RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS) Addenum 2

525 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 2026-03
Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
DATE ISSUED: Monday, August 3, 2026
TYPE OF PROJECT: The Montgomery Housing Authority ("MHA") seeks proposals from
qualified individuals and/or firms to provide comprehensive Virtual
Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services
(INMS) for the MHA's enterprise network infrastructure.
CONTACT PERSON: Sheila Brown, Procurement/Contract Administrator
sbrown@mhatoday.org
LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (CST)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (CST)
SUBMISSION ADDRESS: Sheila Brown, Procurement/Contract Administrator
Montgomery Housing Authority
525 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Separate sealed proposals will be accepted at the MHA's Procurement/Contract Office, 525 South Lawrence
Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, until the date and time noted above. Proposals will be held in
confidence and not released in any manner until after the contract has been awarded.
The responsibility for submitting a response to this RFP at the MHA on or before the stated time and date will be
solely and strictly the responsibility of the respondent. The offeror shall wholly absorb all costs incurred in the
preparation and presentation of the proposal.
Copies of this RFP are available by visiting MHA's website at www.mhatoday.org, visiting the Housing
Agency Marketplace at https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com , or can be requested in writing by
emailing Sheila Brown at sbrown@mhatoday.org.

The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
Purpose
Background
Method of Solicitation
Obtain Copies of this Solicitation
PART I-SCOPE OF SERVICES
PART II - SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS
2.1 Submission of Proposals
2.2 Interpretation/Questions
2.3 Addendum and Update Procedures for the RFP
2.4 Proposal Format
2.5 Submittal Forms
2.6 Acceptance of Proposals
2.7 Time for Reviewing Proposals
2.8 Withdrawal of Proposals
2.9 Award of Contract
2.10 HUD Debarment and Suspension List
2.11 Certification of Legal Entity
2.12 Cost Borne by Respondent
2.13 Best Available Data
2.14 Contact with MHA, Staff, Board Members and Residents
2.15 Licenses and Insurance
2.16 Respondent Responsibilities
2.17 No Claim Against MHA
PART III - SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Tabbed Proposal Submittal
3.2 Proposal Pricing/Cost
3.3 Required Certifications/Forms
PART IV - PROCUREMENT PROCESS
4.1 Proposal Evaluation/Contract Award
4.2 Evaluation Criteria
4.3 Summary of Evaluation Criteria
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) was established in 1939, as a local control entity in Montgomery,
Alabama, for the provision and administration of publicly funded affordable housing built as part of President
Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal following the Great Depression. The Montgomery Housing Authority's currently
has approximately 1,184 Public Housing (PH) units across multiple apartment complexes in the City of
Montgomery, AL. The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) administers over 3,000 HCV vouchers in Autauga,
Elmore, and Montgomery Counties. MHA also provides Project-Based rental assistance where the rental
assistance is tied to a specific unit. In addition, MHA has several special purpose voucher programs including,
Homeownership and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and Foster Youth Initiative.
Purpose
The Montgomery Housing Authority ("MHA") seeks proposals from qualified individuals and/or firms to provide
comprehensive Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS) for the
Montgomery Housing Authority's enterprise network infrastructure.
Background
The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) is seeking respondents to provide comprehensive Virtual Private
Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS) for the Montgomery Housing Authority's
enterprise network infrastructure. The Respondent shall furnish all labor, supervision, materials, equipment,
software, tools, transportation, and services necessary to perform the work in a professional, timely, and
acceptable manner. All work shall comply with applicable industry standards, manufacturer recommendations,
and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Method of Solicitation
MHA is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified lodging providers with a documented record of
accomplishments providing the required services. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to identify potential
providers for the scope of services listed herein.
Obtain Copies of this Solicitation.
Single copies of the RFP package may be obtained, at no cost by:
1. Visiting the MHA's website at: www.mhatoday.org
2. Downloading at the Housing Agency Marketplace (E-procurement) at
https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com
3. Requesting via email to sbrown@mhatoday.org
4. Copies may also be picked up in person at:
Montgomery Housing Authority
Procurement/Contract Office
525 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
PART I - SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) is seeking respondents to provide comprehensive Virtual Private
Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS) for the Montgomery Housing Authority's
enterprise network infrastructure.
The Contractor shall perform all services as required by the Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) to complete
the work described herein. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, software,
tools, transportation, and services necessary to perform the work in a professional, timely, and acceptable
manner. All work shall comply with applicable industry standards, manufacturer recommendations, and
applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Scope of work is attached hereto as Exhibit C.
PART II - INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS
2.1 Submission of Proposals
Respondents should submit one (1) original, one (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic device (flash drive) copy
of their proposal. The mailed original submission shall be dated and signed by an authorized official of the
company. Hard copy proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope that shows the company's name and
address and clearly written on the outside of the sealed envelope must be the words "Virtual Private Network
and INMS (RFP 2026-03) - Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (CST)". The electronic device must be
labeled with the RFP number 'RFP 2026-03' and the company's name and must be enclosed in the sealed
envelope with the hard copies. The electronic device proposal must contain the same information as required
with the original submissions and must be compiled as a single document. Emailed submission will not be
accepted.
Respondents may also submit their proposals electronically, versus submitting hard copies, by visiting the
Housing Agency Marketplace (Eprocurement) https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com. Respondents are
encouraged to register prior to submission deadline. It is recommended that the Respondent submits its proposal
in sufficient time to ensure acceptance. The Respondent will receive notification of acceptance of submission
through the Eprocurement marketplace. If the Respondent encounters any issues relating to the electronic
submission, please contact the Eprocurement marketplace via their online "Customer Service" link. The
Respondent must enter the pricing as indicated on the site in order for their submission to be accepted. Emailed
submissions will not be accepted.
Proposals received after the deadline date and time may be determined unacceptable. Refer to form HUD 5369-
B, Section 6, regarding late submissions and withdrawals.
All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the conditions and instructions provided herein and must
remain open for acceptance for one hundred and eighty (180) days from the due date. Proposals should
demonstrate detailed plans on how the Respondent intends to provide the required services in a manner that will
result in the successful and timely completion of the service(s). In addition, the proposal should demonstrate the
Respondent's capacity and readiness to perform the Scope of Services immediately upon execution of a contract
with MHA. Finally, the proposal should include evidence of the Respondent's previous experience and
qualifications, relative to the provision of such services.
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
2.2 Interpretation/Questions
During the period between issuance of this RFP and the proposal due date, no oral interpretation of the RFP's
requirements will be given to any prospective respondent. Requests for interpretation must be made, in writing,
by the questions due date and time as indicated on the coversheet (first page) of the RFP and sent to: Email:
sbrown@mhatoday.org.
2.3 Addendum and Update Procedures for the RFP
During the period of advertisement for this RFP, MHA may wish to amend, add to, or delete from, the contents
of this RFP. In such situations, MHA will issue an addendum to the RFP setting forth the nature of the
modification(s). MHA will email (or send via regular postal mail or fax upon written request) any addenda to
Respondents of this RFP solicitation. Interested parties may also view addenda on MHA's website
www.mhatoday.org or at the Housing Agency Marketplace at https://ha.internationaleprocurement.com. It shall
be the responsibility of each Respondent to ensure they have any/all additional addenda relative to this RFP.
2.4 Proposal Format
All proposals shall be submitted in 8 12 x 11-inch format, preferably in three (3) ring binders. Larger size pages
or inserts may be used, provided they fold into 8 12 x 11 inches. Inserts shall not be stapled together. All copies
of the submittal must be identical in content and organization. The format of the respondent's proposal should
be structured the same as the format of the RFP. Proposals should be organized into sections and tabbed for
ease of review. Respondents must provide a comprehensive Table of Contents at the front of the proposal. The
proposal also must be organized in response to the Submission Requirements. The front cover of the proposal
should bear the name and number of the RFP, the date, and the Respondent's name, address, phone number
and email address. The electronic submission should be organized in the same manner as the hard copy as one
document.
2.5 Submittal Forms
Provided, as a part of the proposal, all required certifications and HUD forms, MHA forms, licenses and proof of
insurance. All forms that require a signature or initials must bear an original initial or signature.
2.6 Acceptance of Proposals
Proposals must be signed, sealed, and received in completed form at MHA, no later than the proposal closing
date and time. Proposals submitted after the designated closing date and time could potentially not be accepted
and could potentially be returned unopened to the originator.
MHA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to take exception to these RFP specifications or
to waive any formalities. Respondents may be excluded from further considerations for failure to comply with
the specifications of this RFP.
MHA reserves the right to reject the proposal of Respondents, who have previously failed to perform properly or
to complete on time, a contract of a similar nature. MHA also reserves the right to reject proposals of
Respondents who habitually, without just cause, neglect the payment of bills or disregard their obligations to
subcontractors, providers of materials, or employees.
2.7 Time for Reviewing Proposals
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
Proposals received prior to the closing date and time will be securely kept, unopened until the closing date and
time. Proposals received after the closing date and time could potentially not be considered. MHA's Evaluation
Committee, appointed by the President/CEO, will evaluate all proposals properly received.
The Evaluation Committee will analyze proposals within the 180 days of the date and time due and make a
recommendation for award of contract or not to award, to the MHA President/CEO. MHA reserves the right to
extend the analysis period.
2.8 Withdrawal of Proposals
Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received any time before the contract award. Proposals may be
withdrawn in person by Respondent or its authorized representative if the identity of such representative is
established and a signed receipt of the withdrawn proposal is received by MHA prior to the contract award.
2.9 Award of Contract
MHA reserves the right to make an award based solely on the proposals or to negotiate further with the
Respondent(s). The Respondent(s) selected for the award will be chosen on the basis of an assessment of the
greatest benefit to the MHA, not necessarily on the basis of lowest cost. MHA also reserves the right to negotiate
and award any element of this RFP, make multiple awards, reject any or all proposals or waive any minor
irregularities or technicalities in proposal received as in the best interest of MHA. Contract shall be awarded to
the Respondent(s) submitting a proposal according to the evaluation criteria contained herein. MHA reserves the
right to interview or receive demonstrations of products/services from one or more Respondent(s) whose
submittals are evaluated above the acceptable cumulative 75 points as detailed in Section 4.1 Proposal
Evaluation/Contract Award. The Respondent(s) to whom the award is made will be notified at the earliest practical
date. Upon full execution of the contract, MHA expects awardee to immediately render services.
Contract Terms
MHA anticipates awarding a contract for an initial period of one (1) year with two extension options in one-year
increments, at MHA's discretion, for a total possible contract term of three (3) years. MHA reserves the right to
terminate contract for cause or convenience with proper written notification.
2.10 HUD Debarment and Suspension List
The Respondents and all subcontractors' names or businesses must not appear on the HUD's Debarment and
Suspension list.
2.11 Certification of Legal Entity
Prior to execution of the contract agreement, the Respondent shall certify that joint ventures, partnerships, team
agreements, new corporations, or other entities that either exist or will be formally structured are, or will be,
legal and binding under the Alabama State Law and the City of Montgomery, Alabama.
2.12 Cost Borne by Respondent
All costs related to the preparation of this RFP and any related activities are the responsibility of the Respondent.
MHA assumes no liability for any costs incurred by the Respondent throughout the entire selection process.
2.13 Best Available Data
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
All information contained in this RFP is the best data available to MHA at the time the RFP was prepared. The
information given in the RFP is not intended as representation having binding legal effect. This information is
furnished for the convenience of Respondents and MHA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.
2.14 Contact with MHA Staff, Board Members and Residents
Beyond the above referenced written communications, Respondents and their representatives may not make any
other form of contact with MHA staff, Board members, or residents. Any improper contact by or on behalf of
Respondents may be grounds for disqualification.
2.15 Licenses and Insurance
The awardee shall have and maintain all required licenses necessary to conduct business in the City of
Montgomery and the State of Alabama. All licenses must be kept up to date for the duration of any ensuing
contract. Copies of all licenses must be in the Procurement/Contract office prior to contract execution.
Prior to contract award and for the duration of the contract, the successful proposer will be required to provide
proof of insurance (as outlined) and the MHA shall be named as an additional insured.
Professional Liability (and/or Errors & Omissions) Coverage $1,000,000 each occurrence
General Liability Coverage $1,000,000 each occurrence
Comprehensive Automobile Liability Coverage $1,000,000 each occurrence
Worker's Compensation with Statutory Limits of the State of AL
2.16 Respondent Responsibilities
Each Respondent is presumed by MHA to have thoroughly studied this RFP and become familiar with the
contents, locations, and nature of requests. Any failure to understand completely any aspect of this RFP is the
responsibility of the Respondent.
2.17 No Claim Against MHA
The Respondent shall not obtain, by submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, any claim against MHA or
MHA's property for reason of all or any part of any of the following: the selection process; the rejection of any
or all offers; the acceptance of any offer; entering into any agreements or the failure to enter any agreements;
any statement, representations, acts or omissions of MHA or any person or entity acting on its behalf; the exercise
of any discretion set forth in or concerning any of the foregoing; and any other matters arising out of the
foregoing.
PART III - SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Tabbed Proposal Submittal
The Agency intends to retain the Contractor pursuant to a "Best Value" basis, not a "Low Bid" basis ("Best Value,"
in that the Agency will, as detailed within the following Section 4.2, consider factors other than cost in making
the award decision). Therefore, so that the Agency can properly evaluate the offers received, all proposals
submitted in response to this RFP must be formatted in accordance with the sequence noted within the table
below. Each category must be separated by numbered index dividers, which number extends so that each tab
can be located without opening the proposal and labeled with the corresponding tab reference also noted below.
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
Inserts shall not be stapled together. None of the proposed services may conflict with any requirement the
Agency has published herein or has issued by addendum.
RFP Section Tab
No. Description
3.1.1 1 Form of Proposal. This 2-page Form must be fully completed, executed where
provided thereon and submitted under this tab as a part of the proposal submittal.
3.1.2 2 Form HUD-5370-C, Section II-General Conditions for Non-Construction Contracts,
Form HUD SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, Form HUD 50071
Certification of Payments to Influence Federal Transactions, Form HUD 50070
Certification for a Drug-Free Workplace, Form HUD 2530 Previous Participation
Certification, and Non-Collusive Form. These forms must be fully completed,
executed where provided thereon and submitted under this tab as a part of the
proposal submittal, where applicable.
3.1.3 3 Profile of Firm Form. This 2-page Form must be fully completed, executed, and
submitted under this tab as a part of the proposal submittal.
3.1.4 4 Proposed Services. Respondent shall place under this tab documentation further
explaining the firm's services and showing how the firm intends to fulfill the
requirements of the Scope of Work listed herein, including, but not limited to:
3.1.4.1 The proposer's DEMONSTRATED UNDERSTANDING of the AGENCY'S
REQUIREMENTS and REQUESTED SERVICES.
3.1.4.2
APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL APPROACH and the QUALITY of the SERVICES
PROPOSED. Provide a detailed narrative and/ or work plan that demonstrates the
approach or how the Respondent will engage with MHA staff. Outline its anticipated
approach/engagement for each element of work identified in the Scope of Services.
The outlined approach/engagement should be consistent with the objectives and
requirements set forth in the RFP and should address how services will be
immediately provided upon execution of a contract. Include proposed processes
for ensuring effective coordination, as well as procedures for reporting and
disseminating information.
3.1.4.3 TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES (in terms of personnel) and the MANAGEMENT PLAN
(including the ability to provide the services detailed herein) Describe capability,
experience and type of software to be utilized to provide comprehensive Virtual
Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS) for the
MHA's enterprise network infrastructure Describe knowledge and execution of
required services, etc. Include resumes of key staff identified as responsible for
performing the work under a contract with MHA.
3.1.4.4
The proposer's DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE in performing similar work and
DEMONSTRATED SUCCESSFUL PAST PERFORMANCE. Identify similar or related
work performed for public housing authorities or other companies that has been
completed to date or is currently active. Include projects completed or currently
underway by the responding entity and/or each major participant in the proposal.
Identify experience in performing work for public housing authorities or other
companies, by the Respondent and/or its participants. Demonstrate ability to
produce reports that are well regarded in the industry in terms of content,
timeliness, and responsiveness. Demonstrate, through written explanation, the
Respondent's familiarity with HUD, Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
codes that the Respondent believes may be pertinent or applicable to this project.
3.1.4.5 If appropriate, how staff are retained, screened, trained, and monitored.
3.1.4.6 Approach to QUALITY CONTROL
3.1.4.7 An explanation and copies of forms that will be used and reports that will be submitted
and the method of such reports (i.e. written; fax; Internet; etc.).
3.1.4.8 A complete description of the products and services the firm provides.
3.1.4.9 Proposed Engagement Letter/Executive Summary. A copy of the proposer's
proposed engagement letter/executive summary. Please note that the Agency WILL
NOT accept this engagement letter as the eventual contract but will consider including
the proposed engagement letter as an appendix to the eventual contract that is
executed. The Agency retains the right to (and most likely will) require certain
revisions to the engagement letter, especially of proposed terms that either, in the
Agency's opinion, conflict with the terms listed within the contract.
3.1.5 5
Managerial Capacity/Financial Viability/Staffing Plan. The proposer's entity must
submit under this tab a concise description of its managerial and financial capacity
to deliver the proposed services, including brief professional resumes for the
persons identified within areas (1) and (4) of the Profile of Firm Form. Such
information shall include the proposer's qualifications to provide the services; a
description of the background and current organization of the firm (including a
current organizational chart). Include in the chart all key personnel, specialists, and
consultants, who will be assigned work under a contract potentially resulting from
this RFP. Identify all individuals who will be devoted to the project on a full-time
basis or part time basis (up to 50% of time allocated to project), including those
who will be full time only for specific components of the project, as well as those
filling a continuing position throughout the project. Provide detailed resumes for
each, highlighting the experience that qualifies them for the position they will fill.
3.1.6 6 Client Information. The proposer shall submit a listing of former or current clients,
including any other Public Housing Authority, for whom the proposer has performed
similar or like services to those being proposed herein. The listing shall, at a
minimum, include:
3.1.6.1 The client's name;
3.1.6.2 The client's contact name;
3.1.6.3 The client's telephone number and email address;
3.1.6.4 A brief description and scope of the service(s) and the dates the services were
provided inclusive of duration of projects or projected completion date of
current/active projects and dollar value of contracted services.
3.1.7 7 Section 3 Plan. All respondents must read the attached Section 3 Plan (Exhibit B).
All required forms shall be submitted under this tab, if applicable.
3.1.8 8 Other Information. The proposer may also include hereunder any other general
information that the proposer believes is appropriate to assist the Agency in its
evaluation.
3.1.9 No Information Placed under a Tab. If no information is to be placed under any of the above
noted tabs, please place there under a statement such as "NO INFORMATION IS BEING
PLACED UNDER THIS TAB" or "THIS TAB LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK." DO NOT eliminate
any of the tabs.
3.1.10 Proposal Submittal Binding Method. It is preferable and recommended that the proposer
bind the proposal submittals in such a manner that the Agency can, if needed, remove the
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The Montgomery Housing Authority
RFP 2026-03 Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Internetworking Management Services (INMS)
binding (i.e., "comb-type;" etc.) or remove the pages from the cover (i.e., 3-ring binder; etc.)
to make copies, and then conveniently return the proposal submittal to its original condition.
3.2 Proposal Pricing/Cost
If submitting a hard copy proposal by mail, each Respondent shall provide cost for each item listed on the
Proposed Fees Form, attached hereinto at Exhibit D. No category can be left blank.
This information shall be placed under Tab 4 Proposed Services and must be signed and dated. Respondent
shall also include the "Cost Proposal Form" form located on page 13 of this RFP under this tab. Respondent
may include other services/pricing not included on Proposed Fees Form as a separate attachment.
If submitting a proposal electronically through the E-Procurement platform, the Respondent must enter
an amount for each item, no item can be left blank. The Respondent may include other services/pricing
not requested as a separate attachment.
3.3 Required Certifications/Forms
Each proposal shall contain an executed copy, if applicable, of the following HUD and MHA forms, which are
attached herein. If a form does not apply, please state 'not applicable' and include in the proposal submission:
Form of Proposal
Profile of Firm Form
Non-Collusive Form
MHA's Section 3 Plan
Form HUD-5369-B Instructions to Offerors - Non-Construction
Form HUD 5370-C General Conditions for Non-Construction Contracts, Section II
Form HUD SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
Form HUD 50071 Certification of Payments to Influence Federal Transactions
Form HUD 50070 Certification for a Drug-Free Workplace
Form HUD 2530 Previous Participation Certification
PART V - PROCUREMENT PROCESS
4.1 Proposal Evaluation/Contract Award
Proposals received in response to this solicitation will be evaluated using the following evaluation process.
a. The evaluation process will be used to determine the firms that will comprise the short list, from
which final selection for contract award will ultimately be made.
(1) During the evaluation process, technical proposals will be evaluated and scored by an Evaluation
Committee comprised of a minimum of 3 members.
(2) Each member of the Evaluation Committee will score each proposal.
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