SLED Opportunity · ARIZONA · PINAL COUNTY EDUCATION SERVICE AGENCY
AI Summary
RFP issued by Pinal County Education Service Agency for long-term contract to provide public sector advisory and consulting services to 1GPA Cooperative Members nationwide. Initial one-year term with four one-year extensions possible.
1GPA is a non-profit national governmental purchasing cooperative that enables members nationwide to use existing contracts for procuring goods and services. If you are a vendor looking to offer your products and services to our extensive network of members locally and across the U.S., respond to this solicitation for an opportunity. This allows our members to efficiently and cost-effectively purchase from local and national vendors.
This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to establish a long-term contract with responsible and responsive firm(s) to provide 1GPA Cooperative Members with Public Sector Advisory and Consulting Services as needed. The initial term of this cooperative contract will be for one (1) year with the potential of four (4) one-year extensions.
1GPA allows public agencies to use existing contracts to purchase the goods and services they need from local and national vendors. Eligible members include school districts, charter schools, universities, colleges, cities, towns, municipalities, counties, states, local governments, the federal government, Native American communities, fire districts, and any other political subdivision.
All of our contracts are approved and awarded by means of 1GPA’s lead governmental agency. A Lead Agency is a well-established and well-respected government entity that facilitates the competitive bidding process by being a part of the process from start to finish. We issue, evaluate, and award our contracts in a collaborative effort. The Lead Agency contributes its expertise pertaining to the solicitation process to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The Lead Agency also provides Board/Council Approval for the award of contracts resulting from each solicitation.
Mary C. O'Brien Accommodation School/Pinal County ESA is the lead agency for this procurement.
This contract will replace current contract #23-02P Professional Consulting Services upon its expiration on July 1, 2026.
Solicitation Amendment 1
Thank you to those who attended the pre-proposal conference this morning. All changes to the RFP will be in writing through a solicitation amendment regardless of what was said at the pre-proposal conference. Due to the size of the attendance and the amount of information covered, attendees were directed to ask all questions in writing through the OpenGov question and answer feature. Please be sure to read through the RFP, Solicitation Amendment 1 and the questions already submitted prior to asking your question as the answer may have already been provided.
Solicitation Amendment 2
Overall pricing offered across the country will be considered.
Firm Experience and Relevance
Demonstrated experience providing advisory and consulting services comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this RFP, including experience with public sector entities similar to 1GPA Members and relevant project references within the past five (5) years
Personnel and Staffing Resources
Qualifications and experience of key personnel; availability and depth of staffing resources to support multiple Members; and qualifications/use of any proposed subcontractors
Organizational Stability and Corporate Capacity
Longevity, financial stability, organizational structure and demonstrated ability of the firm to sustain performance
Scope of Work Coverage and Alignment
Demonstrated understanding of and alignment with the Scope of Work, including coverage of proposed services and identification of limitations or exclusions
Proposed Consulting Approach and Methodology
Clarity, structure and appropriateness of the proposed approach, including methodologies, tools and frameworks used to assess conditions, analyze data and develop recommendations
Implementation and Member Support Strategy
Demonstrated ability to tailor engagements to diverse 1GPA Members, deliver actionable recommendations and provide value-added services
Risk Management and Ethics
Approach to identify and avoid potential conflicts of interest and managing engagement risks
Understanding of Cooperative Purchasing
Demonstrated understanding of cooperative purchasing, the compliance requirements and benefits of cooperative purchasing contracts
Usage Report Plan
Sales tracking, approach to fulfilling reporting requirements
Member Outreach and Communication Plan
Staff training and communication, external approach to educating Members and potential Members about the contract
Upload a letter of interest in providing the services described in the solicitation. Limit one (1) page.
Provide the name, title, email address and phone number of the person 1GPA should contact with inquiries related to your firm’s submission.
As outlined in this solicitation, the resultant contract may be used by eligible 1GPA Members across the US. Although this solicitation does not contain detailed specifications for any specific Member, 1GPA requests comprehensive pricing for all products and services offered by the firm that are related to, support or are reasonably associated with the Scope of Work outlined in this RFP. Members should easily verify that they are receiving the contract pricing when comparing the Contractor’s current pricing file to the quote for their particular project.
Confirm your firm’s understanding that 1GPA’s 1% administration fee shall be included in the net price. Contractor shall not add the administration fee to approved contract prices.
Download, complete and upload the Word document in Word or PDF format.
Download, complete and upload the Excel document in Excel format.
Upload a list of any other discounts or incentives your firm will offer Members such as early payment discounts, long-term contract discounts or multi-service discounts if applicable. Discounts offered in this section shall apply uniformly to all eligible 1GPA Members unless otherwise clearly identified.
Upload any additional pricing information for services consistent with the definition of public sector advisory and consulting services if applicable. Do not include services that are primarily professional development, training, facilitation or executive coaching.
Upload a description of the firm’s experience providing advisory and consulting services comparable in scope and complexity to those described in this RFP. The response should demonstrate the firm’s overall qualifications and relevance to the Scope of Work and should include:
Responses should clearly demonstrate the firm’s depth of experience, relevance to the public sector and overall capacity to perform services to a wide variety of 1GPA Members. Responses should also be concise and focused on relevant experience rather than marketing materials. Limit four (4) pages.
Upload copies of or a list of certifications and/or licenses held by the firm including the registration(s) with state Corporation Commission(s) and the Entity ID for the System for Award Management (SAM) if applicable.
Download, complete and upload the Excel document in Excel format. You may also upload resumes or other information if needed.
Download, complete and upload the Excel document in Excel format.
Download, complete and upload the PDF document in PDF format
Upload a description of the number of years the firm has been in business, organizational structure and financial and operational capacity to perform work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. Limit one (1) page.
Indicate if your firm plans to subcontract work performed under the contract resulting from this solicitation.
Confirm your firm’s understanding that any contract resulting from this solicitation will be executed between 1GPA/Lead Agency, and the awarded Contractor. The Contractor shall remain fully responsible and liable for all work performed by its subcontractors and for the accurate and timely submission of all required usage reporting to 1GPA.
Upload a detailed description of when and how subcontractors will be utilized in performing the services described in the Scope of Work. Include the specific services to be performed by subcontractors, the minimum qualifications and credentials required of those subcontractors, and a description of the Contractor’s oversight and quality control processes to ensure compliance with all contract requirements.
Download, complete the Excel document in Excel format.
Upload a description of the firm’s proposed approach to delivering the services outlined in the Scope of Work, including how the firm will ensure coverage of the proposed services. Limit five (5) pages total, regardless of the number of categories proposed.
Upload a description of how the firm typically plans, executes and manages consulting engagements including coordination with Member staff, development of deliverables, progress reporting and follow-up recommendations. Describe how the firm adapts its consulting approach to meet the needs of different types and sizes of public sector Members. Limit three (3) pages.
Upload a description of any optional consulting services, tools, resources, or enhancements that will be made available to 1GPA Members at little or no additional cost. Value-added services must be consistent with the public sector advisory and consulting scope of this RFP but must exceed the minimum Scope of Work requirements.
Responses should clearly explain how the proposed offerings provide measurable or practical benefit to Members beyond the standard performance of required services. Elements that are inherent to fulfilling the Scope of Work (e.g., general customer service, standard reporting, or routine project management) will not be considered value-added services. If your firm does not offer value-added services, indicate “Not Applicable”. Limit one (1) page.
Upload a description of your firm’s approach to identifying and avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Limit one (1) page.
Confirm your firm’s understanding of cooperative purchasing and the compliance framework supporting cooperative contracts. Describe the benefits to both Members and Vendors.
Describe the process your firm will use for sales tracking and the approach to fulfilling 1GPA’s reporting requirements as described in Uniform Terms and Conditions paragraph 3. Contract Administration and Operations, Items G through I of the RFP.
Upload a description of your firm’s process for communicating contract terms, requirements and benefits to internal staff as well as your approach to educating current and prospective Members about the contract. Limit one (1) page.
Download, complete and upload the following forms:
Upload your company logo in either a .jpg or .eps format.
Provide a 1–2 sentence introduction to your company that is tailored specifically to the products and/or services that will be included under this contract. This introduction will appear on our exclusive Member Portal if awarded and should clearly describe the offerings available through this contract, helping Members quickly identify what is included without confusion about unrelated services.
You may also upload a short (2 minutes or less) introductory video if desired here.
Will this solicitation require a bid bond?
Would you like to have offerors respond to an electronic pricing table through OpenGov?
Choose if:
A. To compare market basket pricing
B. For minimum percentage of discount from a set list of manufacturers
C. Seeking services for hourly rate schedules
D. Other fixed fees
If you are NOT using the Electronic Pricing Table option, will your want offerors to separate a Price Proposal from the rest of the response? You will do this if you want to open the proposals initially WITHOUT showing price,
Will there be an evaluation committee to review proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?
Please select the correct options for this solicitation:
Q (BEFORE SUBMITTING A QUESTION PLEASE READ):
A: Before submitting questions please see below. Respondents are expected to fully and carefully review the solicitation (i.e., IFB, RFP) and all corresponding documents before sending questions. By submitting a question, the Respondent acknowledges that they have reviewed the solicitation in full and made reasonable efforts to locate the information prior to asking. 1GPA reserves the right to consolidate duplicative questions.
Q (No subject): Can the Issuing Agency clarify whether Offerors are expected to provide services across all public sector advisory domains described in the SOW, or may Offerors limit their proposal to specific service areas aligned with their demonstrated expertise?
A: Vendors do not have to provide all services listed. Partial offers will be considered. See Special Term and Condition #15 Multiple Awards.
Q (No subject): Does 1GPA have historical utilization data indicating which advisory service categories are most frequently procured by Members under similar cooperative contracts?
A: No.
Q (No subject): Is there a minimum service offering threshold required to be considered responsive, or may firms offer specialized advisory capabilities provided they meet all other requirements?
A: There is no minimum service offering threshold required to be considered responsive.
Q (No subject): Is there a minimum annual sales volume or utilization requirement associated with this cooperative contract award?
A: No, however contract usage is considered during the annual extension process.
Q (No subject): What are the expectations regarding proactive marketing and outreach to 1GPA Members? Are awarded vendors required to fund specific cooperative marketing initiatives or events?
A: Vendors are not expected to fund specific cooperative marketing initiatives or events. The vendor is required to describe the firm's process for communicating contract terms, requirements, and benefits to internal staff as well as the approach to educating current and prospective Members about the contract in Item 5.3 of the OpenGov Vendor Submission section of this project.
Q (No subject): Does 1GPA facilitate introductions between awarded vendors and Members, or are vendors expected to independently identify and pursue opportunities?
A: Vendors are primarily expected to independently identify and pursue opportunities.
Q (No subject): Should the 1% administrative fee be embedded within proposed pricing, or added separately at the time of invoice to Members?
A: See Submittal Requirements and Proposal Format Item 2.1 in the RFP on page 11. 1GPA's administration fee shall be included in the net price. Contractor shall not add the administration fee to approved contract prices.
Q (No subject): May awarded vendors provide project-specific discounts below their awarded rate schedule when competing for Member engagements?
A: Yes
Q (No subject): Are subcontractors required to be identified at time of proposal submission, or may subcontractors be added post-award to support specific Member projects?
A: Subcontractors may be added post award as needed.
Q (No subject): Will cost scoring be based on lowest total rate schedule, average rate, or weighted service categories?
A: The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the criteria and weighting identified in the solicitation. 1GPA will determine the most appropriate method to evaluate and normalize pricing to ensure a fair and consistent comparison of proposals.
Q (No subject): After contract award, will Members conduct secondary competitive processes among awarded vendors for individual projects?
A: The formal competitive process will be completed upon contract award, therefore a second process is not required. Members may elect to receive quotes from more than one vendor for their particular project if they so choose.
Q (No subject): If a Member engagement involves survey research or public information collection, are awarded vendors expected to independently secure OMB approval, or does the Member agency assume that responsibility?
A: 1GPA does not make this determination as it is between the Vendor and Member based on the needs of the particular project.
Q (No subject): Are awarded vendors expected to ensure Section 508 compliance for all deliverables provided to Members?
A: This is not included in the contract requirements. This will be determined between the Vendor and the Member based on the needs of the particular project.
Q (Accepted services under this RFP): It's unclear what specific services may be considered under this RFP. My company is a full-service grant consulting firm. Would it be appropriate to respond to this RFP to offer these services to 1GPA members?
A: Grant consulting is not included under the scope of services for this solicitation. 1GPA maintains a separate contract for these services titled Grant Consulting and Other Research Services.
Q (Advisory and Consulting Services): In understanding the Advisory and Consulting Services RFP, if a respondent only addressees services for proposing “other” advisory services not specifically stated in the scope of work, would the Issuing Agency accept a proposal for Real Estate Advisory Services?
A: Real estate consulting services is not included under the scope of services for this solicitation. 1GPA has another solicitation currently in evaluation for those services. See Amendment 1 for further clarification.
Q (No subject): How many government services opportunities did you offer last year?
A: 1GPA makes contracts available to eligible Members nationwide. Actual usage varies by contract and Member needs. See Special Term and Condition #21 Quantities of the RFP.
Q (No subject): Does being an approved vendor on this list automatically make the contractor an approved vendor with the member organizations? It sounds like yes from the FAQ, but please confirm.
A: Contracts awarded by 1GPA are available for Member use nationwide. Each Member will decide which contracts meet the needs of their organization.
Q (No subject): Can you explain how a vendor would be engaged in a solicitation through 1GPA?
A: Vendors may participate in 1GPA solicitations by responding to publicly advertised solicitations issued by 1GPA and the designated Lead Agency. Solicitations are posted on the 1GPA website, OpenGov Procurement and Public Purchase as well as advertised in various publications as required. Vendors submit proposals in accordance with the instructions and requirements outlined in the solicitation documents. Proposals are evaluated in accordance with the published evaluation criteria, and contracts are awarded to vendors whose proposals are determined to be most advantageous based on the evaluation criteria.
Q (No subject): What are the benefits to vendors to being approved by 1GPA?
A: See RFP Page 3, Introduction: 1GPA offers a wide range of competitively procured contracts for goods and services, ensuring compliance with state statutes, procurement laws, and regulations. Eligible members can access a wide range of commodities and services through a government purchasing cooperative or Interlocal agreement. Vendors respond to one solicitation on behalf of all 1GPA Members rather than responding to many solicitations issued by individual Members saving time and money for both the vendors and the Members.
Q (No subject): How many firms were selected for the current contract? How many firms do you anticipate selecting under this procurement?
A: Eight firms were awarded on the current contract. The number of vendors recommended for award under this solicitation will be determined during the evaluation process.
Q (No subject): Should small businesses consider applying for this procurement opportunity?
A: Each vendor is responsible for reviewing the solicitation documents and making the determination whether to respond. Small businesses are welcome to submit proposals and are not excluded from award consideration.
Q (Previous project history): Is this a new contract or a re-bid of a previous contract? If it is a re-bid: How many vendors were on the previous contract? How many projects were conducted through the previous contract? Would the Lead Agency or 1GPA describe or list the projects that resulted from the previous contract? What is the total dollar value of the projects conducted through the previous contract?
A: See RFP page 4, Scope of Work , Item 2 Background, Paragraph 3: This contract will replace contract 23-02P for Professional Consulting Services upon its expiration on July 1, 2026. See RFP page 17, Special Term and Condition #21 Quantities, based on historical data from previous contracts as well as member surveys, the annual usage of this contract is estimated at $3 Million. Eight vendors were awarded on the current contract. The number of projects conducted through the current contract and what the projects entailed is unknown.
Q (Proposal requirement 4.2): Proposal requirement 4.2. Consulting Approach and Methodology states a maximum of three (3) pages to describe "the firm’s proposed approach to delivering the services outlined in the Scope of Work, including how the firm will ensure complete coverage of the proposed services." Is the three-page limit for the entirety of services, or three-page limit per service category (i.e., three pages for "Administrative and Organizational Consulting," three pages for "Audit Preparations and Corrective Action Consulting," etc.)?
A: See Amendment 1 - the page limit has been increased to five (5) pages total, regardless of the number of categories proposed.
Q (page requirements): Please confirm whether the stated page limits apply to the entire proposal submission or separately to each service area. Specifically, if a vendor is proposing multiple service areas, should all service areas be combined into a single response subject to the stated page limits?
A: The page limits are per Vendor Submission item, not per service.
Q (Scope): Will 1GPA categorize vendors by specialty (PMO, financial advisory, operations consulting)?
A: See pages 5-6 of the RFP for Scope of Work categories.
Q (Pricing Questions): Should pricing be hourly rates, blended rates, or project-based models? Are agencies allowed to negotiate pricing under the contract?
A: See Vendor Submission Item 2.2 Public Sector Advisory and Consulting Cost Form. Rates are not-to-exceed rates. Members may receive lower pricing depending on actual project parameters but pricing may not exceed contract pricing.
Q (Proposed exceptions): RFP Section "UNIFORM INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS," item 2.D. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions notes that offerors may submit proposed exceptions to the contract. Please clarify which section of the proposal we should include those exceptions (e.g., Firm Consulting Experience and Capacity), and if that can be a separate document or will count toward page limits. Please also clarify if, when submitting proposed exceptions, that signing the "OFFEROR’S PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE" form is with the understanding that exceptions are to be considered by the lead agency.
A: Please submit exceptions as a separate file under Vendor Submission Item 6.1. FORM: Offeror's Proposal and Contract Acceptance Form. This will not be counted towards the page limit for any other item. Submitted exceptions will be reviewed but will not necessarily be accepted.
Q (Employee Benefits Consulting): When looking at the Scope's of Services 1GPA is looking for, the only scope that may fit benefit consulting is 3.3 Business and Operational Consulting Services as well as 3.9 Financial, Budget Fixed Asset Consulting. My question is, does employee benefit consulting fall into any of the Scope's of Service categories within this RFP? Thanks
A: Employee benefit consulting does not fall within the scope of services for this solicitation. This RFP is limited to general advisory and consulting services as defined in the Scope of Work and clarified in Amendment 2, and does not include specialized services such as employee benefits brokerage or consulting. Those services are procured under separate, dedicated contracts.
Q (System for Award Management (SAM)): The solicitation references registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in relation to federal certifications and vendor eligibility. Could the Issuing Agency clarify the specific requirements related to SAM for this solicitation? Specifically: • Is an active SAM registration required at the time of proposal submission, or only prior to contract execution if a vendor is awarded? • Are vendors required to maintain any specific SAM-related certifications or representations in connection with this contract? • If a vendor does not currently maintain an active SAM registration, would that impact eligibility for award under this solicitation?
A: See Vendor Submission Item 3.2 Certifications and Licenses. Submit the entity ID for SAM if applicable - not required.
Q (Fixed Fee / Project Pricing Structure): When Members engage awarded vendors under this contract, are vendors permitted to structure project-based or fixed-fee engagements derived from the approved hourly rate schedule, provided the resulting pricing remains consistent with the contract terms?
A: See RFP page 11, OpenGov Part 2 Cost, Paragraph 1. "Members should easily verify that they are receiving the contract pricing when comparing the Contractor's current pricing file to the quote for their particular project". For example, if the contract pricing is an hourly rate, the quote should reflect X number of hours at the contract hourly rate. General lump sum quotes that cannot be verified against the contract pricing are not allowed.
Q (Value-Added Member Support): If a vendor provides value-added support to Members such as educational forums, collaborative user groups, or technical guidance sessions related to the services offered under the contract, are those activities considered permissible support services under this contract structure?
A: See OpenGov Procurement, Vendor Submission Item 4.4 Value-Added Services.
Q (Work/task orders): When the Lead Agency or Members have a project need, will they contact all the firms on this contract (within the specific categories as outlined in the SOW) and provide those firms with an opportunity to submit a proposal? If not, what selection process will be used when a project need arises?
A: Members may contact the awarded vendors as needs arise. Awarded vendors may also notify Members of their contract award. Members will decide what process they will use to select vendors.
Q (Cost Form 27-01P Question): On the "Cost Form 27-01P.docx", under the "Cost of Services” section it asks for us to provide costs as a fixed rate per hour, per day, or per-service for each service offered. Given the complexity of our offerings (over 200+ services) we generally package our services based on needs and final scope requested by client via flat fee or percentage-based pricing. Would this pricing model qualify, as a response vs. hourly rate per each service offered?
A: Alternative pricing models may be submitted however Members should easily verify that they are receiving the contract pricing when comparing the Contractor’s current pricing file to the quote for their particular project. General lump sums for projects are not permitted. Percentage-based pricing should clearly define the base to which the percentage is applied. Cost plus a percentage of cost is prohibited.
Q (Confidential Proprietary Submittal Form 27-01P Question): On the "Confidential Proprietary Submittal Form 27-01P.pdf", it states “Identification in this section does not guarantee that disclosure will be prevented but that the item will be subject to review by the Offeror and 1GPA prior to any public disclosure”. Would you keep our "Key Personnel 27-01P.xlsx" document confidential if we requested it?
A: 1GPA will review all requests for confidential/proprietary information and will make a determination based on the criteria outlined on the Confidential/Proprietary Submittal form. Vendors will be notified if the decision is made to make the information available to the public and will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
Q (Certifications/Licenses Question ): Our company has the Entity ID for the System for Award Management (SAM), however we do not hold any certifications/licenses due to it not being a requirement for our company to perform our services. Does 1GPA require certifications/licenses with the state Corporation Commissions?
A: If your firm is not registered with the corporation commission in your state, please submit an explanation and indicate the business structure (sole proprietor, general partnership)
Q (No subject): Is 1GPA looking for a separate Method and Approach submission for each service category, or just one summary one for the submittal?
A: Either way is acceptable in accordance with your business practices.
Q (Question 15 Follow Up ): The response to Question 15 clarified that no grant management support services would apply to this scope of work. However, elements of lifecycle grants services are listed within the contract categories. For example: Administrative and Organizational Consulting, Audit Preparations and Corrective Action Consulting, Funding Strategy Development (under Community and Human Services Consulting) are all services commonly performed in support of grant programs. Would it be appropriate to assume that any work in support of grant program initiatives would utilize the Grant Consulting and Other Research Services contract and not this one?
A: While certain consulting services (e.g., administrative consulting, audit preparation, or funding strategy development) may support programs that receive grant funding, this contract does not include services related to the preparation, administration, management, or lifecycle oversight of grants. As clarified in Amendment 2, this solicitation is limited to advisory and consulting services and excludes operational or ongoing management functions. Grant writing, grant management, and grant administration are outside the scope of this solicitation and are more appropriately procured under contracts specifically established for those services.
Q (Personnel Certifications): The Key Personnel questionnaire indicates to attach copies of all applicable licenses, certifications and professional credentials. Will information about the certifications (e.g., state and license number) in each relevant personnel tab be sufficient, or would you prefer a separate PDF document with printed copies of the certifications?
A: Information in each relevant personnel tab is sufficient.
Q (Services allowable under Business & Operational and/or Financial, Budget & Fixed Assets): There are times where a member will ask us to temporarily perform certain functions (accounts payable, payroll, year end close out, AFR preparation, budget preparations, reconciliation, physical inventories, etc.). The member would be responsible for the oversight of these services would maintain the administration responsibility. These services would be temporary in nature and not a long-term outsourced operation. Can you clarify these consulting services can be included in the scope of work under Business & Operational and/or Financial, Budget & Fixed Assets?
A: Temporary performance of operational functions (such as accounts payable, payroll processing, year-end closeout, AFR preparation, budget preparation, reconciliations, or physical inventories) is not allowable under this contract, even if performed on a short-term or interim basis. As clarified in Amendment #2, this solicitation is limited to professional advisory and consulting services only; services shall not include direct execution or assumption of operational responsibility; and services shall not include ongoing administration, staffing, or outsourced operations. The distinction is based on the nature of the work (advisory vs. execution), not the duration. Vendors may, for example, provide: Review payroll processes and identify issues; Assist with year-end close planning and timelines; Provide AFR templates, guidance, and review; Support budget development through modeling, analysis, and recommendations; Monitor implementation and advise staff. However, the Member must retain responsibility for performing the actual operational tasks.
Q (Direct Operational Execution/Ongoing Management): Please provide an example(s) of direct operational execution and/or ongoing management activities. Is the intent to exclude fractional work in the categories outlined?
A: Direct operational execution” and “ongoing management” refer to situations where the contractor performs or assumes responsibility for a Member’s operational functions, rather than providing advisory or consulting support. As clarified in Amendment #2, this solicitation is limited to advisory and consulting services; services shall not include direct execution or assumption of operational responsibility; and services shall not include ongoing administration, staffing, or outsourced operations. Examples of excluded activities include (but are not limited to): Performing payroll processing or accounts payable functions; Acting as the entity responsible for year-end closeout or AFR preparation; Managing day-to-day financial, operational, or administrative functions; Providing ongoing or interim staffing to operate a department or function. The intent of this RFP is to procure advisory, analytical, and recommendation-based services, which may include implementation support. However, such support is limited to planning, guidance, and monitoring activities, and does not include performing the work itself. Accordingly, fractional or interim operational roles that involve executing or managing Member functions are not within the scope of this contract, regardless of duration.
Q (CPA Firm): Is the bidding firm required to be a certified public accounting firm?
A: No.
Q (insurance requirement ): We would like to seek clarification regarding the insurance requirement stated in the RFP for Physical Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, and Sexual Molestation Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per injury, which is indicated as required for contracts involving contact with students. At present, we do not hold this specific coverage. We kindly request confirmation on the following: 1.Is this insurance a mandatory requirement at the time of proposal submission, or can it be obtained post-award prior to contract execution? 2.Are there any acceptable alternatives, such as endorsement to an existing General Liability policy or equivalent coverage, that would meet this requirement? We appreciate your guidance on this matter to ensure compliance with the solicitation requirements.
A: As stated in the RFP, this physical abuse, sexual misconduct and sexual molestation liability is required for all contracts involving students. If your service does not involve students, then the coverage is not required. Proof of coverage for this type of insurance is not required at proposal submittal. The Member will advise of the exact insurance requirements when the need for services arises.
Q (Contract Award Timeline): For planning purposes, could 1GPA provide an estimated timeframe for respondent notification following the proposal submission deadline?
A: 1GPA intends to have this contract in place before the expiration date of contract 23-02P Professional Consulting Services on July 1, 2026. Evaluation time will depend on the number of responses received and the evaluation committee's schedule. Ideally the award will be made early to mid June.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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