, Validation Sticker Placement Diagram. In addition, Attachment 2, License Plate Drawing with Validation Sticker shows the dimensions of the license plate and the correlation of the applied validation sticker.

The requirements herein seek pricing for the validation stickers and the individual cardstock that will serve as a rider for the validation stickers. The state agency will print the validation stickers and the Missouri citizen’s applicable information onto the cardstock. The combined cardstock with the secured validation stickers attached will be mailed to the applicable citizen.

The production solution offered must ensure DOR can successfully print the license plate validation stickers and the registration cards all at one time for each registered citizen of the State of Missouri.

Validation stickers purchased will consist of passenger, truck, bus, motorcycle, permanent disability, and trailer plate registration stickers. Marine/watercraft and all terrain/utility vehicles will not be included in the requirements.

The state will not evaluate proposals that offer only a portion of the production solution required herein.

Titles: Titles of paragraphs used herein are for the purpose of facilitating reference only and shall not be construed to infer a contractual construction of language.

Background and Historical Usage Information:

0. The Department of Revenue has, for many years, acquired the validation stickers from Missouri Vocational Enterprises, an offender rehabilitative program under the Department of Corrections. Currently, DOR staples individual validation tabs to the customer’s registration documentation at the point of issuance or includes them with mailed registration renewals. The intent of this RFP is to revise the current manufacturing process by implementing an on-demand printing process that includes printing the cardstock material (rider), printing the applied validation stickers, and printing the customer’s registration information in one transaction, which will be mailed to the customer.

Vendors proposing a production solution must ensure that the validation stickers offered within their proposal represent the same quality and durability as the stickers currently in use. In order to maintain the integrity of the services provided to State of Missouri citizens, DOR must ensure the quality and durability of the stickers fully represents the intended purpose of the stickers and also abides by the requirements of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).

The state agency provides approximately 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 validation stickers a year to the citizens of the State of Missouri. The issuance process of validation stickers to State of Missouri citizens must proceed uninterrupted. Therefore, any validation sticker sheeting colors already in production or approved by DOR must also be provided by the future contractor to ensure continuity.

Contract CC222164001 is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, therefore, it is very important that the state agency re-establish a contract for these supplies and services prior to expiration.

Current and/or Previous Contract Information:

A current contract exists for the products and services being obtained via this RFP. A copy of the contract can be viewed and printed from the Division of Purchasing Awarded Bid & Contract Document Search System located on the Internet at: https://purch.oa.mo.gov/bidding-contracts/awarded-bid-contract-document-search. In addition, all proposal and evaluation documentation leading to the award of that contract may also be viewed and printed from the Division of Purchasing’s Awarded Bid & Contract Document Search System. Please reference the Bid number RFPC30034902202164 or the contract number CC222164001 when searching for these documents.

State Expenditures: The Missouri Accountability Portal (MAP) located on the Internet at: http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Expenditures/ provides financial data related to the purchase of the services under the contract. Be sure to read the information provided in the site information and disclaimer links:

https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm and https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Help/MapExpendituresHelp.htm#disclaimer. Then search by the contract numbers shown above when searching for the financial information.

RFP Questions:

Buyer is Single Point of Contact for Solicitation: Vendors and their agents (including subcontractors, employees, consultants, or anyone else acting on their behalf) must direct all of their questions or comments regarding the RFP, the evaluation, etc., to the buyer indicated on the first page of this RFP. It is preferred that questions be emailed to the buyer.

Except as noted herein, vendors and their agents are instructed not to contact any other state employee regarding any of these matters during the solicitation and evaluation process. Inappropriate contacts are grounds for suspension and/or exclusion from specific procurements. Vendors can be sanctioned for unauthorized contact with any evaluator under 1 Code of State Regulation (CSR) 40-1.060(8)(G) and (H) available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/csr.asp.

Vendor is Responsible for Asking Questions About the RFP: It is the vendor’s responsibility to ask questions, request changes or clarifications, or otherwise advise the Division of Purchasing if the vendor believes that any language, specifications, or requirements are: (1) ambiguous, (2) contradictory or arbitrary, (3) violate any state or federal law or regulation, (4) restrict or limit the requirements to a single source, or (5) restrict or limit the vendor’s ability to submit a proposal.

Vendor Question Deadline: Every attempt shall be made to ensure that the vendor receives an adequate and prompt response. However, in order to maintain a fair and equitable procurement process, all vendors will be advised, via the issuance of an amendment to the RFP, of any relevant or pertinent information related to the procurement. All questions and issues should be submitted no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the proposal end date and time of the proposals. If not received prior to ten (10) calendar days before the proposal end date and time, the Division of Purchasing may not be able to fully research and consider the respective questions or issues.

State’s Response to Vendor Questions: Upon the Division of Purchasing’s consideration of questions and issues, if the Division of Purchasing determines that changes are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued RFP amendment(s); absence of such response indicates that the questions and issues were considered but deemed unnecessary for an RFP amendment. All vendors will be advised of any change to the RFP’s language, specifications, or requirements by a formal amendment to the RFP. There will be no posted written records of the questions/communications (i.e., formal question/answer document).

RFP is State’s Only Official Position: The only official position of the State of Missouri shall be that which is contained in the RFP and any amendments thereto.

Amendments:

If the Division of Purchasing determines that changes to the RFP are necessary, the resulting changes will be included in a subsequently issued RFP amendment(s) prior to the proposal end date and time.

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms:

Whenever the following terms and acronyms appear in the RFP document or any amendment thereto, the definitions or meanings described below shall apply.

General Glossary, Acronyms, and Abbreviations:

Agency and/or State Agency means the statutory unit of state government in the State of Missouri for which the equipment, supplies, and/or services are being purchased by the Division of Purchasing (Purchasing). The agency is also responsible for payment, unless otherwise specified herein.

Amendment means a written, official modification to a solicitation or contract.

Attachment applies to all documents which are included with an RFP to incorporate any informational data or requirements related to the performance requirements and/or specifications.

Buyer means the procurement staff member of Purchasing.

Code of State Regulation (CSR) contains the current administrative rules of executive agencies of Missouri government. The regulations are arranged by agency rather than by subject.

Contract means a legal and binding agreement between two or more competent parties, for a consideration for the procurement of equipment, supplies, and/or services.

Contractor means a supplier, offeror, person, or organization who is a successful vendor as a result of an RFP and who enters into a contract.

Exhibit applies to forms which are included with an RFP for the vendor to complete and submit with their proposal prior to the specified end date and time.

May means that a certain feature, component, or action is permissible, but not required.

Must means that a certain feature, component, or action is a mandatory condition.

Party refers to either the State of Missouri or the contractor as an entity that may enter into a contract pursuant to the terms herein.

Pricing Pages applies to the form(s) on which the vendor must state the price(s) applicable for the equipment, supplies, and/or services required in the RFP. The pricing pages must be completed and submitted by the vendor with the proposal prior to the specified proposal end date and time.

Proposal End Date and Time and similar expressions mean the exact deadline required by the RFP for the receipt of sealed proposals.

Purchase Order means the authorized document issued by the state agency to the contractor indicating descriptions, quantities, and agreed prices for products and/or services.

Reasonable, Necessary or Proper as used herein shall be interpreted solely by the State of Missouri.

Request for Proposal (RFP) means the solicitation document issued by Purchasing to potential vendors for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and/or services as described in the document. The definition includes the following sections: Introduction and Background Information; Scope of Work; Terms and Conditions (“terms and conditions” and “Terms and Conditions” are used interchangeably throughout the RFP); General Contractual Requirements; and Vendor Submission, Evaluation, and Award Information; and the RFP Vendor Response Exhibits, Attachments, and Amendments of the RFP.

Rider refers to the printed card stock registration material that will include the citizen’s necessary personal and vehicle identification and encompass the secured validation stickers.

RSMo (Revised Statutes of Missouri) refers to the body of laws enacted by the Legislature which govern the operations of all agencies of the State of Missouri. Chapter 34 of the statutes is the primary chapter governing the operations of Purchasing.

Shall has the same meaning as the word must.

Should means that a certain feature, component and/or action is desirable but not mandatory.

State collectively referring to the state government and/or the agencies thereof.

Supplier has the same meaning as the word, vendor.

Vendor means the supplier, offeror, person, or organization that responds to an RFP by submitting a proposal with prices to provide the equipment, supplies, and/or services as required in the RFP document.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Definitions:

0. Artificial Intelligence (AI) A machine-based system or service that can generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions (i.e. virtual or real environments) influencing the environments they interact with.

0. Generative AI Artificial intelligence (AI) service that generates new content, such as text, images, audio, code, synthetic data, or other content based on learned patterns from large data sets, including but not limited to Large Language Models (LLMs).

0. Machine Learning (ML) A type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that helps computers and machines learn like humans, to perform tasks, and to improve their performance and accuracy through experience and exposure to more data.

0. AI Training The computational process by which an artificial intelligence or machine learning model ingests and processes data to develop, adjust, or optimize its internal parameters, weights, or algorithms for the purpose of enabling the model to perform specified tasks, generate outputs, or make predictions. Training includes initial pre-training on large datasets, fine-tuning on domain-specific data, and any reinforcement or feedback-based optimization processes applied to the model.

0. Automated Decision-Making (ADM) Technology Any system, software, or algorithmic process—utilizing either artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced rule-based logic—that automates the evaluation of data to make a decision, issue a score, or recommend a specific course of action with minimal or no human intervention.

0. AI Model A component of an information system that implements AI technology and uses computational, statistical, or machine-learning techniques to produce outputs from a given set of inputs.

0. AI Prompt The input, instruction, or command that a user provides to an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to elicit a specific AI generated output, which can be in the form of text, code, images, audio, automated task or function.

0. Agentic AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) service that exhibits a level of autonomy, proactivity, and decision-making capability, often acting as agents that can pursue goals, initiate actions, and adapt based on context without direct human prompting.

0. Data Poisoning A type of cyberattack in which an adversary intentionally compromises a training dataset used by an AI or Machine Learning (ML) model to influence or manipulate the operation of that model.

0. Drift A phenomenon where an AI model's performance degrades over time due to changes in the data it is exposed to, causing its predictions or outputs to become less accurate or relevant.

0. Hallucination When an Artificial Intelligence (AI) service generates inaccurate or nonsensical information.

0. Model Bias When an Artificial Intelligence (AI) service makes systematic errors or shows favor to certain groups, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.

0. Prompt Injection An attack that forces a generative model to produce unexpected output by manipulating the structure, instructions, or information contained in its prompt.

0. Deterministic AI A machine-based system that operates on predefined rules to produce consistent, predictable outputs for a given input, without the variability typically found in generative models.

0. Open-Weight AI Artificial intelligence systems where the underlying source code, model weights, and training data are made publicly accessible for review, use, and community development.

0. Closed AI Proprietary artificial intelligence systems where the technology, code, training data, and model weights remain private and are strictly controlled by the developer or vendor.

0. AI Tuning The process of adjusting and refining an existing artificial intelligence model to make it more accurate, efficient, or skilled at a specific job.

0. Algorithm An algorithm is simply a specific set of step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. Common algorithms include classification, regression, and clustering.

0. Artificial Neural Network A type of artificial intelligence (AI) designed with a deep learning technique modeled after the structure of the human brain, requiring large datasets to perform complex calculations and generate outputs - enabling capabilities such as speech and image recognition.

0. Chatbot Software application that is designed to imitate human conversation through text or voice commands. See also Generative Artificial Intelligence or GenAI.

0. Deep Learning A subfield of machine learning that focuses on training neural networks with many layers, enabling learning of complex patterns.

0. Domain Language Model A domain language model is a type of artificial intelligence trained to understand and write about a highly specific subject, rather than general, everyday topics. For example, the state might use one specifically trained on Missouri legal codes or public health regulations so it can accurately help staff search specialized documents or answer complex policy questions.

0. Embedded AI The Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities are part of an existing application as an additional feature of that application

0. Fine-tuned Model An Artificial Intelligence (AI) program that has already learned general information, but is then given extra training and is focused on a specific context or category of information so it becomes an expert in that area.

0. Input Transformation A data processing technique where raw input is systematically altered, rephrased, or sanitized before being passed to a downstream system.

0. Large Language Model A type of artificial intelligence model designed to process and generate human-like text by leveraging deep learning techniques, typically trained on vast amounts of data to understand and produce language-based outputs.

0. Local-Side Secret Scanning Is a security process where data is analyzed for sensitive information (passwords, API keys, tokens) on the user’s device before it is ever transmitted over the network. (sometimes known as client-side secret scanning)

0. Model Context Protocol An open-source framework designed to standardize how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), integrate with and share data with external tools, systems, and data sources.

0. Multimodal AI Model An AI model capable of processing and integrating multiple data types - such as text, images, and audio - simultaneously. By combining information from these different modalities, the model can generate more accurate and context-aware responses to user queries or tasks.

0. Natural Language Processing A term for a machine’s ability to perform conversational tasks, such as recognizing what is said to it, understanding the intended meaning and responding intelligibly.

0. Neural Network AI technology mimics human brain function to process data and create patterns for decision making.

0. Non-Deterministic Noise Refers to variability in system behavior that cannot be predicted or reproduced reliably from the same inputs. In coding, it manifests as outputs or states that differ across runs despite identical code, configuration, and initial conditions.

0. Power User (AI) A Power user (AI) primary use goes beyond the limits of the standard AI tool and uses it for deep research, coding, or analyzing massive datasets.

0. Pretrained Model An Artificial Intelligence (AI) program that has already been taught to understand basic language, images, or patterns by analyzing massive amounts of general information. A pretrained model can be used as a starting point to create a fine-tuned contextualized version of a model, thus applying transfer learning.

0. Private AI Model An Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that trained on the state's internal data and is used in a single tenant environment available only to the state.

0. Prompt Engineering Prompt engineering is the practice of carefully writing the instructions or questions (the "prompts") given to an artificial intelligence tool to get the best and most accurate response. Think of it like giving highly specific, step-by-step directions to a new assistant so they understand exactly what you need them to do without getting confused.

0. Public AI Model An Artificial Intelligence (AI) system trained on publicly available data from across the internet—such as text articles, images, and videos—and used in a multi-tenant environment, where it is accessible to multiple organizations. This means that, as a customer, your data may not be completely private, and some of these models may use your input to improve their algorithms.

0. Red Teaming An exercise where human testers (or automated adversarial agents) attempt to force an AI model to produce harmful, illegal, or unethical outputs that violate its own safety guardrails.

0. Retrieval Augmented Generation An AI technique for improving the quality of Generative AI (GenAI) responses by including trusted sources of knowledge, outside of the original training set, to improve the accuracy of the GenAI’s output. Implementing Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) in Generative AI question answering system has benefits: 1) assurance that the service has access to the most current, reliable facts, 2) reduce hallucinations rates, and 3) provide source attribution to increase user trust in the output.

0. Standard User (AI) A Standard User that uses AI for "General Productivity." They primarily use the service to help with administrative tasks, drafting emails, and summarizing documents.

0. Sub-Agent An Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent that receives a bounded task from an orchestrator and executes it within defined constraints. Sub-agents may themselves further delegate to other agents.

0. Vibe Coding A software development practice that shifts your role from writing code line-by-line to guiding an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant through a conversational process. Instead of manual syntax and precision, you describe what you want in plain language, and agentic AI systems turn that intent into working code.

Accuracy of Background Information:

Although an attempt has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the State of Missouri does not warrant or represent that the background information provided herein reflects all relationships or existing conditions related to this RFP.

****END OF INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION****

SCOPE OF WORK SECTION

General Requirements:

The contractor shall provide a complete printing solution for the validation stickers and cardstock registration materials for DOR in accordance with the provisions and requirements stated herein and to the sole satisfaction of the state agency.

The contractor shall understand that the following must be provided to satisfy the requirements herein for DOR to produce the validation stickers onto the cardstock registration materials:

Printing equipment – 10 printers;

Software or internet-based application;

Separator equipment;

Training for DOR to utilize the equipment;

Technical support and maintenance of equipment;

Finished blank validation stickers secured to the registration materials; and Black thermal transfer ribbons or ink (dependent on the printer requirements)

The contractor shall either provide the services directly or shall provide personnel who must comply with the requirements stated herein. Therefore, references to “the contractor” throughout this document shall also be deemed to include the personnel provided by the contractor.

Contractor’s Obligation: Unless otherwise specified herein, the contractor shall furnish all material, labor, facilities, equipment, and supplies necessary to provide the products and perform the services required herein.

0.1 Personnel Requirements:

0.1.1 The contractor shall include the following personnel to administer and perform the contract requirements:

a. Contract Manager: The contractor shall appoint a Contract Manager who shall be a direct point of contact that shall serve the state agency in any area of concern as it relates to the requirements herein, billing and accounting specified herein, and orders placed by the agency as a result of the awarded contract.

1) By no later than five (5) state business days after authorization by the state agency to proceed with services, the contractor shall provide the state agency with the name, address, email address, and telephone number of the Contract Manager.

2) Upon notification of a need by the state agency, the Contract Manager shall respond to the state agency within twenty-four (24) hours. Upon receipt of the initial response from the Contract Manager, the state agency will communicate their needs. The Contract Manager must provide a plan of execution to the state agency that satisfies the state agency needs within a maximum of forty-eight (48) hours from the original notification by the state agency. The timeframe proposed for the plan of execution must be agreed upon and approved by the state agency.

b. Support Technician: The contractor must provide the state agency with a contact phone number for a support technician which the state agency can use to report contractor problems or ask questions. This phone number, if not a direct contact line to the contractor support structure, must provide a maximum of a 24-hour callback response by contractor personnel.

c. Trainer: The contractor shall appoint a Trainer that will train DOR personnel on the use of software or internet-based applications, the use of the printers, equipment integration, and any troubleshooting processes to assist in maintaining the production process of the validation stickers and registration materials. The contractor shall provide the state agency with all necessary training to utilize the contractor’s equipment and provide necessary training on utilizing all inventory and management reporting tools.

0.1.2 The contractor shall understand and agree that the state agency reserves the right to request any of the contractor’s personnel assigned to provide the services be removed without just cause. The contractor shall understand and agree that the state agency will allow the contractor a reasonable time to find a replacement. The state agency shall approve all replacement personnel. The state agency reserves the right to require background checks and non-disclosure agreements (NDA) of selected contractor personnel, at the contractor’s expense.

0.2 Technical Support and Maintenance:

0.2.1 The contractor must provide support for all products, equipment, and services provided. The contractor should provide toll-free technical service the state agency can use in the event production difficulties arise.

0.2.2 The contractor should provide technical support Monday through Friday, at least eight hours per day, excluding state and federal holidays. It is highly desirable that the technical support coverage be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

0.2.3 In the event the contractor is not the product manufacturer, then the contractor shall partner with the product manufacturer and be responsible for coordinating and providing direct support to the state agency.

0.2.4 The contractor should provide the state agency with all necessary technical service and product information at no cost on an as needed, if needed basis until the state agency has determined personnel are able to manufacture quality validation stickers consistent with requirements stated herein.

Bailment for Equipment Requirements:

The contractor shall provide contractor-owned equipment as a bailment as described herein at no additional cost to the state agency. The state agency will then purchase the validation stickers and registration materials as perforated cardstock from the contractor and print the required information on them utilizing the bailed equipment.

The contractor shall provide all required equipment on a bailment agreement (as described herein) to produce finished validation stickers on cardstock registration materials. The contractor shall be responsible for all normal wear and tear and maintaining the equipment at no additional cost to the State of Missouri while the equipment is in the possession of the state agency. In the event the equipment becomes non-functional and/or requires repair, the contractor must promptly repair or replace bailed equipment. As part of the bailment agreement, the contractor shall provide the following to the state agency, if applicable:

1) Ten (10) Zebra printers (newest model available or equivalent equipment) that accommodate the multiple years of stickers specified herein;

2) Printer device software or internet-based application, including programming to interface license plate information to the printer device software and equipment for initial implementation;

3) Printer device software or internet-based application, including programming to interface license plate information during the transition from each year to the new year and new color series of tabs; (The state agency will provide the appropriate interface information to the contractor to interface with the printer software or the internet-based application.) and

4) Printers with internal, configurable Ethernet adapters.

5) Any additionally required equipment to successfully complete the printing process of the validation stickers and registration materials.

The contractor shall completely set up all bailed equipment stated herein and perform test runs to ensure that the equipment is working properly within fifteen (15) business days after award of the contract.

The contractor herewith bails to the state agency the equipment described herein, for the life of the contract as stated herein, for the purpose of printing and processing Missouri license plate validation stickers and registration materials. The state agency agrees to return the same to the contractor in good condition, with ordinary wear and tear accepted by the contractor.

This is a bailment without payment from the state agency to the contractor for the lending of the equipment. The state agency acknowledges an opportunity to review the equipment bailed, and accepts the same “as is”, “with all faults”, and without warranty. The contractor ascertains that the bailed property is fit for the purpose that the state agency desires to use the bailed property, as specified herein.

Maintenance and installation of the equipment shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor as defined herein. The State of Missouri shall not make payment for the equipment nor maintenance or repair of said equipment.

The state agency shall not utilize the bailed equipment for other non-reflective sticker printing without the express permission from the contractor.

The contractor shall remove their bailed production equipment from the state agency’s manufacturing facility within thirty (30) days of contract termination, expiration, or non-renewal.

The contractor shall understand and agree that title to any bailed equipment required by the contract shall be held by and vested in the contractor. The State of Missouri shall not be liable in the event of loss, incident, destruction, theft, damage, etc., for the bailed equipment including, but not limited to, devices, wires, software, technical literature, etc. It shall be the contractor’s sole responsibility to obtain insurance coverage for such loss in an amount that the contractor deems appropriate.

Technical Requirements for Validation Stickers:

2. The contractor shall produce blank validation stickers. The contractor shall then securely apply the blank validation stickers to the blank cardstock registration materials prior to receipt by the state agency. The contractor shall understand that the raw materials required to produce the blank validation stickers on the cardstock registration materials must be purchased by the contractor. All costs associated with producing the blank validation stickers and blank cardstock registration materials shall be included in the price of the cards specified on Exhibit B, Pricing Pages. All materials included herein must be compatible with the printer and with the size and shape specified herein.

The validation sticker and cardstock registration information will be formatted by the software or internet-based application and printed with the following: 1) the year and plate number on the validation stickers and 2) the citizen’s registration information on the cardstock registration materials. The printing will be processed by DOR in their Jefferson City central location.

The validation stickers produced must be two different sizes: 1” x 2.5” and 1” x 1.5”. The contractor must have the ability to provide manufactured cardstock with the stickers securely applied to a double sticker card. For reference, see Attachment 3, Front of Registration Card and Attachment 4, Back of Registration Card. (NOTE: The measurements of the stickers in the attachments do not accurately reflect the size of the stickers, however, the contractor must ensure the stickers applied meet the size requirements indicated herein.)

2. The finished validation stickers shall have a holographic watermark. The holographic watermark shall be viewable throughout the material and must be imbedded within the sheeting. Watermarks printed onto the surface of the sheeting shall not be considered “holographic” nor shall they be acceptable. The holographic watermark shall be visible straight-on or when viewing at an angle. Each sticker shall have at least one holographic image.

The validation stickers must maintain their placement throughout the printing process. The validation stickers shall not bind or fold at any portion of the sticker. Corners shall not fold, tear, or crumble during the printing process. In addition, the validation stickers shall not diminish in color or crack after the stickers have transferred through the printer. The validation stickers must be durable (e.g., shall not peel or otherwise fray) for a period of three (3) years after placement.

The finished validation stickers must be made of destructive material that makes the sticker incapable of being removed in one-piece after placement on a license plate to prevent transferring of validation stickers due to theft. The sticker must adhere to a minimum stack of three (3) stickers (e.g., similar validation stickers) and still be self-destructible if removed.

Validation Sticker Colors: The contractor must have the ability to provide eleven (11) different colors of validation stickers (reflective sheeting), one of the eleven colors must be white. The state agency will use five (5) colors per year for preparation of the future year’s validation stickers. The vendor may propose the colors of their choosing; however, each color shall be individually distinct and shall not be similar in varying shades. The agency reserves the right to choose which colors they intend on using for the upcoming years.

The colors required shall be visually distinguishable from the other colors to allow the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement to quickly identify the year of the vehicle registration at a glance. Colors are referenced in Attachment 5, Validation Sheeting Colors and Reflective Characteristics. Below is the history, existing, and planned future color utilizations by year. The state agency reserves the right to modify this list upon notifying the contractor well in advance of the following year’s production:

2015 = Yellow 2016 = Black 2017 = Red 2018 = Green 2019 = Yellow 2020 = Magenta 2021 = Orange 2022 = Blue 2023 = Gold 2024 = Red 2025 = Green 2026 = Yellow 2027 = Magenta 2028 = Orange 2029 = Blue

The colors are listed above for 2027, 2028, and 2029 must match the existing colors already in production. Any future colors after 2029 will be chosen at the discretion of the state agency and will be identified during the ordering process.

The white sheeting will only be utilized for the permanent trailer plates that will include black thermal print. The permanent plates will be issued as purchased throughout the future years listed above.

All colors must be uniform and a consistent shade for the duration of the production for that year. Any shading of colors or will not be accepted and orders received with varying color shades will be rejected at the contractor’s expense.

The state agency will make every effort to ensure the contractor is aware of future colors well in advance of production. The state agency should provide the chosen future colors for years 2030, 2031, and 2032 within the first 6 months of the awarded contract.

Reflective Sheeting Specifications and Requirements for Validation Stickers:

The reflective sheeting shall consist of lens elements enclosed within a transparent resin and shall have a single adhesive layer on the top of the sheeting.

The reflective sheeting shall have a smooth, weather-resistant surface which is receptive to durable thermal transfer ribbon printing or an equivalent printing material (dependent upon the printers awarded). The surface shall enable high-quality thermal transfer imaging.

The reflective sheeting must be unprinted and shall have the following minimum coefficients of retroreflection expressed as candlepower per foot-candle per square foot of materials (candelas per lux per square meter). The coefficient of retro-reflectivity shall be measured in accordance with ASTM E-810, “Standard Test Method of Coefficient of Retroreflection of Retroreflective Sheeting”, except that only one reading shall be taken at each position; the sample shall not be rotated 90 degrees.

The reflective sheeting must be unprinted and shall have the following minimum coefficient of retro-reflection expressed as candlepower per foot candle per foot-candle per square foot of material (candles per lux per square meter). See Attachment 5, Validation Sheeting Colors and Reflective Characteristics for retro-reflective characteristics of colors.

The reflective sheeting shall meet the coefficient of retro-reflection of the same sheeting, totally wet by rain, shall not be less than 90% of the values stated herein. Wet performance measurements shall be conducted at 0.2 degrees observation and -4 degrees entrance angle in accordance with ASTM E-810 and using the test set-up described by FHWA Specification FP-85, section 718-03(a) and Section 7.10.1 of AASHTO M268.

The reflective sheeting shall have either two pre-coated pressure sensitive adhesives separated by a liner or a single adhesive layer used as the permanent adhesive on the back side of the reflective sheeting.

If the contractor utilizes the two pre-coated pressure sensitive adhesives separated by a liner, the first layer of the sheeting shall assure maximum adhesion to the license plate while the second layer, piggyback coated on the liner of the first adhesive, facilitates sheeting and paper processing through the manufacturer’s thermal transfer printing system.

The sheeting adhesive on the back side of the reflective sheeting shall not exude from sheeting edges when processed into finished stickers so as to cause pieces to stick together during printing, handling or while packaged in shipment and distribution.

The protective liner of the first adhesive on the back side of the reflective sheeting shall be removed by peeling, without soaking in water or other solvents, and shall be easily removed after storage for four (4) hours at 150 degrees F (66 degree C) under weight of 2.5 lbs. per sq. inch (0.17 kg/cm squared).

The colors of the reflective sheeting shall be imbedded within the sheeting. The reflective sheeting shall conform to color requirements through instrumental color testing and diffuse daytime color testing/viewing as determined spectro-photo-metrically in accordance with ASTM E-1164 and E-1349 utilizing either 45/0- or 0/45-degree illumination/viewing conditions as described in E-1164 and E-1349 for retro-reflective materials. Chromaticity and the Luminance Factor based on CIE tristimulus values for the two (2)-degree observer and illuminate D65 shall be calculated in accordance with ASTM E-308 as follows:

Chromaticity Coordinate

Corner Points Luminance Factor

White

.303

.290

35 Min.

The sheeting shall be processed into finished stickers and applied in accordance with the recommendations of the reflective sheeting manufacturer and shall be readily cleansed of normal dirt accumulation by washing with water and a mild detergent.

The finished stickers shall include a compatible surface for direct application of additional annual validation stickers of the same material.

The reflective sheeting shall be furnished as die cut stickers affixed to the contractor-provided backing and secured to the 4” x 8-1/2” cardstock registration material.

Technical Requirements for Cardstock Registration Materials:

The cardstock must meet the following requirements to satisfy the production requirements of the RFP:

must be at least .0045 inches thick but no more than .125 inches thick;

4” x 8-1/2” cardstock must be connected via perforation in a continuous form fanfold stack that allows for continuous production that runs seamlessly through a printer;

must have a precise "tear line" of small holes or slits that allows the cardstock to be separated cleanly, on the short side, without damaging the cardstock or validation stickers;

must be capable of being stuffed in an envelope using a Bell and Howell Forerunner Inserter for mailing by DOR to Missouri citizens; and packaged card stock, boxed and ready for shipment to the state agency, shall not exceed the maximum of 40 lbs. per box.

Printer Specifications and Requirements:

The printing equipment must be robust, high speed industrial grade registration printers (Zebra ZT Series Industrial Printers or equivalent) that meets the following printing requirements:

all components of the raw materials required herein shall be compatible with the contractor provided printers and any other equipment bailed herein to produce and process the validation stickers and cardstock registration materials;

must include a software or internet-based application to print all required print on the validation stickers and registration materials;

must have the capability of being programed to print the registration document from a pdf in accordance with the information as prescribed by DOR;

must be capable of printing 4-inch-wide fanfold stacks of cardstock;

must include a rear or bottom fanfold media slot must be able to burst the cardstock apart after printing;

must be capable of printing on a minimum cardstock that is at least .0045 inches thick but no more than .125 inches thick;

must have the capability of printing validation stickers on the cardstock vertically or horizontally;

print quality on the finished validation stickers and the cardstock registration materials shall meet industry standards to include machine-readable symbology, when required;

the thermal transfer ribbons (or compatible printing method) must be ultra-violet (UV) stable; and the printing on the sticker must have a surface printed color that remains clear and durable and remain legible for a minimum of three (3) years.

0. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Requirements:

3. The contractor shall disclose in writing whether any solution provided under this contract incorporates or relies upon Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, or Automated Decision-Making Technologies. Such disclosure must occur prior to implementation or use in the performance of state business and must be approved by the state, in writing, before the contractor may proceed. The state reserves the right to request additional technical and risk documentation prior to granting approval. Failure to disclose such utilization shall constitute a material breach of contract.

0. Initial disclosure of the intent to use AI shall be provided by the contractor in their proposal response prior to contract execution.

0. If any AI, Machine Learning, or Automated Decision-Making Technology is introduced after initial disclosure prior to contract award, the contractor shall provide the state with a minimum of 20 business days' advance written notice to state designated contract manager, who will coordinate technical and risk review with the Information Technology Services Division, prior to utilizing any new, previously undisclosed, or third-party AI (including Generative AI), Machine Learning, or Automated Decision-Making Technologies in the performance of its obligations under this contract. The state retains sole discretion to approve or deny the contractor's use or integration of these technologies into the contract work. The contractor shall not proceed with the integration or use of these technologies unless and until written approval is granted by the state. Failure to respond by the state shall not be construed as approval.

3. If AI is used to develop or perform any services under the contract, the contractor must not transmit, process, analyze, store, train, fine-tune, or otherwise use any State Data in any Artificial Intelligence (AI) system—including Generative AI (GenAI), Large Language Models (LLMs), Machine Learning models, external analytics services, or Automated Decision-Making Technologies—without prior written authorization from the state.

1. Notwithstanding any authorization granted by the previous statement, the contractor shall not use State Data, or any derivative data, to train, fine-tune, or enhance any proprietary or third-party AI models.

3. The contractor shall ensure that its employees, agents, subcontractors, affiliates, and any third parties acting on its behalf strictly comply with all AI provisions set forth in this contract. The contractor shall be fully responsible and strictly liable for any acts, omissions, or violations of these requirements by such parties. The contractor shall agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the state from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to the unauthorized or non-compliant use of AI technologies by the contractor or any party acting on its behalf.

3. The state reserves the right to deny the use of any AI system for any reason, or to rescind previous approval, at its sole discretion.

3. The state reserves the right to amend the contract, without additional cost, to incorporate updated AI terms, conditions, and security protocols.