proposal for modular aluminum walkway systems & ada compliant products & services

96 Pages·2017·5.88 MB·English

by  Lori Brooks

A DIVISION OF HOMECARE PRODUCTS, INC.
DUNS 14-440-5214
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N | ALGONA WA 98001-7408
1-888-573-0181

PROPOSAL FOR MODULAR ALUMINUM
WALKWAY SYSTEMS & ADA COMPLIANT
PRODUCTS & SERVICES

 EVALUATION FACTOR 1: Product & Services/Pricing (40 points)
 EVALUATION FACTOR 2: Ability to Provide and Perform the
Required Services for the Contract (25 points)
 EVALUATION FACTOR 3: References (10 points)
 EVALUATION FACTOR 4: Qualification and Experience (15 points)
 EVALUATION FACTOR 5: Value Added Services Description,
Products and/or Services (10 points)

REGION 14 EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER
#23-17

Delivered via FedEx NOV 13, 2017

Due Date
NOV 14, 2017 @ 2 p.m. Central Time
Region 14 Solicitation 23-17 Technical Proposal
National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance

LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION
(PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING 4 PAGES)
Proprietary
10 November 2017

Region 14 Education Service Center
1850 Highway 351
Abilene, Texas 79601

Dear Region 14 Education Service Center:

Homecare Products, Inc., dba EZ-ACCESS (“EZ-ACCESS”) is honored to submit the enclosed
proposal for Modular Aluminum Walkway Systems & ADA Compliant Products & Services in
response to solicitation 23-17 in furtherance of Region 14 Education Service Center’s (Region
14) mission to serve and support the more than 50,000 students in 42 school districts, 3
universities, 3 colleges, and 1 technical college. We share your passion for serving America’s
bright future.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD
We serve the modular aluminum walkway and ADA market in the educational, local, state,
and federal spaces in all 50 states. We have been manufacturing aluminum walkway systems
since 1991 and have successfully served the needs of school districts and colleges, private
enterprise, veterans, nonprofits, and private citizens. Based on the best public procurement
data, we hold a 52% market share in the government aluminum walkway market.
We have also recently signed a contract with Region 5 Education Service Center in Southeast
Texas and a large Utah school district to provide turn-key region and district-wide commercial
grade aluminum walkway systems. Universal safe access for all students, specifically those with
mobility needs, is a high priority for EZ-ACCESS.
Since 2003, we have provided over 65,000 patient mobility walkway and ramp systems through
General Services Administration (GSA) contracts with the Federal Government and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 21 regional Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)
locations. These walkways provide home access to veterans. We currently hold an exclusive
five-year VA contract for the entire West Region comprising 13 western states, and we expect
to win the Eastern Region as well. We have also held five (5) regional Blanket Purchasing
Agreements (BPAs) providing ramps throughout the VA Network. We are privileged to continue
to serve thousands of America’s Veterans.
Last year, we signed a large multi-year contract with the City of New York’s Board of Elections
to manufacture, distribute, and install code compliant voter access ramps at polling places in
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N • ALGONA WA 98001-7408 • 1-800-451-1903 • FAX [phone] • www.ezaccess.com
November 10, 2017
the five boroughs. This procurement resulted from a class action lawsuit by citizens petitioning
the city to open universal access to polling places. We are passionate about providing solutions
to government agencies and empowering all the people of New York to be able to reach their
polling stations and exercise their right to vote.
OUR APPROACH
Having provided modular aluminum walkway and ADA wheelchair access ramps to students,
veterans, and government agencies in every state and nearly every county across the nation for
more than 25 years, the EZ-ACCESS team has the leadership structure, customer service team,
project management software, manufacturing facilities, distribution channels, staging
terminals, and nationwide professional installation network of certified independent ramp
technicians in place to deliver excellence for every member and future member of Region 14.
As fully set forth in our proposal, EZ-ACCESS will utilize our coast-to-coast distribution network
to ensure timely fielding of all aluminum walkway systems. Our network includes our two
manufacturing plants and distribution centers (Washington and Kentucky) and primary
customer support center (Washington) in addition to more than 100 certified independent
ramp technicians strategically located across the entire United States. Our walkway systems
include a three-year warranty, securing the lasting confidence of both REGION 14 and your
member agencies.
Moreover, EZ-ACCESS understands Region 14 provides an invaluable service to its members by
allowing access to nationally leveraged pricing, at no cost to the members. Our pricing,
financial strength, broad array of products, passionate quality of service and product support,
nation-wide installation network, and depth of expertise demonstrate our capability to
perform all contract requirements and excel through our use of business analytics and keen
insight. Our competitive price, culture of excellence, and devotion to customer satisfaction
assures that we will meet and exceed Region 14's expectations for the next five years and
beyond.
READY NOW
In closing, we know Region 14 Education 'service Center seeks to engage an industry partner
with the tested experience, seasoned acumen, and established infrastructure to meet and
exceed all contract requirements throughout the life of the procurement; we will deliver an
exemplary solution that is on time, on budget, and on target for Region 14 and the thousands
of member agencies it serves. Thank you for the opportunity to submit our proposal for your
consideration. We look forward to serving you and your members.
Best regards,
·Deanne Sandvold
CEO & Owner
Homecare Products, Inc.
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N • ALGONA WA 98001-7408 • 1-800-451-1903 • FAX [phone] • www.ezaccess.com
10 November 2017

National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance
P.O. Box 701273
Houston, TX 77270

Dear National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance:

Homecare Products, Inc., dba EZ-ACCESS (“EZ-ACCESS”) is honored to submit the enclosed
proposal for Modular Aluminum Walkway Systems & ADA Compliant Products & Services in
response to solicitation 23-17 in furtherance of National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance’s
(NCPA) mission to “reduce the cost of goods and services by leveraging the purchasing power of
public agencies in all 50 states." We share your passion for serving government agencies with
the best products at the best price.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD
We serve the modular aluminum walkway and ADA market in the educational, local, state,
and federal spaces in all 50 states. We have been manufacturing aluminum walkway systems
since 1991 and have successfully served the needs of public agencies, private enterprise,
veterans, nonprofits, and private citizens. Based on the best public procurement data, we hold
a 52% market share in the government aluminum walkway market.
Since 2003, we have provided over 65,000 patient mobility walkway and ramp systems through
General Services Administration (GSA) contracts with the Federal Government and the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 21 regional Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)
locations. These walkways provide home access to veterans. We currently hold an exclusive
five-year VA contract for the entire West Region comprising 13 western states, and we expect
to win the Eastern Region as well. We have also held five (5) regional Blanket Purchasing
Agreements (BPAs) providing ramps throughout the VA Network. We are privileged to continue
to serve thousands of America’s Veterans.
We have also recently signed a contract for a collection of 80 public school districts in Texas and
a large Utah school district to provide turn-key district-wide commercial grade aluminum
walkway systems. Universal safe access for all students, specifically those with mobility needs,
is a high priority for EZ-ACCESS.
Last year, we signed a large multi-year contract with the City of New York’s Board of Elections
to manufacture, distribute, and install code compliant voter access ramps at polling places in
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N • ALGONA WA 98001-7408 • 1-800-451-1903 • FAX [phone] • www.ezaccess.com
November 10, 2017
the five boroughs. This procurement resulted from a class action lawsuit by citizens petitioning
the city to open universal access to polling places. We are passionate about empowering all the
people of New York to be able to reach their polling stations and exercise their right to vote.
OUR APPROACH
Having provided modular aluminum walkway and ADA wheelchair access ramps to students,
veterans, and government agencies in every state and nearly every county across the nation for
more than 25 years, the EZ-ACCESS team has the leadership structure, customer service team,
project management software, manufacturing facilities, distribution channels, staging
terminals, and nationwide professional installation network of certified independent ramp
technicians in place to deliver excellence for every member and future member of NCPA.
As fully set forth in our proposal, EZ-ACCESS will utilize our coast-to-coast distribution network
to ensure timely fielding of all aluminum walkway systems. Our network includes our two
manufacturing plants and distribution centers (Washington and. Kentucky) and primary
customer support center (Washington) in addition to more than 100 certified independent
ramp technicians strategically located across the entire United States. Our walkway systems
include a three-year warranty, securing the lasting confidence of both NCPA and your member
agencies.
Moreover, EZ-ACCESS understands NCPA provides an invaluable service to its members by
allowing access to nationally leveraged pricing, at no cost to the members. Our pricing,
financial strength, broad array of products, passionate quality of service and product support,
nation-wide installation network, and depth of expertise demonstrate our capability to
perform all contract requirements and excel through our use of business analytics and keen
insight. Our competitive price, culture of excellence, and devotion to customer satisfaction
assures that we will meet and exceed NCPA's expectations for the next five years and beyond.
READY NOW
In closing, we know National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance seeks to engage an industry
partner with the tested experience, seasoned acumen, and established infrastructure to meet
and exceed all contract requirements throughout the life of the procurement; we will deliver an
exemplary solution that is on time, on budget, and on target for NCPA and the thousands of
member agencies it serves. Thank you for the opportunity to submit our proposal for your
consideration. We look forward to serving you and your members.
Best regards,
Deanne Sandvold
CEO & Owner
Homecare Products, Inc.
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N • ALGONA WA 98001-7408 • 1-800-451-1903 • FAX [phone] • www.ezaccess.com
10 November 2017 EXCEPTIONS TO SOLICITATION #23-17

National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance
P.O. Box 701273
Houston, TX 77270

Dear National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance:

Homecare Products, Inc., dba EZ-ACCESS (“EZ-ACCESS”) respectfully raises the following exceptions to
the RFP documents, agreements, terms, and conditions presented in the 23-17 solicitation. Our
signature on all solicitation forms is made only if the exceptions listed herein are agreed to by NCPA and
Region 14 ESC.

 Page 7 calls for a “Best Price Guarantee” or the lowest price available and the pricing shall
remain so throughout the duration of the contract. We take exception and agree to only offer
the same price level as to other cooperative purchasing groups and educational, local, and state
agencies (such as U.S Communities, Region 5 ESC, a school district, etc.).
 Page 7 call for the vendor to “lower the cost of any product purchased through NCPA following a
reduction in the manufacturer…direct cost”. We take exception and only agree to the specific
prices contained in our bid response (see Tab 7).
 There is no mention of an economic price adjustment (EPA) as is customary for products
containing aluminum. The federal, local, and state agreements typically allow for an EPA once a
year if the national price level of aluminum changes. We take exception to the omission of an
EPA. If NCPA and Region 14 ESC, agree to our prior exceptions and find us to be a competent,
capable, and correctly priced vendor for this solicitation, then we require a standard EPA clause
be added to this contract allowing for an annual EPA price adjustment utilizing national
aluminum price indices; the first opportunity for an EPA adjustment shall be at the end of 2018
and each following year.

We are honored to submit our proposal; please take our aforementioned exceptions our careful
preparation for a long and mutually beneficial relationship between our organizations.

Best regards,

Deanne Sandvold
CEO & Owner
Homecare Products, Inc.
700 MILWAUKEE AVE N • ALGONA WA 98001-7408 • 1-800-451-1903 • FAX [phone] • www.ezaccess.com
Region 14 Solicitation 23-17 Technical Proposal
National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letters of Introduction
– Cover Letter to Region 14 Education Service Center
– Cover Letter to National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance
TAB 1 – Signature Form & Master Agreement, General Terms & Conditions
TAB 2 – NCPA Administration Agreement
TAB 3 – Vendor Questionnaire
TAB 4 – Vendor Profile
TAB 5 – Products & Service / Scope
– Product Catalog & Brochures
– Architectural Specifications
– Installation Description
TAB 6 – References (CONFIDENTIAL)
TAB 7 – Pricing
TAB 8 – Value Added Products & Services
TAB 9 – Required Documents
– Clean Air and Water Act & Debarment Notice
– Contractor Requirements
– Antitrust Certification Statements
– FEMA Standard Terms and Conditions Addendum for Contracts and Grants
– Ownership Disclosure Form
– Non-Collusion Affidavit
– Affirmative Action Affidavit
– Form AA302
– Mandatory Affirmative Action Language Procurement, Professional & Service Contracts
– C. 271 Political Contribution Disclosure Form
– State Notice Addendum
TAB 10 – Appendices
– Appendix A Customer Setup Form
– Appendix B Warranties
– Appendix C Wood vs. Aluminum
– Appendix D Woman Owned Small Business Letter
– Appendix E Case Study: Museum of Flight

Proprietary
Introduction / Scope
¨ Region 14 ESC on behalf of itself and all states, local governments, school districts, and higher
education institutions in the United States of America, and other government agencies and non-
profit organizations (herein “Public Agency” or collectively “Public Agencies”) is soliciting
proposals from qualified vendors to enter into a Master Agreement for a complete line of Modular
Aluminum Walkway Systems & ADA Compliant Products & Services.

¨ Region 14 ESC, as the lead public agency, has partnered with NCPA to make the resultant contract
available to all participating agencies in the United States. NCPA provides marketing and
administrative support for the awarded vendor that promotes the successful vendor’s products
and services to Public Agencies nationwide. The Vendor will execute the NCPA Administration
Agreement (Tab 2) upon award. Vendor should thoroughly review all documents and note any
exceptions to NCPA terms and conditions in their proposal.
¨ Awarded vendor(s) shall perform covered services under the terms of this agreement.
Respondents shall provide pricing based on a discount from their standard pricing schedules for
products and/or services offered. Respondents must provide explanation on how they will
provide either Catalog and/or price lists in their accompanying proposal. Please specify where
different percentage discounts apply. Additional pricing and/or discounts may be included.

¨ Each service proposed is to be priced separately with all ineligible items identified. Services may
be awarded to multiple vendors. Respondents may elect to limit their proposals to a single service
within any category, or multiple services within any and all categories.

¨ National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA)
Ø The National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (herein “NCPA”) assists public agencies to
increase their efficiency and reduce their costs when procuring goods and services. This is
accomplished by awarding competitively solicited contracts that are leveraged nationally
by combining the volumes and purchasing power of entities nationwide. Our contracts are
available for use by any entity that must comply with procurement laws and regulations.

¨ It is the intention of Region 14 ESC and NCPA to achieve the following objectives through this RFP.
Ø Provide a comprehensive competitively solicited Master Agreement offering Products and
Services to Public Agencies;
Ø Achieve cost savings of Vendors and Public Agencies through a single competitive
solicitation process that eliminates the need for multiple proposals;
Ø Combine the purchasing power of Public Agencies to achieve cost effective pricing;
Ø Reduce the administrative and overhead costs of Vendors and Public Agencies through
state of the art purchasing procedures.

¨ Vendor Scope

Ø It is the intention of Region 14 ESC to establish a contract with vendor(s) for Modular
Aluminum Walkway Systems & ADA Compliant Products & Services. Awarded
vendor(s) shall perform covered services under the terms of this agreement. Offerors
shall provide pricing based on a discount from a manufacturer’s or servicer’s price list or
catalog, or fixed price, or a combination of both with indefinite quantities. Additional
pricing and/or discounts may be included. If Offeror has existing cooperative contracts in
place, Offeror is requested to submit pricing equal to or better than those in place. Multiple
percentage discount structure is also acceptable. Please specify where different
percentage discounts apply.

Ø Each service proposed is to be priced separately with all ineligible items identified.
Services may be awarded to multiple vendors. Offerors may elect to limit their proposals
to a single service within any category, or multiple services within any or all categories.

Ø Each service proposed is to be priced separately with all ineligible items identified.
Services may be awarded to multiple vendors. Offerors may elect to limit their proposals
to a single service within any category, or multiple services within any or all categories.

Ø Region 14 ESC is seeking a service provider that has the depth, breadth and quality of
resources necessary to complete all phases of this contract. In addition, NCPA also
requests any value add commodity or service that could be provided under this contract.

Ø While this solicitation specifically covers Modular Aluminum Walkway Systems & ADA
Compliant Products & Services, respondents are encouraged to submit an offering on
any and all products or services available that they currently perform in their normal
course of business.

Ø Responder(s) shall establish a bundle of service delivery solutions to be structured &
supported within their strategically targeted national network.

Ø All work shall be in accordance with the current ANSI A17.1 code and meet ASME Code A
17.12007/CSA B44-07, ASME Code A 17.3-2002, ASME Code A 18.1-2005, and ASCE Code
(This is a requirement of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.) All work
should also conform to any additional relevant codes and regulations.

Ø Each discipline proposed is to be priced separately with all ineligible items identified.
Disciplines may be awarded to multiple vendors. Offerors may elect to limit their
proposals to a single discipline within any category, or multiple disciplines within any or
all categories.

Ø The initial term of the contract will be for 1 year with 4 annual renewals. It should be
noted that maintenance service agreements may be issued for up to 5 years under this
contract even if the contract only lasts for the initial term of the contract. NCPA will
monitor any maintenance agreements for the term of the agreement provided they are
signed prior to the termination or expiration of this contract.