RFP and Addendums Peach State 2025

AID 2017002 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

i. Contract Award ~ Cooperative Agreement ~ Georgia Statewide Contract ~ Peach State Truck Centers (#99999-SPD0000236-0003) ~ Acquisition of Thomas Built School Buses (Not to Exceed $3,140,000)

Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education (“the Board”) approve the use of the Cooperative Agreement - Georgia Statewide Contract - 99999-001-SPD0000236-0003 - Peach State Truck Centers for the purchase of twenty (20)- 2027 / Thomas Built - Saf-T-Liner C2 (72 passenger) school buses from Peach State Truck Centers in an amount not to exceed $3,140,000.
Why: The approval of the proposed purchase supports the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation fleet. These buses will replace units that have exceeded established lifecycle thresholds of 175,000+ miles and/or 15+ years in service. Replacing aging buses is necessary to ensure the safety of student transportation, sustain operational efficiency, and reduce the increasing maintenance costs associated with an older fleet.
Details: The Division of Operations - Transportation/Fleet Services Department is requesting approval to procure twenty (20) 2027 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. These units will replace existing buses that have exceeded lifecycle standards of 175,000 miles and/or 15 years of service. Replacement buses will improve fleet reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance safety for student transportation operations. Newer buses are expected to lower maintenance and repair costs while improving fuel efficiency and overall operational performance.

The Georgia Statewide Contract - 99999-001-SPD0000236-0003 - term is for an initial two (2) years, (effective date 12.16.2025 -12.15.2027) with five (5) one (1) year optional renewals.

This Purchase will ensure that the Transportation Department is adequately equipped to respond to student school bus issues throughout the District in a timely manner and aligns with the District’s strategic focus on operational efficiency, fleet modernization, and ensuring safe and dependable transportation services for students.
Financial impact: Amount: Not to exceed $3,140,000.00. Funds will be utilized from FY26 General Purchase/Lease - Buses Codes: 100.2700.573200.41121.7100.2411.8010.040.0000
100.2700.573200.00011.7100.2410.8012.040.0000
Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1470 
Mr. Raymond Stanley, Executive Dir. Transportation & Fleet, Division of Operations, 678.676.1395
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Attachment


State of Georgia
STATEWIDE CONTRACT
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Electronic Request for Proposals (eRFP)
Event Name: School Buses with Related Equipment, Options, and Accessories
eRFP (Event) Number: 99999-001-SPD0000236

1. Introduction

    1.1.   Purpose of Procurement
           Pursuant to the State Purchasing Act (Official Code of Georgia Annotated §§50-5-50 et seq.), this
           electronic Request for Proposal (eRFP) is being issued to establish one or more statewide contracts with
           one or more qualified suppliers who will provide School Buses with Related Equipment, Options, and
           Accessories

           This eRFP is being conducted by the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), through its State
           Purchasing Division, (SPD). The resulting statewide contract(s) (if any) will be a “Convenience” source for
           all State of Georgia governmental entities subject to the State Purchasing Act, including but not limited to
           certain state offices, agencies, departments, boards, bureaus, commissioners, institutions and colleges and
           universities. The statewide contract(s) will also be available on a convenience basis to other governmental
           entities such as state authorities, local government, municipalities, cities, townships, counties and other
           political subdivisions of the State of Georgia. All entities authorized to utilize the resulting statewide
           contract(s) shall be referred to collectively as Authorized Users.

           In addition, the resulting statewide contract(s) will also be available on a “convenience” basis to other
           State’s entities, state offices, agencies, departments, cities, townships, counties, school districts, schools,
           and other political subdivisions. All other State’s entities authorized to utilize the resulting statewide
           contract(s) shall also be referred to collectively as “Authorized Users.”

           This solicitation is designed to establish fair and open competition resulting in a comprehensive supply
           base capable of providing a wide variety of types and quantities of school buses that meet varying
           levels/types of requirements as set forth by federal, state, and local organizations. The scope includes the
           provision of school buses with related equipment, options, and accessories. It does not include services or
           leasing of the school buses. This solicitation is further designed to structure contracts that will provide
           Authorized Users considerable flexibility in purchasing school buses with related equipment, options, and
           accessories by establishing an “ala carte menu” style ordering process that allows Authorized Users to
           build the bus they want by the addition of preferred options.

           An analysis provided by the SPD data team indicates that there is an average of approximately
           $77,126,972 in annual spend on existing contracts per fiscal year during the five-year period reviewed from
           Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-2024Q3. The data was derived only from Quarterly Sales Reports self-reported by
           the suppliers on the existing SWC and will likely increase after the completion of an audit currently
           underway. The usage across various Authorized Users, coupled with continued FY-to-FY growth, indicates
           continued utilization of this Statewide Contract. The analyses indicated that 156 Georgia distinct political
           jurisdictions are actively using this contract. It’s user-friendly popularity, labor and cost savings of the
           Authorized Users is expected play a part in higher in continued growth among most school districts across
           the state.




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                Notable Characteristics:
                   • 83% of the spend is classified with the following five bus types: Class C 72-seater (47.8%),
                        Class C up to 83-seater (12.7%), Class D 84-seater (9.8%), Class C 48-seater (6.7%), and
                        Class C 81-seater (6.2%).
                   • A key growth area and focus for the future of the bus industry is driven currently by federal
                        grant monies, with fleet electrification across various school districts being incentivized from a
                        top-down approach from the federal government. Grant monies must be presented to the
                        ender user with charging solutions as a package deal.

    1.2.   eRFP Certification
           Pursuant to the provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §50-5-67(a), DOAS certifies the use of
           competitive sealed bidding will not be practicable or advantageous to the State of Georgia in completing
           the acquisition described in this eRFP. Thus, electronic competitive sealed proposals will be submitted in
           response to this eRFP.

           This eRFP is being sourced through an electronic sourcing tool approved by DOAS and all suppliers’
           responses must be submitted electronically in accordance with the instructions contained in Section 2
           “Instructions to Suppliers” of this eRFP. Electronic competitive sealed proposals will be administered
           pursuant to the Georgia Electronic Records and Signature Act. Please note electronic competitive sealed
           proposals meet the sealed proposal requirements of the State of Georgia, an electronic record meets any
           requirements for writing, and an electronic signature meets any requirements for an original signature.

    1.3.   Overview of the eRFP Process
           The objective of the eRFP is to select multiple qualified suppliers to provide the goods and/or services
           outlined in this eRFP to Authorized Users. This eRFP process will be conducted to gather and evaluate
           responses from suppliers for potential award(s). All qualified suppliers are invited to participate by
           submitting responses, as defined below. After evaluating all responses received prior to the closing date of
           this eRFP and following negotiations (if any) and resolution of any contract exceptions, the preliminary
           results of the eRFP process will be publicly announced, including the names of all participating suppliers
           and the evaluation results. Subject to the protest process, final contract award(s) will be publicly
           announced thereafter.

           NOTE TO SUPPLIERS: The general instructions and provisions of this document have been drafted with
           the expectation that DOAS may desire to make one award or multiple awards per line item.. For example,
           this document contains phrases such as “statewide contract(s)” and “award(s)”. Please refer to Section 1.1
           “Purpose of Procurement” and Section 6.7 “Selection and Award” for information concerning whether
           DOAS will make one award, multiple or split awards, or reserves the right to make either depending on the
           proposals received.

    1.4.   Schedule of Events
           The schedule of events set out herein represents DOAS’ best estimate of the schedule that will be
           followed. Delays to the procurement process may occur which may necessitate adjustments to the
           proposed schedule. If a component of this schedule, such as the close date, is delayed, the rest of the
           schedule may be shifted as appropriate. Any changes to the dates up to the closing date of the eRFP will
           be publicly posted prior to the closing date of this eRFP. After the close of the eRFP, DOAS reserves the
           right to adjust the remainder of the proposed dates, including the dates for evaluation, negotiations, award
           and the statewide contract term on an as needed basis with or without notice.




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             Description                                      Date                                     Time
             Release of eRFP                                  As Published on the Georgia              N/A
                                                              Procurement Registry (GPR)
             Deadline for written questions sent              01/10/2025                               5:00 p.m.
             via email to the Issuing Officer                                                          ET
             referenced in Section 1.5.
             Bidders Conference                               As Published on the GPR                  See GPR

             Location:
             Microsoft Teams meeting
             Join on your computer, mobile app
             or room device

             Meeting Link:
             Join the meeting now                             Attendance is: Optional
                                                              but
             Meeting ID: 260 354 302 434                      Highly Recommended
             Passcode: JU7cY7pD
                                                              via virtual Microsoft Teams
             Dial in by phone                                 Meeting.

             +1 470-344-9228,,534539618# United
             States, Atlanta
             Phone conference ID: 534 539 618#
             Responses to Written Questions                   01/14/2025                               5:00 p.m.
                                                                                                       ET
             Proposals Due/Close Date and                     As Published on the GPR                  See GPR
             Time
             Proposal Evaluation Completed (on                4 to 6 weeks after closing               N/A
             or about)
             Negotiations Invitation Issued                   7 to 12 weeks after closing              TBD
             (emailed) (on or about);
             discretionary process
             Final Evaluation (on or about)                   13 weeks after closing                   N/A
             Finalize Contract Terms                          14 weeks after closing Weeks             N/A
                                                              after closing

             Notice of Intent to Award* [NOIA]                15 weeks after closing                   N/A
             (on or about)
             Notice of Award [NOA] (on or about)              As published on the GPR                  See GPR
           *In the event the estimated value of the resulting statewide contract(s) is less than $100,000.00, DOAS
           reserves the right to proceed directly to contract award without posting a Notice of Intent to Award.

    1.5.   Official Issuing Officer (Buyer)
           The Issuing Officer for this solicitation is listed below. Except as otherwise provided in this eRFP, all
           communication (questions, requests for clarification, status updates, etc.) related to this eRFP must be




           provided in writing to this individual as further detailed in Section 2.1.2 of this eRFP.

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           Billy R. Gilbert
           404-657-4322
           SchoolBuses.2024@doas.ga.gov
           billy.gilbert1@doas.ga.gov


    1.6.   Definition of Terms
           Please review the following terms:
           DOAS – the Georgia Department of Administrative Services
           Supplier(s) – companies desiring to do business with the State of Georgia.
           RFP – Request for Proposal; method by which entities solicit responses from the marketplace that are
           evaluated and used to form a contract for subsequent purchases.

           Any special terms or words which are not identified in this Statewide eRFP Document may be identified
           separately in one or more attachments to the eRFP. Please download, save and carefully review all
           documents in accordance with the instructions provided in Section 2 “Instructions to Suppliers” of this
           eRFP.

    1.7.    Contract Term
           The initial term of the statewide contract(s) is for two (2) calendar year(s) from the execution date of the
           statewide contract(s). DOAS shall have five (5) one (1) year option(s) to renew, which options shall be
           exercisable at the sole discretion of DOAS. Renewals will be accomplished through the issuance of a
           Renewal Amendment or as otherwise described in the contract terms. In the event that the statewide
           contract(s), if any, resulting from the award of this eRFP shall terminate or be likely to terminate prior to the
           making of an award for a new contract for the identified products and/or services, DOAS may, with the
           written consent of the awarded supplier(s), extend the statewide contract(s) for such period of time as may
           be necessary to permit the State’s continued supply of the identified products and/or services. The
           statewide contract(s) may be amended in writing from time to time by mutual consent of the parties. Unless
           this eRFP states otherwise, the resulting award of the statewide contract(s) does not guarantee volume or a
           commitment of funds.

    1.8.   Small and Diverse Businesses
           The State is committed to supporting small and diverse businesses and encourages all qualified companies
           to participate in the procurement process through prime and subcontractor opportunities. In an effort to
           assist small and diverse businesses, Georgia law permits an income tax adjustment on the state tax return
           of any company that subcontracts with a DOAS-certified small and minority-owned, small and woman-
           owned or small and veteran-owned firm to furnish goods, property or services to the State of Georgia
           O.C.G.A. Section 48-7-38. More information about DOAS’ Business Certification Program is available
           online at https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/georgia-business-certification-program. Suppliers should
           consult with their tax advisors to find out how to take advantage of these tax credits.

2. Instructions to Suppliers

    By submitting a response to the eRFP, the supplier is acknowledging that the supplier:
        1. Has read the information and instructions,
        2. Agrees to comply with the information and instructions contained herein.

    2.1.   General Information and Instructions

           2.1.1. Team Georgia Marketplace™ Registration System
                  DOAS requires all companies and/or individuals interested in conducting business with the State of
                  Georgia to register in the State’s web-based registration system, through Team Georgia
                  Marketplace™. Registration is free and enables the registering company to gain access to certain

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                   information, services and/or materials maintained in Team Georgia Marketplace™ at no charge to
                   the registering company. All registering companies must agree to be bound by the applicable terms
                   and conditions governing the supplier’s use of Team Georgia Marketplace™. In the event DOAS
                   elects to offer certain optional or premium services to registered companies on a fee basis, the
                   registered company will be given the opportunity to either accept or reject the service before
                   incurring any costs and still maintain its registration. Companies may register at
                   https://fscm.teamworks.georgia.gov/psc/supp/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDING
                   PAGE.GBL?&

          2.1.2.   Restrictions on Communicating with Staff
                   From the issue date of this eRFP until the Notice of Award is posted (or the eRFP is officially
                   cancelled), suppliers are not allowed to communicate for any reason related to this solicitation with
                   any State staff except through the Issuing Officer named herein, as allowed by the Issuing Officer
                   during the Bidders’/Offerors’ conference (if any), or as provided by existing work agreement(s).
                   Prohibited communication includes all contact or interaction, including but not limited to telephonic
                   communications, emails, faxes, letters, or personal meetings, such as lunch, entertainment or
                   otherwise. DOAS reserves the right to reject the proposal of any supplier violating this provision.

          2.1.3.   Submitting Questions
                   All questions concerning this eRFP, including questions posed at the Bidders’/Offerors’ conference
                   (if any), must be submitted in writing via email to the Issuing Officer identified in Section 1.5 “Issuing
                   Officer” of this eRFP. No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than
                   written will be binding upon the State. All suppliers must submit questions by the deadline identified
                   in the Schedule of Events for submitting questions. Suppliers are cautioned that DOAS may or may
                   not elect to entertain late questions or questions submitted by any other method than as directed by
                   this section. All questions about this eRFP should be submitted in the following format:
                          Company Name
                          Question #1 Question, Citation of relevant section of the eRFP
                          Question #2 Question, Citation of relevant section of the eRFP
                   Do not use the comments section of the Sourcing Event to submit questions to the Issuing
                   Officer.

          2.1.4.   Attending Bidders’/Offerors’/ Conference
                   The Bidders’/Offerors’ Conference or any other information session (if indicated in the schedule of
                   events) will be held at the location referred to in Section 1.4 “Schedule of Events” of this eRFP.
                   Attendance is Optional although suppliers are strongly encouraged to attend.

          2.1.5.   Supplier Responsibility and Security Concerns
                   To be eligible to receive a state contract award, a supplier must be determined to be a
                   responsible supplier. "Responsible" means the supplier, whether a company or an individual,
                   has appropriate legal authority to do business in the state of Georgia, a satisfactory record of
                   integrity, appropriate financial, organizational and operational capacity and controls, and
                   acceptable performance on previous governmental and/or private contracts, if any, as further
                   described in the Georgia Procurement Manual.

                   2.1.5.1. National Security
                            Further, to be eligible for contract award, (1) the supplier must not be debarred,
                            suspended, banned or identified as a security threat or concern by federal or state
                            government, (2) the supplier must not offer products, equipment or services from
                            another supplier that has been suspended, banned or identified as a security threat
                            or concern by federal or state government, and (3) the supplier must not, pursuant to
                            this statewide contract, offer products, equipment or services that have been
                            identified as security threat, security concern or banned from purchase by a U.S.
                            federal government entity or state government entity.

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                  2.1.5.2. National Defense Authorization Act: To ensure that any equipment or services
                           procured by Authorized Users adequately protects the security of state data.
                           Effective August 13, 2018, the John McCain National Defense Authorization Act
                           (NDAA), H.R. 5515 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-
                           bill/5515/text#toc-H4350A53097BD46409287451A50C4F397), provides that
                           agencies of the federal government are prohibited from procuring equipment or
                           services from Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary
                           or affiliate of such entities). In addition, federal agencies are prohibited from
                           procuring certain video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by
                           Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology
                           Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates)
                           and any other prohibited goods, technology or services or other companies that may
                           be added to a prohibited list. Products and services provided under this Contract may
                           not be derived or associated with the aforementioned prohibited companies.


                  2.1.5.3. DATA SECURITY TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Attachment M)

                             As stated in Attachment M, “In the course of providing goods and/or services to the State of
                             Georgia and governmental entities of the State pursuant to this contract, Supplier may gain access
                             to Sensitive State Data as defined below”. In such event, the applicable Data Security Terms and
                             Conditions contained in Attachment M shall apply.

                  2.1.5.4. State’s Right to Request Additional Information - Supplier’s Responsibility
                             Prior to award, DOAS must be assured that the selected supplier(s) has all of the
                             resources to successfully perform under the statewide contract. This includes, but is not
                             limited to, adequate number of personnel with required skills, availability of appropriate
                             equipment in sufficient quantity to meet the ongoing needs of the State, financial
                             resources sufficient to complete performance under the statewide contract, and
                             experience in similar endeavors. If, during the evaluation process, DOAS or the State’s
                             evaluation team is unable to assure itself of the supplier’s ability to perform, if awarded,
                             DOAS has the option of requesting from the supplier any information deemed necessary
                             to determine the supplier’s responsibility. If such information is required, the supplier will
                             be so notified and will be permitted enough business days, as determined by DOAS, to
                             submit the information requested.

          2.1.6. Failing to Comply with Submission Instructions
                 Responses received after the identified due date and time or submitted by any other means than
                 those expressly permitted by the eRFP will not be considered. Suppliers’ responses must be
                 complete in all respects, as required in each section of this eRFP.

          2.1.7. Rejection of Proposals; State’s Right to Waive Immaterial Deviation
                 DOAS reserves the right to reject any or all supplier responses, to waive any irregularity or
                 informality in a supplier’s response, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items, when
                 to do so would be to the advantage of the State of Georgia. It is also within the right of DOAS to
                 reject responses that do not contain all elements and information requested in this eRFP. A
                 supplier’s response will be rejected if the response contains any defect or irregularity and such
                 defect or irregularity constitutes a material deviation from the eRFP requirements, which
                 determination will be made by DOAS on a case-by-case basis. A minor informality or irregularity is
                 one which is a matter of form or an immaterial variation from the exact requirements of the
                 solicitation that a trivial or negligible effect on a supplier’s proposal’s total price, quality, quantity, or
                 delivery of the supplies or performance of the contract, and the correction or waiver of which would
                 not be prejudicial to other Suppliers. DOAS maintains discretion to provide a supplier with an
                 opportunity to cure any deficiency resulting from a minor informality or irregularity or to waive any


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                   such deficiency when it is to the advantage of the State. Examples of minor informalities or
                   irregularities may include, but are not limited to:

                          a. Failure of a supplier to furnish the required information concerning the number of the
                             supplier’s employees or failure to make a representation concerning its size.
                          b. Failure of a supplier to furnish cut sheets or product literature.
                          c. Failure of a supplier to furnish financial statements.
                          d. Failure of a supplier to furnish references.
                          e. Failure of a supplier to indicate its contractor’s license or other evidence of required
                             licensure, except that a contract must not be awarded to the supplier unless and until the
                             supplier is properly licensed under the laws of Georgia.
                          f. Failure of a supplier to furnish an e-verify affidavit, except that a contract must not be
                             awarded to the supplier unless and until the supplier has submitted a properly executed
                             e-verify affidavit.
                          g. Failure of a supplier to provide cost information that is a de minimis or immaterial amount.

          2.1.8.   State’s Right to Amend or Cancel the eRFP
                   DOAS reserves the right to amend this eRFP prior to the end date and time. Any time a change is
                   made to the eRFP, the eRFP will be temporarily “un-posted” from the Team Georgia Marketplace™
                   to permit changes to be made. Then, once the revision is complete, a new “version” of the eRFP
                   will be posted to the Team Georgia Marketplace™. The eRFP will possess the same solicitation
                   number; however, the eRFP will contain a new version number. By submitting a response, the
                   supplier shall be deemed to have read and accepted all terms and agreed to all requirements of the
                   eRFP (including any revisions/additions made in writing prior to the close of the eRFP whether or
                   not such revision occurred prior to the time the supplier submitted its response) unless expressly
                   stated otherwise in the supplier’s response. THEREFORE, EACH SUPPLIER IS INDIVIDUALLY
                   RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING THE REVISED eRFP AND MAKING ANY NECESSARY OR
                   APPROPRIATE CHANGES AND/OR ADDITIONS TO THE SUPPLIER’S RESPONSE PRIOR TO
                   THE CLOSE OF THE eRFP. Suppliers are encouraged to frequently check the GPR for additional
                   information. Finally, DOAS reserves the right to cancel this eRFP at any time and for any reason.

          2.1.9. Protest Process
                 Suppliers should familiarize themselves with the procedures set forth in the Georgia Procurement
                 Manual.

          2.1.10. Costs for Preparing Proposals
                  Each supplier’s response should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of
                  elaborate promotional materials beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. The
                  cost for developing the supplier’s response and participating in the procurement process (including
                  the protest process) is the supplier’s sole responsibility. The State will not provide reimbursement
                  for such costs.

          2.1.11. ADA Guidelines
                  The State of Georgia adheres to the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
                  Suppliers should contact the Issuing Officer at least one day in advance if they require special
                  arrangements when attending the Bidders/Offerors Conference (if any). The Georgia Relay Center
                  at 1-800-255-0056 (TDD Only) or 1-800-255-0135 (Voice) will relay messages, in strict confidence,
                  for the speech and hearing impaired.

          2.1.12. Public Access to Procurement Records
                  Solicitation opportunities will be publicly advertised as required by law and the provisions of the
                  Georgia Procurement Manual. The State Purchasing Act delays the release of certain procurement
                  records in the event the public disclosure of those records prior to DOAS’s public announcements

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                  of the results of a solicitation would undermine the public purpose of obtaining the best value for the
                  State such as cost estimates, proposals/bids, evaluation criteria, supplier evaluations, negotiation
                  documents, offers and counter-offers, and certain records revealing preparation for the
                  procurement. After issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award (or the Notice of Award in the event
                  DOAS does not issue the Notice of Intent to Award), or after a solicitation has been cancelled
                  following evaluation, without intent to rebid, requests for access to public records, shall be subject
                  to the disclosure provisions of Georgia’s Open Records Act. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(a),
                  DOAS must make all public records, including but not limited to, cost estimates, proposals/bids,
                  evaluation criteria, supplier proposals, evaluation documents, negotiation documents, offers and
                  counter offers, and records revealing preparation to the procurement, open for personal inspection
                  and copying, except those records which by order of a court of this state or by law are specifically
                  exempted from disclosure. DOAS is allowed to assess a charge for search, retrieval, redaction, and
                  to defray the cost of reproducing documents as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1).

            2.1.12.1. Marking Submissions as “Confidential”, “Proprietary”, or “Trade Secret”
                      If a supplier considers any portion of the documents, data, or records submitted in response to
                      this solicitation to be exempt from disclosure under Georgia law, the supplier must clearly mark
                      each such submission, or portions of the submission, considered to be exempt from disclosure
                      as “Confidential,” “Proprietary”, or “Trade Secret” and specify the statutory exemption. All
                      markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to
                      conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. Wholesale designation of a response or
                      substantial parts of a response as “Confidential” will not be accepted by the State. If only
                      portions of a page are subject to some protection, then the supplier should not mark the entire
                      page. PLEASE NOTE: Even though information (financial or other information) submitted by a
                      supplier may be marked as "confidential", "proprietary", etc., the State will make its own
                      determination regarding what information may or may not be withheld from disclosure.

            2.1.12.2. Submission of Redacted Copies
                      If a supplier considers any portion of its bid/proposal to the solicitation to be trade secret or
                      otherwise not subject to public disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, then the
                      supplier must, in addition to the required original documents, provide a separate redacted
                      electronic copy of its bid/proposal, in PDF format, and briefly describe in a separate writing, as
                      to each item redacted, the grounds for claiming exemption from the public records law,
                      including citation to the appropriate exemption from disclosure requirements provided under
                      Georgia law. This redacted copy should be clearly marked “Redacted Copy-Available for Public
                      Review.” In addition, the electronic file name should include the words “Redacted Copy” at the
                      beginning of the file name. The redacted copy shall be submitted at the same time supplier
                      submits its bid/proposal and must only exclude or redact those specific portions that are
                      claimed not subject to disclosure. The redacted copy should reflect the same pagination as the
                      original and show the location from which information was redacted. Except for the redacted
                      information, the redacted electronic copy must be identical to the original bid/proposal. The
                      redacted copy will be open to public inspection under the Georgia Open Records Act without
                      further notice to the supplier. If a supplier fails to submit a redacted copy with its bid/proposal,
                      the State is authorized to produce the supplier’s bid/proposal with the exception of audited
                      financial statements in answer to any public records request under the Georgia Open Records
                      Act. Even though information submitted by a supplier may be marked as "confidential",
                      "proprietary", “trade secret” etc., the State will make its own determination regarding what
                      information may or may not be withheld from disclosure. If the State of Georgia deems redacted
                      information to be subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, the supplier will
                      be contacted prior to the release of this information.

            2.1.12.3. Trade Secret


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                        In addition, if the supplier claims that certain information in its bid/proposal may be withheld as
                        trade secret pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-72(a)(34), the supplier shall include with its
                        bid/proposal submission, an affidavit indicating the specific information that the supplier
                        identifies as trade secret, affirmatively declaring that such information is trade secret. A sample
                        affidavit template is provided as an attachment to this solicitation; however, use of the sample
                        affidavit template does not guarantee that all requirements of the Open Records Act have been
                        met. Along with the affidavit, the supplier shall provide a justification regarding how and why
                        each redaction request constitutes a trade secret pursuant to Georgia law. Designation of a
                        “trade secret” shall not be binding on the State, but the State will review and consider the
                        designation. Wholesale designation of a response or substantial parts of a response as “trade
                        secrets” will not be accepted by the State. In general, the State does not consider pricing
                        information to be trade secret. See State Rd. & Tollway Auth. V. Elec. Transaction Consultants
                        Corp. 306 Ga. App. 487; 702 S.E. 2d 486 (2010).

           2.1.13. Registered Lobbyists
                   By submitting a response to this eRFP, the supplier hereby certifies that the supplier and its
                   lobbyists are in compliance with the lobbyist registration requirements in accordance with the
                   Georgia Procurement Manual and state law.

           2.1.14. Supplier Debriefing Process
                   For all solicitations that result in a contract award of $250,000 or more, unsuccessful suppliers may
                   request a supplier debriefing from DOAS in accordance with the Georgia Procurement Manual,
                   Section 6.6. The purpose of a supplier debriefing is to share information about the evaluation and
                   award process. Unsuccessful suppliers can benefit from supplier debriefings by enhancing their
                   understanding of the procurement process and gaining insights to improve the competitiveness of
                   their responses to future solicitations. The supplier debriefing is not an adversarial proceeding and
                   may not be used to challenge DOAS’ selection. For more information, including the process and
                   deadline for requesting a supplier debriefing, please review the Georgia Procurement Manual,
                   Section 6.6.


    2.2.   Submittal Instructions
           Listed below are key action items related to this eRFP. The Schedule of Events in Section 1.4 identifies the
           dates and time for these key action items. This portion of the eRFP provides high-level instructions
           regarding the process for reviewing the eRFP, preparing a response to the eRFP and submitting a
           response to the eRFP. Suppliers are required to access and utilize the training materials identified in
           Section 2.1.1 “Team Georgia Marketplace™” of this eRFP to ensure the supplier successfully submits a
           response to this eRFP.

           2.2.1.   eRFP Released
                    The release of the eRFP is formally communicated through the posting of this eRFP as an event in
                    the Team Georgia Marketplace™ and by a public announcement posted to the Georgia
                    Procurement Registry, which is accessible online as follows:
                    http://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/PRSapp/PR_index.jsp

                    This eRFP is being conducted through Team Georgia Marketplace™, an online, electronic tool,
                    which allows a supplier to register, logon, select answers and type text in response to questions,
                    and upload any necessary documents. Team Georgia Marketplace™ permits a supplier to build
                    and save a response over time until the supplier is ready to submit the completed response. Each
                    supplier interested in competing to win a contract award must complete and submit a response to
                    this eRFP using Team Georgia Marketplace™. Therefore, each supplier MUST carefully review the
                    instructions and training information from the following link for a comprehensive overview of the
                    functionality of Team Georgia Marketplace™: https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/supplier-training

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          2.2.2.   eRFP Review
                   The eRFP (or “Sourcing Event”) consists of the following: this document, entitled “Statewide eRFP
                   Document”, and any and all information included in the Sourcing Event, as posted online on Team
                   Georgia Marketplace™, including any and all documents provided by DOAS as attachments to the
                   Sourcing Event or links contained within the Sourcing Event or its attached documents.

                   Please carefully review all information contained in the Sourcing Event, including all documents
                   available as attachments or available through links. Any difficulty accessing the Sourcing Event or
                   opening provided links or documents should be reported immediately to the Issuing Officer (See
                   Section 1.5) and/or the Help Desk (Section 2.2.8). Attached documents may be found as follows:

                   1.     First, documents may be provided at the “header” level of the Sourcing Event. Please select
                          “View/Add General Comments & Attachments”, which appears at the top of the screen of the
                          Event under the “Event Details” Section. Next, by selecting “View Event Attachments”, the
                          supplier may open and save all of the available documents. In this location, the supplier is
                          most likely to find this document (Statewide eRFP Document) as well as the worksheets and
                          attachments referenced in Section 4 “eRFP Proposal Factors”. The Supplier is responsible
                          for thoroughly reviewing all provided attachments.

                   2.     Second, documents may also be provided at the “line detail” level of the Sourcing Event.
                          Please navigate to “Step 2: Enter Line Bid Responses”, which appears towards the bottom of
                          the screen of the Sourcing Event. Please access any provided documents as follows:
                              a. First Method:
                                     i. To the right of each line appearing under Step 2, the Sourcing Event contains
                                          a “Bid” link. By selecting the “Bid” link, the supplier will navigate to a new page
                                          of the Sourcing Event.
                                     ii. On this new page, the supplier can select “View/Add Question Comments and
                                          Attachments” to locate attached documents.
                              b. Second Method:
                                     i. To the right of each line appearing under Step 2, the Sourcing Event contains
                                          a “Line Comments/Files” icon (appears as a bubble with text). By selecting the
                                          “Line Comments/Files” icon, the supplier will navigate to a new page of the
                                          Event.
                                     ii. On this new page, the supplier can locate attached documents.

                          In this location, the supplier is most likely to find the cost worksheet (if any, as defined by
                          Section 5 “Cost Proposal”) as well as any other documents related to the identified line items.
                          Please thoroughly review all provided attachments.

          2.2.3.   Preparing a Response
                   As noted earlier, Team Georgia Marketplace™ allows the supplier to answer questions by entering
                   text and numeric responses. In addition, as noted in Section 2.2.4 “Uploading Forms”, the supplier
                   may also provide information by uploading electronic files. When preparing a response, the supplier
                   must consider the following instructions:
                   1.    Use the provided worksheets to prepare your response. Enter your responses directly into
                         the worksheet. Unless otherwise directed, do not insert “see attached file” (or similar
                         statements) in the worksheet to reference separate documents.
                   2.    Answer each question in sufficient detail for evaluation while using judgment with regards to
                         the length of response.
                   3.    Proofread your response and make sure it is accurate and readily understandable.
                   4.    Label any and all uploaded files using the file names provided in the Worksheets or
                         corresponding section numbers of the eRFP if names have not been provided.

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                          NOTE: There is a limit of 56 characters for file names in the system and special characters
                          are not accepted.
                   5.     Use caution in creating electronic files to be uploaded. If DOAS is unable to open an
                          electronic file due to a virus or because the file has become corrupted, the supplier’s
                          response may be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.
                   6.     Use commonly accepted software programs to create electronic files. DOAS has the
                          capability of viewing documents submitted in the following format: Microsoft Word or
                          WordPad, Microsoft Excel, portable document format file (PDF), and plain text files with the
                          file extension noted in parentheses (.txt). Unless the eRFP specifically requests the use of
                          another type of software or file format than those listed above, please contact the Issuing
                          Officer prior to utilizing another type of software and/or file format. In the event DOAS is
                          unable to open an electronic file because DOAS does not have ready access to the software
                          utilized by the supplier, the supplier’s response may be considered incomplete and
                          disqualified from further consideration.
                   7.     Continue to save your response until the response is ready to be submitted. Select the “Save
                          for Later” button at the top of the page under “Event Details” of the Sourcing Event.

          2.2.4.   Uploading Forms
                   Once the supplier is ready to upload electronic files (completed forms or worksheets, product
                   sheets, etc.), please follow the directions within the eRFP to upload these documents in the proper
                   location. There are three places to upload completed documents:
                   1.     First, the “View/Add General Comments & Attachments” link contains a place for the supplier
                          to upload all of the documents and worksheets which were provided by DOAS under the
                          “View Event Attachments” link. Once the supplier has completed the Event Attachments, the
                          supplier can then select “Add New Attachments” to upload the completed documents. The
                          supplier can upload as many documents as necessary in this section of the Sourcing Event.
                   2.     Second, the supplier can also upload documents in response to each question or bid factor
                          which appears on the main page of the Sourcing Event, which appears below the “View/Add
                          General Comments & Attachments” link of the Sourcing Event. To the right of each question
                          or bid factor, the supplier can select the “Add Comments or Attachments” link to either enter a
                          written response or upload an electronic document in response to the question or bid factor.
                          After selecting “Add Comments or Attachments”, the supplier should select “Upload” under
                          the “Add New Attachments” section to browse and upload an electronic file.
                   3.     Third, the supplier can also upload documents in the bottom portion of the Sourcing Event
                          where pricing is requested. After selecting the comment bubble icon, the Sourcing Event
                          allows the supplier to select “Upload” in order to include an attachment as part of the
                          supplier’s response. In the alternative, the supplier can also select the link “Bid”, which also
                          appears to the right of any line items provided in the “Enter Line Bid Responses” portion of
                          the Event. After selecting the “Bid” link, the supplier can select “View/Add Question
                          Comments and Attachments” to upload a document.

                   CAUTION: Do not login to multiple concurrent sessions utilizing the same TGM Supplier ID,
                   as this may cause a system error and may result in the loss of some or all of the work
                   completed during the concurrent sessions.

          2.2.5.   Reviewing the Response Prior to Submission
                   Each supplier is responsible for ensuring all questions have been answered appropriately and that
                   all necessary documents have been uploaded as directed in the solicitation. Prior to final
                   submission of your response, please review the following checklist:
                   1.     Please review and confirm that the supplier has answered all questions appropriately. Many
                          questions require a “yes” or “no” response. Please ensure that the correct response has been
                          selected.
                   2.     Please review and confirm that the most competitive response has been provided.

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                   3.     Please confirm that all necessary files have been uploaded.
                   4.     Please select the “Validate Entries” button under “Event Details” at the top portion of the
                          Event. While the “Validate Entries” feature cannot verify whether the supplier has attached
                          files, attached the correct files, or entered the correct responses, the “Validate Entries”
                          feature will alert the supplier if one or more questions in the “Event Questions” section of the
                          Event have not been answered. The “Validate Entries” feature is a useful tool; however, it is
                          no substitute for careful preparation and review by the supplier. The State will not consider
                          the supplier’s use of the “Validate Entries” feature as an excuse for an error committed by the
                          supplier in the preparation of its response.

          2.2.6.   Submitting the Completed Response/Bid
                   Once the completed response has been reviewed by the supplier, click the "Submit Bid"
                   button at the top of the page under the “Event Details” section of the Event. Any information
                   entered by a supplier into Team Georgia Marketplace™ but not submitted prior to the submission
                   deadline will not be released to DOAS and will not be considered for award. Only after the supplier
                   selects the “Submit Bid” button, will the response to the eRFP be sent electronically, time stamping
                   the supplier’s response and sending a confirmation email to the email address of the supplier.
                   Please note that submission is not instantaneous and may be impacted by unpredictable factors
                   such as a supplier temporarily losing a connection to the Internet or increased system traffic;
                   therefore, each supplier must allow ample time for its response to be submitted prior to the
                   deadline. Please be aware that submission of multiple attachments may involve a substantial
                   amount of time. Each supplier is strongly encouraged to save attachments as they are uploaded
                   and to submit its response/bid at least eight hours prior to close of a solicitation in order to allow
                   ample time for appropriate technical support should the need arise. Each supplier is responsible in
                   all respects for timely delivery of its response and completeness in Team Georgia Marketplace™.

          2.2.7.   Reviewing, Revising or Canceling a Submitted Response
                   After the response has been submitted, the supplier may view and/or revise its response by logging
                   into Team Georgia Marketplace™ and selecting the eRFP event number and the “View/Edit”
                   feature for the supplier’s previous response. Please take note of the following:

                   1.     REVIEW ONLY. In the event the supplier only wishes to view a submitted response, the
                          supplier may select “View/Edit” and confirm “OK” when the warning appears. The warning will
                          instruct the supplier “WARNING: If you View/Edit your bid response, you must re-submit your
                          bid”. Once the supplier has finished viewing the response, the supplier must click on “Submit
                          Bid” and may simply exit the screen. DO NOT SELECT “Save for Later.” Team Georgia
                          Marketplace™ recognizes any response placed in the “Save for Later” status as a work in
                          progress and withdraws the originally submitted bid. As a result, unless the supplier selects
                          “Submit Bid” prior to the closing date and time, no response will be transmitted through the
                          system.

                   2.     REVIEW AND REVISE. In the event the supplier desires to revise a previously submitted
                          response, the supplier may select “View/Edit” and confirm “OK” when the warning appears.
                          The warning will instruct the supplier “WARNING: If you View/Edit your bid response, you
                          must resubmit your bid”. If the revisions cannot be completed in a single work session, the
                          supplier should save its progress by selecting “Save for Later.” Once revisions are complete,
                          the supplier MUST select “Submit Bid” to submit its corrected response. Please permit
                          adequate time to revise and then resubmit the response. Please note submission is not
                          instantaneous and may be affected by numerous events, such as the supplier temporarily
                          losing a connection to the Internet.

                          AS EACH SUPPLIER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR RESUBMITTING ITS RESPONSE
                          PRIOR TO THE eRFP END DATE AND TIME TO ENSURE THE RESPONSE MAY BE

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                          CONSIDERED BY DOAS, PLEASE USE CAUTION IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO
                          MAKE REVISIONS. The State will assume no responsibility for a supplier’s inability to correct
                          errors or otherwise make revisions to the submitted response or the supplier’s inability to
                          resubmit a response prior to the eRFP end date and time.

                    3.    WITHDRAW/CANCEL. In the event the supplier desires to revise a previously submitted
                          response, the supplier may select “View/Edit” and then select “Save for Later”. Team Georgia
                          Marketplace™ recognizes any response placed in the “Save for Later” status as a work in
                          progress and withdraws the originally submitted bid. As a result, unless the supplier
                          selects “Submit Bid” prior to the closing date and time, no response will be transmitted
                          through the system. In the event a supplier desires to withdraw its response after the closing
                          date and time, the supplier must submit a request in writing to the Issuing Officer.

           2.2.8.   Help Desk Support
                    For technical questions related to the use of Team Georgia Marketplace™, suppliers have access
                    to phone support through the DOAS Customer Service Help Desk at 404-657-6000,
                    Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM excluding State Holidays or any other day state offices
                    are closed such as furlough days or closings in response to inclement weather. Suppliers can also
                    email questions to: ProcurementHelp@doas.ga.gov.

3. General Business Requirements
   This section contains general business requirements. By submitting a response, the supplier is certifying its
   agreement to comply with all the identified requirements of this Section 3 and that all costs for complying with
   these general business requirements are included in the supplier’s submitted pricing.

    Suppliers responding to this eRFP and currently holding one or more statewide contracts are required to be
    compliant with the terms and conditions of their current agreement(s) with the state. This includes all quarterly
    reporting and administrative fee submission requirements. DOAS will not award the resulting statewide contract to
    a Supplier that has failed to meet its current statewide contract obligations.

    The following forms/certifications are required with the Supplier’s submitted proposal:
          a. Tax Compliance Form (Attachment N)
          b. Certificate of Non-Collusion (Attachment P)
          c. Department of Audits Immigration Form (E-Verify) (Attachment I)

    3.1.   Periodic Performance/Sales Reports
           If selected for award, the supplier shall submit the following management report(s) to the DOAS identified
           contract administrator. All reports shall be provided by the supplier in electronic format. If specified by
           DOAS contract administrator, all electronic reports must be submitted in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft
           Access format. If applicable, reports should include the ability to sort/summarize by account. The supplier
           agrees to provide all data requested in a flat file format as designated by DOAS’ contract administrator.

           3.1.1.   Quarterly Sales Report
                    Statewide sales by customer, including the following: product number, product description,
                    manufacturer name, NIGP code, merchandise class code/indicator, quantity shipped, list price, unit
                    price, total spend, etc. at the end of each state fiscal quarter as defined above. The reporting
                    schedule can be found in SECTION 3.6.(a.). Suppliers reporting sales of vehicles will also be
                    required to report the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each vehicle sold (see Attachment L)
                    Supplier Quarterly Vehicles Sales Report). Reportable Vehicles for the solicitation and ensuing
                    contract(s) are School Buses (all types). Supplier shall prepare the Quarterly Sales Report and
                    submit the file through the Supplier Portal of Team Georgia Marketplace™ within 20 calendar days
                    of the end of the State’s fiscal quarter as specified in Section 3.6 Administrative Fee and Sales
                    Reporting Submission.

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    3.2.   Statewide Marketing Plan
           Within 30 days after the award of a statewide contract, awarded supplier(s) will submit to the state’s
           Contract Manager, for this contract category, a comprehensive marketing plan to grow the statewide
           contract within the authorized user community. This marketing plan will include, but not be limited to:

             1. Strategy for Growing the Statewide Contract with State Agency Customers during 1 st 6 months, 1st
                Year of New Agreement
             2. Strategy for growing the Statewide Contract with College and University Customers during 1 st 6
                months, 1st Year of New Agreement
             3. Strategy for growing the Statewide Contract with Local Government Entities during 1st 6 months, 1st
                Year of New Agreement

           Further, the marketing plan should consider opportunities in rural as well as metropolitan areas.

    3.3.   Business Review (BR) Meetings
           If selected for award, the supplier must be prepared to participate in business review (BR) meetings at
           DOAS’ request. During the BR meetings, the supplier will present a written and oral status to DOAS
           regarding all outstanding work orders/purchase orders (including date and value). The BR meeting will also
           focus on the status of service level agreements and key performance indicators agreed to by supplier and
           DOAS. The BR meeting may involve, but not be limited to, the following: review of the supplier’s
           performance and submitted reports, identification of areas of improvement to be addressed, review of the
           previous quarter's sales statistics, development/monitoring of a supplier service "scorecard."

    3.4.    Virtual Catalog

           3.4.1.   Team Georgia Marketplace™ Virtual Catalog
                    DOAS utilizes electronic catalog hosting and management services to enable state customers to
                    access a central online website to view and/or shop the goods and services available from existing
                    statewide contracts. The central online website is referred to as Team Georgia Marketplace™ and
                    the catalog site is referred to as the Virtual Catalog.

           3.4.2.   Supplier’s Interface with the Virtual Catalog
                    To be eligible for contract award, the supplier must agree to cooperate with DOAS and its
                    contractor, Jaggaer (formerly known as SciQuest), and any authorized agent or successor entity to
                    Jaggaer, in the event DOAS selects this statewide contract to be exhibited on the Virtual Catalog.
                    At a minimum, the supplier agrees to the following:

                      1. Supplier agrees, upon DOAS’ written request, to deliver within thirty (30) days of such
                         request either (1) a hosted catalog or (2) punch-out catalog or a combination of both.
                         Supplier will cooperate with DOAS and Jaggaer to create a schedule to enable the integration
                         of the supplier’s statewide contract offering into the Virtual Catalog within a reasonable time
                         period as determined by DOAS.

                      2. If requested by DOAS, supplier will join the Jaggaer Supplier Network (JSN) and will have the
                         option of using Jaggaer’s Supplier Portal to extract the supplier’s catalog and pricing, upload
                         products, pricing and images into the Jaggaer system, and view reports on catalog spend
                         and product/pricing freshness. The supplier can receive orders through electronic delivery or
                         through low-tech options such as email and fax. More information about the JSN can be
                         found at: www.jaggaer.com or call the Jaggaer Supplier Network Services team at 919-659-
                         2152 or 800-233-1121.

                      3. Supplier will support use of the latest version of the United Nations Standard Product and
                         Services Code (UNSPSC). UNSPSC are owned by the United Nations Development
                         Programme (UNDP) and are managed by GS1 US. Updates to the UNSPSC are conducted

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                          at a minimum of once a year. The State of Georgia reserves the right to migrate to future
                          versions of the UNSPSC and the supplier will be required to support the migration effort. All
                          line items, goods or services provided under the resulting statewide contract must be
                          associated to an appropriate UNSPSC code. All line items must be identified at the most
                          detailed UNSPSC level indicated by segment, family, class and commodity. More
                          information about the UNSPSC is available at: http://www.unspsc.org and
                          http://www.unspsc.org/faqs#How .

          3.4.3.   Virtual Catalog Structure
                   DOAS will decide which of the catalog structures (either Hosted, Punch Out, or both as further
                   described below) will be provided by the supplier. Regardless the type of catalog(s) selected,
                   items displayed within the catalog must be strictly limited to the supplier’s awarded contract
                   offering (e.g. products and/or services not authorized through the resulting statewide
                   contract are not to be viewable by Authorized Users).

                    1. Hosted Catalog. By providing a Hosted Catalog, the supplier is providing a list of its
                       products/services, pricing, and images in an electronic data file in a format accepted by
                       Jaggaer’s System Integration, such as Tab Delimited Text files. In this scenario, the supplier
                       must submit updated electronic data from time to time to DOAS to maintain the most up-to-
                       date version of its product/service offering under the statewide contract in the Virtual Catalog.

                    2. Punch-Out Catalog. By providing a Punch Out Catalog, the Supplier is providing its own
                       online catalog, which must be capable of being integrated with the Virtual Catalog as follows:
                       Standard punch-in via Commerce eXtensible Markup Language (cXML). In this scenario, the
                       supplier ensures its online catalog marketplace is up-to-date by periodically updating the
                       offered products/services and pricing listed on its online catalog. Updates and changes made
                       to the supplier’s Online Catalog, as it relates to pricing and adding of items, must be
                       approved by DOAS prior to enabling. If awarded multiple contracts, supplier agrees to
                       maintain a single Punch Out site and be able to provide the appropriate contract ID on each
                       item returned to Jaggaer. The site must also return detailed UNSPSC codes (as outlined in
                       line 3) for each line item. Supplier also agrees to provide e-Quote functionality that is
                       retrievable for purchase through the Integration to facilitate volume discounts. Supplier will
                       need to be able to facilitate the delivery of Level II Punch Out within this Integration.

          3.4.4.   Additional Catalog Requirements
                    1. Minimum Requirements. Whether the supplier is providing a Hosted Catalog or a Punch Out
                         Catalog, the Supplier agrees to meet the following requirements:
                            a. Catalog must contain the most current pricing* and/or discounts, as well as the most
                                 up-to-date product/service offering the Supplier is authorized to provide in
                                 accordance with the statewide contract; and
                            b. The accuracy of the catalog must be maintained by Supplier throughout the duration
                                 of the statewide contract between the Supplier and DOAS; and
                            c. The Catalog must include a State-specific contract identification number; and
                            d. The catalog must include detailed product line item descriptions; and
                            e. The catalog must include pictures or diagrams when possible;** and
                            f. The catalog must include DOAS accepted Unit of Measure; and
                            g. The catalog must include any additional DOAS content requirements.***

                    2. Revising Pricing and Product Offerings. Any revisions (whether an increase or decrease) to
                       pricing or product/service offerings (new products, altered SKUs, etc.) must be pre-approved
                       by DOAS and will be subject to any other applicable restrictions with respect to the frequency
                       or amount of such revisions. However, no statewide contract showcased in the Virtual


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                          Catalog may include price changes on a more frequent basis than once per quarter. The
                          following conditions apply with respect to hosted catalogs:
                               a. Updated pricing files are required by the 1st of the month and will go into effect in the
                                   Virtual Catalog on the 1st day of the following month (i.e. file received on 1/01/24
                                   would be effective in the Virtual Catalog on 2/01/24). Files received after the 1st of the
                                   month may be delayed up to a month (i.e. file received on 11/06/23 would be effect in
                                   the Virtual Catalog on 1/01/24).
                               b. DOAS-approved price changes are not effective until implemented within the Virtual
                                   Catalog. Errors in the supplier’s submitted pricing files will delay the implementation
                                   of the price changes in the Virtual Catalog.
                               c. Supplier will be required to honor pricing, for an agreed upon time, on orders that are
                                   considered to be “in-flight” at the time the price change goes into effect.

                     3. Ordering. Supplier must be able to accept Purchase Orders via fax, email, cXML or EDIINT.
                           a. For Punch Out catalogs, the supplier must accept Catalog generated orders via
                                cXML or EDIINT. For orders consisting of items that are considered, non-catalog
                                items, orders must be able to be received as stated above.
                           b. For Purchase Orders received via email, the supplier must provide a dedicated email
                                address (i.e. orders@company.com) that is monitored during normal business hours.
                           c. The supplier is required to provide positive confirmation via phone or email within 24
                                hours of the supplier’s receipt of the Purchase Order. If the Purchasing Order is
                                received after 3pm EST on the day before a weekend or holiday, the supplier must
                                provide positive confirmation via phone or email on the next business day.

                     4. Supplier agrees that DOAS controls which contracts appear on the Virtual Catalog and that
                        DOAS may elect at any time to remove any supplier’s offering from the Virtual Catalog.

        * Current pricing is to be inclusive of all administrative fees, delivery costs, production costs, third party pass
        through charges, or any markups or adjustments.

        **Details regarding the submission of image files and catalog content will be discussed during the enablement
        process; however, the following represents key information regarding the submission of product image files:
                     o Provide URL links to the product images (preferred method) or actual image files (in gif, jpeg
                         and other commonly used formats) for all of the items in the supplier’s catalog that will be
                         hosted by the Virtual Catalog. These images are displayed to the customer directly in search
                         results as well as in the product details window.
                     o Provide the actual image files in a ‘zip archive’. Please go to www.winzip.com to download
                         the WinZip® application that is needed to create such an archive as well as additional details
                         about using WinZip® application.
                     o Provide only one image per product.
                     o Color pictures are preferred; however, black and white pictures or drawings are acceptable if
                         this is the current standard for the supplier’s business marketing.
                     o Please note the Virtual Catalog prefers jpg format for image files (280X280 pixels) although
                         images in many other formats are accepted.
                                ▪ When an image is in jpg format, it is resized to 280X280 pixels, if necessary, to
                                    maintain a consistent appearance for the Virtual Catalog.
                                ▪ When an image is in a format other than jpg, it will be converted to jpg and resized
                                    to 280X280 pixels to maintain a consistent appearance for the Virtual Catalog.
                     o As products change, updated image files must be submitted to update the Virtual Catalog.
                     o Provide a corporate logo image in the following sizes. Logo will be used for display on the
                         Supplier/Contract profile.
                              o      30 pixels (H) x 70 pixels (W)
                              o      50 pixels (H) x 115 pixels (W)

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                              o    300 pixels (H) x 200 pixels (W)
               In rare instances where an image is not available, Jaggaer and DOAS will work with the supplier to
               determine the best solution for advertising the supplier’s offering.

               *** Existing suppliers in the JSN normally host one (1) general product catalog that is made available
               for all customers. This avoids duplication of effort for the supplier and brings improvements to the
               catalog to all customers at once. It is rare that individual customers have needs that are not also
               required by others. Jaggaer does not prohibit ‘private’ catalogs, but recommends review of
               requirements with the supplier enablement consultants and the suppliers in question first. Although
               suppliers in the JSN normally submit one (1) catalog, it is possible to have multiple contracts applicable
               to different Georgia agencies. For example, a supplier may have different pricing for state government
               agencies and Board of Regents institutions. Suppliers have the ability and responsibility to submit
               separate contract pricing for the same catalog if applicable. The system will deliver the appropriate
               contract pricing to the person viewing the catalog.

               In the event DOAS selects this statewide contract to be included on the Virtual Catalog, Jaggaer’s
               technical documentation will be provided to the supplier after (1) the supplier has been formally invited
               by DOAS to join the Virtual Catalog and (2) the supplier has joined the Jaggaer Supplier Network and
               signed up for Jaggaer’s Supplier Portal. These services will be provided by Jaggaer at no additional
               cost to the supplier. Supplier agrees that supplier’s statewide contract pricing includes any and all costs
               to the supplier in complying with these provisions.

               The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and select colleges currently maintain
               separate instances of certain statewide contracts through Jaggaer. In the event Board of Regents or
               one or more colleges elects to publish the resulting statewide contract in the board/college’s Jaggaer
               catalog, the awarded supplier agrees to work in good faith with the board/college to implement the
               catalog. DOAS does not anticipate that this will require additional efforts by the awarded supplier;
               however, the supplier agrees to take commercially reasonable efforts to enable such separate Jaggaer
               catalogs or related integrations (i.e., electronic order submission, e-invoicing, etc.). Suppliers are
               welcome to submit questions regarding this requirement during the Q&A period and/or during the
               Bidders’/Offerors’ Conference (if any).

    3.5.   State of Georgia Virtual Payables and Purchasing Card Program
           The state of Georgia provides for the use of several payment methods including Virtual Payables,
           Purchasing Card (P-Card), and Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers. DOAS will determine the most
           advantageous method(s) of supplier payment for the awarded statewide contract. Potential suppliers need
           to be prepared to accommodate all forms of payments.

           DOAS administers a program which provides a purchasing card (hereinafter, “State of Georgia P-Card”) to
           be used by authorized government employees of certain governmental entities electing to participate in the
           program to purchase necessary supplies. DOAS has entered into a Contract with its P-Card provider, Bank
           of America, to also provide the Virtual Payables solution which will allow DOAS and Authorized Users to
           facilitate electronic payment by DOAS and Authorized Users to the supplier. The supplier agrees to accept
           payment via P-Card, Virtual Payables and any other method identified by DOAS and shall impose no fee on
           either DOAS or any Authorized User for the use of Virtual Payables pursuant to this Statewide Contract.

           All purchases made by Authorized Users’ representatives shall be exempt from State of Georgia sales tax.
           It is the responsibility of the Authorized User representative to provide the Authorized User’s tax
           identification number as needed at the point of sale.

           If selected for award, the supplier shall keep the State of Georgia P-Card and Virtual Payables numbers
           confidential and shall not disclose the State of Georgia P-Card or Virtual Payables numbers except as
           expressly authorized by DOAS. The Supplier represents that State of Georgia P-Card and Virtual Payables
           numbers will be processed, transmitted and stored in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data
           Security Standard. Supplier shall provide immediate written notice to the current DOAS contract
           administrator in the event of (1) any unauthorized disclosure of State of Georgia P-Card or Virtual Payables
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           Numbers or (2) supplier’s failure to maintain compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security
           Standard in the supplier’s contract performance. Supplier agrees to cooperate with DOAS, Authorized
           Users, and DOAS contractual partner(s) for P-Card and Virtual Payables in resolving any issues or disputes
           concerning the use of such payment methods pursuant to this statewide contract.

    3.6.   Administrative Fee and Sales Reporting Submission

           Pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 50-5-51(10), DOAS has the authority to collect monies, rebates, or
           commissions payable to the State that are generated by supply contracts established pursuant to O.C.G.A.
           Section 50-5-57. These administrative fees are used by DOAS to fund various initiatives, including the
           administration of existing and new statewide contracts, training, and technology. For this statewide
           contract, DOAS requires each supplier to pay to DOAS an administrative fee on all sales pursuant to the
           resulting statewide contract. The administrative fee amount for this statewide contract is 1.25 percent
           (1.25%) EACH SUPPLIER MUST SUBMIT PRICING IN ITS COST PROPOSAL WHICH INCLUDES THE
           IDENTIFIED PERCENT ADMINISTRATIVE FEE (HEREINAFTER, THE “FEE”) BUILT INTO THE
           SUBMITTED PRICING. All suppliers must agree that the Fee will not be identified separately from the
           product and/or service pricing offered to Authorized Users wherever that pricing may appear (website,
           catalog, invoices, etc.). This Fee will be collected by the awarded supplier (“Contractor”) and remitted to
           DOAS in accordance with the following paragraphs.

           a. Quarterly Payment and Sales Reporting Requirements. DOAS and Contractor agree that the collected
              Fees and the corresponding Quarterly Sales Report (report template available upon request), which
              identifies the total sales pursuant to this statewide contract for the corresponding fiscal quarter, shall be
              submitted by Contractor to DOAS. The total sales reported in the Quarterly Sales Report should be
              limited to sales in which the Contractor has received payment from the Authorized User. The Fees and
              the Quarterly Sales Report must be received by DOAS on or before the Contractor’s Payment Due
              Date as defined in the table below.

               The Quarterly Sales Report must be received by DOAS twenty (20) days after the end of the Fiscal
               Quarter through submission within the Supplier Portal of Team Georgia Marketplace™, and the Fees
               must be received as a response to an invoice generated by DOAS between the time of receipt of the
               invoice and forty-five (45) days after the end of the fiscal quarter as defined by the table below:


    DOAS’ Fiscal                      Months                 Contractor’s Quarterly       Contractor’s Payment Due
     Quarters                                                Sales Report Due Date        Date (In Response to DOAS
                                                                                              generated Invoice)
       Quarter 1             July 1st – September 30th               October 20th                 November 15th
       Quarter 2           October 1st – December 31st               January 20th                  February 15th
       Quarter 3             January 1st – March 31st                 April 20th                     May 15th
       Quarter 4                April 1st – June 30th                 July 20th                     August 15th

                                                                                              30 DAYS FOLLOWING
                                                                                             TERMINATION OF SWC



                 No later than the date identified above as the “Contractor’s Payment Due Date” for each fiscal
                 quarter, Contractor shall remit payment to DOAS for the Fees. Administrative fees and/or rebates
                 earned by the State collected by Contractors on behalf of DOAS must be promptly remitted through
                 one of the following methods, citing the Invoice Number: 1) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
                 (preferred method); 2) Credit card; or 3) check (least preferred method). Contractors should utilize

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                 the Express Payment Acceptance System (ePAS) for payment of administrative fees. ePAS is an
                 online solution DOAS offers as a more convenient, flexible, and secure way to make payments.
                 o For EFT payments (preferred method): the following is the account information Contractor will
                     need to reference in order to submit payments to DOAS electronically:
                           ▪ Bank Name: J.P. Morgan Chase, N.A. // Routing Number – 044000037 // Account
                               Number – 510933638
                 o For Credit Card payments: Contractor can utilize ePAS or contact the following individual to
                     initiate processing:
                           • Ms. Eligia Familia / DOAS Financial Operations / Phone: (404) 651-5035
                 o For Check payments (least preferred method): Contractor can utilize ePAS or remit the check
                     to:
                           • Department of Administrative Services // Fiscal Services Administration // 200 Piedmont
                               Avenue, SE, Ste. 1820 – West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334-9010

                 In the event no sales have occurred, the Contractor must complete and submit the Quarterly Sales
                 Report, indicating no sales have occurred. By submission of these reports and corresponding
                 Contractor payments, Contractor is certifying their correctness.

                 Contractors doing work under multiple agreements are prohibited from sending in a single
                 consolidated report encompassing multiple SWCs. If you are a statewide contract Contractor doing
                 work under more than one agreement, you must provide separate reports for each agreement and
                 individually reference the appropriate SWC# on each report by entering your company name and
                 corresponding SWC# in the template.

                 Contractors doing work under multiple agreements are prohibited from sending in a single
                 consolidated payment encompassing multiple SWCs. If you are a statewide contract Contractor
                 doing work under more than one agreement, you must provide separate payments for each
                 agreement and individually reference the appropriate SWC# associated with each payment.

            b. Auditing and Contract Close Out. All sales reports and Fee payments shall be subject to audit by the
               State. Supplier shall maintain books, records and documents which sufficiently and properly
               document and calculate all charges billed to the State and all Fees throughout the term of the
               statewide contract for a period of at least five (5) years following the date of final payment or
               completion of any required audit, whichever is later. Supplier shall permit the Auditor of the State of
               Georgia or any authorized representative of the State, and where federal funds are involved, the
               Comptroller General of the United States, or any other authorized representative of the United States
               government, to access and examine, audit, excerpt and transcribe any directly pertinent books,
               documents, papers, electronic or optically stored and created records or other records of the Supplier
               relating to orders, invoices or payments or any other documentation or materials pertaining to the
               statewide contract, wherever such records may be located during normal business hours. Supplier
               shall not impose a charge for audit or examination of the Supplier’s books and records. If an audit
               discloses incorrect billings or improprieties, the State reserves the right to charge the Supplier for the
               cost of the audit and appropriate reimbursement. Evidence of criminal conduct will be turned over to
               the proper authorities.

                 In no event shall Supplier retain any amount of money in excess of the compensation to which
                 Supplier is entitled and all Fees owed DOAS shall be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of
                 termination of the statewide contract for any reason.

            c.   Modifying or Canceling the Fee. DOAS reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the Fee at any
                 time. Supplier shall immediately amend the statewide contract pricing to reflect any modification or
                 cancellation of the Fee by DOAS. In addition, DOAS reserves the right to revise collection and
                 reporting requirements in conjunction with implementation of an on-line procurement system.

            d. Late Payment Fee. In the event DOAS does not receive the Supplier’s payment of the Fees on or
               before the Supplier’s Payment Due Date, the parties agree the Supplier must pay DOAS interest on
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                 the overdue Fees at a rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum. Interest will be calculated as
                 follows:

                          (Administrative Fee Amount Due) x (18%) = X
                          X / 365 (366 for leap years) = Y
                          Y x (Number of Days Payment is Late) = Interest Owed

                 For the purposes of this provision, payment of the Fees shall be considered received by DOAS on (1)
                 the date of DOAS’ receipt of the EFT confirmation or (2) the date DOAS receives the envelope
                 containing a check for the correct amount of the administrative fee. In the event the Supplier does
                 not submit full payment of the Fees owed, interest shall only be applicable to the portion of the Fees
                 which is outstanding. In the event the Supplier makes an error and overpays, the Supplier is
                 responsible for alerting DOAS in writing of the Supplier’s discovery of the overpayment. DOAS will
                 confirm whether an overpayment has occurred and refund or credit the overpayment amount to the
                 Supplier no later than thirty (30) days’ following DOAS’ receipt of written notice of the overpayment.
                 DOAS will have no responsibility for interest or any other fees with respect to Supplier’s overpayment
                 of Fees.

             e. Default. THE SUPPLIER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLECT AND REMIT THE ADMINISTRATIVE
                FEE ON BEHALF OF DOAS IS A SERIOUS RESPONSIBILITY AS THE SUPPLIER IS HANDLING
                STATE FUNDS. Accordingly, failure to comply with these contractual requirements shall constitute
                grounds for declaring Supplier in default and recovering re-procurement costs from Supplier in
                addition to all outstanding Fees and interest.

    3.7.   Standard Insurance Requirements
           If awarded a contract, the supplier shall procure and maintain, until all of its obligations have been
           discharged (including any warranty periods under the statewide contract have been satisfied), insurance
           which shall protect the supplier and the State of Georgia (as an additional insured) from any claims for
           bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury covered by the indemnification obligations set forth in the
           statewide contract attached to this solicitation throughout the duration of the statewide contract. The
           supplier shall procure and maintain the insurance policies described below at the supplier’s own expense
           and shall furnish DOAS an insurance certificate listing the State of Georgia as certificate holder and as an
           additional insured. The insurance certificate must document that the Commercial General Liability insurance
           coverage purchased by the supplier includes contractual liability coverage applicable to the statewide
           contract. In addition, the insurance certificate must provide the following information: the name and address
           of the insured; name, address, telephone number and signature of the authorized agent; name of the
           insurance company (authorized to operate in Georgia); a description of coverage in detailed standard
           terminology (including policy period, policy number, limits of liability, exclusions and endorsements); and an
           acknowledgment of notice of cancellation to DOAS.

           The supplier is required to maintain the following insurance coverage’s during the term of the statewide
           contract:
                 1)    Workers Compensation Insurance (Occurrence) in the amounts of the statutory limits
                       established by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia (A self-insurer must submit a
                       certificate from the Georgia Board of Workers Compensation stating that the supplier qualifies
                       to pay its own workers compensation claims.) In addition, the supplier shall require all
                       subcontractors occupying the premises or performing work under the statewide contract to
                       obtain an insurance certificate showing proof of Workers Compensation Coverage with the
                       following minimum coverage:
                                   Bodily injury by accident - each employee       $100,000;
                                   Bodily injury by disease - each employee        $100,000;
                                   Bodily injury by disease – policy limit         $500,000.
                 2)    Commercial General Liability Policy with the following minimum coverage:

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                                 Policy shall include bodily, property damage and broad form contractual liability
                                 coverage.
                                 Each Occurrence Limit                            $1,000,000
                                 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit              $1,000,000
                                 General Aggregate Limit                          $ 2,000,000
                                 Products/Completed Ops. Aggregate Limit          $ 2,000,000
                3)    Automobile Liability
                      Bodily Injury and Property Damage for any owned, hired or non-owned vehicles used in the
                      performance of the statewide contract
                                 Combined Single Limit                            $1,000,000
                                 Umbrella Liability                               $2,000,000


          The foregoing policies shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policies will not be
          canceled, or not renewed or allowed to lapse for any reason until at least thirty (30) days prior written notice
          has been given to DOAS. Certificates of Insurance (ACORD form or equivalent approved by the State)
          showing such coverage to be in force shall be filed with DOAS prior to commencement of any work under
          the statewide contract and remain in effect for the duration of the statewide contract. The foregoing policies
          shall be obtained from insurance companies authorized to do business in Georgia and shall be with
          companies acceptable to DOAS, which must have a minimum A.M. Best rating of A-. All such coverage
          shall remain in full force and effect during the term and any renewal or extension thereof.

          Within ten (10) business days of award, the awarded Supplier must procure the required insurance and
          provide DOAS with two (2) Certificates of Insurance. Certificates must reference the contract number. The
          supplier’s submitted pricing must include the cost of the required insurance. No contract performance shall
          occur unless and until the required insurance certificates are provided.

          If awarded a contract, the supplier shall procure and maintain insurance coverage as described in the
          statewide contract. Please reference Section 7 “Contract Terms and Conditions” for more information


     3.8. Process for Post Award Adding or Deleting Vehicles and Options. Following contract award and subject
     to DOAS’ approval, new buses entering the market (not available at the time of the bid closure) may be offered by
     the awarded supplier(s) provided such vehicles comply with all requirements of the statewide contract, reason for
     addition and pricing are fully justified, and DOAS approves of the addition based on the State’s needs.
     To ensure continuity of vehicles available and to ensure open and fair competition, the process for adding new
     vehicles to the contract will be:

                3.8.1. Adding Buses to the Contract
                        1) DOAS may solicit open and competitive quotes from suppliers for new bus(es) that come
                            on the market after the solicitation closes. Vehicles that were available during the period
                            of the solicitation will not qualify for addition.
                        2) The state will benchmark quoted prices to ensure competitive pricing and award based
                            on the needs of the state at that time.
                        3) Ensuing contracts added because of the process above will be rolled into the existing
                            Mass Transit contract. They will expire simultaneously as the original Mass Transit
                            Vehicles contract expires.
                        4) The final decision to add new vehicles rest solely with DOAS.


                3.8.2. Deleting Vehicles
                To delete vehicles from the contract that have gone out of production, the awarded Supplier(s) must
                notify the State that the manufacturer has stopped production of the vehicle(s) by submitting a written
                notification from the Manufacturer(s) that the vehicle(s) are out of production.

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                 3.8.3 Process for adding Manufacturer Bus Options to Contract:
                 Suppliers can submit manufacturer vehicle options annually, at contract renewal, for the State for
                 inclusion in their options offering. The Supplier must include manufacturer and/or market data that
                 shows the option price is competitive. The state will do a price analysis before approving or not
                 approving the request for option addition.


    3.9.   Bonds and/or Letter of Credit
           No bonds or letters of credit are required with this solicitation.

    3.10. Proposal Certification
          By responding to this solicitation, the supplier understands and agrees to the following:
              1.   That this electronically submitted proposal constitutes an offer, which when accepted in writing by
                   DOAS, and subject to the terms and conditions of such acceptance, will constitute a valid and
                   binding contract between the undersigned and DOAS; and
              2.   That the supplier guarantees and certifies that supplier’s proposed solution, including but not
                   limited to all goods, services, and technology proposed by supplier, meets or exceeds all of the
                   solicitation’s identified specifications and requirements except as expressly stated otherwise in
                   the supplier’s proposal; and
              3.   That the technical and cost proposals submitted by the supplier shall be valid and held open for a
                   period of two hundred and seventy (270) days from the final solicitation closing date and that
                   the proposals may be held open for a lengthier period of time subject to the supplier’s consent;
                   and
              4.   That this proposal is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any
                   corporation, firm, or person submitting a proposal for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or
                   services and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. Supplier understands and
                   agrees that collusive bidding is a violation of state and federal law and can result in fines, prison
                   sentences, and civil damage awards; and
              5.   That the provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Sections 45-10-20 et seq. have not
                   been violated and will not be violated in any respect.

    3.11. Supplier Compliance
          Suppliers responding to this eRFP and currently holding one or more statewide contracts with DOAS are
          required to be compliant with the terms and conditions of their current agreement(s) with the State. This
          includes all quarterly reporting and administrative fee submission requirements. DOAS will not award the
          resulting statewide contract to a supplier that has failed to meet its current statewide contract obligations.


4. eRFP Proposal Elements
   This section contains the detailed technical requirements and related services for this Sourcing Event. Suppliers
   are required to download, complete and then upload the “Mandatory Response Worksheet”, “Mandatory Scored
   Requirement Worksheet” “Cost Proposal” and “Additional Scored Response Worksheet” found as attachments in
   the Sourcing Event. Although many solicitations will contain all of the worksheets noted above, it is possible that a
   solicitation will not contain all of the worksheets. In the event all four worksheets are not available as
   downloadable forms to this eRFP, please confirm with the Issuing Officer that all four worksheets are not required.

    Unless requested otherwise, all responses should be provided within the worksheets and not as a separately
    attached document. Except as otherwise indicated, all requested forms and documents must be submitted
    electronically via the sourcing tool as an uploaded document to the supplier’s response. These worksheets
    together with any and all other documents submitted in response to Section 4 of this eRFP will be considered the
    supplier’s technical proposal.



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    DOAS has determined that it is best to define its own needs, desired operating objectives, and desired operating
    environment. DOAS will not tailor these needs to fit particular solutions suppliers may have available; rather, the
    suppliers shall propose to meet DOAS’ needs as defined in this eRFP. All claims shall be subject to
    demonstration. Suppliers are cautioned that conditional proposals, based upon assumptions, may be deemed
    non-responsive.

    4.1.   Technical Proposal Introduction
           All the items described in this section are service levels and/or terms and conditions that the State expects
           to be satisfied by the selected supplier. Each supplier must indicate its willingness and ability to satisfy
           these requirements in the appropriate worksheets.

    4.2.   Supplier General Information
           Each supplier must complete all of the requested information in the Sourcing Event, which may include
           contact information, Corporate composition and demographics, scrutinized company status.

    4.3.   Mandatory Requirements
           As specified with each requirement listed in the Mandatory Response Worksheet (Attachment C), the
           supplier must indicate whether its proposal meets the individual requirements by marking either a "YES" or
           "NO" in the response block provided. A Pass/Fail evaluation will be utilized for all mandatory requirements.
           Ordinarily, to be considered responsive, responsible and eligible for award, all questions identified as
           mandatory must be marked “YES” to pass. There may be rare instances in which a response of “NO” is
           the correct and logical response in order to meet the mandatory requirement (e.g. responding “NO” that the
           supplier does not possess any conflicts of interest). Otherwise, any mandatory questions marked "NO" will
           fail the technical requirements and will result in disqualification of the proposal.

           DO NOT INCLUDE ANY COST INFORMATION IN YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS WORKSHEET.

    4.4.   Mandatory Scored Response
           As specified with each requirement listed in the Mandatory Scored Response Worksheet (Attachment
           D), the supplier must indicate whether it will meet the individual requirement (if any) and provide a
           supporting narrative in the space provided. To be considered responsive and eligible for award, all
           mandatory requirements identified in the Mandatory Scored Response Worksheet must be met. There
           may be rare instances in which an item within the Mandatory Scored Response Worksheet does not create
           an individual requirement which must be met, but, instead, merely calls for a response. Failure to meet any
           mandatory scored requirements may result in disqualification of the supplier’s response in the event that a
           deviation is determined to be material pursuant to Section 6.2.1 of this eRFP. The narrative description,
           along with supporting materials, will be evaluated and awarded points in accordance with Section 6
           “Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations and Award.”

           DO NOT INCLUDE ANY COST INFORMATION IN YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS WORKSHEET.

    4.6.   Additional Information
           As noted in Section 2.2.2 “eRFP Review”, please access and review all of the attachments provided by
           DOAS within the Event. If supplemental materials are requested by DOAS to be submitted by the supplier
           as part of its response, the supplier should upload these additional materials as noted in Section 2.2.4
           “Uploading Forms”.

5. Cost Proposal

    5.1.   Cost Proposal
           Each supplier is required to submit the COST PROPOSAL (Attachment E), including pricing for each line
           item the Supplier wants to be considered for meeting the State’s needs. The cost proposal will be
           evaluated and scored in accordance with Section 6 “Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations and Award”. By

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          submitting a response, the supplier agrees that it has read, understood, and will abide by the following
          instructions/rules:
                 1. The State expects the most competitive market pricing that reflects anticipated purchase activity,
                     as reflected in the historical purchasing habits and spend of Authorized Users for all the vehicle
                     classes as detailed in the eRFP and associated attachments; and
                 2. The submitted cost proposal must include all costs of performing pursuant to the resulting
                     statewide contract; and
                 3. Cost proposals containing a minimum order/ship quantity or dollar value, unless otherwise called
                     for in the eRFP, will be treated as non-responsive and may not be considered for award; and
                 4. The supplier is required to provide net prices. In the event there is discrepancy between the
                     supplier’s unit price and extended price, the unit price shall govern;
                 5. In the event there is a discrepancy between (1) the supplier’s pricing as quoted on an uploaded,
                     detailed cost sheet such as an Excel Worksheet and (2) the supplier’s pricing as quoted by the
                     supplier in one or more single line entries directly into the Event screen (for example, “Your Total
                     Line Pricing” and/or “Your Unit Bid Price”), the former shall govern; and
                 6. The prices quoted and listed in the cost proposal shall be firm throughout the term of the resulting
                     statewide contract, unless otherwise noted in the eRFP or statewide contract.
                 7. Any prompt payment discount offered to the State must be clearly identified in the supplier’s
                     response. In the event the State is entitled to a prompt payment discount, the period of
                     computation will commence on the date of delivery, or receipt of a correctly computed invoice
                     indicating the discount, whichever occurs later; and
                 8. Unless otherwise specified in any terms and conditions attached to the solicitation, all product
                     deliveries will be F.O.B. destination and all shipping charges must be included in the cost
                     proposal; and
                 9. Unless expressly permitted by the solicitations, responses containing provisions for late or
                     interest charges cannot be awarded a contract. Suppliers must “strike through” any such
                     provisions in printed forms and initial such revisions prior to submitting a response; and
                 10. Responses containing prepayment and/or progress payment requirements may be determined
                     non-responsive unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation; and
                 11. Unless permitted by the solicitation, responses requiring payment from the Authorized User in
                     less than thirty (30) days will be considered non-responsive; and
                 12. The State of Georgia is exempt from all State sales taxes and Federal excise taxes and no
                     provision for such taxes should be included in the Supplier’s response.

   5.2. Cost Structure and Additional Instructions
         DOAS’ intent is to structure the cost format to facilitate comparison among all suppliers and foster
         competition to obtain the best market pricing. Consequently, DOAS requires that each supplier’s cost be in
         the format outlined below. Additional alternative cost structures will not be considered. Each supplier is
         hereby advised that failure to comply with the instructions listed below, submission of an incomplete offer,
         or submission of an offer in a different format than the one requested may result in the rejection of the
         supplier’s proposal.

          Enter all information directly into the cost sheet(s) in the “Yellow” highlighted cells. Enter numbers on each
          cost sheet in “number” (two-place decimal), not “currency” or other format unless otherwise stated. That is,
          omit dollar signs, commas, and any other non-essential symbols (e.g., $7.90 should be entered as 7.90).
          Prices must be in US Dollars. Enter “n/a” to indicate not available or “0” if there is no charge. Cells left
          blank will be interpreted as “no offer”.

          Download the cost worksheet, complete the worksheet and then upload the worksheet by following the
          instructions in the third bullet of Section 2.2.4 “Uploading Forms” of this eRFP.

          5.2.1. Cost Worksheets/Workbooks


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          The following table depicts the Attachment E Cost Worksheets/Workbooks along with the corresponding
          suppliers required to submit for their cost proposals. Note: ALL suppliers are to submit Attachment E-12
          Delivery Prices Per Region.

          See Table below.

                  Attachment E Cost Worksheets/Cost Workbooks
                                     Matrix                                                  Suppliers
                                                                                    All Offering Standard
                E-1       Base Bus Cost Sheet (Standard).xlsx                       Buses
                E-2       Base Bus Cost Sheet (Electric).xlsx                       All Offering Electric Buses
                E-3       $_Yancey_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx               Yancey Brothers-Buses
                E-4       $_Yancey_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx               Yancey Brothers-Buses
                E-5       $_Rush_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx                 Rush Trucks-Buses
                E-6       $_Rush_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx                 Rush Trucks-Buses
                E-7       $_PeachState_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx           Peach State Buses
                E-8       $_PeachState_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx           Peach State Buses
                E-9       $_Lion_Options_Parts_Pricing.xlsx                         LION Bus
                                                                                    All     others      offering
                E-10      $_Generic_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx              Standard Buses
                                                                                    LION Bus and all others
                E-11      $_Generic_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx
                                                                                    offering Electric Buses

                E-12      $_Delivery Charges Georgia Regional Map.doc               All

                Note: All suppliers will be evaluated by line item on Attachments E-1, E-2 and E-12. All others pricing for options,
                parts and technical costs/credits will be evaluated for fair and reasonableness. (paragraph 6.3.1)



     5.3. Price Escalations/De-escalation and Product Offering
          Supplier pricing must remain firm for 1 year from the date of the award. Price increase requests will be
          reviewed on an annual basis after the twelfth (12) month of the contract renewal. Suppliers are limited to
          one (1) price increase request per year. If price increase requests are submitted, the below-mentioned
          price increase methodology will be used to determine any price adjustments. Increase(s) will not exceed the
          average percentage increase as shown for the previous twelve (12) month period for the US Department of
          Labor Producer Price Index (PPI), series PCU3361203361203 Heavy duty truck manufacturing-Buses;
          PCU3362113362117 Motor vehicle body manufacturing; PCU3362113362119 Other trucks and vehicles,
          complete, produced on purchased chassis; series ID Number: WPU1413 for Truck and Bus Bodies
          WPU141106 for Cutaways over 14,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio Federal Reserve Economic Data
          (FRED) website at https://data.bls.gov/ Temporary data will not be used in the evaluation. In the event,
          the increase request exceeds the increase amount allowed by the PPI, the Supplier(s) must provide strong
          justification and invoices from the manufacturer to substantiate. The State must be notified at least ninety
          (90) days in advance prior to any price change, and the Supplier must have the State's approval before any
          such change may be implemented.

          DOAS expects any market reductions to be passed along to the State. If the PPI Series ID reflects a decrease
          of two percent (2%) or greater for the previous 12 months of activity, prices may be reduced to the State.

6. Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations and Award
   All timely proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following steps. The objective of the evaluation
   process is to identify the proposals which represents the best value to the State based on a combination of
   technical and cost factors required to meet the objective in paragraph 1. 1.. Based on the results of the initial
   evaluation, DOAS may or may not elect to negotiate technical and/or cost factors as further described in the
   eRFP. In the event negotiations of the technical and/or cost factors occur, the revised proposals will be
Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                          25 of 31                                                  SPD-SP001
    reevaluated in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.4 “Scoring Criteria.” Once the evaluation process has
    been completed (and any negotiations DOAS desires to conduct have occurred), the apparent successful
    supplier(s) will be required to enter into discussions with DOAS to resolve any exceptions to DOAS’ statewide
    contract. DOAS will announce the results of the eRFP as described further in Section 6.9 “Public Award
    Announcement.”

    6.1.   Administrative/Preliminary Review
           First, the proposals will be reviewed by the Issuing Officer to determine the proposal’s compliance
           with the following requirements:
                     1. Proposal was submitted in TGM by deadline in accordance with Section 2
                     2. Proposal was prepared in accordance with the instructions in the solicitation and is
                         complete

    6.2.   Evaluating Proposal Factors (Section 4)
           If the supplier’s proposal passes the Administrative/Preliminary Review, the supplier’s responses to Section
           4 “eRFP Proposal Factors” will be submitted to the Evaluation Team for evaluation.

           6.2.1.   Review of Mandatory and Mandatory Scored Questions
                    The Evaluation Team will review each supplier’s response in detail to determine its compliance with
                    mandatory eRFP requirements. Responses to both “Mandatory” and “Mandatory Scored”
                    Questions will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. “Mandatory Scored” Questions will also be
                    evaluated by the State’s Evaluation Team. If a supplier’s response fails to meet a mandatory and/or
                    mandatory scored eRFP requirement, DOAS will determine if the deviation is material. A material
                    deviation will be cause for rejection of the supplier’s response. An immaterial deviation may be
                    waived or cured and will be processed as if no deviation had occurred. All responses which meet
                    the requirements of the “Mandatory” and “Mandatory Scored” Questions are considered
                    “Responsive Proposals” at this point in time and will be scored in accordance with the point
                    allocation in Section 6.4 “Scoring Criteria.”

           The supplier will receive a total technical score at the conclusion of the evaluation of the eRFP Proposal
           Factors (Mandatory Scored Questions).

    6.3.   Evaluating Cost Proposal and Total Combined Score
           The cost proposals will be reviewed and scored in accordance with Section 6.4 “Scoring Criteria.” for the
           Cost portion of the eRFP. To expedite the evaluation process, DOAS reserves the right to analyze the cost
           proposals independently, but at the same time the Evaluation Team is analyzing the technical proposals,
           provided neither the cost proposals nor the cost analysis is disclosed to the Evaluation Team until the
           Evaluation Team completes its initial evaluation and scoring of the eRFP Proposal Factors.

           6.3.1.   Cost Scoring
                    DOAS may utilize lowest cost, lowest total cost, and total cost of ownership (TCO) or greatest
                    savings to determine the most competitive cost proposals. The cost proposal will be scored at the
                    line-item level relative to other proposals. The suppliers deemed to have the most competitive cost
                    proposal(s) for each line-item level, as determined by DOAS, will receive the maximum points for
                    the cost criteria for each line-item. Other proposals will receive a percentage of the cost score for
                    each line item based on the percentage differential between the most competitive cost proposal and
                    the specific proposal in question.

                     6.3.1.1. For evaluation of cost proposals, DOAS will evaluate cost at the Line-Item level.

                     6.3.1.2. For Options Pricing, Parts Pricing, and Pricing in the Supplier’s Technical Workbook,
                             DOAS will assess prices for fairness and reasonableness. Items that are deemed not fair
                             and reasonable may become subjects for negotiation or exclusion from the award.

                     6.3.1.3. Refer to paragraph 6.3.3. for determining the supplier’s overall proposal score.
Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                       26 of 31                                            SPD-SP001
           6.3.2.    Georgia Enterprises for Products and Services (GEPS)
                     In the event the issuing officer has received a response from GEPS, the issuing officer must factor
                     in a price preference of 8% for purposes of cost evaluation. The price preference of 8% has been
                     approved by DOAS in accordance with the State Use Law set forth at O.C.G.A. 50-5-135 et seq.,
                     which is intended to create opportunities for disabled persons employed by community-based
                     rehabilitation programs and training centers that are certified by the State Use Council. To
                     implement the price preference, the issuing officer must lower GEPS’ price by 8% when comparing
                     GEPS’ price with any other supplier’s response. However, in the event GEPS wins the contract
                     award, GEPS must be paid at its actual bid price.

           6.3.3.    Total Score
                     The supplier’s cost score will be combined with the supplier’s technical score to determine the
                     supplier’s overall score (or “total combined score”).

    6.4.   Scoring Criteria
           The evaluation is comprised of the following:

                    Category                          Criteria                                  Points
                    Cost                              1. Cost of proposed products and/or       600 points
                                                      services
                    Technical/Proposal Factors        2. “Mandatory” Requirements               Pass/Fail
                    Technical/Proposal Factors        3. “Scored Criteria                       400 points
                    Total                             N/A                                       1000 points

    6.5.   Georgia Based Business/Reciprocal Preference Law O.C.G.A. §50-5-60(b)
           For the purposes of evaluation only, supplier’s resident in the State of Georgia will be granted the same
           preference over supplier’s resident in another state in the same manner, on the same basis, and to the
           same extent that preference is granted in awarding bids for the same goods or services by such other state
           to supplier’s resident therein over supplier’s resident in the State of Georgia. NOTE: For the purposes of
           this law, the definition of a resident supplier is a supplier who is domiciled in the State of Georgia.

    6.6    Negotiations of Proposals and/or Cost Factors
           DOAS possesses discretionary authority to conduct one or more rounds of negotiations of technical
           proposal and/or cost factors as permitted by Georgia law and DOAS’ established procurement policy. This
           section of the eRFP describes DOAS’ process for utilizing its discretionary negotiation authority as defined
           by O.C.G.A. Section 50-5-67(a)(6); however, DOAS reserves the right to conduct any other negotiations
           authorized by law.

           The objective of negotiations is to obtain the supplier’s best terms. PLEASE NOTE: NEGOTIATIONS ARE
           DISCRETIONARY; THEREFORE, DOAS URGES THE SUPPLIER (1) TO SUBMIT ITS BEST RESPONSE
           AND (2) NOT TO ASSUME THE SUPPLIER WILL BE GRANTED AN OPPORTUNITY TO NEGOTIATE.

           6.6.1.    Overview of Negotiations
                     After the Evaluation Team has scored the suppliers’ proposals, DOAS may elect to enter one or
                     more rounds of negotiations with all responsive and responsible supplier, only those suppliers
                     identified by the Evaluation Team as being in the competitive range or a range of competitive
                     suppliers required to accomplish the objective detailed in paragraph 1.1. The range of suppliers will
                     not be selected arbitrarily, and those suppliers included must have competitively scored proposals.

                     After each round of negotiations (if any), the supplier will submit revisions to its proposal factors
                     and/or cost proposal, which revisions will be scored by the Evaluation Team in accordance with the
                     same criteria used to evaluate the initial responses from the suppliers. Suppliers may be removed
Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                         27 of 31                                           SPD-SP001
                   from further participation in the negotiation process in the event the Evaluation Team determines
                   the supplier cannot be considered responsive and responsible or based on the competitive range
                   as defined in Section 6.6.3 “Competitive Range.”

                   DOAS reserves the right to proceed to award without further discussions after receipt of the initial
                   proposals, in which case, negotiations and Proposal Revisions will not be required.

          6.6.2.   Negotiation Instructions
                   Listed below are the key action items related to negotiations. The State’s Negotiation Committee
                   may consist of the State’s Evaluation Committee or may be comprised of different people.
                   However, evaluation of proposals or revised proposals shall be completed only by the State’s
                   Evaluation Committee.

                    1. Negotiation Invitation: Those suppliers identified by the Evaluation Committee to negotiate
                       will be notified and invited to attend negotiations. Suppliers will be notified in writing: (i) the
                       general purpose and scope of the negotiations; (ii) the anticipated schedule for the
                       negotiations; and (iii) the procedures to be followed for negotiations.

                    2. Confirmation of Attendance: Suppliers who have been invited to participate in negotiations
                       must confirm attendance.

                    3. Negotiations Round(s): One or more rounds of negotiations may be conducted with those
                       suppliers identified by the State’s Evaluation Team.

          6.6.3.   Competitive Range
                   If DOAS elects to negotiate pursuant to Section 6, DOAS may either (1) elect to negotiate with all
                   responsive and responsible suppliers, (2) limit negotiations to those suppliers identified within the
                   competitive range and/or suppliers needed to develop a comprehensive supply base as determined
                   by DOAS, or (3) limit negotiations to the number of suppliers with whom DOAS/Negotiation Team
                   may reasonably negotiate as defined below. In the event DOAS elects to limit negotiations to those
                   suppliers identified above, DOAS will identify the competitive range by (1) ranking suppliers’
                   proposals from highest to lowest based on each supplier’s Total Combined Score, (2) then looking
                   for breaks in the scores such that natural groupings of similar scores may be identified and/or 3)
                   looking for the break in scoring that provides the variety of suppliers, as determined by DOAS,
                   needed to develop a comprehensive supply base capable of providing a wide variety of types and
                   quantities of school buses. In the event DOAS determines the number of responsive and
                   responsible suppliers is so great that the Negotiation Team cannot reasonably conduct negotiations
                   (which determination shall be solely at DOAS’ discretion and shall be conclusive), DOAS may also
                   elect to limit negotiations to the suppliers that need to be more competitive as determined by the
                   Total Combined Score.

          6.6.4.   Negotiation Round Completion
                   As part of each round of negotiation, the Negotiation Team may or may not engage in verbal
                   discussions with the suppliers. However, whether or not the Negotiation Team engages in verbal
                   discussions, any revisions the supplier elects to make to its response must be submitted in writing
                   via email by the end date and time identified by the Issuing Officer. All revisions received by the
                   due date and time will be evaluated and re-scored by the Evaluation Team in accordance with the
                   same criteria used to evaluate the initial responses from the suppliers. Revisions which are not
                   received prior to the due date and time cannot be considered; however, any supplier failing to
                   submit timely revisions will not be disqualified from consideration for award based on its final
                   proposal as accepted by DOAS.



Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                        28 of 31                                              SPD-SP001
    6.7.   Selection and Award
           DOAS may make multiple awards at the line-item level necessary for developing a comprehensive supply
           base as determined by DOAS to the highest scoring suppliers based on any of the following: each
           supplier’s total combined score, competitive range and/or to a range of suppliers in competitive order, or to
           the number of suppliers needed to accomplish the objectives stated in paragraph 1.1,

    6.8.   Site Visits and Oral Presentations
           DOAS reserves the right to conduct site visits or to invite suppliers to present their proposal
           factors/technical solutions to the Evaluation Team as part of the Technical Evaluation. Cost proposals and
           related cost information must not be discussed during the oral presentation of the supplier’s technical
           solution. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Negotiation Team from discussing both proposal factors
           and cost information during the negotiation process defined by Section 6.6 “Negotiations of Proposals
           and/or Cost Factors”.

    6.9.   Public Award Announcement
           The preliminary results of the evaluation will be announced through the public posting of a Notice of Intent
           to Award. The Notice of Intent to Award (“NOIA”) is not notice of an actual contract award; instead, the
           NOIA is notice of DOAS’ expected contract award(s) pending resolution of the protest process. The NOIA
           (if any) will identify the apparent successful supplier(s), unsuccessful supplier(s), and the reasons why any
           unsuccessful suppliers were not selected for contract award. NO SUPPLIER SHOULD ASSUME
           PERSONAL NOTICE OF THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD (“NOIA”) WILL BE PROVIDED BY DOAS.
           INSTEAD, ALL SUPPLIERS SHOULD FREQUENTLY CHECK THE GEORGIA PROCUREMENT
           REGISTRY FOR NOTICE OF THE NOIA.

           The Notice of Award (“NOA”) is DOAS’ public notice of actual contract award(s). The NOA will be publicly
           posted to the Georgia Procurement Registry.

7. Contract Terms and Conditions
   The statewide contract that DOAS expects to award as a result of this eRFP will be based upon the eRFP, the
   successful supplier’s final response as accepted by DOAS and the contract terms and conditions, which terms
   and conditions can be downloaded from the eRFP. The “successful supplier’s final response as accepted by
   DOAS” shall mean: the final cost and technical proposals submitted by the supplier and any subsequent revisions
   to the supplier’s cost and technical proposals and the contract terms and conditions due to negotiations, written
   clarifications or changes made in accordance with the provisions of the eRFP, and any other terms deemed
   necessary by DOAS, except that no objection or amendment by a supplier to the eRFP requirements or the
   contract terms and conditions shall be incorporated by reference into the statewide contract unless DOAS has
   explicitly accepted the supplier’s objection or amendment in writing.

    Please review DOAS’ contract terms and conditions prior to submitting a response to this eRFP. Suppliers should
    plan on the contract terms and conditions contained in this eRFP being included in any award as a result of this
    eRFP. Therefore, all costs associated with complying with these requirements should be included in any pricing
    quoted by the suppliers. The contract terms and conditions may be supplemented or revised before contract
    execution and are provided to enable suppliers to better evaluate the costs associated with the eRFP and the
    potential resulting statewide contract.

    Exception to Contract
    By submitting a response, each supplier acknowledges its acceptance of the eRFP specifications and the contract
    terms and conditions without change except as otherwise expressly stated in the submitted proposal. If the
    supplier takes exception to a contract provision, the supplier must submit the exception on Attachment G:
    Contract Exceptions Form (Reference Section 7), 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 statewide contract must
    be redlined with comments explaining the rationale for the proposed revision, uploaded and submitted as part of
    the supplier’s response, and should be provided as a red-line markup of the posted contract with inserted

Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                       29 of 31                                           SPD-SP001
    comments specifying the need for the changes. Proposed exceptions must not conflict with or attempt to preempt
    mandatory requirements specified in the eRFP. Proposed exceptions should be in compliance with Georgia law.
    For further information regarding contracting with entities subject to DOAS purview, please see SPD-SP060
    “Contracting with State Entities” provided as an attachment to this solicitation and located at
    https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/seven-stages-of-procurement/stage-3-solicitation-preparation.

    In the event the supplier is selected for potential award, the supplier will be required to enter into discussions with
    DOAS to resolve any contractual differences before an award is made. These discussions are to be finalized and
    all exceptions resolved within the period of time identified in the schedule of events. Failure to resolve any
    contractual issues will lead to rejection of the supplier. DOAS reserves the right to proceed to discussions with
    the next best ranked supplier.

    DOAS reserves the right to modify the statewide contract to be consistent with the apparent successful offer, and
    to negotiate other modifications with the apparent successful suppliers. Exceptions that materially change the
    terms or the requirements of the eRFP may be deemed non-responsive by DOAS, in its sole discretion, and
    rejected. Contract exceptions which grant the supplier an impermissible competitive advantage, as determined by
    DOAS, in its sole discretion, will be rejected. If there is any question whether a particular contract exception
    would be permissible, the supplier is strongly encouraged to inquire via written question submitted to the Issuing
    Officer prior to the deadline for submitting written questions as defined by the Schedule of Events.

8. List of eRFP Attachments
   The following documents make up this eRFP. Please see Section 2.2.2 “eRFP Review” for instructions about
   how to access the following documents as attachments. Any difficulty locating or accessing the following
   documents should be immediately reported to the Issuing Officer.
       A. Statewide eRFP (this document)
       B. Special terms (if any) from Section 1.6 “Definition of Terms” of this eRFP
       C. Mandatory Response Worksheet from Section 4.3 of this eRFP
       D. Mandatory Scored Response Worksheet from Section 4.3 of this eRFP.
       E. Cost Worksheet from Section 5 “Cost/Pricing” of this eRFP
               E-1     Base Bus Cost Sheet (Standard).xlsx
               E-2     Base Bus Cost Sheet (Electric).xlsx
               E-3     $_Yancey_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx
               E-4     $_Yancey_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx
               E-5     $_Rush_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx
               E-6     $_Rush_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx
               E-7     $_PeachState_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx
               E-8     $_PeachState_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsx
               E-9     $_Lion_Options_Parts_Pricing.xlsx
               E-10    $_Generic_Options_Parts_PricingStandard.xlsx
               E-11    $_Generic_Options_Parts_PricingElectric.xlsxState
               E-12    $_Delivery Charges Georgia Regional Map.doc

        F. Contract from Section 7 “Contract Terms and Conditions” of this eRFP
        G. Contract Exceptions Form (Reference Section 7)
        H. School Bus Program Requirements Document
        I. Department of Audits Immigration and Security Form
        J. Bidder Questions and Answers Form
        K. Document Upload Checklist (Document provided at the Bidders Conference/uploaded to the solicitation
        L. Suppliers Quarterly Sales Report
        M. Data Security Terms and Conditions
        N. Tax Compliance Form
        O. W-9 Form
        P. Certificate of Non-Collusion
        Q. SPD-SP060 “Contracting with State Entities”
Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                                          30 of 31                                             SPD-SP001
        R. SPD-SP044 Sample Trade Secret Affidavit
        S. Things to Remember when Responding to Bids




Statewide Contract eRFP
Revised 03/28/2024                               31 of 31   SPD-SP001
                     Solicitation Addendum Form # 4
Solicitation Number:                       Solicitation Title: School Buses with
99999-001-SPD0000236                       Related Equipment, Options, and
                                           Accessories.
Requesting State Entity: Department of Administrative Services, State Purchasing
Division
Issuing Officer: Billy Gilbert             RFX Initially Posted to Internet: See GPR
Email Address: billy.gilbert1@doas.ga.gov Telephone: 404-657-4322
Addendum Number: 4                         Date: 6/18/d2025


A. PURPOSE: The State has decided to replace the Statewide Contract Terms
   and Conditions with the most updated version, inclusive of the state’s new
   Data Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions (Exhibit
   1).

B. Addendum #4 replaces Attachment F: Statewide Contract Terms and
   Conditions (Dated 07/06/2016) with the latest version of Attachment F
   Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions dated 02/05/2024. All signed
   versions of Attachment F: Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions (Dated
   07/06/2016) submitted with your original proposals are null and void.

C. The major changes in the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions dated
   02/05/2024 include, but are not limited to, the addition of Exhibit 1 Data
   Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, moving the
   Insurance requirements from the RFP to the Statewide Contract Terms and
   Conditions document and the additional requirement of Professional
   Liability/Errors and Omissions $2,000,000 to the Insurance requirements, and
   modifications to the Limitation of Liability section.

D. REVISED Request for Proposal (RFP) and Program Requirements Document
   (PRD): The following section/document of the attached RFP are DELETED
   with this addendum:

        RFP Attachment M: Data Security Terms & Conditions-School Buses
        RFP Section 3.7. Standard Insurance Requirements
        RFP Section 2.1.5.3. Data Security Terms and Conditions (Attachment M)

The following section / document of the attached PRD is DELETED and REPLACED
as follows:



Revised 02/11/11                                                          SPD-SPR013
PRD Section 4.0. Data Security
The Suppliers and Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers, to the extent applicable, are
required to abide by and maintain adequate data security measures, consistent with
industry standards, to protect Authorized Users Data outlined in paragraph A.1.(iii)
thru A.1.(iv) of Exhibit 1 to the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions, Data
Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, as agreed upon.
This includes any of the data elements listed above that the Suppliers and
Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers have access to in the performance of maintenance,
warranty, or any other cases of access to the equipment and data.

All applicable provisions of Exhibit 1 to the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions,
Data Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, must be
adhered to by all Suppliers, and Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers of school buses
sold under any resultant contracts.

Authorized User’s using third party maintenance providers are responsible for
ensuring the data identified above are protected, in accordance with their local laws
policies and procedures, during times where third- party personnel (including all
equipment and maintenance suppliers) have access to the data stored in the
equipment in accordance with Attachment V and their local laws, policies, and
procedures.

E. REVISED SUPPLIER SUBMISSION: All suppliers submitting responsible and
   responsive responses to the solicitation will have the opportunity to:

             1. Review Attachment F: Statewide Contract with Terms and
             Conditions for Goods and Services, including Exhibit 1 Data Security,
             Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, dated 2/5/24
             (attached)

             2. Document exceptions, if any, on the attached Attachment G
             Contract Exceptions Form (Reference Section 7). If no exceptions,
             enter “no Exceptions” and submit the form.

             3. Adjust your pricing, if needed, to cover the additional expense of
             the additional insurance requirement and changes in the Terms and
             Conditions document by submitting a revised Cost Workbook E-1
             Base Bus (Standard) and/or E-2 Base Bus (Electric).

             4. If you choose not to change your submitted pricing, enter Suppliers
             Name and “No Pricing Change” in Cell B3 on Cost WorkSheets E-1
             and/or E-2.




Revised 02/11/11                                                            SPD-SPR013
             5. Sign the word version of Attachment F: Statewide Contract with
             Terms and Conditions for Goods and Services dated 2/5/24.
             Note: Do not convert to a pdf. If selected for award, the pdf
             conversions will occur when all signatures are on the document.

             6. Email the signed Attachment F: Statewide Contract with Terms and
             Conditions for Goods and Services dated 2/5/24, the Exceptions Form
             (Attachment G) , Adjusted Pricing (Cost Worksheets E-1 and E-2) or
             “No Pricing Change” as described in 4 above, and this signed
             Addendum Form to billy.gilbert@doas.ga.gov by 5:00 PM EST, 18
             June 2025.

F. PROTEST: It is the intent of the State to provide transparency regarding this
situation and its intended path. Rather than cancel the solicitation and repost,
which would require additional time and resources to be devoted by the State
and the supplier community, the State has elected to issue this addendum to
address the outstanding issue and allow Suppliers to provide a response.

To the extent that an Interested Party wishes to protest this action, such
challenge may be brought forth in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.5
of the Georgia Procurement Manual and its subsections, and any such protest
must be filed within ten (10) days of the distribution date of this addendum, as
required under Section 6.5.7. “Filing Deadlines”. In the event a protest is
received, the State may elect to cancel and re-issue this solicitation.

G. REVISED SUPPLIER SUBMISSION:
Each supplier will be contacted by the Issuing Officer and answer any
questions Suppliers may have.

Suppliers must email the revised response to: billy.gilbert1@doas.ga.gov
no later than 5pm (EST) on 18 June 2025. A signed acknowledgment of this
addendum (this document) should be attached to your RFX response.


Note: In the event of a conflict between previously released information and the
information contained herein, the latter shall control.

A signed acknowledgment of this addendum (this page) should be attached
to your RFX response.



___________________________________________________________
Supplier’s Name


Revised 02/11/11                                                        SPD-SPR013
Addendum 4 Revised Signed by Supplier-(Next Doeument)
___________________________________________________________
Signature


___________________________________________________________
Printed Name and Title




Attachments:
Statewide RFP Version 2
Program Requirements Document Version 2
SPD-SP006 StatewideContractforGoodsandServices 2/5/2024
Attachment G: Contract Exceptions Form




Revised 02/11/11                                              SPD-SPR013
                   Solicitation Addendum Form # 4 (Revised)
Solicitation Number:                       Solicitation Title: School Buses with
99999-001-SPD0000236                       Related Equipment, Options, and
                                           Accessories.
Requesting State Entity: Department of Administrative Services, State Purchasing
Division
Issuing Officer: Billy Gilbert             RFX Initially Posted to Internet: See GPR
Email Address: billy.gilbert1@doas.ga.gov Telephone: 404-657-4322
Addendum Number: 4                         Date: 6/18/d2025


A. PURPOSE: The State has decided to replace the Statewide Contract Terms
   and Conditions with the most updated version, inclusive of the state’s new
   Data Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions (Exhibit
   1).

B. Addendum #4 replaces Attachment F: Statewide Contract Terms and
   Conditions (Dated 07/06/2016) with the latest version of Attachment F
   Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions dated 02/05/2024. All signed
   versions of Attachment F: Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions (Dated
   07/06/2016) submitted with your original proposals are null and void.

C. The major changes in the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions dated
   02/05/2024 include, but are not limited to, the addition of Exhibit 1 Data
   Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, moving the
   Insurance requirements from the RFP to the Statewide Contract Terms.

D. REVISED Request for Proposal (RFP) and Program Requirements Document
   (PRD): The following section/document of the attached RFP are deleted with
   this addendum:

        RFP Attachment M: Data Security Terms & Conditions-School Buses
        RFP Section 3.7. Standard Insurance Requirements
        RFP Section 2.1.5.3. Data Security Terms and Conditions (Attachment M)

The following section / document of the attached PRD are DELETED and
REPLACED as follows:

PRD Section 4.0. Data Security
The Suppliers and Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers, to the extent applicable, are
required to abide by and maintain adequate data security measures, consistent with


Revised 02/11/11                                                          SPD-SPR013
industry standards, to protect Authorized Users Data outlined in paragraph A.1.(iii)
thru A.1.(iv) of Exhibit 1 to the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions, Data
Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, as agreed upon.
This includes any of the data elements listed above that the Suppliers and
Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers have access to in the performance of maintenance,
warranty, or any other cases of access to the equipment and data.

All applicable provisions of Exhibit 1 to the Statewide Contract Terms and Conditions,
Data Security, Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, must be
adhered to by all Suppliers, and Aftermarket Equipment Suppliers of school buses
sold under any resultant contracts.

Authorized User’s using third party maintenance providers are responsible for
ensuring the data identified above are protected, in accordance with their local laws
policies and procedures, during times where third- party personnel (including all
equipment and maintenance suppliers) have access to the data stored in the
equipment in accordance with Attachment V and their local laws, policies, and
procedures.

E. REVISED SUPPLIER SUBMISSION: All suppliers submitting responsible and
   responsive responses to the solicitation will have the opportunity to:

             1. Review Attachment F: Statewide Contract with Terms and
             Conditions for Goods and Services, including Exhibit 1 Data Security,
             Confidentiality, and Ownership Terms and Conditions, dated 2/5/24
             (attached)

             2. Document exceptions, if any, on the attached Attachment G
             Contract Exceptions Form (Reference Section 7). If no exceptions,
             enter “no Exceptions” and submit the form.

             3. Adjust your pricing, if needed, to cover the additional expense of
             the additional insurance requirement and changes in the Terms and
             Conditions document by submitting a revised Cost Workbook E-1
             Base Bus (Standard) and/or E-2 Base Bus (Electric).

             4. If you choose not to change your submitted pricing, enter Suppliers
             Name and “No Pricing Change” in Cell B3 on Cost WorkSheets E-1
             and/or E-2.

             5. Sign the word version of Attachment F: Statewide Contract with
             Terms and Conditions for Goods and Services dated 2/5/24.




Revised 02/11/11                                                            SPD-SPR013
             Note: Do not convert to a pdf. If selected for award, the pdf
             conversions will occur when all signatures are on the document.

             6. Email the signed Attachment F: Statewide Contract with Terms and
             Conditions for Goods and Services dated 2/5/24, the Exceptions Form
             (Attachment G) , Adjusted Pricing (Cost Worksheets E-1 and E-2) or
             “No Pricing Change” as described in 4 above, and this signed
             Addendum Form to billy.gilbert@doas.ga.gov by 5:00 PM EST, 18
             June 2025.

F. PROTEST: It is the intent of the State to provide transparency regarding this
situation and its intended path. Rather than cancel the solicitation and repost,
which would require additional time and resources to be devoted by the State
and the supplier community, the State has elected to issue this addendum to
address the outstanding issue and allow Suppliers to provide a response.

To the extent that an Interested Party wishes to protest this action, such
challenge may be brought forth in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.5
of the Georgia Procurement Manual and its subsections, and any such protest
must be filed within ten (10) days of the distribution date of this addendum, as
required under Section 6.5.7. “Filing Deadlines”. In the event a protest is
received, the State may elect to cancel and re-issue this solicitation.

G. REVISED SUPPLIER SUBMISSION:
Each supplier will be contacted by the Issuing Officer and answer any
questions Suppliers may have.

Suppliers must email the revised response to: billy.gilbert1@doas.ga.gov
no later than 5pm (EST) on 18 June 2025. A signed acknowledgment of this
addendum (this document) should be attached to your RFX response.


Note: In the event of a conflict between previously released information and the
information contained herein, the latter shall control.

A signed acknowledgment of this addendum (this page) should be attached
to your RFX response.



__Peach State Truck Centers _________________________________
Supplier’s Name




Revised 02/11/11                                                        SPD-SPR013
___Greg Fenn______________________________
Signature


_____Greg Fenn______________________________________________
Printed Name and Title




Attachments:
Statewide RFP Version 2
Program Requirements Document Version 2
SPD-SP006 StatewideContractforGoodsandServices 2/5/2024
Attachment G: Contract Exceptions Form




Revised 02/11/11                                               SPD-SPR013