Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
RFP #092920
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
for
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
Proposal Due Date: September 29, 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Sourcewell, a State of Minnesota local government agency and service cooperative, is requesting proposals for Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services to result in a contracting solution for use by its Participating Entities. Sourcewell Participating Entities include thousands of governmental, higher education, K‐12 education, nonprofit, tribal
government, and other public agencies located in the United States and Canada. A full copy of the Request for Proposals can be found on the Sourcewell Procurement Portal [https://proportal.sourcewell‐mn.gov]. Only proposals submitted through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal will be considered. Proposals are due no later than September 29, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time, and late proposals will not be considered.
Solicitation Schedule
Public Notice of RFP Published: August 11, 2020
Pre‐proposal Conference: September 15, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Central Time Question Submission Deadline: September 22, 2020, 4:30 p.m. Central Time Proposal Due Date: September 29, 2020, 4:30 p.m. Central Time Late responses will not be considered.
Opening: September 29, 2020, 6:30 p.m. Central Time ** ** SEE RFP SUB‐SECTION V. G. “OPENING”
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
I. ABOUT SOURCEWELL PARTICIPATING ENTITIES
A. SOURCEWELL
Sourcewell is a State of Minnesota local government agency and service cooperative created under the laws of the State of Minnesota (Minnesota Statutes Section 123A.21) that facilitates a competitive public solicitation and contract award process for the benefit of its 50,000+ participating entities across the United States and Canada. Sourcewell’s solicitation process complies with State of Minnesota law and policies, conforms to Canadian trade agreements, and results in cooperative contracting solutions from which Sourcewell’s Participating Entities procure equipment, products, and services.
Cooperative contracting provides participating entities and vendors increased administrative efficiencies and the power of combined purchasing volume that result in overall cost savings. At times, Sourcewell also partners with other purchasing cooperatives to combine the purchasing volume of their membership into a single solicitation and contract expanding the reach of contracted vendors’ potential pool of end users.
Sourcewell uses a website‐based platform, the Sourcewell Procurement Portal, through which all proposals to this RFP must be submitted.
B. USE OF RESULTING CONTRACTS
In the United States, Sourcewell’s contracts are available for use by:
Federal and state government entities;
Cities, towns, and counties/parishes;
Education service cooperatives;
K‐12 and higher education entities;
Tribal government entities;
Some nonprofit entities; and
Other public entities.
In Canada, Sourcewell’s contracts
are available for use by:
Provincial and territorial government departments, ministries, agencies, boards, councils, committees, commissions, and similar agencies; Regional, local, district, and other forms of municipal government, municipal organizations, school boards, and publicly‐funded academic, health, and social service entities referred to as MASH sector (this should be construed to include but not be limited to the Cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg), as well as any corporation or entity owned or controlled by one or more of the preceding entities;
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
Crown corporations, government enterprises, and other entities that are owned or controlled by these entities through ownership interest; Members of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) and their represented Associations, Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), Local Authority Services (LAS), Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM), and Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities (FPEIM).
For a listing of current United States and Canadian Participating Entities visit Sourcewell’s website (note: there is a tab for each country’s listing): https://www.sourcewell‐ mn.gov/sourcewell‐for‐vendors/member‐locator.
Access to contracted equipment, products, or services by Participating Entities is typically through a purchase order issued directly to the applicable vendor. A Participating Entity may request additional terms or conditions related to a purchase. Use of Sourcewell contracts is voluntary and Participating Entities retain the right to obtain similar equipment, products, or services from other sources.
To meet Participating Entities’ needs, public notice of this RFP has been broadly published, including notification in the United States to each state‐level procurement department for possible re‐posting.
Proof of publication will be available at the conclusion of the solicitation process.
II. EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES
A. SOLUTIONS‐BASED SOLICITATION
This RFP and contract award process is a solutions‐based solicitation; meaning that Sourcewell is seeking equipment, products, or services that meet the general requirements of the scope of this RFP and that are commonly desired or are required by law or industry standards.
B. REQUESTED EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES
It is expected that Proposers will offer a wide array of equipment, products, or services at lower prices and with better value than what they would ordinarily offer to a single government entity, a school district, or a regional cooperative.
1. Sourcewell is seeking proposals for Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services including, but not limited to:
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
a. Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST’s) for fuels, fluids, and gases, including gasoline, diesel, AVGAS, Jet fuel, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), bulk lubricants, propane, and natural gas;
b. Mobile fuel, fluid, and gas storage solutions;
c. Hardware related to the aboveground storage tanks and mobile storage solutions described in subsections 1. a. and b. above, including pedestals, gauges, access or security hardware, monitoring equipment and devices, RFID solutions, dispensers, and accessories;
d. Fuel and fluid management software related to the aboveground storage tanks and mobile storage solutions described in subsections 1. a. ‐ c. above. However, this solicitation should NOT be construed to include “software‐only” solutions. Proposers may include related fuel and fluid management software to the extent that the solutions are complementary to the offering of the equipment and products being proposed; and,
e. Services related to the solutions described in subsections 1.a. – d. above, including design, site assessment, site preparation, installation, monitoring or testing, maintenance or repair, and warranty programs. However, this solicitation should NOT be construed to include “service‐only” solutions. Proposers may include related services to the extent that these solutions are complementary to the offering of the equipment and products being proposed.
2. The primary focus of this solicitation is on Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services. This solicitation should NOT be construed to include:
a. Underground Fuel and Fluid Storage
b. Fleet Management software‐only solutions
c. Telematics, Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), and GPS‐only solutions
3. This solicitation does not include those equipment, products, or services covered under categories included in contracts currently maintained by Sourcewell:
a. RFP # 052919 Salt, Brine, Anti‐Icing, or De‐Icing Agents, and Brine Production and Storage Systems
b. RFP # 010920 Industrial and Workplace Storage Systems with Related Accessories c. RFP # 013020 Vehicle Lifts, with Garage and Fleet Maintenance Equipment
Proposers may include related equipment, accessories, and services to the extent that these solutions are complementary to the equipment, products, or service(s) being proposed.
Generally, the solutions for Participating Entities are turn‐key solutions, providing a combination of equipment, products
and services, delivery, and installation to a properly
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
operating status. However, equipment or products only solutions may be appropriate for situations where Participating Entities possess the ability, either in‐house or through local third‐ party contractors, to properly install and bring to operation the equipment or products being proposed.
Sourcewell prefers vendors that provide a sole source of responsibility for the products and services provided under a resulting contract. If Proposer requires the use of dealers, resellers, or subcontractors to provide the products or services, the Proposal should address how the products or services will be provided to Participating Entities and describe the network of dealers, resellers, and/or subcontractors that will be available to serve Participating Entities under a resulting contract.
Sourcewell desires the broadest possible selection of equipment, products, and services being proposed over the largest possible geographic area and to the largest possible cross‐section of Sourcewell current and future Participating Entities.
C. REQUIREMENTS
It is expected that Proposers have knowledge of all applicable industry standards, laws, and regulations and possess an ability to market and distribute the equipment, products, or services to Participating Entities.
1. Safety Requirements. All items proposed must comply with current applicable safety or regulatory standards or codes.
2. Deviation from Industry Standard. Deviations from industry standards must be identified with an explanation of how the equipment, products, and services will provide equivalent function, coverage, performance, and/or related services.
3. New Equipment and Products. Proposed equipment and products must be for new, current model; however, Proposer may offer certain close‐out equipment or products if it is specifically noted in the Pricing proposal.
4. Delivered and operational. Unless clearly noted in the Proposal, equipment and products must be delivered to the Participating Entity as operational.
5. Warranty. All equipment, products, supplies, and services must be covered by a warranty that is the industry standard or better.
D. ANTICIPATED CONTRACT TERM
Sourcewell anticipates that the term of any resulting contract(s) will be four (4) years. Up to two one‐year extensions may be offered based on the best interests of Sourcewell and its Participating Entities.
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
E. ESTIMATED CONTRACT VALUE AND USAGE
Based on past volume of similar contracts, the estimated annual value of all transactions from contracts resulting from this RFP are anticipated to be USD $20 Million; therefore, proposers are expected to propose volume pricing. Sourcewell anticipates considerable activity under the contract(s) awarded from this RFP; however, sales and sales volume from any resulting contract are not guaranteed.
F. MARKETING PLAN
Proposer’s sales force will be the primary source of communication with Participating Entities.
The Proposer’s Marketing Plan should demonstrate Proposer’s ability to deploy a sales force or dealer network to Participating Entities, as well as Proposer’s sales and service capabilities. It is expected that Proposer will promote and market any contract award.
G. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Contracts will be awarded to Proposers able to best meet the need of Participating Entities. Proposers should submit their complete line of equipment, products, or services that are applicable to the scope of this RFP.
2. Proposers should include all relevant information in its proposal, since Sourcewell cannot consider information that is not included in the Proposal. Sourcewell reserves the right to verify Proposer’s information and may request clarification from a Proposer, including samples of the proposed equipment or products.
3. Depending upon the responses received in a given category, Sourcewell may need to organize responses into subcategories in order to provide the broadest coverage of the requested equipment, products, or services to Participating Entities. Awards may be based on a subcategory.
4. A Proposer’s documented negative past performance with Sourcewell or its Participating Entities occurring under a previously awarded Sourcewell contract may be considered in the evaluation of a proposal.
III. PRICING
A. REQUIREMENTS
All proposed pricing must be:
1. Either Line‐Item Pricing or Percentage Discount from Catalog Pricing, or a combination of these:
a. Line‐item Pricing is pricing based on each individual product or services. Each line must indicate the Vendor’s published “List Price,” as well as the “Contract Price.” b. Percentage Discount from Catalog or Category is based on a percentage discount from a catalog or list price, defined as a published Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
(MSRP) for the products or services. Individualized percentage discounts can be applied to any number of defined product groupings. Proposers will be responsible for providing and maintaining current published MSRP with Sourcewell, and this pricing must be included in its proposal and provided throughout the term of any Contract resulting from this RFP.
2. The Proposer’s ceiling price (Ceiling price means that the proposed pricing will be considered as the highest price for which equipment, products, or services may be billed to a Participating Entity). However, it is permissible for vendors to sell at a price that is lower than the contracted price;
3. Stated in U.S. and Canadian dollars (as applicable); and
4. Clearly understood, complete, and fully describe the total cost of acquisition (e.g., the cost of the proposed equipment, products, and services delivered and operational for its intended purpose in the Participating Entity’s location).
Proposers should clearly identify
any costs that are NOT included in the proposed product or service pricing. This may include items such as installation, set up, mandatory training, or initial inspection. Include identification of any parties that impose such costs and their relationship to the Proposer. Additionally, Proposers should clearly describe any unique distribution and/or delivery methods or options offered in the Proposal.
B. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Proposers are expected to pay to Sourcewell an administrative fee in exchange for Sourcewell facilitating the resulting contracts. The administrative fee is normally calculated as a percentage of the total sales to Participating Entities for all contracted equipment, products, or services made during a calendar quarter, and is typically one percent (1%) to two percent (2%). In some categories, a flat fee may be an acceptable alternative.
IV. CONTRACT
Proposers awarded a contract will be required to execute a contract with Sourcewell (see attached template). Only those modifications the Proposer indicates in its proposal will be available for discussion. Much of the language in the Contract reflects Minnesota legal requirements and cannot be altered. Numerous and/or onerous exceptions that contradict Minnesota law may result in the Proposal being disqualified from further review and evaluation.
To request a modification to the Contract terms, conditions, or specifications, a Proposer must complete and submit the Exceptions to Terms, Conditions, or Specifications table, with all requested modifications, through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal at the time of submitting
the Proposer’s Proposal. Exceptions must:
1. Clearly identify the affected article and section, and
2. Clearly note what language is requested to be modified.
Unclear requests will be automatically denied.
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
Only those exceptions that have been accepted by Sourcewell will be included in the contract document provided to the awarded vendor for signature.
If a Proposer receives a contract award resulting from this solicitation it will have up to 30 days to sign and return the contract. After that time, at Sourcewell’s sole discretion, the contract award may be revoked.
V. RFP PROCESS
A. PRE‐PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
Sourcewell will hold an optional, non‐mandatory pre‐proposal conference via webcast on the date and time noted on page one of this RFP and on the Sourcewell Procurement Portal. The purpose of this conference is to allow potential Proposers to ask questions regarding this RFP and Sourcewell’s competitive contracting process. Information about the webcast will be sent to all entities that have registered for this solicitation opportunity through their Sourcewell Procurement Portal Vendor Account. Pre‐proposal conference attendance is optional.
B. QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RFP AND ORAL COMMUNICATION
Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal.
The deadline for submission of questions is found in the Solicitation Schedule and on the Sourcewell Procurement Portal. Answers to questions will be issued through an addendum to this RFP. Repetitive questions will be summarized into a single answer and identifying information will be removed from the submitted questions.
All questions, whether specific to a Proposer or generally related to the RFP, must be submitted using this process. Do not contact individual Sourcewell staff to ask questions or request information as this may disqualify the Proposer from responding to this RFP. Sourcewell will not
respond to questions submitted after the deadline.
C. ADDENDA
Sourcewell may modify this RFP at any time prior to the proposal due date by issuing an addendum. Addenda issued by Sourcewell become a part of the RFP and will be delivered to potential Proposers through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal. Sourcewell accepts no liability in connection with the delivery of any addenda.
Before a proposal will be accepted through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal, all addenda, if any, must be acknowledged by the Proposer by checking the box for each addendum. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to check for any addenda that may have been issued up to the solicitation
due date and time.
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
If an addendum is issued after a Proposer submitted its proposal, the Sourcewell Procurement Portal will WITHDRAW the submission and change the Proposer’s proposal status to INCOMPLETE. The Proposer can view this status change in the “MY BIDS” section of the Sourcewell Procurement Portal Vendor Account. The Proposer is solely responsible to check the “MY BIDS” section of the Sourcewell Procurement Portal Vendor Account periodically after submitting its Proposal (and up to the Proposal due date). If the Proposer’s Proposal status has changed to INCOMPLETE, the Proposer is solely responsible to:
i) make any required adjustments to its proposal;
ii) acknowledge the addenda; and
iii) ensure the re‐submitted proposal is received through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal no later than the Proposal Due Date and time shown in the Solicitation Schedule above.
D. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposer’s complete proposal must be submitted through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal no later than the date and time specified in the Solicitation Schedule. Any other form of proposal submission, whether electronic, paper, or otherwise, will not be considered by Sourcewell. Late proposals will not be considered. It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure that the proposal is received on time.
It is recommended that Proposers allow sufficient time to upload the proposal and to resolve any issues that may arise. The time and date that a Proposal is received by Sourcewell is solely determined by the Sourcewell Procurement Portal
web clock.
In the event of problems with the Sourcewell Procurement Portal, follow the instructions for technical support posted in the portal. It may take up to twenty‐four (24) hours to respond to certain issues.
Upon successful submission of a proposal, the Portal will automatically generate a confirmation email to
the Proposer. If the Proposer does not receive a confirmation email, contact Sourcewell’s support provider at [email protected].
To ensure receipt of the latest information and updates via email regarding this solicitation, or if the Proposer has obtained this solicitation document from a third party, the onus is on the Proposer to create a Sourcewell Procurement Portal Vendor Account and register for this solicitation opportunity.
Within the Procurement
Portal, all proposals must be digitally acknowledged by an authorized representative of the Proposer attesting that the information contained in in the proposal is true and accurate. By submitting a proposal, Proposer warrants that the information provided is true, correct, and reliable for purposes of evaluation for potential contract award. The submission of inaccurate, misleading, or false information is grounds for disqualification from a contract award and may subject the Proposer to remedies available by law.
Rev. 2/2020 Sourcewell RFP #092920
Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
E. GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must be:
In substantial compliance with the requirements of this RFP or it will be considered nonresponsive and be rejected.
Complete. A proposal will be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete. Submitted in English.
Valid and irrevocable for 90 days following the Proposal Due Date.
Any and all costs incurred in responding to this RFP will be borne by the Proposer.
F. PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL
Prior to the proposal deadline, a Proposer may withdraw its proposal.
G. OPENING
The Opening of Proposals will be conducted electronically through the Sourcewell Procurement Portal. A list of all Proposers will be made publicly available in the Sourcewell Procurement Portal after the Proposal Due Date, but no later than the Opening time listed in the Solicitation Schedule.
To view the list of Proposers, verify that the Sourcewell Procurement Portal opportunities list search is set to “All” or “Closed.” The solicitation status will automatically change to “Closed” after the Proposal Due Date and Time.
VI. EVALUATION AND AWARD
A. EVALUATION
It is the intent of Sourcewell to award one or more contracts to responsive and responsible Proposer(s) offering the best overall quality, selection of equipment, products, and services, and price that meet the commonly requested specifications of Sourcewell and its Participating Entities. The award(s) will be limited to the number of Proposers that Sourcewell determines is necessary to meet the needs of Participating Entities. Factors to be considered in determining the number of contracts to be awarded in any category may include the following:
The number of and geographic location of:
o Proposers necessary to offer a comprehensive selection of equipment, products, or services for Participating Entities’ use.
o A Proposer’s sales and service network to assure availability of product supply and coverage to meet Participating Entities’ anticipated needs. Total evaluation scores.
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Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
The attributes of Proposers, and their equipment, products, or services, to assist Participating Entities achieve environmental and social requirements, preferences, and goals. Information submitted as part of a proposal should be as specific as possible when responding to the RFP. Do not assume Sourcewell’s knowledge about a specific vendor or product.
B. AWARD(S)
Award(s) will be made to the Proposer(s) whose proposal conforms to all conditions and requirements of the RFP, and consistent with the award criteria defined in this RFP.
Sourcewell may request written clarification of a proposal at any time during the evaluation process.
Proposal evaluation will be based on the
following scoring criteria and the Sourcewell Evaluator Scoring Guide (available in the Sourcewell Procurement Portal):
Conformance to RFP Requirements 50
Financial Viability and Marketplace Success 75
Ability to Sell and Deliver Service 100
Marketing Plan 50
Value Added Attributes 75
Warranty 50
Depth and Breadth of Offered Equipment, Products, or Services 200 Pricing 400
TOTAL POINTS 1000
C. PROTESTS OF AWARDS
Any protest made under this RFP by a Proposer must be in writing, addressed to Sourcewell’s Executive Director, and delivered to the Sourcewell office located at 202 12th Street NE, P.O.
Box 219, Staples, MN 56479. The protest must be received no later than 10 calendar days’ following Sourcewell’s notice of contract award(s) or non‐award and must be time stamped by Sourcewell no later than 4:30 p.m., Central Time.
A protest must include the following items:
The name, address, and telephone number of the protester; The original signature of the protester or its representative; Identification of the
solicitation by RFP number;
A precise statement of the relevant facts;
Identification of the issues to be resolved;
Identification of the legal or factual basis;
Any additional supporting documentation; and
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Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
Protest bond in the amount of $20,000, except where prohibited by law or treaty.
Protests that do not address these elements will not be reviewed.
D. RIGHTS RESERVED
This RFP does not commit Sourcewell to award any contract and a proposal may be rejected if it is nonresponsive, conditional, incomplete, conflicting, or misleading. Proposals that contain false statements or do not support an attribute or condition stated by the Proposer may be rejected.
Sourcewell reserves the right to:
Modify or cancel this RFP at any time;
Reject any and all proposals received;
Reject proposals that do not comply with the provisions of this RFP; Select, for contracts or for discussion, a proposal other than that with the lowest cost; Independently verify any information provided in a Proposal; Disqualify any Proposer that does not meet the requirements of this RFP, is debarred or suspended by the United States or Canada, State of Minnesota, Participating Entity’s state or province; has an officer, or other key personnel, who have been charged with a serious crime; or is bankrupt, insolvent, or where bankruptcy or insolvency are a reasonable prospect;
Waive or modify any informalities, irregularities, or inconsistencies in the proposals received;
Clarify any part of a proposal and discuss any aspect of the proposal with any Proposer; and negotiate with more than one Proposer;
Award a contract if only one responsive proposal is received if it is in the best interest of Participating Entities; and
Award a contract to one or more Proposers if it is in the best interest of Participating Entities.
E. DISPOSITION OF PROPOSALS
All materials submitted in response to this RFP will become property of Sourcewell and will become public record in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 13.591, after negotiations are complete. Sourcewell considers that negotiations are complete upon execution of a resulting contract. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to clearly identify any data submitted that it considers to be protected. Proposer must also include a justification for the classification citing the applicable Minnesota law.
Sourcewell will not consider the prices submitted by the Proposer to be confidential, proprietary, or trade secret materials. Financial information, including financial statements, provided by a Proposer is not considered trade secret under the statutory definition.
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Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software, and Services
The Proposer understands that Sourcewell will reject proposals that are marked confidential or nonpublic, either substantially or in their entirety.
8/31/2020
Addendum No. 1
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Questions and Answers to be part of the above-titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
The insurance coverages required under Section 20 of the Sourcewell template contract do not appear to include Pollution Liability insurance. Will you be adding Pollution Liability coverage as a requirement? We intend to include this in our response even if not added.
Answer 1:
Sourcewell is not planning a revision of the posted contract template this time. An awarded vendor will be expected to carry the insurance coverages as stated in the contract upon execution. Refer also to contract template Section 6. B. regarding a Participating Entity’s ability to negotiate for or require additional terms and conditions at the time of the order.
The Sourcewell RFP is an open and competitive solicitation process. Each proposer, in its discretion, will determine the information necessary to best demonstrate its financial viability to Sourcewell.
Question 2:
Does this solicitation cover the service area of Montana/Wyoming? Is the solicitation for any/all components and services related to AST equipment and fuel management systems?
Answer 2:
Sourcewell is seeking “… the broadest possible selection of products/equipment and services being proposed over the largest possible geographic area and to the largest possible cross-section of Sourcewell current and future Participating Entities.” (see, RFP Section II. B.). The requested equipment, products, and services are as described in the RFP.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 8/31/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
8/31/2020
Addendum No. 2
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Questions and Answers to be part of the above-titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
How can I tell where this project is located? I would like to know the physical address of the site.
Answer 1:
Sourcewell utilizes a competitive, solutions-based solicitation approach that is not based on detailed specifications, specific locations or finite quantities for our cooperative contract awards. Sourcewell desires the broadest possible selection of equipment, products, and services being proposed over the largest possible geographic area and to the largest possible cross-section of Sourcewell current and future Participating Entities.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 8/31/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
9/1/2020
Addendum No. 3
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Question and Answer to be part of the above-titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
Table 5 asks for top five government, educational or non-profit customers. Our organization sells through distributors only.
Answer 1:
It is left to the discretion of each proposer to determine how to best demonstrate their financial viability and marketplace success.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 9/1/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
9/8/2020
Addendum No. 4
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Question and Answer to be part of the above‐titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
For Table 5 what is the difference between size of transaction(s), and dollar volumes from the past three years.
Answer 1:
Each proposer, in its discretion, will determine the information necessary to best demonstrate its financial strength and fulfill the requirements set forth in the RFP.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 9/8/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
9/14/2020
Addendum No. 5
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Question and Answer to be part of the above‐titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
Is there a way to download what has been submitted on a bid? Answer 1:
After selecting “Start Submission”, a proposer may navigate to Step 4 – “Preview Bid” and select “Preview My Bid in PDF” if a downloadable PDF of the questionnaire tables is desired.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 9/14/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
9/15/2020
Addendum No. 6
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Questions and Answers to be part of the above‐titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
In Questionnaire Table 5, what is the difference between “Size of Transactions” and “Dollar Volume Past Three Years”?
Answer 1:
Generally, “Size of Transactions” refers to order or transaction size and “Dollar Volume Past Three Years” reflects aggregate volume. However, it is left to the discretion of each proposer to determine the information and documentation necessary to best demonstrate their Financial, Industry and Marketplace Success and satisfy all the requirements included in the questionnaire tables.
Question 2:
What size tanks are you requiring? What options do you want on the tanks (Catwalks, Bottom Loading etc.)?
Answer 2:
Sourcewell utilizes a competitive, solutions‐based solicitation approach that is not based on detailed specifications or finite quantities for our cooperative contract awards. A respondent is allowed to propose the entire line of equipment, products and services falling within the scope of the RFP. Section II. B. of the RFP addresses the requested Equipment, Products or Services for this solicitation.
Question 3:
In RFP Section II. B. 1. b., what is meant by mobile fuel storage solutions? Is it skid tanks, truck mounted tanks or other?
Answer 3:
Each proposer, in its discretion, will propose the equipment, products, and services that it deems to fall within Sourcewell’s requested equipment, products, and services as described in RFP Section II. B (Requested Equipment, Products and Services). However, only those products within the scope of the RFP will be included in any contract awarded by Sourcewell as a result of this solicitation.
Question 4:
For the solutions listed in RFP Section II. B. 1. c., do you want the related hardware priced or just listed? If priced do you want SRP as the base price with the % discount globally by manufacturer?
Answer 4:
It is left to the discretion of each proposer to articulate and propose the pricing approach that aligns with their business methods and satisfies all the requirements of RFP Article III ‐ Pricing. Proposals are evaluated based on the criteria stated in the RFP.
Question 5:
Pricing will be impacted by annual increases of the manufacturer, currency fluctuation, and cost of living. Do we state this in our pricing of equipment as a global change? Answer 5:
Refer to the Sourcewell contract template for additional details on the process for requesting a product or pricing change during the term of an awarded contract. A downloadable version of the contract template is found on the Bid Details page for this solicitation within the Sourcewell Procurement Portal.
Question 6:
For RFP Section II. F. Does the marketing plan need to show what our coverage is across Canada as a company plus our sub‐contractors? What are you expecting in a marketing plan for the country or regionally?
Answer 6:
It is left to the discretion of each proposer to describe their approach and determine the documentation necessary to best demonstrate their ability to serve Sourcewell’s Participating Entities while satisfying all the requirements included in the questionnaire tables.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 9/15/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.
9/22/2020
Addendum No. 7
Solicitation Number: RFP 092920
Solicitation Name: Aboveground Fuel and Fluid Storage with Related Hardware, Software and Services
Consider the following Questions and Answers to be part of the above‐titled solicitation documents. The remainder of the documents remain unchanged.
Question 1:
Will the financial documents supplied with our bid be available to be seen by anyone, including our competitors?
Answer 1:
Sourcewell is subject to compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Refer to RFP Section VI. E. ‐ Disposition of Proposals for additional guidance on Sourcewell’s handling of materials submitted in response to this RFP at the conclusion of the process.
It is left to the discretion of each proposer to determine the information and documentation necessary to best demonstrate their financial viability and marketplace success. The solicitation is a competitive process and proposals are evaluated on the content
submitted.
Question 2:
Does Sourcewell have a standard contract for Canadian suppliers? If not, does Sourcewell allow exceptions to be taken to the standard contract for Canadian suppliers?
Answer 2:
The Sourcewell template contract is available for review on the Bid Details page for this solicitation. The template contract is intended for use with any awarded contract, regardless of supplier location. Refer to RFP Section IV. – Contract, for guidance on the
process for requesting a modification to the template contract terms, conditions, or specifications.
Question 3:
What happens if a Canadian municipal government entity wants to purchase a product through a Sourcewell contract with a Canadian supplier? Do the laws of the state of Minnesota apply to a Purchase order issued within Canada? Answer 3:
Refer to template contract Section 6. F. – Governing Law and Venue. Under the template contract, the governing law and venue for any action related to a Participating Entity’s order will be determined by the Participating Entity making the purchase.
End of Addendum
Acknowledgement of this Addendum to RFP 092920 posted to the Sourcewell Procurement Portal on 9/22/2020, is required at the time of proposal submittal.