ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF REGION 4 ESC s OPEN RECORDS POLICY

Transcription

1 ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF REGION 4 ESC s OPEN RECORDS POLICY Signature below certifies complete acceptance of Region 4 ESC s Open Records Policy, except as noted below (additional pages may be attached, if necessary). Check one of the following responses to the Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Region 4 ESC s Open Records Policy below: We acknowledge Region 4 ESC s Open Records Policy and declare that no information submitted with this proposal, or any part of our proposal, is exempt from disclosure under the Public Information Act. (Note: All information believed to be a trade secret or proprietary must be listed below. It is further understood that failure to identify such information, in strict accordance with the instructions below, will result in that information being considered public information and released, if requested under the Public Information Act.) We declare the following information to be a trade secret or proprietary and exempt from disclosure under the Public Information Act. (Note: Offeror must specify page-by-page and line-by-line the parts of the response, which it believes, are exempt. In addition, Offeror must specify which exception(s) are applicable and provide detailed reasons to substantiate the exception(s). October 1, 2014 Date Vice President National Accounts Authorized Signature & Title Page 4 of 164

2 APPENDIX A VENDOR CONTRACT AND SIGNATURE FORM This Vendor Contract and Signature Form ( Contract ) is made as of, by and between ( Vendor ) and Region 4 Education Service Center ( Region 4 ESC ) for the purchase of ( the products and services ). RECITALS WHEREAS, both parties agree and understand that the following pages will constitute the contract between the successful vendor(s) and Region 4 ESC, having its principal place of business at 7145 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX WHEREAS, Vendor agrees to include, in writing, any required exceptions or deviations from these terms, conditions, and specifications; and it is further understood that, if agreed to by Region 4 ESC, said exceptions or deviations will be incorporated into the final contract Vendor Contract. WHEREAS, this contract consists of the provisions set forth below, including provisions of all attachments referenced herein. In the event of a conflict between the provisions set forth below and those contained in any attachment, the provisions set forth below shall control. WHEREAS, the Vendor Contract will provide that any state, county, special district, local government, school district, private K-12 school, charter school, technical or vocational school, higher education institution (including community colleges, colleges and universities, both public and private), other government agencies or non-profit organization may purchase products and services at prices indicated in the Vendor Contract upon registering and becoming a member with TCPN; and it being further understood that Region 4 ESC shall act as the Lead Public Agency with respect to all such purchase agreements. WHEREAS, TCPN has the administrative and legal capacity to administer purchases on behalf of Region 4 ESC under the Vendor Contract with participating public agencies and entities, as permitted by applicable law. ARTICLE 1- GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1.1 TCPN shall be afforded all of the rights, privileges and indemnifications afforded to Region 4 ESC under the Vendor Contract, and such rights, privileges and indemnifications shall accrue and apply with equal effect to TCPN, including, without limitation, Vendors obligation to provide insurance and other indemnifications to Lead Public Agency. 1.2 Awarded vendor shall perform all duties, responsibilities and obligations, set forth in this agreement, and required under the Vendor Contract. 1.3 TCPN shall perform its duties, responsibilities and obligations as administrator of purchases, set forth in this agreement, and required under the Vendor Contract.

3 1.4 Purchasing procedure: Purchase orders are issued by participating governmental agencies to the awarded vendor indicating on the PO Per TCPN Contract # R_. Vendor delivers goods/services directly to the participating agency. Awarded vendor invoices the participating agency directly. Awarded vendor receives payment directly from the participating agency. Awarded vendor reports sales monthly to TCPN. 1.5 Customer Support: The vendor shall provide timely and accurate technical advice and sales support to Region 4 ESC staff, TCPN staff and participating agencies. The vendor shall respond to such requests within one (1) working day after receipt of the request. ARTICLE 2- ANTICIPATED TERM OF AGREEMENT 2.1 Unless otherwise stated, all contracts are for a period of three (3) years with an option to renew annually for an additional two (2) years if agreed to by Region 4 ESC. Region 4 ESC will notify the vendor in writing if the contract is extended. Awarded vendor shall honor all administrative fees for any sales made based on the contact whether renewed or not. 2.2 Region 4 ESC shall review the contract prior to the renewal date and notify the current awarded vendor, no less than ninety (90) days of Region 4 ESC s intent renew the contract. Upon receipt of notice, awarded vendor must notify Region 4 ESC if it elects not to renew. Awarded vendor shall honor the administrative fee for any sales incurred throughout the life of the contract on any sales made based on a Region 4 ESC contract whether awarded a renewal or not. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to exercise each two-year extension annually. ARTICLE 3- REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS 3.1. Scope: This contract is based on the need to provide the economic benefits of volume purchasing and reduction in administrative costs through cooperative purchasing to schools and other members with the exception of federal agencies. Although contractors may restrict sales to certain public units (for example, state agencies or local government units), any contract that prohibits sales from being made to public school districts may not be considered. Sales without restriction to any Members are preferred. These types of contracts are commonly referred to as being piggybackable Compliance: Cooperative Purchasing Agreements between TCPN and its Members have been established under state procurement law Offeror s Promise: Offeror agrees all prices, terms, warranties, and benefits granted by Offeror to Members through this contract are comparable to or better than the equivalent terms offered by Offeror to any present customer meeting the same qualifications or requirements. Independent Stationers as a supplier, through its manufacturers warrants all goods and services as outlined in the manufacturer s warranty and does not imply any additional warranties or guarantees outside of our stated returns policy. ARTICLE 4- FORMATION OF CONTRACT 4.1. Offeror Contract Documents: Region 4 ESC will review proposed offeror contract documents. Vendor s contract document shall not become part of Region 4 ESC s contract with vendor unless and until an authorized representative of Region 4 ESC reviews and approves it.

4 4.2. Form of Contract: The form of contract for this solicitation shall be the Request for Proposal, the awarded proposal(s) and best and final offer(s), and properly issued and reviewed purchase orders referencing the requirements of the Request for Proposals. If a firm submitting an offer requires Region 4 ESC and/or Member to sign an additional agreement, a copy of the proposed agreement must be included with the proposal Entire Agreement (Parol evidence): The contract, as specified above, represents the final written expression of agreement. All agreements are contained herein and no other agreements or representations that materially alter it are acceptable Assignment of Contract: No assignment of contract may be made without the prior written approval of Region 4 ESC. Purchase orders and payment can only be made to awarded vendor unless otherwise approved by Region 4 ESC. Awarded vendor is required to notify Region 4 ESC when any material change in operations is made that may adversely affect members (i.e. bankruptcy, change of ownership, merger, etc.) Novation: If contractor sells or transfers all assets or the entire portion of the assets used to perform this contract, a successor in interest must guarantee to perform all obligations under this contract. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to accept or reject any new party. A simple change of name agreement will not change the contractual obligations of contractor Contract Alterations: No alterations to the terms of this contract shall be valid or binding unless authorized and signed by a Region 4 ESC staff member Order of Precedence: In the event of a conflict in the provisions of the contract as accepted by Region 4 ESC, the following order of precedence shall prevail: Special terms and conditions General terms and conditions Specifications and scope of work Attachments and exhibits Documents referenced or included in the solicitation 4.8 Supplemental Agreements: The entity participating in the Region 4 ESC contract and awarded vendor may enter into a separate supplemental agreement to further define the level of service requirements over and above the minimum defined in this contract i.e. invoice requirements, ordering requirements, specialized delivery, etc. Any supplemental agreement developed as a result of this contract is exclusively between the participating entity and awarded vendor. Neither Region 4 ESC, TCPN, its agents, members and employees shall be made party to any claim for breach of such agreement. 4.9 Adding authorized distributors/dealers: Awarded vendors are prohibited from authorizing additional distributors or dealers, other than those identified at the time of submitting their proposal, to sell under their contract award without notification and prior written approval from TCPN. Awarded vendors must notify TCPN each time it wishes to add an authorized distributor or dealer. Purchase orders and payment can only be made to awarded vendor unless otherwise approved by TCPN. Pricing provided to members by added distributors or dealers must also be less than or equal to the pricing offered by the awarded contract holder, unless otherwise approved by TCPN. As a cooperative of national independent office supply dealers, Independent Stationers will seek to continuously add certified and qualified dealers to service all agencies and members of the TCPN contract. Upon completion of certification, Independent Stationers will notify TCPN of a newly authorized dealer, per an agreed upon process set forth by all parties once a contract award has been made. ARTICLE 5- TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

5 5.1. Cancellation for Non-Performance or Contractor Deficiency: Region 4 ESC may terminate any contract if Members have not used the contract, or if purchase volume is determined to be low volume in any 12-month period. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to cancel the whole or any part of this contract due to failure by contractor to carry out any obligation, term or condition of the contract. Region 4 ESC may issue a written deficiency notice to contractor for acting or failing to act in any of the following: i. Providing material that does not meet the specifications of the contract; ii. Providing work and/or material that was not awarded under the contract; iii. Failing to adequately perform the services set forth in the scope of work and specifications; iv. Failing to complete required work or furnish required materials within a reasonable amount of time; v. Failing to make progress in performance of the contract and/or giving Region 4 ESC reason to believe that contractor will not or cannot perform the requirements of the contract; and/or vi. Performing work or providing services under the contract prior to receiving a Region 4 ESC reviewed purchase order for such work. Upon receipt of a written deficiency notice, contractor shall have ten (10) days to provide a satisfactory response to Region 4 ESC. Failure to adequately address all issues of concern may result in contract cancellation. Upon cancellation under this paragraph, all goods, materials, work, documents, data and reports prepared by contractor under the contract shall become the property of the Member on demand. 5.2 Termination for Cause: If, for any reason, the Vendor fails to fulfill its obligation in a timely manner, or if the vendor violates any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations of this contract Region 4 ESC reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately and pursue all other applicable remedies afforded by law. Such termination shall be effective by delivery of notice, to the vendor, specifying the effective date of termination. In such event, all documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, maps, models and reports prepared by vendor for this solicitation may become the property of the participating agency or entity. If such event does occur then vendor will be entitled to receive just and equitable compensation for the satisfactory work completed on such documents. 5.3 Delivery/Service Failures: Failure to deliver goods or services within the time specified, or within a reasonable time period as interpreted by the purchasing agent or failure to make replacements or corrections of rejected articles/services when so requested shall constitute grounds for the contract to be terminated. In the event that the participating agency or entity must purchase in an open market, contractor agrees to reimburse the participating agency or entity, within a reasonable time period, for all expenses incurred. 5.4 Force Majeure: If by reason of Force Majeure, either party hereto shall be rendered unable wholly or in part to carry out its obligations under this Agreement then such party shall give notice and full particulars of Force Majeure in writing to the other party within a reasonable time after occurrence of the event or cause relied upon, and the obligation of the party giving such notice, so far as it is affected by such Force Majeure, shall be suspended during the continuance of the inability then claimed, except as hereinafter provided, but for no longer period, and such party shall endeavor to remove or overcome such inability with all reasonable dispatch. The term Force Majeure as employed herein, shall mean acts of God, strikes, lockouts, or other industrial disturbances, act of public enemy, orders of any kind of government of the United States or the State of Texas or any civil or military authority; insurrections; riots; epidemics; landslides; lighting; earthquake; fires; hurricanes; storms; floods; washouts; droughts; arrests; restraint of government and people; civil disturbances; explosions, breakage or accidents to machinery, pipelines or canals, or other causes not reasonably within the control of the party claiming such inability. It is understood and agreed that the settlement of strikes and lockouts shall be entirely within the discretion of the party having the difficulty, and that the above requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable opposing party or parties when such settlement is unfavorable in the judgment of the party having the difficulty.

6 5.5 Standard Cancellation: Either party may cancel this contract in whole or in part by providing written notice. The cancellation will take effect 30 business days after the other party receives the notice of cancellation. After the 30th business day all work will cease following completion of final purchase order. Vendor may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract at any time. Independent Stationers proposes the last sentence of 5.5 Standard Cancellation be stricken, and moved to section 11.5 Product Line. ARTICLE 6- LICENSES 6.1 Duty to keep current license: Vendor shall maintain in current status all federal, state and local licenses, bonds and permits required for the operation of the business conducted by vendor. Vendor shall remain fully informed of and in compliance with all ordinances and regulations pertaining to the lawful provision of services under the contract. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to stop work and/or cancel the contract of any vendor whose license(s) expire, lapse, are suspended or terminated. 6.2 Survival Clause: All applicable software license agreements, warranties or service agreements that were entered into between Vendor and Customer under the terms and conditions of the Contract shall survive the expiration or termination of the Contract. All Purchase Orders issued and accepted by Order Fulfiller shall survive expiration or termination of the Contract. ARTICLE 7- DELIVERY PROVISIONS 7.1 Delivery: Vendor shall deliver said materials purchased on this contract to the Member issuing a Purchase Order. Conforming product shall be shipped within 7 days of receipt of Purchase Order. If delivery is not or cannot be made within this time period the vendor must receive authorization from the purchasing agency for the delayed delivery. At this point the participating entity may cancel the order if estimated shipping time is not acceptable. 7.2 Inspection & Acceptance: If defective or incorrect material is delivered, purchasing agency may make the determination to return the material to the vendor at no cost to the purchasing agency. The vendor agrees to pay all shipping costs for the return shipment. Vendor shall be responsible for arranging the return of the defective or incorrect material. All returns and refunds shall be processed according to the Vendor s returns policy. ARTICLE 8- BILLING AND REPORTING 8.1 Payments: The entity using the contract will make payments directly to the awarded vendor. Payment shall be made after satisfactory performance, in accordance with all provisions thereof, and upon receipt of a properly completed invoice. 8.2 Invoices: The awarded vendor shall submit invoices to the participating entity clearly stating Per TCPN Contract. The shipment tracking number or pertinent information for verification shall be made available upon request. 8.3 Tax Exempt Status: Since this is a national contract, knowing the tax laws in each state is the sole responsibility of the vendor. 8.4 Reporting: The awarded vendor shall electronically provide TCPN with a detailed monthly report showing the dollar volume of all sales under the contract for the previous month. Reports shall be sent via e-

7 mail to TCPN offices at Reports are due on the fifteenth (15 th ) day 45 days after the close of the previous month. It is the responsibility of the awarded vendor to collect and compile all sales under the contract from participating Members and submit one (1) report. The report shall include at least the following information listed below: Vendor Name TCPN Contract Number Reporting Period/Year Entity Name Entity Address (Including Street, City, State & Zip) Purchased Commodity Type Gross Sale Amount Administrative Fee (Based on Gross Sale Amount) 8.5 Service Level Reports: The awarded vendor shall be responsible for providing monthly service level agreement reports during quarterly business reviews in Excel spreadsheet format as outlined below: On-Time Delivery Rate Number of orders delivered complete within the 2 business day (after shipping) requirement divided by total number of orders delivered Order Fill Rate Number of orders with order fill rate of more than 95% divided by total number of orders Order Accuracy Rate Number of orders with order accuracy rate of more than 98% divided by total number of orders Total Number of Orders Placed Total Dollar Value of Orders Placed Average Value of Orders Placed by Customer ARTICLE 9- PRICING 9.1 Best price guarantee: The awarded vendor agrees to provide pricing to Region 4 ESC and its participating entities that are the lowest pricing available as applicable to the size and scope of the customer and the pricing shall remain so throughout the duration of the contract. Pricing offered to Federal government buying consortiums for goods and services is exempt from this requirement. The awarded vendor, however, agrees to lower the cost of any product purchased through TCPN following a reduction in the manufacturer or publisher's direct cost. 9.2 Price increase: Awarded vendor will be allowed to submit price increases at regularly scheduled intervals during the life of the contract. Pricing for core list items may be updated twice a year, once in April and once in October. Pricing for non-core items may be updated quarterly with the exception of paper and ink/toner items whereas due to the volatility of the market, Vendor reserves the right to update pricing with 30 day notice to Region 4 ESC. Should it become necessary, awarded vendor may request to make non-scheduled pricing updates for up to 4% of their core list in one year. Any and all price increases must be approved by Region 4 ESC and no payment for additional materials or services, beyond the amount stipulated in the contract, shall be paid without prior approval. All price increases must be supported by manufacture documentation, or a formal cost justification letter. Awarded vendor must honor previous prices for thirty (30) days after approval and written notification from Region 4 ESC if requested. It is the awarded vendor s responsibility to keep all pricing up to date and on file with Region 4 ESC. All price changes must be provided to Region 4 ESC, using the same format as was accepted in the original contract. All core and non-core list pricing submitted in response to this RFP must remain firm until October 1,

8 2015. Price increases will not be approved by Region 4 ESC until that date. 9.3 Additional Charges: All deliveries shall be freight prepaid, F.O.B. destination and shall be included in all pricing offered unless otherwise clearly stated in writing. 9.4 Price reduction and adjustment: Price reduction may be offered at any time during contract and shall become effective upon notice of acceptance from Region 4 ESC. Special, time-limited reductions are permissible under the following conditions: 1) reduction is available to all Members equally; 2) reduction is for a specific time period, normally not less than thirty (30) days; 3) original price is not exceeded after the time-limit; and 4) Region 4 ESC has approved the new prices prior to any offer of the prices to a Member. Vendor shall offer Region 4 ESC any published price reduction during the contract period. 9.5 Prevailing Wage: It shall be the responsibility of the Vendor to comply, when applicable, with the prevailing wage legislation in effect in the jurisdiction of the purchaser (Region 4 ESC or its Members). It shall further be the responsibility of the Vendor to monitor the prevailing wage rates as established by the appropriate department of labor for any increase in rates during the term of this contract and adjust wage rates accordingly. 9.6 Administrative Fees: All pricing submitted to Region 4 ESC shall include the administrative fee to be remitted to TCPN by the awarded vendor. The awarded vendor agrees to pay administrative fees to TCPN 45 days after the close of the period as calculated as follows: (Sales will be calculated for fiscal year of January 1 st through December 31 st and reset each year) Annual Sales Through Contract Administrative Fee 0 - $50,000,000 2% $50,000,001 - $100,000, % $100,000,001 - $150,000, % $150,000,001 - $200,000, % $200,000,001 - $500,000,000 1% $500,000,001 - $1,000,000, % $1,000,000, % Failure to provide a Sales Report or pay Administrative Fees within the time and in the manner specified herein constitutes a material breach under this Agreement. If not rectified within thirty (30) days of written notice to the awarded vendor, Region 4 ESC reserves the right to deem such a breach a cause for termination of the contract. Region 4 ESC also reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month until paid in full for all Administrative Fees not paid within thirty (30) days after receipt of invoice. ARTICLE 10- PRICING AUDIT 10.1 Audit rights: Vendor shall, at Vendor s sole expense, maintain appropriate due diligence of all purchases made by Region 4 ESC and any entity that utilizes this Agreement. TCPN and Region 4 ESC each reserve the right to audit the accounting for a period of three (3) years from the time such purchases are made. This audit right shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of one (1)

9 year from the effective date of termination. In the State of New Jersey, this audit right shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years from the date of final payment. Such records shall be made available to the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller upon request. Region 4 ESC shall have the authority to conduct random audits of Vendor s pricing that is offered to eligible entities at Region 4 ESC's sole cost and expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Region 4 ESC is made aware of any pricing being offered to eligible agencies that is materially inconsistent with the pricing under this agreement, Region 4 ESC shall have the ability to conduct an extensive audit of Vendor s pricing at Vendor s sole cost and expense. Region 4 ESC may conduct the audit internally or may engage a third-party auditing firm. In the event of an audit, the requested materials shall be provided in the format and at the location designated by Region 4 ESC or TCPN. ARTICLE 11- OFFEROR PRODUCT LINE REQUIREMENTS 11.1 Current products: Proposals shall be for materials and equipment in current production and marketed to the general public and education/government agencies at the time the proposal is submitted Discontinued products: If a product or model is discontinued by the manufacturer, vendor may substitute a new product or model if the replacement product meets or exceeds the specifications and performance of the discontinued model and if the discount is the same or greater than the discontinued model New products/services: New products and/or services that meet the scope of work may be added to the contract. Pricing shall be equivalent to the percentage discount for other products. Vendor may replace or add product lines to an existing contract if the line is replacing or supplementing products on contract, is equal or superior to the original products offered, is discounted in a similar or to a greater degree, and if the products meet the requirements of the solicitation. No products and/or services may be added to avoid competitive procurement requirements. Region 4 ESC may require additions to be submitted with documentation from Members demonstrating an interest in, or a potential requirement for, the new product or service. Region 4 ESC may reject any additions without cause Options: Optional equipment for products under contract may be added to the contract at the time they become available under the following conditions: 1) the option is priced at a discount similar to other options; 2) the option is an enhancement to the unit that improves performance or reliability Product line: Offerors with a published catalog may submit the entire catalog. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to select products within the catalog for award without having to award all contents. Region 4 ESC may reject any addition of equipment options without cause. Vendor may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract at any time. Though vendors may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract, they are not obligated to provide any additional items out of scope, or not currently on the awarded contract. Independent Stationers proposes the last sentence of 5.5 Standard Cancellation be stricken, and moved to section 11.1 Product Line Warranty conditions: All supplies, equipment and services shall include manufacturer's minimum standard warranty and one (1) year labor warranty unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Independent Stationers as a supplier, through its manufacturers warrants all goods and services as outlined in the manufacturer s warranty and does not imply any additional warranties or guarantees outside of our stated returns policy Buy American requirement: (for New Jersey and all other applicable States) Vendors may only use unmanufactured construction material mined or produced in the United States, as required by the Buy American Act. Where trade agreements apply, to the extent permitted by applicable law, then unmanufactured construction material mined or produced in a designated country may also be used. Vendors are required to check state specific requirements to ensure compliance with this requirement.

10 ARTICLE 12- SITE REQUIREMENTS 12.1 Cleanup: Vendor shall clean up and remove all debris and rubbish resulting from their work as required or directed by Member. Upon completion of the work, the premises shall be left in good repair and an orderly, neat, clean and unobstructed condition Preparation: Vendor shall not begin a project for which Member has not prepared the site, unless vendor does the preparation work at no cost, or until Member includes the cost of site preparation in a purchase order. Site preparation includes, but is not limited to: moving furniture, installing wiring for networks or power, and similar pre-installation requirements Registered sex offender restrictions: For work to be performed at schools, vendor agrees that no employee or employee of a subcontractor who has been adjudicated to be a registered sex offender will perform work at any time when students are or are reasonably expected to be present. Vendor agrees that a violation of this condition shall be considered a material breach and may result in the cancellation of the purchase order at the Member s discretion. Vendor must identify any additional costs associated with compliance of this term. If no costs are specified, compliance with this term will be provided at no additional charge Safety measures: Vendor shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of employees on the worksite, and shall erect and properly maintain all necessary safeguards for protection of workers and the public. Vendor shall post warning signs against all hazards created by its operation and work in progress. Proper precautions shall be taken pursuant to state law and standard practices to protect workers, general public and existing structures from injury or damage Smoking: Persons working under the contract shall adhere to local smoking policies. Smoking will only be permitted in posted areas or off premises Stored materials: Upon prior written agreement between the vendor and Member, payment may be made for materials not incorporated in the work but delivered and suitably stored at the site or some other location, for installation at a later date. An inventory of the stored materials must be provided to Member prior to payment. Such materials must be stored and protected in a secure location, and be insured for their full value by the vendor against loss and damage. Vendor agrees to provide proof of coverage and/or addition of Member as an additional insured upon Member s request. Additionally, if stored offsite, the materials must also be clearly identified as property of buying Member and be separated from other materials. Member must be allowed reasonable opportunity to inspect and take inventory of stored materials, on or offsite, as necessary. Until final acceptance by the Member, it shall be the Vendor's responsibility to protect all materials and equipment. The Vendor warrants and guarantees that title for all work, materials and equipment shall pass to the Member upon final acceptance.

11 ARTICLE 13- MISCELLANEOUS 13.1 Funding Out Clause: Any/all contracts exceeding one (1) year shall include a standard funding out clause. A contract for the acquisition, including lease, of real or personal property is a commitment of the entity s current revenue only, provided the contract contains either or both of the following provisions: Retains to the entity the continuing right to terminate the contract at the expiration of each budget period during the term of the contract and is conditioned on a best efforts attempt by the entity to obtain appropriate funds for payment of the contract Disclosures: Offeror affirms that he/she has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give at any time hereafter any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discount, trip, favor or service to a public servant in connection with this contract. Include a complete description of any and all relationships that might be considered a conflict of interest in doing business with participants in TCPN. The Offeror affirms that, to the best of his/her knowledge, the offer has been arrived at independently, and is submitted without collusion with anyone to obtain information or gain any favoritism that would in any way limit competition or give an unfair advantage over other vendors in the award of this contract Indemnity: The awarded vendor shall protect, indemnify, and hold harmless both Region 4 ESC and TCPN and its participants, administrators, employees and agents against all claims, damages, losses and expenses arising out of or resulting from the actions of the vendor, vendor employees or vendor subcontractors in the preparation of the solicitation and the later execution of the contract, including any supplemental agreements with members. Any litigation involving either Region 4 ESC or TCPN, its administrators and employees and agents will be in Harris County, Texas. Any litigation involving TCPN members shall be in the jurisdiction of the participating agency Franchise Tax: The Offeror hereby certifies that he/she is not currently delinquent in the payment of any franchise taxes Marketing: Awarded vendor agrees to allow Region 4 ESC to use their name and logo within website, marketing materials and advertisement. Any use of Region 4 ESC name and logo or any form of publicity, inclusive of press releases, regarding this contract by awarded vendor must have prior approval from Region 4 ESC. Independent Stationers agrees to provide our logo and permission for reproduction in marketing communications and promotions. However, we respectfully request the opportunity to proof and review all communications and promotions before publication Certificates of Insurance: Certificates of insurance shall be delivered to the Region 4 ESC participant prior to commencement of work. The insurance company shall be licensed in the applicable state in which work is being conducted. The awarded vendor shall give the participating entity a minimum of ten (10) days notice prior to any modifications or cancellation of policies. The awarded vendor shall require all subcontractors performing any work to maintain coverage as specified Legal Obligations: It is the Offeror s responsibility to be aware of and comply with all local, state, and federal laws governing the sale of products/services identified in this RFP and any awarded contract and shall comply with all while fulfilling the RFP. Applicable laws and regulation

12 must be followed even if not specifically identified herein Open Records Policy: Because Region 4 ESC contracts are awarded by a governmental entity, responses submitted are subject to release as public information after contracts are executed. If a vendor believes that its response, or parts of its response, may be exempted from disclosure, the vendor must specify page-by-page and line-by-line the parts of the response, which it believes, are exempt. In addition, the Offeror must specify which exception(s) are applicable and provide detailed reasons to substantiate the exception(s). Offeror must provide this information on the Acknowledgement and Acceptance to Region 4 ESC s Open Record Policy form found at the beginning of this solicitation. Any information that is unmarked will be considered public information and released, if requested under the Public Information Act. The determination of whether information is confidential and not subject to disclosure is the duty of the Office of Attorney General (OAG). Region 4 ESC must provide the OAG sufficient information to render an opinion and therefore, vague and general claims to confidentiality by the Offeror are not acceptable. Region 4 ESC must comply with the opinions of the OAG. Region 4 ESC assumes no responsibility for asserting legal arguments on behalf of any vendor. Offeror are advised to consult with their legal counsel concerning disclosure issues resulting from this procurement process and to take precautions to safeguard trade secrets and other proprietary information. After completion of award, these documents will be available for public inspection. [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank-Signatures follow on Signature Form]

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14 Appendix B: PRODUCT / SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS It is the intention of Region 4 ESC to establish an annual contract with highly qualified Vendor(s) for Office Supplies, Related Products, and Office Services on a national basis. Vendor(s) shall, at the request of Region 4 ESC and/or TCPN members, provide these covered products and associated services under the terms of this RFP and the CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Describe your company s ability to meet the following specifications. Bidders will respond to each numbered item by checking the appropriate Comply or Deviate box. Details for deviations will be listed by item number on the Exceptions to Terms, Conditions and Specifications Form below. Bidders are encouraged to elaborate on their capabilities to provide the products and services requested below in detail. Bidders are encouraged to offer everything in their entire catalogue that falls within the scope of this RFP. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to reject parts of offerings that it deems to fall outside the scope of the RFP. Proposal Requirements Line # Requirement Comply Deviate A. Office Supplies 1 Vendor shall provide a broad based line of office products of at least 10,000 items in available inventory that covers the scope of the contract as identified below. 2 The vendor's catalogue shall include a variety of major manufacturers of the specified products and services. 3 Office Supplies (i.e. supplies that fit the categories given below in this section) must comprise at least 70% of a respondent's total offering to be considered for award for this RFP. 4 General office supplies shall include, but not be limited to: Office Consumables, Paper, Toner, IT Peripherals, and Office Equipment. 5 Office Consumables shall include, but not be limited to: Adhesives, Glues, Gluesticks, Adhesive Removers Appointment Books, Phone Message Books, Statement Books, Fax Message Books, While You Were Out Books, Forms, Dictionaries, Page 27 of 164

15 Thesaurus, Diaries, Tickets, Reference Sets Archive Boxes, Cardboard Boxes, Storage Containers Award Frames, Displays, Plaques, Certificates Badges, Badge Holders, Lanyards Batteries, Chargers, Binder Clips, Paper Clips, Panel Clips, Pushpins, Thumbtacks, Safety Pins, Rubber bands, Scissors, Shears, Cutters, Trimmers, Hole Punches (non-electric) Binders, Combs, Rings, Spines Book Cases, Book Ends, Book Shelves Bulletin Boards. Cork Boards, Easels, Easel Pads, Poster Boards Calendars, Desk pads, Refills, Planners Calculator Ink. Calculator Spools, Adding Machine Tape, Cash Register Tape Camera Film, Photo Paper Chair mats Clocks, Hooks, Lamps Correction Fluid, Correction Tape, Correction Pens Cups, Spoons, Forks, Plates, Bowls Dusters, Computer Dust-off, All Wipes, Disinfectant Spray, Disinfectant Wipes, Hand Soaps, Window/Glass Cleaner, Air Freshener, Dust Pans, Cleaning Supplies Erasers, Dry-Erase Erasers, Chalk, Crayons Ink Pads, Refills, Stamps Knives, Cutters, Blades, Scrapers Labels, Label Holders Mailing Tubes, Mailing Tubs, CD Mailers, Packaging, Fingertips, Letter Openers, Moistener Markers, Highlighters Envelopes Page 28 of 164

16 Notebooks, Notepads, Pads of Paper, Self-stick Notes, Art Paper, Construction Paper, Crepe Paper Office Organizers, Inboxes, Copyholders, Pen and Pencil Holders, Wastebaskets, Drawers, Desktop Shelves, Shredder bags, Extension Cords Pencils, Pencil Erasers, Lead Refills, Pencil Sharpeners, Pens, Pen Refills Protractors, Rulers, Yardsticks, Compasses, Engineer Triangles Report Covers, Files, File Folders, Pocket Files, Portfolios, Jackets, Inserts, Folder Frames, Dividers, Wallet Files, File Guides, Index Cards, Business Cards, Card Holders, File Indexes, Tabs, Ledgers, Tab Reinforcement, Tags, Sheet Protectors, Letters, Numbers, Fasteners, Fastener Bases, Clipboards, Flag Tape Signs, Sign Holder, Flyer Holders, Racks, Literature Displays, Name Plates Staplers, Staples, Staple Removers Tape, Tape Dispensers, Embossing Tape, Hook Pile Tape (for example Velcro Products) Transparency Film, Transparency Paper, Laminating Supplies, Laminating Pouches Safety Supplies Art Supplies 6 Paper products shall include, but not be limited to: Copy Paper Computer Paper Lined paper Envelopes Please note that Region 4 ESC currently has a separate contract for Fine Paper available through TCPN which will be re-bid. Page 29 of 164

17 7 Toner shall include but not be limited to: Toners, Cartridges, Fusers, Kits, Drums, and Related Accessories (OEM and Remanufactured) Ribbons 8 IT Peripherals shall include but not be limited to: CDs, DVDs, Cassette Tapes, Tape Cartridges, CD and DVD Cases, CD and DVD Storage, VHS Tapes, Computer Disks and Diskettes, Computer Bags and Cases, Mouse, Keyboards. Keyboard Pads, Mouse pads, Camera Bags, Camera Cases Headsets, Headset accessories, Heaphones Surge Protectors, UPS Power Supply USB Drives, Flash Memory, Zip Disks IT Hardware/Software 9 Office Equipment shall include but not be limited to: Calculators Carts, Hand Trucks Digital Voice Recorders Fans, Heaters Hole Punchers (electric and manual) Label Makers Laminators Shredders Typewriters Printers Additional Vendor Notes: B. Copy and Print Services 1 Vendor will provide various copy and print services. 2 Vendor will provide E-Commerce for print orders with the ability to send the orders electronically and either pick them up or have them delivered. 3 Vendor will have the ability to print, collate and either staple or bind the materials. 4 Vendor will have the ability to turn around orders within 48 hours or less for standard copy and print jobs. Page 30 of 164

18 5 Vendor will have the ability to print business cards and turn around within business days. 6 Vendor will have the ability to accept purchase orders for print and copy services. 7 Vendor will have the ability to ship materials via UPS, Fed Ex, or Common Carrier. These materials can include copy or printed materials but may also include materials brought to the vendor's facility for shipping. 8 Vendor will provide a discount below the standard retail rate for Print, Copy, and Ship materials. Additional Vendor Notes: C. Promotional Materials and Services 1 Vendor will include Promotional Materials and Services in the catalogues for the members. 2 Promotional Materials shall include, but not be limited to: automotive accessories, bags, buttons, badges, ribbons, calendars, clocks and watches, computer products and accessories, desk/office/business accessories, drinkware, novelty electronics, games, housewares, magnets, stickers and decals, textiles, wearables, and writing instruments. 3 Promotional Services shall include but not be limited to: screen printing, embroidery, and engraving for the products listed in C.2. 4 The Promotional Materials will include discounts below standard retail rate. Additional Vendor Notes: D. Office Furniture 1 Office Furniture shall include but not be limited to: desks, chairs, conference tables, filing cabinets, and bookshelves. 2 Services related to Office Furniture shall include installation with auditable Page 31 of 164

19 installation rate to be provided along with the pricing in this proposal. 3 The vendor will have demonstrated experience with ordering and installing furniture orders. Additional Vendor Notes: E. Product Quality 1 All products shall be new and of high quality. Products that are re-filled or remanufactured will be labelled as such. 2 Private label products may be offered. Any change of manufacturers of a private label during the term of the contract will result in offerings equal to or superior to the originally approved manufacturer at a price equal to or lower than the original offering. 3 The vendor will honor all standard return policies and manufacture warranties. 4 Unless otherwise specified, any manufacturers names, trade names, brand names, information or catalogue numbers listed in a specification are descriptive, not restrictive. With the Customer s prior approval, the Vendor(s) may provide any product that meets or exceeds the applicable specifications. The Vendor(s) shall demonstrate comparability to the Customer s satisfaction. The Customer will decide at their sole discretion whether a product is acceptable as an equivalent. Additional Vendor Notes: F. Ordering Capabilities 1 Vendor shall have an electronic on-line catalogue, including shopping cart capabilities, for order entry use by Region 4 ESC and TCPN members. Features will include: product lookup that shows TCPN contract price; ability to set purchasing authorization limits; Page 32 of 164

20 ability to download order and invoice history reports. 2 Vendors that have storefronts will have a process to register an entity's P- Cards to ensure the entity is getting the TCPN contract price or the store price, whichever is lowest. Additional Vendor Notes: G. Shipping and Delivery 1 Orders of stocked products, within standard delivery areas, will be shipped within 48 hours of receipt of order. The participating entity shall be notified by the vendor if the product ordered cannot be shipped within this time period to give the member the opportunity to secure a product elsewhere. 2 Contractor will maintain a minimum monthly average fill rate of 95%. Line items that are reordered, backordered, or partially filled are not considered filled line items when calculating this service level. 3 No "restocking" fees may be collected on items cancelled for failure to be delivered within the specified time frame. 4 No restocking fees may be charged to customers if an item is returned due to damage, incorrect product shipped, or Vendor customer service order entry error. 5 Full credit and no restocking fee shall be provided to Customers on all returns which are returned within 30 days of delivery in original packaging and in sellable condition. Original packaging may not have Customer s writing on them. (This may not apply to IT peripherals or furniture. Any other exceptions to this policy should be noted as a deviation.) Page 33 of 164

21 6 Restocking fees for all other reasons shall be capped at 10% of the value of the items that require restocking. 7 The minimum dollar value of an order delivered to a single location shall be no more than $50.00 unless otherwise agreed to by the vendor and the member. 8 Delivery charges shall not be imposed for standard orders to standard delivery areas above $50.00 for the life of the contract, including any possible renewals. 9 Orders not filled or partially filled shall be indicated on the packing list. Vendor shall inform member of anticipated delivery date for unfilled or partial orders. 10 All deliveries shall be accompanied by delivery tickets or packing slips. Tickets shall contain the member's purchase order number, vendor name and name of article. Cartons shall be identified by purchase order number and vendor name. Page 34 of 164

22 Appendix D: GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS ACCEPTANCE FORM Signature on Vendor Contract Signature form certifies complete acceptance of the General Terms and Conditions in this solicitation, except as noted below (additional pages may be attached, if necessary). Check one of the following responses to the General Terms and Conditions: We take no exceptions/deviations to the general terms and conditions (Note: If none are listed below, it is understood that no exceptions/deviations are taken.) We take the following exceptions/deviations to the general terms and conditions. All exceptions/deviations must be clearly explained. Reference the corresponding general terms and conditions that you are taking exceptions/deviations to. Clearly state if you are adding additional terms and conditions to the general terms and conditions. Provide details on your exceptions/deviations below: (Note: Unacceptable exceptions shall remove your proposal from consideration for award. Region 4 ESC shall be the sole judge on the acceptance of exceptions/deviations and the decision shall be final.) Independent Stationers takes the following exceptions/deviations as listed below: 3.1. Scope: This contract is based on the need to provide the economic benefits of volume purchasing and reduction in administrative costs through cooperative purchasing to schools and other members with the exception of federal agencies. Although contractors may restrict sales to certain public units (for example, state agencies or local government units), any contract that prohibits sales from being made to public school districts may not be considered. Sales without restriction to any Members are preferred. These types of contracts are commonly referred to as being piggybackable Offeror s Promise: Offeror agrees all prices, terms, warranties, and benefits granted by Offeror to Members through this contract are comparable to or better than the equivalent terms offered by Offeror to any present customer meeting the same qualifications or requirements. Independent Stationers as a supplier, through its manufacturers warrants all goods and services as outlined in the manufacturer s warranty and does not imply any additional warranties or guarantees outside of our stated returns policy. 4.9 Adding authorized distributors/dealers: Awarded vendors are prohibited from authorizing additional distributors or dealers, other than those identified at the time of submitting their proposal, to sell under their contract award without notification and prior written approval from TCPN. Awarded vendors must notify TCPN each time it wishes to add an authorized distributor or dealer. Purchase orders and payment can only be made to awarded vendor unless otherwise approved by TCPN. Pricing provided to members by added distributors or dealers must

23 also be less than or equal to the pricing offered by the awarded contract holder, unless otherwise approved by TCPN. As a cooperative of national independent office supply dealers, Independent Stationers will seek to continuously add certified and qualified dealers to service all agencies and members of the TCPN contract. Upon completion of certification, Independent Stationers will notify TCPN of a newly authorized dealer, per an agreed upon process set forth by all parties once a contract award has been made. 5.5 Standard Cancellation: Either party may cancel this contract in whole or in part by providing written notice. The cancellation will take effect 30 business days after the other party receives the notice of cancellation. After the 30th business day all work will cease following completion of final purchase order. Vendor may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract at any time. Independent Stationers proposes the last sentence of 5.5 Standard Cancellation be stricken, and moved to section 11.5 Product Line. 7.2 Inspection & Acceptance: If defective or incorrect material is delivered, purchasing agency may make the determination to return the material to the vendor at no cost to the purchasing agency. The vendor agrees to pay all shipping costs for the return shipment. Vendor shall be responsible for arranging the return of the defective or incorrect material. All returns and refunds shall be processed according to the Vendor s returns policy. 8.4 Reporting: The awarded vendor shall electronically provide TCPN with a detailed monthly report showing the dollar volume of all sales under the contract for the previous month. Reports shall be sent via to TCPN offices at reporting@tcpn.org. Reports are due on the fifteenth (15 th ) day 45 days after the close of the previous month. It is the responsibility of the awarded vendor to collect and compile all sales under the contract from participating Members and submit one (1) report. The report shall include at least the following information listed below: Vendor Name TCPN Contract Number Reporting Period/Year Entity Name Entity Address (Including Street, City, State & Zip) Purchased Commodity Type Gross Sale Amount Administrative Fee (Based on Gross Sale Amount) 8.5 Service Level Reports: The awarded vendor shall be responsible for providing monthly service level agreement reports during quarterly business reviews in Excel spreadsheet format as outlined below: On-Time Delivery Rate Number of orders delivered complete within the 2 business day (after shipping) requirement divided by total number of orders delivered Order Fill Rate Number of orders with order fill rate of more than 95% divided by total number of orders Order Accuracy Rate Number of orders with order accuracy rate of more than 98% divided by total number of orders Total Number of Orders Placed Total Dollar Value of Orders Placed Average Value of Orders Placed by Customer 9.1 Best price guarantee: The awarded vendor agrees to provide pricing to Region 4 ESC and its

24 participating entities that are the lowest pricing available as applicable to the size and scope of the customer and the pricing shall remain so throughout the duration of the contract. Pricing offered to Federal government buying consortiums for goods and services is exempt from this requirement. The awarded vendor, however, agrees to lower the cost of any product purchased through TCPN following a reduction in the manufacturer or publisher's direct cost. 9.2 Price increase: Awarded vendor will be allowed to submit price increases at regularly scheduled intervals during the life of the contract. Pricing for core list items may be updated twice a year, once in April and once in October. Pricing for non-core items may be updated quarterly with the exception of paper and ink/toner items whereas due to the volatility of the market, Vendor reserves the right to update pricing with 30 day notice to Region 4 ESC. Should it become necessary, awarded vendor may request to make non-scheduled pricing updates for up to 4% of their core list in one year. Any and all price increases must be approved by Region 4 ESC and no payment for additional materials or services, beyond the amount stipulated in the contract, shall be paid without prior approval. All price increases must be supported by manufacture documentation, or a formal cost justification letter. Awarded vendor must honor previous prices for thirty (30) days after approval and written notification from Region 4 ESC if requested. It is the awarded vendor s responsibility to keep all pricing up to date and on file with Region 4 ESC. All price changes must be provided to Region 4 ESC, using the same format as was accepted in the original contract. All core and non-core list pricing submitted in response to this RFP must remain firm until October 1, Price increases will not be approved by Region 4 ESC until that date. 9.6 Administrative Fees: All pricing submitted to Region 4 ESC shall include the administrative fee to be remitted to TCPN by the awarded vendor. The awarded vendor agrees to pay administrative fees to TCPN 45 days after the close of the period as calculated as follows: (Sales will be calculated for fiscal year of January 1 st through December 31 st and reset each year) Annual Sales Through Contract Administrative Fee 0 - $50,000,000 2% $50,000,001 - $100,000, % $100,000,001 - $150,000, % $150,000,001 - $200,000, % $200,000,001 - $500,000,000 1% $500,000,001 - $1,000,000, % $1,000,000, % Failure to provide a Sales Report or pay Administrative Fees within the time and in the manner specified herein constitutes a material breach under this Agreement. If not rectified within thirty

25 (30) days of written notice to the awarded vendor, Region 4 ESC reserves the right to deem such a breach a cause for termination of the contract. Region 4 ESC also reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month until paid in full for all Administrative Fees not paid within thirty (30) days after receipt of invoice Product line: Offerors with a published catalog may submit the entire catalog. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to select products within the catalog for award without having to award all contents. Region 4 ESC may reject any addition of equipment options without cause. Vendor may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract at any time. Though vendors may be requested to provide additional items not already on contract, they are not obligated to provide any additional items out of scope, or not currently on the awarded contract. Independent Stationers proposes the last sentence of 5.5 Standard Cancellation be stricken, and moved to section 11.1 Product Line Warranty conditions: All supplies, equipment and services shall include manufacturer's minimum standard warranty and one (1) year labor warranty unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Independent Stationers as a supplier, through its manufacturers warrants all goods and services as outlined in the manufacturer s warranty and does not imply any additional warranties or guarantees outside of our stated returns policy Marketing: Awarded vendor agrees to allow Region 4 ESC to use their name and logo within website, marketing materials and advertisement. Any use of Region 4 ESC name and logo or any form of publicity, inclusive of press releases, regarding this contract by awarded vendor must have prior approval from Region 4 ESC. Independent Stationers agrees to provide our logo and permission for reproduction in marketing communications and promotions. However, we respectfully request the opportunity to proof and review all communications and promotions before publication.

26 Appendix E: QUESTIONNAIRE Please provide responses to the following questions that address your company s operations, organization, structure and processes for providing products and services. 1. States Covered Offeror must indicate any and all states where products and services can be offered. Please indicate the price co-efficient for each state if it varies. 50 States & District of Columbia (Selecting this box is equal to checking all boxes below) Alabama Montana Alaska Nebraska Arizona Nevada Arkansas New Hampshire California New Jersey Colorado New Mexico Connecticut New York Delaware North Carolina District of Columbia North Dakota Florida Ohio Georgia Oklahoma Hawaii Oregon Idaho Pennsylvania Illinois Rhode Island Indiana South Carolina Iowa South Dakota Kansas Tennessee Kentucky Texas Louisiana Utah Maine Vermont Maryland Virginia Massachusetts Washington Michigan West Virginia Minnesota Wisconsin Mississippi Wyoming Missouri Territories & Outlying Areas (Selecting this box is equal to checking all boxes below) American Samoa Northern Marina Islands Federated States of Micronesia Puerto Rico Guam U.S. Virgin Islands Midway Islands 2. Diversity Programs Do you currently have a diversity program or any diversity partners that you do business with? Yes No Page 38 of 164

27 If the answer is yes, do you plan to offer your program or partnership through through TCPN Yes No (If the answer is yes, attach a statement detailing the structure of your program, along with a list of your diversity alliances and a copy of their certifications.) Will the products accessible through your diversity program or partnership be offered to TCPN members at the same pricing offered by your company? Yes No (If answer is no, attach a statement detailing how pricing for participants would be calculated.) 3. Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and (HUB) Participation It is the policy of some entities participating in TCPN to involve minority and women business enterprises (M/WBE), small and/or disadvantaged business enterprises, disable veterans business enterprises, historically utilized businesses (HUB) and other diversity recognized businesses in the purchase of goods and services. Respondents shall indicate below whether or not they hold certification in any of the classified areas and include proof of such certification with their response. a. Minority Women Business Enterprise Respondent certifies that this firm is an MWBE Yes No List certifying agency: b. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Respondent certifies that this firm is a SBE or DBE Yes No List certifying agency: Small Business Administration c. Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Respondent certifies that this firm is a DVBE Yes No List certifying agency: d. Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Respondent certifies that this firm is a HUB Yes No List certifying agency: e. Historically Underutilized Business Zone Enterprise (HUBZone) Respondent certifies that this firm is a HUBZone Yes No List certifying agency: f. Other Respondent certifies that this firm is a recognized diversity Yes No certificate holder List certifying agency: Page 39 of 164

28 4. Residency Responding Company s principal place of business is in the city of State Indianapolis of. IN 5. Felony Conviction Notice Please check applicable box: A publicly held corporation; therefore, this reporting requirement is not applicable. Is not owned or operated by anyone who has been convicted of a felony. Is owned or operated by the following individual(s) who has/have been convicted of a felony. *If the third box is checked a detailed explanation of the names and convictions must be attached. 6. Processing Information Company contact for: Contract Management Contact Person: D. Ted Day Title: National Accounts Business Development Manager Company: Independent Stationers, Inc. Address: 250 E. 96th Street, Suite 510 City: Indianapolis State: IN Zip: Phone: Fax: day@independentstationers.coop Billing & Reporting/Accounts Payable Contact Person: Robin Keltner Title: Controller Company: Independent Stationers, Inc. Address: 250 E. 96th Street, Suite 510 City: Indianapolis State: IN Zip: Phone: Fax: keltner@independentstationers.coop Marketing Contact Person: Neera Yanus Title: Director of Training Company: Independent Stationers, Inc. Address: 250 E. 96th Street, Suite 510 Page 40 of 164

29 City: Indianapolis State: IN Zip: Phone: Fax: Distribution Channel: Which best describes your company s position in the distribution channel: Manufacturer direct Certified education/government reseller Authorized distributor Manufacturer marketing through reseller Value-added reseller Other 8. Pricing Information In addition to the current typical unit pricing furnished herein, the Vendor agrees to offer all future product introductions at prices that are proportionate to Contract Pricing. Yes No (If answer is no, attach a statement detailing how pricing for participants would be calculated.) Pricing submitted includes the required administrative fee. Yes No (Fee calculated based on invoice price to customer) Additional discounts for purchase of a guaranteed quantity? Yes No 9. Cooperatives List any other cooperative or state contracts currently held or in the process of securing Cooperative/State Agency Discount Offered Expires Annual Sales Volume [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank] Page 41 of 164

30 Appendix E: Questionnaire 2. Diversity Programs Independent Stationers, Inc. has over 400 independent dealer members with 600 locations across the United States who are all small businesses, including those who are certified as 8a Certified, HUB Zone Small, Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small, Veteran-Owned Small Business, 125 Women Owned and 55 Minority Owned businesses to provide personalized service to TCPN members. Independent Stationers, Inc.

31 Appendix E: Questionnaire 3. Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and (HUB) Participation Independent Stationers, Inc. is proud to be a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration since A copy of our certification is attached as requested. Independent Stationers, Inc.

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34 Appendix F: Company Profile References From federal government purchase contracts to private sector national accounts, Independent Stationers is proud to provide exemplary products, service and delivery to the references provided. Independent Stationers, Inc.

35 References Provide a minimum of ten (10) customer references for product and/or services of similar scope dating within the past three (3) years. Please try to provide an equal number of references for K12, Higher Education and City/County entities. Provide the following information for each reference: Entity Name Contact Name and Title City and State Phone Number Years Serviced Description of Services Annual Volume Fairfax County Government Cathy Muse, Office of Public Affairs Fairfax, VA (703) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $3,500,000 annual volume Fairfax County Public Schools Roger Ball, Director Falls Church, VA (571) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office and school supply purchases. $8,000,000 annual volume Prince William County Public Schools Anthony Crosby, Director of Procurement Services Falls Church, VA (571) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office and school supply purchases. $2,000,000 annual volume

36 Maricopa County James Foley, Deputy Chief Procurement Officer Phoenix, AZ (602) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $2,500,000 annual volume Great Western Bank Angie Strouth, Accountant II Sioux Falls, SD (605) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $500,000 annual volume CHAMPS Group Purchasing Services Jan Elder, Contracting Director Cleveland, OH (216) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $2,000,000 annual volume County of Los Angeles Gerald Plummer, Division Manager, Purchasing Division (323) Los Angeles, CA 4 years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $1,500,000 annual volume University of Texas at San Antonio Irene Maldonado, Purchasing San Antonio, TX (210) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $700,000 annual volume

37 General Services Administration (GSA) Hassan Harris, Office Products Division New York, NY (212) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office supply purchases. $3,000,000 annual volume Rockwall Independent School District Marie Burton, District Purchasing Specialist Rockwall, TX (469) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office and school supply purchases. $350,000 annual volume South San Antonio Independent School District Andy Rocha, Director of Purchasing San Antonio, TX (210) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office and school supply purchases.. $250,000 annual volume Aldine Independent School District Carlotta Nicholas, Director of Purchasing Houston, TX (281) years of service Sales, Delivery, Customer Service and Support for office and school supply purchases. $750,000 annual volume

38 Appendix F: COMPANY PROFILE Please provide the following: 1. Company s official registered name. Independent Stationers, Inc. 2. Brief history of your company, including the year it was established. Independent Stationers, Inc. began as Hoosier Independent Stationers (HIS) which was established in 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven independent office supply dealers. Their vision was to become the best customer driven sales force in the marketplace and 37 years later we have achieved and continue to maintain that vision. Individual dealers would join together and cooperate as a single buying and marketing force in the United States. While this concept was already being utilized in the grocery and hardware industries, HIS was the first office supply dealer group in the United States. Soon after its start, the group began to expand beyond its Indiana boundaries, and changed its name to simply Independent Stationers, Inc. In 1994, Independent Stationers, Inc. began to operate as a cooperative, much like True Value, Do-It- Best Centers, ACE Hardware, Ocean Spray, and Sunkist. Dealer members continued to be locally owned and operated, but utilized common merchandising and marketing to aggregate the strength of the organization. Dealer members could identify themselves within their market, showing the strength of a national organization, but with a hometown flavor. In 1998, Independent Stationers merged with another similar organization, Office Network, nearly doubling the size of the Independent Stationers organization. Independent Stationers is a member of the world s largest office products dealer consortium, the second largest global reseller and the second largest business-to-business reseller of office products. With global reach and combined end-user sales volume representing $21 billion, Independent Stationers dealer members can leverage the collective buying power and procure the best quality products at the lowest pricing. All without giving up local decision-making and flexibility not found in their big box competitors. Independent Stationers successful business model has been recognized throughout the United States. After more than three decades, Independent Stationers and its dealer members continue to grow, develop new programs and services and create efficiencies in the dealer members businesses all of which allow the local independent office supply dealer to look back with pride and ahead with confidence. 3. Company s Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) number Corporate office location. Independent Stationers, Inc. 250 E. 96 th Street Suite 510 Indianapolis, IN 46240

39 5. List the total number of sales persons employed by your organization within the United States, broken down by market. Independent Stationers has over 1,500 sales persons employed through our national cooperative and in our membership. All of our member dealers and sales persons are assisted by our National Account Business Development Managers to service the regions below: Scott Zintz East Coast Ted Day Midwest Toby Tobin West Coast 6. List the number and location of offices, or service centers for all states being offered in solicitation. Additionally, list the names of key contacts at each location with title and address. Alabama - 7 Arkansas - 2 Arizona - 6 California - 30 Frank Mann NA Champion th Ct Ste 84 Tuscaloosa AL Gerri Holland NA Champion 104 E. I-65 Service Rd. N Mobile AL Iris Williford NA Champion 2401 N. Range Street Dothan AL Scott Bruce NA Champion nd Ave N Birmingham AL Wake Asbury NA Champion 201 S. 8th Street Opelika AL Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT Birmingham AL Wholesaler DC 21,0000 SQFT Semmes AL Lawrence Bell NA Champion 815 S. Mt. Olive Siloam Springs AR Robin King NA Champion 308 E. Main St. Batesville AR Alan Marquiss NA Champion N 23rd Ave, Suite 102 Phoenix AZ Lou Montiel NA Champion 793 S Cold Water Ln Dewey AZ Melissa Martin NA Champion 3265 N. Delaware St. Chandler AZ Wholesaler DC 110,000 SQFT Phoenix AZ Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Phoenix AZ Wholesaler DC 43,576 SQFT Phoenix AZ Alyn Peterson NA Champion Anacapa Rd. Victorville CA Betty Whiddon NA Champion 9950 Horn Rd. Sacramento CA Cate McManus NA Champion 569 W. Main Street El Centro CA David Gold NA Champion 9612 Owensmouth Ave Chatsworth CA Gary Trowbridge NA Champion 2606 Chanticleer Avenue Santa Cruz CA Harry Huang NA Champion 1404-D S. Ritchey St. Santa Ana CA Jamie Patrick NA Champion 110 Minna St. San Francisco CA Jeff Harrington NA Champion 3611 Dalbergia St. San Diego CA Jennifer Viss NA Champion 1415 J Street Modesto CA Jessica Tartaro NA Champion 7803 Telegraph Rd., #G Montebello CA Jill Fernandez NA Champion Moore Street Poway CA Joe Allen NA Champion 9830 S. Norwalk Blvd Downey CA John Lex NA Champion 3621 Sacramento Dr., B San Luis Obispo CA Jojo De Guzman NA Champion 2110 Pontius Avenue Los Angeles CA Margee Witt NA Champion 474 Roland Way Oakland CA

40 Colorado - 5 DC - 2 Florida - 11 Georgia - 9 Mike Rau NA Champion 850 Calle Plano, #B Camarillo CA Randy Mayer NA Champion 1127 Grass Valley Hwy. Auburn CA Ross Amato NA Champion Brian Way Tehachapi CA Stan Bennett NA Champion 615 N. Plaza Dr. Visalia CA Steve Noble NA Champion 123 S. D Street San Bernardino CA Steve Danziger NA Champion 325 Mendell Street San Francisco CA Stuart Cameron NA Champion 1100 Garden Hwy. #400 Yuba City CA Tamana Goodloe NA Champion Long Beach Blvd Lynwood CA Tom Vassar NA Champion 302 Hershey St. Pomona CA Wholesaler DC 287,655 SQFT Los Angeles CA Wholesaler DC 197,684 SQFT Los Angeles CA Wholesaler DC 214,177 SQFT Los Angeles CA Wholesaler DC 248,000 SQFT Sacramento CA Wholesaler DC 176,543 SQFT Sacramento CA Wholesaler DC 250,000 SQFT Sacramento CA Chris Gallegos NA Champion 7347 S. Revere Pkwy, Build B Aurora CO Patrick Tierney NA Champion 3206 Rehobeth Church Rd. Aurora CO Rob Gaskill NA Champion 931 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs CO Wholesaler DC 264,844 SQFT Denver CO Wholesaler DC 193,546 SQFT Denver CO Levine Forsythe NA Champion 2804 Douglas Street NE Washington DC Yelake Meseretu NA Champion 2335 Bladesnsburg Road Washington DC Bill Forbess NA Champion Capital Circle NE Tallahassee FL Jack Podolsky NA Champion 5002 W Linebaugh Ave Ste D9-10 Tampa FL Lajoyce Leitz NA Champion 1119 Florida Ave Panama City FL Melissa Garcia NA Champion 8005 W. 20th Ave. Hialeah FL Neil Weill NA Champion 6604 Harney Rd. Tampa FL Patti Scruggs NA Champion Philips Hwy. Jacksonville FL Peter Kemp NA Champion 3078 Monroe St. Stuart FL Wholesaler DC 151,500 SQFT Ft Lauderdale FL Wholesaler DC 189,472 SQFT Miami FL Wholesaler DC 404,286 SQFT Orlando FL Wholesaler DC 86,256 SQFT Tampa FL Bart Roberts NA Champion 4343 Northeast Expy. Atlanta GA Cheri Fulford NA Champion 228 Main Street La Grange GA Eddie Slocumb NA Champion 4547 Knight Rd. Macon GA George Pisciotta NA Champion 975 Cobb Place Blvd. #211 Kennesaw GA Ralph Milliken NA Champion 270 N. Clayton St. Lawrenceville GA Rand Bakes NA Champion 1775 Spectrum Drive, Bldg 2, Ste A Lawrenceville GA Shelly Lamoureaux NA Champion 3417 Oakcliff Road Atlanta GA Wholesaler DC 600,674 SQFT Atlanta GA Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Atlanta GA

41 Iowa - 3 Idaho - 2 Illinois - 13 Indiana - 6 Kansas - 3 Kentucky - 7 Louisiana - 12 Brandon Young NA Champion th Street Des Moines IA Don Born NA Champion 804 S. Capitol St. Iowa City IA Randy Devine NA Champion 218 2nd Street Coralville IA Gary Ulvan NA Champion 1207 N. Fourth Street Couer D'Alene ID Steve Johnson NA Champion 8491 W. Elisa St. Boise ID Brett Baltz NA Champion 107 W. Main Street Belleville IL Doug Apicella NA Champion 2717 Curtiss St. Downers Grove IL Greg Otwell NA Champion 2124 Harlem Road Rockford IL Jeff Alinger NA Champion 1503 N 29th Springfield IL John Moyer NA Champion 2001 S. Mt Prospect Rd Mount Prospect IL Paul Schermerhorn NA Champion 1305 Rand Road Park Ridge IL Sandra Wong NA Champion 30W260 Butterfield Road, Ste 210 Schaumburg IL Tammy Smith NA Champion 214 S. Walnut Champaign IL Wes Trombino NA Champion 1428 Glen Flora Avenue Waukegan IL Wholesaler DC 328,104 SQFT Carol Stream IL Wholesaler DC 82,000 SQFT Carol Stream IL Wholesaler DC 193,546 SQFT Chicago IL Zach Miller NA Champion 380 Production Drive South Elgin IL John Hauptstueck NA Champion 20 S. Eleventh Street Richmond IN Luke Maucher NA Champion 1816 S. Calhoun Street Fort Wayne IN Steven Foster NA Champion 1212 Meridian Street Anderson IN Wholesaler DC 128,000 SQFT Indianapolis IN Wholesaler DC 123,765 SQFT Indianapolis IN Inside Sales NA Champion 250 E. 96th Street, Suite 510 Indianapolis IN Bryan Kristenson NA Champion 6010 N. Broadway St. Wichita KS Rick Rangel NA Champion 1327 St. Louis Avenue Olathe KS Inside Sales NA Champion 6010 N. Broadway St. Wichita KS Erik Watson NA Champion 1625 Kentucky Avenue Paducah KY Gary Sisk NA Champion 1701 Breckenridge St. Owensboro KY John Sherron NA Champion 1840 Airport Exchange, Suite 160 Erlanger KY Kim Allen NA Champion 2515 Ft. Campbell Blvd. Hopkinsville KY Laura Nall NA Champion 117 N. Main Street Elizabethtown KY Pam White NA Champion 201 Lincoln Rd Glasgow KY Rod Fields NA Champion 257 E. Short Street Lexington KY Angie Champine NA Champion 205 Railroad Ave Morgan City LA Diana DeVille NA Champion 7603 Hwy. 71 S Alexandria LA Jason Guillory NA Champion 312 N. PARKERSON AVENUE Crowley LA Jonathan Barber NA Champion 1003 Jefferson Street Lafayette LA Keith Todaro NA Champion 610 Market Street Shreveport LA Keith Himmel NA Champion 102 West 4th Street Thibodaux LA Luke Giovingo NA Champion 601 Edwards Avenue Harahan LA Nanette Bordelon NA Champion W. Main Cut Off LA

42 Massachusetts - 3 Maryland - 7 Michigan - 11 Minnesota - 5 Missouri - 6 Mississippi - 6 Rob Ennis NA Champion 5813 Plauche St New Orleans LA Sidney Genius NA Champion 7643 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge LA Wholesaler DC 59,560 SQFT New Orleans LA Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT New Orleans LA Steve Currier NA Champion 135 Lundquist Dr Braintree MA Wholesaler DC 243,000 SQFT Boston MA Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT Boston MA Andy Kaplan NA Champion 760 E. Gude Drive Rockville MD Linda Kauffman NA Champion 6810 Deerpath Rd Ste 425 Elkridge MD Melissa Middelthon NA Champion 49 Industrial Park Dr. Waldorf MD Monica Standfield NA Champion 401-H Prince Georges Blvd. Upper Marlboro MD Wholesaler DC 253,330 SQFT Baltimore MD Wholesaler DC 193,546 SQFT Baltimore MD Wholesaler DC 180,600 SQFT Baltimore MD Carol Kirkland NA Champion 333 Fort St Ste 1920-A Detroit MI Craig Cottrill NA Champion 1940 Northwood Troy MI Gina Burton NA Champion 928 Military Street Port Huron MI Jeff Trucks NA Champion 76 Filer St. Manistee MI Monica Miller NA Champion 3773 Sky King Blvd Kalamazoo MI Paul Stevens NA Champion 109 River Avenue Holland MI Pete Cortese NA Champion 3061 Pine Street SW Grandville MI Rolanda Avery NA Champion John R Madison Heights MI Theresa Dunn NA Champion 134 S. Otsego Ave. Gaylord MI Wholesaler DC 210,000 SQFT Grand Rapids MI Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Grand Rapids MI Greg Schliesman NA Champion 125 Woodlake Dr. SE Rochester MN Ron Weber NA Champion th Ave. N Plymouth MN Sheila Avenson NA Champion 712 Maple Street Aitkin MN Wholesaler DC 210,468 SQFT Minneapolis MN Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT St Paul MN Bill Schuette NA Champion 1901 Vandiver Drive Columbia MO David Barber NA Champion 3001 Nicholson Kansas City MO Wholesaler DC 118,801 SQFT Kansas City MO Wholesaler DC 86,256 SQFT Kansas City MO Wholesaler DC 228,000 SQFT St Louis MO Wholesaler DC 123,765 SQFT St Louis MO Galen Doucet NA Champion th Ave Gulfport MS Jim Watts NA Champion 208 Park Court Ridgeland MS Jimmy Craft NA Champion 2301 Terry Rd. Jackson MS Larry Stewart NA Champion 215 Commerce Street Tupelo MS Tim Wallace NA Champion 1424 Harkner Blvd. Columbus MS Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Jacksonville MS

43 Montana - 1 Darla Nokleby NA Champion 1020 North Ave West Missoula MT North Carolina - 9 Nebraska - 2 New Jersey - 2 Alice Dixon NA Champion 6148 H Brookshiire Blvd Charlotte NC Doug West NA Champion 300 N. Wilson Avenue Dunn NC Jan Moore NA Champion 949 Washington St. Durham NC Jay Taff NA Champion 226 W 8th St Greenville NC LAMAR WILLIAMS NA Champion 407 Ray Avenue Fayetteville NC Mary Sigmon NA Champion 4211-A Atlantic Ave. Raleigh NC Sandy Johnson NA Champion 324 Village Rd. NE, Unit O Leland NC Wholesaler DC 300,000 SQFT Charlotte NC Wholesaler DC 200,132 SQFT Charlotte NC Kim Stellk NA Champion 617 W Third St Grand Island NE Teresa Green NA Champion Chandler Rd. Omaha NE Patricia Flores NA Champion 240 US Highway 206 Flanders NJ Wholesaler DC 573,020 SQFT Cranbury NJ New Mexico - 1 Lonney Kimmel NA Champion 2424 Candelaria Rd. NE Albuquerque NM Nevada - 1 Andrew Simms NA Champion 3201 Builders Avenue Las Vegas NV New York - 11 Ohio - 14 Andy Nainani NA Champion 345 Park Ave New York NY Bill Coleman NA Champion 9909 N Hill Rd Arkport NY David Garbus NA Champion 339 Main Street Huntington NY Joe Breczka NA Champion 180 John Glenn Dr Amherst NY Jordan Kudler NA Champion 754 Jamaica Ave Brooklyn NY Moses Marcus NA Champion th St. Brooklyn NY Solace Hummel NA Champion 25 Canal St. Herkimer NY Steven Cobb NA Champion 219 Center St Massena NY Wholesaler DC 256,500 SQFT Albany NY Wholesaler DC 176,543 SQFT New York NY Wholesaler DC 86,256 SQFT Syracuse NY Alan Obert NA Champion 2725 N. Reynolds Toledo OH Betsy Hughes NA Champion 2300 Bright Rd. Findlay OH David Siefring NA Champion 421 S Cooper Ave Cincinnati OH Eileen Ashton NA Champion 2769 Commerical Rd Cleveland OH Jerry Simpson NA Champion 141 N. 5th Street Steubenville OH Jim Grella NA Champion 119-B Lennox Ave. SW Canton OH Karl Scheetz NA Champion 561 Andrews Ave. Youngstown OH Libby Adkins NA Champion 1953 Cooper Foster Pk Rd. Amherst OH Paul Pivato NA Champion 4550 Hinckley Parkway Cleveland OH Roger Babb NA Champion 553 E. State St. Salem OH Wholesaler DC 206,136 SQFT Cleveland OH Wholesaler DC 136,966 SQFT Cleveland OH Wholesaler DC 229,200 SQFT Columbus OH Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT Columbus OH Oklahoma - 5 Jason Merrifield NA Champion 202 E Broadway Enid OK

44 Oregon - 4 Pennsylvania - 5 South Carolina - 3 South Dakota - 4 Tennessee - 8 Texas - 26 Jeff Warren NA Champion 1233 Sovereign Row Oklahoma City OK Scott Robinett NA Champion 2323 E. 71st Street Tulsa OK Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Oklahoma City OK Wholesaler DC 52,600 SQFT Tulsa OK Colleen Henery NA Champion 370 State St. Salem OR Scott Kessler NA Champion 930 S.E. Sherman Street Portland OR Wholesaler DC 65,850 SQFT Portland OR Wholesaler DC 40,608 SQFT Portland OR Clint Dittmar NA Champion 110 S Beeson Ave Uniontown PA David Sanner NA Champion 1225 State Street Erie PA Jeffrey Barbour NA Champion 1009 Tuckerton Court Reading PA Kevin O'Connell NA Champion 4807 Ashburner Street Philadelphia PA Kim Newman NA Champion 501 Fulling Mill Rd. Harrisburg PA Randy Green NA Champion 819 Howard Avenue Altoona PA Sandy Bauman NA Champion th Avenue Beaver Falls PA Wayne Klingaman NA Champion 124 E. Broad St. Tamaqua PA Wholesaler DC 197,684 SQFT Philadelphia PA Wholesaler DC 124,216 SQFT Pittsburgh PA Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Pittsburgh PA Eddie Gann NA Champion 5519 Ransom Dr. Columbia SC Jeanne Brutschy NA Champion 910 Washington Street Columbia SC Scott Hart NA Champion 310 E. Frontage Rd. Greenville SC Jennifer Isaak NA Champion 1600 North A Ave Sioux Falls SD Joel Vockrodt NA Champion 807 S Broadway Watertown SD Sheila Casiello NA Champion 228 S. Main Ave. Sioux Falls SD William Newhouse NA Champion 811 St. Joseph Street Rapid City SD Connie Fain NA Champion 120 Administration Rd. Oak Ridge TN David Hammontree NA Champion Dutchtown Rd. Knoxville TN Robbie Clark NA Champion 3014 Owen Drive Columbia TN Skip Ireland NA Champion 1548 Riverside Dr. Chattanooga TN Wholesaler DC 65,4080 SQFT Memphis TN Wholesaler DC 189,472 SQFT Memphis TN Wholesaler DC 247,500 SQFT Nashville TN Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Nashville TN Bill Martin NA Champion 1236 Southridge Ct. Hurst TX Brent Elrod NA Champion 431 Willow Vista Dr El Lago TX Christy Williams NA Champion th St. Nederland TX Chuck Firmin NA Champion 2217 N State Line Ave Texarkana TX Danny Brooks NA Champion 6162 S. West Blvd., #401 Ft. Worth TX Donald Wesolowski NA Champion 2025 Irving Blvd., #206 Dallas TX Ephraim Arredondo NA Champion 6120 Jessamine St. Houston TX Greg Laufer NA Champion 7230 Gateway Blvd, Ste A/B El Paso TX

45 Utah - 3 Virginia - 7 Washington - 10 Harry Macey NA Champion 1401 North 3rd Temple TX Kelly Ann Clancy NA Champion 1005 W 8TH ST Amarillo TX Mike Charter NA Champion 29D Butterfield Trails El Paso TX Ofie Garza NA Champion 840 W. Rhapsody San Antonio TX Richard Ruschhaupt NA Champion 705 Avenue K Plano TX Richard Finn NA Champion 1801 Austin St. Wichita Falls TX Roland Hernandez NA Champion 4737 Center Park Blvd San Antonio TX Russell Tidwell NA Champion 1309 W. League City Parkway League City TX Ryan Mills NA Champion Petal St Ste 500 Dallas TX Steven Woodall NA Champion Haddington Dr. #100 Houston TX Tappan Guha NA Champion 1106 Commerce Drive Richardson TX Tony Martin NA Champion th Street Lubbock TX Wholesaler DC 400,000 SQFT Dallas TX Wholesaler DC 212,776 SQFT Dallas TX Wholesaler DC 240,000 SQFT Houston TX Wholesaler DC 176,543 SQFT Houston TX Wholesaler DC 57,005 SQFT San Antonio TX Wholesaler DC 86,256 SQFT San Antonio TX Jeff Williams NA Champion 1101 E Cambridge Cir Ste 3 Layton UT Wholesaler DC 113,302 SQFT Salt Lake UT Wholesaler DC 97,356 SQFT Salt Lake City UT Amy Davis NA Champion 840 Memorial Drive Danville VA Bill Roberts NA Champion 146 West Main Street Wytheville VA Carolyn Clements NA Champion 2218 Tomlyn St Richmond VA Gordon Thrall NA Champion Old Ox Road Dulles VA Jim Cope NA Champion 5609-J Sandy Lewis Dr. Fairfax VA John Willcox NA Champion 820 Greenbrier Cir Ste 7 Chesapeake VA Wholesaler DC 123,765 SQFT Richmond VA Anita Clark NA Champion 2501 N. Columbia Ctr Blvd Kennewick WA Dale Howard NA Champion th Ave, #1125 Seattle WA Dave Patterson NA Champion E MARGINAL WAY S Seattle WA Kayleen Koth NA Champion 2215 Pacific Ave. Tacoma WA Pres Tuesley NA Champion 310 E. Chestnut Avenue Yakima WA Sam Burns NA Champion 1520 N.E. 95th Street Redmond WA Steven Sterne NA Champion 1520 N.E. 95th Street Redmond WA Wholesaler DC 103,237 SQFT Seattle WA Wholesaler DC 85,600 SQFT Seattle WA Wholesaler DC 81,455 SQFT Seattle WA Wisconsin - 1 Trish Jonas NA Champion 99 S. Main Street Fort Atkinson WI

46 7. Please provide contact information for the person(s) who will be responsible for the following areas, including resumes: a. Sales D. Ted Day National Accounts Business Development Manager (972) cell Ted joined Independent Stationers in September of Ted has been in sales for over two decades, specializing in national account sales and sales management. Prior to joining Independent Stationers, Ted spent several years with Boise/OfficeMax as a GSA and Healthcare Sales Specialist, also serving as the District Sales Manager the Dallas marketplace. Additionally, Ted served as the Vice President of Sales for Redgate Industries for a number of years and recently served as an independent consultant at Humanscale Healthcare working with their National Accounts division to establish and build their healthcare sales division. Ted brings a highly successful track record to the National Accounts Team, and a strong understanding of the public agency marketplace. Toby Tobin National Accounts Business Development Manager (520) cell tobin@independentstationers.coop Toby has been in sales management for over 15 years for companies such as OfficeMax and Humanscale. Toby brings his sales and service expertise in the office products industry to Independent Stationers managing and working directly with Independent Stationers local dealers building the National Accounts program on the west coast. Scott Zintz National Accounts Business Development Manager and Sustainability Coordinator (630) cell zintz@independentstationers.coop Scott has been in sales management and business development for over 13 years with companies such as Office Depot, Cintas, and Bellsouth. Scott brings his sales and service expertise in the office products industry to Independent Stationers managing and working directly with Independent Stationers local dealers building the National Accounts program in the Midwest and Northeast. Scott previously held the title of Environmental Sales Specialist for Office Depot and graduated in 2011 with a Green MBA focused on sustainable business practices and maintaining the triple bottom line. He fills the role of Sustainability Coordinator and leads the Independent Stationers Green Team.

47 Lisa Bales National Accounts Sales Specialist (317) office Lisa has been in Inside Sales for over 20 years in the Healthcare, Giftware, Technology and Office Supply industries. Lisa also worked with Marketing Automation Software for many years prior to joining Independent Stationers. As the National Accounts Sales Specialist, Lisa provides the additional personal touch to all of our national accounts to ensure customer satisfaction on a daily basis. b. Sales Support Cindy Bruce National Accounts Administration Manager (317) office bruce@independentstationers.coop Cindy has been in the office supply industry for 15 years. Prior to joining Independent Stationers, Inc., she worked in the Sales and Support areas at Clover Technologies Group and Boise-OfficeMax and was responsible for support, inside sales, project management and national accounts administration. Sarah Perry National Accounts Administrator (317) office perry@independentstationers.coop Sarah supports our member dealers and internal staff with all things administrative including reporting, presentations, customer service issues, and bid analysis and response. Sarah has been in the office supply industry for over 10 years, and previously worked for OfficeMax as the Western Region Sales Administrator before joining Independent Stationers in Kevin McKeen National Accounts Implementation Manager (469) office mckeen@independentstationers.coop Kevin has been in the customer implementation, software and hardware technical support arena including sales management technical and customer data flows for over 14 years. Prior to joining Independent Stationers, he previously worked in Technical and Customer Support and Sales with AT&T and ECI Solutions of Dallas, TX.

48 c. Marketing Janet Eshenour Director of Marketing (317) office Janet joined Independent Stationers, Inc. in February She has worked in the office supply industry for 15 years in both marketing and product development for several office supply manufacturers. Currently she is responsible for the company's business-to-business marketing programs as well as assisting independent office supply dealers with their businessto-consumer marketing efforts including printed and electronic materials, ecommerce marketing and content, advertising and promotions. Neera Yanus Director of National Training (317) office Neera Yanus, Director of National Training, for over 16 years has been providing corporate sales, sales management and training for companies such as PageNet, MCI, Verizon Business and Humanscale. She has educated, trained and motivated audiences worldwide and has brought this wealth of knowledge and experience to Independent Stationers to work with our corporate, sales, dealer member and National Account customers. d. Financial Reporting Douglas Fox National Accounts Pricing/Data Analyst (317) office Douglas has been in the accounting and analytical area for over 15 years. Prior to joining Independent Stationers, Inc., he previously worked as a Financial Analyst at Telamon Inc. Douglas has a Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science/Business Administration and has completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. e. Executive Support Kevin France Vice President National Accounts (972) cell france@independentstationers.coop

49 Kevin joined Independent Stationers as their Vice President of National Accounts in the spring of Kevin has a wide an extensive knowledge in the contract office and furniture markets, serving B2B and B2C customers through a host of ecommerce platforms. Kevin spent nearly 11 years with Boise-OfficeMax, starting in their National Accounts Department; selling to FORTUNE 500 Companies. The last 6 years of Kevin s tenure with OfficeMax, he built and led their largest vertical division Healthcare, with sales in excess of $450M. Kevin most recently came from Humanscale, the largest ergonomic company in the world where he served as their Global Director for their healthcare division, again building the largest division inside Humanscale. Charles Forman Executive Vice President (317) forman@independentstationers.coop Charles joined Independent Stationers, Inc. in December He has been in the office supply and furniture industries for 21 years where he has worked for an independent office supply and furniture dealer and owned a dealership. Charles sold his dealership to Corporate Express and held key management positions in Tennessee and Atlanta, California. Charles has significant experience selling to state, local and federal governments in Washington, DC; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Atlanta, GA; and all across the country via Independent Stationers, Inc. held contracts for office supplies and furniture. Federal Government end-users Charles has sold to are varied but include the CIA in Langley, VA; Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, TN and IRS in Atlanta, GA. Mike Gentile President & CEO (317) gentile@independentstationers.coop Mike has manufacturing experience with Diamond International Corporation, a leader in the paper Industry. Positions held: Marketing Manager for Groveton Papers & Campbell Stationery and Brand Manager for Vanity Fair towel & tissue. Power Channel Experience: 16 years with Boise Cascade Corporation, now OfficeMax. Positions held: District Sales Manager, Director of Boise Technology, NE General Manager and Director of Marketing. Independent Dealer Experience: President & CEO of Independent Stationers, Inc. 8. Define your standard terms of payment. Our ecommerce program provides daily electronic invoicing as standard however other options are available such as weekly and monthly summary billing. Terms are Net 30 for daily invoicing and Net 10 for all other options. All invoices are subject to a 1% late payment fee. 9. Who is your competition in the marketplace? Our competition in the marketplace includes the big box organizations (Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples) along with a number of privately owned office supply sales organizations, online web stores and other cooperative groups such as TriMega and AOPD. The overall market size is hard to estimate as it also could include mega retailers such as Walmart and Costco, and online mega stores such as Amazon.

50 10. Overall annual sales for last three (3) years; $221,170, $247,859, $256,704, Overall public sector sales, excluding Federal Government, for last three (3) years; $39,640, $44,816, $53,668, What is your strategy to increase market share? Independent Stationers, Inc. is a unique, dealer owned, value-added, non-profit cooperative and has the national capabilities to provide Office Supply, Janitorial, Sanitation, Office Furniture, Information Technology Supplies and Print Services to all national customers. As a certified non-profit cooperative, Independent Stationers is able to reduce costs and utilize our expansive nationwide dealer member network of over 450 locally owned dealerships. Independent Stationers can provide a locally based, personal, customer service experience from partnerships found right in our local communities. Coupled with the strength of the largest North American wholesalers distribution, delivery and customized online ordering platform; Independent Stationers has the greatest capability of increasing market share in the office supply world today. Independent Stationers offers the stability and profitability that is hard to find in our industry. While our competitors sales are declining, Independent Stationers continuously experiences year over year growth in membership and growth in sales. Our competition struggles with integration costs, stock price volatility, closure of stores and negative press; meanwhile, Independent Stationers demonstrates revenue increases year over year. Our strategy is to capitalize on the challenges of our competition (such as law suits, merger activities, distribution difficulties) to bring our message to every customer across the United States. One method for expansion at Independent Stationers is through new national account acquisition such as TCPN. TCPN has a large membership of public agencies, most of which our local dealers are not selling to today. We strive to bring the highest level of overall value to the market in a time of transition for many of our big box competitors. 13. What differentiates your company from competitors? Independent Stationers, Inc. is a unique, dealer owned, value-added, non-profit cooperative and has the national capabilities to provide Office Supply, Janitorial, Sanitation, Office Furniture, Information Technology Supplies and Print Services to all TCPN participants. As a certified non-profit cooperative, Independent Stationers is able to reduce costs and utilize our expansive nationwide dealer member network of over 450 locally owned dealerships. Independent Stationers can provide a locally based, personal, customer service experience from partnerships found right in the local communities TCPN also services. Coupled with the strength of the two largest North American wholesalers distribution, delivery and customized online ordering platform; Independent Stationers has the greatest capability of executing a successful contract for TCPN. Independent Stationers offers the stability and profitability that is hard to find in our industry. While our competitors sales are declining, Independent Stationers continuously experiences year over year growth in membership and growth in sales. Our competition struggles with integration costs, stock price volatility, closure of stores and negative press; meanwhile, Independent Stationers demonstrates revenue increases year over year.

51 Why a local dealer is better: It s the perfect equation. Big buying power and the best possible online system and distribution network coupled with unsurpassed local service. With our dealers doing business right in your community, one thing is certain - your business matters to them and their success depends on the level of service they provide you. The result is consistent, personalized attention you re not an unknown, faceless account. You re truly a valued customer. With us, it s personal. With our dealers, you get that something extra. You might experience this when a box of paper is delivered all the way in to the copy room instead of just the front desk. Or when you have an emergency and get help that very same day to meet your urgent need or solve your problem. It might be that your product returns are picked up quickly and credited right away. Whatever you need, you will find our local dealers are happy to deliver. While our proposal is a national in scope, it is built on local relationships which makes a big difference. Communities count. Independent Stationers and our membership have no ties to Wall Street - just to our communities and the people who live and work there. At Independent Stationers we know that keeping money and jobs at home, circulating in our local economies, is more important than ever. Together, we re building that park down the street, or keeping a school program going. Additionally, our membership includes a diverse dealer membership. As a result, through the Independent Stationers national accounts program, TCPN has the opportunity to support a variety of local businesses that represent a wide array of demographics and socioeconomic levels. With purchases at big box retailers, a fraction of the money you spend might stay local, but most of that money makes its way back to the big box headquarters in a state other than yours. Research has proven that utilizing local, community based organizations allows approximately 85% of your spend to remain and circulate within, and support your local economy. 14. Describe the capabilities and functionality of your firm s on-line catalog/ordering website. The Independent Stationers ecommerce web platform includes a user-friendly interface for ordering, service, and returns with administrative control in areas of: product choice, order limits, approval levels and more. The platform includes contract management and pricing integrity across all locations and users. The pricing methodology is simple in application; the TCPN specific pricing plan is associated with each user profile. Each user is attached to the same pricing plan which is globally updated as agreed, applying consistent pricing to all. This functionality reduces reconciliation and credit memo corrections. Key Advantages: Designed with ease of use approach Consistent presentation and pricing across the enterprise One web-store for all users Customized pages to include the TCPN logo and program information Browse and order over 30,000 items in the on-line catalog Rich product content Useful and quality product information Easy and quick order processing

52 Shopping Lists and User Favorites both personal and account wide Robust Search Capabilities including multiple search filter options Compare similar products Suggested Alternative products Toner/Ink Finder search finding the right consumables for your machine easily Customized Account Set-Up Multiple customizable fields for departments, ship-tos, cost centers, account codes and more. Defined payment options Restriction lists defined by the account administrator Secure user logins to ensure compliance with program and account requirements Account level bulletin board for each location to communicate to their users Easy to administer purchasing controls with unlimited hierarchy options and levels available 15. Describe your company s level of expertise with web-based procurement providers such as ESM, SciQuest, Lawson, Oracle, SAP, Peoplesoft, and all others your company has successfully interfaced with a public agency. Independent Stationers centralized ecommerce platform offers the flexibility to use punchout platforms to enable TCPN to link to web-based procurement systems if required. The Independent Stationers web platform can be integrated successfully with many ERP/Punch-out programs including but not limited to: PeopleSoft SAP SciQuest ESchool Mall Skyward / Westpac Hubspan Oracle Equallevel Independent Stationers has a full IT team extensively experienced in integrating any punchout system. The list above is not exclusive; we can work with TCPN as needed. 16. Describe your company s ability to create and maintain a dedicated TCPN page on your company s website, as well as any other capabilities your company may have of promoting the contract online. Our Marketing Team and Sales Support Team will create and maintain a dedicated TCPN page on our company s website. Independent Stationers has proven success with dedicated web pages as demonstrated through our other national account contracts, and several of our individual accounts have also requested such services.

53 17. Describe your company s ability to maintain a vendor page on TCPN s website including always up-todate contact information and promotional materials. Our Marketing Team, including Neera Yanus and Janet Eshenour will maintain and provide all support in this area including promotional materials. Our Sales Support and National Accounts Business Development Managers will also provide updates to contact information. 18. Describe your company s Customer Service Department (hours of operation, number of service centers, etc.). The Independent Stationers National Account program was developed to provide large, multilocation clients with enterprise-wide program consistency and program optimization through state-ofthe-art technology, and unsurpassed personalized local service. Our local dealer members provide next day delivery, and include the high touch, personal service and local flavor that the big boxes simply can t provide. With over 200 dealer service centers open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm local time, we are confident Independent Stationers and our dealers best in the business, local and personal first rate customer service programs can provide a world-class, complete office products program to all locations and participants of the TCPN contract. 19. Provide information regarding whether your firm, either presently or in the past, has been involved in any litigation, bankruptcy, or reorganization. Independent Stationers has never been involved in litigation, bankruptcy, or reorganization. Marketing / Sales 20. Detail how your organization plans to market this contract within the first ninety (90) days of the award date. This should include, but not be limited to: a. A co-branded press release within first 30 days b. Announcement of award through any applicable social media sites c. Direct mail campaigns d. Co-branded collateral pieces e. Advertisement of contract in regional or national publications f. Participation in trade shows g. Dedicated TCPN and Region 4 ESC internet web-based homepage with: i. TCPN and Region 4 ESC Logo ii. Link to TCPN and Region 4 ESC website iii. Summary of contract and services offered iv. Due Diligence Documents including; copy of solicitation, copy of contract and any amendments, marketing materials The Independent Stationers National Accounts Team has a well designed implementation program for new national accounts which combines the best of our team strengths outlined through this response. All processes are documented and reviewed throughout the IS organization, and our dedicated National Account Manager will work with TCPN to ensure we meet and exceed all preset rollout plans. The activities listed above will all be part of our initial 90 day program and will be incorporated with our standard implementation plans. A co-branded press release along with announcement of the award through our websites, communications and media contact will begin almost immediately upon receipt of an award from TCPN. We will also begin coordination of full announcement and training of our certified national account dealers to begin the rollout and put all of our feet on the street to proudly communicate this contract award.

54 Co-branded collateral and marketing pieces will begin development between our teams, for use in direct mailers, advertisement in national publications, use by our local certified and trained dealers, posting on social media and the Independent Stationers websites. We will begin to coordinate with TCPN on trade show participation, as we already attend national and regional trade shows focused on the public sector agencies such as ASBO, NIGP, NAEP, NACO and others. We will dedicate an internet homepage with the above mentioned recommendations and otherwise take all necessary and appropriate action to promote this contract award and begin selling the program to TCPN members and eligible entities nationwide. We will allocate a contract specialist to work with TCPN, our Independent Stationers National Account Manager, and our marketing team to ensure the first 90 days of our program set the stage to a successful contract for all parties involved. 21. Describe how your company will demonstrate the benefits of this contract to eligible entities if awarded. Independent Stationers has years of experience rolling out and implementing national account opportunities similar to TCPN. Our ability to demonstrate the benefits of this contract to eligible entities starts with training. As described through this response, we provide two levels of training that are essential to the success of our programs. The first is the training of our independent dealer sales force, and the second is the training offered to end user agencies. As described above in question # 20, we have a strong and documented marketing plan and will use the resources created therein to go to market. We will custom design and generate targeted marketing pieces, power point presentations and training links so that our independent dealer sales force fully understands the benefits of the contract and can communicate them effectively to the members of TCPN. We will also offer webinar and in person training and communications to public agencies and TCPN members in order to directly communicate the benefits of the Independent Stationers contract. Additionally, we will work to highlight what differentiates us from the other market players, as well as what differentiates the Independent Stationers TCPN contract from other awarded and held public sector contracts. 22. Explain how your company plans to market this agreement to existing government customers. Independent Stationers has outlined through this response, our communication and implementation strategy should we be awarded a TCPN contract, and how we would market our award to all government and eligible entities. Another element of our strategy is to evaluate our current government customers held by our independent dealer members, and held directly by Independent Stationers to assess which of these customers could benefit from or be a good fit for a TCPN contract award. We must be cognizant of existing agreements held through independent bids and currently held national cooperative contracts, but feel strongly that there is a large segment of existing government customers available and eligible to be presented with the TCPN contract for evaluation and adoption. Additionally, Independent Stationers also acknowledges that things change in the marketplace, and as independently held contracts expire, or national contracts evolve, there will be additional opportunities to present and introduce existing customers to the TCPN contract. In addition, Independent Stationers engages in frequent dialogue with public agencies about canceling future bid solicitations and instead adopting a national cooperative contract such as TCPN. In doing so, the agency is able to remain engaged with their current independent dealer with no interruption in service, while gaining access to a competitively solicited and aggressively priced national contract. At Independent Stationers we are experiencing this more often than ever before due to mandatory budget cuts and reduction in staff with public and governmental agencies, and see this as a prime opportunity for TCPN to gain additional cooperative contract adoption.

55 23. Provide a detailed ninety (90) day plan describing how the contract will be implemented within your firm. The Independent Stationers National Accounts Team approaches conversion activities in a highly organized and professional manner. All processes are documented and reviewed throughout the organization. Any specific TCPN requirements are integrated into our processes and procedures and included in program-specific documentation and communications. Implementation The Independent Stationers proposal for TCPN includes an implementation model detailing collaboration, discovery, training and strategic planning to ensure a successful launch of the TCPN program. Discovery Using the Implementation Timeline tool, a team of TCPN contacts and our team of experienced department heads and project managers will work together to discover and map the requirements of the TCPN program down to the finest details. Collaboration The implementation timeline tool provides a uniform checklist that outlines specific tasks set forth by Independent Stationers and TCPN, and assigns time parameters for information gathering, account set-up, and billing and shipping determination, to name a few. Specific timeline subjects will include, but are not limited to: Team Planning Procurement Process Planning Product Offering Determination Account Architecture Planning Reporting Review and Determination Implementation Plan Completion Schedule System Maintenance Scheduling Communication Planning Development Sales Representation Planning Training Outline Implementation Schedule Strategic Account Planning Account Set-Up The Independent Stationers industry leading IPlan approach to account set-up provides the necessary framework for successful information gathering as it pertains to your locations and endusers. The Independent Stationers IPlan philosophy is simple: gather the proper information from the outset of the contract award, and set-up the account properly in order to avoid delays, confusion and account issues in the future. With that philosophy in mind, the IPlan gathers the following information at all levels and executes set-up through our experienced team of account set-up professionals. General account information TCPN main office information Delivery location information

56 Account rules and restrictions Specific delivery information Account invoicing and billing details Proper remittance information Account specific comments and instructions Account bill to & ship to information Specific account user identification Training Independent Stationers, Inc. proposal includes multiple training options by an experienced training department led by our National Training Director; Neera Yanus. The training program will be developed and conducted through the Independent Stationers training team, the National Account Manager, and the certified Independent Stationers member dealers in the TCPN service area. Neera s background includes providing corporate sales, sales management training for over 16 years to companies such as PageNet, MCI, Verizon Business and Humanscale. She has educated, trained and motivated audiences worldwide and has brought this wealth of knowledge and experience to Independent Stationers to work with our corporate, sales, dealer member and National Account customers. Our training plan for TCPN includes a two tiered approach including dealer program certification, and comprehensive location education and training. Independent Stationers Dealer Training See #24 Sales Force Training Participating Dealer Training (On-going) See #24 Sales Force Training End User Training In addition to dealer certification training, the Independent Stationers training team will develop a complete program training curriculum that will be rolled out to all TCPN locations to encourage migration to the new contract, and provide a complete education in how to utilize the contract, ordering platform, and servicing dealer information. This training will be made available via different training mediums including live and recorded on-line webinars, dealer/agency lunch and learn sessions, and the publication of a TCPN reference guide. Strategic Planning The National Accounts Team at Independent Stationers will proactively evaluate program and industry data in order to suggest and implement future program enhancements and refinements in collaboration with TCPN. Through these strategic, forward thinking activities, Independent Stationers will continuously work to optimize future program growth, assist in the ongoing reduction of costs, and continuously improve the overall office products program for TCPN. To ensure continued and on-going success of a national agreement with TCPN, Independent Stationers will stay closely involved with TCPN at the member and corporate levels. Frequent personal engagement and unparalleled customer service by the local, community based dealer with the TCPN member locations will be key and instrumental in maintaining a successful partnership. Additionally, the National Accounts Team, and Kevin France, VP National Accounts will be very involved with TCPN at the corporate level in order to ensure success. Success will be accomplished

57 through business reviews, as well as through quality score carding and frequent meetings to discuss proposed process improvements, product capabilities, and suggested/desired program improvements. 24. Describe how you intend to train your national sales force on the Region 4 ESC agreement. Our training plan for TCPN includes a two tiered approach including dealer program certification, and comprehensive location education and training. Independent Stationers Dealer Training All dealers providing service to TCPN locations must complete and pass a series of tailored Independent Stationers training sessions to become certified to provide service under the TCPN program. This training and certification ensures that all dealers interacting with TCPN members are well versed, and in complete compliance concerning the TCPN office products contract. Participating Dealer Training (On-going) In addition to the initial training, it is important to provide on-going training for our participating dealerships. On-going training will occur on a weekly basis for the first 3 months of the program rollout and will be re-evaluated after three months to determine frequency of training needs. Dealership participation in these on-going trainings is mandatory. 25. Acknowledge that your organization agrees to provide its company logo(s) to Region 4 ESC and agrees to provide permission for reproduction of such logo in marketing communications and promotions. Independent Stationers agrees to provide our logo and permission for reproduction in marketing communications and promotions. However, we respectfully request the opportunity to proof and review all communications and promotions before publication. 26. Provide the revenue that your organization anticipates each year for the first three (3) years of this agreement. $ 15,000,000 in year one $ 30,000,000 in year two $ 50,000,000 in year three Administration 27. Describe your company s implementation and success with existing cooperative purchasing programs, if any, and provide the cooperative s name(s), contact person(s) and contact information as reference(s). Independent Stationers has had tremendous success implementing many national and multi-state cooperative purchasing contracts as listed below. Additional reference information can be found in the References Section. U.S. Communities Office Supplies National Office Supply Contract U.S. Communities School Supplies National School Supply Contract IDC National Office Supply Contract

58 Premier Partners National Office Supply Contract Hickory Farms National Office Supply Contract ChamberSolutions National Office Supply Contract Great Western Bank Regional Office Supply Contract CHAMPS Regional Office Supply Contract Buy Michigan Now! Regional Office Supply Contract NAWBO National Office Supply Contract General Services Administration (GSA) National Government Office Supply Contract 28. Describe the capacity of your company to report monthly sales through this agreement. Independent Stationers can accommodate all reporting requests whether standard or custom, to provide detailed information at the main account level, or down to the end user level. In addition to the standard end user reports below, additional reports can be made available to meet all TCPN requirements. Support for order history (sales order and invoices) Company Purchase History Previously purchases last invoice, YTD sales history, MTD sale history, payment summary Item Usage including contract spend, recycled and/or minority designation Delivery Report Backorder/Out of Stock Report Returned Product Report 29. Describe the capacity of your company to provide management reports, i.e. consolidated billing by location, time and attendance reports, etc. for each eligible agency. Custom reports are available and will be created upon request after implementation discussions to understand requirements for format, timing, delivery, etc. Independent Stationers routinely creates custom reports for all customers. Additional information and reports can also be provided during our quarterly Business Review process offering a high level summary which ties together all of the information gathered on sales statistics and performance measurements. 30. Do you have a policy or policies requiring compliance with all federal, state, international and applicable local laws? Please attach or provide a link: The Independent Stationers team includes on-staff legal personnel which monitor, and apply all federal, state and applicable local laws and regulations as appropriate and applicable to our cooperative.

59 31. Do you have a compliance department? If so, please list the standards this department monitors compliance with (e.g. applicable federal and state laws, internal policy, ISO processes, GSA regulations, etc.). Our corporate team includes on-staff legal personnel which monitor and apply all federal, state and local laws and regulations in regards to taxes and payment of collected taxes. Internal policies are monitored by our National Accounts Administration Team for compliance at all levels to our program contracts. GSA regulations and policies are managed and monitored by our Federal Government Sales team lead by our Executive Vice President, Charles Forman. 32. Within the past 5 years, has your organization been made aware of any investigations involving your organization for violation(s) of a law or laws, the legally authorized penalties for which exceeded $500,000? No, Independent Stationers has not actively, nor been made aware of any investigations of our organization for any law violations with or without penalties. If yes, please list all such investigations and their outcomes: N/A 33. Please provide any suggested improvements and alternatives for doing business with your company that will make this arrangement more cost effective for your company and Participating Public Agencies. Independent Stationers has helped many of our customers achieve substantial program cost-savings through numerous streamlining initiatives such as mandatory buys, alternate and/or substitute item adoption. Additionally, Independent Stationers offers customized programs for hot lists, Jan/San, Furniture, and LED Lighting to name a few. Such processes and programs are made available to customers through active account engagement and management, including formal and informal business reviews. These business reviews, when actively participated in between Independent Stationers and the customer have proven to provide increased customer savings to the client, enhanced contract performance, and high levels of customer service and customer satisfaction. Green Initiatives We are committed to helping to build a cleaner future! As our business grows, we want to make sure we minimize our impact on the Earth's climate. So we are taking every step we can to implement innovative and responsible environmental practices throughout Region 4 ESC to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce waste, promote energy conservation, ensure efficient computing, and much more. We would like vendors to partner with us in this enterprise. To that effort, we ask respondents to provide their companies environmental policy and/or green initiative. 34. Please provide information about your current environmental or sustainability initiatives. Company Sustainability Independent Stationers, Inc. as a dealer-owned value-added cooperative is by nature a Green organization with dealers across the United States working to minimize our carbon footprint by reducing structural footprints, reducing transportation costs, paper and consumables. Our operations are lean and more efficient than our big box competition with their large retail store footprints. We are a

60 true Buy Local office supply provider and exhibit the social aspect of sustainability through our connection to the local economies we serve. Independent Stationers, Inc. is the only organization in the Independent Dealer Channel to include, on staff, a full time Sustainability Coordinator (Scott Zintz) to directly manage Independent Stationers green program(s), organizational sustainability efforts, and to work directly with our customers to assist them in their eco-initiatives. Scott previously held sales management and business development positions with companies such as Office Depot, Cintas, and Bellsouth. He was also the Environmental Sales Specialist at Office Depot. Scott holds a Green MBA in Sustainable Business and has focused on assisting businesses and government agencies in finding cost saving measures that lead to greener operating and purchasing policies. As our Sustainability Coordinator, he leads the Independent Stationers Green Team and lends his expertise to our National Account customers in developing and maintaining their Green programs and initiatives. Independent Stationers was recently awarded the Environmental Excellence award from one of our largest customers, Fairfax County Government in Virginia. Company Social Responsibility Initiatives Our Sustainability Coordinator manages our corporate green team and launches new programs and initiatives within our own offices and those of our 450+ independent dealers across the country. He also works to create green sales strategies and consultative programs for our customers, to assist them in becoming greener, more sustainable entities on the whole. An example of recent internal programs include energy audits, waste stream audits, toner/e-waste recycling, promoting compatible toners and recycled paper for our copiers, eliminating Styrofoam and other non-recyclable items from our office and replacing with re-usables, and the switch to green first ordering practices. Scott has also assisted in creating an innovative and unique new program for Independent Stationers and our members to offer truly carbon neutral local deliveries through a third party affiliation. Current Practices applicable to products and business practices We will work with your TCPN team and any interested participating members to create and implement a total Green program that will not only contribute to the green needs of our planet but also increase productivity, cost savings and decrease your carbon footprint. The Independent Stationers proposed Green Program for TCPN would include a 30 item checklist/guide, which will help lead your departments and members to Greener office practices. This checklist, in its current state, incorporates sections and specific green related activities including, but not limited to: Outreach - How & why to create office Green teams - Benchmarking of current organizational green levels - Staff engagement and green education practices Operations - Identification and implementation of energy management, waste management, and a complete recycling program - Implemented recycling program to meet and exceed requirements Purchasing - Detailed analysis of current purchasing behavior - Suggested alternate green products analysis report including cost differential/savings and advantages of green product migration

61 - Comparative analysis with other large public agencies for consideration, including details of achieved cost savings within these similar agencies - Identification of eco-friendly green products within the Independent Stationers ecommerce ordering platform Additionally, green teams at our certified local member dealer locations will proactively review transportation routes and adjust these accordingly in order to minimize idle times and lower carbon emissions to improve sustainability benchmarks as they pertain to TCPN members. Green Products The Independent Stationers office products contract as proposed to TCPN includes over 10,000 "Green" items that are available for purchase. These items cover all main categories of general office supplies, ink and toner, and copy paper. We also offer a new program involving facilities products such as green cleaning supplies, green and low emission furniture and LED lighting among others to work within your offices to create cost savings, healthier environments and reduced energy consumption. Upon contract award to Independent Stationers by TCPN, the contract item file catalog will be uploaded to our ecommerce platform where these eco-friendly green items will be indentified via a readily identifiable green symbol signifying that they fall into at least one of the following sustainability categories: energy efficient items, compostable or biodegradable items, recycled items, nontoxic items, reusable or refillable items, and/or low chemical or particle emission items. As a matter of general practice Independent Stationers can work with TCPN and your members to promote company-wide eco-initiatives through the education and promotion of "Green" product purchases, along with actively providing "Green" alternatives to currently and future purchased items. This can be achieved through the use of our comprehensive evaluation tools, developed and overseen by our Sustainability Team. Independent Stationers can provide an accurate analysis of currently purchased items and comparison to the green product alternatives to show the cost saving advantage to TCPN through the utilization of green products. 35. How do you ensure and measure the success of your sustainability policy and initiatives? The Mission of the Independent Stationers organization is to embrace sustainability and the fact that it is interconnected with business success. We recognize that sustainability is not an end result, but a continual process of improvement toward the goals of reducing our impact on the natural environment, engaging with our stakeholder communities, and promoting increased business profitability. Our aim is to go beyond compliance by establishing stretch goals surrounding our office and warehouse operations, delivery fleet, supply chain, green product offerings, sustainability education and social outreach programs. In order to ensure and measure success of our sustainability policy and initiatives, we maintain constant communication with all of our stakeholders including our customers, our Independent Stationers members, our communities, our employees, our competition, and sustainability advocate groups and organizations. We strive to always be a step ahead of the market, and proactively create programs to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders. We employ a systems thinking methodology in our efforts bringing all thoughts and opinions to the table to innovate programs that make sense and transform the triple bottom line of businesses. These efforts are led by our Sustainability Coordinator, working in tandem with the Sustainability Committee of Independent Stationers members.

62 Diversity Initiatives 36. Please describe any diversity programs and/or partnerships that your company has currently implemented. Independent Stationers strives to promote diversity within all aspects of our business internally with our employees and dealer members and externally with our wholesalers and vendors. As a cooperative, many of our relationships include diverse partners and partnerships, and we continue to seek new affiliations to encourage diversity within our industry. 37. What policies and initiatives promoting diversity within your workforce do you have? Please attach copies of the policies or provide links: Independent Stationers internal policy promoting diversity within the workplace has been attached as a separate document, Appendix F Diversity Policy. 38. What policies and initiatives promoting diversity within your supplier base do you have? Please attach copies of the policies or provide links: As a cooperative, Independent Stationers provides distribution of office and school supplies, and works with the largest suppliers and vendors in the industry including United Stationers, S.P. Richards, Hon, ACCO, 3M, and many others that all have their own policies and initiatives promoting diversity. Each company s policies and links can be found on their website, or by contacting them directly.

63 Appendix F: Company Profile 37. What policies and initiatives promoting diversity within your workforce do you have? Please attach copies of the policies or provide links: Independent Stationers internal policy promoting diversity within the workplace has been attached as a separate document, Appendix F Diversity Policy. Independent Stationers, Inc.

64 Employee Handbook 250 E 96 th Street, Suite 510 Indianapolis, IN (317) (317)