REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Sterile Compounding Services. for. Department of Health and Community Services. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Sterile Compounding Services for Department of Health and Community Services Government of Newfoundland and Labrador June 8, 2015

2 1.0 Summary of Key Information 1.1 Issue Date: June 8, Closing Date: June 30, 2015, 4:00 P.M. NL Time Submit Responses to: Government Purchasing Agency 30 Strawberry Marsh Road P.O. Box 8700 St. John s, NL A1B 4R4 Originals are required faxed or copies shall not be accepted 1.3 Inquiries All inquiries regarding this RFP shall be addressed in writing only to: Jacqueline Vickers 30 Strawberry Marsh Road St. John s, NL A1B 4R4 Fax: (709) or via at 1.4 Proposals must be signed and shall include: One (1) original proposal. The original shall be left unbound and clearly marked ORIGINAL on the title page. One (1) electronic copy of the proposal Proposals should also include four (4) copies, one of which should be unbound. All copies should be clearly marked COPY. 2.0 Schedule of Events 2.1 Event Summary June 8, 2015 June 30, 2015 RFP Issue Date RFP Closing Date 2.2 Closing Date All copies of the proposal in the formats as specified above are to be submitted on the date and at

3 the location specified in the Summary of Key Information in Section Evaluation Proposals will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria defined in Section 4.3. Proposals which fail to meet any of the mandatory requirements will be disqualified without further consideration. Proposals must achieve a Total Overall Minimum Score of 70, with a minimum score of 40 under the Section Bidder Requirements in order to receive further consideration. 2.4 RFP Terminology Terminology contained in this RFP shall have the following meanings: business day means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. "contractor" means the successful bidder whose proposal has been accepted and who enters into a written contract with the Province, DHCS, HCS or department means the Department of Health and Community Services, "must", shall, will, "mandatory", "required", "essential", etc. means a requirement that needs to be met in order for the proposal to receive consideration, "NL", Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, means Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and includes the Department, "NLPDP", means the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, "NLPB", means the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board, Insurance Division means the section of the Pension and Group Insurance Administration Division of the Human Resource Secretariat, Executive Council that is responsible to administer the group insurance program for government employees and retirees, "should", "desirable", is requested to, etc. means a requirement having a significant degree of importance to the objectives of the Request for Proposal, USP Chapter <797> refers to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding Sterile Preparations which sets practice standards to help ensure that sterile compounded preparations are of high quality, bidder means a company able to prepare sterile compounded products and will be able to submit beneficiary claims for real time adjudication. 3.0 Introduction and Scope 3.1 Purpose This Request for Proposal (RFP) is being issued to inform the Newfoundland and Labrador community pharmacy sector of a health services opportunity with HCS and to solicit proposals from interested parties. The purpose of the RFP is to obtain the services of a contractor or contractors with the relevant

4 experience and qualifications to prepare, dispense and distribute sterile compounded products to the following hospitals in the province: The Health Sciences Centre in St. John s, Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook, the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls and the James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander. This list is subject to change. The scope of this health service is described in Section 3.4 Scope of Work. 3.2 Term of Contract The term of the agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years with an option to renew for two additional terms of a period of up to one (1) year at the same prices, terms and conditions upon agreement by both parties. The Department also reserves the right at its own discretion to renew the agreement on a month by month basis at the end of the initial three (3) year term, not exceeding a period of six (6) months, in the event the contractor declines to renew the agreement. At the end of the initial three (3) year term, the parties shall have the option to negotiate a price increase at the request of the contractor. Such increase shall not exceed the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year preceding the year the price is renegotiated. The department also reserves the right to engage an additional contractor at any time during the period of the agreement if it is determined that it is warranted by an increase in volumes. 3.3 Termination The Agreement may be terminated by either Party upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) Upon written notice to either Party by the other Party in the event there is a material breach of any provision of the Agreement and fails to remedy the breach within fifteen (15) calendar days; (b) Immediately on notice upon the occurrence of: the insolvency of either Party, or the appointment of a receiver for either Party, over all or any substantial part of its properties; or the adjudication of either Party as bankrupt; or the admission of either Party in writing of its inability to pay its debts as they become due; or any agency/department of Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador: (A) requiring the termination of the Agreement; or (B) requiring the Supplier to withdraw, suspend the sale of, or recall the Product from the entire Canadian market; or the Supplier deciding to withdraw, suspend the sale of, or recall the Product from the entire Canadian market.

5 Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Agreement may be terminated by the Minister for any reason and without cause on thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice to the Supplier. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Agreement may be terminated by the Supplier on thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice in the event that the Minister makes a material change solely to the eligibility criteria governing NLPDP coverage of the service In the event that the Agreement is terminated for any reason, any amounts owed by the Supplier to the Minister shall be paid by the Supplier to the Minister within forty-five (45) calendar days after the Minister presents, or causes to be presented, an invoice for such amount owed. 3.4 Background The Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) of the Department of Health is responsible for operating and coordinating pharmaceutical policy, programs and services including the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP). The mission of the NLPDP is to maintain and improve the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans by promoting optimal drug therapy and by developing and managing programs which provide assistance with the cost of drugs for eligible residents. The NLPDP provides subsidized drug coverage for approximately 130,000 residents. They include low-income seniors, residents of nursing homes, clients in receipt of assistance from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills and others with certain medical conditions. The Insurance Division is responsible for the administration of the group insurance benefits program including drug formulary management. The program covers all government retirees plus active employees including crown agencies, health care institutions, and school boards. There are approximately 42,700 active members and retirees insured under this program. This number exceeds 93,000 when member dependents are included. Avastin (bevacizumab), Lucentis (ranibizumab) and Eylea (aflibercept) can be used for various ophthalmic conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is a common cause of sight loss in older people. Each year, 78,000 Canadians are diagnosed with AMD, a number expected to triple within the next 25 years. The projected utilization for sterile compounded ophthalmic medications across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in will be in the range of units per month (with an average annual growth rate of 20%). The weekly volume is expected to fluctuate around this range based on ophthalmologists schedules, vacations, etc.

6 3.5 Scope of Work The contractor(s) will properly prepare, dispense and distribute compounded sterile Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea for ophthalmic use using aseptic techniques. The sterility of this finished product, as well as accuracy in the calculation and preparation of doses, is of the utmost importance to ensure patient safety. Required Activities: Receive prescription drug orders from designated licensed ophthalmologists working in Newfoundland and Labrador Receive for office use drug orders from designated licensed ophthalmologists working in NL for office use Prepare compounded Avastin,Lucentis, Eylea involving aseptic techniques to maintain the sterility of the medication vial and syringes, as outlined in the USP Chapter < 797> practice standards Properly label each finished product according to NLPB standards of practice, including beyond-use dating (expiry dating) Store finished products according to USP Chapter < 797> practice standards (including dedicated pharmacy refrigerator) Deliver to multiple locations across the province using a refrigerated carrier service appropriate for pharmaceutical products Maintain proper documentation as outlined by the NLPB and USP Chapter <797> Submit individual patient claims for beneficiaries of NLPDP/Insured Services Invoice beneficiaries for applicable co-payments Adhere to current laws, regulations and policies applicable to pharmacy practice as determined by the NLPB. Provide patient care and dispensing services to all patients, receive and address questions from patients, patient agents and ophthalmologists Meet the Service Level Agreement (SLA) attached as Appendix B. Finished Product: Avastin is required to be dispensed in single dose syringes as follows: 0.05 ml from a de-crimped (de-capped) vial of Avastin 100mg/4 ml or Avastin 400mg/16 ml will be drawn into a BD Ultra-Fine II 31-gauge, (8 mm) 3/10 cc syringes. Each syringe will be packaged in a tamper proof device and labeled as per the NLPB standards. The requirements are subject to change. Lucentis is required to be dispensed in single dose syringes as follows: 0.05 ml from a vial of Lucentis will be drawn into a BD Ultra-Fine II 31-gauge 3/10 cc syringe. Each syringe will be packaged in a tamper proof device and labelled as per the NLPB standards of practice. The requirements are subject to change.

7 Eylea is required to be dispensed in single dose syringes as follows: 0.05 ml from a vial of Eylea will be drawn into a BD Ultra-Fine II 31-gauge 3/10 cc syringe. Each syringe will be packaged in a tamper proof device and labelled as per the NLPB standards of practice. The requirements are subject to change. 3.6 Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Responsibilities The NLPDP/Insured Services program will reimburse the community pharmacy for each eligible Avastin, Lucentis and Eylea claim submitted for NLPDP beneficiaries. These claims will be subject to the current audit criteria. The NLPDP will not provide funding for equipment, materials, storage, construction of a sterile room or other expenditures to fulfill the requirements of this proposal. 4.0 Selection Criteria Proposals not meeting all mandatory requirements will be disqualified without further consideration. 4.1 Proposal Content and Format Bidders are requested to conform to the instructions given regarding proposal preparation, submission and format as outlined below in order to provide consistency in bidder response. The proposal should be structured as follows: Title Page Showing bidder name and address, closing date and time, telephone number, and contact person. Letter of Introduction One page, introducing and identifying the name of the bidder and signed by the person (s) authorized to sign on behalf of, and bind the bidder to statements made in response to this Request for Proposals. Table of Contents Include page numbers. Executive Summary Include a short non-technical, one or two-page summary of the key features of the proposal with the unit pricing information. Bidder Profile and Capability A corporate profile must be submitted. Concise, relevant information must be submitted to clearly identify the bidder s capability, skill set, and suitability. Each proposal should contain at least the following information:

8 a bidder profile including the correct legal name of the proposing entity and a brief history; NLPB Pharmacy License Number if applicable the bidder s fields of expertise, with emphasis on those relevant to this RFP; the number of pharmacy staff; number of years in business; hours of operation the legal name, brief history and fields of expertise of other subsidiaries under the same ownership. the legal name, brief history and fields of expertise of any proposed sub-contractors and a copy of the letter confirming the sub contractor s agreement to participate in the service; Details of any commercial relationships that exist with manufacturers of Avastin, Lucentis and Eylea any other relevant, supporting data that would be of assistance in evaluating a respondent's proposal. Response to Requirements: The bidder must clearly respond to the requirements described in the Detailed Bidder Requirements and Response Template table in Section 4.2. The bidder shall fill in the bidder response column of the table and include it with their response. The bidder must clearly respond to any requirement identified as Mandatory in the RFP Scoring Weight criteria, failure to do so will result in disqualification of the response. Price The bidder must provide one syringe (unit) price for all payers in NL (including licensed ophthalmologists) for the full duration of the contract. The price cannot be higher than the unit price in any other jurisdiction in Canada. The price quoted must be an all-inclusive price, including drug, preparation, dispense and delivery costs to the ophthalmologist. Financial Statements Bidders are advised that the department reserves the right to request financial information in the form of audited statements or other information it deems relevant, at its sole discretion, prior to awarding of a contract. Such information shall be provided to the department within 5 days of the date of request. Appendices Any additional pertinent information, value add, brochures, etc. may be included. 4.2 Detailed Bidder Requirements and Response Template The bidder must provide the following information based on the format provided below:

9 Proposals not meeting all mandatory requirement will be disqualified without further consideration. ID# Scoring Weight Requirements Mandatory Requirements 1.1 Mandatory Contractor must have the following: Recent (in the last 3 years) and continuous experience with the preparation of compounded sterile products, consistent with USP Chapter < 797> practice standards to maintain the safety of products for patient care (as described in section 3.4 Scope of Work) Bidder Response The response shall include at a minimum: The location of the compounding pharmacy The number of years of experience with preparing compounded sterile products Demonstrate that the proposed pharmacy complies with USP Chapter <797> The number of personnel trained and/or certified List of compounded sterile products prepared for other clients Description of the current day-today operations, practice and procedures with respect to compounding accuracy and sterility, including beyond-use dating (expiry dating) 1.2 Mandatory Pharmacy must have the following: List of personnel involved with preparing compounded sterile products who are properly trained and knowledgeable of practice standards, in all aspects of aseptic techniques including preparation and handling.

10 The response shall include at a minimum: The name of personnel trained and certified with associated date Description of the proposed personnel education and training, competency and evaluation, including frequency, as it relates to the preparation of compounded sterile products Description of proposed personnel s role and years of experience with the preparation of compounded sterile products Demonstrate that the proposed personnel comply with USP Chapter <797> Provide assurance that all pharmacists employed at the compounding pharmacy are licensed as required Provide résumés of proposed personnel in an Appendix 1.3 Mandatory Dedicated certified clean room with the necessary certified equipment and materials for proper preparation of compounded sterile products, packaging, handling and storage Ability to properly label each finished product according to NLPB standards of practice, including beyond-use dating (expiry dating) The response shall include at a minimum: Certification and maintenance of clean room and equipment Description of the current environment and equipment. Floor layout and/or photos can be included Demonstrate that the proposed pharmacy environment and equipment comply with USP

11 Chapter <797> Description of the current equipment sanitation and maintenance schedule as well as procedures as it relates to the preparation of compounded sterile products. Description of packaging and labeling of finished products Description of storage and handling of finished products within the pharmacy Description of packing of finished products for transit 1.4 Mandatory Pharmacy must demonstrate the following: Capability to produce the required volume of dose per week from the bidder s facility as described in section 3.4 Capability to meet growing demand as required from the bidder s facility as described in section 3.4 The response shall include at a minimum: Description of current utilization and potential volume capacity to prepare additional compounded sterile product(s) with regards to: your current environment and equipment your current trained staff Description of contingency plan if your pharmacy experiences interruption in services Description of contingency for staff turnover, sick leave and vacation Description of how your pharmacy would resolve an error in preparation, if they were to occur 1.5 Mandatory Pharmacy must demonstrate the following: Ability to dispense and deliver to

12 multiple locations in the province using a refrigerated carrier appropriate for pharmaceutical products, within 2 business days from the time of prescription drug order Ability to transport compounded sterile products via a cold chain carrier to all licensed ophthalmologists across Newfoundland and Labrador The response shall include at a minimum: Description of the transportation method proposed, including the assurance that the delivery of the finished product will be on time and kept at the right temperature until delivered to the licensed ophthalmologist(s), Description of a contingency plan in case of weather or other delays. 1.6 Mandatory The bidder must describe their current quality assurance programs and practices as it relates to the preparation of compounded sterile products to achieve the desired goal of purity, potency and sterility. The response shall include at a minimum: Personnel competency, environment monitoring, endproduct testing and process validation for sterility and accuracy Description of sterile compounding policies, processes and procedures Description of storage and beyonduse dating (expiry dating) Demonstrate that the proposed pharmacy quality assurance complies with USP Chapter <797> The response shall also describe:

13 How documentation is properly maintained How personnel are trained as well as continued competency assessment in compounded sterile preparation How clean room and equipment is maintained and calibrated including certification and maintenance schedule. How environment is maintained and tested What procedures to you have in place to ensure a high quality finished products is consistently produced. How the product quality and control are maintained after the finished product leaves the pharmacy How adverse events, side effects or product quality problems related to the finished products are to be reported and addressed 1.7 Mandatory Bidder must describe the proposed order life cycle comprised of: how ophthalmologist will transmit a valid prescription for product, How product will be delivered to the requesting ophthalmologist How NLPDP/Insured Services are billed How beneficiaries are billed and copayments are collected 1.8 Mandatory The bidder must provide beyond-use dating (expiry dating) proposed for the finished product. The response shall include at a minimum: The proposed beyond-use dating and supporting documentation as required for each unit once prepared. Capability to deliver the

14 finished product to the clinics within 2 days of preparation to maximize the beyond-use dating. 1.9 Mandatory The bidder must provide the same unit price (drug cost) for one single dose of compounded sterile Avastin Lucentis, Eylea to all payers in Newfoundland and Labrador (NLPDP, private plan, cash paying patients, for licensed ophthalmologists office use) for the duration of the contract. For NL residents without drug coverage for this product, the total costs for the prescription (drug cost, markup, and dispensing fee) must not exceed the total costs for the prescription reimbursed by NLPDP for the duration of the contract. Note: The unit price cannot be higher than the unit price in any other jurisdiction in Canada. The response shall include at a minimum: The proposed unit drug cost to all payers in NL. For NL residents without drug coverage for this product, provide the proposed drug cost, markup and dispensing fee. For authorized licensed ophthalmologists in NL, provide the proposed drug cost, markup and dispensing fee Mandatory The bidder shall provide references of the pharmacy s experience in providing similar services: The response shall include at a minimum:

15 Description of the sterile compounding service(s) Name of the reference organization Confirmation of the reference s willingness to be contacted by the Department of Health Name, title, and telephone number of the reference contact Beginning and end dates (monthyear) of the service 4.3 Evaluation Criteria The proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria and point rating system. Proposals not meeting all mandatory requirement will be disqualified without further consideration. Proposals must achieve a Total Overall Minimum Score of 70, with a minimum score of 40 under the Section Bidder Requirements in order to receive further consideration. Evaluation Criteria Proposal Bidder Profile Pharmacy Licensure, Experience, and Qualifications Bidder proposal's completeness, content and quality Bidder Requirements Personnel, Environment, Equipment, Capability, Delivery, QA, References Maximum Rating Beyond-Use Dating (Expiry Dating) 10 Unit Price 20 TOTAL

16 5.0 Terms and Conditions 5.1 INQUIRIES Address all inquiries in writing to (Jacqueline Vickers). Forward to: Government Purchasing Agency, 30 Strawberry Marsh Road, St. John s, Nl, A1B 4R4 or by fax to (709) Verbal responses to inquiries shall not be binding upon either party. Questions shall be answered in writing in the form of addenda. To ensure consistency and quality in the information provided to bidders the Department shall provide, by way of amendment to this tender in the form of an addendum to all bidders who have registered to receive amendments, any relevant information with respect to the tender inquiries received in writing without revealing the source of those inquiries. Bidders are cautioned that it is their responsibility to ensure that they receive all information relevant to this tender. The owner shall not be responsible for bidders who fail to inform themselves regarding the scope and nature of the work. Department shall publish all amendments to the tendering website at Suppliers may register on the tendering website to receive amendments automatically through or fax. Suppliers not registered to receive amendments are solely responsible for ensuring they are aware of and have complied with all amendments by tender closing time. 5.2 Notification of Changes All recipients of this RFP will be notified by way of addenda on the GPA website regarding any changes made by the Department to this document for purposes of clarification. 5.3 Changes to Proposal Wording There will be no changes in the wording of the proposal after submission and no words or comments shall be added to the general conditions or detailed specifications unless requested by the Department for purposes of clarification. 5.4 Additional Information Proposals may contain relevant information other than what is requested. Alternative solutions shall be submitted as a separate proposal in the same format and clearly identified as a complete and separate proposal. 5.5 Late Proposals Late proposals will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the bidder. 5.6 Ownership of Proposals All documents submitted to the Department become the property of the Province. The bidder

17 should note that the Department is subject to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act with regard to all proposals. 5.7 Bidder Expenses Prospective bidders are advised that they are solely responsible for any costs or expenses related to the preparation, submission, subsequent negotiation and any future processes related to the RFP process. 5.8 Negotiation Delay The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the highest scoring bidder and these negotiations may form part of the contract. If a written contract cannot be negotiated within sixty (45) days of notification to the designated bidder, the Department reserves the right at its own discretion to extend the negotiating period with that bidder, to cease negotiations with that bidder and initiate negotiations with the next highest scoring bidder, to re-issue the RFP, or to cancel the RFP in its entirety. 5.9 Indemnity The bidder will indemnify and save harmless the Province from and against all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs and expenses made against or incurred, suffered or sustained by the Province at any time or times (either before or after the expiration or sooner termination of this agreement) where the same or any of them are based upon or arise out of or from anything done or omitted to be done by the bidder or by any servant, employee, officer, director or subcontractor of the bidder pursuant to the contract Subcontracting Utilizing a sub-contractor (who must be clearly identified) to remedy deficiencies in the prime bidder's product or service is acceptable. This also includes a joint submission by two bidders having no formal corporate links. However, in this case, one of these bidders must be prepared to take overall responsibility for successful interconnection of the two product or service lines and this must be defined in the proposal. If sub-contractors are proposed, the prime bidder must submit a letter from each sub-contractor confirming that they agree to participate in the project Acceptance of Proposals This RFP should not be construed as a contract to purchase goods or services. The Department is not bound to accept the lowest price or any proposal of those submitted. Proposals will be assessed in light of the evaluation criteria. Subsequent to the submission of proposals, interviews and negotiations may be conducted with some of the bidders, but there shall be no obligation to receive further information, whether written or oral, from any bidder nor to disclose the nature of any proposal received. Any or all proposals shall not necessarily be accepted. The Department shall not be obligated in any manner

18 to any bidder whatsoever until a written contract has been duly executed relating to an approved proposal. Neither acceptance of a proposal nor execution of a contract shall constitute approval of any activity or development contemplated in any proposal that requires any approval, permit or license pursuant to any federal, provincial, regional district or municipal statute, regulation or by-law Definition of Contract Notice by issuance of a written purchase order/contract shall constitute a contract for the goods and/or services and no bidder shall acquire any legal or equitable rights or privileges whatever relative to the services until the occurrence of such an event Liability for Errors While the Department has used considerable efforts to ensure an accurate representation of information of this RFP, the information contained is supplied solely as a guideline for bidders. The information is not guaranteed or warranted to be accurate by the Department, nor is it necessarily comprehensive. Nothing in this RFP is intended to relieve bidders from forming their own opinions and conclusions in respect of the matters addressed in this document Acceptance of Terms All the terms and conditions of this RFP are assumed to be accepted by the bidders and incorporated in its proposal Contract Administrator A contract administrator will be assigned by the Province to oversee the contract awarded to the successful bidder Replacement Personnel If for any reason, bidder personnel become unavailable, the bidder must provide the Department with the same information as stipulated in Section 3.6 Resource Qualifications for replacement personnel. The Department reserves the right to approve or refuse any staffing changes to the originally agreed upon project staff Compliance with Laws The bidder shall give all the notices and obtain all the licenses and permits required to perform the work. The bidder shall comply with all the laws of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and of Canada that are applicable to the work or the performance of the contract Confidentiality and Security This document or any portion thereof may not be used for any purpose other than the submission of proposals.

19 The bidder must agree to maintain security standards consistent with security policies of the Department and the Province. These include strict control of access to data and maintaining confidentiality of information gained while carrying out its duties. The bidder and/or bidder personnel will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Information pertaining to any department obtained by the bidder as a result of participation in this project is confidential and must not be disclosed without written authorization from the department. The qualified respondents must agree not to issue any press releases in newspapers, radio and television, or in any other manner regarding this project without first obtaining the consent from the department Firm Pricing Proposals must be open for acceptance for at least 90 days after the closing date. Prices quoted in the proposals shall not change during the contract period. Bidders should consider quoted pricing as final and inclusive Intellectual Property Rights All supporting documentation and manuals submitted with this request for proposals, and subsequent documents, shall become the property of the Department of Health unless requested otherwise by the respondent at the time of submission. The bidder agrees to waive all rights (including moral rights), title and interest to the intellectual content of the initial proposal, subsequent documents and the final deliverables Currency and Taxes Prices quoted shall be: a) in Canadian dollars, b) inclusive of duty, c) with delivery FOB destination included, and d) exclusive of Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax.

20 6.0 Enquiry Contact Proponents requiring further information on this Request for Proposals should contact: For Procurement Jacqueline Vickers 30 Strawberry Marsh Road St. John s, NL A1B 4R4 (709) All enquiries are to be directed to the person(s), or his/her designate(s) named above. Information obtained from any other source is not official and may be inaccurate. Enquiries and responses may be recorded and may be distributed to all proponents at the Province's option. 7.0 Contract The successful bidder shall be required to sign a contract which reflects the duties, requirements and responsibilities outlined in this Request for Proposals.