RFQ NO. 2016-R0006
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Government Relations Professional -College of DuPage
For The Board of Trustees
AT
COLLEGE of DuPAGE
COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT NO. 502
Issue Date: July 9, 2015
RFQ Response Deadline: July 29, 2015, 2:00 PM
DELIVER PROPOSALS TO:
COLLEGE of DuPAGE
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
BID/PROPOSAL BOX
BERG INSTRUCTIONAL CENTER (“BIC”) ROOM 1540
425 FAWELL BLVD.
GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS 60137
ISSUED BY THE
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Request for Qualifications Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
III. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IV. Scope and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
V. Statement of Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
VI. Submission of Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
VII. Evaluation and Selection Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Certifications Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Signature Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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RFQ No. 2015-R0006
Purchasing Department
425 Fawell Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
http://www.cod.edu
PHONE (630) 942-2217
FAX
(630) 942-3750
July 9, 2015
I. REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ”) NOTICE
Sealed descriptions of the Qualifications for the position of Government Relations
Professional (“Qualifications”) for the Board of Trustees of the College of DuPage, District 502
will be received by the College of DuPage at the office of the Purchasing Manager, Berg
Instructional Center (BIC) Building, Room 1540, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, until
2:00 PM, Wednesday July 29, 2015, at which time they will be reviewed for consideration.
There will be no public opening of any descriptions of Qualifications received; however, a copy
of every submission that complies with the criteria herein will be made available to each
member of the Board of Trustees. In the event of office closure due to inclement weather, the
RFQ deadline will be extended to the next business day at the same time.
Qualifications shall be submitted by the time and date stated above, and shall have affixed to
the exterior the information set forth in Appendix A. The company name shall appear on each
page of the proposal.
Qualifications received after the date and time stated above will be returned unopened to the
sender. College of DuPage shall not be responsible for Qualifications that are not received at
the specific office location indicated above by the stated deadline. It is solely, the
Respondent’s responsibility to ensure that adequate time is allowed for timely and accurate
delivery
Only attorneys who are currently licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and
maintain residency or an office in one of DuPage, Cook or Will counties, Illinois; or law
firms including attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois and based in such counties, may
respond to this RFQ.
No Qualification shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the Qualification closing
date without the consent of the College. The proposal prices are to remain firm for not less
than sixty (60) days.
College of DuPage is exempt from Federal Excise Tax and Illinois Retailers Occupational Tax.
A tax-exempt letter will be provided upon request, to the Respondent who is awarded the
proposal.
In considering a Respondent’s Qualifications, the Board reserves the right to reject any or all
Qualifications, to waive informalities in the award process, and/or take other actions the Board
deems to be in the best interest of the College. The Board shall be the sole judge of whether
any Respondent’s Qualifications are suitable to the Board’s needs. Qualifications submitted
shall be deemed final, conclusive, and irrevocable. No submission shall be subject to
correction or amendment for any error or miscalculation.
Any company or organization to be awarded a contract for services must be in compliance with
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all State and Federal laws regarding Fair Employment Practices as well as all rules and
regulations thereunder. Any provisions in this RFQ which may conflict with any state of Illinois
law are amended to comply with the minimum requirements of such statute.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION/CLARIFICATION
If any Respondent submitting a Qualification for this project is in doubt as to the true meaning
of the Request for Qualifications, standards or other documents or any part thereof,
Respondent shall request clarification from the Board in writing only. Questions must be
submitted in writing and be directed via email to: purchasing@cod.edu, and include in the
Subject line, “Public Relations Professional RFQ Question” no later than Monday, July 22,
2015 at 5:00 p.m. All questions shall be answered in writing through a proposal addendum,
and both the question and response shall be sent to all Respondents. The College of DuPage
shall not be responsible for any explanation, interpretation or communication made that does
not follow this procedure.
The Respondent acknowledges the right of the Board and/or the College to reject any or all
Qualifications and to waive any informality or irregularity in any Qualification received. In
addition, the Respondent recognizes the right of the College to reject any submitted
Qualification if the Respondent failed to submit the data or information required by the
qualification documents, or if the Respondent’s submission is in any way incomplete or
irregular. Respondents who’s Qualifications are not accepted shall be notified after a binding
contractual agreement between the College and one or more of the selected Respondent(s)
exists, or after the College has rejected all other submitted Qualifications.
SELECTION OF COUNSEL/RETAINER OF LEGAL SERVICES
The designation of a Respondent as approved Government Relations Professional and/or a
retainer agreement for legal services, may be made within sixty (60) calendar days after the
Request’s closing date. The College will notify the successful Respondent by letter that its
Qualifications have been accepted. If a retainer for legal services is not awarded within sixty
(60) days after the Qualification closing date, a Respondent may file a written request with the
Purchasing Manager on the withdrawal of their Qualifications and the College will permit such
withdrawal.
The designation as Government Relations Professional, and retainer for legal services will be
made to the Respondent whose Qualifications are determined to be totally, technically
complete, and will meet the Board’s need for legal services based upon the evaluation of the
information furnished, as required under this Request for Qualifications. The selection process
may include a request for additional data or oral presentations as deemed necessary by the
College. However, since the College may designate a Government Relations Professional
and/or retain legal services without further discussion, each Respondent should include in its
written submission all statements, requirements, terms or conditions it may have and should
not assume that an opportunity will exist to add such matters after their Qualifications are
submitted.
REGULATIONS
The Respondent warrants that it is familiar with, and it shall comply with, all Federal, State, and
Local Laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations and the orders and decrees of any
courts or administrative bodies or tribunals in any manner affecting the performance of any
legal work performed in connection with the Contract for legal services. No plea of
misunderstanding or ignorance thereof will be considered. Whenever required, the
Respondent shall furnish the College with satisfactory proof of compliance with said Federal,
State and Local Laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, and decrees, and
standards for Professional Conduct.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
In the hiring of employees for the performance of work under the agreement and any subagreement thereunder, no company shall, by reason of race, color, age, national origin, sex,
disability, ancestry, marital status, religion, unfavorable military discharge, sexual orientation,
or other status protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance, discriminate against any
persons authorized to work in the United States, who are qualified and available to perform
work to which the employment is related.
QUALIFICATION MODIFICATIONS
It shall be mutually understood that the Respondent’s Qualifications are in strict accordance
with any specification requirements or fee retainer agreement unless specifically excluded in
their proposal response. No Qualification shall be subject to correction or amendment for any
error or miscalculation.
If any Respondent intends to take any deviations or exceptions from the Statement of
Qualifications set forth below, or other Contract Documents (e.g., retainer agreement),
Respondent shall submit to the Board of Trustees a written request for a deviation or
exception. The Board may reject any Proposal containing deviations or exceptions not
previously accepted through a written Addendum by a majority vote of the Board. Respondent
shall acknowledge receipt of each Addendum issued in the space provided on the proposal
form. All written requests for deviations or exceptions shall be emailed to the Board of
Trustees at purchasing@cod.edu with the subject line “Request for Deviations from RFQ”. .
ERROR IN QUALIFICATION
Where a Respondent claims to have made a mistake in the Request for Qualification, such
mistake must be called to the attention of the College of DuPage Board of Trustees within
twenty-four (24) hours after the Qualification closing date. Within forty-eight (48) hours of the
Qualification closing date, Respondent shall submit to the College of DuPage’s Board of
Trustees original documentary evidence with a detailed explanation of how the mistake was
made. Failure to conform to this requirement precludes the Respondent from withdrawing its
Qualification based upon a Qualification mistake. If such notice, proof and explanations have
been tendered, and a majority of the Board of Trustees is convinced that a bona fide mistake
has been made, the Board of Trustees may permit the respondent to withdraw its Qualification
and recommend that the Qualification be awarded to the next Qualification accepted by the
selection committee. If the Board determines by majority vote, that the Qualification has a bona
fide error not corrected according to the preceding process, no award will be made upon such
Qualification.
WITHDRAWAL OF QUALIFICATIONS
Respondents may withdraw their Qualifications at any time prior to the time specified in the
legal advertisement as the date and hour set for the Qualifications’ closing. However, no
Respondent shall withdraw, cancel or modify its submission (subject to the procedures outlined
above) for a period of ninety (90) calendar days after said advertised Qualifications closing.
COMPETENCY OF QUALIFICATIONS
No Qualifications will be accepted from or Contract awarded to a Respondent that is in arrears
or is in default to the College upon any debt or Contract, or that is a defaulter, as surety or
otherwise upon any obligation to said College, or has failed to perform faithfully under any
previous dealings or contract with the College.
COMPLIANCE
Submissions under this Request for Qualification shall be for items at least equal to or better
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than the quality and performance characteristics stated herein. The burden of proof that
product and services meet specifications shall be documented by the Qualification and be
provided as part of the submitted Qualification. Failure to provide complete documentation of
compliance with specifications required may result in Qualification rejection.
PAYMENT REMITTANCE
All College vendors are required to receive payment from the College via an Automated
Clearing House (ACH) transfer. Instructions to register for ACH payments will be sent, upon
request, to successful RESPONDANTS. Failure to comply with the ACH requirements may
result in termination of the contract or purchase order. College ACH transfers typically occur
the third week of each month. Invoices must be received at least 3 weeks prior to each ACH
payment release. You are strongly encouraged to set up your account upon notice of award to
avoid a delayed payment.
AGREEMENT TERMINATION
Any violation to the terms, conditions, requirements, and/or non-performance of the agreement
resulting from this RFQ may result in cancellation of the agreement. This agreement may be
cancelled by the College of DuPage at any time, giving written notice by certified mail.
DISQUALIFICATION
Under no circumstances are Respondents to contact or discuss this RFQ, any of the
information contained herein or about this project in general, with any College of DuPage
employee, other than using the methods outlined in this RFQ. Respondents are strictly
forbidden from visiting the College’s locations or approaching any College employee, vendor,
contractor or subcontractor for the purpose of obtaining any information related to this RFQ or
this project without the direct knowledge and authorization in writing in advance from the
Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Violation of these provisions may subject
the respondent to immediate disqualification.
USE OF THE COLLEGE OF DuPAGE NAME
Attorneys for the Board will not use the College of DuPage name or logo in any form or any
manner whatsoever without prior written permission from College of DuPage, provided that,
however, attorneys named as Panel Counsel or which have a retainer agreement with the
College of DuPage may identify themselves as attorneys for the College of DuPage for the
scope of services retained.
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II. INTRODUCTION
College of DuPage (Illinois Community College District Number 502), a body politic and corporate,
is requesting information on the qualifications of attorneys and/or law firms to provide professional
legal services. The scope of representation under this Request for Qualifications will include
serving as a Government Relations Professional for the Board of Trustees, and which shall include
consulting with the Board to serve as a conduit to federal, state and local governments and other
organizations and agencies to pursue the College’s objectives. The Board of Trustees anticipate
entering into an at-will agreement with a lead attorney and/or law firm to serve as its Government
Relations Professional on or about September 1, 2015. The Board’s designation of a lawyer and/or
law firm as its Government Relations Professional does not preclude that lawyer or law firm from
providing other legal services to the Board as it deems appropriate.
III. BACKGROUND
College of DuPage (College) is a non-resident, two-year public community college located in
Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving most of DuPage County, along with parts of Cook County and
Will County. Authorized under the Illinois Community College Act, a referendum to establish
the district was approved in December 1966, with classes beginning in Fall 1967.
The College is one of the nation’s largest comprehensive, single-campus community colleges
serving the educational and cultural needs of the over 1,000,000 residents of community
College District 502. The enrollment consists of community credit and non-credit students in
numbers well exceeding 10,000 per year enrolled in transfer, occupational/technical, and
community service programs. The College offers credit and non-credit classes at the Glen
Ellyn Campus and satellite locations throughout the district. Classes are offered during the
day, evening, and weekends, as well as via the internet.
The College is governed by a seven member elected Board of Trustees operating under the
authority of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The Faculty consists of
approximately 300 full-time and 2,200 part-time members, and approximately 900 other staff.
There are four (4) employee groups represented by union agreements including Full-Time
Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, Operating Engineers, and Police.
IV. SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
While the Board of Trustees of the College of DuPage (COD) is not obligated to secure Legal
Services on its behalf via either the Request for Qualifications or Requests for Proposal
process, the Board of Trustees, in the interests of transparency, is looking to identify qualified
attorneys and/or law firms able to perform Professional Legal Services on its behalf.
More specifically, the Board of Trustees is seeking legal counsel to serve as its Government
Relations Professional on an ongoing, as-needed basis in general matters involving the Board,
including the Board meetings themselves. Minority-owned and women-owned firms are
encouraged to apply. Neither the attorney nor law firm will possess an exclusive contract to
provide services as the College reserves the right to hire additional counsel and/or specialized
counsel as it deems necessary and at its sole discretion. The attorney or firm selected to
serve as Government Relations Professional will have responsibilities which may include, but
are not necessarily limited to:


Developing and maintaining relationships with federal, state, and local governments,
agencies and other organizations.
Consulting with the Board of Trustees to develop and define its executive and
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



legislative objectives.
Interact with federal, state, and local governments, agencies and other organizations to
advance the Board of Trustees executive and legislative objectives
Attend all closed, regular and special Board Meetings and such other meetings as may
be requested by the Board of Trustees or the College.
Provide legal advice, telephone, email, and personal consultations with members of the
College Board of Trustees, President, and Staff, upon request.
Communication regarding legal developments and legislative action affecting the
College, and communications with the Press, when authorized to do so by the Board of
Trustees or President.
The above shall be referred to as the Scope of Services. The College shall not be obligated to
purchase any or all of its legal services specified therein from the attorney or law firm,
however, the attorney or law firm shall be obligated to supply the services which the College
requires for its operation.
V. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
The purpose of the Statement of Qualifications is to demonstrate the qualifications, service
level, cost for services, competence and capacity of the firms seeking to represent the College
for legal services. Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a
straightforward, concise description of the firm’s ability to fulfill the Scope and Responsibilities
set forth above. Proposals are to be submitted in 8-1/2” x 11” size and should not exceed 40
pages (single sided) in length, excluding appendices, if any. The proposal should address all
points outlined in this Request for Qualifications.
The timeline for the process is as follows:
Request for Qualifications Issued:
July 9, 2015
Deadline for submitting questions to COD: July 22, 2015
Deadline to submit proposals:
July 29, 2015
Final consideration by COD Board of Trustees:
July 30, 2015.
Definitions of terms used are as follows:
DEFINITIONS
A.
RESPONDENT shall mean the individual or business entity preparing a submission of
their Statement of Qualifications to supply any of the Professional Services described
above.
B.
QUALIFICATION shall mean the request for qualification documents as completed and
submitted by the Respondent.
C.
CONTRACT shall mean the agreement between the College and Contractor as set forth
in the Contract Documents and as awarded by the College of DuPage Board of
Trustees.
D.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS shall mean collectively the Instructions to Respondents,
General Conditions, Special Conditions, Specifications, Attachments, and Addenda, if
any, Qualification, Certifications (if any) and Forms for Minority Participation. The above
documents shall be considered as one integrated document setting forth the obligations
of the parties.
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E.
CONTRACTOR shall mean the individual or business entity submitting a Proposal and to
whom the College of DuPage Board of Trustees awards a Contract.
F.
COLLEGE shall mean the College of DuPage, Community College District No. 502, a
body politic and corporate of the State of Illinois.
G.
DIRECTOR shall mean the person or persons authorized by the College to act in
connection with this Contract. Such authorization shall not include any power to change
the scope of the Contract or to obligate the College to pay additional sums beyond the
amount of the Contract awarded by the College of DuPage Board of Trustees.
H.
PURCHASING MANAGER shall mean the Purchasing Manager of the College of
DuPage.
I.
SPECIFICATIONS shall mean the description of the required service and all
requirements for the scope of work set forth in the Contract Documents.
QUALIFICATION WARRANTIES
The submission of a Qualification shall constitute a warranty that: (i) Respondent has carefully
and thoroughly reviewed the Request for Qualification documents and has found them
complete and free from ambiguities and sufficient to describe the Contract work; (ii)
Respondent and all employees it intends to use in the performance of this Contract are skilled
and experienced in the type of work or services called for by the Request for Qualification
Documents; and (iii) neither the Respondent nor any of its employees, agents, suppliers or
subcontractors have relied on any verbal representations from the College, or any of the
College’s employees, agents, or consultants, in preparing the Qualification.
VI. SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS
A.
Delivery
1. Ten (10) copies of the Respondent’s Qualifications with required items are to be
submitted according to the specifications and evaluation criteria indicated in this
RFQ, in a sealed envelope, and delivered to Bid Qualification Box located at:
College of DuPage, Room BIC 1540, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137,
attention Purchasing Manager, no later than the date and hour for the Qualification
Closing date as shown in the legal advertisement. To the extent the submission
exceeds 75 pages total (including appendices), Respondent may alternatively
submit an original, two copies, and an electronic version, in .pdf format, of the
submission. For the avoidance of doubt, if electronic copies are submitted, the
original written version shall nevertheless control as to the contents of the
Proposal.
2. The envelope submitted by the Respondent shall carry the following information on
the face of the envelope: Firm’s name, address, subject matter of Qualification
(“Government Relations Professional”), advertised date of Proposal closing and the
hour designated for Proposal closing as shown in this RFQ. (See Appendix A).
When hand delivering proposals, Respondents or anyone acting on their behalf will
need to allow sufficient time to locate available parking and report to the stated
location. The College will not be responsible nor make allowances for any delays in
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delivery of proposals. Qualifications may not be faxed or emailed.
B.
Cover Letter
1. Provide a cover letter introducing the attorney and/or firm, including business
name, address, FEIN number, and telephone number.
2. Provide an overview of the attorney and/or firm’s qualifications
3. Identify the name, office address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail
address of the principal contact person for your firm, the principal author of the
proposal, and the person who is authorized to negotiate with the College.
C.
Qualifications and Experience
1. Provide a brief history and description of the attorney and/or law firm practice,
including a presentation of information relevant to qualifications to serve as the
Government Relations Professional for the Board of Trustees.
2. Describe your firm including profile, experience and background, year established,
branch office (if any), number of lawyers in total and the number of lawyers with
experience with issues relating to local government, higher education, and/or
community colleges, or issues faced by such entities.
3. Provide a summary of experience within the Scope of Services above. Identify
specific qualifications which you believe especially qualify you as an attorney or
any attorney(s) within your law firm to perform this work.
4. Describe your firm’s experience in representing clients before administrative/public
agencies and the courts, particularly involving the areas set forth in the Scope of
Services above, and particularly within Illinois and within DuPage County.
5. Describe the approach your firm will take to help the College control its legal costs,
including potential alternative fee arrangements. The College will consider not
only direct retainer and hourly rates, but also alternative fee arrangements, which
may include (a) flat-fee; (b) monthly minimums for a fixed set of services, plus
hourly rates for activities outside the fixed rate; (c) success fees; (d) blended rates;
(e) hourly with monthly or quarterly caps; or other alternatives that may lead to
increased efficiencies and effectiveness in legal representation.
6. Provide the types and limits of your malpractice insurance, as well as the name of
the provider. You must submit an insurance certificate prior to any Contract
execution.
D. Staffing and Resources
1. Provide an introductory overview of the legal team, by name with specific roles,
qualifications and experience, and distribution of responsibilities including support
capabilities. Discuss the staff who would be assigned to service the College’s
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account, their projected levels of work, and their reporting relationships.
2. Designate a principal of the firm who would be ultimately responsible for the
relationship and provide the office address, telephone number, fax number and email address of the principal contact. Provide brief resumes for the principal(s) of
your firm who will be assigned to the College of DuPage on a priority basis.
3. Identify the key personnel from your firm who would be assigned to this account.
Include a brief description of their qualifications (including educational background,
work experience, knowledge and experience relating to the Scope of Services
above, years with the firm, and total years of experience, current job functions
(including other accounts to which they are committed), proposed roles on the
College account team, office location(s), and total number of staff in the office.
Attach as an appendix, brief resumes for all key personnel and an organization
chart delineating communication and reporting relationship among the account
staff.
4. Of the personnel assigned to the College’s account, identify state and federal bar
admissions.
5. Discuss your firm’s ability to provide same day response.
6. Describe your firm’s research capabilities.
E. References and Potential Conflicts of Interest
1. Identify 1-3 clients that can independently evaluate the attorney and/or law firm’s
expertise within the Scope of Services provided above. List the contact names,
titles, institutions, business address, and telephone numbers of each contact. The
services must have been carried out by persons who will be assigned to the
College.
2. Optionally, you may identify up to 2 additional clients that can independently
evaluate the attorney and/or law firm’s expertise beyond the Scope of Services
provided above. List the contact names, titles, institutions, business address, and
telephone numbers of each contact. The services must have been carried out by
persons who will be assigned to the College.
F. Cost Proposal/Fees
1. The College is interested in entering into any agreement that efficiently and
effectively results in the College’s legal needs within the Scope of Services being
met. Please provide a description of: (a) the structure attorney or firm proposes for
an at-will agreement based on a retainer basis and hourly fees for services; and (b)
any proposed alternative fee arrangements, including clearly identifying the scope
of services provided and any limits to the service provided under the alternative fee
proposal.
2. Identify the job title or classification and hourly rate of all individuals to be utilized in
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the engagement based upon his/her area of legal expertise. Rates shall be
submitted based on a discounted hourly basis for services outside the scope of the
retainer. Rate increases anticipated for any retainer, hourly rates, fee caps, and
the like must be indicated, otherwise rates will remain fixed at the initial rate
proposed.
3. Identify all categories of reimbursable expenses which you anticipate will result in a
charge to the College and a rate for each category. Please note that such
reimbursements shall be billed to the College at actual cost without additional markup.
G.
Conflict of Interest
1. Describe any existing or potential conflicts of interest in relation to accepting an
award of the agreement with College of DuPage within the Scope of Services, and
if a conflict of interest exists, the manner in which said conflict of interest would be
rectified, if said agreement is awarded to the law firm.
2. Beyond the Conflicts identified in Paragraph 1, identify any clients or institutions
you or your firm represents that may represent a potential conflict of interest
beyond the Scope of Services; and whether your prior work has involved the
College of DuPage or its associated entities; or work adverse to the College of
DuPage. Please advise as to whether you or your firm represents, or have
represented, any current or prior employee of the College of DuPage that may be
adverse to the College of DuPage now or in the future. Please identify any other
potential conflicts of interest of which you may be aware.
3. Identify what procedures your firm utilizes to identify and resolve conflicts of
interest.
4. Disclose any conditions (e.g. financial problems, pending litigation, planned office
closures, impending merger) that may affect the firm’s ability to perform these
services.
H. Exceptions/Deviations
1. State any exceptions to or deviations from the requirements of this RFQ.
I.
Other
1. Discuss any topics not covered in the Request for Qualifications which you would
like to bring to the attention of the College.
2. The Certifications and Signature Pages located in this RFQ must be completed and
returned with proposals.
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VII. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The evaluation process will be structured to secure highly skilled, diligent, responsive and
experienced professional personnel who will be effective in providing the high quality of legal
services that the College of DuPage desires. The primary objective of the evaluation process
is to select up to three Respondents that best comply with the following criteria:
Criteria
Proposal meets all criteria set forth in the RFP
Maximum Points
20
Proposal clearly demonstrated a thorough understanding
of the scope of the engagement and responsibilities
entailed
20
Attorney or Firm possesses adequate resources to
handle assigned responsibilities
20
Attorney and/or Firm is experienced within the Scope
of Services
20
Compensation/Fee competitiveness
20
TOTAL
100
After the initial evaluation, the College may request the top finalists to make an in-person
presentation or participate in telephone interviews to one or more members of the Board of
Trustees. If notified, the firm must be prepared to present within (3) business days from the
date of email notification. Specific instructions regarding the presentation will be included in
the notification.
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CERTIFICATIONS
THE UNDERSIGNED IS CAUTIONED TO CAREFULLY READ THESE CERTIFICATIONS PRIOR TO SIGNING
THE SIGNATURE PAGE. SIGNING THE SIGNATURE PAGE SHALL CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY BY THE
UNDERSIGNED THAT ALL THE STATEMENTS, CERTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION SET FORTH WITHIN
THESE CERTIFICATIONS ARE TRUE, COMPLETE AND CORRECT AS OF THE DATE THE SIGNATURE PAGE
IS SIGNED. THE UNDERSIGNED IS NOTIFIED THAT IF THE COLLEGE LEARNS THAT ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING CERTIFICATIONS WERE FALSELY MADE, THAT ANY CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH THE
UNDERSIGNED SHALL BE SUBJECT TO TERMINATION.
A. Prevailing Wage Act. To the extent required by law, Contractor shall not pay
less than the prevailing wage as established pursuant to an Act Regulating the Wages of
Laborers, Mechanics, and Other Workman employed under Contract for Public Workers
820 ILCS 130/1 et seq. Our company certifies that it is eligible for proposing on public contracts and
has complied with section 11a of the Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130.01-12. Yes_____ No_____
B. Human Rights Act. To the extent required by law, Contractor shall abide by
the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 10/0.01 et seq.
C. Drug Free Workplace. To the extent required by law, Contractor shall comply with the requirements of
the Drug Free Workplace Act 30 ILCS 580.1 et seq.
D. Sexual Harassment Policy. Contractor represents by the signing of this agreement that it has a written
sexual harassment policy that is in accordance with 775 ILCS 5/2-105 (A) (4).
E.
Non-debarment. By executing this agreement Contractor certifies that it has not been debarred from
public contracts in the State of Illinois for violating either 33E-3 or 33E-4 of the Public Contracts Act,
720 ILCS 5/33E-1 et seq.
F.
Fair Employment Practice: Company is in compliance with all State and Federal laws regarding Fair
Employment Practice as well as all rules and regulations. Yes______
No________
G. Our company has an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program which complies
with Executive Order 11246, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Yes _______ No _______
H
Our company certifies that it is eligible for proposing on public contracts and is not in violation of
either paragraph 33E-3 or 33-E-4 of Public Act 86-150, 720ICLS 5 with regards to proposal
rigging/proposal rotating.. Yes_______ No_______
I
When required by law, the proposal and all proposal’s subcontractors must participate in applicable
apprenticeship and training programs approved by and registered with the United States Department
of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training as required by Illinois Public Act 093-0642.
ADVICE
MINORITY/WOMAN-OWNED, DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS? YES_____ NO_____. If yes, please attach copy
of certification and advise certification number and expiration date below:
STATE NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/ COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT: YES _____ NO _______ Contract No.
___________
Name of Certifying Entity: _________________________________________________________
Certification #: ________________ _____________
14
Expiration Date:
_____
SIGNATURE PAGE
Check One:
 SOLE PROPRIETOR  PARTNERSHIP (and/or JOINT VENTURE)  LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
 CORPORATION
The undersigned certifies that all of the foregoing statements in its Submission of Qualifications are true and
correct. The undersigned warrants that all of the facts and information submitted by the undersigned in connection
with this Qualification are true and correct.
BUSINESS NAME:__________________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
BUSINESS TELEPHONE:
FAX NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
CELLULAR TELEPHONE NUMBER:
FEIN/SSN:
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
PRINT NAME:
TITLE: _____________________________________________________________________________________
DATE:
15
APPENDIX A
Attorney
or
Firm
___________________________________________________________________
Name:
Address:
___________________________________________________________________________
____
___________________________________________________________________________
___________
Subject matter of Qualification: General Board Legal Counsel
Advertised date of Request Closing: July 29, 2015
Advertised time of Request Closing: 2:00 p.m. C.S.T.
16
Purchasing Department
425 Fawell Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
http://www.cod.edu
PHONE (630) 942-2813
FAX
(630) 942-3750
2016-R0006 Government Relations Professional RFQ
Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, July 29, 2015
ADDENDUM
This addendum is issued answer questions.
1. Will the College of DuPage consider proposals from law firms with a government relations practice
that includes non-attorneys? YES
2. May the leader of the proposed team that would work with the College be a non-attorney? YES
3. Must the team include an attorney that is licensed to practice in Illinois? NO
If you have not yet submitted your bid, please sign this addendum and include with your sealed
bid. If you have already submitted your bid, please sign and return to purchasing@cod.edu prior to
the bid opening, even if you have not bid on this particular item. You also have the option of
withdrawing your bid if necessary. Please contact Kelly Froehlich with further questions.
I HAVE RECEIVED ADDENDUM #1 _________________________________
Authorized Signature
FIRM NAME & ADDRESS:
__________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Sincerely,
Purchasing Department
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd. BIC 1540
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Purchasing Department
425 Fawell Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
http://www.cod.edu
PHONE (630) 942-2813
FAX
(630) 942-3750
2016-R0006 Government Relations Professional RFQ
Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, July 29, 2015
ADDENDUM 2
This addendum is issued answer questions.
1. Will a non-law firm, or a law firm that has an attorney as an Owner who actively participates in the
government relations business of the firm be considered?
Yes. Please make sure to specify this in your Statement of Qualification submission.
If you have not yet submitted your bid, please sign this addendum and include with your sealed
bid. If you have already submitted your bid, please sign and return to purchasing@cod.edu prior to
the bid opening, even if you have not bid on this particular item. You also have the option of
withdrawing your bid if necessary. Please contact Kelly Froehlich with further questions.
I HAVE RECEIVED ADDENDUM #2 _________________________________
Authorized Signature
FIRM NAME & ADDRESS:
__________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Sincerely,
Purchasing Department
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd. BIC 1540
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137