UConn Student Health Insurance Plan RFP CDR083126.pdf

RFP# CDR083126 Page 1

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Student Health Insurance Plan

RFP# CDR083126

Proposal Release Date

August 31, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference

September 21, 2026; 11:00 AM (ET)

Proposal Due Date

October 13, 2026; 2:00 PM (ET)

UConn Procurement

3 Discovery Drive, Unit 6076

Storrs, CT 06269-6076

Phone: 860.486.2619

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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Background - About UConn

3.0 Scope of Work

4.0 Instructions to Proposers

5.0 Submission Instructions:

6.0 Standard RFP Requirements

7.0 Standard Contract Terms and Conditions

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1.0 Introduction

The University of Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the “University”) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced suppliers (hereinafter referred to as "vendor", "proposer", "bidder", “firm”, or

"respondent") to enter into a contract(s) to provide the described services to the University.

2.0 Background - About UConn

UConn is a large, public university which occupies over 4,302 acres, enrolls over 30,000 students, and produces over 7,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees annually. The main campus is located in Storrs, Connecticut and regional campuses are located in the Connecticut towns of Groton

(Avery Point), Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury. Its academic health center, UConn Health, is located in Farmington, Connecticut. Detailed information is available via the University’s website.

The Storrs campus has a resident population of approximately 14,000 students and maintains a comprehensive on-campus health facility. Student Health and Wellness provides primary and acute care ambulatory services in addition to maintaining a licensed infirmary (inpatient) unit. Student Health and

Wellness, which is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Facilities

(AAAHC) provides a wide variety of services that include primary care visits with doctors and nurse practitioners, including gynecologic and gender-affirming care; appointments with nurses, nutritionists, and physical activity counselors; and individual and group therapy with licensed clinicians in addition to medication management visits. Student Health and Wellness also has a pharmacy, laboratory draw station and specimen processing, x-ray department, and allergy clinic. Services are provided by a multi-disciplinary staff consisting of board-certified primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, laboratory technicians, x-ray technicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, and appropriate clerical and support staff. Student Health and Wellness is only available to

Storrs Campus students. Students attending regional campuses seek healthcare services from local or regional providers in the surrounding communities.

Student Health and Wellness provides care from 8am to 6pm during the academic year, including a 24 hour advice nurse while school is in session. The University maintains its own ambulance service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (24/7/365) providing transportation to a local hospital when required. Student Health and Wellness is supported by a Student Health and Wellness

Fee, which is paid by all matriculated Storrs students and fee for service billing. Services are not available for the spouses or children of students, nor is there a Student Health and Wellness available at regional campuses for direct medical and mental health care. There are nurse navigators and social workers available for consultation under the regional SHaW Fee. Many services provided by Student

Health and Wellness are included in the Student Health & Wellness Fee and are provided at no additional cost to the students. Student Health and Wellness participates with major insurance carriers.

The Student Health Insurance Plan is billed on a ledger basis. UConn SHaW Pharmacy claims will be ledger billed and reimbursed at a mutually agreed up on rate during the contract period. Fees are charged for visits with MD’s, APRN’s, Psychiatrists and Mental Health clinicians. Additionally, there are https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuconn.edu%2Fabout-us%2Ffacts%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmadison.fournier%40uconn.edu%7C4191b187587c4cc2e1e008de5d12358b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639050529940588751%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ppYwhafYW7sLrekm%2FQ8kRt%2FkDaRskd6G4XsBgdAUKm4%3D&reserved=0

RFP# CDR083126 Page 4 charges for laboratory, pharmacy and X-rays. Fee Schedules are reviewed and adjusted at the beginning of each fiscal year.

UConn requires that all full-time students maintain adequate health insurance coverage while enrolled.

The University offers a fully ACA-compliant Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) with the following objectives:

Quality of Care: A high-quality program as measure by recognized objective standards including member and provider satisfaction;

Cost Effectiveness: A cost-effective program ensuring that health care service is managed effectively;

Collaboration/Partnership: Local and regional providers and stakeholders are involved in the continuous operation of the program;

Service Delivery: The program is administered accurately, efficiently, and cost effectively with limited member involvement; and, Ease of Administration: The program provides accurate, timely data; Participants understand the plan; and, the Plan Administrator provides on-campus enrollment and management support based on a mutually agreeable schedule.

The SHIP includes prescription drug coverage and participates with almost all local physicians and hospitals.

All full-time students receive electronic mailings advising them of the on-line process required to waive the University sponsored health insurance plan. Those students who specifically choose to be covered by not submitting the on-line waiver, or fail, by omission, to waive out of the required coverage, are automatically charged for the University sponsored health insurance plan via the student fee bill.

Students who are not subject to the hard waiver program (example – part-time students) are able to enroll voluntarily and pay the insurer directly.

Coverage for Student-Athletes:

The University of Connecticut is one of the nation's premier athletic programs and competes at the

NCAA Division I level across 21 varsity sports teams. UConn has a varsity student-athlete population of approximately 585, with approximately 100 domestic student athletes and 100-115 International student athletes currently participating in the Student Health Insurance Plan or participating in an alternative plan offered through the University. UConn has identified better addressing the unique health insurance coverage needs of its student-athletes as an area of concern and intends to address that concern through this RFP.

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3.0 Scope of Work

The University of Connecticut is seeking proposals from qualified student health insurance providers to deliver a comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan commencing with the 2027-28 academic year.

All products and services provided under the awarded contract must meet the standards and requirements outlined throughout this RFP and in a resulting contract.

It is the University’s intent to make a single award as a result of this RFP. However, the University reserves the right to make multiple awards if it is deemed by the University to be in the University’s best interest to do so.

The objective of this RFP is to award a contract for the UConn Student Health Insurance Plan for the

2027-28 academic year and future years as mutually agreed between the University and the awarded student health insurance provider during the contract term, as extended. The SHIP must meet the mandatory minimum coverage and plan design requirements as described in the “Minimum Coverage and Plan Design Requirements” document posted in the HuskyBuy platform “Buyer Attachments” for this opportunity. The awarded student health insurance provider must also provide periodic reporting, claims processing, administrative, and operational support services as described in the “Reporting, Processing, and Administrative Services Requirements” document posted in the HuskyBuy platform

“Buyer Attachments” for this opportunity.

The University has compiled relevant historical plan data for proposer reference. The following material has been posted in the HuskyBuy platform “Buyer Attachments” for this opportunity:

Claims Experience 2022 - 2026;

Pharmacy Claims Data (Top Drugs by Name and Classification) 2025-26

A secondary objective of this RFP is to include within the contract award, or award a separate contract, for the UConn Student Health Insurance Plan – Athlete alternative plan. The SHIP – Athlete plan must meet the mandatory minimum coverage and plan design requirements as described in the “Minimum

Coverage and Plan Design Requirements” document posted in the HuskyBuy platform “Buyer

Attachments” for this opportunity and the additional plan design elements identified in the supplemental document containing student-athlete coverage needs titled “Student-Athlete Alternative

Plan Design.”

Financial / Economic Proposal

The proposal must contain an itemized statement of proposed premiums for student, student +1, and family plans and all proposed administrative charges or fees for both annual and semester only plans.

Premiums for extension periods must remain unchanged unless substantiated documentation is provided relative to the medical rate of inflation and loss ratios. Proposals must include permissible loss ratios specifications.

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Contract Term:

Initial term of 1 year, plus four additional 1-year extensions, or any part or combination thereof, for a total potential contract term of 5 years.

4.0 Instructions to Proposers

4.1 RFP Schedule

RFP SCHEDULE DUE DATES*

RFP Issue/Release August 31, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference September 21, 2026; 11:00 AM (ET)

Question Deadline September 30, 2026; 2:00 PM (EST)

Proposal Due Date & Time October 13, 2026; 2:00 PM (ET)

Proposer Presentations or

Demonstrations [optional] [Presentation/Demos Dates]

*Subject to change as deemed necessary by the University.

** A Pre-Proposal Conference will be conducted via virtual meeting platform. Directions for the

Pre-Proposal Conference will be posted in the HuskyBuy platform “Buyer Attachments” for this opportunity 48 hours in advance. Pre-Proposal Conference attendance is optional for prospective proposers but highly encouraged.

4.2 Point of Contact: All communications and/or inquiries regarding this RFP must be submitted through the HuskyBuy portal. Failure to adhere to this provision may result in a Proposer being declared ineligible, proposal rejection, or Sourcing Event cancellation. The University will not respond to any request for clarification received after the Deadline for Proposer Questions has expired.

Under no circumstances may any proposer or its representative contact any employee or representative of the University regarding this Sourcing Event prior to the closing date. Strict adherence to this important procedural safeguard is required. Any violation of this condition may result in the proposer being considered non-compliant and ineligible for award.

4.3 Communications: Upon formal issuance of a RFP, the University and Proposer(s) will cease all informal communications relevant to the RFP and assume a formal, in writing, communication posture until a binding contractual agreement is executed with the selected Proposer(s), all other Proposers have been notified as to their RFP status, or when the University formally

RFP# CDR083126 Page 7 rejects all proposals and cancels the RFP process. Failure to adhere this provision may result in a

Proposer being declared ineligible, proposal rejection, or RFP cancellation.

4.4 Addenda: Addenda are issued in response to Proposer questions and/or University clarifications and revisions to the RFP. Addenda are incorporated into the RFP and may be incorporated along with the RFP into any resulting contract. Failure of a Proposer to retrieve any addendum shall not relieve the Proposer of any responsibility for complying with the terms thereof. All addenda must be acknowledged by the Proposer in the HuskyBuy portal. Failure to acknowledge any and all addenda may be grounds for rejection of the proposal response. If the

University issues an addendum or otherwise amends the RFP or the HuskyBuy portal entry for this opportunity, after the proposal has been submitted, the Proposer must re-submit the proposal in the HuskyBuy portal before the due date and time after reviewing the addendum or amendment.

4.5 Pre-Proposal Conference: A Pre-Proposal Conference is a scheduled meeting which may occur during a public RFP solicitation process. The purpose of the meeting is to provide interested

Proposers with an opportunity to: pose questions related to the RFP process and request Scope of Work information and/or clarification. Pre-Proposal Conference attendance for the opportunity is optional for prospective proposers but highly encouraged. [See the Solicitation

Schedule above for specific schedule details and requirements.]

4.6 Proposal Presentations: The University evaluation committee may require proposal presentations or extended demonstrations. If invited to present or demonstrate, the Proposer will be responsible for making all the necessary arrangements and will bear all costs associated with the presentation or demonstration. Presentations or demonstrations will be scheduled at the discretion of the University and within the time allocated in the RFP schedule, when possible. [See the Solicitation Schedule for specific schedule details]. Presentation or demonstration invitations will be only issued to those firms selected to participate in the presentation or demonstration phase of this RFP and will include the meeting date, time, location, duration, and associated agenda/requirements outlining specific proposal areas for discussion, as outlined at the University’s discretion.

4.7 Campus Visitor Parking: Campus parking is strictly regulated, and violations are subject to monetary fines. Visitors must park only in areas specifically designated for general public parking (signed, paved, and lined parking areas and/or parking garage). Detailed parking information is available at the following links:

4.7.1 UCONN Parking Services (Main and Regional Campuses)

http://park.uconn.edu/

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4.8 Proposal Evaluation Criteria: All proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation committee, using the specific evaluation criteria listed in the table below. Each criterion has been assigned a value representing the relative weight. The evaluation committee will conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the proposals received and recommend which proposal(s) is the most advantageous to the needs of the University.

Evaluation Criteria Weight

Company Experience and Demonstrated Capability 20

Plan Design, Coverage, and Value-Added Features 30

Staffing Plan, Reporting, and Services 20

Financial / Economic Proposal 30

Total 100

In the event the evaluation committee elects to conduct presentations or extended demonstrations by any one or more of the proposers, the evaluation committee will re-assess the proposal of each proposer that remains in the evaluation process by adjusting overall rank order based on the proposal, the supplemental content received during each such event, and the assessment of most advantageous overall to the needs of the University.

5.0 Submission Instructions:

5.1 RFP Due Date and Time: Proposals are due at the date and time stated in the Solicitation

Schedule above. Any proposal received after the stated due date and time will be rejected.

Mailed, hand-delivered, facsimile, emailed, or other physical proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances.

5.2 Submittal: The entire Proposal, including all mandatory requirements, attachments, or supplemental material must be submitted using the HuskyBuy portal. Elaborate proposals, in the form of brochures or other presentation materials beyond what is necessary to present a complete and effective proposal, are not desired and should not be included. The narrative responses in the HuskyBuy portal should be complete and comprehensive, with a corresponding emphasis on being concise and clear. Any materials that a supplier feels are needed to provide clarity to their proposal should be included as attachments to the proposal.

6.0 Standard RFP Requirements

6.1 Definitions

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6.1.1 “Request for Proposals (RFP)" means all documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, utilized for soliciting proposals. Awards made as a result of an RFP shall be based upon “Competitive Negotiation”.

6.1.2 "Competitive negotiation" means a procedure for contracting for supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services, in which proposals are solicited from qualified suppliers by a request for proposals, and changes may be negotiated in proposals and prices after being submitted.

6.1.3 “Addenda” means written and/or graphic instructions issued by the University prior to the receipt of proposals that modify or interpret the Request for Proposal documents by addition, deletions, clarification, or corrections.

6.1.4 "Proposer" means a person, firm or corporation submitting a proposal in response to a

Request for Proposal.

6.1.5 “Contractor” means any business that is awarded, or is a subcontractor under, a contract or an amendment to a contract with a state contracting agency under statutes and regulations concerning procurement, including, but not limited to, a small contractor, minority business enterprise, an individual with a disability, as defined in section 4a-60, or an organization providing products and services by persons with disabilities.

6.1.6 “Non-Acceptance of Proposal” means another proposal was deemed more advantageous to the University or that all proposals were rejected.

6.1.7 “Offer” or “Proposal” means the Proposer’s response to this Request for Proposal.

6.1.8 “Services” shall mean all services described within the scope of this RFP.

6.1.9 “Agreement” shall mean the contract issued as a result of this Request for Proposal.

6.1.10 “CT-based Businesses” shall be a firm that is: (i) a business entity organized, headquartered and operating in the State of Connecticut for at least one year prior to the date of bid submission; or (ii) a business entity that is authorized to do business in Connecticut, maintains an operating location in Connecticut, and has generated over 50% of its annual gross revenues each year, over the past five (5) years prior to the date of bid submission, from work on projects located in Connecticut.

6.1.11 “Joint Venture” in this sourcing context refers to firms that may have familiarity within particular areas but may not be subject matter experts in all necessary areas; therefore, the

University welcomes joint venture proposals.

6.1.12 “SBE/MBE Firm” shall refer to a certified Small Business Enterprise/Minority Business

Enterprise firm that meets the qualifications as determined by legislation, Connecticut

General Statute 4a-60g (Supplier Diversity Statue) as amended by Public Act 11-229.

6.1.13 "University" or “UConn” or a pronoun used in its place shall mean the University of

Connecticut main campus at Storrs, Connecticut as well as its five regional campuses and the

Cooperative Extension Offices.

6.1.14 “UConn Health” or “UCH” shall mean University of Connecticut Health and its affiliates.

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6.2 Proposal Understanding: Proposers must demonstrate: an understanding of the statement of work

(SOW), the ability to accomplish the tasks set forth; and must include information that will enable the University to determine the proposer's overall qualifications.

6.3 Rendering of Service: Each Proposer must respond to, and be capable of, supplying all services outlined in the RFP specification.

6.4 Expiration of Proposals: Proposals shall remain in effect from the RFP due date and time for a minimum period of 180 days.

6.5 Rights Reserved: The University reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, to reject any or all proposals received (or any part thereof without penalty), to waive informalities or irregularities, to seek clarification of any proposal and communicate with a proposer related to a request for clarification, and to award a contract not based solely on the lowest cost, but based on a Proposal which, in the sole opinion of the University, best fulfills or exceeds the requirements of this RFP and is most advantageous to the University. Firms subject to Non-Acceptance of Proposal shall be notified after a binding contractual agreement between the University and the selected Proposer exists or after the University has rejected all proposals.

6.6 Modification of Proposals: Proposals may be modified and re-submitted in the HuskyBuy portal up to the due date and time designated for receipt of proposals provided they conform to these terms and conditions.

6.7 Withdrawal of Proposals: Proposals may be withdrawn from the HuskyBuy portal up to the due date and time designated for receipt of proposals.

6.8 Pricing: The Proposal must include a complete statement of the Proposer’s financial proposal and supplemental materials relevant to the financial proposal as deemed necessary by the Proposer. In the competitive process, the University will not advise a Proposer on the content of the financial proposal.

6.9 Sales Tax Exemption: In accordance Conn. Gen. Stat. §12-412(1)(A), the University is exempt from local, state, and federal excise taxes.

6.10 Independent Price Determination: Proposer warrants, represents, and certifies that:

6.10.1 The proposed costs have been arrived at independently, without consultation, communication, or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition as to any matter relating to such process with any other organization or with any competitor.

6.10.2 Unless otherwise required by law, the proposed costs have not been knowingly disclosed by the Proposer on a prior basis directly or indirectly to any other.

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6.10.3 No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Proposer to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition.

6.11 Review of References: The Proposer is required to provide references from customers of comparable size and scope as the University. The University is particularly interested in references that are institutions of higher education.

6.12 Good Faith Negotiation: If the University and selected Proposer(s) are unable to reach a mutually agreeable contract, the University reserves the right to abandon negotiations and commence negotiations with the next highest ranked Proposer. The University will be the sole judge of the suitability of the proposed Agreement(s).

6.13 Incorporation of Proposal: Proposals submitted in response to this RFP may, at the University’s option, be incorporated into the executed contract.

6.14 “NO SUBSTITUTE”: Intentionally omitted.

6.15 Ownership of Samples: Intentionally Omitted.

6.16 Proposal Preparation: The University assumes no cost for proposal preparation and/or submission.

All costs are borne by the Proposer at Proposer’s expense.

6.17 Confidential Information: The University treats Proposals as confidential until after the award is issued. At that time, they become subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. If a

Proposer wishes to supply any information, which it believes is exempt from disclosure under the

Act, Proposer should summarize such information in a separate file with a filename containing the word "Confidential," and a watermark or stamp titled “Confidential”, but otherwise be presented in the same manner as the Proposal. However, any such information is provided entirely at the

Proposer’s own risk and the University assumes no liability for any loss or damage which may result from the University's disclosure at any time of any information provided by the Proposer in connection with its proposal.

The proposer and its employees will not disclose information acquired in connection with the performance of services under this agreement which is proprietary or confidential in nature to the

University without written permission from the University. This confidentiality will continue to be in effect even after the contract has been completed or terminated for any reason. Some projects may require additional confidentiality documentation or agreements, which will vary according to the University’s needs, legal requirements and scope of work.

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6.18 Freedom of Information: While the University may be willing to agree not to disclose the information proactively, the University is subject to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, found in Chapter 14 of the Connecticut General Statutes, which may require disclosure, should the document be requested with limited exceptions. Two such exceptions that might apply are as follows: (1) Conn. Gen. Stat. sec. 1-210(b)(24) permits the University to withhold records related to the procurement process while bidding and contract negotiations are underway (this moratorium is temporary and lasts only until the contract has been executed or negotiations are abandoned); and

Conn. Gen. Stat. sec. 1-210(b)(5) permits the University to withhold records in its possession in the event they contains trade secrets (or intellectual property). In the event that the University determines that Conn. Gen. Stat. sec. 1-210(b)(5) may apply to a given request for the records in question, the responsibility to substantiate claims that said records would reveal trade secrets and meet the exemption requirements is borne by the owner of said trade secrets, not the University.

Further, if the entity seeking access to the documents challenges the University’s withholding of the document, said owner may be required to prove at the Freedom of Information Commission and/or in a Court of Law, that the release of said trade secrets would be harmful to the owner of the intellectual property or properties in question.

6.19 Conflict of Interest: The Proposer shall disclose and identify to the University, with its proposal, any relationships, which may constitute a potential conflict of interest with the University of

Connecticut Purchasing Department, or any other University organizations or departments for the purpose of determining whether a conflict of interest exists. All such disclosures require acceptance/approval action on the part of the University, who shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether an impermissible conflict exists.

6.20 Ethics and Compliance Reporting/Whistleblower Protection: The University Office of Audit, Compliance, and Ethics is responsible for handling anonymous ethics and compliance reporting.

Any person who is aware of unethical practices, fraud, violation of state laws or regulations, or other concerns relating to University policies and procedures can report such matters anonymously using the information provided on their website.

6.21 Corporate Social Responsibility: In furtherance of its longstanding commitment to fundamental human rights, to the dignity of all people, and to the environment, the University requires all

Vendors to adhere to the "Vendor Code of Conduct" policy. Please provide acknowledgement of this University policy and any additional pertinent information.

6.22 Minor Defects: If, during the solicitation and/or evaluation process, the University determines that a particular mandatory requirement may be modified or waived and still allow the University to obtain goods/services that substantially meet the intent of this RFP, the mandatory requirement will be modified or waived for all proposers, and all proposals will be re-evaluated in light of the change.

http://policy.uconn.edu/?p=2718

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6.23 Notification of RFP Status: Upon completion of the RFP review process, all Proposers will receive an RFP status notification. This notification covers three outcomes: No Further Consideration, Selected for Presentation or Demonstration, or Intent to Award.

6.24 Debriefing: Requests for debriefing by Proposer will be accommodated upon request.

6.25 OSHA Compliance: All items to be furnished shall meet all applicable local, state, and federal requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. If any at any time, items or services covered under this RFP become non-compliant with applicable law, the Proposer or Contractor shall notify the University’s Chief Procurement Officer or Director of Procurement immediately by email.

6.26 Advertising/Licensed Merchandise/Sponsorship Opportunities: The Proposer agrees, unless specifically authorized in writing by the University, that it will have no right to use the University’s name, seal, mark of any kind (including logos), and its officials and/or employees in any advertising, publicity, or promotion including, but not limited to, any expression or implication of endorsement by the University.

6.27 Award: A contract will be awarded to the Proposer(s) whose proposal(s) is deemed to be the most advantageous to the University, in accordance with the criteria set forth within the RFP, taking into account the quality of the goods or services to be supplied, conformance with specifications, delivery terms, price and financial considerations, administrative costs, past performance, warranty, and financial responsibility.

6.27.1 The University may:

6.27.1.1 reject the proposal of any Proposer who is in default of any prior contract or is guilty of misrepresentation or any Proposer with a member of its firm in default or guilty of misrepresentation.

6.27.1.2 correct inaccurate awards resulting from clerical or administrative errors in accordance with and pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State

Agencies.

6.27.1.3 make an award contingent upon the successful Proposer’s execution of the applicable required State of Connecticut certifications and affidavits.

6.27.1.4 award by item, groups of items or total bid; to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part, and waive any informality or technical defects if, in its judgment, the best interests of the University will be served.

6.28 Exceptions to RFP and/or Template Contract Terms and Conditions: All exceptions to, deviations from, or inability to comply with the requirements set forth in the RFP or the University’s template contract terms and conditions must be declared and outlined in detail in the Proposal. Failure to do

RFP# CDR083126 Page 14 so will prevent the proposer from asserting an inability to comply with the terms or conditions later.

7.0 Standard Contract Terms and Conditions

The successful Proposer will be required to enter into a written contract with the University of

Connecticut. The University’s template contract for this opportunity is available for download on the

HuskyBuy portal and is incorporated herein by reference. Bidders are directed to carefully review the terms and conditions, as they will become part of any subsequent agreement and award.

7.1. Contract Status: The response to this RFP will be considered an offer to contract. Final negotiations on the highest evaluated offer will be conducted to resolve any differences and informalities. After final negotiations, the University will issue an acceptance of the proposal offer.

7.2. Contract Format: The resulting contract will be the product of negotiations and will be the entire agreement between the University and the Proposer, superseding and rescinding all prior agreements relating to the subject matter thereof. All of these documents signed by both parties and approved by the Office of the Attorney General will constitute the final contract. The University may also consider a request to utilize a Proposer’s template contract. To request a modification to the University’s template contract, or to propose the use of the Proposer’s template contract, the

Proposer must identify the exception(s) or include its template contract in the Proposal for consideration in final contract negotiation.

7.3. Contract Modification: All changes to the contract must be agreed to, in writing, by both parties prior to executing any change.

7.4. Contract Assignment or Subcontract: The resulting contract shall not be assigned, transferred, or sublet in whole or in part without the prior written approval of the University.

7.5. Contract Commencement: The contract will commence upon execution of the aforementioned formal agreement and final approval by the Office of the Attorney General. The Project covered under the contract will be based on the specific University requirements or requests. The University can neither project nor guarantee a specific volume of business over the term of any contract that may result from this RFP.

7.6. Proposer Default: In the event of default by the Proposer, the University reserves the right to procure the commodities and/or services from other sources and hold the Proposer liable for any excess cost occasioned thereby. If, however, public necessity requires use of material or supplies not conforming to the specifications, they may be accepted, and payment therefore shall be made at a proper reduction in price.

7.7. Payments under a Contract Award:

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7.7.1. Under no circumstances shall the successful Proposer begin to perform under the contract prior to the effective date of the contract. All payments shall adhere to the payment terms negotiated in the contract award.

7.7.2. Cash discounts may be offered by the proposer for prompt payment of invoices. Such discount will not be taken into consideration in determining the low bidder but will be taken into consideration in awarding tie bids. The discount period will be computed from the date delivery is accepted at the destination or from the date the correct invoice is received by the consignee, whichever is the later date.

7.7.3. Payment terms shall be 2% 15 days, net 45 days unless otherwise noted in the bidder’s proposal. Terms other than those indicated above will be subject to University approval.

7.8. Evaluation of Performance: During or after the term of any contract or other agreement that results from this RFP process, the University may conduct evaluations of the successful Proposer’s performance including, but not limited to equipment, staffing, supplies and services. The successful

Proposer may be requested to provide quality performance metrics and must cooperate with the

University in any such evaluations and work with the University to correct any deficiencies noted.

7.9. Responsibilities of the Proposer:

7.9.1. Observing Laws and Regulations: The Proposer shall keep fully informed of and shall faithfully observe all laws, national and state, and all ordinances and regulations affecting responsibility to the University, or affecting the rights of supplier's employees, and must protect and indemnify the University, its officers, and agents against any claims of liability arising from or based on any violation thereof.

7.9.2. Representations: Each firm, by submitting a proposal, represents that it:

7.9.2.1. Has read and completely understands the proposal documents and all issued amendments or addenda; and

7.9.2.2. is totally familiar with the conditions under which the work is to be performed including but not limited to availability and cost of labor and materials.

7.9.3. Purchase Orders and Sub-Proposers: Purchase Orders and payments will only be issued to the Proposer. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to issue Purchase Orders, schedule services and pay all sub-Proposers and partners directly.

7.10. Advertising/Sponsorship Opportunities: In submitting a proposal, the Proposer agrees, unless specifically authorized in writing by the University on a case by case basis, that it shall have no right to use, and shall not use, the name of the University of Connecticut, its officials or employees, or the marks of the University (e.g., wordmark, seal, logos), a) in any advertising, publicity, marketing, or promotion; nor b) to express or imply any endorsement of agency’s services; nor c) to use the name of the state, its officials or employees or the University marks in any manner (whether or not similar to uses prohibited by subparagraphs (a) and (b) above) except only to manufacture and deliver in accordance with this agreement such services as are hereby contracted by the University. Should the Proposer be interested in pursuing a formalized sponsorship agreement with the University, which may include advertising benefits and use of

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University marks, contact UConn Procurement at the conclusion of this solicitation process for details on how to pursue such a relationship.