T2513 17DPP00096 RFP.docx

Bid Solicitation/Request for Proposal

Vendor’s {Bidder’s} Electronic Question Due Date (Refer to Bid Solicitation {RFP} Section 1.3.1 for more information.)

Mandatory/Optional Pre-Quote {Proposal} Conference (Refer to Bid Solicitation {RFP} Section 1.3.6 for more information.)

Mandatory/Optional Site Visit (Refer to Bid Solicitation {RFP} Section 1.3.5 for more information.)

Not Applicable Not Applicable

Quote {Proposal} Submission Date (Refer to Bid Solicitation {RFP} Section 1.3.2 for more information.)

Dates are subject to change. All times contained in the Bid Solicitation {RFP} refer to Eastern Time. All changes will be reflected in Bid Amendments {Addenda} to the Bid Solicitation {RFP} posted on the Division of Purchase and Property website and on www.njstart.gov.

Small Business Set-Aside Status |X| Not Applicable

|_| Entire Blanket P.O. {Contract}

|_| Partial Blanket P.O. {Contract}

|_| Subcontracting Only Category

|_| I

|_| II

|_| III

Bid Solicitation {RFP} Issued By Using Agency/Agencies

Date: 04/24/17

Table of Contents

INFORMATION FOR VENDORS {BIDDERS}

NOTICE: This Bid Solicitation {Request for Proposal (RFP)} is part of the NJSTART Procurement Program. The Vendor {Bidder} is advised to thoroughly read all sections, as many have been revised, and follow all instructions contained in this Bid Solicitation {RFP}, including the instructions on the Bid Solicitation’s {RFP’s} Offer and Acceptance Page {Signatory Page} and read through all Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page (http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/njstart/vendor.shtml), in preparing and submitting its Quote {Proposal}.

Terminology is listed by new NJSTART term; {existing term} appears in braces.

PURPOSE AND INTENT

This Bid Solicitation {RFP} is issued by the Procurement Bureau, Division of Purchase and Property (Division), Department of the Treasury on behalf of Distribution and Support Services (DSS). The purpose of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} is to solicit Quotes {Proposals} to provide and deliver Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products listed herein in accordance with the requirements of Executive Order 76. Products offered for all price lines 1 through 10 must be certified by at least one of the five (5) standards listed below.

A. The Green Seal Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) http://www.greenseal.org

B. The Green Seal Standard for Floor–Care Products Finishes and Strippers (GS-40) http://www.greenseal.org

C. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Standard (formerly the DfE Standard for Safer Products) https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

D. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Surface Cleaners (UL 2759) http://productguide.ulenvironment.com

E. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Floor Care Products (UL 2777) http://productguide.ulenvironment.com

The intent of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} is to award Master Blanket Purchase Orders (Blanket P.O.s) {Contracts} to those responsible Vendors {Bidders} whose Quotes {Proposals}, conforming to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} are most advantageous to the State, price and other factors considered. The State, however, reserves the right to separately procure individual requirements that are the subject of the Blanket P.O. {Contract} during the Blanket P.O. {Contract} term, when deemed by the Director to be in the State of New Jersey’s best interest.

Awards will be made in accordance with Sections 6.6 and 7.2 of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

The State of NJ Standard Terms and Conditions (SSTC) accompanying this Bid Solicitation {RFP} will apply to all Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} made with the State of New Jersey. These terms are in addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Bid Solicitation {RFP} and should be read in conjunction with them unless the Bid Solicitation {RFP} specifically indicates otherwise.

BACKGROUND

This is a reprocurement of the products provided under T-2513, Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products and T-3034, Laundry Detergent Packets term Blanket P.O.s {Contracts}, presently due to expire on March 31, 2017. The products under both term Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} have been combined under one reprocurement. Vendors {Bidders} interested in the current Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} specifications and pricing information may review the current Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/pricelists.shtml and are cautioned that this new Bid Solicitation {RFP} addresses current requirements.

Key Events

ELECTRONIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

The Division will electronically accept questions and inquiries from all potential Vendors {Bidders} via the “Q&A” Tab of the Bid Solicitation {RFP} in NJSTART.

A. Questions should be directly tied to the Bid Solicitation {RFP} and asked in consecutive order, from beginning to end, following the organization of the Bid Solicitation {RFP}; and

B. Each question should begin by referencing the Bid Solicitation {RFP} page number and section number to which it relates.

Vendors {Bidders} may refer to the QRG “Submit a Quote” for additional instruction. QRGs are located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page.

A Vendor {Bidder} must not contact the Using Agency and/or the Procurement Specialist directly, in person, by telephone or by e-mail, concerning this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

The cut-off date for electronic questions and inquiries relating to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} is indicated on the Bid Solicitation {RFP} cover sheet. In the event that questions are posed by Vendors {Bidders}, answers to such questions will be issued by Bid Amendment {Addendum}. Any Bid Amendment {Addendum} to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} will become part of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} and part of any Blanket P.O. {Contract} awarded as a result of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}. Bid Amendments {Addenda} to this Bid Solicitation {RFP}, if any, will be posted as a File Attachment on the “Summary” page of the Bid Solicitation {RFP} in NJSTART after the cut-off date. (See Bid Solicitation {RFP} Section 1.4.1 for further information.)

EXCEPTIONS TO THE STATE OF NJ STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (SSTC)

Questions regarding the SSTC and exceptions to mandatory requirements must be posed during this Electronic Question and Answer period and shall contain the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} suggested changes and the reason(s) for the suggested changes.

SUBMISSION OF QUOTES {PROPOSALS}

In order to be considered for award, the Quote {Proposal} must be received by the Procurement Bureau of the Division at the appropriate location by the required time. Vendors {Bidders} shall submit a Quote {Proposal} either electronically through NJSTART or via hard copy.

Hard copy Quote {Proposal} must be submitted to the physical location noted below:

PROPOSAL RECEIVING ROOM – 9TH FLOOR

DIVISION OF PURCHASE AND PROPERTY

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

33 WEST STATE STREET, P.O. BOX 230

TRENTON, NJ 08625-0230

Directions to the Division are available on the web at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/directions.shtml.

QUOTES {PROPOSALS} NOT RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE QUOTE {PROPOSAL} OPENING DEADLINE SHALL BE REJECTED. THE DATE AND TIME OF THE QUOTE {PROPOSAL} OPENING ARE INDICATED ON THE BID SOLICITATION {RFP} COVER SHEET AND IN THE “SUMMARY” PAGE OF THE BID SOLICITATION {RFP} IN NJSTART.

Note: A Vendor {Bidder} using U.S. Postal Service regular or express mail services should allow additional time since the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver directly to the Proposal Receiving Room. A Vendor {Bidder} should make every effort to submit its Quote {Proposal} well ahead of the Quote {Proposal} submission deadline to mitigate unforeseen delays or issues. The Vendor {Bidder} is solely responsible for the timely submission of its Quote {Proposal} in response to this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

Procedural inquiries concerning this Bid Solicitation {RFP} may be directed to njstart@treas.nj.gov and/or (609) 341-3500.

The State will not respond to substantive questions related to the Bid Solicitation {RFP} or any other Blanket P.O. {Contract} via this e-mail address or phone number. For inquires related to substantive questions refer to Section 1.3.1 (Electronic Question and Answer Period).

NJSTART

The Division is pleas NJSTART ed to announce its new eProcurement solution “ .”

Vendor {Bidder} Support:

Vendors {Bidders} are strongly encouraged to visit the NJSTART Vendor Support Page, which contains Quick Reference Guides (QRGs), supporting videos, a glossary of NJSTART terms, and helpdesk contact information.

The Vendor {Bidder} should utilize the QRGs before attempting to submit its Quote {Proposal} using the NJSTART process. It is the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} responsibility to ensure that the NJSTART Quote {Proposal} and attachments have been properly submitted.

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

Vendors {Bidders} submitting Quotes {Proposals} through NJSTART may sign the forms listed in Section 4.4.1 (Forms, Registrations and Certifications Required with Quote {Proposal}) and Section 4.4.2 (Forms, Registrations and Certifications Required Before Blanket P.O. {Contract} Award and That Should Be Submitted with the Quote {Proposal}) of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} electronically by typing the name of the authorized signatory in the “Signature” block as an alternative to downloading, physically signing the form, scanning the form, and uploading the form to NJSTART.

Vendors {Bidders} submitting Quotes {Proposals} in hard copy format, must provide forms with original, physical signatures, otherwise its Quote {Proposal} may be deemed non-responsive.

MANDATORY/OPTIONAL SITE VISIT

Not applicable to this Procurement.

mANDATORY/OPTIONAL PRE-QUOTE {PROPOSAL} CONFERENCE

Not applicable to this Procurement.

PRE-QUOTE {PROPOSAL} DOCUMENT REVIEW

Not applicable to this Procurement.

ADDITIONAL Information

BID AMENDMENTS {ADDENDA}: Revisions to this BID SOLICITATION {RFP}

In the event that it becomes necessary to clarify or revise this Bid Solicitation {RFP}, such clarification or revision will be by Bid Amendment {Addendum}. Any Bid Amendment {Addendum} to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} will become part of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} and part of any Blanket P.O. {Contract} awarded as a result of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

There are no designated dates for release of Bid Amendments {Addenda}. Those Vendors {Bidders} who are on the bidholder list either through commodity code registration in NJSTART or by acknowledging the bid in NJSTART should receive notification of any Bid Amendment(s) {Addenda}. If a Vendor {Bidder} is not on the bidholder list to receive notifications related to a Bid Solicitation {RFP}, Bid Amendments {Addenda} are still viewable on the “Summary” page of the Bid Solicitation {RFP} in NJSTART.

BID AMENDMENTS {ADDENDA} WILL BE ISSUED AS FILE ATTACHMENTS, AND ARE VIEWABLE ON THE “SUMMARY” PAGE OF THE BID SOLICITATION {RFP} IN NJSTART. Vendors {Bidders} may refer to the QRG “Submit a Quote” for additional instruction. QRGs are located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page.

It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor {Bidder} to be knowledgeable of all Bid Amendments {Addenda} related to this procurement. An interested Vendor {Bidder} should check the NJSTART “Open Bids” Tab on a daily basis to ensure review of the most updated information.

VENDOR {BIDDER} Responsibility

The Vendor {Bidder} assumes sole responsibility for the complete effort required in submitting a Quote {Proposal} in response to this Bid Solicitation {RFP}. No special consideration will be given after Quotes {Proposals} are opened because of a Vendor’s {Bidder’s} failure to be knowledgeable as to all of the requirements of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

COST Liability

The State assumes no responsibility and bears no liability for costs incurred by a Vendor {Bidder} in the preparation and submittal of a Quote {Proposal} in response to this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

CONTENTS of QUOTE {Proposal}

Quotes {Proposals} can be released to the public pursuant to N.J.A.C. 17:12-1.2(b) and (c), or under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., or the common law right to know.

After the opening of sealed Quotes {Proposals}, including Quotes {Proposals} submitted through the NJSTART electronic process, all information submitted by a Vendor {Bidder} in response to a Bid Solicitation {RFP} is considered public information notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary submitted by a Vendor {Bidder}. Proprietary and confidential information may be exempted from public disclosure by OPRA and/or the common law. When the Bid Solicitation {RFP} contains a negotiation component, the Quote {Proposal} will not be subject to public disclosure until a notice of intent to award a Blanket P.O. {Contract} is announced.

As part of its Quote {Proposal}, a Vendor {Bidder} may designate any data or materials it asserts are exempt from public disclosure under OPRA and/or the common law, explaining the basis for such assertion. The location in the Quote {Proposal} of any such designation should be clearly stated in a cover letter. The State reserves the right to make the determination as to what is proprietary or confidential, and will advise the Vendor {Bidder} accordingly. Any proprietary and/or confidential information in a Quote {Proposal} will be redacted by the State. The State will not honor any attempt by a Vendor {Bidder} to designate its entire Quote {Proposal} and/or prices as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for its entire Quote {Proposal}. Copyright law does not prohibit access to a record which is otherwise available under OPRA. In the event of any challenge to the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} assertion of confidentiality with which the State does not concur, the Vendor {Bidder} shall be solely responsible for defending its designation, but in doing so, all costs and expenses associated therewith shall be the responsibility of the Vendor {Bidder}. The State assumes no such responsibility or liability.

A Vendor {Bidder} shall not designate any price lists and/or catalogs submitted as exempt from public disclosure as the same must be accessible to State Using Agencies and Cooperative Purchasing Program participants (if the Bid Solicitation {RFP} has been extended to these participants) and thus must be made public to allow all eligible purchasing entities access to the pricing information.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF QUOTE {PROPOSAL} INFORMATION

On the date and time Quotes {Proposals} are due under the Bid Solicitation {RFP}, all information concerning the Quotes {Proposals} submitted may be publicly announced and shall be available for inspection and copying except as noted below:

A. Information appropriately designated as proprietary and/or confidential shall not be available for inspection and copying; and B. Where negotiation is contemplated, only the names and addresses of the Vendors {Bidders} submitting Quotes {Proposals} will be announced, and the contents of the Quotes {Proposals} shall not be available for inspection until the Notice of Intent to Award is issued by the Director.

PRICE Alteration In Hard copy QUOTES {Proposals}

Hard copy Quote {Proposal} prices must be typed or written in ink. Any price change (including "white-outs") must be initialed. Failure to initial price changes shall preclude a Blanket P.O. {Contract} award from being made to the Vendor {Bidder}.

QUOTE {Proposal} ERRORS

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 17:12-2.11, “Proposal errors,” a Vendor {Bidder} may withdraw its Quote {Proposal} as described below.

QUOTE {PROPOSAL} WITHDRAWAL PRIOR TO QUOTE {PROPOSAL} OPENING

NJSTART: A Vendor {Bidder} may withdraw its Quote {Proposal} submission in NJSTART prior to the Quote {Proposal} opening; however, Vendors {Bidders} should note that while withdrawn NJSTART Quotes {Proposals} remain viewable by the Vendor {Bidder} on its Vendor Profile Homepage, they are removed from the Division’s view and cannot be considered for Blanket P.O. {Contract} award. The Vendor {Bidder} may submit a revised Quote {Proposal} as long as the Quote {Proposal} is received prior to the announced date and time for Quote {Proposal} submission. Vendors {Bidders} may refer to the QRG “Submit a Quote” for additional instruction. QRGs are located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page.

Hard Copy: A Vendor {Bidder} may request that its hard copy Quote {Proposal} be withdrawn prior to the Quote {Proposal} opening. Such request must be made, in writing, to the Supervisor of the Proposal Review Unit at the address provided in Section 1.4.7.2 below. The Vendor {Bidder} may submit a revised Quote {Proposal} as long as the Quote {Proposal} is received prior to the announced date and time for Quote {Proposal} submission and at the place specified.

QUOTE {PROPOSAL} WITHDRAWAL AFTER QUOTE {PROPOSAL} OPENING, BUT PRIOR TO BLANKET P.O. {CONTRACT} AWARD

NJSTART and Hard Copy: If, after the Quote {Proposal} opening, but before Blanket P.O. {Contract} award, a Vendor {Bidder} discovers an error in its Quote {Proposal}, the Vendor {Bidder} may make a written request to the Supervisor of the Proposal Review Unit to withdraw its Quote {Proposal}, or a portion thereof, from consideration for award. If the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} request to withdraw is made in good faith, and the State will not be significantly prejudiced by granting the withdrawal of the Quote {Proposal} beyond the loss of the benefit of the bargain to the State of the withdrawing Vendor’s {Bidder’s} offer, the request shall be granted. Evidence of the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} good faith in making this request can be demonstrated by one (1) or more of the following factors: A mistake is so significant that to enforce the Blanket P.O. {Contract} resulting from the Quote {Proposal} would be unconscionable; that the mistake relates to a material feature or term of the Blanket P.O. {Contract}; and that the mistake occurred notwithstanding the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} exercise of reasonable care. After Quote {Proposal} opening, while pursuant to the provisions of this section a Vendor {Bidder} may request to withdraw its Quote {Proposal} and the Director may in his discretion allow said Vendor {Bidder} to withdraw it, the Division also may take notice of repeated or unusual requests to withdraw by a Vendor {Bidder} and take those prior requests to withdraw into consideration when evaluating the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} future Quotes {Proposals}.

All Quote {Proposal} withdrawal requests must include the Bid Solicitation {RFP} identification number and the final Quote {Proposal} submission date and be sent to the following address:

Department of the Treasury Division of Purchase and Property PO Box 039 33 West State Street – 9th Floor Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0039 Attention: Supervisor, Proposal Review Unit

If during a Quote {Proposal} evaluation process, an obvious pricing error made by a potential Blanket P.O. {Contract} awardee is found, the Director or his designee shall issue written notice to the Vendor {Bidder}. The Vendor {Bidder} will have up to five (5) business days after receipt of the notice to confirm its pricing. If the Vendor {Bidder} fails to respond, its Quote {Proposal} shall be considered withdrawn, and no further consideration shall be given to it.

If it is discovered that there is an arithmetic disparity between the unit price and the total extended price, the unit price shall prevail. If there is any other ambiguity in the pricing, other than a disparity between the unit price and extended price and the Vendor’s {Bidder’s} intention is not readily discernible from other parts of the Quote {Proposal}, the Director may seek clarification from the Vendor {Bidder} to ascertain the true intent of the Quote {Proposal}.

JOINT Venture

If a Joint Venture is submitting a Quote {Proposal}, the agreement between the parties relating to such Joint Venture should be submitted with the Joint Venture’s Quote {Proposal}. Authorized signatories from each party comprising the Joint Venture must sign the Offer and Acceptance Page {Signatory Page}. Each party to the Joint Venture must individually comply with all the forms and certification requirements in Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

Reciprocity for Jurisdictional Vendor {Bidder} Preference

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:32-1.4 and N.J.A.C. 17:12-2.13, the State of New Jersey will invoke reciprocal action against an out-of-State Vendor {Bidder} whose state or locality maintains a preference practice for its in-state Vendors {Bidders}. The State of New Jersey will use the annual surveys compiled by the Council of State Governments, National Association of State Procurement Officials, or the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing or a State’s statutes and regulations to identify States having preference laws, regulations, or practices and to invoke reciprocal actions. The State of New Jersey may obtain additional information as it deems appropriate to supplement the stated survey information.

A Vendor {Bidder} may submit information related to preference practices enacted for a State or Local entity outside the State of New Jersey. This information may be submitted in writing as part of the Quote {Proposal} response, including name of the locality having the preference practice, as well as identification of the county and state, and should include a copy of the appropriate documentation, i.e., resolution, regulation, law, notice to Vendor {Bidder}, etc. It is the responsibility of the Vendor {Bidder} to provide documentation with the Quote {Proposal} or submit it to the Director within five (5) business days after the deadline for Quote {Proposal} submission. Written evidence for a specific procurement that is not provided to the Director within five (5) business days of the public Quote {Proposal} submission date may not be considered in the evaluation of that procurement, but may be retained and considered in the evaluation of subsequent procurements.

QUOTE {PROPOSAL} ACCEPTANCES AND REJECTIONS

N.J.A.C. 17:12-2.7(d), the Director’s right to waive minor irregularities or omissions in a Quote {Proposal} and N.J.A.C. 17:12-2.2 which defines causes for Quote {Proposal} rejection, apply to all Quotes {Proposals}. In addition, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:34-12, the Director retains the right to reject all Quotes {Proposals} if it is in the public interest.

PRICE List and/or catalog pricing

Not applicable to this Procurement.

DEFINITIONS

CROSSWALK

General Definitions

The following definitions will be part of any Blanket P.O. {Contract} awarded or order placed as a result of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

Definitions are listed by new NJSTART terminology; {existing terminology} appears in braces.

All-Inclusive Hourly Rate – An hourly rate comprised of all direct and indirect costs including, but not limited to: labor costs, overhead, fee or profit, clerical support, travel expenses, per diem, safety equipment, materials, supplies, managerial support and all documents, forms, and reproductions thereof. This rate also includes portal-to-portal expenses as well as per diem expenses such as food.

Best and Final Offer or BAFO – Pricing timely submitted by a Vendor {Bidder} upon invitation by the Bureau after Quote {Proposal} opening, with or without prior discussion or negotiation.

Bid or Bid Solicitation {RFP or Solicitation} – This series of documents, which establish the bidding and Blanket P.O. {Contract} requirements and solicits Quotes {Proposals} to meet the needs of the Using Agencies as identified herein, and includes the Bid Solicitation {RFP}, State of NJ Standard Terms and Conditions (SSTC), price schedule, attachments, and Bid Amendments {Addenda}.

Bid Amendment {Addendum} – Written clarification or revision to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} issued by the Division of Purchase and Property. Bid Amendments {Addenda}, if any, will be issued prior to Quote {Proposal} opening.

Business Day - Any weekday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, State legal holidays, and State-mandated closings unless otherwise indicated.

Calendar Day – Any day, including Saturdays, Sundays, State legal holidays, and State-mandated closings unless otherwise indicated.

Change Order {Contract Amendment} – An alteration or modification of the terms of a Blanket P.O. {Contract} between the State and the Vendor(s) {Contractor(s)}. A Change Order {Contract Amendment} is not effective until it is signed and approved in writing by the Director or Deputy Director, Division of Purchase and Property.

Cooperative Purchasing Program – The Division’s intrastate program that provides procurement-related assistance to New Jersey local governmental entities and boards of education, State and county colleges and other public entities having statutory authority to utilize select State Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} issued by the Division, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:25-16.1 et seq.

Days After Receipt of Order (ARO) - Means the number of calendar days ‘After Receipt of Order’ in which the Using Agency will receive the ordered materials and/or services.

Director – Director, Division of Purchase and Property, Department of the Treasury, who by statutory authority is the Chief Contracting Officer for the State of New Jersey.

Discount - Means the standard discount applied by the Vendor {Bidder} to all items.

Discounted Unit Cost – Means “Unit Cost” field multiplied by (100 percent minus the “Discount” field percentage).

Division – The Division of Purchase and Property.

Evaluation Committee – A committee established or Division staff member assigned by the Director to review and evaluate Quotes {Proposals} submitted in response to this Bid Solicitation {RFP} and recommend a Blanket P.O. {Contract} award to the Director.

Firm Fixed Price – A price that is all-inclusive of direct cost and indirect costs, including, but not limited to, direct labor costs, overhead, fee or profit, clerical support, equipment, materials, supplies, managerial (administrative) support, all documents, reports, forms, travel, reproduction and any other costs.

Freight - Means Freight on Board (FOB) Destination.

Joint Venture – A business undertaking by two (2) or more entities to share risk and responsibility for a specific project.

Master Blanket Purchase Order (“Blanket P.O.”) {Contract} – The Blanket P.O. {Contract} consists of the State of NJ Standard Terms and Conditions (SSTC), the Bid Solicitation {RFP}, the responsive Quote {Proposal} submitted by a responsible Vendor {Bidder} as accepted by the State, the notice of award, any Best and Final Offer, any subsequent written document memorializing the agreement, any modifications to any of these documents approved by the State and any attachments, Bid Amendment {Addenda} or other supporting documents, or post-award documents including Change Orders {Contract Amendments} agreed to by the State and the Vendor {Contractor}, in writing.

May – Denotes that which is permissible or recommended, not mandatory.

No Bid – The Vendor {Bidder} is not submitting a price Quote {Proposal} for an item on a price line.

No Charge – The Vendor {Bidder} will supply an item on a price line free of charge.

Ownership Disclosure Form – Refers to the Statement of Bidder/Vendor Ownership as utilized in NJSTART.

Primary Form – An electronic form contained within a Vendor’s {Bidder’s} NJSTART profile designated by the Vendor {Bidder} as the primary or principal version of the required form.

Procurement Bureau - The Division unit responsible for the preparation, advertisement, and issuance of Bid Solicitations {RFPs}, for the tabulation of Quotes {Proposals} and for recommending award(s) of Blanket P.O.(s) {Contract(s)} to the Director and the Deputy Director.

Project – The undertakings or services that are the subject of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

QRGs – Quick Reference Guides.

Quote {Proposal} – Vendor’s {Bidder’s} timely response to the Bid Solicitation {RFP} including, but not limited to, technical Quote {Proposal}, price Quote {Proposal}, and any licenses, forms, certifications, or other documentation required by the Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

Retainage - The amount withheld from the Vendor {Contractor} payment that is retained and subsequently released upon satisfactory completion of performance milestones by the Vendor {Contractor}.

Revision – A response to a BAFO request or a requested clarification of the Vendors {Bidders} Quote {Proposal}.

Shall or Must – Denotes that which is a mandatory requirement. Failure to meet a mandatory material requirement will result in the rejection of a Quote {Proposal} as non-responsive.

Should – Denotes that which is permissible or recommended, not mandatory.

Small Business – Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 17:13-1.2, “small business” means a business that meets the requirements and definitions of “small business” and has applied for and been approved by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit as (i) independently owned and operated, (ii) incorporated or registered in and has its principal place of business in the State of New Jersey; (iii) has 100 or fewer full-time employees; and has gross revenues falling in one (1) of the three (3) following categories: (A) 0 to $500,000 (Category I); (B) $500,001 to $5,000,000 (Category II); and (C) $5,000,001 to $12,000,000, or the applicable federal revenue standards established at 13 CFR 121.201, whichever is higher (Category III).

State – State of New Jersey.

State Contract Manager or SCM – The individual, as set forth in Section 8.0, responsible for the approval of all deliverables, i.e., tasks, sub-tasks or other work elements in the Scope of Work. The SCM cannot direct or approve a Change Order {Contract Amendment}.

Subtasks – Detailed activities that comprise the actual performance of a task.

Subcontractor – An entity having an arrangement with a Vendor {Contractor}, whereby the Vendor {Contractor} uses the products and/or services of that entity to fulfill some of its obligations under its State Blanket P.O. {Contract}, while retaining full responsibility for the performance of all [the Vendor’s {Contractor's}] obligations under the Blanket P.O. {Contract}, including payment to the Subcontractor. The Subcontractor has no legal relationship with the State, only with the Vendor {Contractor}.

Task – A discrete unit of work to be performed.

Unit Cost – All-inclusive, firm fixed price charged by the Vendor {Bidder} for a single unit identified on a price line.

Using Agency[ies] – A State department or agency, a quasi-State governmental entity, or a Cooperative Purchasing Program participant, authorized to purchase products and/or services under a Blanket P.O. {Contract} procured by the Division. This Blanket P.O. {Contract} may be used by the Using Agencies or quasi-governmental agencies specifically identified in the Bid Solicitation {RFP}. In addition, with the approval of the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property and the agreement of the Vendor {Contractor}, the Blanket P.O. {Contract} may be used by any Using Agency or quasi-State governmental entity.

Vendor {Bidder} – An entity offering a Quote {Proposal} in response to the Division’s Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

Vendor {Contractor} – The Vendor {Bidder} awarded a Blanket P.O. {Contract} resulting from this Bid Solicitation {RFP}.

BLANKET P.O. {contract}-specific definitions/ACRONYMS

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials.

Bathroom cleaners - Products used to clean hard surfaces in a bathroom such as counters, walls, floors, fixtures, basins, tubs, and tile. It includes products that are required to be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), such as disinfectants and sanitizers, but does not include products specifically intended to clean toilet bowls.

Carcinogen – A chemical listed as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Concentrated – refers to a relatively large quantity of substance present in a unit amount of mixture.

DfE Standard - Former name for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Design for the Environment standard for safer products. It is now referred to the Safer Choice Standard.

FIFRA – Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

General-purpose cleaners - Products used for routine cleaning of hard surfaces including impervious flooring such as concrete or tile. It does not include cleaners intended primarily for the removal of rust, mineral deposits, or odors. It does not include products intended primarily to strip, polish, or wax floors, and it does not include cleaners intended primarily for cleaning toilet bowls, dishes, laundry, glass, carpets, upholstery, wood, or polished surfaces. This category does not include any products required to be registered under FIFRA, such as those making claims as sterilizers, disinfectants, or sanitizers.

Glass cleaners - Products used to clean windows, glass, and polished surfaces. This category does not include any products required to be registered under FIFRA, such as those making claims as sterilizers, disinfectants, or sanitizers.

Ingredient - Any constituent of a product that is intentionally added or known to be a contaminant that comprises at least 0.01% by weight of the product.

Ozone-depleting compounds - An ozone-depleting compound is any compound with an ozone-depletion potential greater than 0.01 (CFC 11 = 1).

Product as used - The most concentrated form of the product that the manufacturer recommends for a product’s intended use. For example, if a manufacturer recommends a product be diluted 1:64 or 2:64 for use as a general-purpose cleaner, the product shall meet the environmental and performance requirements at a dilution of 2:64.

Primary packaging - The material physically containing and coming into contact with the product, not including for example the cap or lid of a bottle.

Recyclable package - Package that can be diverted from the waste stream through available processes and programs, and can be collected, processed, and returned to use in the form of raw materials or products.

Standard Dilution Ratio - the most commonly used dilution ratio for the product to achieve general purpose cleaning.

Undiluted product - The most concentrated form of the product produced by the manufacturer for transport outside its facility.

SCOPE OF WORK

OVERVIEW

In order to meet the requirements of Executive Order 76 which seeks to reduce certain environmental and health concerns associated with some cleaning products, and as a part of the State of New Jersey's program to purchase Environmentally Preferable Products (EPPs), it is the intent of this Bid Solicitation {RFP} to establish Blanket P.O.s {Contracts} for Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products. These products, by meeting specific standards, are 1) less harmful to the users and other potentially exposed individuals and thus present a lesser impact to public health and the environment compared to conventional competing products and 2) perform at or beyond the performance standards established by the State. However, nothing in this standard in any way exempts compliance with any other occupational health or environmental standards.

For purposes of this Bid Solicitation {RFP}, the minimum acceptable standards established for the performance of these products are based on:

A. The Green Seal Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) B. The Green Seal Standard for Floor–Care Products Finishes and Strippers (GS-40) C. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Standard (formerly the DfE Standard for Safer Products) D. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Surface Cleaners (UL 2759) E. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Floor Care Products (UL 2777)

A. Green Seal GS-37 Industrial and Institutional Cleaners

Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that strives to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.

The Green Seal (GS-37) standards establish environmental requirements for industrial and institutional general-purpose, bathroom, and glass cleaners. For purposes of this standard, general-purpose, bathroom, and glass cleaners are defined as those cleaners intended for routine cleaning of offices, institutions, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Due to the large number of possible cleaning products, processes, soil types, and cleaning requirements, the compatibility of cleaners with surface materials is not specifically addressed in this standard. Product users should follow the manufacturers' instructions on compatibility. Each criterion states whether it applies to the undiluted product or to the product as used. Green Seal has no financial interest in the products that it certifies or recommends or in any manufacturer or company. Green Seal's evaluations are based on state-of-the-art science and information using internationally recognized methods and procedures. For more information, visit their website at www.greenseal.org/gs37

B. Green Seal GS-40 Floor Care Products – Finishes and Strippers

This standard establishes environmental requirements for industrial and institutional floor-care products. The floor-care products addressed by this standard include floor finish and floor finish stripper. For purpose of this standard, floor finish (also called floor polish) is defined as any product designed to polish, protect, or enhance floor surfaces by leaving a protective wax, polymer or resin coating that is designed to be periodically removed (stripped) and reapplied. Floor finish stripper (or floor remover- referred to here as “stripper”) is defined as a product designed to remove floor finish through breakdown of the finish polymers, or by dissolving or emulsifying the finish, polish, or wax. This standard does not address general purpose cleaners that can be used to clean floors, floor sealers, spray buffing products, or products designed to remove floor wax solely through abrasion.

Product users should follow the manufacturers’ instruction on compatibility. Each application must be designed to work together in an environmentally preferable system of overall floor care. Therefore, both the finish and its compatible stripper must meet all these criteria unless otherwise indicated.

Each criterion states whether it applies to the undiluted product or the product as used. All criteria pertain to both finishes and strippers unless otherwise indicated. For more information, visit their website at www.greenseal.org/gs40

C. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice Standard (formerly the DfE Standard)

The Safer Choice Standard, formerly known as DfE’s Standard for Safer Products (DfE Standard) establishes minimum requirements for identifying products that meet the EPA’s Safer Choice Program criteria. Safer Choice uses the technical expertise of its EPA scientists to compare ingredients in the same functional class and identify those ingredients with the lowest hazard profile. Products marked with the Safer Choice label are those that are safer for individuals and the environment. The Safer Choice Standard covers a wide range of products including but not limited to: glass cleaners, general purpose cleaners, washroom cleaners, laundry detergents, floor care, and other industrial products. https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

D. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Surface Cleaners (UL 2759)

This Standard is designed to reduce environmental impact by specifying criteria for safer chemicals and materials, use of recycled and recyclable materials, and minimizing pollution generated by the production, use and disposal of these products. This Standard establishes human health and environmental criteria for hard surface cleaners. Some of the categories of products covered under this Standard include: bathroom cleaners, degreasers, general purpose cleaners, industrial cleaners, and window and glass cleaners. http://ulstandards.ul.com/standard/?id=2759_1

E. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Floor Care Products (UL 2777)

This Standard is designed to support a continuing effort to improve and/or maintain environmental quality by reducing energy and materials consumption and by minimizing the impacts of pollution generated by the production, use and disposal and services. The requirements of this Standard will produce environmental benefit through the following:

1. Limited toxicity for aquatic and other organisms;

2. Greater biodegradation;

3. Lower potential for bioaccumulation;

4. Reduction in eutrophication of water bodies;

5. Reduction in ground-level ozone-formation;

6. Reduction in the depletion of stratospheric ozone;

7. Limited waste creation; and

8. Reduction in resource use.

This Standard covers all hard floor care products defined by the following: floor finishes and sealers; strippers and neutralizers; and restorers. Hard floor care products that fall under this Standard include floor finishes, floor strippers, alkali neutralizing solutions, floor finish restorers and sealers. The product group includes solutions designed for use on ceramic, terrazzo, vinyl composite tile, concrete, linoleum, rubber, and marble surfaces. Products sold to the institutional market as well as products sold to the household market are covered under this Standard. It does not include products designed for unfinished wood floors, or products designed to cure concrete surfaces. These criteria do not apply to floor cleaners. http://ulstandards.ul.com/standard/?id=2777_1 product specification by price line

The Vendors {Bidders} product must comply with the dilution ratios as specified on each price line.

Any alternative dilution ratio offered shall result in the rejection of the Quote {Proposal} for that price line item only.

No alternate packaging will be accepted other than that specified on each price line. Any alternate packaging offered shall result in the rejection of the Quote {Proposal} for that line item only.

Products offered must meet one of the five (5) standards outlined in Section 3.1:

A. The Green Seal Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) B. The Green Seal Standard for Floor–Care Products Finishes and Strippers (GS-40) C. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Standard (formerly the DfE Standard for Safer Products) D. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Surface Cleaners (UL 2759) E. UL EcoLogo Certification for Hard Floor Care Products (UL 2777)

General Purpose cleaner, Powdered packets (Price line 1)

Product must be a premeasured, powdered, general purpose cleaner;

Product must be packaged in 0.5 ounce individual, water soluble packets;

Standard dilution ratio must be one (1) packet per three (3) gallons of water;

Product should be packed in 2 pails or cartons per case for a total of 180 packets per case;

The product will be ordered in quantities of 425 cases per truckload.

General Purpose cleaner, LIQUID pouches (Price line 2)

Product must be a premeasured, liquid, general purpose cleaner/degreaser;

Product must be package in one (1) ounce individual plastic pouches;

Standard dilution ratio must be one (1) pouch per one (1) gallon of water;

Product must be packed 144 pouches per case;

The product will be ordered in quantities of 150 cases per truckload.

General Purpose cleaner, LIQUID gallon (Price line 3)

Product must be a liquid, general purpose cleaner for use in restrooms and on hard surfaces;

Product must be packaged in one (1) gallon plastic containers;

Standard dilution ratio must be 2 ounces per gallon of water (1:64);

Product must be packed four (4) one (1) gallon containers per case. Each case must be marked with product description and contents on one end and one side;

The product will be ordered in quantities of 300 cases per truckload.

bathroom/toilet bowl cleaner, Powdered packets (Price line 4)

Product must be a premeasured, powdered, bathroom/toilet bowl cleaner;

Product must be packaged in 0.5 ounce individual, water soluble packets;

Standard dilution ratio must be one (1) packet per bowl which is approximately 1.6 gallons of water or greater;

Product should be packed in two (2) pails or cartons per case for a total of 180 packets per case;

The product will be ordered in quantities of 375 cases per truckload.

Neutral Floor cleaner, Powdered packets (Price line 5)

Product must be a premeasured, powdered neutral floor cleaner;

Product must be packaged in 0.5 ounce individual, water soluble packets;

Standard dilution ratio…