SV00211711 Appendices and Attachments.pdf

Appendix 1. Abbreviations and Definitions Effective Date: July 2024 Modified: September 2026

Appendix 1. Abbreviations and Definitions

For purposes of this RFP, the following abbreviations or terms have the meanings indicated below:

A. Access – The ability or the means necessary to read, write, modify, or communicate data/information or otherwise use any information system resource.

B. Account - A Debtor Account created by the Contractor at the time of Placement on the Contractor’s system.

C. All-Electronic Tolling (AET) – A cashless tolling system whereby vehicles traveling through the toll lanes will pay either through the use of a transponder, Notice of Toll Due or Pay by Plate based on an image captured of the vehicle’s license plate

D. Application Program Interface (API) – Code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other.

E. Approval - The MDTA’s written authorization.

F. Assigned – When the MDTA assigns an Account or Accounts to the

Contractor, it is considered “assigned.” Also referred to as Placed or Placement.

G. Backlog Accounts – Any debt older than 180 days prior to the Implementation Date.

H. Back-Office System (BOS) - The complete suite of hardware and software provided and operated by MDTA's Toll Collection vendor to manage customer accounts, image review, and perform other Toll related operations for the purposes of servicing customers and collecting Toll revenue.

I. Bid/Proposal – The Bidder’s Bid or, as appropriate, either or both of the Offeror’s Technical or Financial Proposal.

J. Bid Package - The Bidder’s Bid or the Offeror’s Proposal and all required Attachments as identified in IFB/RFP Table A (Attachments and Documents Required with the Bid/Attachments and Documents Required with Proposal).

Any attachments not required will be labeled “Not Applicable” or “N/A” in Table A.

K. Bid/Proposal Price Form or Price Form - The Attachment B Price Form that contains the prices bid by the Bidder or proposed by the Offeror.

L. Bidder/Offeror – An entity that submits a Bid or Proposal in response to this

IFB/RFP.

M. Business Day(s) – The official working days of the week to include Monday through Friday. Official working days excluding State Holidays (see definition of “Normal State Business Hours” below).

N. Calendar Day(s) - All days, including weekdays (Monday through Friday, inclusive), weekend days (Saturdays and Sundays), and holidays observed by

MDTA.

O. Citation – When an NOTD remains unpaid after the due date, a civil citation is issued to the registered owner. Each Citation includes a civil penalty in the amount defined by COMAR 11.07.07.09.

P. Collection Agency - Third-party business engaged in the collection of outstanding debts. Also referred to as Contractor.

Q. Collection Agency Commission - The Collection Agency payment for its collection effort in accordance with this Agreement.

R. Collection Rate - The percentage of successful collection of outstanding debts owed to MDTA.

S. COMAR – Code of Maryland Regulations available on-line at https://dsd.maryland.gov/Pages/COMARSearch.aspx

T. Contract – The Contract, in the form of Exhibit 2 hereto, to be awarded to the successful Bidder pursuant to this RFP.

U. Contract Monitor – The State representative, or their documented designee, for this Contract who is primarily responsible for Contract administration functions, including, but not limited to, issuing written direction, invoice approval, monitoring this Contract to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the Contract, monitoring MBE and VSBE compliance, and achieving completion of the Contract on budget, on time, and within scope.

The Contract Monitor may authorize in writing one or more State representatives to act on behalf of the Contract Monitor in the performance of the Contract Monitor’s responsibilities. The Contract Monitor may be changed at any time by written notice to the Contractor.

V. Contractor – The selected Bidder/Offeror awarded a Contract by the State.

W. Contractor Personnel – Employees, agents and subcontractor’s employees and agents performing work for or at the direction of the Contractor under the terms of the Contract.

X. Customer Service Representative (CSR) - The Department’s or Contractor’s staff that provides support to customers and assists customers with questions or issues.

Y. Data Breach – The unauthorized acquisition, use, modification or disclosure of any state data, or other Sensitive Data.

Z. Debtor – A person or entity with an Account which has been referred to the Contractor for collections under this Contract.

AA. Debtor Account – An Account that has been referred to the Contractor to perform collection services under this contract.

https://dsd.maryland.gov/Pages/COMARSearch.aspx

BB. Dispute - When a customer refuses responsibility or questions responsibility for toll transaction(s), fees, invoices and/or citations.

CC. eMMA – eMaryland Marketplace Advantage; the State’s eProcurement system.

DD. E-ZPass - A branded name for the interoperable, electronic, prepaid, toll collection program through which payment of toll transactions and other amounts due by a customer are deducted from the customer’s account using a transponder.

EE. E-ZPass Account: An account (typically with a prepaid balance) established by a customer for payment of tolls via a radio frequency device that is read when the customer travels through a toll location. The ensuing toll transaction is recorded and charged to the customer’s E-ZPass account balance.

FF. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – The federal legislation regulating fair debt collection practices, as set forth in 15 U.S.C. ss 1601 et seq., as amended.

GG. Implementation - The first successful placement of debt with the Contractor initiating the start of debt collection services. Prerequisites for implementation include MDTA approval of system testing and deliverables.

HH. Information System – A discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information.

II. Information Technology (IT) – All electronic information-processing hardware and software, including: (a) maintenance; (b) telecommunications; and (c) associated consulting services.

JJ. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System – An automated telephony system that interacts with callers, gathers information, allows payments to be made, and routes calls to the appropriate recipients and provides call monitoring capabilities.

KK. Interface – The shared boundary across which two or more separate systems exchange information.

LL. Interface Control Document (ICD) – The document that defines the file formats and related rules and requirements for transmitting, receiving and processing Interface data between two or more systems.

MM. Key Personnel – All Contractor Personnel identified in the solicitation as such that are essential to the work being performed under the Contract.

NN. Local Time – Time in the Eastern Time Zone as observed by the State of Maryland. Unless otherwise specified, all stated times shall be Local Time, even if not expressly designated as such.

OO. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) - Agency responsible for constructing, managing, operating, and improving the State's toll facilities.

MDTA is the agency issuing this RFP.

PP. Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) – Any legal entity certified as defined at COMAR 21.01.02.01B (54) which is certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation under COMAR 21.11.03.

QQ. Newly Placed Debt – Newly Placed Debt is the Placement of customer debt that has not previously been assigned to the Collection Agency by MDTA.

RR. Normal State Business Hours - Normal State business hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except State Holidays, which can be found at: www.dbm.maryland.gov – keyword: State Holidays.

SS. Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) – An administrative notice of a video toll transaction mailed to the vehicle owner

TT. Notice to Proceed (NTP) – A written notice from the Procurement Officer that work under the Contract, project, Task Order or Work Order (as applicable) is to begin as of a specified date. The NTP Date is the start date of work under the Contract, project, or Work Order. Additional NTPs may be issued by either the Procurement Officer or the Contract Monitor regarding the start date for any service included within this solicitation with a delayed or non-specified implementation date.

UU. NTP Date – The date specified in a NTP for work on Contract, project, or Work Order to begin.

VV. Offeror – An entity that submits a Proposal in response to this RFP. The term is the same as “Proposer” or “bidder”, when used.

WW. Pay-By-Plate - A payment method whereby a customer links their vehicle license plate information to a valid electronic payment method registered with MDTA prior to travel for processing toll payments.

XX. Pay-By-Plate (Registered) Account - An account established by a customer for payment of tolls. This method of tolling uses still images of a vehicle’s license plate to identify a vehicle liable to pay a toll. The ensuing toll transaction is recorded and charged directly to the customer’s credit card on file.

YY. Pay-Direct(s) - A payment that is received by the MDTA after the debt has been placed with the Contractor.

ZZ. Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) – Most recent version of the information security standard developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council for entities that store, process or transmit cardholder information.

AAA. Payment Plan - An established method based on the Business Rules that allows a customer to make a series of smaller payments to satisfy a larger amount owed.

BBB. Personal Information (PI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) – As defined by statute under the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 10-1301(c):

1) “Personal information” means an individual's first name or first initial and last name, personal mark, or unique biometric or genetic print or image, in combination with one or more of the following data elements:

i) a Social Security number;

ii) a driver's license number, state identification card number, or other individual identification number issued by a unit;

iii) a passport number or other identification number issued by the United States government;

iv) an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; or

v) a financial or other account number, a credit card number, or a debit card number that, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password, would permit access to an individual's account.

2) “Personal information” does not include a voter registration number.

CCC. Placement – When the MDTA sends a debt to the Contractor, it is considered placed.

DDD. Procurement Officer – As defined in COMAR21.01.02.01B.(67) and prior to the award of any Contract, the sole point of contact in the State for purposes of this solicitation. After a Contract award, the Procurement Officer has responsibilities as detailed in the Contract and is the only State representative who can authorize changes to the Contract. The Procurement Officer may be changed at any time by written notice to the Contractor.

EEE. Program Manager - The State of Maryland representative who is primarily responsible for oversight of project delivery, day-to-day operations debt collection, issuing written direction to the Contractor, and coordinating with MDTA and other agencies. The MDTA may change the Program Manager at any time by written notice to the Contractor.

FFF. Proposal – As appropriate, either or both of the Offerors’s Technical or Financial Proposal.

GGG. Proposer – A legal entity submitting a Proposal for the Contract in response to the RFP. In the context of responses to the RFP, the term is the same as an “Offeror” under COMAR, Title 21 and is the same as “bidder”, when used.

HHH. Protected Health Information (PHI) – Information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual; and (i) that identifies the individual; or (ii) with respect to which there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify the individual.

III. Request for Proposals (RFP) – This Request for Proposals issued by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) with the Solicitation Number and date of issuance indicated in the Key Information Summary Sheet, including any amendments and attachments thereto.

JJJ. Security Incident – A violation or imminent threat of violation of computer security policies, Security Measures, acceptable use policies, or standard security practices. “Imminent threat of violation” is a situation in which the organization has a factual basis for believing that a specific incident is about to occur.

KKK. Security or Security Measures – The technology, policy, and procedures that

a) protects and b) controls access to networks, systems, and data.

LLL. Sensitive Data - Means PII; PHI; other proprietary or confidential data as defined by the State, including but not limited to “personal information” under Md. Code Ann., Commercial Law § 14-3501(e) and Md. Code Ann., St. Govt.

§ 10-1301(c) and information not subject to disclosure under the Public Information Act, Title 4 of the General Provisions Article; and information about an individual that (1) can be used to distinguish or trace an individual‘s identity, such as name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother‘s maiden name, or biometric records; or (2) is linked or linkable to an individual, such as medical, educational, financial, and employment information.

MMM. Service Level Agreement (SLA) - Commitment by the Contractor to the MDTA that defines the performance standards the Contractor is obligated to meet.

NNN. Services - The Debt Collection work provided by the Contractor under this Scope of Work and the Debt Collection Agreement.

OOO. Skip Trace(ing) - An industry term for the process by which alternative contact information, especially a mailing address, e-mail address and phone number, is attempted to be obtained from third-party provider(s) for a customer for the purpose of Toll collection.

PPP. SLA Activation Date - The date on which SLA charges commence under this Contract, which will be the Implementation Date unless a later date is specified in writing by the Program Manager.

QQQ. Software - The object code version of computer programs licensed pursuant to this Contract. Embedded code, firmware, internal code, microcode, and any other term referring to software that is necessary for proper operation is included in this definition of Software. Software includes all prior, current, and future versions of the Software and all maintenance updates and error corrections. Software also includes any upgrades, updates, bug fixes or modified versions or backup copies of the Software licensed to the State by Contractor or an authorized distributor.

RRR. State – The State of Maryland, including the agency that is issuing this solicitation and executing the awarded contract, which contrasts with the terms:

1) “out-of-state”, which represents any U.S. state other than the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, US territories, Canadian provinces and Mexican states, or

2) “another state” and “other states”, which represent any U.S. state other than the State of Maryland, or

3) “any state”, which represents all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including the State of Maryland.

SSS. Source Code – Executable instructions for Software in its high level, human readable form which are in turn interpreted, parsed and/or compiled to be executed as part of a computing system.

TTT. System - The complete suite of hardware and software provided and operated by MDTA's Collection Contractor to manage Accounts, and perform other related operations for the purposes of servicing customers and collecting debt.

Note this is distinct from the Back-Office System used by MDTA's Customer Service Center Contractor.

UUU. System Availability – The period of time the Solution works as required excluding non-operational periods associated with planned maintenance.

VVV. Technical Safeguards – The technology and the policy and procedures for its use that protect any states Data and control access to it.

WWW. Toll(s) - A charge payable for permission to use a particular bridge or road.

XXX. Total Bid/Proposal Price - The Bidder’s bid price or evaluated bid price for goods and services in response to this solicitation or the Offeror’s financial proposal price or evaluated financial proposal price, included in Attachment B

– Price Form Instructions.

YYY. Transaction - A transactional data record in the System (i.e., a toll transaction or financial transaction).

ZZZ. Veteran-owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) – A business that is verified by the Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a veteran-owned small business. See Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 21.11.13.

AAAA. Video Toll Transaction - When a vehicle goes through a toll-collection facility in Maryland without paying the toll with an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate Account.

The registered owner of the vehicle (using the address on file with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration) is mailed a Notice of Toll Due (NOTD), to notify them of the payment due.

BBBB. Video Toll (Unregistered) Account – Account Type assigned to a system-generated account for Video Toll Transactions.

CCCC. Video Tolling - A form of electronic toll collection, which uses still images of a vehicle’s license plate to identify a vehicle liable to pay a toll. The image is captured as the vehicle drives under the gantry or through a toll plaza at a toll-collection facility.

DDDD. Waive (Waiver) - The act of deeming a Toll or fee amount as no longer due based on the MDTA Business Rules.

EEEE. Work Order – A subset of work authorized by the Contract Monitor performed under the general scope of this RFP, which is defined in advance of Contractor fulfillment, and which may not require a Contract Modification.

Except as otherwise provided, any reference to the Contract shall be deemed to include reference to a Work Order.

Appendix 2. Price Form Instructions Effective Date: July 2024

Appendix 2. Price Form Instructions

Each Bidder/Offeror shall submit its response via the Price Form in accordance with the instructions specified herein. Do not alter the Price Form; otherwise, the Bid may be determined to be not responsive or the Proposal may be determined to be not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award. If the Price Form contains a signature box, it must be signed and dated by an individual who is authorized to bind the Bidder/Offeror to the prices entered on the Price Form.

Follow these instructions carefully when completing your Price Form:

A. The Commission Rate must be clearly entered as a percentage, e.g., 15.00%. The percentage should not have more than two decimals.

B. All calculations shall be rounded to the nearest cent, e.g., .344 shall be .34 and .345 shall be .35.

C. Every editable field in the Price Form shall be completed. Any changes or corrections made to the Price Form by the Bidder/Offeror prior to submission due date shall be initialed and dated, if required, or submitted as a new Price Form through eMMA. Partial or incomplete Bids/Proposals will be rejected unless otherwise stated in the solicitation.

D. Except as instructed on the Price Form, nothing shall be entered on or attached to the Price Form that proposes conditions or contingencies on the prices. Conditions may render the Bid not responsive or the Proposal not reasonably susceptible for being selected for award.

E. It is imperative that the prices included on the Price Form have been entered correctly and calculated accurately by the Bidder/Offeror and that the respective total prices agree with the entries on the Price Form. Any incorrect entries or inaccurate calculations by the Bidder/Offeror will be treated as provided in COMAR 21.05.02.12 and may cause the Bid/Proposal to be rejected.

F. The Commission Rate entered in the Price Form must be a fully loaded price that includes all costs/expenses associated with the provision of services required by the RFP. Examples may include all labor, profit/overhead, general operating, administrative, and all other expenses and costs necessary to perform the work set forth in the solicitation. No other amounts will be paid to the Contractor.

G. Unless indicated elsewhere in the RFP, sample amounts used for calculations on the Price Form are typically estimates for evaluation purposes only. Unless stated otherwise in the RFP, a minimum or maximum number of units or usage in the performance of the Contract is not guaranteed.

H. Failure to adhere to any of these instructions may result in the Bid being determined not responsive or the Proposal being determined not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award.

I. Work Orders

Appendix 2. Price Form Instructions Effective Date: July 2024

a. The MDTA may request the Contractor to provide additional services during the Contract term via the Work Order process.

b. Work Order work will be paid in accordance with the MDTA approved Work Orders prepared, agreed to, and accepted by both the Contractor and MDTA.

c. Enter fully-loaded, fixed hourly rates in the Labor Rates tab for each labor category established in Appendix 3 for use in Work Orders. The labor rates for the base Contract (Contract Years 1, 2 and 3) and the Option Period (Contract Years 4 and 5) may be different.

Appendix 3. Labor Categories Modified: September 2026

Appendix 3. Labor Categories

A. Executive Sponsor

Position Description: Serves as the primary liaison with MDTA leadership and is the point of contact for any escalated project issues that cannot be resolved by the Project Manager. The Executive Sponsor has the authority to commit organizational resources, support escalation of issues for resolution, monitor the resolution of any data security risks, and ensure executive-level accountability for compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and agreements by and between the Contractor and the MDTA. The Executive Sponsor shall be responsible for the overall conduct and performance of the Project and performance of the Project team. The Executive Sponsor is required to meet with MDTA executives upon request and shall have the authorization to sign Contracts, resolve disputes and execute Work Orders.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university, Master’s Degree in Business or related subject matter preferred.

General Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing and leading the delivery of debt collection services, including two (2) years of experience in executive oversight of debt collection services, in compliance with all applicable debt collection laws, rules, and regulations on project(s) involving services of a comparable scope.

Specialized Experience: The proposed candidate must have experience and knowledge in debt collection methodologies and industry best practices, as well as in working with, applying, and advising clients on debt collection laws, rules, regulations practices, and procedures applicable to services of a comparable scope.

B. Project Manager

Position Description: Performs day-to-day management of activities pertaining to the functional deliverables of the project. This individual is responsible for oversight of all critical areas of tolling including debt collection computer systems and operations, budget and finance, training, and program development. In addition, this individual should have a special talent for developing and sustaining effective business partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders to deliver the mission of the MDTA in a vast variety of circumstances.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university, Master’s Degree in Business or related subject matter preferred.

General Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a project management position (e.g. contracts, change orders, schedules, fixed price budgets, external customers). Excellent communication skills (written/oral) and the ability to manage multiple priorities are required. Strong process, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Specialized Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least five (5) years of experience managing the delivery of debt collection services in compliance with all applicable debt collection laws, rules, and regulations on project(s) involving services of a comparable scope. The proposed candidate must have experience and knowledge in debt collection methodologies and industry best practices, as well as in applying debt collection laws, rules, regulations, practices, and procedures applicable to services of a comparable scope.

C. Database Administrator

Position Description: Responsible for the performance, integrity and security of all system databases. This individual will be involved in the planning and development of the database, as well as troubleshooting any issues on behalf of the users. This individual makes sure that data remains consistent across the databases, data is clearly defined, users access data concurrently, in a form that suits their needs, there is provision for data security and recovery control (all data is retrievable in an emergency).

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university in a computer related field such as computer science, computer software/computer systems, engineering, electronics, information technology.

General Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least five (5) years of experience with database management systems, system design and analysis, operating systems software, and internal and data manipulation languages, preferably in a debt collection or related environment.

D. System Administrator

Position Description: Monitors and coordinates all data system operations including security procedures and liaison with end users. This individual is responsible for effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. This individual participates in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the infrastructure. This individual ensures that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures remain in effect and available for all users and stakeholders.

Education: An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or a related technical discipline.

A Bachelor’s degree in one of the above disciplines is equal to two (2) years of general experience. An additional year of specialized experience may be substituted for the required education.

General Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least four (4) years system administration experience preferably in a debt collection related environment.

E. Programmer

Position Description: Utilize IT equipment and languages (third- and fourth-generation or current state-of-the-art) to develop and prepare diagrammatic plans to solve business, management, communications, and strategic problems. This individual will be responsible for the design, development and administration of transactional and analytical data structures; develop new applications from beginning to end; maintain existing applications, innovates data visualization and presentation techniques; create code that meets system standards; analyze methods to efficiently address software system requirements.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.

General Experience: Minimum one (1) year prior programming experience.

F. Customer Service Supervisor

Position Description: Responsible for the daily management of the back-office operations as well as call center operations. This individual is responsible for team’s efficient delivery of customer service to customers through team supervision, motivation, recognition, coaching, counseling, training and daily problem solving. This supervisor must be knowledgeable of program plans, product/services concepts, practices, and procedures. Additionally, this position is responsible for developing schedules and analyzing trends.

Education: High school diploma or GED Certificate is required, Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.

General Experience: Two (2) years related supervisory experience as a Call Center Supervisor; customer service and/or retail industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

G. Customer Service Representative

Position Description: Responsible for answering routine telephone inquiries in a customer-oriented call center operations environment by following standard scripts and procedures. This individual has an on-going knowledge of company policies/guidelines as directed by management. Position requires flexibility to adjust to other duties of the CSC as needed.

Education: High school diploma or GED Certificate is required.

General Experience: Prior customer service or call center experience preferred.

H. Business Analyst

Position Description: Develop business requirements and business processes re-engineering methodologies. This individual will provide support through complex quantitative and qualitative analysis in all aspects of debt collection including customer service initiatives, business process management, revenue recovery study and development, policy and legislative analysis, cost and revenue optimization, and related work as required.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, business administration, public administration, transportation planning, economics, finance, or a closely related field.

General Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience and a demonstrated knowledge of complex principles and practices with data systems, operations, or project study and development. Experience with data/financial analysis and revenue optimization is necessary.

I. Information Security Engineer

Position Description: The Information Security Engineer analyzes and defines security requirements for information protection. This individual must define and develop security policies. This individual also analyzes the sensitivity of information and performs vulnerability and risk assessments on the basis of defined sensitivity and information flow.

Education: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in computer science, information systems, engineering, business, or a related scientific or technical discipline. A Master's Degree in one of the above disciplines is equal to one (1) year of specialized and two (2) years of general

General Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least eight (8) years of experience in information protection.

Specialized Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least five (5) years of experience in defining security programs or processes for the protection of sensitive or classified information.

J. Network Security Engineer

Position Description: The Network Security Engineer designs, develops, engineers, and implements solutions for projects such as biometrics, smart cards, secure remote access, VPN, intrusion detection, port scanning, web security, and vulnerability assessments and remediation.

Education: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in computer science, information systems, engineering, business, or a related scientific or technical discipline. A Master's Degree in one of the above disciplines is equal to one (1) year of specialized and two (2) years of general

General Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least eight (8) years of computer-related experience.

Specialized Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least five (5) years of specialized experience in defining computer security requirements for high-level applications, evaluation of approved security product capabilities, and security management.

K. Marketing Specialist

Position Description: Responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing plans for MDTA in the areas of debt collection, public education and customer experience. This individual manages and coordinates marketing and creative staff, leads market research efforts to uncover the viability of current and existing products/services, and liaising with media organizations and advertising agencies.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.

General Experience: At least seven years of experience in marketing.

L. Collections Systems & Operations Specialist

Position Description: Supports in the design and development of debt collection and customer service concepts, including requirement analysis, technology review and selection; development and communication of operational concepts; development of specifications, implementation plans and scopes of work; cost estimates; contract documents; installation; troubleshooting; and oversight of system development, installation, and testing.

Education: Minimum 2-year degree from a technical program with emphasis on electronics, computer maintenance technology, Information Technology Systems.

General Experience: Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience beyond the minimum educational requirements providing exposure to an electronics and IT systems environment. Debt collection / electronic payment systems and subsystems, customer service systems would be a plus.

M. Testing Manager

Position Description: Oversees the planning, execution, and quality assurance of software and system testing activities to ensure technology solutions meet functional, security, and performance requirements.

Education: An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or a related technical discipline.

A Bachelor’s Degree in one of the above disciplines is equal to two (2) years of general experience and one (1) year of specialized experience. An additional year of specialized experience may be substituted for the required education.

General Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least seven (7) years of computer-related experience.

Specialized Experience: The proposed candidate must have at least four (4) years of specialized experience in defining computer system testing requirements and providing oversight of system test execution to ensure technology solutions meet functional, security and performance requirements.

Appendix 6. Living Wage Requirements Effective Date: July 2024

Appendix 6. Living Wage Requirements for Services & Facilities Maintenance Contracts

The resulting Contract for this procurement has been determined to be a Tier 1 Contract.

I. The following Living Wage Requirements apply to the resulting Contract:

A. Maryland law requires that contractors meeting certain conditions pay a living wage to covered employees on State service contracts over $100,000. Maryland Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, § 18-101 et al. The Commissioner of Labor and Industry at the Department of Labor requires that a contractor subject to the Living Wage law submit payroll records for covered employees and a signed statement indicating that it paid a living wage to covered employees; or file a request to the Commissioner of Labor and Industry for a waiver from Living Wage reporting requirements. See COMAR 21.11.10.05.

B. If subject to the Living Wage law, Contractor agrees that it will abide by all Living Wage law requirements, including but not limited to reporting requirements in COMAR 21.11.10.05. Contractor understands that failure of Contractor to provide such documents is a material breach of the terms and conditions and may result in Contract termination, disqualification by the State from participating in State contracts, and other sanctions. Information pertaining to reporting obligations may be found by going to the Maryland Department of Labor website http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/prev/livingwage.shtml.

C. Additional information regarding the State’s living wage requirement is contained in Attachment G. Bidders/Offerors must complete and submit the Maryland Living Wage Requirements Affidavit of Agreement (Attachment G) with their Bid/Proposal. If the Bidder/Offeror fails to complete and submit the required documentation, the State may determine the Bidder/Offeror to not be responsible under State law.

D. Contractors and subcontractors subject to the Living Wage Law shall pay each covered employee at least the minimum amount set by law for the applicable Tier area or the State or County minimum wage, whichever is higher. The applicable Living Wage rate is determined by whether a majority of services take place in a Tier 1 Area or Tier 2 Area of the State.

1) The Tier 1 Area includes Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties, and Baltimore City.

2) The Tier 2 Area includes any county in the State not included in the Tier 1 Area.

(NOTE: State law requires that contractors and subcontractors pay at least the higher of the State or local minimum wage or the minimum Living wage rate whichever is higher.)

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/prev/livingwage.shtml

3) (a) In the event that the employees who perform the services are not located in the State, the head of the unit responsible for a State Contract pursuant to §18-102(d) of the State Finance and Procurement Article shall assign the tier based upon where the recipients of the services are located.

(b) If the Contractor provides more than 50% of the services from an out-of-State location, the head of the unit responsible for a State contract will determine the wage tier based on where the majority of the service recipients are located. See COMAR 21.11.10.07.

E. The Contract will be determined to be a Tier 1 Contract or a Tier 2 Contract depending on the location(s) from which the Contractor provides 50% or more of the services. The Bidder/Offeror must identify in its Bid/Proposal the location(s) from which services will be provided, including the location(s) from which 50% or more of the Contract services will be provided.

1. If the Contractor provides 50% or more of the services from a location(s) in a Tier 1 jurisdiction(s), the Contract will be a Tier 1 Contract.

2. If the Contractor provides 50% or more of the services from a location(s) in a Tier 2 jurisdiction(s), the Contract will be a Tier 2 Contract.

F. The Bidder/Offeror shall identify in the Bid/Proposal the location where services will be provided.

G. NOTE: The Living Wage may change annually, however, the Contract price will not change due to a change in the Living Wage rate or a change in the State minimum wage. The Contractor shall be responsible for any wage/rate increase during the term of the Contract and such increase may not be passed on to the State.

See Attachment G. Maryland Living Wage Requirements Affidavit of Agreement to complete the Affidavit and submit with the Bid or Proposal.

II. Other Living Wage Requirements:

A. This contract is subject to the Living Wage requirements under Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 18, and the regulations proposed by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry (Commissioner). The Living Wage generally applies to a Contractor or subcontractor who performs work on a State contract for services that is valued at $100,000 or more. An employee is subject to the Living Wage: if the employee spends at least one-half of the employee’s time during any workweek on the contract for services; if he/she is at least 18 years old or will turn 18 during the duration of the contract; if the employee works at least 13 consecutive weeks on the State Contract and during that period works full time

B. The Living Wage Law does not apply to:

(1) A contractor who:

(a) Has a State contract for services valued at less than $100,000, or

(b) Employs 10 or fewer employees and has a State contract for services valued at less than $500,000.

(2) A subcontractor who:

(a) Performs work on a State contract for services valued at less than $100,000,

(b) Employs 10 or fewer employees and performs work on a State contract for services valued at less than $500,000, or

(c) Performs work on a contract that is not covered by the Living Wage Law.

(3) Service contracts for the following:

(a) Services with a public service company;

(b) Services with a nonprofit organization;

(c) Services between units in the Executive Branch of the State government; or

(d) Services between a unit and a County or Baltimore City.

C. If the Unit responsible for the State contract for services determines that application of the Living Wage would conflict with any applicable Federal program, the Living Wage does not apply to the contract or program.

D. A contractor is prohibited from splitting or subdividing a State contract for services, paying an employee through a third party, or treating an employee as an independent Contractor or assigning work to employees to avoid the imposition of any of the requirements of Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 18.

E. Each contractor/subcontractor, subject to the Living Wage Law, shall post in a prominent and easily accessible place at the work site(s) of covered employees a notice of the Living Wage Rates, employee rights under the law, and the name, address, and telephone number of the Commissioner.

F. The Commissioner shall adjust the wage rates by the annual average increase or decrease, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers for the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area, or any successor index, for the previous calendar year, not later than 90 days after the start of each fiscal year.

The Commissioner shall publish any adjustments to the wage rates on the Division of Labor and Industry’s website. A contractor or subcontractor subject to the Living Wage Law must comply with the rate requirements during the initial term of the contract and all subsequent renewal periods, including any increases in the wage rate, required by the Commissioner, automatically upon the effective date of the revised wage rate.

G. A Contractor/subcontractor who reduces the wages paid to an employee based on the employer’s share of the health insurance premium, as provided in Md.

Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, §18-103(c), shall not lower an employee’s wage rate below the minimum wage as set in Md. Code Ann., Labor and Employment Article, §3-413. A Contractor/subcontractor who reduces the wages paid to an employee based on the employer’s share of health insurance premium shall comply with any record reporting requirements established by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.

H. A Contractor/subcontractor may reduce the wage rates paid under Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, §18-103(a), by no more than 50 cents of the hourly cost of the employer’s contribution to an employee’s deferred compensation plan. A Contractor/subcontractor who reduces the wages paid to an employee based on the employer’s contribution to an employee’s deferred compensation plan shall not lower the employee’s wage rate below the minimum wage as set in Md. Code Ann., Labor and Employment Article, §3-413.

I. Under Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 18, if the Commissioner determines that the contractor/subcontractor violated a provision of this title or regulations of the Commissioner, the contractor/subcontractor shall pay restitution to each affected employee, and the State may assess liquidated damages of $20 per day for each employee paid less than the Living Wage.

J. Information pertaining to reporting obligations may be found by going to the Division of Labor and Industry website https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/prev/livingwage.shtml and clicking on Living Wage for State Service Contracts.

https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/prev/livingwage.shtml

Appendix 7. Bonds Effective Date: July 2024

Appendix 7. Bonds

7.1. Performance Bond

A. The successful Bidder/ Offeror shall deliver a Performance Bond, or other suitable security, to MDTA after notification of recommended award.

B. The successful Bidder/Offeror must submit a Performance Bond, or other suitable security in the amount of $500,000 guaranteeing that the Contractor shall well and truly perform the Contract.

C. The Performance Bond shall be in the form provided in Attachment W – Performance Bond and underwritten by a surety company authorized to do business in the State and shall be subject to approval by MDTA, or other acceptable security for bond as described in COMAR 21.06.07, as summarized in Section 7.2 below.

D. The Performance Bond shall be maintained throughout the term of the Contract, and renewal option period(s), if exercised. Evidence of renewal of the Performance Bond and payment of the required premium shall be provided to MDTA.

E. The Performance Bond may be renewable annually. The Contractor shall provide to the MDTA, thirty (30) days before the annual expiration of the bond, confirmation from the surety that the bond will be renewed for the following year and subsequently provide confirmation to the State that the bond has been renewed. Failure to timely provide this notice shall constitute an event of default under the Contract. Such a default may be remedied if the Contractor obtains a replacement bond that conforms to the requirements of the Contract and provides that replacement bond to the MDTA prior to the expiration of the existing Performance Bond.

F. The cost of this bond, or other suitable security, is to be included in the total prices proposed and is not to be proposed and will not be recoverable as a separate cost item.

G. After the first year of the Contract, the Contractor may request a reduction in the amount of the Performance Bond. The amount and the duration of the reduction, if any, will be at the MDTA’s sole discretion. The State shall have the right to increase the amount of any reduced Performance Bond to any amount, up to the original amount, at any time and at its sole discretion.

H. Any performance or payment bonds shall be in the form specified in COMAR 21.07.02 in accordance with COMAR 21.06.07.10(C).

7.2. Acceptable Security

A. Acceptable security shall be as described below, identified within and excerpted from COMAR 21.06.07.01:

Appendix 7. Bonds Effective Date: July 2024

B. Acceptable security for bid/proposal, performance, and payment bonds is limited to:

1) A bond in a form satisfactory to the State underwritten by a surety company authorized to do business in this State;

2) A bank certified check, bank cashier's check, bank treasurer's check, cash, or trust account;

3) Pledge of securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United

States government or bonds issued by the State;

4) An irrevocable letter of credit in a form satisfactory to the Attorney

General and issued by a financial institution approved by the State Treasurer.

7.3. Surety Bond Assistance Program

Assistance in obtaining bid/proposal, performance and payment bonds may be available to qualifying small businesses through the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA). MSBDFA can directly issue bid/proposal, performance or payment bonds up to $750,000. MSBDFA may also guarantee up to 90% of a surety's losses as a result of a Contractor’s breach of Contract; MSBDFA exposure on any bond guaranteed may not, however, exceed $900,000. Bonds issued directly by the program will remain in effect for the duration of the Contract, and those surety bonds that are guaranteed by the program will remain in effect for the duration of the surety’s exposure under the Contract. To be eligible for bonding assistance, a business must first be denied bonding by at least one surety on both the standard and specialty markets within ninety (90) days of submitting a bonding application to MSBDFA. The applicant must employ fewer than 500 full-time employees or have gross sales of less than $50 million annually, have its principal place of business in Maryland or be a Maryland resident, must not subcontract more than 75 percent of the work, and the business or its principals must have a reputation of good moral character and financial responsibility. Finally, it must be demonstrated that the bonding or guarantee will have a measurable economic impact, through job creation and expansion of the state’s tax base. Applicants are required to work through their respective bonding agents in applying for assistance under the program. Questions regarding the bonding assistance program should be referred to:

Maryland Department of Commerce Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority

MMG Ventures 826 E. Baltimore Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: (410) 333-4270

Fax: (410) 333-2552

Appendix 8. Economic Benefit Factors Effective Date: July 2024

Appendix 8. Economic Benefit Factors

The following information is provided to assist potential offerors in completing their Technical Proposal submission for Economic Benefit Factors under Tab O.

1) The Offeror shall submit with its Proposal a narrative describing benefits that will accrue to the Maryland economy as a direct or indirect result of its performance of the Contract. Proposals will be evaluated to assess the benefit to Maryland’s economy specifically offered. The economic benefit offered should be consistent with the Offeror’s Total Proposal Price from Attachment B, the Financial Proposal Form.