ITB 24-596 Reading Literacy Materials

AID 1690129 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

b. Title I, Part A Literacy Initiative (Not to exceed $4,200,000)

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief of Accountability & Continuous Improvement, Division of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of take-home backpacks from Scholastic, Inc. for all Title I students (approximately 76,027) in the amount of $4,200,000.
Why: In alignment with Strategic Goal Area 1 - Student Academic Success with Equity and Access, we are seeking approval of the take-home backpacks. The purpose of the take-home backpacks is to improve reading/literacy scores by providing books from Scholastic, Inc. for all Title I students to create at home libraries.


Approximately - 34,237 Elementary Students
Approximately - 17,716 Middle Students
Approximately - 24,074 High Students
Details: DCSD SY24 Milestone data reflects a high number of scholars not reading on grade level. This initiative is to assist with the Early Literacy Campaign with our scholars to improve their reading/literacy skills, therefore, increasing proficiency. The rationale is to increase high interest in reading and prevent slides during student breaks.

SY24 Miletone Data:



Grade Level/Course
Below Grade Level


Third Grade
48%


Fourth Grade
41%


Fifth Grade
32%


Sixth Grade
41%


Seventh Grade
41%


Eighth Grade
31%




High-interest books interest the student and hold their attention. These books are a motivation for students to increase how often and long they read (Williams, 2023). Studies show a positive correlation between intrinsically motivated readers and reading achievement across grade levels, and by high school, extrinsic motivations for reading are negatively correlated to reading achievement. When creating or selecting strategies for reluctant readers, it is important to keep this in mind. We not only need to motivate reluctant students to read, but we also need to take the more difficult path of helping them become intrinsically motivated to do so (Lexia 2024). High-interest reading materials help to motivate students, particularly struggling readers.

The goal for most educators is that their students find practical, real-world applications for their learning and can apply them as life-long learners, not just rote memorizers. If the objective is teaching reading strategies and creating confident readers, which were two main components that struggling readers lacked, and the text is only a vehicle, then it might be a good practice to find materials for teachers that can both motivate and teach skills (Hoover, 2007). Martin-Chang and colleagues (2021) “found significant differences between students who read for pleasure outside of class, immersing themselves in fantasy novels or spy thrillers, for example-and those who primarily read books to satisfy school assignments. Not only was there a powerful link between reading for fun and stronger language skills, but students who disliked reading frequently attributed their negative outlook to experiences they had in classrooms.” Struggling readers should not be limited to hi/lo books in all their reading. Most of us can read material well beyond our measured instructional level if we are interested in the topic and motivated to read. Similarly, even the weakest reader will struggle through a book that is “hot” or “cool”.

For boys especially, non-fiction has considerable appeal, particularly when titles can be found that match their interests and hobbies. The key is linking reading material to the things that interest the students, from extreme sports to World War II fighter jets to NHL hockey. Non-fiction text, especially, provides a number of supports for the struggling reader: headings and subheadings, graphics and illustrations, introductions, and summaries. These provide structures that help the reader access information even if the measured readability is beyond his capacity. A further advantage to non-fiction text is that the reader does not need to read the entire book in order to get benefit from it; the reader can gain information and pleasure from reading short segments (Williams, 2023).

Providing high interest books will help boost reading/literacy scores.
Financial impact: The purchase amount not to exceed $4,200,000 will be paid using Title I funds.
402.1000.564200.00024.7590.1750.8010.030.2024
Contact: Dr. Candace Alexander, Chief, Accountability & Continuous Improvement, 678-676-0733
Effective: September 2024
ITB 24-596                               Reading Literacy Materials                                     PAGE 1

                      5

                                                 Vendor Services Department
                                                             Procurement
                                                    1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
                                                     Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083


                                  Invitation to Bid (ITB) 24-596

                                    Reading Literacy Materials

                               Schedule of Events (All times are EST)
 EVENT                         DATE(S)               TIME       LOCATION


 Solicitation Posts            June 20, 2024         5:00 PM          https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net


 Optional Pre-Bid Conference   June 27, 2024         10:00 AM     Via Microsoft Teams (registration required)


 Deadline to Submit
 Questions (Q&A)
                               July 3, 2024          12:00 PM         https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net



 Q&A Deadline Responses        July 8, 2024          4:30 PM          https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net


 Submission Deadline           July 16, 2024         2:00 PM          https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net


 Virtual Public Bid Opening    July 16, 2024         3:30 PM     Via Microsoft Teams (Registration required)

                                                                      1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
 Physical Sample Submission
 Deadline
                               July 18, 2024         5:00 PM              Stone Mountain, GA 30083
                                                                        ATTN: Purchasing Department


 Anticipated Board Approval    August 12, 2024




        SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED ELECTRONICALLY VIA https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net
                       DeKalb County School District Solicitation Contact Person:
                           Fred Christopher, Procurement Manager III Non-Capital
               (678) 676- 0127 and/or email at solicitationquestions@dekalbschoolsga.org
ITB 24-596                       Reading Literacy Materials                 PAGE 2




             1701 MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIAL BLVD, STONE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA 30083



                            https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net




                INVITIATION TO BID
                    ITB 24-596
               Reading Literacy Materials
ITB 24-596                                                             Reading Literacy Materials                                                                                   PAGE 3


                                             TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page ................................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................... 3-4
Submittal Terms.............................................................................................................................................................. 5-7
Attachments ........................................................................................................................ 22-35


                   PART I – BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION
A.                Objectives ................................................................................................................. 8
B.                General Information ................................................................................................... 8
C.                Procurement Process ................................................................................................ 8
D.                Addenda .................................................................................................................... 8
E.                Bidder Contact Persons ............................................................................................. 8
F.                Prohibited Contacts.................................................................................................... 9
G.                Optional Virtual Pre-Bid Conference……………………………………………………... 9
H.                Bid Submission Deadline ........................................................................................... 9
I.                Virtual Public Bid Opening ……………………………………………………….. ........... 9
J.                Questions and Answers.……………………………………………………................... ..9

                               PART II – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A.                Bidder Performance ................................................................................................ 11
B.                Bidder Internal Coordination .................................................................................... 11
C.                News Release ......................................................................................................... 11
D.                Non-Discrimination .................................................................................................. 11
E.                Drug Free Workplace .............................................................................................. 11
F.                Smoke Free Workplace .......................................................................................... 11
G.                Background Checks ................................................................................................. 11
H.                Costs Incurred ......................................................................................................... 12
I.                Rebates and Special Provisions .............................................................................. 12
J.                Insurance ................................................................................................................. 12
K.                Indemnification ......................................................................................................... 14
L.                Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 ........................................ 15
M.                Price Provisions ....................................................................................................... 15
N.                Permits and Applicable Laws ................................................................................... 15
O.                Infringement ............................................................................................................. 16
P.                Ownership Rights..................................................................................................... 16
Q.                Non-Collusion .......................................................................................................... 16
R.                Conflict of Interest .................................................................................................... 16
S.                Financial Stability ..................................................................................................... 17
T.                No Obligation/No Contract Guaranteed ................................................................... 17
U.                Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure .......................................................................... 17
V.                Business License ..................................................................................................... 17
W.                Protest Process……………………………………………………………………… .... …18
ITB 24-596                                               Reading Literacy Materials                                                           PAGE 4


                  TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)
                                     PART III – SCOPE OF WORK

A.               Purpose / Project Overview ................................................................................... 20
B                Project Scope of Work........................................................................................... 20
C.               References ............................................................................................................ 20
D.               Brochures, Catalogs, Manuals, Websites, Literature ............................................ 21
E.               Required Content / Document Checklist ............................................................... 21


                                                      ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Bid Form I ....................................................................................................... 22
Attachment A - Bid Form Part II………………………………………………Separate File From ITB
Attachment B – Critical Paragraphs ......................................................................................... 23
Attachment C – Bidder’s Client Reference Form ..................................................................... 24
Attachment D – Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure ................................................................ 25
Attachment E – Suspension and Debarment ........................................................................... 26
Attachment F – Conflict of Interest ........................................................................................... 27
Attachment G- Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011
                   Certification ................................................................................................ 28-33
Attachment H- Non-Collusion................................................................................................... 34
Attachment I- Signature Page .................................................................................................. 35
Final Page ................................................................................................................................ 36
ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                       PAGE 5

DeKalb County School District (“DCSD”) extends this offer to submit a bid for the possible purchase of services
conforming to the following designated specifications, terms, and conditions. This solicitation will require DCSD
Board of Education approval.

Format and Submission of Invitation to Bid

Submittal responses to this solicitation will be received electronically on the DeKalb County School District
website at https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net.

All potential respondents must register as a vendor at https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net.

Approval by the DeKalb County Board of Education
Official approval by the DeKalb County Board of Education is required for this procurement. No contract shall be
construed to be formed without the advance official approval of the DeKalb County Board of Education. The
successful offeror will be notified after DeKalb County Board of Education approval.

Funding Provisions
No award or contract will be made if funding is not approved by the DeKalb County Board of Education.

Fiscal Year Funding Implications
The fiscal year for DCSD begins July 1 and ends June 30. This solicitation and any resulting contract(s) may
contain renewal and extension options.

This solicitation, any resulting contract(s), and any renewal and extension options shall terminate absolutely
without further obligation on the part of DCSD at the end of the fiscal year in which this solicitation was issued and
at each June 30 renewal anniversary date thereafter unless the successful offeror is notified otherwise and agrees
in writing to the exercise of renewal and extension options.


Compliance with Specifications

Bidder must indicate below whether or not this bid is in complete compliance with the stated specifications. If
there are any deviations from the specifications, the bidder must indicate in writing what the deviations are and
must submit with the bid a complete descriptive literature on the actual items bid. Attach and label additional
sheets if necessary.

___ Bid is in complete compliance with bid specifications.
___ Bid deviates from stated specifications as follows:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 Cancellation
Awards, contracts, and extensions may be canceled for convenience by the DeKalb County School District
(DCSD) at any time. In the event of termination of contract by DCSD, the DCSD will be responsible only for those
services that have been delivered and accepted according to the ITB requirements. Any cancellation for
convenience by DCSD shall be effective three (3) business days after receipt of the Notice of Cancellation for
convenience from DCSD by the Offeror.

Payment to Successful Vendor(s)
Payment for goods and services will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Vendor(s) doing business with
DCSD are required to provide EFT payment information when registering as a DCSD vendor at:
https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/purchasing/.
ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                        PAGE 6

Rights Reserved
Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting the specifications within
appropriated funds available. DCSD reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all parts of any bid
response(s) submitted, to accept the entire bid from a single bidder, to accept portions of bids from multiple
bidders, and/or to reject all bids submitted. This right is reserved to award items on this bid by any logical group
combination or by individual item, whichever is in the best interest of DCSD. DCSD reserves the right to waive
any technicalities or minor irregularities in responses received. The decision of DCSD shall be final.

Taxes
Purchases made by DCSD are not subject to federal, state, or local sales tax. A Sales Tax Exemption
Certificate will be furnished upon request.

Merchantability and Quality
Bidder warrants that the goods will be of merchantable quality, free from defects in materials and
workmanship, and will conform to the descriptions and specifications contained in this document and in
bidder’s catalogs, product brochures and other representations, depictions or models of the goods.

Specify your warranty/guarantee beyond that stated above in definite terms. Add additional literature/sheets
if necessary. Provide a clear description of warranty/guaranty service offered, duration of service, and all
stipulations (i.e., service provided on-site, call tag return required, vendor on-site pick-up, parts and labor
included parts only, number of years from purchase date warranty is valid, etc.):
_______________________________________________________________________________________


_______________________________________________________________________________________


_______________________________________________________________________________________



F.O.B. Destination
All prices are to be F.O.B. Destination with freight prepaid by the bidder. Bid prices must include all charges
for delivery and unloading as directed by the building authorities.

Estimated Quantities
The quantities shown in this ITB document are estimates, which are provided for your information. However,
actual quantities purchased by DCSD may vary.

Exclusions of Trade Usages
Unless the context requires otherwise, all terms used in this document and which are defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code (“UCC”) as adopted by the State of Georgia shall have the same definition set forth in the
UCC on the date of this agreement.

Conditional Bids
Provisions within Bids that are conditional (e.g., "Prices Subject To Change," “Prices F.O.B. Shipping Point,"
etc.) will be invalid and shall not be enforceable. Provisions within Bids which in any way qualify or vary the
terms of these instructions, conditions, and specifications shall be invalid and the original instructions,
conditions, or specifications within this ITB shall control. If any terms and conditions of the Bids contradict or
come into conflict with the terms and conditions of this ITB then the terms and conditions of this ITB shall
control unless such provision is specifically accepted by DCSD in writing.
ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                       PAGE 7

Bidder Failure
In the event that a product, property, or service to be furnished by the successful bidder should for any reason
fail to conform to the specifications contained herein, DCSD reserves the right to reject the product, property, or
service and may terminate the contract for default.

Failure of the successful bidder to perform on delivery of goods or services as specified may also result in the
removal of that bidder from doing business with DCSD for a period of not less than one (1) year.

Georgia Open Records Act
All proposals submitted in response to DCSD solicitations may be subject to the Georgia Open Records Act,
which permits any member of the public to inspect and/or copy documents prepared and maintained or received
in the course of the operation of the public office or agency.

No Assignment of Award
The successful offeror may not assign the award or contract to or subcontract with another party without the
express written permission of DCSD.

The Laws of the State of Georgia
This ITB and subsequent agreement are subject to the laws of the State of Georgia.

§ 200.322 Domestic preferences for procurements.

(a) As appropriate and to the extent consistent with law, the non-Federal entity should, to the greatest
extent practicable under a Federal award, provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use
of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States (including but not limited to iron,
aluminum, steel, cement, and other manufactured products). The requirements of this section must
be included in all subawards including all contracts and purchase orders for work or products under
this award.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Produced in the United States” means, for iron and steel products, that all manufacturing
processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United
States.

(2) “Manufactured products” means items and construction materials composed in whole or in part of
non-ferrous metals such as aluminum; plastics and polymer-based products such as polyvinyl
chloride pipe; aggregates such as concrete; glass, including optical fiber; and lumber.


Additional Terms
In the event an award is made to an offeror, the resulting contract shall not depart from this document unless
agreed to in writing by DCSD and the successful offeror. DCSD shall not be bound by additional terms and
conditions and/or extraneous language added to this document by offerors.

ALL SOLICITATIONS ISSUED BY DCSD ARE ADVERTISED IN THE LEGAL SECTION OF THE CHAMPION
NEWSPAPER, (404) 373-7779, POSTED ON THE DCSD IONWAVE WEBSITE, AND POSTED IN THE TEAM
GEORGIA MARKETPLACE’S GEORGIA PROCUREMENT REGISTRY. Offerors are solely responsible to
review and make themselves aware of DCSD solicitations posted on the following website:

                                     https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net
ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 8

                                      PART I
                            BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION
A. Objectives
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is seeking bids from qualified bidders with professional qualifications,
technical competence, and specialized experience to provide Reading Literacy Materials for students in grades
K-12 as outlined in the scope of work in Part III of this ITB.
Awarded bidder shall provide services in accordance with the specifications, requirements and terms and
conditions stated herein. Services shall include all labor, materials, tools, specialized equipment, supplies,
trained personnel, insurance, travel, per diem, direct and indirect administrative costs, overhead, tolls, parking,
fuel, lodging, all other cost and charges, and all things and services necessary to provide Cold Storage, in
accordance with the requirements of this ITB. There shall be no add-on charges of any kind. DCSD reserves
the right to make multiple awards.

B. General Information
DCSD is a metropolitan Atlanta public school system organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of
the State of Georgia. DCSD is located in the fourth largest county in Georgia. DeKalb County is one of the most
culturally diverse counties in the nation. DCSD has a student enrollment of approximately 93,000 students in
pre-kindergarten through grade 12. With 139 schools and centers, DCSD educates the third largest pre-
kindergarten through grade 12 student population in the State of Georgia. DCSD is the second largest employer
in DeKalb County with approximately 14,000 employees.
DCSD is dedicated to giving every student the best possible education through an intensive core curriculum and
specialized, challenging instructional and career programs. DCSD is striving to become the premier K-12 school
system of choice and desires to significantly improve leadership, teaching, and student learning to fulfill its
mission as an organization for public education.
DCSD includes approximately:
 • 77 Elementary Schools
 • 19 Middle Schools
 • 22 High Schools
 •  8 Start-up Charter Schools
 • 12 Specialized Learning Centers
 •  6 Administrative Centers, and
 •  5 Athletic Stadiums

DCSD’s wide-area network connects instruction and administration sites to deliver technology and learning tools
to every child. The main administrative offices are located at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone
Mountain, Georgia 30083. DCSD is governed by a seven-member Board of Education.

C. Procurement Process
The procurement will be on a formally advertised basis. Bidders must be responsive to all aspects of this ITB.

D. Addenda
It is the responsibility of bidders to frequently check for any addenda, questions, and answers posted on the
Purchasing Bulletin Board on the DCSD website. Failure on the part of bidders to make themselves aware of
and comply with addenda requirements will not relieve them of this obligation.
All posted addenda must be printed, signed by the bidder, and included in the bidder’s ITB submission. Click on
the following link to the Purchasing Bulletin Board: https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net

E. Bidder Contact Person
The assigned contact person for bidders is Fred Christopher, Procurement Manager III-Non-Capital and can be
reached at (678) 676-0217 or by email at solicitationquestions@dekabschoolsga.org.
ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 9

F. Prohibited Contact(s)
Except with the consent of the bid contact person, all bidders, including any persons affiliated with or in any way
related to the bidder, are strictly prohibited from contacting DeKalb County Board of Education members and
DCSD employees or consultants on any matter having to do in any aspect with this ITB between the time an
invitation to bid is formally released and a recommendation is made by the administration to the Board, other
than as provided herein. Communication with anyone other than the bid contact person regarding any
portion of this ITB can result in the violating bidder being disqualified.

Furthermore, no employee, officer, or agent of the DeKalb County Board of Education or DCSD may participate
in the selection, award or administration of a contract if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest.
Board Member Communication with Prospective Vendors
Vendors shall not contact Board members individually for the purpose of soliciting a purchase or contract
between the time a request for proposal is formally released and a recommendation is made by the
administration to the Board. If a vendor violates this prohibition during this timeframe, consideration for the
vendor for award shall be invalidated. Board members shall be notified of possible violations and actions taken.

G. Optional Virtual Pre-Bid Conference
An optional virtual pre-bid conference will be held via Microsoft Teams at 10:00 AM EST on Thursday, June
27, 2024. Prospective offerors must provide the following information by 5:00 PM EST, on Wednesday, June
26, 2024:

Name and Title
Company Name
Telephone Number
Email Address

This information must be sent to solicitationquestions@dekalbschoolsga.org. Please enter “Optional Virtual
Pre-Bid Conference – ITB 24-596 Reading Literacy Materials” in the subject line of your email. An invitation
will be sent via Microsoft Teams to those providing the above information no later than Thursday, June 27,
2024, by 9:30 AM EST.
H. Bid Submission Deadline
All potential bidders must register as a vendor at https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net..

Bids in response to this ITB must be received electronically via IonWave no later than 2:00 PM EST, Tuesday,
July 16, 2024. Bids received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Physical Sample Submissions
All potential bidders must submit a physical sample of all items proposed. Samples must be received no later
than Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST. Samples are to be delivered to the address listed below:

1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
ATTN: Purchasing Department

This is a mandatory requirement and items will not be considered if a physical sample is not provided.
Samples received after the stated sample deadline will not be considered.

I. Virtual Public Bid Opening
The public bid opening will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 3:30 PM
EST. Those who would like to attend the virtual public bid opening, please register no later than Monday, July
15, 2024, by 5:00 PM EST, by sending an email to solicitationquestions@dekalbschoolsga.org.
ITB 24-596                                Reading Literacy Materials                                   PAGE 10

Please enter “Public Bid Opening -ITB 24-596 Reading Literacy Materials” in the subject line of your email.
An invitation will be sent via Microsoft Teams to those participants no later than Tuesday, July 16, 2024, by
3:00 PM EST.

J. Questions and Answers
It is intended that this ITB be adequate for any bidder to respond to DCSD’s requirements. However, should
bidders      have       questions,   all     questions     shall    be   submitted     electronically  to:
https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net.
Questions submitted to any other mailbox, voice mail or e-mail address will not be considered for response. The
deadline to submit questions is Wednesday, July 3, 2024, by 12:00 PM EST. Questions received after the
deadline will not be considered.
All questions received by the deadline shall be answered in writing and both the questions and answers will be
posted to the following website https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net on or before Monday, July 8, 2024, at
4:30 PM EST. Responses to questions will not be posted on official DCSD holidays.
   ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                     PAGE 11


                                          PART II
                                   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Bidder Performance
   The successful bidder is required to perform and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and
   agreements of this Invitation to Bid. Specifications contained herein and in the successful response will become
   contractual obligations, if an award ensues. Failure of the bidder to fully perform these obligations may result in
   cancellation of the award and contract.
   DCSD will look to the bidder and his/her identified personnel to coordinate and deliver the services described in
   this Invitation to Bid. The services shall not be delegated to sub- bidders or assigned to any third party.

B. Bidder Internal Coordination
   DCSD will look to the bidder as having “one corporate face” and will expect the bidder to coordinate, bid and
   deliver those products and services best able to meet the identified needs of DCSD without DCSD’s involvement
   in subcontractor arrangements. The terms and provisions in this bid and any subsequent contract shall bind the
   bidder. Nothing contained herein shall create any contractual relationship between any subcontractor and
   DCSD. The primary bidder will be responsible for the supervision and conduct of any subcontractors assigned
   to this project. Purchase order(s) will be issued to the successful bidder only.

C. News Release
   Any news release or publicity pertaining to any phase of this project must be cleared through the DCSD Executive
   Director of Communications.

D. Non-Discrimination
   DCSD does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in any of its
   employment practices, education programs, services or activities.
   DCSD supports an open, fair, and impartial free-market system which maximizes competition and seeks to
   include all responsible businesses and to provide ample opportunities for business growth and development.
   Minority businesses are encouraged and given the opportunity to bid on various projects; however, all responses
   will be evaluated on the same criteria. It is not the intention or desire of DCSD to restrict or impede competition,
   nor to increase the cost of the work.

E. Drug-Free Workplace
   By submission of a response to this ITB, the bidder certifies that he/she and his/her employees shall not engage
   in the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substance or drugs
   during the performance of the contract.

F. Smoke-Free Workplace
   By submission of a response to this ITB, the bidder certifies that he/she and his/her employees shall not use
   tobacco products on DCSD property at any time during the performance of this contract.

G. Background Checks
   A criminal background check must be performed on all contractors, consultants, subcontractors, volunteers
   and vendors (hereinafter jointly referred to as "Individuals") who provide services on DCSD premises,
   supervise services on DCSD premises, or has contact with students. These Individuals shall undergo the
   same criminal background check, within the last 365 days, as required by DCSD employ ees. Such
   background checks will be performed by DCSD at the expense of the Individual at a cost of $45.00 per
   individual.

   Additionally, any charges against the Individual, may be deemed unacceptable in DCSD’s sole discretion
   regardless of whether dismissed, expunged, sealed, removed from the record, treated as a “first offender”
   or dead docketed. Upon receipt and evaluation of DCSD’s background check results, DCSD may demand
   that the Individual have no contact with DCSD students or parents or provide serv ices to DCSD premises.
     ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                    PAGE 12

     Any failure of the contractor to obtain a criminal records background check through DCSD, as stated herein,
     may result in termination of any resulting contract between contractor and DCSD.

H. Costs Incurred
   DCSD is not liable for any costs incurred by an bidder in preparing and/or submitting a response to this ITB or
   for any interview if requested. Any and all costs incurred by the bidder in preparing and/or submitting a response
   to this ITB and interviewing with DCSD (if requested) shall be the sole responsibility of the bidder and shall not
   be reimbursed by DCSD.
     There is no guarantee of any bidder receiving an award as a result of submitting a response to this ITB.


I.   Rebates And Special Promotions
     The successful vendors(s) shall pass on all rebates and special promotions offered by the manufacturer during
     the term of the contract to DCSD. It shall be the responsibility of the vendor to notify DCSD of such rebates
     and/or special promotions during the contract period. The vendor(s) shall offer special promotions provided that
     the new price charged is for the item(s) is/are lower than what would otherwise be available through the contract.
     It is understood that these special promotions may be of limited duration by the vendor(s). At the end of such
     promotion, the standard contract price shall prevail.


J. Insurance
     Certificate of Insurance and/or ACORD Form is required with solicitation submittal and required upon award.
        Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “Certificate of
        Insurance”.

     The DCSD Director of Risk Management sets insurance and indemnification requirements for each
     Solicitation.

     Certificate of Insurance / Accord Form is required with solicitation submittal upon award. Provision of
     Certificate of Insurance is a mandatory requirement. Proposals submitted with certificates of insurance
     will be considered conditionally responsive to the insurance and indemnification requirement. Final award
     of this ITB will be contingent upon receipt within six (6) business days of request for insurance documentat ion
     complete with the following requirements and fully acceptable to the DCSD Risk Manager. No work will
     commence / no purchases will be made without the written statement of approval of insurance coverage
     from the DCSD Risk Manager. In the event the awarded offeror cannot produce insurance coverage
     acceptable to the Risk Manager within the time provided, DCSD reserves the right to award this solicitation
     to the first runner-up.

     (1) The successful Offeror shall procure and maintain throughout the term of this agreement a policy or
     policies of insurance providing coverage as set forth below that shall protect the offeror and the Indemnitees
     (as defined in Part II, Section I of this ITB) from any claims for bodily injury, property damage, or personal
     injury which may arise out of offeror’s operations under this agreement. The foregoing policies shall be
     obtained from insurance companies approved to do business in the State of Georgia and companies
     acceptable to DCSD. Offeror shall procure the insurance policy(ies) at the offeror’s own expense and shall
     furnish to DCSD a certificate of insurance containing the following:

         (a) Name and address of authorized agent;
         (b) Name and address of insured;
         (c) Name of insurance company;
         (d) Description of coverage in standard terminology;
         (e) Policy period;
         (f) Policy Number;
         (g) Limits of liability;
         (h) Name and address of certificate holder;
   ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 13

       (i) Acknowledgment to the DCSD of notice of expiration or cancellation;
       (j) Signature of authorized agent;
          (k) Telephone number of authorized agent; and
          (l) Details of policy exclusions applicable to this agreement in comments section of
                          insurance certificate.

   All certificates evidencing primary and excess layers shall be renewed and kept current and up to date on
   an annual basis.

          (2) Offeror is required to maintain the following insurance coverage during the term of this
          agreement:

         (a) Workers Compensation Insurance in the amounts of the statutory limits established by
   The General Assembly of the State of Georgia. Offeror shall have the ability to self -insure its required
   workers’ compensation coverage if offeror is an approved self-insurer in the State of Georgia.

         (b) Commercial General Liability Policy, or equivalent coverage, to include products and
   completed operations liability and contractual liability. The Commercial General Liability Policy shall have
   dollar limits sufficient to insure that there is no gap in coverage between this policy and any excess or
   Commercial Umbrella Policy described below.

         (c) Automobile Liability Policy to include but not be limited to liability coverage on any
         owned, non-owned and hired vehicle used by offeror or offeror’s personnel in the
         performance of this agreement. The Comprehensive Automobile Policy shall have dollar
         limits sufficient to insure that there is no gap in coverage between this policy and the
         excess or Commercial Umbrella Policy required under this agreement.

   (d) Commercial Umbrella or Excess Liability Policy, which must provide the same or broader coverage than
   those provided for in the above Comprehensive General Liability and Business Auto Policies. Policy limits
   for the Commercial Umbrella or Excess Liability Policy shall have an annual occurrence and annual
   aggregate limit not less than $2,000,000 per claim.

   (e) Professional Liability or Errors & Omissions coverage with limits not less than $2,000,000 per
   claim/$2,000,000 aggregate. The deductible shall not exceed $10,000 per claim.

   (f) Under all coverage and certificates required hereunder, policies shall or be endorsed         to   include   the
   following terms and conditions:

(i) All policies and coverage shall be on an “occurrence” not “claims made” basis (excepting (e) above)

   (ii) The foregoing policies shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policies will not be canceled,
   or not renewed, allowed to lapse for any reason until at least thirty (30) days prior written notice has been given
   to DCSD.

   (iii) Shall waive all right of subrogation against Indemnitees (as defined in Part II, Section I of this ITB) for
   losses arising out of this agreement.

   (iv) A severability of interest or cross liability clause or endorsement applies to commerci al general liability
   and excess liability policies.

                     (v) Certificates of Insurance showing such coverage to be in force shall be filed with
                 DCSD prior to commencement or continuation of any work under this agreement.

   (vi) All such coverage shall remain in full force and effect during the term and any renewal or extension
   thereof.
      ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 14


      (g) Under coverage and certificates required under Sections 2(a), 2(b), (c), and (d) above, policies shall be
      endorsed to include the following terms and conditions:

(i)   Minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence $2,000,000 in the annual aggregate.
      Primary limits of coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence must be with insurers approved to
      conduct business in the State of Georgia. Excess or umbrella liability insurance may be placed with any
      insurer submitted by offeror, including captive or self-insured programs, with the prior written approval of
      DCSD.

          (ii) Contractual liability coverage, specifically referencing this agreement and its
                 Indemnity applies to liability assumed by the named insured.

            (iii) Shall include Indemnitees as additional insured except on coverages (2) (a) and (2)(e).

           (iv) Shall waive all right of subrogation against Indemnitees (as defined in Part II, Section
                I of this ITB) for losses arising out of this agreement.

           (v) A severability of interest or cross liability clause or endorsement applies to commercial
               general liability and excess liability policies.

           (vi) Shall be primary and not excess to any other coverage provided by or available to the
                Indemnitees (as defined in Part II, Section H of this ITB).

            (h) Offeror shall require any and all subofferors performing work under this agreement to
          carry insurance of the types and with limits of liability as offeror shall deem appropriate
      and adequate for the work being performed. However, the obligations of the offeror to the Indemnitees
      assumed in Sections of Indemnification, and Insurance shall not be reduced or diminished by the standards
      set for the subofferors. Further, offeror agrees that their obligations to indemnify and insure the Indemnitees
      shall pertain to all losses arising out of the subofferor’s acts or negligence in the same manner and to the
      same extent as if committed by the offeror. Offeror shall obtain and make available for inspection by DCSD,
      current certificates of insurance evidencing insurance coverage by such subofferors.

K.     Indemnification
       1) The successful offeror shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the DeKalb County School Board, the
           DeKalb County School District, DCSD, and their officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and
           assigns (all of whom may collectively be referred to as "Indemnitees" throughout this ITB), from any and
           all claims, demands, suits, actions, legal or administrative proceedings, losses, liabilities, costs, interest,
           and damages of every kind and description, including any attorneys’ fees and/or litigation and investigative
           expenses, for bodily injury, personal injury, (including but not limited to offeror’s employees), or loss or
           destruction of property (including loss of use, damage or destruction of DCSD owned property) to the extent
           that any such claim or suit was caused by, arose out of, or contributed to, in whole or in part, by reason of
           any act, omission, professional error, fault, mistake, or negligence whether active, passive or imputed, of
           the offeror its employees, agents, representatives, or their employees, agents, or representatives in
           connection with or incidental to offeror’s performance of the agreed-upon services regardless of whether
           such liability, claim, damage, loss, cost or expense is caused in part by an Indemnitee.
       2) The successful offeror shall also indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Indemnitees from any and all
           costs, expenses, claims, demands, rights, liabilities and causes of action inuring to offeror from events over
           which the Indemnitees exercise no control, such as Acts of God, strikes or government restrictions.
           Offeror's obligation to indemnify any Indemnitee shall survive the completion, expiration, or termination of
           offeror’s agreed-upon services for any reason.
     ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                       PAGE 15

L.   Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of
     Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “IMMIGRATION SECURITY
     DOCUMENTATION”.
     The Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 applies to and is a requirement for all DeKalb
     County School District solicitations for physical performance of services (i.e., public works contracts). The Illegal
     Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 does not apply to solicitations for items, commodities
     and products.
     Bidders must complete and/or have their subcontractors complete the following forms:

     1) Immigration and Security Certification
     2) Offeror E-Verify Affidavit
     3) Contractor Affidavit (Contractor Only)
     4) Subcontractor Affidavit (Subcontractor Only); and
     5) Sub-Subcontractor Affidavit (Sub-Subcontractor Only)

     The Immigration and Security Certification, the Offeror E-Verify Affidavit, the Contractor Affidavit, Subcontractor
     Affidavit and the Sub-Subcontractor Affidavit must be completed, notarized and submitted with your bid
     response.

     I acknowledge the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011 requirements for service providers
     and confirm by my signature below that the Immigration and Security Certification, the Contractor Affidavit, the
     Subcontractor Affidavit and the Sub-Subcontractor Affidavit are each completed, notarized and made a part of
     this solicitation response package. I also acknowledge that all items or services furnished to DCSD must comply
     with applicable federal and state immigration laws, and regulation.

     ______Please check here if the Illegal Immigration and Reform Act of 2011 does not apply to your solicitation,
     because it is one for items, commodities, or products. If this does not apply to any portion of the solicitation, then
     the Offeror is not required to complete the Contractor Affidavit, the Subcontractor Affidavit and the Sub-
     Subcontractor Affidavit (reference Attachment page).


M. Price Provisions
   In the event DCSD determines that outsourcing these services are in its best interest, with the approval of the
   DeKalb County Board of Education, the successful bidder will be notified in writing. A contract confirming firm
   fixed price and other terms shall be signed by the parties. Services will begin on or about August 2024. The
   initial contract duration shall be through June 30, 2025. The contract may contain four (4) 1- year extension
   options contingent upon DCSD’s offer of such extension, the successful bidder’s acceptance and the approval
   of the DeKalb County Board of Education to extend the contract. The contract is subject to the approval of the
   DeKalb County Board of Education and to fiscal year funding limitations. The contract price must be held firm
   for the entire term of the contract. Only one (1) price change will be allowed during any 12-month period and
   shall be effective at the renewal/extension anniversary, commencing with July 1, 2025 (the extension/renewal
   date) on any individual product or service included in this bid.
     DCSD reserves the right to terminate any resulting contract for convenience. In the event of contract termination
     by DCSD, the DCSD will be responsible only for those services and deliverables that have been received and
     accepted. Any cancellation for convenience by DCSD shall be effective three (3) business days after receipt of
     the Notice of Cancellation for convenience from DCSD by the bidder. Non-performance of contract terms shall
     give sufficient cause for DCSD to cancel the contract. Non-performance shall be construed to include, but is not
     limited to, failure of the bidder to deliver equipment or perform services in the time specified or in the manner
     required.


N. Permits and Applicable Laws
   By submitting a bid, bidder acknowledges its acceptance of the ITB specifications and the contract terms and
   conditions without change except as otherwise expressly stated in the submitted bid.
   ITB 24-596                                   Reading Literacy Materials                                       PAGE 16

   If a bidder takes exception to a contract term or provision, the offeror must state the reason for the exception
   and state the specific contract language it proposes to include in place of the provision. Any exceptions to the
   contract must be submitted as an attachment to the bidder’s response. Proposed exceptions must not conflict
   with or attempt to preempt mandatory requirements specified in the ITB.

   Bidders shall at their own expense obtain all necessary permits, certifications, and licenses and shall comply
   with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations necessary to the full execution
   of the requirements stated herein. Bidders shall maintain all such permits, licenses, certifications, and
   compliances in a current status throughout the course of the contract. Bidders shall submit copies of permits,
   licenses, and certifications evidencing proof of the aforementioned immediately upon request of DCSD. Bidders
   shall be in compliance with registration with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office as applicable.


O. Infringement
   Bidder shall fully indemnify Indemnitees against any claims of infringement of any patent, copyright, trade secret,
   trademark, or other intellectual property rights related to the bidder’s response to this ITB or services performed
   upon contract award. Bidder’s obligation to indemnify any Indemnitee shall survive the completion, expiration,
   or termination of bidder’s agreed-upon services for any reason.

P. Ownership Rights
   DCSD shall retain ownership rights to the contents of all documents, supporting literature, and data submitted
   by bidders to this ITB.

Q. Non-Collusion
   Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “NON-COLLUSION”

   Bidders shall fully certify that they, as individuals or as officials of a business entity, have not entered into any
   agreement, participated in collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free and competitive responses
   to this ITB. Further, bidders guarantee that their response is not made in conjunction with or on behalf of another
   party and that they have not been directly or indirectly induced in any manner or taken any action to result in a
   restriction of trade or in an unfair advantage.

R. Conflict of Interest
   Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “Conflict of Interest”.

   Bidder shall use its best efforts to disclose with their proposal the name of any officer, director, or agent who also
   is a DCSD employee, agent, representative, contractor, immediate family member (spouse, child, sibling, or
   parent or the spouse of a child, sibling or parent) or DeKalb County Board of Education member. Bidders shall
   also disclose the name of any DCSD employee, agent, representative, contractor, immediate family member or
   board member who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in five percent or more in the Bidder’s company or
   any of its branches. In the event the Bidder was aware of a conflict of interest prior to the award of the contract
   and did not disclose the conflict DCSD may, at its discretion, terminate the contract for default. The Bidder further
   agrees that, if after award, a conflict of interest is discovered, an immediate and full disclosure in writing must be
   made to the DCSD Vendor Services- Procurement Department which must include a description of the action
   which the Bidder has taken or proposes to take to avoid or mitigate such conflicts. If a conflict of interest is
   determined to exist, DCSD may, at its discretion, cancel the contract. Bidders shall certify that their response to
   this ITB is impartial, at arms-length, and free of any conflict of interest at this time, unfair advantage, or personal
   benefit to any DCSD official.
   ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 17

S. Financial Stability
   Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “FINANCIAL
   STATEMENTS”.

       1. Bidders shall provide a copy of their company’s audited financial statements for the previous two (2)
          years – 2022 and 2023.
       2. Indicate here if your company is publicly traded or not publicly traded:
          My company is publicly traded.       _____/
          My company is not publicly traded. _____/
       3. If your company is a publicly traded company, provide a copy of your company’s annual report for the
          previous two (2) years – 2022 and 2023.
       4. List all civil and criminal proceedings your company has been the subject of, or named a party in, and
          provide the outcome of those proceedings. This list should include any lawsuits, administrative actions,
          or litigation to which your company is currently a party or has been a party. Please explain the basis for
          all claims, your response to those claims and state whether a settlement was reached, or a judgment
          entered.
       5. State whether your company, or any affiliate currently or previously associated with your company, has
          ever filed a petition in bankruptcy, taken any actions with respect to insolvency, reorganization,
          receivership, moratoriums or assignment for the benefit of creditors, or otherwise sought relief from
          creditors.
       6. State whether your company was the subject of any order, judgment or decree not subsequently
          reversed, suspended or vacated by any court permanently enjoining your company from engaging in any
          type of business practice.


T. No Obligation/No Order(s) Guaranteed/Cost to Bid
   The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting the specifications
   within this Invitation to Bid if the appropriate funds are available and the contract is approved by the DeKalb
   County Board of Education. The acquisition of any program, product, or element by bidders to satisfy any
   requirements of this Invitation to Bid is the sole responsibility of bidders. There is no guarantee that any
   bidder will receive an order as a result of a bid or request for quotation. Any/all costs incurred, including
   sample submission (if required) by the bidder in preparation and submission of this bid, including catalog
   mailing, are the sole responsibility of the bidder. Expenses incurred by the bidder will not be reimbursed by
   DCSD or become a reason for placing an order with the bidder.


U. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
   Information made available to bidders by DCSD shall be used only for purposes related to responding to this ITB
   and shall not be used for any other purpose without the express written permission of DCSD.
   Bidders to this ITB unequivocally agree to assume responsibility for protecting and safeguarding the
   confidentiality of DCSD records that are not public information. Such information may include but is not limited
   to student and human resource file contents.


V. Business License
    Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “BUSINESS
   LICENSE”.
   Bidders shall submit with their bid, a copy of their valid company business license. If the bidder is a Georgia
   corporation, bidder shall submit a valid county or city business license. If the bidder is not a Georgia corporation,
   bidder shall submit a certificate of authority to transact business in the state of Georgia and a copy of their valid
   business license issued by their home jurisdiction. If bidder holds a professional certification which is licensed
   by the state of Georgia, bidder shall submit a copy of their valid professional license. Any license submitted in
   response to this requirement shall be maintained by the bidder for the duration of the contract.
   ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 18

W. Protest Process
   This section describes the mandatory administrative procedure whereby Bidders submitting sealed competitive
   bids/proposals (hereinafter referred to as “bidders”) to DCSD for proposals worth $100,000 or more may
   challenge the solicitation process, and whereby bidders/Offerors on sealed competitive bids directly related to
   Vendor Services for proposals worth $100,000 or more, may challenge contract awards.
  1. Protests. A bidder may file a written protest challenging DCSD’s compliance with applicable procurement
     procedures subject to the bidder’s compliance with the provisions outlined below. Any such written protest
     will be resolved in accordance with these provisions:
  a) appropriate identification of the solicitation;
  b) a statement of reasons for the protest;
  c) supporting exhibits, evidence, or documents to substantiate any claims unless not available within the filing
     time (in which case the Bidder must proceed to file the protest during the filing period identified below but
     state the expected availability of the material); and the desired remedy.
  2. Types of Challenges. Any bidder interested in and capable of responding to a competitive solicitation may
     file a protest with respect to the competitive solicitation process including, but not limited to, a challenge to
     specifications or any events or facts arising during the solicitation process. Any bidder submitting a timely
     bid/proposal in response to a competitive solicitation may file a protest with respect to DCSD’s intended or
     actual contract award including, but not limited to, events or facts arising during the evaluation and/or
     negotiation process.
  3. Form of Protest. At a minimum, the written protest must include the following:
  a)   the name and address of the protestor;
  b)   appropriate identification of the solicitation;
  c)   a statement of reasons for the protest;
  d)   supporting exhibits, evidence, or documents to substantiate any claims unless not available within the filing
       time (in which case the Bidder must proceed to file the protest during the filing period identified below but
       state the expected availability of the material); and the desired remedy.
       DCSD, at its discretion, may deem issues not raised in the initial protest as waived with prejudice by
       the protesting Bidder.
  4.    Filing Protests. A protest is considered to be properly filed when it is in writing, signed by a company officer
       authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the Bidder, and is received by the Vendor Services. The protest may
       be sent by any of the following means:
                                   MAIL: Attention: Carla Smith, Executive Director
                                            DeKalb County School District
                                                   Vendor Services
                                         1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
                                           Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
                                 Email: solicitationquestions@dekalbschoolsga.org
   ITB 24-596                                   Reading Literacy Materials                                        PAGE 19

           The Bidder must observe the following deadlines when filing a protest:

                             Type of Protest                                Protest Filing Deadline
                Challenge to Competitive Solicitation           Two (2) business days prior to the closing
                              Process                           date and time of the solicitation as identified
                                                                on the Invitation to Bid.
              Challenge to an Intended or Actual                In the event DCSD posts a Notice of Intent to
                       Contract Award                           Award (“NOIA”), the protest must be filed
                                                                within ten (10) calendar days of the date the
                                                                NOIA is posted.
                                                                In the event DCSD does not post a NOIA,
                                                                the protest must be filed within ten (10)
                                                                calendar days of the date the Notice of
                                                                Award (“NOA”) is posted.

   If a bidder fails to file a protest by the applicable deadline, such failure shall be deemed as a waiver with
   prejudice of any grounds the bidder may have for protest.
5. Stay of procurement during protest review.
   When a protest challenging the competitive solicitation process has been timely filed at least two (2) business
   days prior to the closing date and time, the solicitation shall not close until a final decision resolving the protest
   has been issued, unless the facilities management department makes a written determination that the closing of
   the solicitation without delay is necessary to protect the interests of DCSD.

   When a protest challenging an intended contract award has been timely filed, DCSD shall not proceed to actual
   contract award unless the Vendor Services Department makes a written determination that the issuance of a
   contract or performance of the contract without delay is necessary to protect the interests of DCSD. If it is
   determined that it is necessary to proceed with contract performance without delay, the bidder/Offeror with this
   contingent contract may proceed with performance and receive payment for work performed in strict accordance
   with the terms of the contract. The provisions of this paragraph are not applicable to a protest pertaining to events
   or facts arising during the solicitation process.
6. Protest Resolution.
   The Vendor Services Department shall review and issue a written decision on the protest within seven (7)
   business days. This decision shall be deemed final. Available remedies for sustained protests are as follows:
       •   If a protest is sustained prior to the closing date and time of the solicitation, available remedies may
           include, but are not limited to, the following: modification of the solicitation document including, but
           not limited to, specifications and terms and conditions; extension of the solicitation closing date and
           time (as appropriate); and cancellation of the solicitation.
       •   If a protest of the intended/actual contract award is sustained, available remedies may include but
           are not limited to, the following: revision or cancellation of the NOIA/NOA, re-evaluation and re-
           award, or re-solicitation with appropriate changes to the new solicitation.

     7. Costs
   In no event shall a bidder be entitled to recover any costs incurred in connection with the solicitation or protest
   process, including, but not limited to, the costs of preparing a bid/proposal, the costs of participating in the protest
   process, or any attorney fees.
ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                     PAGE 20


                                            PART III
                                         SCOPE OF WORK
A. Purpose/Project Overview

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is seeking bids from qualified vendors to provide reading material
kits and bookbags for various grade levels that will improve student’s literacy scores/levels and prevent
slides in reading. The purpose and intent of this ITB is to establish fixed pricing and a term contract for the
purpose of delivery of reading literacy materials to support the students of DCSD. Awarded bidder(s) shall
provide services in accordance with the specifications, requirements and terms and conditions stated herein.

The work to be done under this contract includes, but is not limited to; providing all labor, materials,
supervision, equipment, incidentals, all related items, services, and all things necessary to complete the
work in accordance with the specifications contained herein. No work within the scope of this contract shall
be done without a valid purchase order.

Awarded bidder shall provide equipment and services in accordance with the scope of work, requirements
and terms and conditions stated herein. Services shall include all labor, materials, tools, specialized
equipment, supplies, trained personnel, insurance, travel, per diem, direct and indirect administrative costs,
overhead, tolls, parking, fuel, lodging, all other cost and charges, and all things and services necessary and
in accordance with the requirements of this ITB. There shall be no add-on charges of any kind.

DCSD reserves the right to make multiple awards.

DCSD, at its discretion, determines the process whereby bids are awarded. No damages shall be
recoverable by any challenger as a result of these determinations or decisions by DCSD.

B. Project Scope of Work
DCSD is requesting bids to establish fixed pricing for the purchase and delivery of reading material kits to improve
reading literacy in all grade levels. Each kit shall include reading literacy materials and a backpack to carry the
materials. Pricing shall include a backpack and shipping. Bidders shall provide a description of the contents of
each kit on Attachment A – Bid Form Part II.

Estimated quantities for each grade level are as follows:

        Elementary                       Middle                         High
                                th                             th
 Kindergarten 5,452            6 Grade       5,883           9 Grade       7,311
 1st Grade    5,786            7th Grade     5,922           10th Grade    6,293
 2nd Grade    5,860            8th Grade     5,911           11th Grade    5,492
  rd                                                           th
 3 Grade      5,676            Total         17,716          12 Grade      4,978
 4th Grade    5,784                                          Total         24,074
 5th Grade    5,679
 Total        34,237

C. References Upload this document under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled
“References”.

Bidder must provide the names and contact phone numbers of at least three (3) current clients, preferably
clients comparable to DCSD, for whom the bidder is providing or has provided comparable services. Bidder’s
Reference Form, References will be contacted.
ITB 24-596                                Reading Literacy Materials                                   PAGE 21

D. Brochures, Catalogs, Manuals, Websites, Literature

In addition to the formal response to this ITB, all bidders are encouraged to submit brochures, catalogs,
manuals, website materials, industry literature, and any other marketing and informational media which will
support and enhance their submission value.

E. REQUIRED CONTENT / DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

All potential respondents must register as a vendor athttps://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net.

 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Submittals to this solicitation will be received electronically on the DeKalb County
 School District website at https://dekalbschoolsga.ionwave.net.

   IonWave will not accept a bid submission without the required documents listed below. Failure to upload
   the required information and/or documentation required in this solicitation may cause the submission to be
   declared non-responsive and rejected.

 All ITB submissions must include the following items and attachments:

       •     ITB Document – ITB 24-596 Reading Literacy Materials (Upload Required)
       •     Audited Company Financial Statements/Company Annual Reports for 2022 and 2023 (Upload
             Required)
       •     Business License (Upload Required)
       •     Certificate of Insurance (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment A – Bid Form Part I (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment A-Bid Form Part II (Upload Required
       •     Attachment B – Critical Paragraphs (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment C- Bidder’s Client Reference Form (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment D – Statement of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment E- Suspension and Debarment (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment F– Conflict of Interest (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment G – Immigration & Security Certification (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment H- Non-Collusion (Upload Required)
       •     Attachment I – Signature Page (Upload Required)
       •     Brochures, manuals, websites, literature, and/or other marketing media
       •     Addenda – Each individual Addendum must be printed, signed, and uploaded (if applicable).
ITB 24-596                                   Reading Literacy Materials                            PAGE 22

                                                 Attachment A

                                         ITB 24-596
                                  Reading Literacy Materials
                                          Bid Form
Bidder must provide costs to DCSD associated with the products requested in this ITB. Pricing must
be submitted on this form in the format requested. A breakdown of pricing shall be submitted using
Attachment A Part II. Alterations to the bid form may result in the bid being deemed non-
responsive and rejected.

Pricing shall include all labor, materials, tools, specialized equipment, supplies, trained personnel,
insurance, travel, per diem, direct and indirect administrative costs, overhead, tolls, parking, fuel, all
other costs and charges necessary to provide the goods requested in this ITB.


   Complete and Upload Attachment A-Part II



** DCSD reserves the right to request and negotiate a “best and Final” response from Bidders. **
Complete the following:


Company Name


Authorized Company Representative Name (please print)                                  Title


Authorized Company Representative Signature                                            Date

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Email
ITB 24-596                                Reading Literacy Materials                                      PAGE 23




                                            Attachment B

                                        ITB 24-596
                                Reading Literacy Materials
                                   Critical Paragraphs

     Offerors must put their initials in the space provided in front of each critical paragraph and
     sign below. Initials signify that the information has been read and the offeror agrees to
     comply with the requirement, stipulations, terms and conditions. Attach and label “Critical
     Paragraph.”

     1) ____ This ITB does not commit DCSD to any offeror to this ITB. DCSD is not liable for any costs
             incurred by an offeror in responding to this ITB. There is no guarantee of any offeror receiving
             an award or contract as a result of submitting a response to this ITB.
     2) ____   Any news release or publicity pertaining to any phase of this ITB will be the responsibility of
               DCSD and must be cleared through DCSD’s Department of Communications and Community
               Relations.

     3) ____   It is the responsibility of offerors to make themselves aware of and to comply with any
               addenda, questions and answers posted to the DCSD website in relation to this ITB. All
               addenda must be printed, signed by the certifying official and included in the ITB submittals.
               Failure to do so will cause the offeror to be deemed non-responsive to the requirements of this
               ITB.

     4) ____ Offerors to the ITB agree to fully indemnify DCSD as stated in the ITB.

     5) ____   Offerors certify that they have not engaged in collusion and guarantee that their response is
               not made in conjunction with or on behalf of another party and that they have not been directly
               or indirectly induced or acted in any manner to result in restriction of trade or unfair advantage.

     6) ____   The DCSD reserves the right to reject any and/or all responses submitted and to waive any
               technicalities or minor irregularities in responses received. DCSD reserves the right to award
               any resulting contract in the manner that is in the best interest of and most advantageous
               DCSD.

     7) ____   Offeror understands that this solicitation requires Board of Education Approval.
ITB 24-596                             Reading Literacy Materials                          PAGE 24


                                        Attachment C

                                    ITB 24-596
                             Reading Literacy Materials
                           Attach and label “Offeror’s Client References.”
                           BIDDER’S CLIENT REFERENCES
                (Please copy this form and use one form per reference.)
                           Attach and label “Offeror’s Client References.”

       _______________________________
       Company Name Providing Reference

       _______________________________
       Address         City/State/Zip

       _______________________________
       Name of Contact Person

       _______________________________
       Telephone Number of Contact Person

       _______________________________
       Email Address of Contact Person

       _______________________________
       Date/Duration of Service Relationship

       Describe in Detail Services Provided (use additional sheets if necessary):

       __________________________________________________________________________________________

       __________________________________________________________________________________________

       __________________________________________________________________________________________




       Important! This is a vital part of your ITB submission. DCSD will verify client references.
       It is advisable that you inform your reference contact person that you have listed them
       for reference.
ITB 24-596                              Reading Literacy Materials                                PAGE 25


                                          Attachment D
                                     ITB 24-596
                              Reading Literacy Materials
             Statement of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

       Any non-public information made available to the offeror by DCSD in relation to this ITB shall be
       used only for those purposes outlined in the ITB document and shall not be used in any other
       way without the written permission of the DCSD.

       If the offeror is uncertain about the proposed use of information provided in relation to this ITB,
       the offeror shall consult with the DCSD ITB contact person as identified in the ITB document for
       clarification.

       The offeror agrees to assume full responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of DCSD records
       that are not public information. Such information may include but is not limited to student and
       employee data and other written and oral information of a personal and/or confidential nature,
       which shall be safeguarded by the offeror to ensure that it is not improperly disclosed.



       __________________________________
       Offeror Company Name


       __________________________________
       Company Representative


       __________________________________
       Date
ITB 24-596                                  Reading Literacy Materials                                       PAGE 26


                                           Attachment E
                                         ITB 24-596
                                  Reading Literacy Materials
                 SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION
By submitting this ITB, the offeror certifies that the proposing company and/or its principals have not been
suspended, excluded, disqualified, debarred, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded
from participation in any transaction by any federal or state department or agency and that the offeror complies
with all applicable orders, rules and regulations related thereto.

Further, by submitting this ITB, the offeror certifies that all lower tier participating individuals and/or company(s)
and all respective principals of lower tier participants have not been suspended, excluded, disqualified, debarred,
proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in any transaction by any
federal or state department or agency and that the offeror complies with all applicable orders, rules and
regulations related thereto.

The certification placed herein is a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed as ITB
submissions are evaluated and any transaction is entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective
offeror has knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, the DCSD may pursue all available remedies,
including but not limited to suspension and/or debarment.
The prospective offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the DCSD Purchasing Department if at any
time the prospective offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous
by reason of changed circumstances.
The prospective offeror agrees by submitting this form that, should the proposed transaction be entered into, the
prospective offeror shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier transaction with a person or entity that is
debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction.
By signing and submitting this form, the offeror is providing the certification set out above.


Signature of Engaging Official: ______________________________________________ Date:____________
                                (Offeror Company Name/Certifying Official Signature)


Further, the DCSD’s Purchasing Department will check the SAMS website at https://www.sams.gov/SAM/
to determine if the offeror is listed.
ITB 24-596                                   Reading Literacy Materials                                         PAGE 27


                                            Attachment F
                                         ITB 24-596
                                  Reading Literacy Materials

                                          Conflict of Interest
Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “CONFLICT OF
INTEREST”

Bidder shall use its best efforts to disclose with their proposal the name of any officer, director, or agent who also
is a DCSD employee, agent, representative, contractor, immediate family member (spouse, child, sibling, or
parent or the spouse of a child, sibling or parent) or DeKalb County Board of Education member. Bidders shall
also disclose the name of any DCSD employee, agent, representative, contractor, immediate family member or
board member who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in five percent or more in the Bidder’s company or
any of its branches. In the event the Bidder was aware of a conflict of interest prior to the award of the contract
and did not disclose the conflict DCSD may, at its discretion, terminate the contract for default. The Bidder further
agrees that, if after award, a conflict of interest is discovered, an immediate and full disclosure in writing must be
made to the DCSD Purchasing Department which must include a description of the action which the Bidder has
taken or proposes to take to avoid or mitigate such conflicts. If a conflict of interest is determined to exist, DCSD
may, at its discretion, cancel the contract. Bidders shall certify that their response to this Bid is impartial, at arms-
length, and free of any conflict of interest at this time, unfair advantage, or personal benefit to any DCSD
official.
Bidder must sign below acknowledging the above statement.


Signature of Company Representative:


____________________________________
Company Name/Certifying Official Signature


Date: _____________
ITB 24-596                                 Reading Literacy Materials                                    PAGE 28


                                         Attachment G
                                        ITB 24-596
                                 Reading Literacy Materials

                                 IMMIGRATION & SECURITY CERTIFICATION

If you are providing service, performing work or delivering goods to the DeKalb County Board of
Education/DeKalb County School District including, but not limited to schools, warehouses and central
offices, the applicable Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance documents found here must be
completed, signed, notarized and submitted with your bid/proposal. Failure to provide this document
with your bid/proposal will result in the disqualification of the bid/proposal.

     1) Offeror/Bidder (the “Offeror”) shall at all times comply with the Georgia Security and Immigration
        Compliance Act, as amended, O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et. Seq.


     2) In order to insure compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), D.L. 99 -
        603 and the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, as amended by the Illegal
        Immigration Reform Act of 2011, O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et. Seq. (collectively the “Act”), the Offeror
        MUST INITIAL the statement applicable to Offeror below:



        (a) _______ (Initial here): order to comply with the Act; is authorized to use and uses the federal
            authorization program under the federal work authorization user identification number issued on
            the date of authorization below; will continue to use the authorization program throughout the
            contract period; Offeror further warrants and agrees Offeror shall execute and return any and all
            affidavits required by the Act and the rules and regulations issued by the Georgia Department of
            Labor as set forth at Rule 300-10-1-.01 et. Seq. [Offerors who initial (a) must attach and return a
            signed, notarized Contractor Affidavit and Agreement with the Contract if awarded];


or
        (b) _______ (Initial here): Offeror warrants that he/she does not employ any other persons, and
            he/she does not intend to hire any employees or to perform the Contract. [Offerors who initial (b)
            must attach and return a signed, notarized Affidavit of Exception with the C ontract if awarded];


or

     3) I________ (Initial here): Offeror is an individual who is licensed pursuant to Title 26 or Title 43 or by
        the State Bar of Georgia and is in good standing when such contract is for services to be rendered
        by such individual and thus does not have to provide an affidavit.

     4) _____ (Initial here) Offeror will not employ or contract with any subcontractor in connection with a
        covered contract unless the subcontractor is registered, authorized to use, and uses the federal work
        authorization program; and provides Offeror with all affidavits required by the Act and the rules and
        regulations issued by the Georgia Department of Labor as set forth at Rule 300 -10-1-.01 et. Seq.
ITB 24-596                              Reading Literacy Materials                                  PAGE 29




   5) _____ (Initial here) Offeror agrees that, if Offeror employs or contracts with any sub-contractor in
      connection with the covered contract under the Act and DOL Rules 300-10-1- .01, et seq that Offeror
      will secure from each sub -contractor at the time of the contract the sub-contractor’s name and
      address, the employee-number applicable to the sub-contractor, the date the authorization to use the
      federal work authorization program was granted to sub-contractor; the subcontractor’s attestation of
      the subcontractor’s compliance with the Act and Georgia Department of Labor Rule 300-10-1-.01, et
      seq.; and the subcontractor’s agreement not to contract with sub-subcontractors unless the sub-
      subcontractor is registered, authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program; and
      provides subcontractor with all affidavits required by the Act and the rules and regulations issued by
      the Georgia Department of Labor as set forth at Rule 300-10-1-.01 et. Seq.


   6) ______ (Initial here) Offeror agrees to provide the DeKalb County School District with all affidavits
      of compliance as required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-90 et seq. and Georgia Department of Labor Rules
      300-10-1-.01, et seq within five (5) business days of receipt.

_____________________________                    ______________________________
Signature                                               Date

_____________________________                    ______________________________
EEV/Basic Pilot Program                                 Date of Authorization
User Identification Number

Firm Name: __________________________________________________________

Street/Mailing Address: ________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: __________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN
BEFORE ME ON THIS THE
______ DAY OF_____________________, 20____


Notary Public:

My Commission Expires: ___________________________
ITB 24-596                                     Reading Literacy Materials                                            PAGE 30


                                         DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
                                              Offeror E-Verify Affidavit

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Offeror verifies its compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act of
1986 (IRCA), Pub.L. 99-603, stating affirmatively that the individual firm or corporation which is engaged in services on
behalf of the DeKalb County School District has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work
authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the
applicable provisions and deadlines established by federal law and regulation. Furthermore, the undersigned Offeror will
continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period. Offeror hereby attests that its federal
work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:


  Federal Work Authorization User Identification number:

  Date of Authorization:
                                                                   Reading Literacy Materials
  Name of Project:
                                                                   ITB 24-596
  Solicitation Number (if applicable):

  Name of Public Employer:                                         DeKalb County School District

  I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

  Executed on _____, ____, 202__ in ___________________________________, __________
                                                          (city)                          (state)
  Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

  Printed Name and Title of Authorized Agent:

  SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _________, 20___.

  Notary Public

  My Commission Expires:
ITB 24-596                                      Reading Literacy Materials                                           PAGE 31



                                        DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
                                  Contractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(1)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, stating affirmatively
that the individual firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of the DeKalb
County School District has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program
commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and
deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work
authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned contractor will contract for the physical
performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor
with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user
identification number and date of authorization are as follows:


  Federal Work Authorization User Identification number:

  Date of Authorization:

  Name of Subcontractor:
                                                                    Reading Literacy Materials
  Name of Project:
                                                                    ITB 24-596
  Solicitation Number (if applicable):

  Name of Public Employer:                                          DeKalb County School District

  I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

  Executed on _____, ____, 202__ in ___________________________________, __________
                                                           (city)                         (state)
  Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

  Printed Name and Title of Authorized Agent:

  SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _________, 20___.

  Notary Public

  My Commission Expires:
ITB 24-596                                      Reading Literacy Materials                                           PAGE 32




                                       DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
                                Subcontractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(3)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91, stating affirmatively
that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract with
_________________________________________ on behalf of the DeKalb County School District has registered with,
is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent
replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.
Furthermore, the undersigned subcontractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the
contract period and the undersigned subcontractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of
such contract only with sub-subcontractors who present an affidavit to the subcontractor with the information required by
O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b). Additionally, the undersigned subcontractor will forward notice of the receipt of an affidavit from a
sub-subcontractor to the contractor within five (5) business days of receipt. Subcontractor hereby attests that its federal
work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

  Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number:

  Date of Authorization:

  Name of Subcontractor:
                                                                       Reading Literacy Materials
  Name of Project:
                                                                       ITB 24-596
  Solicitation Number (if applicable):


  Name of Public Employer:                                             DeKalb County School District

  I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

  Executed on _____, __________, 202___ in __________________________________, __________
                                                              (city)                              (state)
  Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

  Printed Name and Title of Authorized Agent:

  SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _________, 20___.

  Notary Public

  My Commission Expires:
ITB 24-596                                      Reading Literacy Materials                                            PAGE 33



                                       DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
                              Sub-subcontractor Affidavit under O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b)(4)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned sub-subcontractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A.§ 13-10-91, stating
affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract
for _______________________________________ and ______________________________________ on behalf of the
DeKalb County School District has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program
commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and
deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91. Furthermore, the undersigned sub-subcontractor will continue to use the
federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned sub-subcontractor will contract for
the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with sub-subcontractors who present an affidavit
to the sub-subcontractor with information required by O.C.G.A §13-10-91(b). The undersigned sub-subcontractor shall
submit, at the time of such contract, this affidavit to ___________________________________________________.
Additionally, the undersigned sub-subcontractor will forward notice of the receipt of any affidavit from a sub-subcontractor
to the contractor within five (5) business days of receipt. Sub-subcontractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization
user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

  Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number:

  Date of Authorization:

  Name of Sub-subcontractor:
                                                                         Reading Literacy Materials
  Name of Project:
                                                                         ITB 24-596

  Solicitation Number (if applicable):

                                                                         DeKalb County School District
  Name of Public Employer:

  I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

  Executed on ____, __________, 202___ in ___________________________________, __________
                                                                (city)                             (state)
  Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

  Printed Name and Title of Authorized Agent:

  SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE _________ DAY OF _________, 20___.

  Notary Public

  My Commission Expires:
ITB 24-596                             Reading Literacy Materials                               PAGE 34


                                      Attachment H
                                          ITB 24-596
                                   Reading Literacy Materials
                                        Non-Collusion

Upload this documentation under the Response Attachment tab via IonWave titled “NON-
COLLUSION”

Bidders shall fully certify that they, as an individual or as an engaging official of a formal business
entity, have not entered into any agreement, participated in collusion, or otherwise taken any action in
restraint of free and competitive responses to this bid. Further, bidders guarantee that their response
are not made in conjunction with or on behalf of another party and that they have not been directly or
indirectly induced in any manner or taken any action to result in a restriction of trade or in an unfair
advantage.

Bidder must sign below acknowledging the above statement.



Signature of Company Representative:


______________________________________
Company Name/Certifying Official Signature



Date: _____________
ITB 24-596                                Reading Literacy Materials                                   PAGE 35


                                            Attachment I

                                            ITB 24-596
                                     Reading Literacy Materials
                                        SIGNATURE PAGE

I certify that I have read this ITB document in its entirety and agree to conform to and comply with the terms,
conditions and requirements of this ITB. I also certify that I am a duly appointed official of the offering
company with the authority to authorize and engage this ITB submittal. Further, I certify that the contents
of the response to this ITB are true, accurate and complete.



______________________________                      _______________________________
Printed Name/Engaging Authorized                    Position/Title
Company Official

                                                    _______________________________
                                                    Offeror’s Company Name


_______________________________                     ________________________________
Signature/Engaging Authorized                       E-mail address
Company Official


________________________________
Telephone Number


______________________________
Date
ITB 24-596      Reading Literacy Materials   PAGE 36




                   END

                      OF

             SOLICITATION