DYS Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA)

Solicitation ID:	SRC0000035884
DATE ISSUED:	12/17/2025

The Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) is requesting Bids for:

Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents training for Behavioral staff

INQUIRY PERIOD BEGINS:	12/17/2025
INQUIRY PERIOD ENDS:	12/31/2025
OPENING DATE:	12/17/2025
OPENING TIME:	10:00am

Note: This Request for Proposal may result in multiple awards, Multiple awards may result from this bid. Offerors can submit proposals for multiple sites.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. General Instructions

II. RFP Timeframe Requirements

III. Overview of Services, Exhibit A

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 Standard Terms and Conditions

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PART ONE: GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

STATE OF OHIO ONLINE PURCHASING SOLUTION. OhioBuys provides the primary platform for Supplier partners to engage in procurement activities with the State of Ohio. For additional information on submitting Proposals see the “Viewing and Responding to Solicitations” Learner Guide or the “Viewing and Responding to Solicitations” Supplier Training Video linked below.

Learner Guide https://procure.ohio.gov/static/pdf/S-

LG.2%20Ohio%20Buys%20Viewing%20and%20Responding%20to%20Solicitations%20LG

%20v2.1.pdf

Viewing and Responding to Solicitations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6iE32BUMJ0&feature=youtu.be

A. Contacts

The following sections provide details on how to get more information about this RFP and how to respond to this RFP. All responses must be complete and in the prescribed format.

During the bid process – communication shall be conducted through OhioBuys. During the performance of the Contract, a Project Representative will represent ODYS and will be the primary contact for matters relating to the Contract. ODYS will designate the Contract Monitor in writing at the time the contract is awarded.

By submitting a Bid, the Offeror acknowledges that it has read this RFP, understands it, and agrees to be bound by its requirement.

The State is not responsible for the accuracy of any information regarding this RFP that was gathered through a source different from the inquiry process described in this RFP.

B. Inquiries/Clarifications

ONLY INQUIRIES/CLARIFICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE FOLLOWING METHOD.

Offerors may make inquiries or seek clarifications regarding this RFP any time during the inquiry period listed in the RFP Timeframe Requirements. To make an inquiry, Offerors must login to OhioBuys, navigate to the solicitation, open the inquiry tab and submit their inquiry. All inquiries must be received prior to the end of the Inquiry Period listed on the cover page. The state will make every effort to post responses within 48 hours. All inquiries and responses will be posted on the website where the bid opportunity is posted. Interested bidders will be able to access the questions and answers during the time the bid is posted.

Inquiries and or requests for clarification about a specific portion of this RFP must reference the relevant part of this RFP and include the provision heading with the RFP page number.

Offerors who attempt to seek information or clarifications verbally will be directed to reduce their questions to writing in accordance with state purchasing policy. No other form of communication is acceptable, and use of any other form of communication or

any attempt to communicate with ODYS staff or any other agency of the State to discuss the bid may result in the bidder being deemed not responsive.

C. Bid Deadline and Requirements

Offerors are to base their Proposals, and the details and costs of their proposed Work, on the requirements and performance expectations established in this RFP for the Contract, not on details of any other potentially related contract or project. If Offerors ask questions about existing or past contracts using the Internet Q&A process, DYS will use its discretion in deciding whether to provide answers as part of this RFP process.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL. Each Offeror must submit a Technical Proposal and a Cost Proposal as part of its Proposal package. Proposals must be submitted as two (2) separate components (Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal) in separate electronic envelopes.

Technical Proposal: The technical Proposal includes answers to predetermined evaluation criteria specified within the RFP.

Cost Proposal: The Offeror must submit a separate cost section of its Proposal in the required format described in OhioBuys.

Offerors will not be able to submit Proposals or unsolicited Proposal amendments after the deadline requirements in the RFP. An Offeror must allow adequate time for uploading a Proposal prior to the due date and time. DYS recommends that Offerors submit Proposals as early as possible. Proposals received prior to the deadline are stored, unopened, in the electronic file.

Each Offeror must carefully review the requirements of this RFP and the contents of its Bid. Once a solicitation has closed, Proposals cannot be altered, except as allowed by this RFP.

ODYS may reject any Bid if the Offeror takes exception to the terms and conditions of this RFP, fails to comply with the procedure for participating in the RFP process, or the Bidder’s Bid fails to meet any requirement of this RFP. ODYS may also reject any Bid that it believes is not in its interests to accept and may decide not to do business with any of the potential contractors responding to this RFP.

To protect the integrity of the evaluation and award process, Bid responses will not be available for public viewing until after the contract has been officially awarded. Offerors may not contact ODYS staff, other contractors, or any other member of the State to discuss their Bid or to discuss any of the other responses to the RFP. Offerors who attempt to make such contacts may be deemed not responsive.

All Bids and other submitted material will become the property of ODYS and will not be returned. The Bidder should not include proprietary information in a Bid because ODYS maintains the right to use any materials or ideas submitted without compensation to the Bidder. Additionally, all Bids will be open to the public after ODYS awards the Contract.

ODYS will retain all Bids or a copy of them, as part of the contract file for the period of the contract and any subsequent renewals. After the retention period, ODYS may return, destroy, or otherwise dispose of the Bids and copies.

D. Waiver of Defects

ODYS maintains the right to waive any defects in any Bid or in the Bidder’s submission process. ODYS will only waive immaterial defects if it believes that is in the ODYS’s interest.

E. Bid Instructions

The Offeror must organize each Bid in a manner consistent with the order of this RFP and any attachments, if any.

ODYS wants clear and concise Bids. Offerors shall completely answer questions and meet all RFP requirements.

ODYS will not be liable for any costs incurred by any Offeror in responding to this RFP, even if the ODYS does not award a Contract through this process. ODYS may decide not to award a service contract. It may also cancel this RFP and contract for these services through some other process or by issuing another RFP.

Responsive: An Offeror is responsive if its bid responds to the bid specifications and requests for documents and attachments in all material respects; and, contains no irregularities or deviations from the specifications that would affect the amount of the bid or otherwise give the Offeror an unfair advantage.

Responsible: ODYS’ determination of an Offeror’s responsibility includes the following factors:

1. experience of the Offeror.

2. Offeror’s financial condition.

3. Offeror’s conduct and performance on previous contracts.

4. the Offeror’s facilities (if applicable).

5. the Offeror’s management skills.

6. the Offeror’s ability to execute the contract properly, and.

7. review of Federal and the Ohio Department of Transportation debarment list.

PART TWO: RFP TIMEFRAME REQUIREMENTS

II. RFP TIMEFRAME REQUIREMENTS

A. Firm Dates

RFP Issued:	12/17/2025
Inquiry Period Begins:	12/17/2025
Inquiry Period Ends:	12/31/2025
Bid Due Date:	1/7/2025

Failure to meet a deadline, in the submission or evaluation phases or any objection to the dates for performance in the solicitation phase, may result in ODYS not considering the Bid of the Offeror.

B. Amendments to Bids

Amendments or withdrawals of Bids are allowed until 3:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time, on the stated Bid Due Date. No amendment or withdrawals will be permitted after the due date, except as expressly authorized by this RFP.

C. Bid Deadline and Requirement

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL. Each Offeror must submit a Technical Proposal and a Cost Proposal as part of its Proposal package. Proposals must be submitted as two (2) separate components (Technical Proposal and Cost Proposal) in separate electronic envelopes. These proposals shall be submitted in OhioBuys by the specified due date.

Technical Proposal: The technical Proposal includes answers to predetermined evaluation criteria specified within the RFP.

Cost Proposal: The Offeror must submit a separate cost section of its Proposal in the required format described in OhioBuys.

Offerors will not be able to submit Proposals or unsolicited Proposal amendments after the deadline requirements in the RFP.

MULTIPLE OR ALTERNATE PROPOSALS. ODYS accepts multiple Proposals from a single Offeror, but ODYS requires each such Proposal be submitted separately from every other Proposal the Offeror makes. Additionally, the Offeror must treat every Proposal submitted as a separate and distinct submission and include in each Proposal all materials, information, documentation, and other items this RFP requires for a Proposal to be complete and acceptable. No alternate Proposal may incorporate materials by reference from another Proposal made by the Offeror or refer to another Proposal. ODYS will judge each alternate Proposal on its own merit.

The objective of this RFP is to solicit Bids for the requested services to the Ohio Department of Youth Services at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility, Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility, and the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility. The successful Bid(s) will form the basis of a contract for such services, and be the minimum acceptable standard expected of the contractor throughout the term of the contract.

The Contractor must fully describe and document how they will provide the services as required by the RFP. The Contractor must provide services in a manner consistent with established standards of the American Correctional Association (ACA), the Ohio Department of Youth Services and all federal, state, and local laws.

PART THREE: OVERVIEW OF SERVICES EXHIBIT A

A. Statement of Needs:

The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) desires to continuously advance our provision of behavioral health services to address the complex needs of the youth we serve. Providing targeted treatment to address experienced trauma and loss will benefit the habilitation or rehabilitation of youth and families. DYS is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to train behavioral health staff in Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA).

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system experience high rates of trauma and traumatic loss. Several studies suggest that the rate of trauma exposure among incarcerated juveniles is three times higher than that of non-incarcerated peers (Olafson et al., 2018). Further, it is estimated that over 70% of incarcerated juveniles have experienced at least two significant losses (Lansing et al., 2018). Adolescent bereavement has been associated with behavioral health issues including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, maladaptive grief reactions, and suicide attempts, aggression, and substance use. The primary therapeutic objectives of TGCTA are needed.

B. Statement of Services: FY26-FY27

Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA) is an assessment-driven, modularized therapeutic intervention designed to address the complex needs of older children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, bereavement, and/or traumatic bereavement. TGCTA is designed to be customized to meet the unique developmental, cultural, and treatment needs of each youth. Through a diverse set of practice elements, TGCTA aims to address the consequences of trauma and bereavement by reducing distress, decreasing risky behavior, improving functioning, and promoting adaptive developmental progression. The primary therapeutic objectives of TGCTA include:

• Strengthen the therapeutic alliance/build group cohesion

• Improve emotional and behavioral self-regulation (using psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, coping skills training, etc.)

• Increase a realistic sense of control over their lives, including things they can do to increase their sense of safety

• Process traumatic experiences and posttraumatic stress reactions

• Process bereavement/loss-related experiences and grief reactions

• Address risky behavior

• Address developmental disruption

• Build a realistic sense of hope about their lives and future (e.g., developing positive future ambitions and aspirations)

• Engage in prosocial and proactive behavior, including taking steps towards achieving future ambitions and aspirations

TGCTA has been implemented and evaluated in a wide range of settings, including secure juvenile justice facilities. Following a multiyear pilot of TGCTA across six residential juvenile justice facilities, researchers found that participants had significant reductions in posttraumatic stress, depression, and anger (Olafson et al., 2018). Further, facilities also cited a reduction in incident reports. Similarly, Clow et al. (2023) noted increased behavioral functioning and a 50% reduction in the number of behavioral incident reports among incarcerated juveniles who participated in TCGTA.

Upon being trained in TGCTA, practitioners shall be able to demonstrate understanding of the following concepts:

• Foundational knowledge of TGCTA

• Skills needed to begin offering TGCTA either individually or in groups

• Utilization of the manual and accompanying materials

• Ability to tailor treatment according to youths’ specific trauma or grief needs

The Contractor will be expected to provide deliverables consistent with the TGCTA framework. Specifically, the Contractor is expected to provide training in Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents for approximately 40-45 behavioral health staff and provide all necessary training materials. Following the training, the Contractor shall provide trained participants with on-going consultative calls to assist with implementation.

C. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Vendor must offer customizable courses based on DYS approved curriculum, focusing on enhancing skills related to a chosen career path. Vendor to attend regularly scheduled meetings with DYS to assess effectiveness and adapt to changes in population needs and/or market conditions. Vendor expected to meet weekly with DYS during implementation training period.

D. Reference material

1. Clow, S., Olafson, E., Ford, J., Moser, M., Slivinsky, M., & Kaplow, J. (2023). Addressing grief reactions among incarcerated adolescents and young adults using trauma and grief component therapy. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 15(Suppl 1), S192–S200. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001364

2. Lansing, A. E., Plante, W. Y., Beck, A. N., & Ellenberg, M. (2018). Loss and grief among persistently delinquent youth: The contribution of adversity indicators and psychopathy-spectrum traits to broadband internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 11(3), 375–389. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-018-0209-9

3. Olafson, E., Boat, B. W., Putnam, K. T., Thieken, L., Marrow, M. T., & Putnam, F. W. (2018). Implementing trauma and grief component therapy for adolescents and think trauma for traumatized youth in secure juvenile justice settings. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 33(16), 2537–2557. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260516628287

E. Payment Schedule:

Fiscal Year	Unit Of Measure	Units	Extended Cost
2026
2027

F. Renewal Clause:

At the sole option of ODYS, this contract may be renewed annually under the same terms and conditions applicable to this contract for any period of time, up to a maximum of twenty-four (24) additional months beginning July 1, 2027; but, such renewals may not extend beyond the biennium in which the renewal takes place.

In order to exercise this option, ODYS must advise the Contractor, in writing, sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of current contract.

In accordance with Section 126.07 of the Revised Code of Ohio, any renewal hereunder shall not be valid or enforceable, unless and until the Director, Office of Budget and Management first certifies that there is a balance in the appropriation, not already obligated to pay existing obligations.

The Ohio Department of Youth Services reserves the right to reject any and all proposals where the offeree takes exception to ODYS terms and conditions or fails to meet the terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, standards, specifications, and requirements.

In addition, The Ohio Department of Youth Services reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any and all responses if any of the following circumstances are true:

(A) bids offer supplies or services that are not in compliance with the requirements, specifications, terms or conditions stated in the bid document,

(B) the price of the lowest responsive and responsible bid is deemed excessive in comparison with market conditions or with the purchasing agency’s available funds, or

(C) ODYS determines that awarding any item is not in the best interest of the State of Ohio.

G. Requirements:

The contractor shall observe the laws, regulations and policies of the State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Youth Services in providing contracted services to the youth.

Selection Criteria

Metric	Weight	Rating (0-5)	Extended Score
Offeror Profile and Prior Trainings
1. The Offeror has the capacity as an organization to fulfill the needs of this Contract. The Offeror demonstrates sufficient resources to provide all training provided in the RFP.	10
1. The Offeror provides evidence of a minimum of one previous scenario of providing TGCTA training to staff. The evidence must provide the size and staff numbers the training was given to.	5
1. The Offeror demonstrates it has sufficient resources to meet the requirements and deadline of the Work (e.g resources, curriculum, training material, staff to provide training, after training consults)	5
1. The Offeror must provide an organizational chart of names providing the training and contacts of after-training consults mentioned in RFP.	5
1. The Offeror must provide a detailed background reflecting its experience in providing the training to staff in a correctional setting.	15
Years Experience
Scope of Work--General
1. The Offeror demonstrates the years of developing the TGCTA.	10
1. The Offeror demonstrates its years providing the elements of this training to others.	5
1. The Offeror demonstrates its years of providing such training in a correctional setting.	15
Education
Scope of Work- General
1. The Offeror demonstrates the ability to offer this training with the proper education and previous outcomes.	5
1. The Offeror demonstrates the ability to successfully initiate this training to staff.	5
Youth Development
1. Scope of Work- General
1. The Offeror’s shows how TGCTA trainings given had a positive impact on youth behavior.	10
1. The Offeror’s provides years of experience facilitating this training to staff members of facilities that measure youth development.	5
1. The Offeror’s provides any and all statistics showing the benefit of the TGCTA training and how ongoing consults will reflect.	10

SCORING BREAKDOWN

Criteria	Maximum Available Points
Proposal Technical Requirements	525 Points
Proposal Cost	XXX Points
Maximum Available Points	XXX Points

After scoring is complete, if the Proposal with the highest total overall score is one other than from an Ohio or border state Offeror, ODYS will apply the following preferences:

(a) If the Offeror with the highest total overall score offers a foreign product, deduct six per cent of the total available points from the Offeror’s total score.

(b) If the Offeror with the highest total overall score was not assessed the preference from (a) and is one other than an Ohio or border state Offeror offering a domestic source end product, and an Ohio Offeror responded to this RFP and claimed the Buy Ohio Preference, deduct five per cent of the total overall available points from the Offeror’s total score.

ODYS will apply the Veterans Friendly Business Enterprise preference as required by ORC 9.318 and OAC 123:5- 1-16.

The scale below (0-5) will be used to rate each proposal on the criteria listed in the Technical Proposal Evaluation table.

ODYS will score the Proposals by multiplying the score received in each category by its assigned weight and adding all categories together for the Offeror’s Total Technical Score in Table 3. Representative numerical values are defined as follows:

DOES NOT MEET (0 pts.): Response does not comply substantially with requirements or is not provided.

WEAK (1 pt.): Response was poor related to meeting the objectives.

WEAK TO MEETS (2 pts.): Response indicates the objectives will not be completely met or at a level that will be below average.

MEETS (3 pts.): Response generally meets the objectives (or expectations).

MEETS TO STRONG (4 pts.): Response indicates the objectives will be exceeded.

STRONG (5 pts.): Response significantly exceeds objectives (or expectations) in ways that provide tangible benefits or meets objectives (or expectations) and contains at least one enhancing feature that provides significant benefits.

ATTACHMENT ONE: STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (DAS) OR CONTROLLING BOARD

APPROVAL: If DAS or Controlling Board approval is required, this Contract shall not be valid and enforceable until appropriate approvals are received.

2. CERTIFICATE OF AVAILABLE FUNDS: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, and in accordance with Section 126.07 of the Revised Code of Ohio, this Contract shall not be valid or enforceable, unless and until the Director, Office of Budget and Management first certifies that there is a balance in the appropriation, not already obligated to pay existing obligations.

3. NATURE OF CONTRACT: It is fully understood and agreed that the Contractor is an independent contractor and is not an agent, servant or employee of ODYS or the State of Ohio. The Contractor must receive ODYS written approval prior to entering into any subcontract or joint venture for the delivery of services required by this Contract. If the Contractor enters into any agreement with a subcontractor, the Contractor is ultimately responsible for any and all actions or omissions by the subcontractor in the delivery of services under this contract. Throughout the term of this contract, the Contractor shall provide ODYS with copies of all current licensure, certification, and/or accreditation, including any renew or re-issuance thereof, for any employee or subcontractor, providing services under this contract.

The Contractor agrees that while operating in an ODYS facility the contractor and/or any employee or subcontractor of the contractor, shall follow all applicable rules and regulations for that facility.

Except as expressly provided herein, neither party shall have the right to bind or obligate the other party in any manner without the prior written consent of the other party.

4. NONDISCRIMINATION: Pursuant to O.R.C., Section 125.111, the Contractor agrees that Contractor, any subcontractor, and any person acting on behalf of the Contractor or subcontractor, will not discriminate, by reason of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, as defined in ORC 4112.01, national origin, or ancestry against any citizen of this state in the hiring of any person qualified and available to perform the work under this contract. Contractor further agrees that Contractor, any subcontractor, and any person acting on behalf of Contractor or subcontractor shall not, in a manner, discriminate against, intimidate, or retaliate against any employee hired for the performance of work under this contract on account of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability as defined in ORC 4112.01, national origin, or ancestry.

The Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices, setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. The Contractor and any Subcontractor shall state in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by, or on behalf of, the Contractor that it is an equal opportunity employer and shall incorporate the requirements of this Section in all of its contracts for any of the performance of work under this contract.

5. TAXES: The Contractor affirms that it is not delinquent in the payment of any applicable federal, state, or local taxes and agrees to comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local laws in the performance of the work hereunder. The Contractor accepts full responsibility for payment of all taxes, including and without limitation, unemployment compensation, insurance premiums, all income tax deductions, social security deductions, and any and all other taxes or payroll deductions required for all employees engaged by the Contractor in the performance of the work authorized by this Contact. The contractor must provide workers compensation for their employees and submit proof upon request. ODYS and the State of Ohio shall not be liable for any taxes under this Contract.

Additionally, the State of Ohio, ODYS is exempt from state, county, and transit sales taxes for services and goods supplied to and billed directly to ODYS.

6. GOVERNING LAW: This Contract and any claims arising in any way out of this Contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the United States. Any provision of this Contract prohibited by the law of Ohio shall be deemed void and of no effect. Any litigation arising out of or relating in any way to this Contract or the performance hereunder shall be brought only in the courts of Ohio, and the Contractor hereby irrevocably consents to such jurisdiction.

7. TERMINATION OR DEFAULT: Prior to the expiration of the term of this Contract, either party may terminate the Contract, with or without cause, by providing written notice to the other party not less than thirty (30) days prior to the termination date.

Termination pursuant to this paragraph will relieve either party of further obligation under this Contract. In no event will ODYS be obliged to pay for any services not actually performed by the Contractor.

8. CONTRACT AMOUNT CHANGES: ODYS and the Contractor agree that ODYS may make adjustments in the total amount of this contract as may be necessary to provide essential services. Adjustments shall not cause ODYS to exceed annual or biennial allocations. An increase in the total amount of the contract may be subject to approval by DAS or Controlling Board before any such change is valid and enforceable. ODYS shall notify the contractor, in writing, of the effective dates of any such change.\

9. MODIFICATION TO SERVICES: ODYS and the Contractor agree that any change in the rate(s) or type(s) of service shall require written agreement by both parties.

10. RECORDS RETENTION: The Contractor shall maintain independent books, records, documents, and papers involving all transactions relative to the performance of this Contract which reflect any and all direct and indirect costs expended in the performance of this contract in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting principles in the performance of services required by this contract.

Youth case files and material filed or referenced under a youth's name shall be maintained according to the retention schedule established by ODYS.

The Contractor shall, for each subcontract authorized by ODYS, in excess of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00), require its subcontractor(s) to agree to the same provisions of this article.

All of the above records, books, documents, papers, case files, etc. shall be retained for seven

(7) years unless ODYS approves a shorter retention period, in writing. The Contractor may apply for such authorization after the fiscal year in which the final entry was made. In addition, all of the above documents shall be made available at all reasonable times during the period of their required retention by authorized Federal, State and ODYS personnel.

The Contractor agrees to be responsible for the costs of any audit in which it is determined that the Contractor violated, in any material respect, any provision of Federal, and State or local law.

11. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION: Contractor agrees that neither it, nor its designees or sub- contractors, will use or disclose any information concerning ODYS youth for any purpose unless

necessary to the administration of ODYS or Contractor's responsibilities under this Contract. The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of ODYS prior to disclosure of youth records unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: The State's liability for damages, whether in contract or in tort, shall not exceed the total amount of compensation payable to the Contractor under the ODYS “Contract and Agreement”, “Compensation of Services” article, above, or the amount of direct damages incurred by the Contractor, whichever is less. In addition, the Contractor agrees that ODYS and the State of Ohio and any funding source for this contract are held harmless and immune from any and all claims for injury or damages arising from this contract which are attributable to the Contractor’s own actions or omissions or those of its trustee, officers, employees, subcontractors, suppliers, and other third parties while acting under this contract. Such claims shall include any claims made under the Fair Labor Standards Act or under any other federal or state law involving wages, overtime, or employment matters and any claims involving patents, copyrights and trademarks. Contractor agrees to bear all costs associated with defending against any such claims or legal actions when requested by ODYS or State to do so.

13. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST/ETHICS: Contractor represents, warrants and certifies that it and its employees engaged in the administration or performance of this Contract are knowledgeable of and understand the Ohio Ethics and Conflict of Interest laws including but not limited to Chapter 102 and Sections 2921.42 and 2921.43 of the Ohio Revised Code. Contractor further represents, warrants, and certifies that neither Contractor nor any of its employees will do any act that is inconsistent with such laws.

14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: The Contract, when signed by both parties, along with any attachments and the Request for Proposal and Response (if an RFP process was used), constitutes the entire agreement between the parties herein. No rights herein will be waived, unless specifically agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto. This Contract supersedes any and all previous agreements, whether written, or oral, between the parties. A waiver by any party of any breach or default by the other party under this Contract shall not constitute a continuing waiver by such party of any subsequent act in breach of or in default hereunder.

15. NOTICES: Except as specifically provided otherwise, all notices, consents and communications hereunder shall be given in writing, and be either hand carried or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the respective addresses on the signature page of this document

16. SEVERABILITY: The provisions of this Contract are severable and independent. If any provision of this contract be deemed unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of this contract and any partially enforceable provisions, to the extent enforceable, shall, nevertheless, be binding and enforceable.

17. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS: Except as provided in this paragraph, neither this Contract nor any rights hereunder may be assigned or transferred in whole or in part by either party, without the prior written consent of the other party. The work contemplated in this contract is to be performed by the Contractor, who may subcontract without ODYS approval for the purchase of articles, supplies, components or special mechanical services that do not involve the type of work or services described in Exhibit A, but which are required for its satisfactory completion. The Contractor should notify ODYS, in advance, of any of these subcontracts or joint ventures. All work subcontracted shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

18. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: The Contractor agrees to require that all its employees, while working on state property, will not purchase, transfer, use or possess illegal drugs or alcohol or abuse prescription drugs in any way.

19. CHILD SUPPORT: The Contractor agrees to cooperate with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and any Ohio Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) in ensuring that any person performing services hereunder meets child support obligations established under state

law. Further, by executing this agreement the Contractor certifies present and future compliance with any court order for the withholding of support, which is issued pursuant to Chapters 3119, 3121, 3123 and 3125 of the Ohio Revised Code.

20. OWNERSHIP: ODYS shall have unrestricted authority to reproduce, distribute and use (in whole or in part) any reports, data or materials prepared by the Contractor, subcontractor or any person acting on behalf of the contractor pursuant to this agreement. No such documents or other materials produced (in whole or in part) with funds provided to the Contractor by ODYS shall be subject to copyright by the Contractor in the United States or any other country. The Contractor agrees that all deliverables hereunder shall be made freely available to the general public to the extent required by law.

21. FIREARMS RESTRICTION: The Contractor agrees that the Contractor, any Subcontractor, and /or any person acting on behalf of the Contractor or Subcontractor, will not possess or maintain the presence of any firearm in or on any premise used in the delivery of residential services of youth. The Contractor agrees to apply, in writing, within ten (10) days of the Contractor’s execution of this contract for a written waiver of this provision from ODYS Director in the event that this provision would create an economic hardship (e.g. an employer, such as a police department, requires a foster parent who is also a police officer to carry a firearm as a requirement of his/her employment) or would otherwise be unreasonable.

22. OTHER APPLICABLE LAW: The Contractor is required to comply with O.R.C., Chapter 4115 "Wages and Hours on Public Works" as required by law. The Contractor shall meet State of Ohio requirements for certification, licensure and registration where applicable. Contractor shall be required to provide proof of such certification, licensure and registration and to provide any renewal certification, licensure and registration.

The Contractor shall comply with the provisions as specified in the O.R.C., Section 109.572 regarding criminal records check and fingerprinting and maintain adequate records thereof.

In the performance of this contract, the Contractor agrees to comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws and the Ohio Administrative Code.

ODYS is subject to O.R.C. 149.43 “Availability of Public Records”, and therefore any documents, which are a part herein, shall be disclosed as required by law.

23. NOTICE TO RETIREES: A retiree cannot continue to receive benefits and work as an independent contractor under a contract for any period of time for the employer from which they retired. This prohibition is applicable regardless of the number of hours or days actually worked.

24. UNRESOLVED FINDINGS FOR RECOVERY: Contractor affirmatively represents and warrants to ODYS that it is not subject to a finding or recovery under ORC 9.24, or that it has taken the appropriate remedial steps required under ORC 9.24 or otherwise qualifies under that section. Contractor agrees that if this representation and warrant is deemed to be false, the Contract shall be void ab initio as between the parties to this Contract, and any funds paid by ODYS hereunder shall be immediately repaid to ODYS, or an action for recovery may be immediately commenced by ODYS for recovery of said funds.

25. SWEATSHOP FREE: By the signature affixed to this ITB/RFP, Bidder/Offeror certifies that all facilities used for the production of the supplies or performance of services offered in the bid/RFP are in compliance with applicable domestic labor, employment, health and safety, environmental and building laws. This certification applies to any and all suppliers and/or subcontractors used by the Bidder/Offeror in furnishing the supplies or services described in the bid/RFP and awarded to the Bidder/Offeror. If DAS receives a complaint alleging non- compliance with sweatshop free requirements, DAS may enlist the services of an independent monitor to investigate allegations of such non-compliance on the part of the Contractor, any sub-contractors or suppliers used by the Contractor in performance of the Contract. If allegations are proven to be accurate, the Contractor will be advised by DAS of the next course of action to resolve the complaint and the Contractor will be responsible for any costs associated with the investigation. Items that will be considered in an investigation include, but are not limited to, standards for wages, occupational safety and work hours.

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