Parker Hannifin Corporation Request for Proposal (RFP) GENERAL INFORMATION Sourcing Overview Parker Hannifin Corporation is inviting your company and others to respond to its Trade Show Services Provider Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP represents a significant opportunity, and will help our organization better represent the Parker brand by improving quality and reducing cost. This RFP is the first step in the supplier selection process. Each year Parker invests more than $5,000,000 with advertising and service agencies. This is a substantial investment in the companies with whom we partner to promote our sales and leverage our brand through the use of creative services. Parker Hannifin and its participating 8 business groups and 227 division locations worldwide are seeking to partner with organizations providing trade show services and design capabilities. Our goal continues to be the partnership with suppliers who can effectively service our needs. The groups and divisions will be working with suppliers who have met the criteria and those suppliers will be awarded a contract by Parker. The RFP and subsequent analyses will determine whether it is practical to have a single source supplier, or multiple suppliers based on our needs. Primary Evaluation Criteria for RFP The primary evaluation criteria and supplier selection requirements are as follows: Service Capabilities: Supplier's ability to provide the requested services at a consistently high level of quality and effectiveness over the long term, and to commit to and achieve service levels consistent with Parker's diverse and evolving needs. Quality Commitment: Partner’s readiness and ability to assume full accountability to Parker quality and environmental management systems compliance needs. Timeliness, responsiveness, and quality of services are extremely important. Processes: Supplier's ability to excel in the supporting processes and indirect considerations including account management, availability of resources, technical strength of the resources, geographic reach, performance reporting capability, risk mitigation, and activity transition effectiveness. Price: The organization’s commitment to provide the requested services at economically attractive costs to Parker. Key criteria include fees, rates, discount structures, taxes, and ongoing cost reduction proposals that align with the services being requested. Continuous Improvement: A perpetual focus on all of the above principles to ensure best in class results. Term of the Resulting Agreement Parker prefers to engage with an organization that can provide these services on an ongoing basis. For purposes of the RFP response, assume the initial term of the agreement is one year, renewable annually. The RFP response must address this specific term, however it should also contain other term proposals that may be attractive to Parker. Work Product All work products or other deliverables conceived, made, or created by supplier, solely or jointly with Parker, in the course of suppliers providing services to Parker, shall become and remain the exclusive property of Parker Hannifin Corporation. Page 1 of 12 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RFP Guidelines and Submittal Due Date The supplier must respond to the Procurement point of contact below, on or before 5 p.m. EST, February 15, 2011. Any questions or concerns regarding the RFP process should be directed to one of the following Parker contacts. The contact information is: Procurement Contact: Elizabeth Chamberlain Parker Hannifin Corporation 6035 Parkland Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44124 Email: echamberlain@parker.com Phone: 216 896 3314 Fax: 216 896 4026 Technical Contact: Bob Tuma Parker Hannifin Corporation 6035 Parkland Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44124 Email: btuma@parker.com Phone: 216 896 2536 Fax: 216 896 4009 Failure to comply with the aforementioned deadline may result in the elimination of your proposal from further consideration. Terms Binding on the Prospective Supplier By submitting a proposal, suppliers certify that their proposal is valid for 120 calendar days starting from, and including, the date the proposals are due. Acceptance of Terms Parker Hannifin Corporation reserves the right to modify the terms or discontinue the RFP process without obligations at any time. Subsequent to submission of proposals, this RFP does not commit Parker Hannifin Corporation to any specific course of action, including the acceptance of any proposal, in whole or part. Nor does it bind Parker Hannifin Corporation to provide any explanation or reason for its decision to accept or reject any proposal. This Request for Proposal should not be construed as an agreement to purchase products or services. Parker Hannifin Corporation is not bound to accept the lowest price or any proposals of those submitted. Preparation of Proposal Parker Hannifin Corporation is not liable for any costs incurred in completing the RFP. Suppliers responding to this RFP receive no rights as a result of the response whatsoever. Confidentiality The contents of this RFP will be treated as confidential and cannot be publicly disclosed or used for any purpose by potential suppliers other than for the response to this RFP. Suppliers agree that they will not duplicate, distribute, or otherwise disseminate or make available this document or the information contained herein without prior written consent from Parker Hannifin Corporation. Additional Information, Proposed Changes The submission of additional information regarding the services proposed in your response is permitted. Any other pertinent information that you think should be considered in the evaluation of your response can be included, but is not required. The supplier will not be permitted to change the wording of its proposal after submission. No words or comments will be added to the general conditions or detailed specifications unless requested by Parker Hannifin Corporation for the purposes of clarification. Page 2 of 12 Currency and Taxes Prices quoted are to be in United States dollars and exclusive of all sales taxes, unless otherwise specified. Liability for Errors and Omissions While Parker Hannifin Corporation has gone to great lengths to ensure an accurate representation of information in this RFP, the information contained is supplied as a guideline for suppliers. The information is not guaranteed or warranted by Parker Hannifin Corporation or its divisions, nor is it necessarily comprehensive or exhaustive. Nothing in this RFP is intended to relieve suppliers from forming their own opinions and conclusions with respect to the matters addressed in this RFP. Ownership and Use of Proposals All documentation, including proposals submitted to Parker Hannifin Corporation, will become the property of Parker Hannifin Corporation. This document, or any portion thereof, may not be used or copied for any purpose other than the submission of the supplier's proposal. Third Party Services Parker Hannifin Corporation does not allow the use of Third Party Services without its prior written consent. Please disclose your company's intent to use third party services. Transportation, Installation and Dismantle, and General Services Contractor Show Services. BUSINESS INFORMATION Supplier Information Provide the following information regarding your company: Company Information Company Name Address City State/Province Zip/ Postal Code Country D&B Number Web Site Address Tax ID# Stock Symbol Key Contact Name Title Phone Number E-Mail Address Headquarters Information Alexis Exhibits 1354 Lear Industrial Park Avon OH 44011 USA 61-527-5885 www.alexisexhibits.com 20-1218479 Mike Smith President (440) 937-4411 msmith@alexisexhibits.com Page 3 of 12 Parent Company (if applicable) List your top three revenue customers and the % of sales they represent: Customer 1 Customer 2 Customer 3 Customer Name Dealer.com Phantom Screens Spincraft Services Provided Display Display Display % of Sales 10% 8% 5% Length of Time 4 years 4years 6 years 2009 2010 Please provide the following key financial data for your company: 2008 Revenue Alexis Exhibits, Inc. is a privately held company and does not release financial information. Please provide the latest Dunn & Bradstreet report regarding your company. References Please complete the chart below requesting information about accounts that you would use as a reference. Please keep in mind that Parker Hannifin Corporation is a decentralized industrial manufacturer. Ref 1 Ref 2 Ref 3 Company Name Dealer.com Spincraft Phantom Screens Location Burlington, VT North Billerica, MA Abbotsford, B.C. Canada Contact Amy Parker Geri Hayes Jeret Unger Phone Number 877-327-8422 x214 978-667-2771 x360 604-855-3654 x316 Structure and Staff Explain your organizational structure, detailing account management at the national, regional, and local levels. Would this process change if you were awarded this business? Account Executive, Account Managers, Shop Foreman/Project Manager, Graphic Manager, Freight Manager, and Field Services Manager. Our proposal would involve the creation of a new entity called Parker Expo Services (PES). PES would be a standalone organization dedicated to providing exhibit, event management, and services and would be owned and operated by Alexis Exhibits, Inc. Facilities and personnel would be separate from other Alexis Exhibits operations. A new website, new telephone lines and new email addresses will be developed. PES would be staffed by a minimum of 2 Account Managers. Additional staff will be added as needed. For more details on this solution and its costs/advantages, please see the video presentation at http://www.alexisexhibits.com/parker-rfp Page 4 of 12 Please provide a list of employees (names, functions and location) who will be working on the Parker account. Todd Brewer, Account Executive Jeff Prochaska, Account Manager Mike Kolz, Shop Foreman/Project Manager Michelle Prochaska, Graphic Manager Terry Kilbane, Field Services Manager Dan Lawrence, Freight Manager Dan Prost 3-D, Design Manager All employees based in Avon, OH. Growth Strategy Please provide a brief overview of your firm's strategic direction, including growth plans, service offerings, technical advancements, business models, etc. Alexis has experienced a growth rate of 40% per year, and is on pace to continue that trend for at least the next 3-5 years. Our unique business model is geared to retain top level talent with zero turnover. SUPPLIER CAPABILITY The following questions must be answered by suppliers who seek to qualify for consideration by Parker. Parker will not consider any supplier quote that is submitted without answers to these questions. Capabilities 1. Preliminary Information Alexis Exhibits 1354 Lear Industrial park Avon, OH 44011 2. What is the size of your operation? Number of employees? 14 Annualized billings (in US dollars)? Alexis Exhibits, Inc. is a privately held company and does not release financial information. 3. Are you an operating subsidiary of a larger media concern? If so, please name the parent organization and list companies in the concern. In how many locations does the parent company operate? NO 4. What, if any, experience do you have in serving larger (Fortune 500) clients with multiple operating groups and divisions in locations throughout the US and the world? Please describe. Alexis personnel have worked with GE Lighting, GE Lighting Systems, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Integrated Power Services, Johnson & Johnson, Archer Daniels Midland, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Fujinon, Milliken & Company, NASA, and Bristol Myers Squibb to name a few. 5. What are your principal creative capabilities? Show Services Installation & Dismantle Alexis Field Services At Alexis, we tailor our service packages to each client’s requests and budget. We deal with all aspects of the show to allow the client to maintain control at all times. Page 5 of 12 The following section describes our approach to each show and the types of services that we can provide on your behalf. All associated costs for these services are identified and approved by you in advance. Methodology, Services and Strategic Capabilities Alexis Exhibits, Inc. approaches each show strategically. As each show approaches, the Alexis Account Team gathers all pertinent information such as show regulations, dates, booth number, exhibit hall floor plan, etc. After receiving direction from the client, Alexis produces designs, drawings including graphic requirements and a schedule with all deadlines for the show. Upon receiving final approval, the Alexis team executes the show according to plan. The account manager monitors the progress of the project and proactively reminds Alexis team members and the client as deadlines approach. The budget is carefully monitored and approvals are obtained where necessary. As construction and preparations are completed, an installation planning meeting is held. A strategic setup plan is developed with daily benchmarks so that overtime is avoided whenever possible. Specific instructions regarding product, premium and literature requirements are communicated and outbound shipping information is reviewed. Setup is completed according to the strategic plan. Local contact information is provided to the client and any daily booth maintenance requirements are confirmed. At the close of the show, an Alexis representative meets with the client to finalize product, literature and premium disposition. A Service Summary Sheet is completed noting the condition of the exhibit and any damages that need to be attended to. Comments from the booth staff are also noted for the account manager. The exhibit is dismantled and carefully repacked. Documentation of all outbound shipments is faxed back to the Alexis Field Services Group for tracing and communication to clients. The Alexis Field Services Group immediately begins to assemble cost information and the final invoice is delivered to the client within 30-45 days of the close of the show. An explanation is provided for any deviation from budget. Alexis Exhibits, Inc. offers the following field services for every show: Alexis verifies booth numbers, sizes, regulations and service orders for accuracy and receipt by vendors. Utility drawings, indicating locations of all electrical, air, and plumbing connections are verified. Prior to all supervised exhibit installations, a pre-show meeting is held to review all aspects of the installation and dismantle, as well as, any client show requests. This meeting is held on all shows, from a 10x10 portable to double decks. When the supervisor arrives on site, he verifies correct installation of all utilities and checks on freight status. During the set up, the supervisor refers to the predetermined labor time line and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure a smooth installation with minimal over time. During the show: a contact card is supplied to the exhibitor for client requests, listing the cell phone number of the Alexis local representative. Our supervisor will personally contact the client and provide any assistance with collateral shipments or any other client needs. The supervisor will inventory all crates and skids during dismantle to ensure that freight is not misplaced. All exhibit components are inspected for damage, packed, labeled, and prepped for shipping. Design & Booth Layout Designers use FormZ 6.7 with an expected update in March ’11 AutoCad 2010 is used for Booth layout, and service orders. Page 6 of 12 Building of new show properties. All new construction is managed in house, and all custom hardwood fabrication is handled in house, however, on occasion, particular pieces may be third partied, as in the case of acrylic, glass, or particular metal work. Show and Event Planning. Show planning has always been a collaborative effort between an account exec and the client or business unit.(Particular expertise in Audiovisual Event Planning) Preshow Planning. Alexis Exhibits, Inc. approaches each show strategically. As each show approaches, the Alexis Account Team gathers all pertinent information such as show regulations, dates, booth number, exhibit hall floor plan, etc. After receiving direction from the client, Alexis produces designs, drawings including graphic requirements and a schedule with all deadlines for the show. Upon receiving final written approval of estimate, the Alexis team executes the show according to plan. Show Analysis Typically, the Account Executive will gather all show service information estimates and actuals, and once these have been transferred to a spreadsheet with explanation of variances, a meeting is scheduled with client to outline, review, and provide detail of variances. A portion of this analysis will be directed to the ongoing improvement and streamlining of narrowing the difference between estimates and actual. Graphic Production (print) Large format digital, all aspects of applied vinyl, over lamination and heat assist lamination, dye sublimation, tension fabric graphics, Gerber edge Graphic Design Full graphic design capabilities at 3 workstations including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Other (describe) Post-show audit, analysis, cost variation matrixes, and suggested remedies Booth staff training Pre- and post-show marketing strategies Lead management systems Giveaways and premiums In-booth activities and attractions Lead card generation Hospitality suite and off site activities Integrated marketing programs 6. Please list industry accreditations, awards, and recognitions your company has received over the last 2 years. Alexis does not submit projects to awards competitions. 7. For calendar year 2010 Parker had an estimated 55 booths in 47 major shows in North America. Explain how you would handle the coordination of Parker’s show schedule. The key to our proposal is the dedicated PES staff. All procedures used at Alexis will be employed by the dedicated PES staff. Following is a brief summary: The schedule is broken down on a calendar to indicate any overlap in shows, and advise if new/rental properties need to be utilized for show overlaps. An early identification of show overlap and situation remedies will result in a well planned execution of creating graphics or booth properties in a systematic fashion to avoid expediting or rush charges. Occasional split/trans shipments of properties from show to show will be required for the seamless execution of utilization of parker Properties. Page 7 of 12 8. In addition to the major booth properties, Parker has a portable display rental program (Skyline) available to distributors in North America. Explain how you would administer such a program. Management Our recommendation is to allow Alexis to provide exhibit management services for each show. The procedure for each show is the same procedure that is used for larger exhibits. Parker contracts for space in the show Parker receives the show manual from the show contractor Parker forwards the show manual to Alexis (password to ESM) Alexis creates a pre-show timeline and budget for Parker (based on advance shipment) Alexis places all show services orders Alexis makes all deposits and creates the show services information package Alexis removes the appropriate exhibit materials from storage and prepares for shipment Alexis arranges shipping and prepares paperwork and labels Alexis provides return shipping labels and arranges pickup The booth is shipped and Alexis traces shipment to destination Alexis verifies setup The show takes place Alexis confirms dismantling schedule and outbound shipping Materials are shipped to Alexis warehouse Materials are inspected, inventoried and returned to storage One itemized invoice is sent to Parker In addition to the program mentioned in question 7, Parker has a recruitment program providing materials to universities usually involving table top displays. Explain how you would administer such a program. It is a similar multiple show administration methodology used for recruitment displays and materials as is used for 10x10 and 10x20 portables. Inventory and inspection is completed on the inbound return to Alexis’ warehouse. We arrange the pick-up and return transportation from the university. Pricing Please detail your billable rates for the following services (provide hourly rates for all that apply): Installation & Dismantle (rates effective 1/1/2011) ST OT DT Anaheim $ 107.00 $159.00 Atlanta $ 75.00 $119.00 Chicago $ 106.00 $169.00 Dallas $ 79.00 $113.00 $125.00 DC/Baltimore $ 85.00 $142.00 Denver $ 77.00 $119.00 Houston $ 77.00 $106.00 $122.00 Indianapolis $ 77.00 $132.00 Las Vegas $ 92.00 $144.00 Los Angeles $ 107.00 $159.00 Miami/Ft Lauderdale $ 84.00 $134.00 New Orleans $ 78.00 $113.00 $126.00 Orlando $ 81.00 $126.00 San Antonio $ 74.00 $100.00 $114.00 San Diego $ 107.00 $159.00 San Francisco $ 113.00 $175.00 Seattle $ 87.00 $136.00 St. Louis $ 88.00 $145.00 Page 8 of 12 Show Services Show services will be billed at cost to Parker. On Site Supervision $400/day - plus travel and subsistence expenses, including lodging, all at cost. Show Analysis No cost to Parker. Show analysis at Alexis is handled by the account executive. Standard analysis provided by Alexis, includes, but is not limited to, the following: A detailed cost breakdown of show service estimates vs. show service actual costs, and a written explanation of the cause of variance when the difference is greater than 10%, as well as a forward looking solution to avoid cost over-runs in the future. Typically, the account executive will gather all show service information including estimates and actuals, and once these have been transferred to a spreadsheet with an explanation of variances, a meeting is scheduled with Parker to outline, review, and provide detail of variances. The resulting analysis dictates the ongoing improvement and streamlining of the exhibit management process. Design & Layout Included in administrative package. Account Executive Included in administrative package. Graphic Production Each project is subject to quotation. Costs will vary based on substrate and production technique. Graphic Design Hourly rate charged - $49.50 per hour Standard Production of Properties Each project subject to quotation. Storage Fees for Existing Properties Included in administrative package. Online tool for ordering of show properties Included in administrative package. Page 9 of 12 General Questions 1. Can you provide a show planning schedule/ Gantt chart for each show? Yes. 2. Would you provide a show planning best practices report from similar customers that can be incorporated into the parker program? Yes, once a contract is awarded. 3. What is length of time for generating invoices to Parker after a show is completed? Do you provide itemized billing? 30 days after the show is completed. Yes, itemized billing and a back-up report would accompany all invoices. 4. What is your policy for providing quotes for projects? No work is begun until client has provided written approval of a quote. Any subsequent changes need to be signed off by client as well. 5. If you subcontract services, are your subcontractors in compliance with the Parker brand standards? Yes 6. Would your account representative be able to attend all pre show planning meetings? Yes. 7. Would the account executive be able to attend all trade shows? Yes. 8. Is it a standard practice to have a booth designer attend client meetings? Yes, where a client finds it necessary. 9. How many accounts does each of your graphic designers handle? It depends on the size of the account. Parker will have an assigned graphic designer. 10. What training do your designers/account executives receive to ensure industry innovations are being used? Weekly sales meetings cover a broad range of current industry innovations. Beyond that, we have top-tier industry vendors visit monthly to discuss the latest industry trends in areas such as Graphics output, dye-sublimated tension graphics, lighting, freight and logistics, installation and dismantle and so forth. The most important training our employees experience is regular attendance at tradeshows. 11. Do you have the capabilities and experience to handle trade shows outside of N.A.? If yes, please explain. Yes, trade shows outside of North America are handled by contractor relationships we have set up in international show cities. 12. Do your designers/account representatives have experience with trade shows outside of N.A.? Yes. 13. Would the account executives be dedicated to Parker? If not, how many accounts do they manage? Yes, Todd Brewer would be dedicated to Parker. 14. What other marketing activities are you involved in (i.e. event planning, mobile trailers, vans, POP, etc.)? We specialize and focus primarily on tradeshows. The scope of our capabilities gives us all of the assets and human capital to handle even the most vigorous of event, trailer, van, or POP tasks. 15. What experience do you have with booth presence in outdoor trade shows? We have substantial experience with outdoor shows, including Con Expo. 16. Do you service any of Parker’s competitors? If yes, who? NO Page 10 of 12 17. Do you have a digital design department on site that can create/aid in the creation of videos, presentations, flash animation? No. We rely on superbly talented resources that make their living exclusively in this field of work. 18. What experience does your company have with online trade shows? We are aware of and have an understanding of online shows, however have not produced any. 19. Do you have the capability to store, maintain, replenish and restock recruitment kits when returned from an event? If so, what is your capacity to do so? Yes. During inbound receiving we would strip out all kits, list an inventory that would be cc’d to all Parker personnel requiring the information. Kits would then be replenished and certified ready to go, ready to ship for the next recruiting event. 20. Do you routinely check booth kits for damage before shipping them out to an event? How quickly can repairs be made if necessary? We make all necessary inspections on inbound receiving from tradeshows/events. In this way, any damaged or lost items can be quickly attributed back to specific handling at that event, or during transportation. This gives us plenty of time to note damage, inform Parker, and track if any damage claims can be made. Repairs can and will be made at a moment’s notice, if something is deemed unsuitable to ship. Vendor Qualifications The following requirements and commitments apply to suppliers who seek to qualify for consideration by Parker. 1. Companies must include, in responses to this request for quote, any provisions for extra resources (workforce) should the project warrant the hiring of additional staff or use of additional equipment and like resources. 2. Companies must agree, in responses to this request for quote, that there is a commitment of resources (staff, equipment, and like resources) to accommodate, produce, and deliver Parker projects on a timely basis. 3. Companies must supply, in responses to this request for quote, a list of services provided. 4. Companies must supply, in responses to this request for quote, a price list for services provided. 5. Companies must indicate, in responses to this request for quote, any special status, industry certification, or quality accreditation (minority-owned business, ISO designation, etc.) that warrants consideration by Parker. Quality and Ownership of Materials Produced by Trade Show Companies The following requirements pertain to the use and ownership of materials (including all electronic files) intended and submitted for use regarding Parker’s show properties. 1. All design concepts must adhere to Parker's brand standards. 2. All materials produced must adhere to Parker’s brand standards. 3. All files and materials submitted to suppliers by Parker and all files and materials produced and submitted by suppliers are the property of Parker. Page 11 of 12 4. Upon request by Parker, suppliers will return all files and or properties to Parker. Parker will pay shipping charges only for all returned materials. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Parker expects its suppliers to continually improve their processes and maintain their technology and industry standing. Please describe how your company currently achieves this, and what commitments you would make to Parker. Our company continually improves processes from the top down, as well as from the shop floor, and up. Weekly meetings to discuss processes, planning, and outcomes assures that the entire Alexis team is current and “in the know” as to all projects, technologies implemented, and new trends. These meetings are a candid, open forum where full 360° feedback provides the most immediate, satisfactory and ongoing improvements to our people and processes. Parker may require suppliers to commit to quarterly review meetings and periodic assessments. These meetings will go beyond reviewing past achievements and issues. They will also include changes the partner proposes to optimize service level and reduce costs. Please discuss how you will generate and propose actionable recommendations. All of our activities are dedicated to improving service levels and reducing costs. Where applicable, we first make a recommendation in writing, followed up by a face to face meeting or quarterly review. Billing Describe the mechanisms in place to reconcile billing discrepancies. Include information about the availability of detailed summaries for location and/or corporate offices. Describe what summary or consolidated billing options are available. Alexis will develop a billing system specific to your requirements. Payment Parker’s terms are 60 days after receipt of invoice. Does your company provide a discount for quicker payment terms? Would you consider offering a discount on monthly fees in invoices are paid within a certain period of time from invoice date? It is expected that multiple 'bands' will be provided, such as Net 30/5% discount, Net 60/0% discount. Include any additional payment or financing options that you are able to provide and the charges associated with these arrangements. We will accept 60 day terms. There is no discount for quicker payments. Does your company receive Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT)? Yes. Will your company provide Parker Hannifin Corporation a discount for such payments? No. If yes, please describe the discount. Page 12 of 12