Cellular Services, Devices, and Business Solutions - UPDATED

STATE OF TENNESSEE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
CENTRAL PROCUREMENT OFFICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
CELLULAR DEVICES, SERVICES AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

RFQ # 32110 -00811

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONS:
1. Introduction
2. RFQ Schedule of Events
3. Response Requirements
4. General Information & Requirements
5. Procurement Process & Contract Award
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Mandatory Requirement Items
B. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – General Qualifications &
Experience Items

C. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items
D. Cost Proposal
E. Statement of Certifications & Assurances
F. Reference Questionnaire
G. Pro Forma Contract

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1. INTRODUCTION

The State of Tennessee, Department of General Services, Central Procurement Office ,
hereinafter referred to as “the State,” issue s this Request for Qualifications ( “RFQ ”) to define
mandatory goods or service s requirements; solicit response s; detail response requirements; and
outline the State’s process for evaluating response s.
Through this RFQ or any subsequent solicitation , the State seeks to buy the requested goods or
services and to give ALL qualif ied respondents , including those that are owned by minorities,
wome n, service -disabled veterans , persons with disabilities, and small business enterprises, the
opportunity to do business with t he state as contractors or subcontractors.
1.1. Statement of Procurement Purpose

The State of Tennessee is seeking qualified supplier s to provide Cellular Devices, Voice and
Data Services, Cellular Equipment, a limited Accessories offering, and Integrat ed Business
Solutions for State Agencies. The Contract will be structured to enable the State to remain
technologically current to accommodate the 4G and 5G current networks and future technology
developments.

A primary objective of the awarded contracts is to provide , as much as possible, Cellular Services
througho ut the State to reduce coverage issues encountered across the State including difficult to
cover State Parks and Recreational locations.

The States current expenditures over the previou s five -year contract period were approximately
Sixty -Two Million Doll ars ($62,000,000.00 ). Purchases of Cellular Services over the new five-year
contract period are estimated to be Seventy Million Dollars ($ 70,000,000.00)

1.1.1. RFQ N umber
This Solicitation is RFQ 32110 -00811

1.1.2. Factual Data

All statistical and fiscal information contained in this RFQ and its exhibits, including
amendments and modifications thereto, are provided “as is”, without warranty as to the
accuracy or adequacy of the data or information so provided , and reflect the dep artment’s
best understanding based on information or belief available to the department at the time
of RFQ preparation. No inaccuracies in such data or information shall be a basis for
delay in performance or a basis for legal recovery of damages, actual, consequential or
punitive.

1.2. Pre-Response Conference – Thursday July 25 , 2024

A Pre -response Conference will be held at the time and date detailed in the RFQ Section 2,
Schedule of Events. Pre -response Conf erence attendance is not mandatory, and prospective
Respondents may be limited to a maximum number of attendees depending upon overall

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attendance and space limitations.

The conference will be held a t:

Thursday July 25, 2024 2:00 PM
https://www.microsoft.com/en -us/microsoft -teams/join -a-meeting
Meeting ID: 217 475 602 838
Passcode: hYdQSk

____________________________________________________________________________

Dial in by phone
+1 629 -209-4396, United States, Nashville
Phone conference ID: 134 218 295#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: stateoftn@m.webex.com
Video ID: 117 610 068 8

The purpose of the conference is to discuss the RFQ scope of goods or services. The State will
entertain questions, however prospective Respondents must understand that the State’s oral
response to any question at the Pre -response Conference shall be unofficial and non -binding.
Prospective Respondents must submit all quest ions, comments, or other concerns regarding the
RFQ in writing prior to the Written Questions & Comments Deadline date detailed in the RFQ
Section 2, Schedule of Events. The State will send the official response to these questions and
comments to prospect ive Respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to
respond as indicated in RFP Section 1.8 and on the date detailed in the RFQ Section 2, Schedule
of Events.

1.3. Notice of Intent to Respond

Before the Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline detailed in R FQ § 2, Schedule of Events,
potential Respondents should submit to the Solicitation Coordinator a Notice of Intent to Respond
in the form of a simple e -mail or other written communication. Such notice should include the
following information: the business or individual’s name (as appropriate), a contact person’s name
and title, the contact person’s mailing address, telephone nu mber, facsimile, number, and e -mail
address. Filing a Notice of Intent to Respond is not a prerequisite for submitting a response;
however, it is necessary to ensure receipt of notices and communications relating to this RFQ.

1.4. Definitions and Abbreviati ons

.

TERM DEFINITION
Authorized User The definition of an Authorized User Likely varies
State by State. The State of Tennessee defines

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an Authorized User as follows: “This Contract
establishes a source or sources of supply for all
Tennessee State Agencies. “Tennessee State
Agency” refers to the various departments,
institutions, boards, commissions, and agencies of
the executive branch of government of the State
of Tennessee with exceptions as addressed in
Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0690 -03-01-.01. The
Contractor shall provide all goods or services and
deliverables as required by this Contract to all
Tennessee State Agencies. The Contractor shall
make this Contract available to the following
entities, who are authorized to and who may
purchase off of this Statewide Contract
(“Authorized Users”):
a. all Tennessee State governmental entities (this
includes the legislative branch; judicial branch;
and commissions and boards of the State
outside of the executive branch of
government);
b. Tennessee loca l governmental agencies;
c. members of the University of Tennessee or
Tennessee Board of Regents systems;
d. any private nonprofit institution of higher
education chartered in Tennessee; and,
e. any corporation which is exempted from
taxation under 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c) (3), as
amended, and which contracts with the
Department of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse to provide services to the public ( Tenn.
Code Ann. § 33 -2-1001 ).
Note: other States definition of an “Authorized
User” or equivalent is acceptable in the
Respondents response to this RFQ .
Business Solutions The term “Business Solutions” shall refer t o a
combination of ideas, services, and products that
resolve a specific problem (IoT).
Central Procurement Office The State of Tennessee Central Procurement
Office (CPO)
Contract The writing(s) that contain the agreement of the
CPO and the Respondent/Contr actor(s) setting
forth the total legal obligation between the parties
as determined by applicable rules of law.

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Mandatory Requirements Requirements that the Respondent must meet in
order to be eligible for contract award
Proposal The Respondents submission of all documents in
response to the solicitation, including but not
limited to responses to Attachments A through F
Respondent The entity that submits materials to the State in
accordance with these instructions
Response The material submitted by the Respondent in
answering the solicitation
Schedule of Events The list of critical dates and actions included in the
introductory materials.
Solic itation Coordinator State of Tennessee representative for whom all
communications re lating to this solicitation shall
be directed to.
Service Plans The term shall mean a subscription offering from a
cellular carrier providing some combination of
wireless services.

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2. RFQ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following schedule represents the State’s best estimates for this RFQ; however, the State
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the schedule at any time, or cancel and reissue
a similar solicitation. Nothing in this RFQ is intended by the State to create any property rights or
expectations of a property right in any Respondent.

EVENT
TIME
(Central
Time
Zone)
DATE
(all dates are State business
days)
1. Post RFQ 32110 -00811 July 18, 2024
2. Disability Accommodation Request
Deadline July 22, 2024
3. Pre-Response Conference 2:00 p.m. July 25, 2024
4. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. July 29, 2024
5. Written “Questions & Comments”
Deadline 2:00 p.m. August 1 , 2024
6. State response to written “Questions
& Comments” August 9 , 2024
7. RFQ Technical/Cost Response
Deadline 2:00 p.m. August 16 , 2024
8. State Notice of Qualified
Respondent(s) Released August 27 , 2024
9. RFQ Competitive Negotiations September 6 , 2024

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10. State Notice of Intent to Award
Released and RFQ Files Open for
Public Inspection September 13 , 2024
11. End of Open File Period September 20 , 2024
12. State send contract to Contractor(s)
for signature September 23 , 2024
13. Contractor contract signature
Deadline September 27 , 2024

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3. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Response Contents : A response to this RFQ should address the following:
3.1.1. Mandatory Requirements : This section details the mandatory technical, functional, and
experience requirements that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ in order
to be passed on to Phase II of the Technical Response evaluation. A Respondent should
duplicate and use RFQ Attachment A as a guide to organ ize responses for the
Mandatory Requirements of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the
page location of the information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
This section is included in the State’s evaluation as to whet her or not a Respondent
meets mandatory qualifications (Phase I).
3.1.2. General Qualifications & Experience : This section is included in the State’s evaluation of
Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details general information and
qualifications that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ. A Respondent
should duplicate and use RFQ Attac hment B as a guide to organize responses for this
portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the page location of the
information within the response in the indicated column of the table.

3.1.3. Technical Qualifications, Experience & Approac h: This section is also included in the
State’s evaluation of Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details technical
qualifications, experience, and approach items that must be demonstrated in the
response to this RFQ. A Respondent should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment C as a
guide to organize responses for this portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent
should reference the page location of the information within the response in the indicated
column of the table.

3.1.4. Cost Proposal :
3.1.4.1. If inc luded as part of this solicitation, then t he Cost Proposal must be recorded
on an exact duplicate of RFQ Attachment D, Cost Proposal . Any response that
does not follow the instructions included in RFQ Attachment D may be deemed
nonresponsive .
3.1.4.2. A Respondent must only record the proposed cost exactly as required by the
RFQ Attachment D, Cost Proposal and must NOT record any other rates,
amounts, or information.
3.1.4.3. The proposed cost shall incorporate ALL costs for services under the contract
for the t otal contract period.
3.1.4.4. A Respondent must sign and date the Cost Proposal .
3.1.4.5. A Respondent must submit t he Cost Proposal to the State in a sealed
package separ ate from the Technical Response .

3.2. Response Delivery Location

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A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a Response to this RFQ no later than the
Response Deadline time and date s detailed in the RF Q § 2, Schedule of Events. All responses
must be delivered to:
Richard Kotler – Solicitation Coordinator
WRS Tennessee Tower 3RD FL
312 R osa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville , TN 37243
Phone Number : 615 -253-4723
Email: Richard.kotler@tn.gov

3.3. Response Format

3.3.1. A Respondent must ensure that the original response meets all form and content
requirements detailed within this RFQ.
3.3.2. A Respondent must submit their response as specified in one of the two formats below .
3.3.2.1. Physical Digital Media Submittal of Responses
3.3.2.1.1 . Technical Response
One (1) original Technical Response paper document clearly labeled:

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL”

And four (4) copies of the Technical Response each in the form of one
(1) digital document in “PDF” format properly recorded on its own
otherwise blank, USB flash drive labeled”

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 TECHNICAL RESPONSE COPY”

The digital copies should not include copies of sealed customer
references or cost information in the general and technical evaluation
phase. However, any other discrepancy between the paper response
document and digital copies may result in the State rejecting the
response as nonresponsive.
3.3.2.1.2. Cost Proposal :
One (1) original Cost Proposal paper document labeled:

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 COST PROPOSAL ORIGINAL”

and one (1) copy in the form of a digital document in “ XLS” format
properly recorded on a separate , blank, standard CD -R recordable
disc or USB flash drive labeled:

“RFQ # 3211 -00811 COST PROPOSAL COPY ”

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In the event of a discrepancy between the original Cost Proposal
document and the digital copy, the original, signed document will
take precedence.

3.3.2.2. E-mail Submission

3.3.2.2.1 . Technical Response
The Technical Response document should be in the form of one (1)
digital document in “ PDF” format or other easily accessible digital
format attached to an e -mail to the Solicitation Coordinator. Both the
subject and file name should be clearly identified as follows:

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 TECHNICAL RESPONSE”

The customer references should be delivered by each reference in
accordance with RFQ Attachment F. Reference Questionnaire.

3.3.2.2.2. Cost Proposal :
The Cost Proposal should be in the form of one (1) digital document in
“PDF” or “XLS ” format or other easily accessible digital format attached
to an e -mail to the Solicitation Coordinator. Both the subject and file
name should be clearly identified as follows:

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 COST PROPOSAL”

An electronic or facsimile signature, as applicable, on the Cost
Proposal is acceptable.

3.3.3. For e -mail submissions, the Technical Response and Cost Proposal documents must be
dispatched to the Solicitation Coordinator in separate e-mail messages. For digital media
submissions, a Respondent must separate, seal, package, and label the docum ents and
copies for delivery as follows:
3.3.3.1. The Technical Response and copies must be placed in a sealed package that is
clearly labeled:

“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ # 32110 -00811 TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME] ”
3.3.3.2. The Cost Proposal must be placed in a separate , sealed package that is clearly
labeled:

“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ # 32110 -00811 COST PROPOSAL FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME] ”

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3.3.3.3. The separately, sealed Technical Response and Cost Proposal components ma y
be enclosed in a larger package for mailing or delivery, provided that the
outermost package is clearly labeled:

“RFQ # 32110 -00811 SEALED TECHNICAL RESPONSE & SEALED COST
PROPOSAL FROM [RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME] ”
3.3.3.4. Any Respondent wishing to submit a Response in a format other than digital may
do so by contacting the Solicitation Coordinator.

3.3.4. A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a response no later than the Response
Deadline time and date detailed in the RFQ Section 2, Schedule of Events at the following
address:

Richard Kotler – Solicitation Coordinator
Department of General Services, Central Procurement Office
WRS Tennessee Tower 3rd FL
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, T N
Phone: 615 -253-4723
Email: Richard.Kotler@tn.gov

3.4. Response Prohibitions: A response to this RFQ sh all not:

3.4.1. Restrict the rights of the State or otherwise qualify the response to this RFQ;
3.4.2. Include, for consideration in this procurement process or subsequent contract negotiations,
incorrect information that the Respondent knew or should have known was materially
incorrect;
3.4.3. Include more than one response, per Respondent, to this RFQ;
3.4.4. Include any information concerning costs (in specific dollars or numbers) associated with
the Technical Response ;
3.4.5. Include the respondent’s own contract terms and conditions (unless s pecifically requested
by the RFQ);
3.4.6. Include any end -user license agreement, manufacturer’s terms and conditions, service
guide, clickwrap agreement, shrinkwrap agreement, online terms and conditions, or other
terms and conditions that will supplement, modi fy, or contradict the terms set forth in the
pro forma contract; or
3.4.7. Include the respondent as a prime contractor while also permitting one or more other
respondents to offer the respon dent as a subcontractor in their own responses.
3.5. Response Errors & Revis ions

A Respondent is responsible for any and all errors or omissions in its response to this RFQ . A
Respondent will not be allowed to alter or revise its response after the Response Deadline time

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and date s as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, unless such is formally requested in
writing by the State (e.g., through a request for clarification, etc.) .

3.6. Response Withd rawal

A Respondent may withdraw a response at any time before the Response Deadline time and
date as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events , by submitting a written signed request by an
authorized representative of the Respondent . After withdrawing a re sponse, a Respondent may
submit another Response at any time before the Response Deadline time and date as detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.

3.7. Response Preparation Costs

The State will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation of any
response . Each Respondent is solely responsible for the costs it incurs in responding to this
RFQ.

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4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Communications

4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ # 32110 -00811 in all communications relating to this
solicitation, and direct any such communications to the following person designated as the
Solicitation Coordinator:

Richard Kotler, Category Specialist
Department of General Services, Central Procurement Office
3rd Floor, WRS Tennessee Tower
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615 -253-4723
Email: Richard.Kotler@tn.gov
The State will convey all official responses and communications related to this RFQ to the
potential respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to Respond
(refer to RFQ Section 1.2.).
4.1.2. Potential respondents with a handicap or disabilit y may receive accommodation relating to
the communication of this RFQ and participating in the RFQ process. Potential
respondents may contact the RFQ Coordinator to request such reasonable accommodation
no later than the Disability Accommodation Request D eadline detailed in RFQ § 2,
Schedule of Events.
4.1.3. Unauthorized contact about this RFQ with other employees or officials of the State
of Tennessee may result in disqualification from contract award consideration .
4.1.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential Respondents may also contact the following as
appropriate:
4.1.4.1. Staff of the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise may be contacted for
assistance with respect to available minority -owned, woman -owned, service -disabled
veteran -owned, businesses owned by persons with disabilities and small business
enterpri ses as well as general public information relating to this request; or
4.1.4.1. The following individual designated by the State to coordinate compliance with the
nondiscrimination requirements of the State of Tennessee, Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, t he Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and associated
federal regulations:

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Helen Cr owley,
WRS Tennessee Tower 3rd FL
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615 -741-3836
Email: Helen.Crowley@tn.gov

4.2. Nondiscrimination

No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected
to discrimination in the performance of a contract pursuant to this solicitation or in the employment
practices of the Contractor on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, creed, color,
religion (subject to Tenn . Code Ann. §§ 4-21-401 and 405 ), sex, national origin, or any other
classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law. The
Contractor pursuant to this solicitation shall post in conspicuous places, available to all employees
and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.

4.3. Conflict of Interest
4.3.1. The State may not consider a proposal from an individual who is, or within the past six (6)
months has been, a State employee. For these purposes,
4.3.1.1. An individual shall be deemed a State employee until such time as all
compensation for salary, termination pay, and annual leave has been paid;
4.3.1.2. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other
contracting entity in which a controlling interest is held by any State employee
shall be considered to be a contract with or proposal from the employee; and
4.3.1.3. A contract with or a prop osal from a company, corporation, or any other
contracting entity that employs an individual who is, or within the past six
months has been, a State employee shall not be considered a contract with or a
proposal from the employee and shall not constitute a prohibited conflict of
interest.
4.3.2. This RFQ is also subject to Tenn . Code Ann . § 12-4-101—105.
4.4. Respondent Required Review & Waiver of Objections
4.4.1. Each potential respondent must carefully review this RFQ, including but not limited to,
attachments, the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma Contract, and any amendments for
questions, comments, defects, objections, or any other matter requiring clarification or
correction (collectively called “questions and comments”).
4.4.2. Any potential respondent having questions and comments concerning this RFQ must
provide such in writing to the State no later than the w ritten “Questions & Comments
Deadline ” detailed in RFQ § 2, S chedule of Events.
4.4.3. Protests based on any objection shall be considered waived and invalid if the objection has
not been brought to the attention of the State, in writing, by the written “Questions &
Comments Deadline. ”

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4.5. Disclosure of Response Contents

4.5.1. All materials submitted to the State in response to this solicitation become property of the
State of Tennessee. Respondents are cautioned not to provide any materials in response
to this RFP that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47 -25-1702 and
applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFP, the respondent acknowledges and
agrees that the State shall have no liability whatsoever for disclosure of a trade secret
under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as provided at Tenn. Code Ann. § 47 -25-1701 -1709,
or under any other applicable law. Selection for award does not affect this r ight. By
submitting a response, a Respondent acknowledges and accepts that the full contents and
associated documents submitted in response to this request will become open to public
inspection in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee . Refer to RFQ § 2,
Schedule of Events .

4.5.2. The RFQ responses will be available for public inspection only after the completion of
evaluation of the RFQ o r any resulting solicitation which this RFQ becomes a part of,
whichever is later.

4.6. Notice of Professional Licensure , Insurance, and Department of Revenue Registration
Requirements
4.6.1. All persons, agencies, firms or other entities that provide leg al or financial opinions, which a
Respondent provides for consideration and evaluation by the State as part of a response to
this RFQ, shall be properly licensed to render such opinions.
4.6.2. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful Respondent
(and Respondent employees and subcontractors, as applicable) must hold all necessary,
appropriate business and professional licenses to provide service as required. The State
may require any Respondent to submit evidence of proper licensure.
4.6.3. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful Respondent
must provide a valid, Certificate of Insurance indicating current insurance coverage mee ting
minimum requirements as may be specified by the RFQ.
4.6.4. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must be registered with the Department of Revenue for the collection of
Tennessee sales and use tax. The State shall not approve a contract unless the
Respondent provides proof of such registration or provides documentation from the
Department of Revenue that the Contractor is exempt from this registration requirement.
The foregoing is a mandatory requiremen t of an award of a contract pursuant to this
solicitation. To register, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Taxpayer
Access Point (TNTAP) website for Online Registration and the Vendor Contract
Questionnaire. These resources are available at the following:
https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/#1

4.7. RFQ Amendments & Cancellation
4.7.1. The State reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time, provided that it is a mended in
writing. However, prior to any such amendment, the State will consider whether it would
negatively impact the ability of potential respondents to meet the deadlines and revise the

17
RFQ Schedule of Events if deemed appropriate. If a RFQ amendment is issued, the State
will convey it to potential respondents who submitted a Notice of Intent to Respond (refer
to RFQ § 1.3). A response must address the final RFQ (including its attachments) as may
be amended.
4.7.2. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or to cancel and reissue this
RFQ in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

4.8. State Right of Rejection
4.8.1. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the State reserves the right to reject, at its
sole discretion, any and all proposals.
4.8.2. The State may deem as nonresponsive and reject any proposal that does not comply with
all terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFQ. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the State reserves the right to seek clarifications or to waive, at its sole
discretion, a response’s minor variances from full compliance with this RFQ. If the State
waives variances in a respons e, such waiver shall not modify the RFQ requirements or
excuse the Respondent from full compliance with such, and the State may hold any
resulting vendor to strict compliance with this RFQ.
4.8.3. The State will review the response evaluation record and any oth er available information
pertinent to whether or not each respondent is responsive and responsible. If the
Solicitation Coordinator identifies any respondent that appears not to meet the responsive
and responsible thresholds such that the team would not r ecommend the respondent for
potential contract award, this determination will be fully documented for the record.
(“Responsive” is defined as submitting a response that conforms in all material respects to
the RFQ. “Responsible” is defined as having the capacity in all respects to perform fully
the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith
performance. )
4.9. Assignment & Subcontracting
4.9.1. The vendor may not subcontract, transfer, or assign any portion of the Contract aw arded
as a result of this RFQ without prior approval of the State. The State reserves the right to
refuse approval, at its sole discretion, of any subcontract, transfer, or assignment.
4.9.2. If a Respondent intends to use subcontractors, the response to this RF Q must specifically
identify the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will perform (refer to RFQ
Attachment B, Item B.14.).
4.9.3. Subcontractors i dentified within a response to this RFQ will be deemed as approved by
the State unless the State expressly disapproves one or more of the proposed
subcontractors prior to signing the Contract.
4.9.4. The Contractor resulting from this RFQ may only substitute another subcontractor for a
proposed subcontractor at the discretion of the State and with the State’ s prior, written
approval.
4.9.5. Notwithstanding any State approval relating to subcontracts, the Contractor resulting from
this RFQ will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for all work under the
Contract.

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4.10. Next Ranked Respondent
The S tate reserves the right to initiate negotiations with th e next ranked respondent should the
State cease doing business with any respondent selected via this RFQ process.

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5. PROCUREMENT PROCESS & CONTRACT AWARD

5.1. The complete vendor selection will be a three -part process: (1) Respondents response to the
questions in RFQ Attachment A TECHNICAL RESPONSE EVALUATION GUIDE Section A -
Mandatory Requirements, (2) Respondents responses to questions in Attachment B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE Section B – General Qualifications &
Experience Guide, and (3) Respondents responses to the questions in Attachment C
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE Section C T echnical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach. Each of these items will be evaluated and scored in accordance with
5.2 below.

5.2. Qualification of Technical Responses : Technical Responses will be deemed acceptable to the
State for each Respondent that ach ieves the minimum acceptable scores below .
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE SCORES
(a) The Respondents Score for Section A -Mandatory Requirements must achieve a Score of
“PASS” .

(b) The Respondent’s minimum Technical threshold score for Section B is twenty (20)
points.

(c) The Respondents minimum Technical threshold score for Section C is thirty (30) points.

5.3. Cost Proposal s: If cost is included for this solicitation , Cost Proposals will be opened for all
Respondents meeting the Minimum requirements fo r Sections A, B, and C (Qualified
Respondents) .

5.4. Clarification s and Negotiation s: The State reserves the right to award contract s on the basis of
initial responses received; therefore, each response should contain the respondent’s best terms
from a technical and cost standpoint. However , the State reserves the right to conduct
clarifications or negotiations with respondents. All communications, clarifications, and
negotiations shall be conducted in a manner that supports fairness in response improv ement.

5.4.1. Clarification s: The State may identify areas of a response that may require further
clarification or areas in which it is apparent that there may have been
miscommunications or misunderstandings as to the State’s specifications or
requirements. The State may seek to clarify those issues identifie d during one or
multiple clarification round(s). Each clarification sought by the State may be unique to
an individual respondent .

5.4.2. Negotiation s: The State may elect to negotiate with Qualified Respondents, within the
competitive ra nge, by requesting revised responses, negotiating costs, or finalizing

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contract terms and conditions. The State reserves the right to conduct multiple
negotiation rounds .

5.4.2.1 . Cost Negotiations : All responsive respondents within the competitive range will
be given equivalent information with respect to cost negotiations. All cost
negotiations will be documented for the procurement file. Additionally, the State
may conduct target pricing and othe r goods or services level negotiations .
Target pricing may be based on considerations such as current pricing, market
considerations, benchmarks, budget availability, or other methods that do not
reveal individual respondent pricing. During target price negotiations,
respondents are not obligated to meet or beat target prices but will not be
allowed to increase prices.

5.4.2.2. If the State determines costs and contract finalization discussions and
negotiations are not productive, the State reserves the right t o bypass the
apparent best evaluated Respondent and enter into contract negotiations with
the next apparent best evaluated Respondent.

5.5. Evaluation Guide

The State will consider qualifications, experience, technical approach , and cost (if applicable) in
the evaluation of response s and award points in each of the categories detailed below . The
maximum evaluation points possible for each category are detailed below.

5.6 Contract Award
5.6.1. The Solicitation Coordinator will determine if each Respondent meets the Minimum Score s
required in order for the Respondent to be Qualified. The State reserves the right to make
an award without further discussion of any response.

5.6.2. The State will issue an Evaluation Notice and make the RFQ files available for public
inspection at the time and date specified in the RFQ §2, Schedule of Events.
Evaluation Category Maximum Points Possible
Mandatory Requirements (refer to RFQ
Attachment A) Pass/Fail
General Qualifications, Experience, Technical
Qualifications, Experience & Approach (refer to
RFQ Attachment B) 40
Technical Qualifications, Experience &
Approach (refer to RFQ Attachment C) 60

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NOTICE: The Evaluation Notice shall not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in either
the Respondent identified as the apparent best evaluated or any other Respondent.
5.6.3. The Respondent identified as offering the apparent best -evaluated must sign a c ontract
drawn by the State pursuant to this RFQ. The contract shall be substantially the same as
the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma contract. The Respondent must sign said contract no
later than the Respondent Contract Signature Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2 , Schedule of
Events. If the Respondent fails to provide the signed contract by the deadline, the State
may determine the Respondent is non -responsive to this RFQ and reject the response.

5.6.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may, at its sole discret ion, entertain limited
negotiation prior to contract signing and, as a result, revise the pro forma contract terms
and conditions or performance requirements in the State’s best interests, PROVIDED
THAT such revision of terms and conditions or performance requirements shall NOT
materially affect the basis of response evaluation or negatively impact the competitive
nature of the RFQ and contractor selection process.

5.6.5. If the State determines that a response is nonresponsive and rejects it, the Solicitation
Coordinator will re -calculate scores to determine (or re -determine) the apparent best -
evaluated response.

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ATTACHMENT A

TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
All Respondent s must address all items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and
documentation as required (referenced with the associated item references). All Respondent s must also
detail the response page number for each item in the appropriate space below.
The Solicitation Coordinator will review all responses to determine if the Mandatory Requirement Items
are addressed as required and mark each with pass or fail. For each item that is not address ed as
required, the Solicitation Coordinator must review the responses and attach a written determination. In
addition to the Mandatory Requirement Items , the Solicitation Coordinator will review each response for
compliance with all RFQ requirements.
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
The Technical Response must be delivered to the State
no later than the Technical Response Deadlin e specified
in the RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
The Technical Response must not contain cost or pricing
information of any type.
The Technical Response must not contain any
restrictions of the rights of the State or other qualification
of the response .
A Respondent must not submit alternate response s.
A Respondent must not submit multiple responses in
differ ent forms (as a prime and a sub contractor).
A.1. Provide the Statement of Certifications and Assurances
(RFQ Attachment E) completed and signed by an
individual empowered to bind the Respondent to the
provisions of this RFQ and any resulting contract. The
document must be signed without exception or
qualification.
A.2. Provide a statement, based upon reasonable inquiry, of
whether the Respondent or any individual who shall

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RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
perform work under the contract has a possible conflict of
interest ( e.g., employment by the State of Tennessee)
and, if so, the nature of that conflict.

NOTE: Any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely
within the discretion of the State, and the State reserves
the right to cancel any award.
A.3. Provide a current bank reference indicating that the
Respondent maintains a satisfactory business
relationship with the financial institution. Such reference
must be written in the form of a standard business letter,
signed, and dated within the past thre e (3) months.
A.4. Provide at least one of the following financial documents
dated within the last three (3) months : (1) an official
document or letter from an accredited credit bureau,
indicating a satisfactory credit score for the Respondent
(NOTE: A credit bureau report number without the full
report is insufficient and will not be considered
responsive.); (2) income st atement, indicating the
Respondent’s financial operations; or (3) balance sheet,
showing the Respondent’s flow of funds.
Any documentation disclosing the amount of cash flows
from operating activities should be for the Respondent’s
most current operating period and must indicate whether
the cash flows are positive or negative. If the cash flows
are negative for the most recent operating period, the
documentation must include a detailed explanation of the
factors contributing to the negative cash flows.
NOTICE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities
that provide opinions regarding the Respondent’s
financial status must be properly licensed to render such
opinions. The State may require the Respondent to
submit proof of such licensure detailing the state of
licensure and licensure number for each person or entity
that renders the opinions.

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RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
A.5 Insurance, A valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) in the
amounts specified in section D.32 of the Pro Forma
Contract detailed in Attachment G shall be provided with
the Submission Response.
A.6. Provide one (1) set of Coverage Area maps (one for each
of the ninety -five Tennessee Counties, plus one (1)
Tennessee Statewide map, and one (1) US map
including all fifty (50) States). Coverage Area maps
should clearly indicate the Respondent’s direct coverage
as well as the Carrier’s roaming partner’s Coverage
Areas.
A.7. Provide documentation that demonstrates that the
Respondent has current revenues from digital cellular
and data services of two billion five hundred thousand
dollars annually ($2, 500,000,000.00)
A.8. Provide documentation that demonstrates that the
Respondent company operates the cellular network
deployed by the Company.
A.9. Provide documentation that demonstrates that the
Respondent has serviced at least three thousand ( 3,000)
Cellular Devices under any “Authorized User ”
governmental entity contract in the past three (3) years
A.10. Provide documentation that demonstrates that the
Respondent has, in the past three (3) years has had
contracts with at least seven (7) other governmental
entities for the similar services as those requested in this
RFQ.
A.11. The Technical Response shall not exceed one hundred
and fifty (150) pages in length (maps, graphs, charts,
and Business Solutions appended to the Catalog or
otherwise included as an appendix will not count against
this page limit.
A.12 Contractors employees and subcontractors supporting
this contract for technical , contractual , fulfillment, trouble

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RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
shooting, and invoicing/billing services are to be located
in the United States.
State Use – RFQ Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date:

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ATTACHMENT B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION B: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. The Respondent must address all
items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation as required
(referenced with the associated item references). The Respondent must also detail the response
page number for each item in the appropriate space below. Evaluation Team members will
independently evaluate and assign one score for all responses to Section B — General Qualifications
& Experien ce Items.
RESPONDENT
LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responde
nt
completes) Item
Ref. Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items
B.1. Detail the name, e -mail address, mailing address, telephone number, and
facsimile number, if applicable, of the person the State should contact
regarding the response.
B.2. Describe the Respondent’s form of business ( i.e., individual, sole proprietor,
corporation, non -profit corporation, partnership, limited liability company) and
business location (physical location or domicile).
B.3. Detail the number of years the Respondent has been in business.
B.4. Briefly describe how long the Respondent has been performing the goods or
services required by this RFQ.
B.5. Describe the Respondent’s number of employees, client base, and location of
offices.
B.6. Provide a statement of whether there have been any mergers, acquisitions, or
sales of the Respondent within the last ten (10) years. If so, include an
explanation providing relevant details.

B.7. Provide a statement of whether the Respondent or, to the Respondent's
knowledge, any of the Respondent’s employees, agents, independent
contractors, or subcontractors, proposed to provide work on a contract
pursuant to this RFQ, have been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo
contendere to any felony. If so, include an explanation providing relevant
details.

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ATTACHMENT B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION B: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. The Respondent must address all
items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation as required
(referenced with the associated item references). The Respondent must also detail the response
page number for each item in the appropriate space below. Evaluation Team members will
independently evaluate and assign one score for all responses to Section B — General Qualifications
& Experien ce Items.
RESPONDENT
LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responde
nt
completes) Item
Ref. Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items

B.8. Provide a statement of whether , in the last ten (10) years, the Respondent has
filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
or assignee for the benefit of creditors. If s o, include an explanation providing
relevant details.

B.9. Provide a statement of whether there is any material, pending litigation
against the Respondent that the Respondent should reasonably believe could
adversely affect its ability to meet contract requirements pursuant to this RFQ
or is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Respondent’s financial
condition. If such exists, list each separately, explain the relevant details, and
attach the opinion of counsel addressing whether and to what extent it would
impair the Respondent’s performance in a contract pursuant to this RFQ.
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal
opinions regarding the Respondent must be properly licensed to render such
opinions. The State may require the Respondent to submit proof of such
licensure detailing the state of licensure and licensure number for each person
or entity that renders such opinions.

B.10 . Provide a statement of whether there is any pending or in progress Securities
Exchange Commission investigations involving the Respondent. If such
exists, list each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion
of counsel addressing whether and to what extent it will impair the
Respondent’s pe rformance in a contract pursuant to this RFQ.
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal
opinions regarding the Respondent must be properly licensed to render such
opinions. The State may require the Respondent to submit pro of of such