NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Insurance Brokerage ... · 8. Confidential Information of Proponent...

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NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Insurance Brokerage Services NSLC REFERENCE NO: SR-25-FY20 NOVA SCOTIA LIQUOR CORPORATION 93 CHAIN LAKE DRIVE HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA B3S 1A3 Submission Closing Deadline: December 17, 2019 2:00 PM AST (Halifax local time) NSLC Contact: Tracey Darrigan Procurement Manager Email: [email protected]

Transcript of NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Insurance Brokerage ... · 8. Confidential Information of Proponent...

Page 1: NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Insurance Brokerage ... · 8. Confidential Information of Proponent All proponents are hereby advised that the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC)

NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Insurance Brokerage Services

NSLC REFERENCE NO: SR-25-FY20

NOVA SCOTIA LIQUOR CORPORATION

93 CHAIN LAKE DRIVE

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

B3S 1A3

Submission Closing Deadline:

December 17, 2019 2:00 PM AST (Halifax local time)

NSLC Contact: Tracey Darrigan

Procurement Manager

Email: [email protected]

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NOVA SCOTIA LIQUOR CORPORATION INSTRUCTIONS & INFORMATION

1. Description This Negotiated Request for Proposal (the “NRFP”) is an invitation by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (the “NSLC”) to receive proposals from qualified proponents for Insurance Brokerage Services for a five (5) year period.

As this is a conceptual process, it is important to note that no Insurers are to be contacted on behalf of NSLC at this time.

2. Non-binding Procurement Process

The proponent acknowledges that the NRFP process will be governed by the terms and conditions of the NRFP, and that, among other things, such terms and conditions confirm that this procurement process does not constitute a formal, legally binding bidding process (and for greater certainty, does not give rise to a Contract A bidding process contract), and that no legal relationship or obligation regarding the procurement of any good or service shall be created between the NSLC and the proponent unless and until the NSLC and the proponent execute a written agreement for the Deliverables.

3. Submission Closing Deadline/ Delivery

The NRFP submission must be signed and emailed to [email protected]. Submissions must be received on or before the submission closing deadline of December 17, 2019 @ 2:00 PM AST. (Halifax local time). Please indicate the NSLC Reference No. and Title on the email’s subject line.

NOTE: DO NOT SEND SUBMISSIONS TO THE CONTACT STATED IN 4A.

Submissions received after the closing date and time will be disqualified from competition. NSLC will not make allowances for delays due to factors such as email server delays and power outages. NSLC strongly encourages proponents to avoid waiting until the final calendar day to submit responses to mitigate any unforeseen circumstances.

4. Enquiries a. Enquiries concerning this NRFP are to be directed only to the

attention of the NSLC Contact below via email: Tracey Darrigan, Procurement Manager Email: [email protected]

Proponents and their representatives are not permitted to contact any employees or other representatives of the NSLC, other than the NSLC

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Contact, concerning matters of this NRFP, unless the above NSLC Contact has specifically directed you to another to respond. The NSLC reserves the right to disqualify any proponent that does not comply with this requirement and reject the proponent’s submission.

b. Anyone who believes the NRFP contains any error, inconsistency, or omission should submit a written enquiry via email requesting clarification, interpretation or explanation to the NSLC contact identified above in #4a.

c. Please submit all enquiries via email to the above no later than December 10, 2019 at 2:00 PM AST (Halifax local time). Please indicate the NSLC Reference No. and Title on the email’s subject line.

d. The NSLC will only seek clarification from a proponent if requested

information is ambiguous or missing and if such clarification does not offer the proponent the opportunity to improve the competitive position of their response. All buying activity will attempt to seek out best value, which maximizes the effectiveness and profitability to the NSLC.

5. Proposal Contents

All Proponents are asked to organize their submissions in the order outlined in the NSLC Specification. Proponents should include a Table of Contents in their response.

6. Addenda a. It is the responsibility of proponents to ensure that they have all the

necessary information concerning the intent and requirements of this NRFP, and to seek clarification of any matter they consider to be unclear before forwarding a Submission. The NSLC is not responsible for any misunderstanding of this NRFP on the part of a proponent. No proponent can claim any advantage from any error, inconsistency, or omission in this NRFP.

b. The NSLC reserves the right to distribute any or all questions and answers to all other potential proponents through a Q&A addendum to be posted on the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal. Addenda also includes changes to specifications and drawings, etc.

c. No information given verbally by the NSLC, or by means of telephone, will be binding, nor will it be construed to change the requirements of the NRFP in any way.

d. The NSLC reserves the right to modify the terms of the NRFP before the

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closing deadline, such changes to be communicated from the NSLC in the form of an addendum. Confirmation of addenda can be obtained by checking the NRFP document as posted on the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal at https://procurement.novascotia.ca/. Best practice is to do a final check of this website before sending your formal submission in response to the NRFP. Upon final submission of a response, proponents acknowledge that they have based their responses on the specifications and all addenda issued during this NRFP.

7. Taxes

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) shall not be included in the submitted price. All other eligible taxes shall be included in the price. Any taxes or increases to taxes announced prior to the date of the issuance of the RFQ and scheduled to come into effect after it, shall be taken to be included in the submitted price.

8. Confidential Information of Proponent All proponents are hereby advised that the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP). All records in the custody or control of the NSLC (including any proposals and attachments submitted in response to this request for proposals) are subject to public release to applicants under FOIPOP, subject to some limited exceptions. Confidential materials related to a third party are addressed under s. 21 of FOIPOP. Any proponent that wishes to have any portion of its proposal considered to be “confidential information” under FOIPOP must clearly mark as confidential. Only information that meets the test under s. 21 of FOIPOP can be withheld from disclosure.

9. Standard Clauses a. An incomplete submission and submissions that fail to comply with the

specification documents will be rejected.

b. If a submission fails to satisfy all the mandatory requirements, NSLC will issue the proponent a rectification notice identifying the deficiencies and providing the proponent an opportunity to rectify the deficiencies. If the proponent fails to satisfy the mandatory submission requirements within the Rectification Period of one day, its proposal will be excluded from further consideration. The Rectification Period will begin to run from the date that NSLC issues a rectification notice to the proponent.

c. Proponents should ensure that all calculations and totals are correct. If

any discrepancies/errors are noted in the evaluation process, the unit price will prevail.

d. Proponent’s expenses for this NRFP are the sole responsibility of the

proponent in the submission preparation or presentation.

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e. Submissions must include the cost of all Permits and fees.

f. The NSLC reserves the right to reject any or all submissions. This NRFP implies no obligation on the NSLC to accept this submission or any submission submitted and has the right to cancel this NRFP if required.

g. The NSLC is not obliged to award lowest priced submission and reserves

the right to re-address the requirement should there be reasonable doubt that prices received are not competitive.

h. The NSLC reserves the right to contact proponents, prior to making a final decision or recommendation, for clarification if requested information in their submission is ambiguous or missing and if such clarification does not offer the proponent the opportunity to improve the competitive position of their response.

i. In the evaluation process, the NSLC may request references and

consider information provided by those references. Consideration may also be given to the proponent’s past performance or conduct on previous work with the NSLC. The NSLC retains the right of sole discretion to reject any submission based on the findings of this information.

j. The NSLC reserves the right to cancel the awarded contract with written

notice if such cause is determined for cancelation.

k. If work is either directly or indirectly delayed or stopped for a period which in the opinion of the NSLC, acting reasonably, is likely to continue so as to substantially prevent, hinder or delay the timely completion of the contract and such delay or stoppage is caused:

i. by fire, flood, elements of nature or acts of God; ii. by acts of war, terrorism, riots, civil disorders or reasonable

apprehension of such; iii. by labour disputes, strikes, or lock outs; iv. under an order of any court, or other public authority, through no

act or fault of the contractor or anyone employed by him/her; or v. by other similar cause beyond the reasonable control of either

party (but not including financial difficulties or insolvency;

and such delay could not have been prevented by reasonable precautions and could not be circumvented by the non-performing party through the use of alternate sources, work around plans or other means, either party may, upon providing three days’ notice to the other, terminate the contract. In such case, the contractor may recover from the Corporation payment for all work executed and reasonable profit for

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that work. The NSLC reserves the right to ensure the work is being completed to its standards as provided in the documents.

l. The NSLC reserves the right to ensure the work is being completed to its standards as provided in the documents.

m. The entire context of the Proponent’s submission should be submitted in a fixed form, and the content of websites or other external documents referred to in the Proponent’s submission but not attached will not be considered to form part of its proposal.

10.Trade Agreements Proponents should note that procurements falling within the scope of Chapter 5 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and/or the Atlantic Procurement Agreement are subject to those trade agreements but that the rights and obligations of the parties shall be governed by the specific terms of this NRFP.

11.Withdrawal of Submissions At any time throughout the NRFP process, until the execution of a written agreement for provision of the Deliverables, a proponent may request to withdraw a submission. To withdraw a submission, a notice of withdrawal must be sent to the NSLC Contact and must be signed by an authorized representative of the proponent. The NSLC is under no obligation to return withdrawn submissions.

12.Submissions to be retained by the NSLC The NSLC will not return the original submission or any accompanying documentation submitted by a proponent.

13.Submission Requirements Please quote pricing as;

1. FOB NSLC – this includes Customs Clearance and any Brokerage fees, where applicable

2. Price excluding HST 3. Canadian Funds

14. Contract Negotiations Upon selection of the most qualified Proponent, the NSLC will begin negotiations in order to secure a contract. Should the NSLC be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the Proponent considered to be most

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qualified, negotiations with that Proponent will be formally terminated. The NSLC may then undertake negotiations with the next most qualified Proponent.

15.Governing Law and Interpretation a. are intended to be interpreted broadly and independently (with no

particular provision intended to limit the scope of any other provision); b. are non-exhaustive and shall not be construed as intending to limit the

pre-existing rights of the parties to engage in pre-contractual discussions in accordance with the common law governing direct commercial negotiations; and

c. are to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the province of Nova Scotia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

16.Conflict of Interest The NSLC may disqualify a proponent for any conduct, situation or circumstances, determined by the NSLC, in its sole and absolute discretion, to constitute a Conflict of Interest. For the purposes of this, the term “Conflict of Interest” includes, but is not limited to, any situation or circumstance where:

(a) in relation to the NRFP process, the proponent has an unfair advantage or engages in conduct, directly or indirectly, that may give it an unfair advantage, including but not limited to (i) having, or having access to, confidential information of the NSLC in the preparation of its submission that is not available to other proponents, (ii) communicating with any person with a view to influencing preferred treatment in the NRFP process (including but not limited to the lobbying of decision makers involved in the NRFP process), or (iii) engaging in conduct that compromises, or could be seen to compromise, the integrity of the open and competitive NRFP process or render that process non-competitive or unfair; or

(b) in relation to the performance of its contractual obligations under a contract for the Deliverables, the proponent’s other commitments, relationships or financial interests (i) could, or could be seen to, exercise an improper influence over the objective, unbiased and impartial exercise of its independent judgement, or (ii) could, or could be seen to, compromise, impair or be incompatible with the effective performance of its contractual obligations.

Proponents should disclose the names and all pertinent details of all individuals (employees, advisers, or individuals acting in any other capacity) who (a) participated in the preparation of the submission; AND (b) were employees of the NSLC within twelve (12) months prior to the Submission Deadline.

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17.Evaluation Criteria An Evaluation Team will review and score the submissions received in response to the NRFP. Refer to the Evaluation Percentages in the Specification for details of evaluation and award.

18.Notification of Successful Proponent Notification of the successful proponent will be posted on the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal at https://procurement.novascotia.ca/ .

Proponents may request a debriefing after posting of the outcome of the procurement process on the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal. All requests must be in writing via email to the NSLC Contact and must be made within ten (10) days of posting of the outcome of the procurement process. The intent of the debriefing information session is to aid the proponent in presenting a better submission in subsequent procurement opportunities. Any debriefing provided is not for the purpose of providing an opportunity to challenge the procurement process or its outcome.

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SPECIFICATIONS

NEGOTIABLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (NRFP)

Insurance Broker Services

NSLC NRFP REF. NO: SR-25-FY20

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Table of Contents

1.1.1. NSLC Overview ................................................................................................ 3 1.1.2. Background ....................................................................................................... 3 1.1.3. Purpose and Scope of NRFP ....................................................................... 4 1.1.4. Insurance Broker Services requirements .............................................. 4

1.2. NEGOTIATED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURES .......... 5 1.2.1. Process ................................................................................................................ 5 1.2.2. Statement of Requirements ....................................................................... 5 1.2.3. NRFP Process Targeted Dates .................................................................... 6 1.2.4. Evaluation Team ............................................................................................. 6

1.3. PROPOSAL PREPARATION ........................................................................................ 6 1.3.1. Proposal Format .............................................................................................. 6 1.3.2. Additional Information .................................................................................. 6 1.3.3. Authorization .................................................................................................... 7

1.4. ADDITIONAL TERMS ................................................................................................. 7 1.4.1. Subcontracting and Partnering ................................................................. 7 1.4.2. Liability for Errors ........................................................................................... 7 1.4.3. Acceptance of Terms ..................................................................................... 7 1.4.4. Ownership of Proposal and Freedom of Information ........................ 7 1.4.5. Use of Request for Proposal ....................................................................... 7 1.4.6. Confidentially of Information ..................................................................... 7

2.0 PROPOSED SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS .......................................................... 8 2.1. Statement of Requirements ............................................................................. 8 2.2. Professional Resources ...................................................................................... 8 2.3. Corporate Capability ............................................................................................ 8 2.4. Corporate References .......................................................................................... 8 2.5. Terms and Conditions .......................................................................................... 9 3.0 EVALUATION AND PRICING ........................................................................................ 9

3.1. Assumptions ............................................................................................................. 9 Appendix A .......................................................................................................................... 10

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INTRODUCTION 1.1.1. NSLC Overview

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is one of Nova Scotia’s largest retailers. Since 1930, the NSLC has been managing the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol, returning 100% of its profits to government to fund key public services. The NSLC operates approximately 111 facilities consisting of a corporate head office, fulfillment warehouses and retail stores with a team of more than 1,400 employees. The NSLC is a dynamic company that is always striving to improve – our service, our stores, our selection and our business processes.

In 2018 the NSLC’s mandated responsibilities were expanded to include the safe and responsible retailing of recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia. This is a significant and exciting change in our history.

The NSLC also distributes beverage alcohol product to licensees, private wine stores and through Agency outlets. Agency stores are Corporation-regulated private sector operations which sell beverage alcohol products in addition to offering non-liquor goods and services to residents of smaller communities. A licensee is a business licensed by the Nova Scotia Alcohol & Gaming Division (AGD) for the sale of beverage alcohol by the glass to be consumed on the premises of the licensee. The AGD is also responsible for enforcing the Liquor Control Act and its associated regulations with respect to licensees.

Additional information about the NSLC may be found at its corporate website, www.myNSLC.com.

1.1.2. Background

The NSLC is a Crown Corporation of the Province of Nova Scotia established in 2001. The NSLC obtains their own insurance coverage through the services of a brokerage. The contract with the current broker is ending in March 2020. The current insurance coverages for the NSLC are:

- Storage Tank Liability - Property Insurance (93 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax and all stores) - Electronic Data and Processing - Equipment Breakdown - Boiler and Machinery Insurance - Director and Officer Liability - Commercial General Liability - Crime policy - Umbrella Liability - Network / Cyber - Property and Business Interruption

Current coverage information included in Appendix B – Insurance Summary, will be available upon request and confirmation of mandatory requirements in section 2.1. Requests should be sent to [email protected].

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1.1.3. Purpose and Scope of NRFP

The purpose of this Negotiated Request for Proposal (NRFP) is to solicit proposals for insurance broker services (hereinafter referred to as “Provider”) to act on its behalf in the insurance marketplace. The NSLC is seeking insurance broker services for a mandate of 5 years.

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals outlining their qualifications and proposed fee for all services (see 1.1.4). As this is a conceptual process, it is stressed that no Insurers are to be contacted on behalf of NSLC at this time.

1.1.4. Insurance Broker Services requirements

The Contract is for a mandate of 5 years and the successful broker will negotiate competitive terms and conditions with interested Canadian-licensed Insurers to secure Commercial Insurance, Directors & Officers Liability Insurance and other insurance as requested.

The NSLC has engaged Risk Smart Consulting to help evaluate this NRFP, research and report how to mitigate future risks relating to emerging industries given the current insurance landscape and support the NSLC in creating a 5-year risk plan by May 1, 2020.

We ask the successful broker to provide Risk Management Services, Insurance Services, Claims Management Services and other services. More specifically:

Risk Management Services

A. Assist NSLC in determining the risks of loss to which NSLC is exposed and in application of appropriate risk management techniques to eliminate, reduce or transfer those risks;

B. Provide reasonable property loss prevention engineering services as required by NSLC, provided such services are not provided by the insurer. The Broker will provide loss prevention engineering services for locations which have estimated or appraised replacement cost value over $5,000,000. The report style and layout will be agreed to at the beginning of these services.

C. Provide loss prevention services for: Fire Prevention, Boiler and Machinery, and Employee Training as requested by NSLC.

D. Upon request by NSLC, review certain contracts, leases or agreements for insurance implications, requirements, assumption of liability and other risk management issues.

Insurance Services

A. Review with NSLC, it’s exposures to accidental loss and appropriate existing and proposed insurance coverage.

B. After consideration of available insurers, provide the names of qualified insurance companies which may be approached for insurance premium quotations for NSLC’s insurance program.

C. Prepare insurance specifications and underwriting proposals for insurance policy renewal which will be submitted to recommended insurance companies and submit a copy to NSLC for NSLC’s review. NSLC’s review will be based on accuracy of information being presented to the insurer.

D. On behalf of NSLC and upon instruction by NSLC, arrange the purchase of selected insurance coverages, which form part of NSLC’s program.

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E. Prepare a written summary of each policy including key terms, conditions, endorsements and maintain each summary up to date and provide NSLC with a copy.

F. Obtain insurance coverage interpretations from Insurers as the need may arise from time to time.

Claims Management Services A. Co-ordinate notice of claims or losses to insurers as required and provide updates to

NSLC. The Broker will advise NSLC of any payments, whether direct claim payments or claim expenses, made by an insurer relating to a claim as soon as the Broker becomes aware of it.

B. Provide knowledge and assistance in the preparation and/or handling of all first and third party claims as requested by NSLC which are normally part of an insurance program.

C. Provide, at a minimum, quarterly reviews of claims and reserves and an annual spreadsheet of claims by policy.

General Services

A. Attend meetings as required in Halifax to discuss NSLC’s insurance program. B. Prepare insurance certificates and endorsements as requested by NSLC. C. Follow-up for timely issuance of all policies and endorsements with insurers and

submit originals to NSLC. The Broker will use best efforts to have all insurance documentation completed within 30 days of renewal or policy change.

D. Provided insurance premiums have been paid to the Broker by NSLC, remit such premiums to insurers in accordance with industry practice and ensure such premiums do not fall in arrears.

1.2. NEGOTIATED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURES 1.2.1. Process

The process the NSLC is using to select the successful bidder involves evaluating all proposals according to the evaluation criteria defined in Section 3.0 of this document.

This NRFP should not be construed as a contract to purchase goods or services. The NSLC will not be obligated in any manner to any proponent until the negotiations and execution of a contract is complete.

1.2.2. Statement of Requirements

This NRFP describes requirements of the NSLC. Proponents should provide full explanations and descriptions of how they propose to satisfy these requirements.

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1.2.3. NRFP Process Targeted Dates

We expect to identify the successful proponent in December 2019. Significant dates in the process are as follows:

RPF Status Targeted Dates 1 NRFP issued December 3rd, 2019 2 Deadline for Proponent Requests for Questions,

Clarifications or Modifications December 10th, 2019

3 NSLC posts Addendum for Answers, Clarifications or Modifications

December 13th, 2019

4 Proposal Due Date and Time December 17th, 2019 @ 2:00pm AST 5 Potential Interviews if needed (estimated) December 19th, 2019 6 Notice of Award (estimated) December 20th, 2019 7 Negotiations and execution of contract

(estimated) December 23rd, 2019

The above schedule may be subject to change.

All inquiries concerning the specifications of this NRFP or the procurement process are to be directed to the Procurement Manager by email at [email protected] . 1.2.4. Evaluation Team

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee formed by the NSLC. Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria laid out in Section 3.0. The committee consists of:

David Foley FCIP, CRM-e, Risk Smart Consulting Caroline Duchesne, Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Cherie Foronda-Brennan, Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation NSLC will employ consensus scoring in the evaluation of proposals.

1.3. PROPOSAL PREPARATION 1.3.1. Proposal Format

All proponents are asked to organize their proposals in the same manner and order as shown in the Appendix A – Broker Questionnaire as referred to in Evaluation and Pricing Sections 3.0 of this document. Proponents are free to include additional material in appendices, however, only the main body of the proposal will be evaluated.

1.3.2. Additional Information

All documentation materials submitted as attachments to the proposals should be clearly indicated on a "list of materials" document.

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1.3.3. Authorization

Proponent responses must be signed by an authorized officer of the company.

1.4. ADDITIONAL TERMS

1.4.1. Subcontracting and Partnering

Utilizing a subcontractor or partner is acceptable. The principal contractor must take overall responsibility for partner or subcontractor contracts, payment, availability, skill set, quality of work, etc.

1.4.2. Liability for Errors

While the NSLC has made considerable efforts to ensure an accurate representation of information in this NRFP, the information contained in this NRFP is supplied solely as a guideline for proponents. The information is not guaranteed or warranted to be absolutely accurate by the NSLC, nor is it necessarily comprehensive or exhaustive. Nothing in this NRFP is intended to relieve proponents from forming their own opinions and conclusions with respect to the matters addressed in this NRFP.

1.4.3. Acceptance of Terms

Terms and conditions resulting from the award of this NRFP will be finalized once the successful proponent has been identified.

1.4.4. Ownership of Proposal and Freedom of Information

All documents, including proposals, submitted to the NSLC become the property of the NSLC and are subject to disclosure under the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. By submitting a proposal, the proponent thereby agrees to public disclosure of its contents. Any information the proponent considers personal information, or confidential because of its proprietary nature, should be marked as "confidential", and will be subject to appropriate consideration as defined within the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

1.4.5. Use of Request for Proposal

This document or any portion thereof may not be used for any purpose other than the submission of proposals.

1.4.6. Confidentially of Information

Information pertaining to this NRFP or any material obtained by the proponent as a result of participation in this project is confidential and must not be disclosed without written authorization from the NSLC.

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2.0 PROPOSED SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The following section describes the required content of the Proponent’s response to this NRFP and Proponents are asked to structure their response using the same format.

2.1. Statement of Requirements

The successful proponent must address the mandatory requirements listed below. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the Proponent’s response being disqualified. The proponent is asked to complete the following table indicating their ability to meet the mandatory requirements:

# Mandatory Requirements Response (Yes/No)

1 Licensed in the Province of Nova Scotia

2 Five years in business as a firm

3 Evidence of Insurance Brokers Errors and Omissions insurance with a limit of not less than $10,000,000.00.

4 Submission of references from three clients for whom similar insurances have been placed within the past two years.

2.2. Professional Resources

Specific information should be submitted with respect to partners and key staff members who are proposed to have direct responsibility for the services as requested in Appendix A.

2.3. Corporate Capability

Proponents are required to provide an overview of their corporate background and capabilities as it may be relevant to the needs of the NSLC. Proposals must include information of a general nature on the current total staffing level and client base of the firm.

2.4. Corporate References

Proponents must provide a list of references for their own firm as well as any sub-contractors proposed as part of the response. Reference contacts provided in your proposal should be notified that they may be contacted by the NSLC as part of the evaluation process. A minimum of three (3) references should be provided as part of any proposal response. These references should include clients whose involvement with the responding firm is similar to the services being proposed for the Corporation.

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Reference information should be provided in the following format:

Request Response

Name of the Institution involved

Name, title, phone number and e-mail of the Contact(s)

Describe services provided

Dates services provided

2.5. Terms and Conditions

The successful Proponent will provide a template of acceptable contract terms and conditions to the NSLC within two weeks after notification of acceptance of its proposal. Proponents should identify any revision to terms that they require or provide alternatives where necessary.

3.0 EVALUATION AND PRICING

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation will employ a structured, competitive evaluation process. All written proposals will be reviewed and scored based on how well they address the specific needs of the Corporation as outlined in this Negotiated Request for Proposal. The Corporation will determine the firm whose proposal best suits the needs based upon review and selection criteria as follows:

Evaluation Factor Weight

Section Containing Details

Notes

1

Mandatory Requirements met?

Y/N 2.1 Failure to meet mandatory requirements will result in disqualification of response

2 Staff relevant experience and demonstrated competence

20% Appendix A

3 Insurance Marketing capabilities

20% Appendix A

5 Price of services 25% Appendix A 6 Corporate capabilities 20% Appendix A 7 References 15% 2.4 Total 100%

3.1. Assumptions

Proponents must document any assumptions made in the preparation of their Financial Proposal.

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APPENDIX A

BROKER QUESTIONNAIRE

The purpose of this questionnaire is to assist Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation in determining which agent/broker will be best suited to represent NSLC’s interests in the Insurance market. Kindly include a copy of your annual report and other materials describing your services, organization and financial strengths you believe may be appropriate to illustrate your experience with insurance placements. NSLC will hold all responses in strictest confidence.

A. Agency/Company Information

Name of Brokerage Address: Telephone No Email address Date established Licensed in Nova Scotia Principal Responsible - If selected, the following person will be fully responsible for this account Name Professional Qualifications Background/Experience Support Staff Name Professional Qualifications Background/Experience What are the maximum number of hours annually you anticipate will be spent on this account?

Initial marketing Renewal marketing Other general services Details of your Errors and Omissions Policy

Insurer Limits Deductibles (individuals and aggregates)

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Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Insurance Broker Services

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B. Remuneration

It is understood that until you have been authorized to approach the insurance marketplace, you will not know how much remuneration you would expect. However, NSLC will be the sole arbiter with respect to the method of remuneration (whether commission or net premium with fee charged to NSLC) and estimates are to be made as follows:

Commercial Insurance Anticipated commission rate (%) Alternative anticipated fee to be charged ($) D & O. Insurance Anticipated commission rate (%) Alternative anticipated fee to be charged ($) Are you willing to have all invoices show net premium and commission or fee separately?

C. Insurers Please list insurers (licensed to transact insurance business in Canada) that you would approach on this account. (IMPORTANT: List in order of Priority)

Co. #1 Co.#2 Co.#3 Company Name Commercial Volume

Length of time represented co.