Request For Proposals For CDL Training Solicitation No. RFP-CDLTraining .

Transcription

Request for ProposalsForCDL TrainingSolicitation No. RFP-CDLTraining-2020-02Date of Release: March 10, 2020Business Office2886 FM 1735Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455

Request for ProposalsNortheast Texas Community College (NTCC) District invites all “qualified professionalfinancial services firm(s)” to submit request for Proposals (RFP) responses for NTCC’sCDL Training Services for the following solicitation: Request for Proposals (RFP) # RFP-CDLTraining-2020-02Submit response to:Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC)Attention: Jimmy W Smith# RFP-CDLTraining-020-022886 FM 1735Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455By no later than: April 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Central Standard Time (CST)On the date and at the time for submission of proposals, responses will be opened andidentified by proposer name. However, proposals will not be read aloud. Proposals thatarrive after the date and time for submission of proposals will be considered late and willnot be opened.Proposals from respondents may not be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty(120) days subsequent to the date and time for submission without the consent of theWorkforce Program Developer.NTCC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, towaive informalities or technicalities, to clarify ambiguities, and to award items or groupsof items as may be in the best interest of NTCC.2

.TABLE OF CONTENTS1.ARTICLE 1 - General Overview and Executive Summary . 72.ARTICLE 2 – Project Overview .113.ARTICLE 3 - Award of Contract .164.ARTICLE 4 - General Instruction .185.ARTICLE 5 - Proposal Submission Requirements .216.ARTICLE 6 - Proposal Evaluation .287.ARTICLE 7 - CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS .32APPENDIX . 403

DEFINITIONS"Addendum" means a written clarification or revision to any solicitation issued by NTCC."Northeast Texas Community College" means NTCC, the College or District asestablished its procurement requirements under Texas Education Code, Chapter 44,NTCC Board of Trustees Policy CF (Local), Texas Government Code ProcurementLaws, and the College’s policies and procedures."NTCC Holidays" means when NTCC offices are officially closed. NTCC Holidaysgenerally include Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, MLK Day, Spring Break, andMemorial Day, in addition to other designated holidays identified as “College Closed” inthe Academic Calendar published online at https://www.ntcc.edu/academics/academiccalendars for each academic year."Board of Trustees" means the governing body of NTCC."Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)" means the master database listing of activeregistered vendors and historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) mailing list forvendors to receive bid opportunities based on the products or services they can provideto the State of Texas."Contract" means the contract awarded as a result of this solicitation and all exhibitsthereto."Contract Manager" means the College point of contact for all decisions or approvals,and shall include his or her designee(s) and such person or persons as may from timeto time be authorized to represent NTCC with respect to any or all matters pertaining tofood services."Contractor" means any vendor or supplier of commodities or services to a Collegeunder a purchase order contract or NTCC contract."Historically Underutilized Business (HUB)” means an entity as defined by Chapter 2161of the Texas Government Code."Prime Contractor" means the lead contractor under an NTCC contract."Respondent" means the entity responding to this Solicitation or submitting a proposalresponse."Response" means a submission made in answer to an invitation for bid, request forproposal, request for qualifications, or other purchase solicitation document, which maytake the form of a bid, proposal, offer, or other applicable expressions of interest.4

."Solicitation" means any request for proposal, request for Proposals, or competitivesealed proposal, including any exhibits and addenda, if any."State" means the State of Texas and its instrumentalities, including NTCC, any otherstate agency or community college, its officers, employees, or authorized agents."Subcontractor" means a person who contracts with a prime contractor to work orcontribute toward completing work for a governmental entity as defined by the TexasGovernment Code, Chapter 2251.5

.ATTENTION INTERESTED RESPONDENTSNOTICE: This solicitation requires respondents to submit a number of signeddocuments with the proposal. Please use the included checklist in the AppendixSection to ensure that you are submitting all required signed documents with yourproposal.Failure to submit the required documents may result in automatic disqulificationsof your proposal response in accordance with NTCC’s Rules and the advertisedspecifications.NTCC may not accept exceptions to this solicitation. Responses may berejected and not considered per ARTICLE 1, Exceptions section.6

.1.ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL OVERVIEW AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARYNORTHEAST TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (NTCC) is soliciting proposals fromqualified professional training service firms for CDL Training Services.NTCC Administration is responsible for the following responsibilities with respect to the selectionof service providers for the proposed services. Serve as the primary/first contact with all external professionals who may be contracted for theseprojects; Develop and publicize scope of solicitation and evaluation criteria for selection of CDLTraining Services. Submit rankings of Respondents to the solicitation evaluation committee for evaluation selectionand approval; and Serve as contact and in oversight role throughout the procurement process.Selection Process – The CDL Training Services RFP is a two (2) step process for selecting aqualified firm, which includes the following: Step 1: Evaluation of Requests for Proposals responses from interested firms/Respondents todetermine the competitive range among all Respondents for potential award of a contract; and Step 2: Review of the proposed rates (or fee schedules) that are published by theselected/qualified firm (see Section 6.2). Rates and fee schedules must be submitted in a sealedenvelope marked “Rates and Fee Schedules”.1.1AuthorityNTCC is soliciting the proposed services (or goods) listed herein under Texas Education Code,Chapter 44, Subchapter B, Section 44.031(f), Texas Government Code, Section 2254.003 andNTCC’s Board Policy CF (Local).1.2College InformationNTCC is a two-year community college providing university transfer, workforce training, continuingeducation, and adult basic education opportunities. In fall 2019, more than 3,100 credit and noncredit students took advantage of NTCC’s low tuition, small classes, convenient locations, andgreat instructors.In the 1970’s & early 1980’s a group of citizens from Camp, Morris and Titus Counties decided thatresidents of this part of Northeast Texas deserved the opportunity for a better life through highereducation. Northeast Texas Community College opened its doors just a few short years later in1985.The NTCC District is composed of areas that support the college’s operations through an advalorem tax. NTCC’s website is at http://www.ntcc.edu.7

.1.3Point of Contact InformationAll requests, questions or other communication about this solicitation shall be made in writing to theNTCC addressed to person listed below:Name:Title:Address:Phone:E-Mail:1.4Jimmy SmithWorkforce Program Developer2886 FM 1735, Mount Pleasant, TX 75455(903) 434-8106jsmith@ntcc.eduProhibited CommunicationOn issuance of this solicitation, except for the written questions and requests for clarificationdescribed in Section 1.5 below, NTCC, its representative(s), or partners will not answer anyquestions or otherwise discuss the contents of this solicitation with any potential Respondents or theirrepresentative(s).Attempts to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid.Respondents shall rely only on written statements issued by or through the College's designated staffas provided in this solicitation.This restriction does not preclude discussions between affected parties to conduct businessunrelated to this solicitation.Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification of Respondent's proposal.1.5ClarificationsRespondents must notify the Point of Contact of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, exclusionaryspecifications, omission or other error in the solicitation in the manner and by the deadline forsubmitting questions.If a Respondent fails to timely and adequately notify the Point of Contact of such issues, theRespondent submits its proposals at its own risk, and if awarded a contract:1) shall have waived any claim of error or ambiguity in the solicitation and any resulting contract,2) shall not contest the interpretation by the College of such provision(s), and3) shall not be entitled to additional compensation, relief, or time by reason of ambiguity, error,or later correction.1.6Questions and ResponsesQuestions or comments concerning this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the NTCC’scontact named in ARTICLE I, Point of Contact Information, by no later than the date and timeindicated in Procurement Schedule of Events/Dates in this Section of the solicitation.8

.Responses to questions or other written requests for clarification may be posted on NTCC’swebsite. NTCC reserves the right to amend answers before the deadline of the solicitation’sresponses.Amended answers may be posted on NTCC’s website. It is the Respondent's responsibility tocheck the website or contact the Point of Contact for updated responses.NTCC also reserves the right to determine or decline to answer any question or questions or toprovide a single consolidated response of all matters they choose to respond in any manner at thesole discretion of the College.If NTCC, in its sole discretion, determines that questions necessitate a change to this solicitation,the change will be reduced to writing in the form of an addendum and published on the NTCC’swebsite.1.7Procurement Schedule of EventsThe following table documents identify the critical pre-award events for the solicitation.Procurement ScheduleEventDatesSolicitation Release DateDeadline for QuestionsIssuance of Addendum, if requiredWithdrawal of Solicitation (Same date as the duedate/closing): 2:00 P.M.Solicitation Response Due Date/Closing Date: 2:00P.M.March 10, 2020March 16, 2020March 24, 2020April 20, 2020Board of Trustees (BOT) Approval, as applicableApril 28, 2020Contract AwardApril 30, 2020Anticipated Contract Start DateMay 4, 2020April 20, 2020Note: The dates identified are a tentative schedule of events. NTCC reserves the right to modifythese dates at any time upon notice and at the discretion of NTCC, which will be posted to itswebsite, via addenda.1.8Alterations, Modifications, and Withdrawal of Proposal Prior to Deadline for Submission ofProposalsNTCC reserves the right to change, amend or modify any provision of this solicitation or to withdrawthis solicitation, at any time prior to award if it is in the best interest of the College and will post suchon NTCC’s website. It is the responsibility of Respondent to periodically check NTCC’s website toensure full compliance with the requirements of this solicitation.Prior to the solicitation submission deadline, a Respondent may:1) Withdraw its solicitation response by submitting a written request to the Point of Contact identifiedin Section 1.3; or9

.2) Modify its solicitation response by submitting a written amendment to the Point of Contactidentified in Section 1.3.NTCC may request proposals response modifications at any time prior to the submission deadlineor closing date of the solicitation.No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days subsequent to theclosing without the prior written approval of the Workforce Program Developer.1.9Multiple ResponsesA respondent may only submit one (1) proposal as a prime contractor. If a respondent submits morethan one (1) proposal, NTCC may reject one or more of the submissions.This requirement does not limit a subcontractor’s ability to collaborate with one or more respondentssubmitting proposals.1.10No Joint ProposalsNTCC will not consider joint or collaborative proposals that require it to contract with more thanone respondent.1.11IrregularitiesNTCC reserves the right to waive minor irregularities or genuine mistakes in a proposal and awarda contract that is in the best of the College in determining the best value. NTCC may waive aminor irregularity or permit Respondents to correct a minor irregularity in a response if theirregularity:1) Is purely a matter of form rather than substance; and2) Does not affect price, quality, or delivery of the desired goods or services.Any irregularities or lack of clarity in this solicitation should be brought to the attention of the Point ofContact listed in Section 1.5 as soon as possible so corrective addenda may be furnished toprospective Respondents.1.12InformalitiesNTCC reserves the right to waive minor informalities in a proposals response if it is in the bestinterest of the College. A "minor informality" is an omission or error that, in NTCC’s determination ifwaived or modified when evaluating proposals responses, would not give a Respondents an unfairadvantage over other respondents or result in a material change in the proposals response or thesolicitation requirements.1.13DiscrepanciesDiscrepancies or disparities between the contents of original proposal responses and copies will beinterpreted in favor of NTCC. If Respondents fails to designate an "ORIGINAL," NTCC may rejectthe solicitation response or select a copy to be used as the original.1.14ExceptionsNTCC will more favorably evaluate responses that offer no exceptions, reservations, or limitations tothe terms and conditions of the solicitation. Any response that takes exception to any mandatoryitem(s) in this solicitation process may be rejected and not considered. Any response to thesolicitation that does not include a response to all the required information may be rejected and not10

considered by NTCC. A notation of “Not applicable” as appropriate will be considered a validresponse.No exception, nor any other term, condition, or provision in a proposal response that differs, variesfrom or contradicts this solicitation will be considered to be part of any contract resulting from thissolicitation unless expressly made a part of the contract in writing by NTCC.1.15AssumptionsNo assumptions should be included in a proposal response. The inclusion of assumptions in aproposal response may result in a respondent not being awarded a contract.A proposal response should be responsive to the solicitation as advertised, not with an assumptionthat any or all terms, conditions, or provisions of the solicitation will be negotiated. Furthermore, allproposal responses constitute binding offers.Any proposal response to this solicitation that includes disclaimer or other statementindicating that the response does not constitute a binding offer may be disqualified.11

.2.ARTICLE 2 – PROJECT OVERVIEW2.1Mission Statement and ObjectiveThe primary mission for this solicitation is to acquire the highest quality of goods and services in atimely manner that provided the best value to NTCC, and to assure that the procurement function isconducted for effective college operations and in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws,and NTCC policies.2.2Mission ObjectivesNTCC’s objectives of this solicitation are to contract with a qualified Professional Training ServicesFirm for the purpose of providing professional CDL Training Services to the College District.2.3Description of Services/Scope of Work (SOW)/SpecificationsNTCC is requesting interested firms to submit a proposal to provide the District with CDL TrainingServices for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2019, and ending on August 31, 2020, and aperiod not to exceed four (4) years thereafter.The CDL Training: Class A Truck driver training curriculum provides students with training toinspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and atpickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, rangemaneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry leveldrivers), trip planning, cargo handlings, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures,hours of service, and accident prevention.160 hour curriculum training overviewCDL101: 50 hoursDescribe the minimum requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).Identify entry-level driver training requirements including driver qualification, hours of service,driver wellness, and whistleblower protection.Describe CSA vehicle inspection, backing, coupling and uncoupling, speed & spacemanagement, extreme driving conditions, emergency maneuvers and handling cargo.Introduction, driving safely, transporting cargo safely, transporting passengers safely, air brakes,combination vehicles, doubles and triples, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, school bus,introduction to trucking, map reading, coupling & uncoupling, vehicle systems, vehiclemaintenance, vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, visual search, spacemanagement, speed management, log books, human trafficking awarenessCDL 102: 50 hoursThis course includes instruction in the Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection and introduces students toBasic Vehicle Control Skills and public On-Road driving. Students are taught in detail aboutvehicle systems, maintenance, and inspection. Safety factors are outlined regarding controlling,shifting, backing the truck, visual search, space and speed management. During skills training,students can learn four basic maneuvers including straight-line backing, offset backing, parallelparking, and 90-degree alley backing. During on-road training, students that have acquiredCommercial Learner’s Permits can learn vehicle operation techniques including gear-shifting,turning, maneuvering in traffic, and defensive driving.12

.CDL 103: 60 hoursPerform full Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection.Perform six backing maneuvers introduced in CDL102.Perform 15 hours of driving skills behind the wheel.Observation of on-road driving skills, 45 hours.Complete log books, all time and activities recorded.2.4CDL Training Services Firm Agrees to Provide 2.5The selected external CDL Training Services contractor shall assign professional staff, asappropriate, to the conduct of the training.Equipment and Fuel will be provided by CDL Training Service Firm to include acombination tractor-trailer unit and diesel fuel for the vehicle.Registration and DOT Screening related to participant admission. CDL TRAININGSERVICES FIRM will provide an online registration portal and screening process whichincludes candidate course selection, MVR background checks, DOT drug testing, andDOT physical screenings as determined by CDL Training Services Firm.Assessments of any reasonable determinations that violate federal or state standards tooperate a commercial vehicle will be prohibited from training and is the decision andresponsibility of CDL Training Services Firm.Provide sufficiently qualified and licensed instructional personnel for classroom, range,and driving instruction for the program throughout the duration of the program.Curriculum and support includes all tasks related to the successful administration of theprogram. This task shall include all preparation, delivery, implementation, follow-up work,and logistical arrangements of course texts, materials, supplies, and performance for theprogram.CDL Basic Skills Testing. CDL Training Services Firm employs state-certified Third PartyExaminers, each qualified to schedule and administer tests on our certified testing range.Results are entered and visible in the DPS system for CDL issuance no later than twobusiness days from passing the CDL test(s). CDL Training Services Firm’s ability to testdrivers within a short amount of time upon completing the program leads to increasedpass rates vs drivers being dependent on state testing facilities that typically experiencelong wait periods for appointment availability. For programs based in states where CDLTraining Services Firm does not employ Third Party Examiners, CDL Training ServicesFirm will accommodate testing needs via certified Third Party Testing vendors, whereavailable. In states where Third Party Testing is not available, CDL Training Services Firmwill accommodate testing needs via State Driver Licensing Agencies. Availability of Statetesting appointments varies by location, large gaps between completion of the programand the test appointment are possible. Regardless of the testing medium, CDL TrainingServices Firm will make every reasonable effort to minimize wait time between graduationand testing.Staff Resources Provided by NTCCNTCC shall have available appropriate staff to assist the selected CDL Training Services contractorby providing required information and explanation.2.6Working SpaceThe District shall provide the selected external CDL Training Services contractor with thenecessary working space.13

.1. Provide a classroom or conference room for lecture-based instruction with internet capabilitiesfor computer use2. Provide a 250’ x 150’ minimum unobstructed, parking lot for in-cab driving practice3.ARTICLE 3 - AWARD OF CONTRACTThe award shall not be made upon the opening of proposals but at a time as soonthereafter as may be necessary to evaluate proposals and to obtain Board of Trusteeauthorization, if required.The provisions, terms, and conditions of this solicitation shall become a part of anysubsequent contractual documents. Failure of the successful respondents to accept thisobligation may result in the cancellation of any recommendation to award.It is the intent of NTCC to award the contract to the qualified firm whose proposal,conforming to the conditions and requirements of the solicitation, is determined to offerthe best value to NTCC.Notwithstanding the above, this solicitation does not commit NTCC to contract forany requirements detailed in this document.3.1Contract Type and TermNTCC intends to award one contract as a result of this solicitation. Any awardis contingent upon approval of the NTCC Board of Trustees or their delegate.If for any reason, a final contract cannot be executed with a respondent selected for anaward within 120 days, NTCC may when applicable, select or negotiate a contractwith the next highest scoring respondents or withdraw the solicitation.3.2Contract ElementsThe term “contract” means the contract awarded as a result of this solicitation and allexhibits thereto. At a minimum, the following documents will be incorporated into thecontract: this solicitation and all attachments and exhibits; any modifications, addendumor amendments issued in conjunction with this solicitation; NTCC’s Terms andConditions, and the successful respondent’s proposal.3.3Contract TermNTCC anticipates that the initial duration of any contract resulting from thissolicitation shall be for a period specified in Article 7 of this solicitation. Followingthe base term and any allowable renewals or extensions, NTCC may extend anyresulting contract for the purpose of completing a new procurement, and/or to transitionto a new vendor if necessary to avoid interruption in District services.3.4Contract AmountThe selected Respondent will be required to enter into a contract with NTCCsubstantially in the form of NTCC’s standard contract for CDL Training Services withassociated general conditions and attachments, which may be obtained from the NTCCBusiness Office upon request, without lengthy negotiations or extensive modifications tothe terms. The Contract documents set out the insurance, prevailing wage rate andminimum wage requirements, payment and performance bond, and other requirements14

.for the project.15

.The initial total compensation under any contract awarded, as a result of this solicitation,may exceed the amount of 50,000. When applicable, the resulting contract(s) willrequire the NTCC Board of Trustees’ approval.3.5No Guarantee of Volume, Partial Award/Non-AwardNTCC makes no guarantee of volume, usage, or total compensation to be paid to anyRespondents under any awarded contract, if any, resulting from this solicitation; anyawarded contract is subject to appropriations and the continuing availability of funds.NTCC reserves the right to cancel, make a partial award, or decline to award acontract under this solicitation at any time at its sole discretion.External factors may affect the project, including budgetary and resource constraints.Any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the availability of state or federalfunds. As of the issuance of this solicitation, NTCC anticipates that budgeted funds willbe available to reasonably fulfill the project requirements. If, however, funds are notavailable, NTCC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, withdraw thesolicitation or terminate the resulting contract without penalty.3.6Use of SubcontractorsSubcontractors providing services under the contract shall adhere to the same contractrequirements in the delivery of the goods or services, and level of experience andProposals as required of the Respondent. No subcontract under the contract shallrelieve the Respondents of the responsibility for ensuring the requested services areprovided. Respondents planning to subcontract all or a portion of the work to beperformed shall identify the proposed subcontractors.3.7Performance Measures and Associated RemediesNTCC will monitor the performance of the contract issued under this solicitation. Allservices and deliverables under the contract shall be provided at an acceptable qualitylevel and in a manner consistent with acceptable industry standard, custom, andpractice.Prior to the start or implementation of the contract, the selected vendor(s) must attend apost-award meeting with the responsible division/department, and other NTCC staffincluded with the management, performance, and oversight of the contract. The postaward meeting will provide information to examine all aspectsand deliverables that will be associated with the contract.16

.4.ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL INSTRUCTION4.1Anti-Lobby and Restrictions on Communications with College StaffFrom the issue date of this solicitation until contract award is made, respondents are notallowed to communicate about the subject of this solicitation with any NTCC’s Faculty,Staff, or Members of the Board of Trustees except. The NTCC contact named in ARTICLE I; NTCC representatives during a pre-proposal conference, if any; NTCC representatives during presentations, if any.If a violation of this provision occurs, NTCC reserves the right to reject theproposal submitted by the offending Respondent.4.2Receipt of Proposals/Late ProposalsIt is the sole responsibility of the Respondents to ensure timely delivery of its proposal tothe NTCC. NTCC will not be responsible for the failure of service on the part of the U.S.Postal Service, courier companies, or any other mode of delivery chosen by respondent.Proposals received after the date and time specified for submission of proposals shall beconsidered late and shall not be considered for an award, unless it is determined byNTCC that late receipt was due solely to mishandling by NTCC after receipt of theproposal by NTCC. It is the responsibility of the respondents to ensure that theirproposal arrives at the proper location by the date and time indicated in the solicitation.4.3DisclosureRespondents shall note any and all relationships that might be a conflict of interest andinclude such information with the proposal. (See Article 7, Contract Terms andConditions).4.4Costs for RespondingRespondents understand that issuance of solicitation in no way constitutes acommitment by NTCC to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred by respondentsin the preparation of a response to this solicitation. NTCC is not liable for any costsincurred by a solicitation prior to issuance of or entering into a formal agreement,contract, or purchase order.All cost(s) directly or indirectly, related to developing or preparing proposals, preparingfor or participating in oral presentations, interviews and site visits, or any other similarexpenses incurred by a respondent are entirely the responsibility of the Respondentsand will not be reimbursed in any manner by NTCC.4.5Proposer Response, Texas Public Information CDL Training Services FIRM andProprietary InformationThis solicitation specifies the format, required information, and general content ofproposals submitted in response to this solicitation.NTCC’s Business Office will not disclose any portions of the proposal prior tocontract award to anyone outside the Business Office, NTCC's administrative staff,17

.and the members of the evaluating committee; provided however, that if the NTCCBoard of Trustees authorization is required, the departments' recommendation foraward will be published as an agenda item.NTCC is a public institution and subject to the Texas Public Information CDL TrainingServices FIRM (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). Any information submitted toNTCC is presumed to be public information and available to the

CDL Training Services for the following solicitation: Request for Proposals (RFP) # RFP-CDLTraining-2020-02 Submit response to: Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) Attention: Jimmy W Smith # RFP-CDLTraining-020-02 2886 FM 1735 Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455 By no later than: April 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Central Standard Time (CST)