Request for Proposal for Laboratory Information Management ... · Request for Proposal for...

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), of 57

Request for Proposal for Laboratory Information Management System


Section I NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

1.0 Notice of Request for Proposal

Greenville Water is seeking proposals from experienced Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) vendors for the purpose of replacing the existing LIMS. As a result of this Request for Proposals (RFP), Greenville Water expects to receive and evaluate responses, select a single vendor and enter into an agreement for implementation of the LIMS, including support and maintenance. The RFP provides a list of required services, general information, instructions for submitting responses, and vendor selection procedures.

1.1 RFP Timeline Name of the Proposal Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Date of Issuance Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Deadlines for Questions Wednesday, June 17, 2015 1:00 PM EDT Deadline for Proposal Submittal Friday June 26, 2015 1:00 PM EDT Submit Proposal to: Greenville Water

50 Pleasant Retreat Road Travelers Rest, SC 29690 Laboratory Manager Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Method of Submittal US Mail, Overnight Delivery or In Person Electronic and fax Proposals are not acceptable Contact Person, Title Jeffrey Czarnecki – Laboratory Manager E-mail address [email protected] 1.2 Greenville Water reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality in proposals if such waiver does not substantially change the offer or provide a competitive advantage to any Company. 1.3 Greenville Water is not responsible for delays occasioned by any means of delivery employed by the Proposer. Similarly, Greenville Water is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses that are received on or after the time stated above. Late proposals will be retained in the RFP file, unopened. No responsibility will be attached to any person for premature opening of a proposal not properly identified. 1.4 Proposals will be opened on Monday, June 29, 2015 9:00 AM EDT at the Stovall Water Treatment Plant located at 50 Pleasant Retreat Road, Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690. Proposals will be evaluated promptly after opening. Notification will be sent via


email to all companies who submitted a proposal. Proposal results will not be given over the phone. 1.5 One (1) original, seven (7) copies, and one (1) electronic version of all Proposal documents shall be submitted in sealed packages. The electronic version is preferred as a single PDF file, although a PDF of the proposal items and an Excel version of the Requirements Matrix will be accepted. Any responses received in any other format may be rejected. The Proposer’s name and address should be marked on the outside of the envelope/package. Facsimile transmittals or offers communicated by telephone will not be accepted or considered. Proposal information that is not submitted in sealed packages will not be considered. 1.6 Proposals shall be printed on 8-1/2” X 11” recycled paper, printed using both sides, and

include a cover letter using a font size no smaller than 11 point and one inch margins. 1.7 Contact Mr. Jeff Czarnecki ([email protected]) for electronic copies of the

required reports to be developed as part of the proposal. The cost of development of these reports should be included in Cost Proposal 2 in Attachment C.


2.0 A company representative who is authorized to bind the company will sign on behalf of the company to indicate to Greenville Water that you have read, understand and will comply with the instructions and all terms and conditions stated in this Request for Proposal and all attachments. Greenville Water reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to accept in whole or in part, the proposal, which, in the judgment of the proposal evaluators, is the most responsive and responsible proposal. 2.1 A Certificate of Insurance must be on file and approved by Greenville Water before this project can begin. All companies are required to submit a Certificate of Insurance with the proposal (see page 53), which details the exact requirements of Greenville Water. 2.2 This Request for Proposal does not commit Greenville Water to make an award, nor will Greenville Water pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals, or costs incurred in making necessary studies for the preparation of proposals 2.3 Proposers are encouraged to keep proposals concise and to the point. Elaborate brochures are not needed. 2.4 Proposals shall include a table of contents and each page shall be sequentially numbered in the lower left hand corner. 2.5 Exceptions to Contract Documents – The Proposer shall clearly state in the submitted proposal any exceptions to, or deviations from, the minimum proposal requirements, and any exceptions to the terms and conditions of this RFP. Such exceptions or deviations will be considered in evaluating the proposals. Proposers are cautioned that exceptions taken to this RFP may cause their proposals to be rejected. 2.6 Incomplete Information – Failure to complete or provide any of the information requested in this Request for Proposal, including references, and/or additional information as indicated, may result in disqualification by reason of “non responsiveness”. 2.7 No responsibility will be attached to any person for premature opening of a proposal not properly identified. 2.8 A pricing sheet (see Attachment C) is provided and shall be included at the end of the

proposal summarizing the cost of the following information:

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) • Installation & Setup • Handheld & Other Mobile Devices • Instrument Interfacing • Bar Coding

Section II INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS


• Report Generation (DMR, MOR, Bacteriological, etc.) • Onsite Training • One Year Warranty (parts, labor, & travel) • Annual Support Costs • Manufacturer’s Discount • Other Costs Note: Service contract options are to be included for Greenville Water’s review and are not to be part of the purchase price.


3.0 Agreement Forms 3.0.1 If a Proposer intends to request that Greenville Water enters into any agreement form in connection with the award of this contract, the form must be submitted with the proposal for review by Greenville Water’s legal counsel during the evaluation of the proposals. If such agreement requires payments be remitted to other than the Proposer, the Proposer shall indicate the name and address of the firm to whom Proposer would request payments to be made, and the firm’s relationship to the Proposer. 3.0.2 Proposers are advised that in the event any such agreement contradicts Greenville Water’s requirements, the proposal may be rejected due to the contradiction unless Proposer indicated deletion of such clauses. If agreement form indicated a firm other than the Proposer is contractor, vendor, or payee, the proposed contractor, vendor or payee must also indicate concurrence with the deletion of such clauses. 3.0.3 If no agreement form is included with the proposal, no such form will be approved by Greenville Water during the evaluation or award processes, or following award of contract. If the proposal does not indicate the proposed contractor, vendor, or payee to be a person or company other than the Proposer, (1) only the Proposer will be considered as Contractor and (2) payments will be made only to the Proposer to whom the contract is awarded. 3.0.4 Greenville Water will in no case agree to terms not submitted for review with proposals. 3.1 Payment Terms and Invoice Submittal 3.1.1 Payment terms for services authorized under this agreement shall be net forty - five (45) days upon receipt of an original invoice and after services are performed, inspected and accepted and all required reports received in a format acceptable to Greenville Water. 3.1.2 Greenville Water may withhold payment for reasons including, but not limited to the following: unsatisfactory job performance or progress, defective work, disputed work, failure to comply with material provisions of the contract, third party claims filed or reasonable evidence that a claim will be filed or other reasonable cause.

Section III SPECIAL TERMS AN CONDITIONS


3.2 Ownership of Documents 3.2.1 All reports, documents, information, presentations, and other materials prepared by the Contractor in connection with this Agreement are Greenville Water’s sole property in which the Contractor has no proprietary or other rights or interests. All reports, documents, information, and any materials or equipment furnished to the Contractor by Greenville Water shall remain the sole property of Greenville Water and, except for the Contractor’s limited possession for the purpose of carrying out this Agreement, shall be returned to Greenville Water at the conclusion of this Agreement. Nothing written in this paragraph, however, will be interpreted to forbid the Contractor from retaining a single copy of information for its files. 3.3 Formal LIMS Demonstrations A formal demonstration may be scheduled after the RFP’s receive date of June 15, 2015, and a thorough review of the RFP package. Greenville Water’s purchasing department will assess and determine if the RFP package submitted is complete and meets all of the requirements. Following the review of proposals, the LIMS Selection Committee will select 3 vendors to perform formal demonstrations of their product based on a script developed by the Selection Committee. The formal demonstrations must be done at Greenville Water’s Travelers Rest location at Greenville Water’s convenience. Additionally, negotiations may be conducted with selected Vendor(s) until such time as Greenville Water determines that the best value for Greenville Water has been obtained.

3.4 Qualifications and References

The vendor must provide a written list of five (5) privately owned businesses or preferably, public agencies (including contact names and telephone numbers) to whom the vendor has sold a similar LIMS within the past five (5) years.

3.5 Computer Hardware and Configuration Greenville Water's preference is for a server/web-client system that is client cross

platform compatible to the most common platforms. The server must be able to run on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 bit) as a virtualized server on a Hyper-V system. SQL is preferred as the database management system (DBMS) and SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is the preferred report generating application. The system must be able to import and export in CSV, XLS, XLSX, PDF, and other common file formats. The system must be fully functional in a Windows environment.


4.0 Purpose of this Request for Proposal

Greenville Water is requesting proposals to solicit offers from experienced Laboratory Information System (“LIMS”) vendors for the purpose of replacing the City’s existing LIMS (LABWORKS). As a result of this Request for Proposal (RFP), Greenville Water expects to receive and evaluate responses, select vendors for onsite interviews, and select a single vendor with which to enter into a contract for the implementation of a LIMS, including support and maintenance.

The selected vendor will develop and document a plan to accomplish the above-

described replacement. Following acceptance of said plan and authorization to proceed, the selected vendor will develop and deliver the agreed-upon LIMS solution, with the agreed-upon historical data converted to a format compatible with the new LIMS. The selected vendor will be required to provide training to users and support staff and to provide ongoing support for the LIMS.

Greenville Water makes no express or implied warranties whatsoever that any

particular quantity or dollar amount of products will be procured. The remaining sections of this RFP provide a list of desired services, general information, instructions for submitting responses, and vendor selection procedures.

4.1 Background

The Water Resources Laboratory located in Travelers Rest, South Carolina provides environmental analytical services and technical support for the Water Resources Department, other Greenville Water departments, the residents of Greenville County, wholesale water customers of Greenville Water and State and Federal agencies. The name and physical location for the Laboratory is:

Water Resources Laboratory 50 Pleasant Retreat Road Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690 Telephone (864) 241-7838 Fax (864) 241-7860

The staffing level for Greenville Water’s Laboratory in FY2014 was approximately 12. The division staff consists of a laboratory manager, distribution water quality coordinator, 3 laboratory technicians and 6 distribution water quality technicians. In addition to the laboratory located in Travelers Rest, there is another laboratory located in Six Mile, South Carolina approximately 45 miles from the Travelers Rest laboratory. The laboratory in Six Mile has 1 laboratory technician. Greenville Water also has 2 water treatment plants located in Travelers Rest and Six Mile South Carolina.

Section IV TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS


The treatment plant in Travelers Rest employs 17 operators and the treatment plant in Six Mile employs 15 operators. The treatment plants are staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. The selected LIMS must be able to be accessed from anywhere within Greenville Water’s network. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Office of Laboratory Certification accredits the laboratory through their State Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.

The laboratory in Travelers Rest is the primary area for processing analytical work. The laboratory is divided into the following main sections: inorganics, metals, microbiology, sample receipt/sample management and operations.

The selected LIMS solution must fully support Greenville Water’s laboratory accreditation process. The Vendor must engage Greenville Water as a business partner, not only as a software provider, and take on a long-term understanding of the business processes with qualified business process expertise under the support arrangement. It is necessary for the vendor to carefully evaluate configuration options, so they do not constrain the laboratory in potential long-term growth.

4.2 Submittals should include, but are not limited to, the proposal itself followed by Attachments A, B, C, D, and E. NOTE: Proposers should consider first completing the Requirements Matrix, Attachment A, and if any portion of the following information is fully represented there, simply include a cross reference in the proposal to the item number in the matrix that contains the relevant information.

The proposal itself should adhere to the following format (failure to adhere to

this format and proposal order will result in loss of points in Company Qualifications, Adherence to Requirements, or both) and include:

4.2.1 Cover Letter

One or two page introduction, and signed statement of commitment to the RFP requirements.

4.2.2 Description of the Company

Provide a description of the proposing company, including, but not limited to:

• Years in business • Changes in ownership • The LIMS product evolution


• Financial standing (including a current Financial Statement, duly notarized, and prepared by a licensed Certified Public Accountant)

• Number of dedicated LIMS employees and contractors • List of water/wastewater clients (emphasize South Carolina

clients, if any) • Percent of sales to water/wastewater clients in the previous three

years • Number and list of “other-than-water/wastewater” clients

(emphasize South Carolina clients) • Number and list of clients receiving certification through a state

certification program or any other certification program. • Any contracts canceled for convenience or cause in the previous

five years • Activities and actions by the company that demonstrate long-term

commitment and support for water/wastewater clients • Track record for on-time LIMS installation & implementation

4.2.3 Project Understanding

In this section, demonstrate an understanding of the project, with relevant assumptions and dependencies, including onsite space and network requirements for implementation staff and Greenville Water staff requirements during each phase of the scope of work.

4.2.4 Project Personnel

Include an organizational chart of the proposed implementation team, (employees and contractors by name and function) indicating their availability and working addresses. Please clearly distinguish if proposed members are employees or contractors, and indicate their direct experience implementing the proposed solution. Experience that is relevant to water and/or wastewater utilities should be emphasized.

4.2.5 Project Dedication

Please provide a breakdown of percentage of time each team member will be dedicated to this project. For each phase of implementation, indicate time and function requirements and expectations for Greenville Water personnel.

4.2.6 Related Experience of Vendor Firm

Provide a description of current and past work experience (minimum of three (3), maximum of eight (8)) performed on projects of a similar nature and size that would substantiate the qualifications of the vendor firm for the work specified in the scope of work. Include contactable references


for all projects. Water and wastewater industry projects and contacts are preferred.

4.2.7 Project Schedule and Implementation Work Plan

A project schedule (relative to the Notice to Proceed) shall be furnished by the proposer showing the personnel engaged in each task, the deliverables, and the significant completion dates (days after contract start, not specific dates) for the major tasks of the project. Appropriate review periods should be indicated, as specified in Section 5.5 (Scope of Services and Work Schedule). An overview of the project schedule should be illustrated in a Gantt chart. Include any anticipated risks, negative or positive, and proposed response strategies. Include the Proposer’s perception of the degree of Greenville Water participation required to complete the tasks in the Scope of Work, and when each task involving Greenville Water participants should be completed. The Implementation Work plan should be a task-based elaboration that is fully represented as the Scope of Services and Schedule, to include, at a minimum:

• Project kickoff meeting; • Project management coordination with Greenville Water’s

laboratory manager and IT manager, resource planning, assignment of roles and responsibilities, etc. It should also include a thorough discussion as to what the process is for Change Management, how deviations in schedule and cost are communicated to Greenville Water (e.g., is there a sign-off for changes), and how the Vendor will manage the human aspects of business process changes due to the new LIMS.

• Communication planning for all stakeholders • System configuration and stakeholder reviews • Interface planning and development for instruments and systems • Data migration activities (13 years of data, all LABWORKS data).

Vendor to analyze data and provide full direction as to how to best cleanse data to fit Vendor data structure (Vendor will not clean data) and execute migration.

• Report development • User and System Acceptance Test planning, including Final

System Acceptance signoff followed by a 1 year warranty period • Planning for parallel operation during the warranty period • Training • Go-Live assistance • Support subsequent to warranty period


Please note: In preparation of the project work plan, schedule, and resource commitments, a practical approach and realistic projection of timing is of primary importance. In addition, clearly identify where each work activity will take place (e.g., on/off-site, via remote connection, etc.)

4.2.8 Attachment A: Requirements Matrix

All Requirements Matrix items should be addressed in detail by the Proposer to give Greenville Water an idea as to how the proposed LIMS will fit the business needs. Proposers should feel free to expand columns or otherwise alter the format of the Requirements Matrix to best facilitate their response. The Requirements Matrix should also be included in electronic format on the submittal CD.

4.2.9 Attachment B: Resumes of Proposed Implementation Team

The Proposer should provide brief resumes of all individuals proposed as part of the Implementation Team in the Work Plan. All resumes should follow the same brief format. The team resumes should also be included in electronic format on the submittal CD.

4.2.10 Attachment C: Cost of Services

Proposers should thoroughly complete Attachment C in the format provided. Detail may be added as necessary. As part of Attachment C, the Proposer should include a proposed Payment Schedule. The Cost of Services and Payment Schedule should also be included in electronic format on the submittal CD.

4.2.11 Attachment D: Additional Considerations

Proposers should include additional items or differentiating factors not addressed in the RFP, either in the proposal or Attachment A, that are considered essential for the successful completion of the project.


5.0 Award shall be made to the Proposer submitting the most responsible and responsive

proposal which offers the greatest value to Greenville Water with regard to the criteria detailed and specifications set forth herein. Greenville Water may select a proposer based on an “all or none” proposal, on individual responses, or as otherwise deemed to be in the best interest of Greenville Water. Greenville Water shall be the sole judge of whether the LIMS proposed by the vendor meets the specific needs of Greenville Water.

5.0.1 If the evaluation team determines that all the proposals received should be rejected, the Proposers shall be notified by the Purchasing Administrator accordingly. At that point, Greenville Water may, or may not, re-solicit the project. 5.1 Proposal Evaluation Criteria – A LIMS Selection Committee will review the proposals.

The criteria to be used in determining best value for Greenville Water includes, but is not limited to:

Company Qualifications 20 Points

Price 20 Points

Project Approach 10 Points

Adherence to Requirements 40 Points

Project Understanding 10 Points 5.2 Financial terms will not be the sole determining factor in the award. To determine the award Greenville Water will use a proposal evaluation method that will enable them to award a contract to the Proposer offering services and experience that represents the best overall value to Greenville Water. 5.3 Proposal Evaluation Procedures – Proposals will be evaluated individually by the LIMS Section Committee using the “Proposal Evaluation Criteria” as listed above. 5.3.1 Team members will evaluate each proposal based on their experience and judgment of how well the proposal addresses Greenville Water’s requirements. Each prospective company is assured that any proposal submitted will be evaluated independently using the best available information and without any foregone conclusions. 5.3.2 Consideration will also be given to written clarification provided during the evaluation process and input from staff or other persons judged to have useful expertise that should be considered in a responsible, fair assessment of the relative merits of each proposal.

Section V METHOD OF EVALUATION


5.3.3 The team may arrange demonstrations and/or conference calls with representatives of the companies whose proposals are deemed to be within the “competitive range.” The purpose shall be for the clarification of any aspect of the proposal that is deemed to have a material bearing on arriving at a fair determination of which proposal offers the best overall value.

5.3.4 Following the review of Proposals, the Selection Committee will select 3 vendors to perform formal demonstrations of their product based on a script developed by the Selection Committee. The formal demonstrations must be done at Greenville Water’s Travelers Rest location at Greenville Water’s convenience. Additionally, negotiations may be conducted with selected Vendor(s) until such time as Greenville Water determines that the best value for Greenville Water has been obtained.

5.4 A Proposer’s submission of a proposal constitutes its acceptance of this evaluation technique and its recognition and acceptance that subjective judgments will be used by the evaluators in the evaluation.

5.5 The Scope of Services and Work Schedule should at minimum account for all aspects of the items to be included in the Implementation Work Plan, as listed in Section 4.2.7 (Project Schedule and Implementation Work Plan) above, which outlines the principle elements of the scope and implementation anticipated by Greenville Water from the point of contract forward. Greenville Water expects the Proposer to apply its experience and industry-wide knowledge of a LIMS operating in the water/wastewater arena to propose best-fit implementation, execution, and support plans for the LIMS, in full coordination and cooperation with Greenville Water’s Laboratory Manager and Information Technology Department.

5.5.1 Greenville Water’s Laboratory Manager shall coordinate and co-manage the work of this contract with the Vendor PM. Greenville Water’s Laboratory Manager shall identify key Greenville Water staff to participate in the work described by the Vendor in the final Scope of Services and Schedule. The Vendor PM shall be responsible for conducting activities appropriate for the project in accordance with the Project Management Plan and all related plans, as detailed in the Implementation Work Plan items in Section 4.2.7 of this Proposal and Attachment A.

5.5.2 The Vendor PM shall participate in a project initiation meeting with Greenville Water’s Laboratory Manager within ten days of receiving the Notice to Proceed. Based on final adjustments agreed upon during this meeting, the Vendor PM shall then submit a final written work breakdown plan and schedule and begin work as agreed. As the project progresses, the Vendor PM or appropriate designees shall participate in the following required progress updates:


• Weekly Progress Meeting with written progress report (30 minute teleconference)

• Monthly Onsite Progress Meeting • Two (2) Onsite Milestone “Executive Briefings” (presentation)

5.6 Greenville Water is committed to providing:

• A Project Manager – Laboratory Manager • Project Stakeholders • An IT Coordinator for all IT issues, installations, and connections • Work group representation for all lab sections • Onsite work space and appropriate system access • Timely review of written deliverables • Assistance in data cleansing for historical data migration purposes • Training facilities, maximum of 10 participants per session • Electronic copies of relevant data and other documents • Verification of database licensing • System, network, and physical access to be determined


ATTACHMENT A – REQUIREMENTS MATRIX (Refer to and modify the separate “Requirements Matrix” file)

Greenville Water recommends that the requested descriptions and appropriate elaboration of the Requirements Matrix be completed before completing the balance of the RFP response, and that where other sections of the RFP duplicate information already contained in the Matrix, the Proposer should simply reference the Matrix location for that information.

SECTION CATEGORY AND

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LIMS REQUIREMENTS NOT Included

PROPOSED LIMS

DESCRIPTION

NOTES ―► TO RESPONDERS:

Proposers are requested to make an entry for each line-item requirement in Column E. The response may vary from "Standard LIMS Functionality", if the responder believes no further description is necessary, to a full-detail response should the responder believe the proposed system's functionality requires clarification or somehow stands out from competing products. The responder may utilize the first line of each section ("GENERAL RESPONSE") to address the entire section with a single description. This is at the proposer's discretion; however each line-item requirement should either be addressed within the General Response or individually in Column E. Should the requirement not be met by the proposed LIMS, an indicator should be placed in Column D and a description provided in Column E.

A Vendor Information about the proposing Vendor is requested in the RFP's "Proposal" Section.

B System Infrastructure The proposing vendor is expected to provide all necessary information

regarding hardware, software, and database licensing subject to this section:

B-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section as noted on line 2.

B-2 The system must be able to run on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64 bit). Describe any potential issues.

B-3 Provide a server specification including space requirements. Note: the vendor is required to provide a quote for hardware in Cost Proposal 1 - System Cost.

B-4 Greenville Water prefers MS SQL Server database platform. Please specify the preferred database (including versions), and explain the rationale of the database choice.

B-5 The system must operate in a Hyper-V Virtualization environment. Describe any potential issues.



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B-6 Specify the proposed LIMS architecture configuration by description and drawing (e.g., n-tier client-server, thin-client/web-enabled). No formal requirement is set forth in terms of architecture as long as it best meets the needs of Greenville Water.

B-7 Provide high-level details on the architecture of the proposed configuration, including the availability of API's, web services, and similar open architectures enabling expansion, custom reporting, and interfacing to the LIMS (such description should include a listing and discussion of available web services).

B-8 The system must be compatible with MS Exchange Server 2007 (for sending automated alerts, etc.) and use SMTP service. Greenville Water will not allow use of POP3 or IMAP services.

B-9 Describe the minimum requirements for the desktop/laptop/tablet configurations to use the proposed LIMS system.

B-10 Describe any experience or problems encountered with incompatible hardware, operating, server configurations, Microsoft Office or similar issues of which Greenville Water should be aware of regarding the related infrastructure.

B-11 Describe the software products and/or tools utilized in development of the LIMS.

B-12 Describe the ability of the system to allow for active directory integration.

B-12a What CMS (Content Management System) is used to develop the system.

B-12b Describe procedures to import data from an existing LIMS system



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B-12c Describe details and file formats of how to export/import data to/from the system.

B-13 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any System Infrastructure considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

C General System C-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

C-2 Provide an overview, introduction, and history of the proposed LIMS as it pertains to general system usage, differentiating features, and other relevant details.

C-3 The intended system must be a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) system; supply the following information:

C-3a Number of installations following a versioning path C-3b Other information indicating a mature COTS system C-4 Describe the system development plan and/or

commitments to future releases, including a description of known feature, function, and/or architecture enhancements.

C-5 Describe the upgrade plan (i.e., Are upgrades required to maintain support? What notice is given and what upgrade paths are offered when a version approaches retirement? When is a version no longer supported, etc?). Also include the method of communication to inform the client an upgrade has been sent.

C-6 Describe the user interface, focusing on such items as the menu structure, screen layout, etc.

C-7 Describe the LIMS sample tracking ability beginning with the sample request and tracking the sample through log-in, analysis, quality assurance, review and approval.



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C-8 Explain any other nomenclature associated with the proposed system (e.g., location, project, etc.).

C-9 Describe any event triggering available in the system and how such events are designated, added, amended, or deleted by a user or system administrator. The following are required at minimum: automated e-mails based on limit exceedance, upcoming hold times for samples in the holding area to one or multiple recipients.

C-10 Describe the degree of configurability of the proposed system by a trained administrator. Include items such as ability to add/create user defined data fields, changing screen labels, etc.

C-10a More specifically, describe the ability to modify screen labels for the limit terminology (e.g., MDL/LOD). Furthermore, describe the ability for reports to utilize the specified terminology.

C-11 Describe any third party software proposed. Include details on products, version, intended usage, and licensing.

C-12 Describe any modules, spreadsheets, web tools, or other water/wastewater-specific applications that assist in the electronic capture of data (e.g., Excel Reporter, MPN Calculator, Greenville Water PO4 Spreadsheet, SCADA, etc.).

C-13 Describe the proposed system's document management/attachment capabilities, including the methodology used to attach/assign documents to any record in the database. Include discussion on where documents or files are stored and managed (e.g., within the database or as external references).

C-14 Describe the LIMS ability to allow multiple record entry/review on a single screen.



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C-15 Describe the number and type of user-definable fields available.

C-16 Describe the ability of the system to interface with ArcGIS to map water quality in the distribution system.

C-17 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any General System considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

D Sample Requests and Scheduling D-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

D-2 Describe the proposed system's overall scheduling capabilities. Include such items as routine/standard sampling, laboratory management (e.g., inventory, training, work management, etc.). Note: Only laboratory personnel will interact with sample scheduling tasks.

D-3 Describe the available methods for sample request/scheduling (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, "2nd Tuesday", "Every other Monday", etc.).

D-4 Describe the proposed system's ability to schedule/assign tasks to individuals or sections within the laboratory.

D-5 Describe the proposed system's ability to alter (i.e., prioritize, change dates, etc.) the stated/standard schedule and the process for flagging samples or analyses that are not received or executed.

D-6 Describe the LIMS ability to store information in the database concerning the sample's origination or collection point, the ability to record biographical data such as the project number, due date, sample priority, and pertinent sample splitting or field preparation details.



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D-7 Describe the LIMS schedule review capabilities (e.g., calendar format) and the ability to review past, present, and future sample requests.

D-8 Describe the LIMS ability to assign analyses to sample locations during login.

D-9 Describe the user selectable filtering criteria available within the scheduling element of the proposed system (e.g., filter by Project Manager/Staff Member/Requesting Department/External Customer).

D-10 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Sample Requests and Scheduling considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

E Sample Identification E-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

E-2 Information on sampling sites will be stored in the LIMS. The minimum data elements which will be stored are: site ID, description, time, location and sampling frequency. Describe the LIMS basic sample identification method including sample ID and associated parameters. Include discussion on the automated creation of sample ID and when such ID is generated (e.g., upon receipt, during scheduling, etc.). Describe if system will be able to continue with Greenville Water’s current sample identification format (i.e. AA000001).

E-3 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Sample Identification considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.



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F Sample Receiving F-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

F-2 Describe how the proposed system handles the receiving of scheduled samples. Note: Greenville Water is considering utilizing barcode labels for scheduled samples; however, please describe the receiving process for both bar-coded and hand-written labels.

F-3 Describe the LIMS sample manual log-in function to accommodate ad-hoc requests such as customer complaints.

F-4 Describe the LIMS multiple sample log-in function. This function shall allow a batch of similar samples to be logged in one operation, assigning unique sample identifications to each sample, and duplicating common fields for each sample in the batch. Individual samples must then be modifiable at the user’s discretion.

F-5 Describe the proposed system's ability to capture the following receiving data items as samples arrive at the laboratory:

F-5a Date and time of receipt F-5b Location of sample F-5c Time of sample collection (Need Start Time and End

Time for Composite samples)

F-5d Sample identification code F-5e Unusual sample conditions F-5f Tests requested F-5g Field test results F-5h Project ID F-5i Sample Receipt Temperature and pH F-5j Sample Splitting



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F-5k Sampler name(s) F-5l Comments F-5m User-definable Fields (e.g., identify the need for chain

of custody document to be further reviewed).

F-5n Chain of custody information (including the linking of scanned images).

F-5o Please describe and/or list additional data fields that can be captured during sample receiving.

F-6 Describe the LIMS ability to add, store, associate, or delete sample information as appropriate (e.g. sample preparation, tests, holding time, storage requirements, type, time limits, etc.).

F-7 Describe the proposed system's ability to allow authorized users to modify tests or procedures assigned to logged in samples without modifying the standard procedures and test assignments.

F-8 Describe the LIMS ability to associate sample holding times with each sample based on its sampling time to produce maximum holding time/date(s) based on sample types and tests required.

F-9 Describe the system's ability to change ownership of a sample to either an individual or lab section. Include discussion of the LIMS' ability to either "push" samples to an individual/section or have the individual/section "pull" the sample to their ownership.

F-10 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Sample Receiving considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

G Chain of Custody G-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section



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as noted on line 2. G-2 Describe the LIMS process for handling chain of custody

documents (i.e., when are they created, how are they linked to a sample/barcode label, etc.).

G-3 Describe the system's ability to create a chain of custody for samples that arrive without supporting documentation.

G-4 Describe the LIMS ability to link scanned chain of custody documents to samples.

G-5 Describe the system's ability to allow certain departments to print chain of custody documents at their location.

G-6 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Chain of Custody considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

H Sample Analysis and Tracking H-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

H-2 Describe the LIMS ability to provide methods for monitoring sample status throughout the sample life-cycle. Sample status codes shall automatically be assigned and updated by the system based on events or transactions occurring.

H-3 Describe the LIMS ability to allow users to record and track field data results.

H-4 Describe the process for assigning analysts (e.g., at schedule creation time, based on method certification, etc.) and the ability to alter this assignment based on actual work performed.

H-5 Describe the ability of the system to allow for assignment of tests and/or bottles to multiple analysts or lab sections (e.g., if sample was sub-sampled into multiple bottles, the



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bottle could have the need for analysis in multiple lab sections).

H-6 Describe the ability of the LIMS to track the physical location and designated "owner" of each bottle in the laboratory, including overnight refrigerator storage.

H-7 There may be more than one bottle collected for a single sample. Describe how the system provides the ability to run tests from different bottles that are the same sample.

H-8 Describe the LIMS ability to provide an online review of results versus stated limits and/or boundaries.

H-9 Describe the number of configurable limit sets assignable to a test (e.g. high/low, regulatory compliance, operational standards, watershed protection standards, detection limits).

H-10 Describe the LIMS ability to generate work lists using various filter criteria (e.g., laboratory section, analyst, customer, etc.).

H-11 Identify and describe the proposed system's assignment of work tasks, including the automatic assignment of tasks as well as due dates, holding times, etc.

H-12 Describe the LIMS ability to allow users to configure data entry screens.

H-13 Describe the LIMS ability to provide method references. H-14 Describe the LIMS ability to provide linking or embedding

objects in association with samples and analyses.

H-15 Describe the overall handling and assignment of data qualifiers, including the following:

H-15a User options for calculations made with qualified data; H-15b The ability to record text result values such as Present,

Absent, No Result, Not Run, <, or >.



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H-15c The capability to correctly handle all special result values in mathematical computations (including sums, averages and log average, etc.).

H-15d The ability to define in advance how special result values will be handled in calculations. Note: qualifiers may be handled differently based on the sample type, customer, laboratory section, etc. (e.g., "<" may indicate use of MDL for Pretreatment but indicate "zero" result for Code Compliance).

H-15e The ability to define unique sample qualifier codes indicating special circumstances or conditions may apply to the test result (e.g., multiple analysts executed test, etc.).

H-16 Describe the LIMS ability to provide information associated with sample analysis such as dilutions, sample prep, etc.

H-17 Describe the LIMS performance of typical environmental calculations and statistical analysis.

H-18 Describe the LIMS library of statistical calculations. H-19 Describe the LIMS allowance for the creation of a

customized library of statistical functions/calculations/definitions.

H-20 Describe the method for establishing calculations (e.g., excel format, native to the software) and ability to utilize a calculation wizard or similar.

H-21 Describe the LIMS ability to provide the entry of test results in multiple formats, including (at a minimum):

H-21a All results from one test performed on many samples. H-21b All results from many tests performed on one sample. H-21c All results from one test performed on one sample. H-22 Describe the LIMS ability for Greenville Water users

outside the lab to view sample status.



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H-23 Describe the assignment and configurability of significant figures; also defining number of digits after the decimal point and usage in calculations.

H-24 Describe the LIMS ability to provide comment fields attached to analytical results.

H-25 Describe the alerts and notifications available to users for such items as limit exceedances, overdue items, low inventory, etc.

H-26 Describe how the LIMS handles missing/blank sample analyses. Include missing or uncollected samples, incomplete tests within samples, and the process/need for flagging the same.

H-27 Describe the proposed system's ability to support calculations based on the results of multiple analyses.

H-28 Describe how the proposed system handles re-testing and/or the direct editing of test result values or correction factors and how the system audits the changes made.

H-28a Describe how the above process changes if such data has already been approved.

H-29 Describe how the LIMS ensures analysts who lack certification and/or whose certification/training for a given test/method has expired are prohibited from entering results.

H-30 Describe any annotation available to designate a test result as questionable.

H-31 Describe the LIMS ability to import external / 3rd party analysis (e.g., from contract laboratories). Please specify formats.

H-32 Describe the LIMS ability to assign specifications by analyses and location.



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H-33 Describe the LIMS ability to create single component (i.e. pH) and multiple component analyses (i.e. Method 524.2).

H-34 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Sample Analysis and Tracking considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

I QA/QC I-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

I-2 Describe the proposed system's ability to provide the storage and tracking of auditing information associated with samples, tests, and other analytical information retained within the LIMS. At minimum this should include such items as "last user", "last updated", replicate/re-test number, changed value, and associated comment for any changed or altered data.

I-3 Describe the LIMS ability to create, assign, and track all QA/QC tasks (e.g., duplicates, spikes, reference checks, calibration standards, blanks, etc.).

I-4 Describe any differences between the entry and maintenance of QC test results versus standard sampling results.

I-5 Describe the proposed system's creation of QC codes. I-6 Describe the LIMS ability to provide control charts

including user-selectable data sets, exclusion of outlying data points, and optional automatic updating of control limits.

I-7 Describe the LIMS ability to provide instant communication to an analyst of QA acceptance or data reliability.



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I-8 Describe the LIMS ability to provide assessment and reporting of broad, long-term measures of QA performance (completeness, precision, accuracy, etc.).

I-9 Describe the LIMS QA/QC functionality and reporting capability for sample batch.

I-10 Describe the LIMS ability to provide troubleshooting diaries.

I-11 Describe the system's ability to provide QA/QC templates (reference libraries, calculations, codes, etc.).

I-12 Describe the LIMS ability to provide a mandatory comment field on updated records.

I-13 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any QA/QC considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

J Data Validation and Approval J-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

J-2 Describe the ability of the proposed system, at a minimum, to maintain two levels of data validation for an individual test.

J-3 Describe the LIMS ability to allow for validation/approval by a number of filter criteria (e.g., analyst, test, location, batch, etc.).

J-4 Should a sample have items in multiple batches, all batches shall be validated before the samples status becomes "Reportable" (or similar status). Please describe the LIMS ability to meet this requirement.

J-5 Describe the LIMS ability to create test replicates without deletion of invalid tests.

J-6 Describe the LIMS notification process for those samples that are awaiting approval.



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J-7 Describe the LIMS ability to flag results that are questionable by control charts even if results are valid and pass QA/QC.

J-8 Describe the ability for an analyst to flag results in the LIMS that are questionable even if results are valid and pass QA/QC.

J-9 Describe the LIMS ability to provide validation criteria information related to location (i.e., ability to establish location-specific limits).

J-10 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Data Validation and Approval considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

K Laboratory Management and Standards K-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

K-2 Describe the LIMS ability to provide online inventory of chemicals, reagent inventories, and supplies and the ability to record expiration dates. Please describe the method used to add inventory to the system, as well as whether or not the system has the ability to automatically decrement inventory based on sample runs.

K-3 Describe the LIMS ability to track preventive and standard maintenance on instruments and alert staff when maintenance is required.

K-4 Describe the LIMS ability to maintain document attachments for items such as, but not limited to: SOPs, contract lab reports, customer complaints, QA plans, maps, monitoring schedules, etc.

K-5 Describe the LIMS ability to provide work assignment features for planning and scheduling the laboratory's



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workload. These features shall take into account:

K-5a Sample priority K-5b Maximum valid holding time K-5c Sample age K-5d Due date K-6 Describe the LIMS ability to track certifications and

training including renewal criteria/dates.

K-7 Describe the ability of the LIMS to track Lab Accreditation and Certification records such as proficiency testing results, safety training certifications, and approval status for each method.

K-8 Describe the ability of the LIMS to track reagent-calibration standardization.

K-9 Describe the proposed system's existing testing methods library (i.e. EPA methods, Standard Methods, etc.)

K-10 Describe the ability of the LIMS to track the actions taken to ensure bottles received in a lot meet specifications.

K-11 Describe the ability of the LIMS to track sample results by location.

K-12 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Laboratory Management and Standards considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

L Reporting and Data Export L-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

L-2 Please explain the Vendor's experience with South Carolina regulatory reporting for water and wastewater, including electronic or otherwise.



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L-3 Please indicate Vendor's experience/compliance with the EPA Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) programs and procedures.

L-4 Describe any inherent system ad-hoc reporting functionality including the ability to export query results to third party software (i.e., Excel, Database Applications, MP2, ArcGIS, etc.). Description should include discussion on ability to save and share reports and to establish filters (e.g., saving the report template but allowing users to select specific criteria).

L-5 Describe any inherent system functionality which enables/facilitates cross-source reporting (e.g., comparative analyses on different sampling locations).

L-6 Describe any inherent system graphing functionality. L-7 Describe the trending and statistical analysis capabilities

of the proposed LIMS.

L-8 Describe the use or reliance on any third party ad-hoc reporting tools (e.g., SQL Server Report Services, Crystal Reports) for standard or non-standard reporting.

L-9 The following reports are required to be included in the proposed system. The vendor must provide a minimum 10 days of report development in addition to the time necessary to complete those listed below. Samples of these reports can be obtained from Greenville Water as described in Section 1.7.

L-9a Main Line Sterilization Report L-9b Bacteriological Report to SCDHEC L-9c Customer Complaint Report L-9d Stovall Plant DMR L-9e Adkins Plant DMR L-9f Exception Report



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L-9g Chain of Custody Report L-9h Monthly TOC Removal Report L-9i Analysis Completed Reports L-9g Stovall Plant MOR L-9k Water Quality Report L-9r Adkins Plant MOR L-10 Provide a list of any "standard" reports to be supplied with

the system. These reports may include those of an operational (e.g., analyses reporting), management (e.g., QA reporting, overdue analyses), transactional (e.g., audit trail) and/or general system nature.

L-11 Describe the users' ability to restrict, segregate, or include the publication/reporting of raw (i.e., unapproved) data. If unapproved data is utilized in a report, describe the LIMS ability to denote the same visually on the report.

L-12 Describe the method and process for affixing electronic signature to records, reports, and documents.

L-13 Any report sent must have the Greenville Water logo. Please describe the ability of the LIMS to allow for logo insertion.

L-14 Describe the ability of users to create and use their own search criteria and reports.

L-15 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Reporting and Data Export considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

M Instrument Interfaces M-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.



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M-2 Provide an overview and description of the methodology and general process utilized to interface instruments to the proposed LIMS.

M-3 Please state whether the proposed system has previously interfaced with the instruments listed below. (Please indicate the cost associated with each instrument interface in the Attachment C, "Cost Proposal" sheet.)

M-3a One (1) Perkin Elmer Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrophotometer

M-3b One (1) Metrohm Ion Chromatograph M-3c One (1) Dionex Ion Chromatograph M-3d One (1) ManSci Autotitrator M-3e Two (2) DR6000 Spectrophotometers M-3f One (1) Ohaus MB45 Moisture Analyzer M-4 Describe any additional/peripheral equipment required to

support the proposed instrument interfaces.

M-5 Describe any third party software utilized in the interfacing of instruments and the basic functionality/benefits of each.

M-6 Describe the ability of the system to allow users to select the data to use from instrument analysis files. There may be more than one set of data and the user needs the ability to choose which is to be utilized.

M-7 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Instrument Interfaces considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

N Handheld or Other Mobile Devices N-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.



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N-2 Provide a specification for handheld or other mobile devices that may be used in LIMS data gathering. Such specification(s) should be based on the Proposer's experience in delivering the same in a working environment. Greenville Water would use handheld devices for field data collection. Note: Recommended handheld devices should be quoted in Attachment C, "Cost Proposal".

N-3 Describe the Proposer's experience with mobile data collection. Provide details on processes (e.g., synchronization, online availability, failure recovery, off-line capabilities, etc.) used in hand-held utilization.

N-4 For mobile devices, the LIMS should provide a configurable data entry form and offer a bi-directional interface for such items as schedule download and automated upload of collected data. Please explain the proposed system's method of achieving this result.

N-5 Describe the Proposer's recommended mobile field unit recommendation for collecting sampling date and time, pH, total chlorine, turbidity and temperature in the field. Describe how the mobile field unit collects sampling date and time for samples not analyzed in the field.

N-6 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Handheld Devices considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

O Bar-Coding O-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.



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O-2 Provide an overview of the use of bar code label printing and scanning, and provide a recommendation on how best to incorporate this functionality into a lab's operations. Include such items as the configurability of labels, handling of sample split tracking, integration with sample schedules, ad-hoc production, etc.

O-3 Provide a recommendation for bar code scanners, printers, software, and any other hardware necessary to implement bar coding within Greenville Water. Note: Recommended bar code devices should be quoted in Attachment C, "Cost Proposal".

O-4 If third party products are used, describe the degree of integration with the core solution and any supplemental training needed to operate the software.

O-5 Describe the proposed system's ability to integrate bar coded labels with established sample schedules so as to affix printed labels to bottles in advance.

O-6 Describe the LIMS ability to generate and read bar codes for identification, utilization on labels, chain of custody documents, and data entry purposes.

O-7 Describe the system's ability to allow certain departments to print bottle labels at their location.

O-8 Describe the ability to re-print a label, even if part of a larger batch.

O-9 Describe the ability to print ad-hoc labels as in the case of a walk-in sample.

O-10 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any barcode/labeling considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.



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P Training and Documentation P-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

P-2 Greenville Water has facilities to accommodate training up to 10 people at a time. Describe the approach and curriculum for each of the classes listed below, including number of days, necessary skills of attendees, etc. (those identified should be considered the minimum requirement), and any others you recommend.

P-2a End-user training classes (Greenville Water will have approximately 45 participants for this session)

P-2b Separate System Administrator training classes for IT Administrator and Laboratory Manager.

P-2c Separate report training depending on the method of reporting proposed: How to write reports within the LIMS--from data to report.

P-2d Follow-up training onsite within 30-90 days; explain how system proficiency is ensured after the follow-up training.

P-3 Describe the proposed system's training materials (e.g., video, online/CD training, workbooks) to enable future end users to learn the system without need of formal classroom based training. Note: Offering a "train-the-trainer" curriculum is not sufficient for meeting this requirement.

P-4 Describe any third party training necessary for use of the proposed system (e.g., Crystal Reports).

P-5 All training must be provided at Greenville Water facilities. Designate any costs not covered in this proposal (e.g., travel by Greenville Water, and/or any assumptions on available facilities and equipment.)



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P-6 Describe the proposed LIMS documentation, including all system administration guides, technical reference guides, training materials, end-user manuals, and report development guides.

P-7 Describe all online help and documentation, including search capabilities, context sensitive searching, etc.

P-8 Describe database documentation available, including entity relationship diagrams, table structures and definitions, and other associated elements.

P-9 List any third party documentation to be delivered (e.g., Crystal Reports, hardware manuals, label printing guides, etc.)

P-10 Describe any regular user conferences or user group seminars sponsored by the vendor.

P-11 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Training and Documentation considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential methodologies.

Q System Support Q-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

Q-2 Describe the process by which the LIMS software will remain compatible with the OS and Database versions as they progress.

Q-3 Describe the ability to provide the following minimum support items:

Q-3a The system should be provided with telephone and online support during standard business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST). If the vendor's standard support hours fall outside of this time frame, describe the process that



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will be used to support Greenville Water. Q-3b Response time of issues should be within 4 business

hours.

Q-3c The system should be provided with annual upgrades and "bug" fixes as required.

Q-3d All upgrades or system patches must be provided with full documentation concerning the nature of the change and the process for its installation.

Q-3e Phone support must be available during the installation of any issued upgrade/patch.

Q-4 Describe support procedures for incidents occurring outside normal business hours and/or emergency/critical situations.

Q-5 Describe the process for system updates such that no content, links, configuration settings, files, etc. are abandoned.

Q-6 Provide a statement guaranteeing future compatibility and "seamless" upgrade assuming an annual support agreement is maintained.

Q-7 Describe any additional support functions offered as part of the proposed system (e.g., off-hours support availability).

Q-8 Describe, with examples, the prioritization of support calls and the intended response time for resolution of each level of priority.

Q-9 Fully describe the path for support issue escalation. Q-10 Indicate the duration of continued maintenance and

support for superseded releases.

Q-11 Describe any annual roadmap sessions available to communicate near-term functionality upgrades to clients.



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Q-12 Provide the cost difference between standard business hour support and 24x7 support if available.

Q-13 Describe any activities offered to ease the transition from implementation to support.

Q-14 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any System Support considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

R Data Archival and Backup R-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

R-2 Describe any data archival utility feature including timing and frequency of archival, record selection and retention (e.g., by date, sample number, etc.), restore options, etc.

R-3 Is the LIMS provided with an inherent backup utility or does the system rely on the backup systems and processes of the operating environment (i.e., server and operating system)? Describe the functionality and/or the vendor's recommendation with respect to other tools/options for backup and/or archival.

R-4 Describe the proposed system's ability to retrieve archived data for inclusion in reports for example. Include any 'restore' functionality and/or any limitation on the recall of such data.

R-5 Describe the ability to purge data from the system after a specified amount of time.

R-6 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Data Archival and Backup considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.



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S Security S-1 GENERAL RESPONSE / DESCRIPTION for this section

as noted on line 2.

S-2 The LIMS system shall provide security features to ensure that only authorized individuals enter, view and modify data. Describe how the system integrates with Active Directory. Describe the security features of the proposed system, covering items such as system login, user validation (username/password), user groups, establishing privileges, etc.

S-3 Describe the ability of the system to allow for complex passwords and forced expiration of passwords.

S-4 Describe the ability for the LIMS to allow restriction for: S-4a Individual screens S-4b Menus S-4c Tables S-4d Reports S-4e Quality control functions S-4f Other (please specify) S-5 Describe the auditing information (e.g., last user, last

updated) stored with each non-sample database record (e.g., inventory) including any user definable options for the same.

S-6 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any Security considerations not called out in this section that are deemed important differentiators or essential functionality.

T Other Requirements T-1 Elaborate appropriately and succinctly any other

requirements not called out in this document and are deemed important differentiators, essential functionality, or contributing methodologies.


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ATTACHMENT B - LIMS IMPLEMENTATION TEAM RESUMES

Submitted proposals must include brief resumes of the Proposer’s LIMS implementation project team, employees, and contractors. NOTE: The proposed project manager must be committed throughout the project and be available for the initial interview prior to selection.


ATTACHMENT C – COST PROPOSAL Submitted proposals should include, but are not limited to, the following information. Greenville Water seeks firm prices for the products and services outlined in Section 4.2.7 (Implementation Work Plan items) and Section 5.5 (Scope of Services and Work Schedule). As part of Attachment C, the Proposer should include a proposed Payment Schedule. The Cost of Services and Payment Schedule should also be included in electronic format on the submittal CD. Further granularity within the sections below is encouraged to indicate EXACTLY what is included in the quoted price. The Proposer assumes all liabilities with respect to any ambiguity in presentation of cost. Note: Greenville Water does not wish for the Proposer to include its own quotation format. The vendor must submit the following cost proposals in the format shown on the following pages: Specify terms and conditions for site licenses, delivery, payment, and other applicable goods and services. Prices must be in effect for two (2) years after the Notice to Proceed date, including freight charges, taxes, and any other delivery costs incurred and installation, and are on a not to exceed basis.

1. Cost Proposal 1: Core System Costs Explain any necessary customization for mandatory Greenville Water requirements Cost them out separately

2. Cost Proposal 2: Summary Cost by Activity

3. Cost Proposal 3: Annual Maintenance Support Costs

4. Cost Proposal 4: Other Contract Costs


COST PROPOSAL 1 - SYSTEM COST List all software cost being proposed including one-time cost. Indicate product number when applicable for product line. SOFTWARE NAME AND DESCRIPTION (list software name, description, version no. and purpose)

PRODUCT NUMBER

QTY UNIT COST

TOTAL COST

WARRANTY PERIOD

Licenses for LIMS. Please note version and any limitation or restrictions. Please base pricing on 5 concurrent users. Please note Greenville Water prefers concurrent licensing if available.

Additional Licensing required for establishment of a LIMS test environment.

Any third party software/hardware required to meet the stated functionality. Please note licensing registrations (number and type).

Licenses for Instrument Interfaces. Please provide a cost for each instrument listed in the requirements matrix.

Server hardware, as recommended in the Requirements Matrix.

Other products required to meet the RFP requirements. Please list and explain.

Modifications proposed including any third-party software/hardware to meet the RFP requirements.

COST PROPOSAL 1 TOTAL


COST PROPOSAL 2 - SUMMARY COST BY ACTIVITY ACTIVITY VENDOR

HOURS VENDOR PERSONNEL COST

VENDOR EXPENSES

TOTAL COST

Project management, quality assurance, or other administrative services.

Implementation services as described in proposal. Include all elements of delivery such as installation, configuration, instrument interface services, acceptance testing, etc., with the following five items separate:

• Report Development. Indicate number of reports proposed. (Minimum of those named reports in requirements matrix, plus 10 additional days).

• Data Migration (All LABWORKS Data: 2003 - Present)

• System Interfaces • Documentation • Training. Indicate number of

days per class and number of hours per day below:

System Administrator/Technical End-User Optional: Other, please specify_____

Modifications necessary to meet the stated functionality.

Other services required to meet the RFP requirements. Please explain.

COST PROPOSAL 2 SUBTOTAL

Travel and Related Expenses • A not-to-exceed estimate should

be provided. Greenville Water will not accept “as incurred” or similar response. (Note: Vendor should indicate the total number of trips and days onsite proposed).



COST PROPOSAL 3 - ANNUAL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT CONTRACT COST

The vendor must submit an itemized listing of each component in the maintenance support contract. Specify proposed terms of the maintenance cost. The vendor must also describe in detail the annual percentage charged for maintenance based upon each cost item. The cost item must also be defined. Provide cost figured for annual maintenance and future releases. Describe when the maintenance will become effective. MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AND DESCRIPTION ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

COST

Annual support for one year; support to commence after 1 year warranty period following formal system acceptance. Also include, if available, the cost for 24x7 support.

Pricing for any additional support services as per the requirements matrix (Attachment A). Please list by line item.

Training after first year (i.e. System Administrator and Report Writing).



COST PROPOSAL 4 – OTHER CONTRACT COSTS The following items will need to be specified for future use by Greenville Water and may be incorporated as part of the final contract. COST ACTIVITY COST Per hour cost for custom programming and/or requested enhancements.

Per day cost of on-site, non-maintenance related activity. Include all expenses.

Cost of additional user/seat licenses. Also include options for enterprise licensing.

Please note any cost incurred for an addition database instance to be used for testing/development.

Future annual support. Please note any escalators.


The undersigned certifies that the proposed LIMS will satisfy all elements and requirements of the related RFP.

Proposer Name:_______________________________________________________________

Signature:____________________________________________________________________

Title:________________________________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________________________________


ATTACHMENT D – ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Proposers should include additional items or differentiating factors not addressed in the RFP, either in the proposal or Attachment A, that are considered essential for the successful completion of the project.


6.0 Financial Proposal: This portion of the Company’s proposal shall include ONLY the proposed cost. Contractor shall provide detailed cost breakdowns for all equipment, hardware and software to provide for a complete, functional system. Contractor shall provide a separate price for ongoing services. 6.1 Non-Financial Proposal: This portion of the proposal may be organized in a format determined by the Proposer, but should include all materials of the proposal relating to the equipment and service proposed, specifications, requirements, warranty, service plan and other information of a non-financial nature. Also include in this portion an implementation schedule detailing all key project milestones in a timeline form that clearly indicates the start and completion of all events necessary to accomplish the scope of this proposal.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS PROPOSAL Proposers shall submit one (1) original, seven (7) copies and 1 electronic version of their proposal and include the following:

Item

Page

□ Financial Proposal and Signature Page 51 □ Certificate of Insurance 53

Section VI FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL PROPOSAL


All freight, packaging, delivery fees, and training charges must be included in the price.

FOB Point, in terms of loss or damage, is Destination Pricing for LIMS Software: Lump sum amount (hardware, software, installation) $_________________________ Lead time for delivery and installation, calendar days __________________________ The undersigned proposer, having examined these documents and having full knowledge of the condition under which the work described herein must be performed, hereby proposes that she/he will fulfill the obligations contained herein in accordance with all instructions, terms, conditions, and specifications set forth; and that she/he will furnish all required products/services and pay all incidental costs in strict conformity with these documents, for the stated prices as payment in full. Submitting Firm: _________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________ State: __________ Zip: _______________ Phone: ____________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________ Authorized Representative (Print)____________________ Title:____________________________ Authorized Signature: ________________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ E-mail: _____________________________________________ FIRM PRICING Offered pricing shall remain firm for a minimum of two (2) years after the due date of this solicitation unless indicated otherwise. Accepted prices shall remain firm for the duration of the contract. ADDENDA (It is the Proposer’s responsibility to check for issuance of any addenda) The above-signed hereby acknowledges receipt of the following addenda: Addenda Number___________ Date:_____________________ QUICK PAY DISCOUNT If you provide a discount for quick payment please state the terms: ________________________

Section VII FINANCIAL PROPOSAL AND SIGNATURE PAGE


VENDOR, at its own expense, shall procure and maintain during the entire term of this Agreement and any extensions thereof, the following insurance so as to cover all risk which shall arise directly or indirectly from VENDOR’S obligation and activities. 1. Workers Compensation and Employers Liability Insurance meeting the requirements of the South Carolina Workers Compensation Law covering all the VENDOR’S employees carrying out the work involved in this contract. 2. General Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damage. As a minimum, coverage for Premises, Operations, Products and Completed Operations shall be included. This coverage shall protect the public or any person from injury or property damages sustained by reason of the VENDOR or its employees carrying out the work involved in this contract. 3. Automobile Liability Insurance with either a combined limit of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damage without sub-limits or split limits of at least $1,000,000 for Bodily Injury per person per occurrence and $1,000,000 for Property Damage per occurrence. Coverage shall include all owned, hired, and non-owned motor vehicles used in the performance of this contract by the VENDOR or its employees. 4. Professional Liability Insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence covering all work performed by the CONSULTANT, its employees, subcontractors, or independent contractors. If this coverage is written on a claim made policy form, the certificate of insurance must clearly state coverage is claims made and coverage must remain in effect for at least two years after final payment with the CONSULTANT continuing to furnish GREENVILLE WATER certificates of insurance. Subcontractors: In the case of any work sublet, the VENDOR shall require subcontractors and independent contractors working under the direction of either the VENDOR or a subcontractor to carry and maintain the same workers compensation and liability insurance required of the VENDOR. Qualifying Insurance: Policies shall be issued by insurers authorized to do business in the State of South Carolina and currently having an A.M. Best Rating of B+ or better. All policies shall be occurrence form. If Professional Liability coverage is written on a claims made policy form, the certificate of insurance must clearly state coverage is claims made and coverage must remain in effect for at least two years after final payment with the CONSULTANT continuing to furnish GREENVILLE WATER with certificates of insurance. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for deductibles and self-insured retentions in the CONSULTANTS insurance policies. Additional Insured: GREENVILLE WATER, its officers and employees shall be named as additional insured’s on the VENDOR’s, subcontractor’s, and independent contractor’s general

Section VIII INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS


and automobile liability insurance policies and certificates of insurance. This provision does not apply to workers compensation insurance and professional liability insurance. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 1. The Description area of the certificate should state: Greenville Water, its officers and

employees are named as additional insured’s. List Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) as the scope of services the certificate covers.

2. The minimum liability limits required by GREENVILLE WATER are: $1,000,000. This must be occurrence form liability coverage. 3. The following address must appear in the Certificate Holder section: Greenville Water Purchasing Administrator 407 West Broad Street Greenville, SC 29601 Certificates may be sent by e-mail to ([email protected]), mail or delivery to the attention of Jeff Czarnecki. A certificate of insurance must be provided to GREENVILLE WATER prior to the execution of this agreement.


1. PROPOSAL RESULTS AVAILABILITY – Proposals will be evaluated promptly after opening. NO PROPOSAL RESULTS WILL BE GIVEN OUT OVER THE TELEPHONE. After award, notification will be sent to all companies who submitted a proposal or returned a Statement of No Proposal. No Proposal may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) calendar days of the Proposal Opening date. 2. PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS – No proposal shall be accepted from, and no contract will be awarded to, any person, firm, or corporation that is in arrears to Greenville Water upon debt or contract, that is a defaulter, as surety or otherwise, upon any obligation to Greenville Water or that is deemed irresponsible or unreliable by Greenville Water. If requested, Proposers shall be required to submit satisfactory evidence that they have a practical knowledge of the particular supply/service proposal and that they have the necessary financial resources to provide the proposed supply/service as described in the included Technical Specifications. 3. PROPOSAL FORM - Each Proposer must submit an original Proposal and additional copies as required on the forms attached. The Proposer shall sign his/her Proposal correctly, and the Proposal may be rejected if it shows any omissions, alterations of the form, additions not called for in the Proposal, or any irregularities of any kind. In case of a discrepancy between the unit price and the extended price, the unit price shall prevail. 4. SPECIFICATION DEVIATIONS BY THE PROPOSER/OFFEROR – Any deviation from this specification MUST be noted in detail, and submitted in writing on the Proposal Form. Completed specifications should be attached for any substitutions offered, or when amplifications are desirable or necessary. The absence of the specification deviation statement and accompanying specifications will hold the Proposer strictly accountable to the specifications as written herein. Failure to submit this document of specification deviation, if applicable, shall be grounds for rejection of the item when offered for delivery. If specifications or descriptive papers are submitted wit h Proposals, the Proposer’s name should be clearly shown on each document. 5. PROPOSER/OFFEROR REPRESENTATION – Each Proposer must sign the Proposal with his/her signature and shall give his/her full business address on the form provided in this Proposal. 6. COLLUSIVE PROPOSAL – The Proposer certifies that the proposal submitted by said Proposer is done so without any previous understanding, agreement or connection with any person, firm or corporation making a proposal for the same contract, without prior knowledge of competitive prices, and it is, in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud or otherwise illegal action. 7. SPECIFICATION CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS – All changes in Proposal documents shall be through written addendum and furnished to all Proposers. Verbal information otherwise will NOT be considered in awarding of Proposals. 8. PROPOSAL CHANGES – Proposals, amendments thereto, or withdrawal requests received after the time advertised for Proposal Opening, will be void regardless of when they were mailed. 9. HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT – The Contractor agrees to protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Greenville Water and their officers and employees from any and all claims and damages of every kind and nature made, rendered or arise, occur, or grow out of any acts, actions, work or other activity done by the Contractor, its employees, subcontractors or any independent contractors working under the direction of either the Contractor or subcontractor in the performance of this contract. 10. ACCELERATED PAY DISCOUNTS – Accelerated discounts should be so stated on your Signature Page. If quick pay discounts are offered, Greenville Water reserves the right to include that discount as a part of the award criteria. Prices proposal or proposed must, however, be based upon payment in forty-five (45) days after

Section IX GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS


receipt, inspection and acceptance. In all cases, quick pay discounts will be calculated from the date of the invoice or the date of acceptance, whichever is later. 11. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS – Purchases under this contract beyond the end of the current fiscal year are contingent upon the appropriation of funds for such purposes during the ensuing fiscal year(s). 12. PROPOSAL REJECTION OR PARTIAL ACCEPTANCE – Greenville Water reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals. Greenville Water further reserves the right to waive technicalities and formalities in Proposals, as well as to accept in whole or in part such Proposals where it is deemed advisable in protection of the best interest of Greenville Water. 13. PROPOSAL CURRENCY/LANGUAGE – All proposal prices shall be shown in US Dollars ($). All prices must remain firm for the duration of the current contract regardless of the exchange rate. All proposal responses must be submitted in English. 14. PAYMENTS – Payments will be made for all goods/services delivered, inspected and accepted within 45 days and on receipt of an original conforming invoice. 15. MODIFICATION, ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATIONS – Any apparent inconsistencies, or any matter requiring explanation or interpretation, must be inquired into by the Proposer in writing at least 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to the time set for the Proposal Opening. Any and all such interpretations or modifications will be in the form of written addenda. All addenda shall become part of the contract documents and shall be acknowledged and dated on the Signature Page. 16. LAWS AND REGULATIONS – All applicable State of South Carolina and federal laws, ordinances, licenses and regulations of a governmental body having jurisdiction shall apply to the award throughout as the case may be, and are incorporated here by reference. 17. SUBCONTRACTING – No portion of this Proposal may be subcontracted without the prior written approval by Greenville Water. 18. TELEGRAPHIC/ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL – Telegraphic and/or proposal offers sent by electronic devices (e.g. facsimile machines) are not acceptable and will be rejected upon receipt. Proposing firms will be expected to allow adequate time for delivery of their proposal either by airfreight, postal service, or other means. 19. MISCELLANEOUS – Greenville Water reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or parts thereof. Greenville Water reserves the right to inspect Supplier’s facilities prior to the award of this proposal. Greenville Water reserves the right to negotiate optional items with the successful Proposer. 20. MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT – No modifications of award shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by Greenville Water. 21. CANCELLATION – Either party may cancel the award in the event that a petition, either voluntary or involuntarily, is filed to declare the other party bankrupt or insolvent or in the event that such party makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors. 22. PATENT GUARANTEE – Proposer shall, with respect to any device or composition of Proposer’s design or Proposer’s standard manufacture, indemnify and hold harmless Greenville Water, its officers, employees, and agents, from costs and damages as finally determined by any court of competent jurisdiction for infringement of any United States Letters Patent by reason of the sale of normal use of such device or composition, provided that Proposer is promptly notified of all such actual or potential infringement suits, and is given an opportunity to participate in the defense thereof by Greenville Water. 23. TERMINATION OF AWARD FOR CAUSE – If through any cause, the successful Proposer shall fail to fulfill in a timely and proper manner its obligations or if the successful Supplier shall violate any of the covenants, agreements or stipulations of the award, Greenville Water shall thereupon have the right to terminate the award


by giving written notice to the successful Proposer of such termination and specifying the effective date of termination. In that event, and as of the time notice is given by Greenville Water, all finished or unfinished services, reports or other materials prepared by the successful Proposer shall, at the option of Greenville Water become its property, and the successful Proposer shall be entitled to receive compensation for any satisfactory work completed, prepared documents or materials as furnished. Notwithstanding the above, the successful Supplier shall not be relieved of liability to Greenville Water for damages sustained by Greenville Water by virtue of breach of the award by the successful Supplier and Greenville Water may withhold any payments to the successful Supplier for the purpose of set off until such time as the exact amount of damages due Greenville Water from the successful Supplier is determined. 24. TERMINATION OF AWARD FOR CONVENIENCE – Greenville Water may terminate the award at any time by giving written notice to the successful Supplier of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof, at least thirty (30) working days before the effective date of such termination. In that event, all finished or unfinished services, reports, material(s) prepared or furnished by the successful Proposer under the award shall at the option of Greenville Water, become its property. If the award is terminated due to the fault of the successful Proposer, termination of award for cause relative to termination shall apply. If the award is terminated by Greenville Water as provided herein, the successful Supplier will be paid an amount as of the time notice is given by Greenville Water which bears the same ratio to the total compensation as the services actually performed or material furnished bear to the total services/materials the successful Proposer covered by the award, less payments or compensation previously made. 25. FORCE MAJEURE – For the purpose hereof, force majeure shall be any of the following events: acts of God or the public enemy; compliance with any order, rule, regulation, decree, or request of any governmental authority or agency or person purporting to act therefore; acts of war, public disorder, rebellion, terrorism, or sabotage, floods, hurricanes, or other storms; strikes or labor disputes; or any other cause, whether or not of the class or kind specifically named or referred to herein, not within the reasonable control of the party affected. A delay in or failure of performance of either party shall not constitute a default hereunder nor be the basis for, or give rise to, any claim for damages, if and to the extent such delay or failure is caused by force majeure. The party who is prevented from performing by force majeure (i) shall be obligated, within a period not to exceed fourteen (14) days after the occurrence or detection of any such event, to give notice to the other party setting forth in reasonable detail the nature thereof and the anticipated extent of the delay, and (ii) shall remedy such cause as soon as reasonably possible. 26. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS BY SHIPMENT – Shipment of all or any portion of the goods covered by any order placed shall be deemed an acceptance of the proposal upon the terms and prices set forth herein. 27. ASSIGNMENT – Proposer shall not assign this order or any monies due hereunder without the prior written consent of Greenville Water. Any assignment or attempt at assignment made without such consent of Greenville Water shall be void. 28. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – The successful firm agrees not to refuse to hire, discharge, promote, or to otherwise discriminate in matters of compensation against any person otherwise qualified solely because of race, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry or physical handicap. 29. SPECIFIC DELIVERY SCHEDULE – For purposes of this proposal and subsequent awards, Greenville Water holiday closures are typically New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Marin Luther King, Jr Holiday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day following, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Deliveries generally will not be accepted on those dates. Notice of late delivery arrival should be made no more than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the originally

scheduled time. Otherwise, Greenville Water may not be available to facilitate the receiving and the shipment will be returned to the shipper or its originating point.

30. TIME PERIOD – Prices are to be honored for the time period stated in the Proposer’s Signature Page.


31. EXTENSION – Any or all of the awards made as a result of the Request for Proposal may be extended for an additional period of time, up to one year, if mutually agreed between the parties.

32. FREIGHT – Those charges are to be included in the quoted price of these materials, rather than as a separate

item unless otherwise noted. 33. FOB POINT- In terms of loss or damage, as well as where title to the goods is passed, FOB – Destination shall be

specified. 34. METHOD OF AWARD/QUOTING – Greenville Water reserves the right to make awards based on the entire

proposal or on an individual basis. However if proposals are offered on an “all or none” condition, Greenville Water may consider the proposal non-responsive and reject the entire proposal.

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