WSU Request for Proposal JCDREAM FINAL.pdf

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS (“RFP”)

RFP NO. 24-0822JMC

PROJECT TITLE: The Nexus of AI, Energy, and Critical Minerals Demand:

Strategies for advancing the energy transition and innovation economy in Washington State

WSU Department: VCEA – JCDREAM

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: January 20, 2025, 3:00 pm Pacific Time, Pullman, Washington, USA.

ESTIMATED TIME PERIOD FOR CONTRACT: Washington State University will select one Respondent from this RFP for the purpose of generating a 2-part report that would analyze the impact of AI on the power sector and the state’s sustainability goals, and the role that AI and related demand are having on critical minerals supply chains.

WSU reserves the right to utilize the selected Respondent for future searches.

RESPONDENT ELIGIBILITY: This procurement is open to those Respondents that satisfy the minimum qualifications stated herein and that are available for work in Washington State.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. PURPOSE

1.2. ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

1.3. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

1.4. SCOPE OF WORK

1.5. SEARCH FIRM REQUIREMENTS

1.6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

2. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

2.1. RFP COORDINATOR

2.2. ESTIMATED SCHEDULED FOR PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

2.3. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

2.4. REVISIONS TO THE RFP

2.5. ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

2.6. RESPONSIVENESS

2.7. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

2.8. MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

2.9. MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

2.10. MODEL CONTRACT

2.11. COSTS TO PROPOSE

2.12. NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

2.13. REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

2.14. COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

2.15. ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

2.16. INSURANCE COVERAGE

3. CONTENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

4. EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE

4.2 EVALUATION WEIGHTING AND SCORING

4.3 ORAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED

4.4 NOTIFICATION TO RESPONDENTS

4.5 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL RESPONDENT

4.6 COMPLAINT PROCESS

4.7 PROTEST PROCEDURE

5. RFP EXHIBITS

Exhibit A: Certifications & Assurances with Contract Exceptions (if any)

Exhibit B: Contractor Information

Exhibit C: Model Contract

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. PURPOSE

Washington State University (hereafter “University” or “WSU”) is initiating this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to solicit proposals from firms (the “Respondent,” the “Vendor,” the “Bidder” or, post-award, the “Contractor”) capable of generating a 2-part report that would analyze the impact of AI on the power sector and the state’s sustainability goals, and the role that AI and related demand are having on critical minerals supply chains.

WSU intends to award one contract to immediately provide the services described in this RFP and run through the date of candidate selection. WSU reserves the right to utilize the selected Respondent for future searches.

1.2. ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

University Overview Founded in 1890 in Pullman, WSU is Washington’s land-grant university with a mission of improving the quality of life for all citizens -- locally, nationally, and globally. As a comprehensive leading land-grant institution, WSU is committed to excellence in each of its research, teaching and outreach missions. Washington State University has a current enrollment of approximately 26,490 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and approximately 8,339 faculty and staff.

In the past 30 years, WSU has seen incredible growth—going from a single flagship campus in Pullman to an evolving system of interconnected campuses in the growing population centers of Everett, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. In 2015, WSU added a new medical school to the system within the Health Sciences campus in Spokane, and in 2018, Academic Outreach and Innovation was elevated as WSU’s sixth campus (WSU Global) formally led by a Chancellor. The University is organized into 10 degree-granting academic colleges as well as the Honors College, Graduate School, WSU Libraries, and WSU Extension. These colleges include Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Carson College of Business; Edward R. Murrow College of Communication; Education; Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture; Elson S.

Floyd College of Medicine; Nursing; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine. The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are housed on the Health Sciences Spokane campus.

JCDREAM Overview Since 2015, the Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials (JCDREAM) has provided the organizational framework to stimulate innovation in the use of earth-abundant materials within an established and emerging industrial sector. A state-wide focus on developing earth-abundant materials technologies within the existing innovation and manufacturing competencies will help propel Washington state into a position of national leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices within large-scale (transportation) and growth (clean energy) industries.

1.3. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

The artificial intelligence boom is increasingly intertwined with growing energy demand and strained supply chains, presenting challenges to the clean energy transition and to maintaining high-tech competitiveness. With respect to energy demand, a single user query to ChatGPT or other large language model can use up to 10 times more electricity than a typical Google search uses. The Electric Power Research Institute expects data centers to make up around 9 percent of the United States’ total electrical load by 2030, up from approximately 4 percent today. While vital to future economic competitiveness, AI’s energy demands are straining power grids and sustainability goals as data center power consumption balloons and new energy project development and transmission in the U.S. are hindered by a range of investment, permitting, land-use and other challenges. These dynamics are directly impacting Washington State’s prospects for its innovation economy and energy transition, with demands from AI carrying implications for other industries’ access to clean power, semiconductors, and critical minerals supply chains.

Understanding the ways in which these trends are impacting the power sector and related regional and global supply chains will be vital to economic growth and development across Washington State and the region.

JCDREAM is seeking a 2-part report that would analyze the impact of AI on the power sector and the state’s sustainability goals, and the role that AI and related demand are having on critical minerals supply chains.

1.4. SCOPE OF WORK

PART 1: Would analyze the relationship between AI’s growth and its strain on clean power, resources, and supply chains in the state, providing an updated analysis of how recent national and regional policies and market dynamics are affecting the sector and relevant industries in the state.

It would also take stock of the current policy and regulatory environment and how that may be impacted under the incoming administration and provide actionable recommendations for action by a range of stakeholders.

PART 2: Would analyze the impacts of AI on critical minerals supply chains, including how increasing demand from AI and data centers are manifesting globally and corresponding US efforts to strengthen tech competitiveness and reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains.

It will examine geopolitical dynamics as well as the public and private sector efforts on exploration, development, and trade affecting U.S. critical minerals strategy that will have direct implications for Washington State.

Drawing on quantitative and qualitative evidence, the report will feature clear, concise, and compelling analysis alongside dynamic data visualizations. It will seek to distill the impacts and implications of these trends and provide actionable insights for policymakers, business and community leaders engaging on these issues. As with our other research projects produced with support from JCDREAM, the analysis would be contextualized in global and regional policy frameworks, such as the International Energy Agency’s net zero emissions and UN sustainable development goals, as well as developments across the United States Government, Washington State, and regional legislatures.

1.5 REQUIREMENTS

To be considered responsive, the search firm must demonstrate and provide the following:

1.5.1. Collect and showcase evidence, including quantitative and qualitative data across key indicators, regarding expansion of artificial intelligence, energy demand, and critical minerals supply chains

1.5.2 Inform a range of audiences and stakeholders in Washington State, the region, and beyond as to the policy, security, and economic impacts of these trends, as well as geopolitical and national security implications

1.5.3 Generate a set of concrete, actionable takeaways and recommendations for a cross-section of policymakers and stakeholders

1.5.4 Provide rigorous, third-party, non-partisan analysis that can be leveraged with various stakeholder groups that JCDREAM seeks to engage, including those at the local, state, and national levels

1.5.5 Inform high-level decision makers across the US government, ministries of foreign affairs, international business community, multilateral organizations, and civil society organizations of the impact and implications of artificial intelligence on the energy transition and critical minerals supply chains.

1.5.6 Design and develop infographics, tables, and data visualizations, highlighting key data points and takeaways.

1.5.7 Share the report across digital and social platforms, linked to from JCDREAM’s site.

1.5.8 Produce downloadable pdfs of each report, which will be accessible from the site.

1.5.9 Run a multi-platform amplification campaign (website, newsletters, social media) to generate engagement and draw attention to the project. The timing of the campaign will be determined in consultation with JCDREAM. The campaign will include: digital ads, newsletter, and social media posts

1.6 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFP is tentatively scheduled to begin immediately upon signature of the Agreement and continue through the acceptance by the candidate.

2 GENERAL INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS

2.1 RFP COORDINATOR

The RFP Coordinator is the sole point of contact in the University for this procurement. Unless otherwise provided herein, all communication between the Respondent and the University upon release of this RFP shall be with the RFP Coordinator, as follows:

Name Desiree Urban

Address Washington State University Purchasing Services French Administration Building, Room 242 Pullman, WA 99164 Attn: RFP #24-0822JMC

E-Mail Address Desiree.urban@wsu.edu

Phone Number 509-372-7469

Only communication in writing between the Respondents and the RFP Coordinator will be binding. Communication regarding the RFP directed to parties other than the RFP Coordinator may result in disqualification of the Respondent.

2.2ESTIMATED SCHEDULE FOR PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES

Issue Request for Proposals via WEBS December 20, 2024

Questions due to RFP Coordinator (desiree.urban@wsu.edu)

January 2, 2025

Issue last addendum to RFP via WEBS January 9, 2025

Proposals due via email to purchasing.sealed@wsu.edu January 20, 2025, The University reserves the right to revise the above schedule.

2.3 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be submitted electronically as described below and received no later than 3:00 p.m., PDT, in Pullman, Washington, on September 23, 2024. Proposals received after this deadline will be late and ineligible for consideration.

Proposals must be submitted electronically as an attachment to an e-mail to purchasing.sealed@wsu.edu. The email subject line must include the WSU RFP number, the company name for the bidder, and RFP due date. All attachments to the e-mail must be in PDF format. Zipped files cannot be received by WSU and cannot be used for submission of proposals.

The cover submittal letter and the Certifications and Assurances form need a scanned or verified digital signature of the individual within the organization authorized to bind the Contractor to the offer.

Bidders submitting proposals should allow adequate delivery time to ensure timely receipt of their responses by the RFP Coordinator. Bidders assume the risk for the method of delivery chosen. Washington State University assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service. Late responses shall be automatically disqualified from further consideration.

2.4 REVISIONS TO THE RFP

In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, addenda will be published on https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/. For this purpose, the published questions and answers and any other pertinent information shall be provided as an addendum to the RFP and will be placed on the website.

The University also reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFP in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.

2.5 ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Proposals must provide for acceptance by the University for at least 180 calendar days after the due date for this RFP.

mailto:purchasing.sealed@wsu.edu https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/

2.6 RESPONSIVENESS

All proposals will be reviewed by the RFP Coordinator to determine compliance with administrative requirements and instructions specified in this RFP. The Respondent is specifically notified that failure to comply with any part of the RFP may result in rejection of the proposal as non-responsive.

The University also reserves the right at its sole discretion to waive minor administrative irregularities.

2.7 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION/PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Proposals submitted in response to this competitive procurement shall become the property of the University. All proposals received shall remain confidential until the contract, if any, resulting from this RFP is signed by the President of the University, or his Designee, and the Apparent Successful Bidder; thereafter, the proposals shall be deemed public records as defined in Chapter

42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”).

Any information in the proposal that the Respondent desires to claim as proprietary and exempt from disclosure under the provisions of Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other state or federal law that provides for the nondisclosure of your document, must be clearly designated. The information must be clearly identified and the particular exemption from disclosure upon which the Respondent is making the claim must be cited. Each page containing the information claimed to be exempt from disclosure must be clearly identified by the words “Proprietary Information” printed on the lower right-hand corner of the page. Marking the entire proposal exempt from disclosure or as Proprietary Information will not be honored.

If a public records request is made for the information that the Respondent has marked as "Proprietary Information," the University will notify the Respondent of the request and of the date that the records will be released to the requester unless the Respondent obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure, the University will release the requested information on the date specified. If a Respondent obtains a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining disclosure pursuant to Chapter 42.56 RCW, or other state or federal law that provides for nondisclosure, the University shall maintain the confidentiality of the Respondent's information per the court order.

A charge may be made for copying and shipping, as outlined in RCW 42.56. All requests for information should be directed to the RFP Coordinator.

2.8 MINORITY & WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

In accordance with chapter 39.19 RCW, the state of Washington encourages participation in all of its contracts by firms certified by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (“OMWBE”). Participation may be either on a direct basis in response to this solicitation or on a subcontractor basis. However, no preference will be included in the evaluation of proposals, no minimum level of MWBE participation shall be required as a condition for receiving an award, and proposals will not be rejected or considered non-responsive on that basis.

For information on certified firms, parties may contact OMWBE at 360-753-9693 or www.omwbe.wa.gov.

2.9 MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

The University reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. Therefore, the proposal should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms which the Respondent can propose. There may be no best and final offer procedure, however, the University reserves the right to utilize a best and final offer procedure if it is determined to be in its best interest to do so. The University also reserves the right to contact a Respondent for clarification of its proposal.

The Apparent Successful Bidder should be prepared to accept this RFP for incorporation into a contract resulting from this RFP. Contract negotiations may incorporate some or all of the Respondent’s proposal. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the official procurement file on this matter without obligation to the University.

2.10 MODEL CONTRACT

The Apparent Successful Bidder will be expected to enter into a contract including terms and conditions legally consistent with those provided in Exhibit C. The Respondent may submit exceptions to Exhibit C as allowed in the Certifications and Assurances form, Exhibit A to this RFP. The Respondent should provide alternate language for any exceptions taken to WSU’s Model Contract. All exceptions to the contract terms and conditions must be submitted as an attachment to Exhibit A, Certifications and Assurances form. The University will review any properly requested exceptions and accept or reject the same at its sole discretion. Blanket exceptions t, or the inclusion of any other template agreement, will not be reviewed by WSU and may result in a bid being designated as non-responsive.

2.11 COSTS TO PROPOSE

The University will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Respondent in preparation of a proposal submitted in response to this RFP, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFP.

2.12 NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

This RFP does not obligate the state of Washington or the University to contract for products or services specified herein.

2.13 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

The University reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any and all proposals received without penalty and not to issue a contract as a result of this RFP.

2.14 COMMITMENT OF FUNDS

The President of the University or his delegate is the only individual who may legally commit the University to the expenditures of funds for a contract resulting from this RFP. No cost chargeable to the proposed contract may be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract.

http://www.omwbe.wa.gov./

2.15 ELECTRONIC PAYMENT

Washington State University is currently implementing an electronic payables system. The successful contractor may be provided a form to complete with the contract to authorize electronic payments.

2.16 INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Apparent Successful Bidder is to furnish the University with a certificate(s) of insurance executed by a duly authorized representative of each insurer, showing compliance with the insurance requirements set forth in the Model Contract included as Exhibit C.

3 CONTENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

Proposals should be presented in the eight sections indicated below. Sections sharing a common file format (i.e., PDF) may be combined into a single document provided that each section is clearly identifiable. Incomplete responses may be disqualified from further consideration.

SECTION NO AND

TITLE

SECTION DESCRIPTION

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

Signed cover letter of introduction expressing desire to be considered for this opportunity and demonstrating an understanding of the outlined scope of services and other requirements set forth in the RFP.

SECTION 2

CONTRACTOR

EXPERIENCE

Describe experience with similar projects, including successful recruitment experiences with WSU or other similar higher education clients, and examples of strategic or creative approaches to recruiting candidates, particularly high-level placements. In describing successful recruitment experience, describe length of tenure after placement or other information describing success of candidate at the institution where placements were made.

SECTION 3

STAFF

QUALIFICATIONS

Team structure and list of personnel to be assigned to this project along with information on their experience and certifications.

SECTION 4

PROJECT APPROACH

A proposed approach for the Scope of Work using effective project management to meet the stated objective. Include a proposed schedule and statement of availability.

SECTION 5

COST

Itemize the fees and expenses for the performance of all things necessary for the services set forth in the Scope of Work. Include a cost breakdown clearly identifying the amount of the professional fee and other expenses as follows:

1. Flat fee for the professional services.

2. Amount for indirect expenses.

3. Amount(s) for direct expenses and any other anticipated expenses.

Costs not identified in the proposal will not be allowed or considered for a final contract.

SECTION 6

REFERENCES

At least three higher education client references with contact information (one of which is from a high research activity institution).

SECTION 7

OTHER INFO

Any additional information relevant to this RFP.

SECTION 8

WSU FORMS

Exhibit A Certification and Assurances

Exhibit B Contractor Information

Exhibit C Model Contract

4 EVALUATION AND CONTRACT AWARD

4.1 EVALUATION PROCEDURE

Responsive proposals will be evaluated strictly in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation and any addenda issued. The evaluation of proposals shall be accomplished by an evaluation team(s), to be designated by the University, which will determine the scoring of the proposals.

The University, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top-scoring firms as finalists for oral interviews and may adjust scoring based on an evaluation thereof. See section 4.3. below.

The RFP Coordinator may contact the Respondent for clarification of any portion of a Respondent’s proposal.

4.2 EVALUATION WEIGHTING AND SCORING

All Proposals will be initially reviewed for administrative compliance with the requirements set forth in this RFP. Any failure to provide information requested or to follow the instructions provided herein, may result in a determination that a proposal is not responsive. All responsive proposals will be evaluated as follows:

SECTION NO.

TITLE

SECTION DESCRIPTION LINE ITEM POINTS -

MAXIMUM

SECTION

POINTS

AWARDED

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

Executive summary Mandatory, but not scored N/A

SECTION 2

CONTRACTOR

EXPERIENCE

Contractor overall experience

Reputation and impact

Design and development experience

Dissemination and amplification experience and capability

30 points maximum

15 points maximum

15 points maximum

15 points maximum

75 points

SECTION 3

STAFF

QUALIFICATION

S

Staff qualifications/experience

25 points maximum

25 points

SECTION 4

PROJECT

APPROACH

Quality of Approach Plan Project methodology

Proposed schedule and availability

30 points maximum

15 points maximum

10 points maximum

55 points

SECTION 5

COST

Flat fee for the professional services 10 points maximum 10 points

SECTION 7

OTHER

INFORMATION

Any additional information relevant to this RFP

Optional, not scored

Optional, Not scored

N/A

SECTION 8

WSU FORMS

Exhibit A Certification and Assurances

Exhibit B Contractor Information

Exhibit C Model Contract

Mandatory, but not scored

N/A

TOTAL

165 points

The University reserves the right to award the contract to the Respondent whose proposal is deemed to be in the best interest of the University and the state of Washington.

4.3 ORAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE REQUIRED

Written proposals and oral presentations, if considered necessary, will be utilized in selecting the winning proposal. The University, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top scoring finalists from the written evaluation for an oral presentation and final determination of contract award.

Should the University elect to hold oral presentations, it will contact the top-scoring firm(s) to schedule a date, time and location. The University may also elect to hold the oral presentations via Zoom, Teams or other platform. Commitments made by the Contractor at the oral interview, if any, will be considered binding. The score from the oral presentation will be considered independently and will determine the Apparent Successful Bidder.

4.4 NOTIFICATION TO RESPONDENTS

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the University will notify its selected bidder (“Apparent Successful Bidder”), subject to completion of contract negotiations and execution of a written contract. Bidders whose proposals were not selected for further negotiation or award will be notified separately by e-mail.

4.5 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL RESPONDENT

Any bidder who has submitted a proposal and been notified that they were not selected for contract award may request a debriefing. The request for a debriefing conference must be received by the RFP Coordinator no later than 5:00 PM, local time, in Pullman, Washington, within three (3) business days after the Unsuccessful Respondent Notification is e-mailed to the Respondent. The debriefing should be held within three (3) business days of the request.

Discussion at the debriefing conference will be limited to the following:

• Evaluation and scoring of the firm’s proposal;

• Critique of the proposal based on the evaluation;

• Review of bidder’s final score in comparison with other final scores without identifying the other firms.

Comparisons between proposals or evaluations of the other proposals will not be allowed.

Debriefing conferences may be conducted in person or on the telephone and will be scheduled for a maximum of one hour.

4.6 COMPLAINT PROCESS

The complaint process allows bidders to focus on the solicitation requirements and evaluation process and raise issues with these processes early enough to allow University to correct a problem before bids are submitted and time expended on evaluations.

The procurement complaint process will meet the following minimum requirements:

4.6.1. Bidders will be given an opportunity to submit a complaint to University based on any of the following:

a. The solicitation unnecessarily restricts competition;

b. The solicitation evaluation or scoring process is unfair or flawed; or

c. The solicitation requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a response.

4.6.2. Bidders will be allowed to submit complaints up to five (5) business days prior to the bid response deadline. Complaints must meet the following requirements:

d. Must be in writing.

e. Must be sent to the RFP Coordinator, or designee.

f. Should clearly articulate the basis for the complaint.

g. Should include a proposed remedy.

4.6.3. The RFP Coordinator will respond to complaints in writing.

4.6.4. The response to complaints including any changes to the solicitation will be posted as an amendment on WEBS.

4.6.5. The Director of WSU Purchasing Services or an employee delegated by the Director who was not involved in the procurement will be notified of all complaints and will be provided a copy of the response.

4.6.6. The complaint may not be raised again during the protest period.

4.6.7. The complaint process does not include an appeal process.

4.7 PROTEST PROCEDURE

Protests may be made only by Respondents who submitted a response to this solicitation document and who have participated in a debriefing conference. Upon completing the debriefing conference, the Respondent is allowed three (3) business days to file a protest of the acquisition with the RFP Coordinator. Protests must be received by the RFP Coordinator no later than 5:00 PM, local time, in Pullman, Washington on the third business day following the debriefing.

Protests may be submitted by e-mail but must then be followed by the document with an original signature.

Respondents protesting this procurement shall follow the procedures described below. Protests that do not follow these procedures shall not be considered. This protest procedure constitutes the sole administrative remedy available to Respondents under this procurement.

All protests must be in writing, addressed to the RFP Coordinator, and signed by the protesting party or an authorized Agent. The protest must state the RFP number, the grounds for the protest with specific facts and complete statements of the action(s) being protested. A description of the relief or corrective action being requested should also be included.

Only protests stipulating an issue of fact concerning the following subjects shall be considered:

• A matter of bias, discrimination or conflict of interest on the part of an evaluator;

• Errors in computing the score;

• Non-compliance with procedures described in the procurement document or University policy.

Protests not based on procedural matters will not be considered. Protests will be rejected as without merit if they address issues such as: 1) an evaluator’s professional judgment on the quality of a proposal, or 2) University’s assessment of its own and/or other agencies needs or requirements.

Upon receipt of a protest, a protest review will be held by the University. The University Purchasing Director or an employee delegated by the Director who was not involved in the procurement will consider the record and all available facts and issue a decision within five (5) business days of receipt of the protest. If additional time is required, the protesting party will be notified of the delay.

In the event a protest may affect the interest of another Respondent that also submitted a proposal, such Respondent will be given an opportunity to submit its views and any relevant information on the protest to the RFP Coordinator.

The final determination of the protest shall:

• Find the protest lacking in merit and uphold the University’s action; or

• Find only technical or harmless errors in the University’s acquisition process and determine the University to be in substantial compliance and reject the protest; or

• Find merit in the protest and provide the University options which may include:

--Correct the errors and re-evaluate all proposals, and/or --Reissue the solicitation document and begin a new process, or --Make other findings and determine other courses of action as appropriate.

If the University determines that the protest is without merit, the University will enter into a contract with the Apparent Successful Bidder. If the protest is determined to have merit, one of the alternatives noted in the preceding paragraph will be taken.

5 RFP EXHIBITS

Each exhibit is uploaded separately into WEBS (https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/):

• Exhibit A: Certifications & Assurances with Contract Exceptions (if any)

• Exhibit B: Contractor Information

• Exhibit C: WSU Model Contract

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https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/