TEMPORARY STAFFING IFB FINAL 10.5.26.pdf

INVITATION FOR BIDS

IFB No. 2026-02 RFx: 3160008195

Preapproved List of Vendors for Temporary Staffing Services

Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration Office of Statewide Strategic Sourcing

501 North West Street, Suite 1300 Jackson, Mississippi 39201

Issue Date:

October 7, 2026

Closing Date:

November 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm Central Time

Contact:

Laura Furdge PVLs@dfa.ms.gov mailto:PVLs@dfa.ms.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1. Solicitation Information

1.1. Authority

1.2. Purpose

1.3. Timeline

1.4. Questions or Requests for Clarification

1.5. General References Throughout the IFB

1.6. Acknowledgment of Amendments

1.7. Attachments to the IFB

1.8. Restrictions on Communication with PPRB and DFA Staff

1.9. Cancellation of Solicitation or Rejection of Individual Bids

1.10. Reconsideration of the Solicitation

Section 2. Scope of Services and Requirements

2.1. Scope of Services

2.2. Contract Deliverables

2.3. Detailed Scope to be Provided by Contracting Agency

2.4. Geographic Regions

2.5. Duration of Services to be Provided

2.6. Bid Prices

2.7. Insurance Requirements

2.8. Contract Terms and Conditions

2.9. Removal from PVL

Section 3. Bid Submission and Bid Opening

3.1. Bid Submission Format

3.2 Bid Submission Requirements

3.3. Expenses Incurred in the Procurement Process

3.4. Independent Price Determination

3.5. Withdrawal of a Bid

3.6. Debarment

3.7. Registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and State Accounting System

3.8. Note to Agencies and Vendors

3.9. Minor Informalities and Irregularities

3.10. Contract Rights

3.11. Property Rights

Section 4. Bid Evaluation and Award

4.1 Minimum Vendor Requirements

4.2 Basis for Award

4.3. Award Notification

4.4. Rolling Awards

ATTACHMENT A: Regional Map ATTACHMENT B: Bid Cover Sheet ATTACHMENT C: Bid Form ATTACHMENT D: Client Reference and Verification Form ATTACHMENT E: Certifications & Assurances ATTACHMENT F: Release of Bid as Public Record ATTACHMENT G: Sample Contract

Temporary Staffing Services IFB #2026-02 Section 1: Solicitation Information

Section 1. Solicitation Information

1.1. Authority

The Public Procurement Review Board (PPRB) may establish a preapproved list of providers of various personal and professional services at set prices, under which State Agencies may contract without bidding or prior board approval. Miss. Code Ann. § 27-104-7(2)(i).

1.2. Purpose

The Office of Statewide Strategic Sourcing (OSSS), a division of the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), on behalf of the PPRB, seeks to establish a Preapproved Vendor List (PVL) for Temporary Staffing Services. This list will be available to State Agencies under the PPRB’s purview (Contracting Agencies). OSSS invites bids from qualified agencies providing Temporary Staffing Services (Vendors) for placement on the PVL. Once established, Contracting Agencies may select and contract with Vendors from the list without individual procurement.

Attachment A divides the State into eight geographic regions for which Vendors may submit bids.

Vendors will be recommended for placement on the PVL as described in Section 4 of this IFB.

Vendors placed on the PVL must agree to provide services as needed to all authorized Contracting Agencies within the geographic limits of the Region(s) for which it is placed on the PVL under the prices, terms, conditions, and specifications as described in this Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a five-year term. Multiple Vendors may be listed per Region. Placement on the PVL does not guarantee contract awards.

Contracting Agencies may select any Vendor from the PVL in the relevant region at their discretion. Agencies are not required to contact Vendors in any specific order, although they are encouraged to consider price and qualifications. Agencies may choose a Vendor based on factors such as availability, experience, price, or previous performance. Individual contracting opportunities will be communicated directly by Agencies to the selected Vendor(s) in accordance with the Agency’s needs and procurement requirements.

1.3. Timeline

IFB Issue Date: October 7, 2026

Questions and Requests for Clarification Due: October 16, 2026

Anticipated Posting of Answers to Questions: October 21, 2026

Bid Package Submission Deadline: November 10, 2026 at 5:00pm CT

Bid Opening: November 13, 2026 at 9:00am CT

Anticipated Date of the Notice of Intent to Award: December 10, 2026

OSSS may post Answers to Questions and issue the Notice of Intent to Award on dates different from those stated above without amending this IFB. All other date changes require a written amendment.

1.4. Questions or Requests for Clarification

1.4.1. All questions and requests for clarification must be directed by email to Laura Furdge at PVLs@dfa.ms.gov.

1.4.2. Vendors must submit all questions and requests for clarification, including any potential follow-up or contingent questions, by email no later than October 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm Central Time. Vendors are responsible for timely delivery. OSSS may not respond to questions received after this deadline.

1.4.3. OSSS is committed to transparency. All questions, requests for clarification, and answers will be published on the DFA website and procurement portal to ensure equal access for all Vendors.

1.4.4. OSSS, DFA, and PPRB will not be bound by any verbal or written information not contained within this IFB unless a written amendment to the IFB is issued.

1.5. General References Throughout the IFB

1.5.1. Any reference to “OSSS,” “DFA,” or the “PPRB” throughout this IFB includes all three entities to the extent relevant.

1.5.2. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, any reference to the “DFA website” refers to the website found at: https://www.dfa.ms.gov/current-solicitations.

1.5.3. Any reference to the “procurement portal” throughout this IFB refers to the website at: https://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Home/Buy.

1.6. Acknowledgment of Amendments

Bidders shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to the IFB in writing. The acknowledgement shall be submitted by:

1. Signing and returning only the signature page of each amendment with the bid package,

2. Identifying the amendment number and date in the designated area on the bid cover sheet

(attachment B) or,

3. Submitting an email or letter acknowledging receipt and identifying each amendment’s number and date.

Each bidder shall submit a written acknowledgment of every amendment to OSSS on or before the submission deadline. Vendors are responsible for monitoring the DFA website and Procurement Portal for amendments.

1.7. Attachments to the IFB

All Attachments to this IFB are fully incorporated into the IFB.

1.8. Restrictions on Communication with PPRB and DFA Staff

Vendors and their personnel may not contact any PPRB member or DFA staff regarding this IFB except for the contact person listed on the cover page.

https://www.dfa.ms.gov/current-solicitations https://www.ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Home/Buy

1.9. Cancellation of Solicitation or Rejection of Individual Bids OSSS may, at its sole discretion, cancel an IFB or reject any or all responses, in whole or in part, if it determines this action is in the State’s best interest.

1.10. Reconsideration of the Solicitation

Any potential Vendor may request that OSSS reconsider the solicitation terms. This reconsideration request can be accomplished by reference to Section 5.2.4 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations.

The potential Vendor shall file any such request within three (3) business days following the date of public notice of the solicitation. The potential Vendor must submit the request by email to both of the following individuals:

• Laura Furdge Statewide Procurement Analyst, Laura.Furdge@dfa.ms.gov

• Teselyn Funches, OPSCR Director, Teselyn.Funches@dfa.ms.gov

The requesting Vendor is solely responsible for ensuring the request is received on time by all required parties. Failure to submit a timely request in compliance with this section waives any claim regarding the solicitation terms.

The request shall include the requesting Vendor’s name, a single contact person, all contact information for that person, the RFx number of the solicitation, and the date the IFB was issued.

The request shall identify which of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations the requesting Vendor believes were violated by the solicitation as written. The request may not be based on anything other than the solicitation document and these rules and regulations. The Vendor shall not include exhibits with the request.

Instead, the requesting Vendor shall clearly identify the section(s) of the solicitation document at issue in its request. The request shall not be supplemented.

mailto:Laura.Furdge@dfa.ms.gov mailto:Teselyn.Funches@dfa.ms.gov

Section 2: Scope of Services and Requirements

Section 2. Scope of Services and Requirements

2.1. Scope of Services

OSSS is seeking bids for temporary staffing services in four categories: (1) General Office Support; (2) Administrative Office Support; (3) Accounting Office Support; and (4) Warehouse Clerks. Bids should be in the form of hourly rates as described in Section 2.6.1. Vendors may bid on all categories, a single category, or any number of categories in each Region for which they submit a bid.

2.1.1. General Office Support

The minimum requirements for staff to be placed at an Agency requesting general office support are:

2.1.1.1. High school diploma or GED;

2.1.1.2. Six (6) months of office support experience;

2.1.1.3. Good communication skills;

2.1.1.4. Proficiency in operating office equipment (copier, scanner, fax);

2.1.1.5. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs;

2.1.1.6. Experience in telephone etiquette and routing calls; and

2.1.1.7. Other general office support skills, as required.

2.1.2. Administrative Office Support

The minimum requirements for staff to be placed at an Agency requesting administrative office support are:

2.1.2.1. High school diploma or GED;

2.1.2.2. One (1) year of administrative support experience;

2.1.2.3. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;

2.1.2.4. Ability to compose and type routine letters and reports;

2.1.2.5. Ability to maintain a filing system for classifying, retrieving, and disposing of materials and correspondence, records, reports, and other documents;

2.1.2.6. Excellent communication skills; and

2.1.2.7. Other advanced office support skills, as required.

2.1.3. Accounting Office Support

The minimum requirements for staff to be placed at an Agency requesting accounting

2.1.3.1. High school diploma or GED;

2.1.3.2. One (1) year of accounting experience;

2.1.3.3. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel;

2.1.3.4. Basic knowledge of other Microsoft Office programs; and

2.1.3.5. Other accounting office support skills, as required.

2.1.4. Warehouse Clerk

The minimum requirements for staff to be placed at an Agency requesting warehouse clerks are:

2.1.4.1. Ability to stand for prolonged periods and to lift up to 50 pounds;

2.1.4.2. Ability to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or bend to pick up product(s) and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds;

2.1.4.3. Good communication skills;

2.1.4.4. Typing and record-keeping skills necessary to provide accurate information for managers and supervisors regarding warehouse inventory;

2.1.4.5. Willing to learn to operate a Stock Picker safely and be able to work above ground level; and

2.1.4.6. Other warehouse skills, as required.

2.2. Contract Deliverables

Upon execution of a contract to provide Temporary Staffing Services with a Contracting Agency, the Vendor shall:

2.2.1. Accurately describe the required job duties to all temporary staffing employees;

2.2.2. Maintain a pool of workers sufficient to meet the Contracting Agency's needs within forty-eight (48) hours;

2.2.3. Assign an Account Representative to work directly with the designated Agency Representative managing the contract;

2.2.4. If requested by the Contracting Agency, arrange for temporary staffing employees to complete an orientation specific to the Contracting Agency at the time required by the Contracting Agency;

2.2.5. Ensure that contract temporary staffing employees fully comply with the Contracting Agency's policies and procedures, and all applicable regulations as now existing or as may be modified;

2.2.6. Administer and maintain all employment and payroll records, payroll processing, and payment of payroll checks and taxes, including the deductions required by the state, federal, and local laws, such as social security and withholding taxes. It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to comply with laws or regulations requiring an employer to withhold and/or pay employment-related taxes or other withholdings required by law;

2.2.7. Abide by all ordinances and laws pertaining to the Contracting Agency's operation and secure all required licenses and permits;

2.2.8. Make all unemployment compensation contributions required by federal and State law and process claims as required;

2.2.9. Ensure that the temporary staffing employee understands work commitments and reports to work at the time and place specified by the Contracting Agency;

2.2.10. Replace any contract worker(s) or employee(s) not performing to the satisfaction of the Contracting Agency within forty-eight (48) hours of a request to do so by the Contracting Agency and at no additional expense to the Contracting Agency;

2.2.11. Perform all services provided in the contract with the Contracting Agency per customary and reasonable industry standards as well as in strict conformance to all laws, statutes, and ordinances and the applicable rules, regulations, methods, and procedures of all government boards, bureaus, offices, and other agencies;

2.2.12. Provide the information required for a Contracting Agency to perform a criminal background check or drug screening of a contract employee, if requested, or perform the criminal background check or drug screening and verify the results to the Contracting Agency.

2.2.12.1. If the Contracting Agency requests that the Vendor conduct the criminal background check or drug screening, the Contracting Agency and the Vendor may negotiate a fee for that service. The negotiated fee may not exceed the direct costs to the Vendor to perform the criminal background check or drug screening, including the cost of employee time required to schedule and process the check or screening. The Vendor must provide documentation to the satisfaction of the Contracting Agency of the direct costs, and the Contracting Agency and the Vendor must agree to a fixed price for the performance of the criminal background check or drug screening before implementation of any such check or screening.

2.2.13. At the request of the Contracting Agency, arrange for a Contracting Agency to interview any temporary staffing staff who may be placed at the Contracting Agency for up to one hour, at the Vendor's expense; and

2.2.14. Vendors must abide by all policies, procedures, and laws pertaining to the Contracting Agency's operation at all times, including but not limited to:

2.2.14.1. All state facilities are non-smoking; personnel must adhere to this requirement. The use of tobacco products is prohibited except within designated smoking areas.

2.2.14.2. Possessing any illegal drug or alcoholic beverage on state property is prohibited. Personnel shall not consume any unlawful or illegally obtained drug or alcoholic beverage while on duty.

2.2.14.3. Personnel should refrain from using foul, abusive, or profane language on state property.

2.2.14.4. Personnel shall not flirt or fraternize with Agency personnel or any visitor at the Agency.

2.2.14.5. Personnel shall not solicit or otherwise interfere with the work of Agency employees.

2.2.14.6. Personnel shall not engage in personal activities such as, but not limited to, texting, personal phone calls, or reading magazines while on the job and shall comply with the Agency's restrictions regarding visitation with friends, family members, or acquaintances while on the job.

2.2.14.7. Contracting Agency reserves the right to inspect and search all Contractor personnel or vehicles anytime while on facility grounds.

2.2.14.8. Personnel must sign in and out at most state facilities. Personnel must strictly observe security provisions for all state facilities.

2.2.14.9. Personnel may be required to provide photographic identification for inspection upon entering state facilities or grounds. Employees must wear clearly visible personnel identification badges, visitor badges, or personal identification of the individual employee.

2.2.14.10. Deviations from any of the policies in Section 2.2.14. may be considered grounds for contract termination.

2.3. Detailed Scope to be Provided by Contracting Agency

The Contracting Agency will provide a detailed scope and specific work requirements when that Agency selects a vendor on the PVL for consideration concerning a specific project or need. Such scope and requirements will include, but are not limited to, a description of work activities, required proficiency tests, a definition of deliverables, time frames, and budget parameters.

2.3.1. The Vendor must maintain a sufficient pool of qualified staff large enough to meet the Agency's needs within forty-eight hours. The Vendor must provide a reasonable representation of the average number of qualified temporary staff available in each service category for which it submits a bid.

2.4. Geographic Regions

Vendors may provide services in eight different regions of the State: North Delta, Northeast, South Delta, East Central, Central, Pinebelt, Southwest, and Coastal. There will be a separate list of vendors for each of these regions.

2.4.1. A map of the eight regions, and a list of the counties in each Region, are contained in Attachment A.

2.4.2. Bidders may bid to provide services in one or more regions or all regions.

2.4.3. Bidders may bid on one or more categories of temporary staffing staff or on all categories of temporary staffing staff in each of the regions for which it intends to submit a bid.

2.4.4. Bidders are not required to bid the same prices or on the same categories of temporary staffing services in each region.

2.4.5. By bidding on a region, the bidder certifies that it can provide the services solicited in this IFB in the entire geographic Region.

2.5. Duration of Services to be Provided

Pending approval by the PPRB, the PVL is anticipated to take effect on February 1, 2027.

Vendors placed on the PVL will remain on the list through January 31, 2032, unless they are removed pursuant to Section 2.9. Contracting Agencies may enter into new contracts with vendors on the PVL from February 1, 2027, through January 31, 2030. No new contracts may be established under this PVL after January 31, 2030. Contracts established on or before January 31, 2030, may be extended, provided that they end no later than January 31, 2032.

OSSS may request PPRB approval for an earlier or later PVL effective date. If approved, all related dates will be adjusted accordingly.

2.6. Bid Prices

Contracts resulting from this Invitation for Bids shall be fixed price. Bid prices submitted in response to this IFB shall remain firm and valid, for the term of the PVL, unless adjusted in accordance with Section 2.6.2.

2.6.1. Vendors must submit the following hourly rates for each service category they are bidding on.

2.6.1.1. Standard Hourly Rate

The Standard Hourly Rate shall be billed for hours worked between 12:00 am Monday through 11:59 pm the following Friday which do not qualify for holiday pay.

2.6.1.2. Weekend Hourly Rate

The Weekend Hourly Rate shall be billed for hours worked between 12:00 am Saturday through 11:59 pm the following Sunday which do not qualify for holiday pay. Any work to be paid at this rate shall be requested and/or approved by the Contracting Agency prior to the hours being worked.

2.6.1.3. Holiday Hourly Rate

The Holiday Hourly Rate shall be billed for hours worked between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Contracting Agency shall have the sole discretion to recognize more, but not less, holidays than those listed here to be paid at the Holiday Hourly Rate. Any work to be paid at this rate shall be requested and/or approved by the Contracting Agency prior to the hours being worked.

2.6.1.4. Standard Rate Applies Unless Bid Otherwise

The standard rate will apply where a Vendor bids on a category of service but does not bid on any particular type of hourly rate.

2.6.1.4.1. As an example, if a Vendor bids $50.00 for the standard hourly rate and does not bid on the weekend hourly rate, any hours that would have been billed under the weekend hourly rate will be billed at $50.00.

2.6.1.5. Overtime

Overtime shall be defined as hours in excess of 40 worked by a single individual at the Contracting Agency’s facility in a one-week period. The Contracting Agency shall pay the applicable hourly rate plus a direct reimbursement for costs paid by the vendor to the individual temporary staffing employee due to the overtime hours worked.

2.6.1.5.1. As an example, a vendor bids $50.00 per hour for the standard hourly rate and compensates the temporary staffing employee $40.00 per hour for standard business hours. Assuming the temporary staffing employee is paid time-and-a-half by the vendor for overtime hours worked during standard business hours, or $60.00 per hour, the additional cost to the vendor is $20.00 per hour. Therefore, the Contracting Agency would pay the vendor $70.00 per overtime hour worked during standard business hours ($50.00 for the standard hourly rate plus the $20.00 direct reimbursement for the additional overtime payment to the temporary staffing employee).

2.6.1.5.2. To be compensated for additional costs due to overtime work, the vendor must provide documentation of its direct costs paid to the individual temporary staffing employee to the reasonable satisfaction of the Contracting Agency.

2.6.1.5.3. For purposes of calculating overtime, the week shall begin at 12:00 am Sunday and end at 11:59 pm the following Saturday, unless the Contracting Agency states otherwise. The Contracting Agency has the sole discretion to determine when the week shall begin for overtime purposes.

2.6.1.5.4. Any work to be paid at an overtime rate shall be requested and/or approved by the Contracting Agency prior to the hours being worked.

Should the vendor fail to obtain approval for the overtime rate prior to the hours being worked, no overtime compensation shall be paid.

2.6.1.5.5. Hours worked for other employers or at facilities other than the Contracting Agency’s facilities shall not be considered in the determination as to whether overtime compensation is due.

2.6.2. Price Adjustment

At the time of contracting with a PVL vendor, Contracting Agencies may choose to include the price adjustment clause stated in Section 2.6.2.1. It is not mandatory that Contracting Agencies include this clause in a contract under this PVL. No price adjustment will be allowed in contracts other than by inclusion of the price adjustment clause in Section

2.6.2.1. When preparing bids in response to this IFB, Vendors should assume that no such price adjustment will be allowed.

2.6.2.1. A price adjustment may be allowed in the event of unanticipated market disruptions that render the hourly rates bid by the Contractor in response to Invitation for Bids 2026-02, Preapproved List of Vendors for Temporary Staffing Services, no longer viable for the provision of services required by the Contracting Agency. Market disruptions that could precipitate a price adjustment include, but are not limited to, regulatory/licensing changes, public health emergencies, labor shortages, and changes to minimum wage or overtime rules. The Vendor must provide a market analysis of the viability of the originally bid rates and of the rates the Vendor contends would be viable under the current market conditions. The Vendor shall provide any other documentation or information the Contracting Agency requires to support the request for a price adjustment. The Contracting Agency has the sole discretion to determine whether a price adjustment will be allowed, the amount of the price adjustment, and the duration of the price adjustment. Any price adjustment made under this provision should be limited to that required to accommodate the precipitating market disruption. Under no circumstances shall a price adjustment result in the adjusted hourly rate exceeding 110% of the original bid hourly rate. (For example, an originally bid hourly rate of $50.00 could increase to, but not exceed, $55.00 under this clause.)

2.6.3. A Contracting Agency is encouraged, but not required, to contact the lowest-priced Vendor for the temporary staffing services needed.

2.7. Insurance Requirements

2.7.1. Each successful bidder shall maintain insurance which, at a minimum, shall include the following types of insurance and coverage limits:

2.7.1.1. Workers’ Compensation as required by the laws of the State of

Mississippi;

2.7.1.2. Comprehensive General Liability or Professional General Liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence; and,

2.7.1.3. Employee Dishonesty Insurance or Fidelity Bond Insurance with third-party liability coverage and with minimum limits of $100,000.00.

2.7.2. All insurance policies will list the State of Mississippi as an additional insured, and upon request, the Vendor will provide copies of any insurance documentation to the Contracting Agency and/or the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration.

2.7.3. All insurance policies shall be issued by companies authorized to do business under the laws of the State of Mississippi. Insurance carriers must be licensed or hold a Certificate of Authority from the Mississippi Department of Insurance.

2.7.4. The Contracting Agency may reserve the right to request certificates of insurance directly from the Vendor's insurance carrier regarding the required coverage.

2.7.5. Agencies may require greater limits and will negotiate with Vendors regarding the same.

2.7.6. Any temporary staffing staff assigned to a Contracting Agency who has or may have a claim under the workers' compensation laws of the State of Mississippi shall make such a claim against the workers' compensation policy of the Vendor who assigned the staff to the Contracting Agency. The Vendor agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Contracting Agency in the event any cost, judgment, fee, or other expense is incurred by the Contracting Agency or its insurer(s) pursuant to the workers' compensation laws of Mississippi arising out of a claim by any staff person placed at the Contracting Agency by the Vendor.

2.8. Contract Terms and Conditions

Following the establishment of a list of preapproved vendors for temporary staffing services, Contracting Agencies will primarily use a contract substantially similar, if not identical, to the sample contract in Attachment G of this IFB. By submitting a bid, Vendors acknowledge their willingness to enter such contract without substantial revision.

2.8.1. The scope requirements in this IFB, the hourly rate bid in response to this IFB, and the contract clauses required to be included in contracts for personal and professional services pursuant to Appendix C of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations are fixed and non-negotiable.

2.8.2. Any contract resulting from this IFB will be for an indefinite quantity of hours to be furnished as requested by the Contracting Agency for fixed hourly rates. Contracting Agencies cannot guarantee any Vendor a minimum number of hours. Contracting Agencies will pay only for hours worked at the request of the Contracting Agency.

2.8.3. At the sole discretion of the Contracting Agency, the following requirements may be included in contracts under this PVL, if the Contracting Agency determines that including such requirements is in the best interest of the State:

2.8.3.1. Vendors contracting under this PVL are prohibited from recruiting any temporary staffing staff at the Contracting Agency's facility for employment with the Vendor. The prohibition on recruiting applies whether the temporary staffing staff are employees of the Contracting Agency, contract workers, independent contractors, or employees assigned by another staffing agency providing temporary staffing staff at the Contracting Agency's facility.

2.8.3.2. A person assigned to a Contracting Agency's facility under this PVL may only be assigned to that facility by the Vendor who initially placed the person with the Contracting Agency. That person may not be assigned to the particular facility by another Vendor providing temporary staffing services to the Contracting Agency. The Contracting Agency has the sole discretion to waive this requirement when the Contracting Agency determines that doing so is in the best interest of the State.

2.8.3.3. Vendors must require all temporary staffing staff assigned to the Contracting Agency to sign in and out of their shift using a standard timesheet provided by the Contracting Agency. It is the responsibility of the Vendor to ensure the timesheet is appropriately completed and approved by the shift supervisor at the Contracting Agency. Contracting Agencies may refuse to pay for hours where the Vendor failed to ensure the timesheet was appropriately completed by the temporary staffing staff and approved by the appropriate supervisor during the shift.

2.8.3.4. Vendors must agree to cooperate with the Contracting Agency in any reasonable efforts to prevent fraud, waste, or abuse; in any investigations regarding alleged negligence or intentional misconduct by temporary staffing staff assigned to the Contracting Agency by the Vendor; or in any other endeavor the Contracting Agency may undertake to protect the integrity of the services requested, provided, and to be paid for under this contract.

2.8.3.5. The Contracting Agency has the right to refuse any individual temporary staffing staff assigned by the Vendor to the Contracting Agency. This right of refusal is in the sole discretion of the Contracting Agency and does not require that the Contracting Agency provide cause or justification for such refusal.

2.8.3.6. The Vendor must provide all reasonable information requested by the Contracting Agency on its invoices, including but not limited to the temporary staffing staff's name, position, dates worked, hours worked, and the applicable pay rate.

2.8.3.7. Throughout the life of the contract, the Vendor's Account Representative, as appointed under Section 2.2.3., or any person the Account Representative has appointed in writing to be their designee, is the only person authorized to approve or accept shifts requested by the Contracting Agency. Individual temporary staffing staff assigned to the Contracting Agency cannot accept shifts. Acceptance of any shifts by the Vendor shall be done in writing prior to the shift.

2.8.4. Under no circumstances shall any temporary staffing staff assigned to a Contracting Agency under a contract resulting from this IFB be considered an employee of the Contracting Agency or the State of Mississippi. The Vendor shall be responsible for complying with all applicable employment and labor laws and regulations, workplace safety requirements, laws regarding taxation, and any other relevant laws, regulations, or legal requirements.

2.8.5. Contracting Agencies may have additional minimum requirements before Contracting, including specific certifications, licenses, designations, and/or training pertinent to the Contracting Agency's operations. Examples include, but are not limited to, successful drug test passage or completion of specialized training. If required, the Contractor must provide copies of the certifications, licenses, designations, etc., to the Contracting Agency. All certifications and licenses should be current and maintained in accordance with the contract.

2.9. Removal from PVL

Vendors added to the PVL may be removed from the list for cause by the PPRB or added to the debarment list pursuant to Chapter 15, Exclusion of Vendor from Future Contract Awards, of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations, as updated and replaced by the PPRB. A Vendor’s failure to honor submitted hourly rates, as may be adjusted pursuant to Section 2.6.2, during the term of the PVL may result in removal from the PVL and/or debarment.

Section 3: Bid Submission and Bid Opening

Section 3. Bid Submission and Bid Opening

3.1. Bid Submission Format

All bids must be submitted in writing and include all documentation requested in the Invitation for Bids. Bids lacking required documentation may not be considered. Only information provided in the Bid Form and required attachments will be evaluated.

The bid package must contain the following:

3.1.1. Bid Cover Sheet (Attachment B)

3.1.2. Bid Form (Attachment C)

The Vendor must submit a separate bid form for each Region in which it intends to bid. A Vendor bidding on all eight (8) Regions with identical pricing across all Regions may submit a single Bid Form indicating all Regions, in lieu of a separate Bid Form for each Region. All pricing must be included on the bid form. Each Bid Form must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of the Vendor.

3.1.3. Client Reference and Verification Forms (Attachment D) Each Vendor must provide two (2) completed Client Reference and Verification Forms from two (2) different clients for whom the vendor provided temporary staffing services within the two (2) years preceding the bid submission deadline.

The Client Reference and Verification Form must be completed and signed by a representative of the client and must identify the types of temporary positions filled, the approximate dates services were provided, and the approximate number of temporary workers placed. The client representative must also provide their name, title, email address, and telephone number.

The Vendor is responsible for ensuring that each form is completed and submitted with its bid. OSSS or the Contracting Agency may contact the client representative to verify the information provided on the form. If OSSS determines that a form is not genuine or contains a material misrepresentation, the Vendor may be subject to removal from the PVL pursuant to Section 2.9.

A Client Reference and Verification Form must be completed and signed by the client representative to be considered complete. Electronic signatures are acceptable in lieu of handwritten signatures.

3.1.4. Signed Certifications and Assurances (Attachment E)

3.1.5. Release of Bid as Public Record (Attachment F)

3.1.6. Acknowledgment of all IFB Amendments that may be issued before the closing date.

See Section 1.6.

Do not include a copy of this IFB in the bid package. Submit only the completed forms and other documents required by this section, including acknowledgment of any amendments issued before the bid submission deadline.

3.2 Bid Submission Requirements

Bids must be submitted by November 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm Central Time. Vendors may submit bids using either of the methods described below, but only one submission is required. The Vendor is solely responsible for ensuring timely delivery. Late bids will be rejected and remain unopened.

OSSS, DFA, and PPRB are not responsible for delivery delays, lost packages, misdirected emails, or other errors.

3.2.1. General Page and File Size Requirements

Submissions that exceed the stated page limit or file size may be deemed non-responsive and rejected. Except for the items listed below, the bid response and supporting documentation must not exceed ten (10) pages. Attachments and appendices not explicitly requested in the IFB count toward the page limit. All electronic submissions must be in PDF format and no larger than five (5) megabytes. The Vendor is responsible for ensuring compliance with these requirements.

The following sections do not count toward the 10-page limit:

• Cover letter

• Table of contents

• Required forms (B, C, D, E, & F) provided in this IFB

• Copies of certifications or licenses

3.2.1.1. Submission of a Physical Bid

The Vendor may submit physical copies of the original signed bid package in a sealed envelope or package addressed to:

Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration Office of Statewide Strategic Sourcing Attn: Laura Furdge 501 North West Street, Suite 1300 Jackson, MS 39201

The Vendor must clearly label the sealed envelope or package with the following information:

SEALED BID – DO NOT OPEN

Preapproved Vendor List RFx # 3160008195

OSSS will record the date and time of receipt on the envelope or package. The Vendor is responsible for submitting the bid package early enough to account for possible delivery delays. Vendors are encouraged to use a delivery service that provides tracking and delivery confirmation. OSSS’s recorded date and time of receipt will determine timeliness.

3.2.1.2. Submission of Bid via Electronic Mail

The Vendor shall submit the original signed bid package in PDF format as a single attachment to one email sent to PVLs@dfa.ms.gov.

The subject line of the email must read:

“SEALED BID Temporary Staffing PVL RFx # 3160008195”

The date and time stamp on the email, as received by OSSS, will serve as the official receipt time. The Vendor is solely responsible for ensuring OSSS receives the email with the bid package before the submission deadline.

3.2.2. Bidders must submit bids using the IFB Forms provided by OSSS. Bidders shall not recreate, reformat, or otherwise alter the forms or their required language, fields, certifications, acknowledgements, or pricing provisions. Bidders may expand fields or make minor formatting adjustments only as necessary to provide the requested information, provided the form’s content and structure are not otherwise changed. Failure to comply may result in rejection of the bid as non-responsive.

3.2.3. Any Vendor claiming its response contains information exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act (Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 25-61-1, et. seq., and 79-23-1) shall provide an additional copy of the bid package that has the relevant information redacted and cites the specific statutory authority for contention that each redaction is exempt.

3.2.4. Bids submitted via facsimile will not be accepted.

3.3. Expenses Incurred in the Procurement Process

All parties participating in the procurement process regarding this solicitation shall bear their own participation costs, pursuant to Section 1.4.4 of the Public Procurement Review Board Office of Personal Service Contract Review Rules and Regulations.

3.4. Independent Price Determination

By submitting a bid, the Vendor certifies that the prices submitted in response to the solicitation have been arrived at independently and without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Vendor or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition. The quoted prices shall include, but are not limited to, all required equipment and/or materials, all required insurance, all required overhead, all required profit, and all required licenses, certifications, fees, or permits.

3.5. Withdrawal of a Bid

A Vendor may withdraw a bid before the bid opening by providing written notice to OSSS. No explanation is required.

3.6. Debarment

By submitting a bid, the Vendor certifies that it is not currently debarred from submitting bids for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi or Federal government and that it is not an agent of a person or entity that is currently debarred from submitting bids for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Mississippi or Federal government.

3.7. Registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and State Accounting System

3.7.1. By submitting a bid, the Vendor certifies that it is registered to do business in the State of Mississippi as prescribed by Mississippi law and the Mississippi Secretary of State or that it will complete registration within seven (7) business days after receiving the Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA).

3.7.2. By submitting a bid, the Vendor certifies that it is registered as a supplier in Mississippi’s Accountability System for Government Information and Collaboration (MAGIC) or that it will complete registration within seven (7) business days after receiving the NOIA. The website to register as a vendor with the State of Mississippi is:

https://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors

3.7.3. OSSS may withhold PVL placement if the vendor does not complete required registration(s) within the stated period.

3.8. Note to Agencies and Vendors

Agencies are cautioned that this procurement may not comply with guidelines from outside funding sources, such as the Federal government or various grants. It is the Contracting Agency’s responsibility, when using such funding sources, to verify that this IFB meets all State and Federal procurement requirements. This procurement does not replace currently active service contracts, and Agencies will not be asked to terminate their current contracts. Agencies do not have to contract with the Vendors on the PVL; however, Agencies that choose to contract using the PVL will not be required to conduct a procurement.

3.9. Minor Informalities and Irregularities

OSSS has the right to waive minor defects or variations of a bid from the exact requirements of the specifications that do not affect the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance of the services being procured and if doing so does not create an unfair advantage for any Vendor. If insufficient information is submitted by a bidder for OSSS to properly evaluate the offer, OSSS has the right to require such additional information as it may deem necessary after the submission deadline, provided that the information requested does not change the price, quality, quantity, delivery, or performance time of the services being procured and such a request does not create an unfair advantage for any Vendor. (Information requested may include, for example, a copy of business or professional licenses, or a work schedule.)

3.10. Contract Rights

Contract rights do not vest in any party until a contract is legally executed. OSSS is under no obligation to award a contract following issuance of this solicitation.

3.11. Property Rights

Property rights do not inure to any Bidder until such time as services have been provided under a legally executed contract. No party responding to this IFB has a legitimate claim of entitlement to https://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors be awarded a contract or to the provision of work thereunder. OSSS is under no obligation to award a contract and may terminate a legally executed contract at any time.

Section 4: Bid Evaluation and Award

Section 4. Bid Evaluation and Award

4.1 Minimum Vendor Requirements

To be eligible for placement on the PVL, a Bidder must meet all requirements set forth below:

4.1.1. Bidder must have been in business and provided services similar to those being solicited in this IFB for a minimum of two (2) years.

4.1.2. Bidder must have made at least 40 temporary staffing placements within the previous two (2) years. Each separate assignment of an individual to a client counts as one placement.

4.1.3. If the bidder does not maintain an office in a region, it must explain on the Bid Form (Attachment C) how it will service that region.

4.1.4. Bidder must submit two (2), completed Client Reference and Verification Forms as described in Section 3.1.5.

4.1.5. Bidder must provide documentation showing current registration to do business in the State and good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State. If not currently registered, submission of a bid constitutes agreement to complete registration within seven

(7) business days of receiving the Notice of Intent to Award from OSSS.

4.1.6. Bidder must be registered as a vendor in the Mississippi Accountability System for Government Information and Collaboration (MAGIC). If not currently registered, submission of a bid constitutes agreement to complete registration within seven (7) business days of receiving the Notice of Intent to Award from OSSS.

4.2 Basis for Award

4.2.1. OSSS will evaluate bids solely on the requirements specified in this IFB. No additional criteria will be considered.

4.2.2. Only Vendors determined to be responsive and responsible will have their bids considered.

4.2.2.1. Responsive Vendor: Vendor must submit its bid, including the Bid Form and all required Attachments and other documents, in a manner that conforms in all material respects to this Invitation for Bids as determined by OSSS.

4.2.2.2. Nonconforming Terms and Conditions: A bid response that includes terms and conditions that do not conform to the terms and conditions in the bid document is subject to rejection as non-responsive. OSSS reserves the right to permit the Vendor to withdraw nonconforming terms and conditions from its bid response prior to OSSS's determination of non-responsiveness based on the submission of nonconforming terms and conditions.

4.2.2.3. Conditioning Bid Upon Other Awards: Any bid that is conditioned upon receiving an award of both the particular contract being solicited and another Mississippi contract shall be deemed non-responsive and not acceptable.

4.2.3. Bid Evaluation Process

For each responsive and responsible bidder, OSSS will calculate the average hourly rate for each service category in each region. For evaluation purposes, where a bidder leaves Weekend or Holiday blank, OSSS will substitute the bidder’s Standard Hourly Rate pursuant to Section 2.6.1.4.

OSSS will then find the mean of the average bid prices of all responsive and responsible bidders for each category of service in each region. All bidders whose average bid price does not exceed 125% of the mean for that category of service will be placed on the PVL for the region.

For example, if four responsive and responsible bidders submit hourly rates for General Office Support and Warehouse Clerks in the Coastal Region, OSSS will first determine the average bid price for each bidder in each service category.

General Office Support

Vendor Standard Hourly Rate

Weekend Hourly Rate

Holiday Hourly Rate

Average Bid Price

A $20.00 $25.00 $30.00 $25.00

B $15.00 $30.00 $35.00 $26.67

C $20.00 $25.00 $25.00 $23.33

D $30.00 $35.00 $40.00 $35.00

Warehouse Clerks

Vendor Standard Hourly Rate

Weekend Hourly Rate

Holiday Hourly Rate

Average Bid Price

A $20.00 $25.00 $25.00 $23.33

B $15.00 $15.00 $30.00 $20.00

C $20.00 $25.00 $25.00 $23.33

D $35.00 $35.00 $40.00 $36.67

OSSS will then determine the mean of the average bid prices for all bidders in each category of service in each region. The maximum bid price placed on the PVL will be 125% of the mean.

Mean of Average Bid Price 125% of Mean General Office Support $27.50 $34.38

Warehouse Clerks $25.83 $32.29

In the example above, OSSS would place Vendors A, B and C on the PVL for both categories of service. Vendor D would not be placed on the PVL because its average bid prices are above 125% of the mean.

4.3. Award Notification

After reviewing the bids, OSSS will post the Notice of Intent to Award on the DFA website and procurement portal and will notify all bidders by email.

4.4. Rolling Awards

OSSS reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to conduct one or more rolling awards through January 31, 2029, to update the Preapproved Vendor List (PVL) if it determines that doing so is in the best interest of the State. If OSSS elects to conduct a rolling award, the process outlined in this section shall apply:

4.4.1. OSSS will issue a notice stating the bid submission deadline, bid opening information, and any instruction applicable to the rolling award.

4.4.2. Bids submitted for consideration during Rolling Awards must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 3 of this IFB and must be received by OSSS no later than the deadline identified in the applicable Rolling Awards notice.

4.4.3. For physical and email submissions, Bidders must follow Sections 3.2.1.1 and 3.2.1.2, respectively, except that the information on the sealed package or in the email subject line must reflect any instructions in the Rolling Awards notice.

4.4.4. All Bidders considered for inclusion on the PVL through a rolling award must be determined to be responsive and responsible as described in this IFB.

4.4.5. For each service category and region, a Bidder’s average hourly rate must not exceed 125% of the mean of the average hourly rates calculated from bids submitted for the original PVL. The original PVL mean will remain the benchmark for each rolling award conducted under this IFB. See Section 4.2.3 for the calculation method.

Attachment A: Regional Map

ATTACHMENT A: Regional Map

Attachment B: Bid Cover Sheet

ATTACHMENT B: Bid Cover Sheet

The Office of Statewide Strategic Sourcing at the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration, on behalf of the Public Procurement Review Board, invites Vendors to apply for inclusion on a preapproved list for Temporary Staffing Services. This list will be used as needed by State Agencies under the PPRB’s authority.

Please submit bids by November 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm Central Time.

Clearly mark all envelopes or packages containing sealed bids as follows:

SEALED BID – DO NOT OPEN

Temporary Staffing Services Preapproved Vendor List RFx # 3160008195

Name of Company: ______________________________________________________________

Quoted By: ____________________________________________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip Code: _____________________________________________________________

Company Representative: _________________________________________________________

Telephone:

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