Brame Specialty Company, Inc. Proposal for School Supplies ... SECTOR... · Brame will be utilizing a Cooperative of Independent office supply dealers and distribution ... o 10 Sales

TCPN The Cooperative Purchasing Network

Brame Specialty Company, Inc.

Proposal for School Supplies

Solicitation Number 14-16 | Wednesday, October 8, 2014 @ 2:00 PM CDT

Table of Contents

Cover Letter

Copy of Solicitation Pages

Tab 1 – Entire Signed Vendor Contract and Signature Form (Appendix A)

– General Terms and Conditions Acceptance Form (Appendix D)

– Completed Vendor Orientation Form (Appendix D)

Tab 2 – Questionnaire (Appendix E)

Tab 3 – Company Profile (Appendix F, excluding References section)

Tab 4 – Evaluation Criteria Questionnaire (Appendix I)

Tab 5 – Product / Services (Appendix B)

Tab 6 – References (Appendix F)

Tab 7 – Pricing (Appendix C)

Tab 8 – Value Add (Appendix G)

Tab 9 – Required Documents

– Additional Required Documents (Appendix H)

– Appendix J

– Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Region 4 ESC Open Records Policy

Tab 10 - Additional attachments

September 8, 2014

Region 4 ESC 7145 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77092

Re: Proposal for School Supplies, Solicitation 14-16

On behalf of Brame Specialty I would like to tank TCPN for the opportunity to respond to your Request for Proposal. With our 90 years in business we understand the needs of government, education and non-profit organizations. We look forward to creating a relationship with TCPN.

At Brame, we serve our customers by providing quality products, at competitive prices, with service of which we can be proud. We provide our employees the opportunity to grow and prosper in accordance with their abilities and efforts in a safe and secure work environment. Supporting our vendors by recognizing that value, fairness, loyalty and ethics are the keys to the long-term relationships on which we depend. Striving everyday to be good corporate citizen in the communities where we have a presence.

Brame Specialty has been a full line distributor for 90 years providing sanitary maintenance products, floor machines, laundry supplies, chemicals, industrial papers, printing papers, industrial packaging, food service, hotel and lodging amenities, blueprint bags, retail packaging school and office furniture and school and office supplies.

We ensure customer satisfaction in the state of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina by operating six (6) distribution centers, 50 sales representatives, and the resources to make certain that each order, program or project runs smoothly.

Brame will be utilizing a Cooperative of Independent office supply dealers and distribution facilities to service your TCPN members nationwide. The network is comprised of hundreds of independent office supply dealers with over 500 service locations across the United States selling office supplies, furniture, machines and machine services, printing, computer/IT supplies, janitorial/break room supplies, and a wide variety of other products and services.

Our network has a number of dealers that are certified as Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Certified HUB Zone Firm.

Brame with our Cooperative of Independent office supply dealers is prepared and committed to delivering a complete solution that is specific to your members needs today and into the future.

Tab 1 – Entire Signed Vendor Contract and Signature Form (Appendix A)

– General Terms and Conditions Acceptance Form (Appendix D)

– Completed Vendor Orientation Form (Appendix D)

Tab 2 – Questionnaire (Appendix E)

Tab 3 – Company Profile (Appendix F, excluding References section)

Appendix F: COMPANY PROFILE

1. Company’s official registered name.

Brame Specialty Company, Inc.

2. Brief history of your company, including the year it was established.

Established in 1924, family owned and operated Brame Specialty, has provided quality products and services to a broad customer base throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. As we have grown, we have added new locations and divisions to better serve our valued customers. We are now a leading distribution company with capabilities to service both local, regional and national accounts. Our suppliers include some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Our diversity of products allows us to service a wide variety of customer needs.

Brame Specialty is a full line distributor of sanitary maintenance products, floor machines, laundry supplies, chemicals, industrial papers, printing papers, industrial packaging, food service, hotel and lodging amenities, blueprint bags, retail packaging, technology and school/office supplies and furniture.

3. Company’s Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) number.

• 00-320-1944

4. Corporate office location.

• 949 Washington Street P.O. Box 271 Durham, NC 27702

5. List the total number of sales persons employed by your organization within the United States, broken down by market.

• Charlotte, NC o Services SC from this location o 9 Sales Representatives o 5 Customer Services Representatives

• Durham, NC o Location 1

16 Sales Representatives 3 Customer Services Representatives

o Location 2 4 Sales Representatives 5 Customer Services Representatives

• Wilmington, NC o Services SC from this location o 8 Sales Representatives o 2 Customer Service Representatives

• Richmond, VA o 2 Sales Representatives o 1 Customer Services Representatives

• Roanoke, VA o 5 Sales Representatives o 3 Customer Services Representatives

• Rocky Mount, NC o 10 Sales Representatives o 5 Customer Services Representatives

• Nationwide o Over 180 Dealers covering all states and Puerto Rico

2100 Sales people 400 locations nationwide 3 National Account Business Development Managers See Attachment 1

6.List the number and location of offices, or service centers for all states being offered in solicitation. Additionally, list the names of key contacts at each location with title and address.

• North Carolina and Virginia o 949 Washington Street, Durham NC 27702

Bill Freshwater - Sales Directory School Supplies Michael Higgins - Sales Representative Shannon Ketner - Customer Services Manager Derek Williams - Operations Manager

o 2021 South Briggs Ave, Durham NC 27702 Mercer Stanfield - President and CEO Danny Deckard, Branch Manager Randy McCoy, Warehouse Manager Texene Van Pelt – Director of Purchasing Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o 222 East 28th Street, Charlotte, NC 28232 Bryan Beardsley, Operations Manager Mike Holland, Sales Manager Western North Carolina Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o 12124-C Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005 Vince Hernandez, Sales Manager Eastern North Carolina Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o 1222 Rhodes Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24024

Fred Horn, Branch Manager Dewayne Johnson, Warehouse Manager Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o 821 Planters Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27802 Pat Page, Branch Manager John Bass, Warehouse Manager Vince Hernandez, Sales Manager Eastern NC Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o 1343 Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington, NC 28402 Mark Barbati, Operations Manager Vince Hernandez, Sales Manager Eastern North Carolina Michael Higgins - Sales Representative

o Nationwide Over 180 Dealers covering all states and Puerto Rico

• 2100 Sales people • 400 locations nationwide • 3 National Account Business Development Managers • See Attachment 1

7. Please provide contact information for the person(s) who will be responsible for the following areas, including resumes:

a. Sales • Michael Higgins

o Sales Representative - Brame School and Office Products o Cell - 910-262-8457 o [email protected]

Michael joined Brame Specialty in May of 2014. Michael has been in sales for more than 10 years specializing in business developments focusing on public sector for the last 7 years. Michael has spent 4 years with Office Depot as a TDM and VMM as a public sector specialist. Michael brings a strong understanding of the public sector marketplace to Brame Specialty and will be an integral part of Brames Specialties growth initiatives.

• Bill Freshwater o Sales Director - Brame School and Office Products o Cell - 704-458-4888 o [email protected]

Bill has been with Brame Specialty since February of 1982. Bill has over three decades of sales experience, specializing in K-12 and Higher Ed. Bill has now taking on the responsibilities of Director of Sales for the School and Office products divisions. With his 32 plus years selling supplies, furniture, and janitorial products in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia he will be

transforming this division into a fierce local, regional, and national supplier.

• Mike Holland o Sales Manager - Western North Carolina, South Carolina and Virgina o Phone - 800-672-0011 o [email protected]

Mike is the former Vice President of Sales for a manufacturer’s rep agency who brings 20+ years of experience in both the Industrial and Jan/San markets. He is now Brame’s Sales Manager for Western North Carolina and offers a broad array of applicable knowledge and directs a true focus on customer service. He strives to draw attention to the latest chemical and equipment products that are available, up-to-date technology, training and processes which are being used, as well as, current “Green” initiatives continuing to develop within our industry. Mike’s goal is to ensure both your Sales Rep and you are armed with useful information in order to arrive at solutions which maximize efficiency, reduce operating cost and address objectives at your facility.

• Vince Hernandez o Sales Manager - Eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and Virgina o Phone - 800-672-0011 o [email protected]

Vince joined the Brame team in 1987 as a sales representative. In his 25 years of experience in sales he achieved the Top Ten Award for seven consecutive years. In 2012 Vince took on the challenge of Eastern Sales Manager for North Carolina. In this position he works with sales reps out of the Wilmington and Rocky Mount branches. Vince’s account experience is diverse and includes government agencies, school systems, healthcare facilities, hospitality industry, manufacturing and processing plants. Strengths that he brings to the Brame team include an attention to detail, a loyalty to his customers and a warm demeanor that helps him to quickly forge relationships.

b. Sales Support • Shannon Ketner

o Office Manager - Brame School and Office Products o Phone - 800-533-2041 o [email protected]

Shannon joined the Brame team in 1998 as a customer service representative. In her 16 year of experience she has become an integral part to the operations of the School and Office Products division. She is key to supporting our customers and internal staff with all things administrative including reporting, customer service issues, customer interactions and order processing. Her attention to detail and her loyalty to our customers ensures that our operation runs smoothly

c. Marketing • Michael Higgins

d. Financial Reporting • Mimi Gray • Account Manager • Phone - 800-533-2041 • [email protected]

o Mimi joined the Brame team in 2009. She manages all accounting functions for Brames different corporate entities and divisions. Responsible for general ledger, account receivable, accounts payable, billing and payroll. She also prepares monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial statements, analyses, forecasts and other key reports for management.

e. Executive Support • Mercer Stanfield

o President and COO o Phone - 800-672-0011 o [email protected]

Mercer joined Brame Specialty in 1996 as Sales Manager. In 2005 he took on the responsibilities of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In 2012 he is now the President and COO of Brame Specialty. Mercer has a extensive knowledge of the Janitorial, Office, and School supply markets. He is responsible for sales, services, distribution, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, information technology, corporate strategy and planning. He has been instrumental in Brame Specialties success and profitability. Mercer is providing Brame Specialty with strategic, financial and operational leadership to ensure that Brame Specialties successful execution of the vision, mission, goals and objectives

• Texene Van Pelt o Director of Purchasing o Phone - 800-672-0011 o [email protected]

Texene joined Brame Specialty in 1986 as a purchasing agent. In her 28 years of service she has be instrumental in Brame Specialties success and profitability. She is also responsible for managing eight associates in various capacities that purchases materials, component parts, MRO, packaging, freight, services, equipment contracts and outside processing. She is responsible for supplier development and supplier quality. Member of the management team; reporting directly to the President and COO.

8. Define your standard terms of payment.

• Net 30

9. Who is your competition in the marketplace? • Office Depot/Max, Staples, Amazon, Wal-Mart, CostCo, Sam's Club, School Specialty,

FSI and a small number of independents. The office and school products market is USA is over $300 Billion per year, with growing popularity and adoption of Cooperatives in the marketplace more of this spend will transition to companies that have been awarded a contract on a cooperative agreement. Brame Specialty has seen growth consistently at

5 to 10% per year and we would like to continue that growth by leveraging our relationship with our independent office supply dealers network, our manufactures and supplers, and our customers to win the TCPN Contract. Brame is committed to hard work and dedication which has yielded Brame constant growth in our Market. TCPN will bring additional value to our customers and prospects, and allow us to grow beyond while utilizing our Cooperative of independent office supply dealer network.

10. Overall annual sales for last three (3) years; 2011, 2012, 2013. • Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues.

For evaluation purposes we will arrange a conference call to discuss our financial condition.

Category 2011 2012 2013

Annual Sales

11. Overall public sector sales, excluding Federal Government, for last three (3) years; 2011, 2012, 2013. • Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues.

For evaluation purposes we will arrange a conference call to discuss our financial condition.

Category 2011 2012 2013

Public Sector Sales

12. What is your strategy to increase market share?

• Total Sales will be the best metric for measuring the success of our partnership with TCPN. This program must me publicized and marketed to generate awareness, adoption and sales. Brame is committed to communicating, training, and marketing the TCPN program to our filed sales organization, network of Independent Dealers, and our clients and prospects. Brame is a leading education, office and janitorial supply company serving SMB, Corporate, Non-profit, Higher Ed. Pre-K thru 12, Federal, State and Local governments. We will market and approach Non-profit, Higher Ed. Pre-K thru 12, Federal, State and Local through our own sales force and through our network of Independent Dealers with a combined sales team of over 2100 people in over 180 locations in all 50 states.

13. What differentiates your company from competitors?

• Brame is set apart by its wide range of product categories and unlike employees of publicly held companies, each of our hard-working associates is directly committed to customer satisfaction. The success of our business depends on it. It is no secret that our continued growth is a result of loyal customers and the reason we are in business. Dedicated employees, excellent suppliers and a management team that puts customer service first are also part of the Brame success story. Through our national distribution

network of more than 180 Independent Dealers located in all 50 states and utilizing the electronic communications network that links the dealers resulting in instantaneous transmittal of orders to the appropriate Independent Dealer to meet the required delivery time frame.

14. Describe the capabilities and functionality of your firm’s on-line catalog/ordering website.

• We have a Web based, state-of-the-art ERP system that provides visibility and flexibility. We provide scalable and customizable reporting, billing, and delivery solutions via one platform at Internet speed across the nation.

• Key features and functionality o Customer-Specific Pricing o Item Details o Item and Order History o Product Comparison o Personal Lists o Order Management System o Search o Toner/Ink Finder search o Browse and order over 30,000 items in the on-line catalog o Sales Order Processing o Return Authorizations o Online Image Library o Customer Management o Real-Time Inventory Control o Procurement & Receiving o Production & Shop Floor Control o Warehouse Management(WMS) o Voice Activated Picking o Barcoded Packing o Online Shipping (Foreign & LTL) o Supply Chain Logistics o EDI/XML Translator o Remote Factory Interface o Online Customer & Sales Rep Portal o The Online Service Center (OSC) provides 24/7 remote access for your

Customers and our Sales Reps. Benefits are real and tangible. The OSC reduces the cost of doing business plus streamlines and improves our relationship with the TCPN customers. The OSC is a simple, yet powerful, tool designed to provide our Customers with on-line information and assistance 24/7. Enter quotes Submit orders Check order status

View inventory levels View current promotions Obtain invoices & statements Receive credit hold notices Make online payments

o Unlimited Products and Services o Artwork Tracking o Multi Warehouse o Formula Driven Bills of Materials o User-Definable Pricing and Promotions o Custom Report Writer & Ad Hoc Queries o Mobile access for sales reps and customers via iPad and smartphones

Our systems can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere at any time, with a mobile device.

• View Order Status • Place Orders • Company Calendar • Image Library • WIP Details • Sales Support Access • Package Tracking • Purchase Order Dates & Statuses • Live Inventory Levels • Reporting • Customer Information • Accounting

15. Describe your company’s level of expertise with web-based procurement providers such as ESM, SciQuest, Lawson, Oracle, SAP, Peoplesoft, and all others your company has successfully interfaced with a public agency.

• Brame in conjunction with our Cooperative Dealer network has the capabilities and the distribution to support customers orders through a procurement solution such as Ariba, SAP, SciQuest, Peoplesoft, ESM, Lawson and Oracle and be confident they are receiving the customer service Brame is know for.

16. Describe your company’s ability to create and maintain a dedicated TCPN page on your company’s website, as well as any other capabilities your company may have of promoting the contract online.

• Brame will maintain a page dedicated to serving TCPN under a TCPN contract icon. This dedicated landing page is aimed at encouraging and facilitating high usage of the TCPN contract and includes, but is not limited to, the following features:

o Products o Contract prices o Quoting capability o 24/7 online ordering, shipment, and payment o Facilitation of the Membership participation process

This contract will be made available to all Members of TCPN Brame will extend the TCPN Contract to a TCPN Member upon the

completion of the Membership Participation Form • Brame will provide promotional flyers, itemized catalogs, product training, sales

representation, tradeshow representation, and custom specific web pages as requested by TCPN.

• Brame, if awarded a contract, will create custom marketing announcing the award of the contract and will consider creating TCPN catalogs and flyers. These materials will be emailed and mailed to our current list of customers and prospects that qualify to participate in TCPN.

17. Describe your company’s ability to maintain a vendor page on TCPN’s website including always up-to date contact information and promotional materials

• Brame will maintain a landing page dedicated to serving TCPN under the TCPN contract. This dedicated landing page is aimed at encouraging and facilitating high usage of the TCPN contract and includes, but is not limited to, the following features:

o Products o Contract prices o Quoting capability o 24/7 online ordering, shipment, and payment o Facilitation of the Membership participation process

This contract will be made available to all Members of TCPN Brame will extend the TCPN Contract to a TCPN Member upon the

completion of the Membership Participation Form o We will update the contact information a promotional material as needed when

needed and as per the guidelines of the TCPN contract

18. Describe your company’s Customer Service Department (hours of operation, number of service centers, etc.).

• At each of Brames 6 branches and the more 180 Independent Dealers , trained Customer Service Associates assist customers in identifying and filling their product needs. These services are available from 8am to 5 pm Monday – Friday. Sales Representatives are assigned to work closely with specific customers to identify product and service needs. These needs are varied but include identification of product alternatives for cost savings, product standardization, vendor consolidation, and the

exploration of cost savings opportunities through consultations with specialists. In addition, Brame supports its customers with assistance in product application and selection as well as product training.

19. Provide information regarding whether your firm, either presently or in the past, has been involved in any litigation, bankruptcy, or reorganization.

• Brame Specialty Company, Inc. is a privately held company. We have not been involved in any litigation, bankruptcy or reorganization. We also do not foresee anything that will hamper our ability to do business in the future.

Marketing / Sales 20. Detail how your organization plans to market this contract within the first ninety (90) days of the award date. This should include, but not be limited to:

a. A co-branded press release within first 30 days o Brame will work with TCPN to ensure a co-branded press release is issued within

the first 30 days post award. o Brame anticipates a three step process:

TCPN creates initial draft Brame will add additional verbiage TCPN issues mutually agreed upon final press release draft

b. Announcement of award through any applicable social media sites o Brame will announce the award on our FaceBook, Twitter and Linkedin pages. o Brame will also send out email notifications to all our customers and prospects

that meet the requirements to participate in the TCPN program c. Direct mail campaigns

o The TCPN Vendor Contract and related benefits may be promoted to all current and potential Members through a Brame direct mail program. Brames utilizes a direct mail program to successfully communicate new products, sales, and other customer benefits. With this direct mail program we will drive contract awareness deeper into our respective customer bases and prospect pipline. In addition, this communication program may be extended to include other topics of interest. Communications may include specific products, services, and solutions of interest to our target audience.

d. Co-branded collateral pieces o Brame will work with TCPN to create co-branded collateral marketing pieces

upon award. e. Advertisement of contract in regional or national publications

o Brame will place advertisements in regional and/or national trade publications to announce the award.

f. Participation in trade shows o Brame will continue to participate in Vendor Fairs and/or product shows at

regional, national and customer locations. We will promote TCPN were applicable.

g. Dedicated TCPN and Region 4 ESC internet web-based homepage with: o TCPN and Region 4 ESC Logo o Link to TCPN and Region 4 ESC website

o Summary of contract and services offered o Due Diligence Documents including; copy of solicitation, copy of contract and any

amendments, marketing materials Brame will maintain a landing page dedicated to serving TCPN

under the TCPN contract. This dedicated landing page is aimed at encouraging and facilitating high usage of the TCPN contract and includes, but is not limited to, the following features:

• TCPN and Region 4 ESC Logo • Link to TCPN and Region 4 Websites • Contact summary and services offered • Products

Contract prices Quoting capability 24/7 online ordering, shipment, and payment Facilitation of the Membership participation process

• This contract will be made available to all Members of TCPN • Brame will extend the TCPN Contract to a TCPN Member

upon the completion of the Membership Participation Form We will update the contact information a promotional material as

needed when needed and as per the guidelines of the TCPN contract

21. Describe how your company will demonstrate the benefits of this contract to eligible entities if awarded.

• Brame will establish a dedicated TCPN team to execute the new contract. The goal of this team is to engage all internal and external stakeholders ensuring that all current, prospective and future customers are utilizing the TCPN program to its fullest. This team will work directly with sales and customer service to ensure we meet or exceed our mutual objectives for growth while maximizing the customer experience. This team may include the following people.

o Michael Higgins o Bill Freshwater o Mike Holland o Vince Hernandez o Shannon Ketner o Mimi Gray o Mercer Stanfield o Texene Van Pelt

22. Explain how your company plans to market this agreement to existing government customers.

• Using our internal and external resources, we will partner with TCPN to accomplish the following:

o Deploy 90 Day implementation place o Develop co-branded marketing pieces o Training of sales force o Conduct meeting and workshops with TCPN members o Establish barrier removal process o Provide cost analysis on SKU level data

23. Provide a detailed ninety (90) day plan describing how the contract will be implemented within your firm.

• Brame has been successfully implementing State Contracts, which meet the needs of both our customers and our contract partners. Immediately upon contract award, Brame will meet with TCPN to build a 30-60-90 day plan that will meet the objectives of all parties involved.

• Our Plan would include o Implementation

Model detailing collaboration, discovery, training and strategic planning o Account Set-up

Working with our National Partners and the Independent dealers we have process in place to ensure that all information is gathered for successful account implementations.

Additional information can be provided upon request. • See question #20

24. Describe how you intend to train your national sales force on the Region 4 ESC agreement.

• Initial site visits will occur and may include Michael Higgins, local sales representative and local Sales Managers and branch personnel to review contract benefits as well as to present the overall implementation strategy. This session will put in place a detailed plan including time lines, roles and responsibilities, and action steps to meet TCPN’s expectations.

• We will also host webinars, e-mails, conference calls and face-to-face meetings, the following may be involved in the training and monitoring of this contract:

o Regional Managers o Directors o Branch Services o National Accounts Business Development Managers

25. Acknowledge that your organization agrees to provide its company logo(s) to Region 4 ESC and agrees to provide permission for reproduction of such logo in marketing communications and promotions.

• Brame agrees to provide its company logo to TCPN and agrees to provide permission for reproduction of such logo in marketing communications and promotions.

26. Provide the revenue that your organization anticipates each year for the first three (3) years of this agreement. NC, SC and VA $1,600,000 in year one $2,400,000 in year two $3,300,000 in year three Nationally $5,000,000 in year one $10,000,000 in year two $30,000,000 in year three

Administration

27. Describe your company’s implementation and success with existing cooperative purchasing programs, if any, and provide the cooperative’s name(s), contact person(s) and contact information as reference(s).

• Brame Specialty has had tremendous success implementing many State and Local Contracts and Brame also services Premier, Med Assets, Novation, HPSI, and Care Purchasing gpo programs.

28. Describe the capacity of your company to report monthly sales through this agreement.

• Brame can accommodate all of the TCPN's reporting requirements. Brame will be operating on a single order entry platform throughout the country (vs. data sharing or data dumping onto a single spreadsheet), we are able to readily provide a host of usage reports. Brame will work with TCPN to identify the format required for reporting usage. Routine reports (i.e. monthly) can be provided on a prescheduled basis or by request. Using Excel format, customized/ad-hoc reports can typically be generated within 48-72 hours from request.

• Monthly Dollar Volume Report submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the previous The reports will include the following information:

o Vendor Name o TCPN Contract Number o Reporting Period/Year o Entity Name o Entity Address ( Including Street, City, State & Zip) o Purchased Commodity Type o Gross Sale Amount o Administrative Fee (Based on Gross Sale Amount)

• Monthly Service Report submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the previous months data.

o On-Time Delivery Rate – Number of orders delivered complete within the 2 business day

o requirement divided by total number of orders delivered o Order Fill Rate – Number of orders with order fill rate of more than 95% divided

by total number of orders o Order Accuracy Rate – Number of orders with order accuracy rate of more than

98% divided by total number of orders o Total Number of Orders Placed o Total Dollar Value of Orders Placed

30. Do you have a policy or policies requiring compliance with all federal, state, international and applicable local laws? Please attach or provide a link:

• Brame Specialty utilizes a team that includes staff that monitor, and apply all federal, state and applicable local laws and regulations as appropriate and applicable to our business operations.

31. Do you have a compliance department? If so, please list the standards this department monitors compliance with (e.g. applicable federal and state laws, internal policy, ISO processes, GSA regulations, etc.).

• Brame Specialty employees staff that monitor and apply all federal, state and local laws and regulations in regards to taxes and payment of collected taxes.

32. Within the past 5 years, has your organization been made aware of any investigations involving your organization for violation(s) of a law or laws, the legally authorized penalties for which exceeded $500,000?

• No 33. Please provide any suggested improvements and alternatives for doing business with your company that will make this arrangement more cost effective for your company and Participating Public Agencies.

• Brame has standing relationships with many manufactures with-in school furnishing, supplies, janitorial products and equipment that will greatly benefit TCPN customers through cost savings and consolidation of spend.

• We will offer customer core list to TCPN to help them drive saving specifically for their operation and their needs.

• TCPN participants will receive transparent pricing through our custom price lists • To reduce unnecessary deliveries and extra invoice for payments, Brame will offer ways

to increase order size. • Brame will also suggest alternative and/or substitutions that are lower in cost but equal

in value o Through our e-commerce platform, core lists, and business reviews.

• Our e-commerce platform has the ability to restrict items to help organization control cost by limiting items.

Green Initiatives

We are committed to helping to build a cleaner future! As our business grows, we want to make sure we minimize our impact on the Earth's climate. So we are taking every step we can to implement innovative and responsible environmental practices throughout Region 4 ESC to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce waste, promote energy conservation, ensure efficient computing, and much more. We would like vendors to partner with us in this enterprise. To that effort, we ask respondents to provide their companies environmental policy and/or green initiative. 34. Please provide information about your current environmental or sustainability initiatives.

• At Brame, we believe that sustainability is a journey and not a destination. We strive everyday to operate in a manner to produce new strides in our mission to be more sustainable. We look for ways to make our Ingredients, operations, community, and packaging greener, safer and more sustainable.

• Brame works with the industry's leading manufacturers to deliver products that meet the most exacting performance and environmental standards. We offer chemicals, equipment, paper and other supplies that are certified by Green Seal and the CRI Green Label Testing Program. Our products help our customers meet or exceed all local, state and federal guidelines.

• Our Green Cleaning Program suppliers represent the best in the industry. Our professional sales people our customer to determine the right mix of products, equipment, paper and supplies to meet your needs. Brame can demonstrate how we can help protect your triple bottom line – occupant health, the environment and your return on investment.

• Brame has put together a line of products with manufactures that have all committed to reducing their impact on the environment. These items are part of our Preservation Line. These items have been chosen because of their commitment to reduce their impact on the environment.

• We recycle all our cardboard, plastics, and other packaging items from our warehouse operations at each location

• Brame believes that companies and consumers should act responsibly with respect to protecting the environment. Brame has embraced reducing the impact to the environment by reusing products and materials where possible, recovering products and materials to prevent landfill, and recycling products at the end of life.

• Brame is a member of the USGBC • Brame is Green Seal Certified

35. How do you ensure and measure the success of your sustainability policy and initiatives?

• A set of mechanisms for progress-tracking and accountability

Diversity Initiatives 36. Please describe any diversity programs and/or partnerships that your company has currently implemented.

• At Brame we challenge ourselves each day to grow while making the community that we live and work in better. We strive to create an environment that is varied in ideas, world-views, and human characteristics. We promote equity and equal opportunity while fostering a diverse work environment. We promote mutual respect, value differences and cross cultural understanding. Everyone should have the opportunity to grow their business, to experience success, and achieve their dreams. At Brame we look for opportunities to work with minority-owned and female-owned firms. We also encourage our suppliers to do the same.

37. What policies and initiatives promoting diversity within your workforce do you have? Please attach copies of the policies or provide links:

• At Brame it is important for us to foster diversity in our employee base and well as our supplier base. As new partnership opportunities develop we are always looking for ways to connect with certified minority, certified women, and local owned business. We do not have a formal policy is place today and we do see this changing as our organization grows. We recognize that minority and women owned companies are not always given the opportunity to compete for business in the same ways as their larger and more widely known counterparts, and as such, our buyers make deliberate efforts to further enable fair competition.

38. What policies and initiatives promoting diversity within your supplier base do you have? Please attach copies of the policies or provide links:

• At Brame it is important for us to foster diversity in our employee base and well as our supplier base. As new partnership opportunities develop we are always looking for ways to connect with certified minority, certified women, and local owned business. We do not have a formal policy is place today and we do see this changing as our organization grows. We recognize that minority and women owned companies are not always given the opportunity to compete for business in the same ways as their larger and more widely known counterparts, and as such, our buyers make deliberate efforts to further enable fair competition.

Vendor Certifications (if applicable)

Provide a copy of all current licenses, registrations and certifications issued by federal state and local agencies, and any other licenses, registrations or certifications from any other governmental entity with jurisdiction, allowing respondent to perform the covered services including, but not limited to licenses, registrations or certifications. M/WBE, HUB, DVBE, small and disadvantaged business certifications and other diverse business certifications, as well as manufacturer certifications for sales and service must be included if applicable. • Upon contract award we provide you and work with our National Partners of

Independent Dealers to provide all required licenses, registrations and certification as requited

Tab 4 - Evaluation Criteria Questionnaire

Evaluation Criteria Questionnaire

Products/Pricing (40 Points) 1. All products and services available • Yes 2. Pricing for all available products and services • Yes

o See Tab 8 for additional products and services 3. Pricing for warranties on all products and services • Yes • Brames warranties shall be limited to Vendor-branded products. For all other

products, Brame will pass through to TCPN, to the extent permissible under applicable law, all manufacturer-supplied end-user warranties.

4. Ability of Customers to verify that they received contract pricing • Yes. each contracted item will have a TCPN designation next to it. This will be

in the form of a image, text, or other designation. 5. Payment methods

• EFT • Check • Credit Cards

6. Other factors relevant to this section as submitted by the proposer

Performance Capability (30 Points) 1. Ability to deliver products and services nationally

• Brame will be utilizing our network of Independent Dealers covering all states and Puerto Rico

o 2100 Sales people o Over 180 locations nationwide o 42 Distribution Centers Nationally o 3 National Account manager o See Attachment 1

2. Response to emergency orders • Brame Specialty have 7 distribution facilities covering NC, SC and VA. In the

event that a TCPN member needs an item the same day we can pull the item for the customer to pick up or have it scheduled for delivery

• With over 180 locations nationwide and over 2100 Sales and Support personell covering all states and Puerto Rico we will have similar responses to emergency orders

3. Average Fill Rate • Brame has been in business since 1924 and we have always maintained an

average fill rate of 98% for 90 years 4. Average on time delivery rate

• Brame has been in business since 1924 and we have always maintained an average delivery rate of 97% for 90 years.

5. Shipping charges • No Minimum order value • Any order below $50.00 will be charged a $9.95 delivery fee • Delivery charges shall not be imposed for standard orders.

6. Return and restocking policy and applicable fees • Brame Specialty will gladly take back any stock item, at no charge, within 60

days of purchase. After 60 days we will charge a 10% restocking fee, based on the original cost of the items. Stock items must be returned within 90 days of purchase. Returned items should be in original packaging and in re-sellable condition.

• Special Order items are not returnable at any time. 7. History of meeting the shipping and delivery timelines

• Since 1924, family owned and operated Brame Specialty, has provided quality products and services to a broad customer base throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. For 90 years we have serviced our customers shipping and delivery timeline by meeting or betting their expatiations while maintaining a 97% fill rate and delivery rate

• Our national partner of Independent Stationers is comprised of hundreds of independent office supply dealers with over 180 service locations across the United States. Everything they do is designed to deliver total consistency throughout your entire buying experience.

8. Ability to meet service and warranty needs of members • Since 1924, family owned and operated Brame Specialty, has provided quality

products and services to a broad customer base throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. For 90 years we have serviced our customers service and warranty needs by meeting or betting their expatiations. Our national partner of Independent Stationers of hard-working dealers are

directly committed to customer satisfaction. The success of their business depends on it. They ensure that each customer is consistently happy

9. Customer service/problem resolution • See Appendix F Question 17

10. Invoicing process • Brame Specialty can provide Priced Packing Slips, Approval Process, G/L Coding,

Consolidated Invoices and more to meet the needs of TCPN participants. 11. Contract implementation/Customer transition

• See Appendix F Question 17 12. Financial condition of vendor

• Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues. For evaluation purposes we will arrange a conference call to discuss our financial condition.

13. Website ease of use, availability, and capabilities related to ordering, returns and reporting

• See Appendix F Question 14 14. Offeror’s safety record

• Up request we can provide additional information 15. Instructional materials

• Brame Specialty office a full assortment of Teacher resorces, tools, STEM resorces. • We have over 15000 items geared to K-12 and Higher Ed.

16. Other factors relevant to this section as submitted by the proposer

Qualification and Experience (20 Points) 1. Offeror’s reputation in the marketplace

• Since 1924, family owned and operated Brame Specialty, has provided quality products and services to a broad customer base throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. As we have grown, we have added new locations and divisions to better serve our valued customers. We are now a leading distribution company with capabilities to service both local regional and national accounts. Our suppliers include some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Our diversity of products allows us to service a wide variety of customer needs.

2. Reputation of products and services in the marketplace • Since 1924, family owned and operated Brame Specialty, has provided quality

products and services to a broad customer base throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. As we have grown, we have added new locations and divisions to better serve our valued customers. We are now a leading distribution company with capabilities to service both local regional and national accounts. Our suppliers include some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Our diversity of products allows us to service a wide variety of customer needs.

3. Past relationship with Region 4 ESC and/or TCPN members • See Appendix F Question 7 • Michael Higgins has worked with TCPN members to grow the Office Supply business with-in

North Carolina 4. Experience and qualification of key employees

• See Appendix F Question 7 5. Location and number of sales persons who will work on this contract

• See Appendix F Question 5 6. Past experience working with the government sector

• Brame has been in business for 90 years we have held State of North Carolina contracts in some form since governmental contracting was established

• We currently hold four (4) State of North Carolina Contracts 7. Exhibited understanding of cooperative purchasing

• For MedAssets, Premier, Amerinet and several other medial and hospitality cooperatives, Brame is a choice partner with-in our States of Operations.

8. Past litigation, bankruptcy, reorganization, state investigations of entity or current officers and directors.

• See Appendix F Question 19 9. Minimum of 10 customer references relating to the products and services within this RFP

• See References (Appendix F) 10. Other factors relevant to this section as submitted by the proposer Value Add (10 Points) 1. Marketing plan and capability See Marketing / Sales Question 20 2. Sales force training See Marketing / Sales Question 22 and 24 3. Other factors relevant to this section as submitted by the proposer

Tab 5 – Product / Services (Appendix B)

Appendix B: PRODUCT / SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS

It is the intention of Region 4 ESC to establish an annual contract with highly qualified Vendor(s) for School Supplies on a national basis. Vendor(s) shall, at the request of Region 4 ESC and/or TCPN members, provide these covered products and associated services under the terms of this RFP and the CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The scope of this RFP shall include the following categories. Respondents do not have to offer every category in order to be considered for award.

• Classroom Supplies to include but not be limited to writing utensils, paper, backpacks and bag, awards and incentives, binders and binder accessories, calculators, class and date planners, posters and charts, filing supplies, first aid supplies, labelling supplies, mailing supplies, measuring tools, reference books, scissors, adhesives, chalkboards, whiteboards, carts, testing and assessment materials, and teacher aids and resources.

o Yes we can provide the Classroom Supplies • Lab Supplies for teaching Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science,

Geology, and Physics. o In a limited amount we can provide Lab Supplies

• Art Supplies to include but not be limited to specialty paper, canvas, paints, poster board, adhesives, drawing and painting utensils, printmaking supplies, sculpting and ceramics supplies, and craft materials.

o Yes we can provide the Art Supplies • Electronic Educational Materials to include but not be limited to projectors and

projector accessories, tablets, computers and laptops for the classroom, cameras, and IT peripherals.

o In a limited amount we can provide Electronic Educational Materials • K-12 Curriculum

o In a limited amount we can provide K-12 Curriculum • College Curriculum

o In a limited amount we can provide College Curriculum • Early Childhood Supplies to include but not be limited to learning manipulatives,

games, puzzles, crib and ceiling mobiles, teacher aids and resources, special needs supplies, puppets, and books and supplies for development of cognitive, social and motor skills.

o We can provide most material for Early Childhood Supplies

Bidders are encouraged to offer everything in their entire catalogue that falls within the scope of this RFP. Region 4 ESC reserves the right to reject parts of offerings that it deems to fall outside the scope of the RFP.

School Furniture is primarily handled by Region 4’s TCPN contract for furniture. However, if respondents wish, they may offer classroom furniture under the Value Add section of this RFP

Athletic and gym equipment is primarily handled by Region 4’s TCPN contract for Extra-curricular and Physical Education Products and Services contracts. However, if respondents wish, they may offer physical education products under the Value Add section of this RFP. All products and services offered in response to this RFP must be submitted with auditable pricing according to the instructions in the Pricing section of this RFP.

Tab 6 – References (Appendix F)

References (Appendix F)

• Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues.

Shauna Allen, CLGPO New Hanover County Schools Purchasing Department 2814 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 (910) 254-4417 (910) 254-4430 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume - Confidential David O'Neal, CLGPO Senior Administrator/Warehouse Operations Manager Wake County Public Schools 5625 Dillard Drive Cary, Norh Carolina 27518 Phone:919-856-8084 Fax:919-856-8107 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume - Confidential Cherie Wisse Accounts Payable and Purchasing Supervisor Brunswick County Schools 35 Referendum Drive Bolivia, North Carolina 28422 910-253-1011 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume - Confidential

References

References (Appendix F)

• Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues. Sharon Penny Directory of Finance Bladen County Schools 1489 Highway 701 South P.O. Box 37 Elizabethtown, North Carolina 28337 910-862-4136 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume - Confidential Lena Butler Purchasing Supervisor New Hanover County Schools 230 Government Center Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 910-798-7187 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume - Confidential Greg Bame Senor Purchasing Supervisor CMS Charlotte Mecklenburg Schoos 4511 Monroe Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28403 980-343-6292 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential

References

References (Appendix F)

• Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues.

Craig Garner Director of Warehousing/Purchasing Catawba County Schools PO Box 1010 Newton NC 28658 8284648333 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential Lynn Stelley Town of Matthews Police Department 1201 Crews Road Matthews NC 28105 7048472162 [email protected] Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential Theresa Glenn Senior Purchasing Adminstrative Forysth County Schools Corporate Square Blvd Winston Salem NC 3367272677 [email protected] School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential Mary Ensley Senior Purchasing Adminstrative

Guildford County Schools [email protected] 3363708100 712 N Eugene Street

References

References (Appendix F)

• Brame is a privately held corporation and does not disclose its annual sales or revenues.

Greensboro NC 27401 School and Office Supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential Hervey Graham Purchasing Agent North Carolina Central University 919-530-5065 [email protected] School and Office supplies Janitorial Supplies Furniture Annual Volume – Confidential

Tab 7 – Pricing (Appendix C

Electronic Price Lists Attachments A and B Electronic Price Lists Respondents must submit products, services, warranties, etc. in the format given in Attachments A and B. Any additional price lists or discount structures must be submitted in similar format and in an Excel document. Prices listed will be used to establish the extent of a manufacturer’s product lines, services, warranties, etc. that are available from a particular offeror and the pricing per item. Media submitted for price list must include the respondents’ company name, name of the solicitation, and date on CD, DVD or Flash Drive (i.e. Pin or Jump Drives). Please submit price lists and/or catalogs in excel or delimited format only.

Brame School/Office Products Pricing Explanation:

1. Pricing has been submitted for the TCPN School Supply Market Basket 2. A core product list of 2500+ items has been created and submitted 3. A non-core product offering of an additional 7500+ instructional/teaching items

Tab 8 – Value Add (Appendix G)

Appendix G:

VALUE ADD

Additional Rebates and Discounts

Brame offers the resources and benefits below to TCPN (but not limited to).

Volume Rebates

$0 - $49,999.99 = 0%

$50,000 - $99,999.99 = 0.5%

$100,000 - $249,999.99 = 1.0%

$250,000 - $499,999.99 = 1.5%

$500,000 - $999,999.99 = 2.0%

$1,000,000 or greater = 2.5%

Minimum Order Value Rebate

$50.00 per order or more = 0.5% additional rebate

Open Market Items

When a TCPN participant is buying School and Office Supplies through Brame Specialty, there may be items or services that are not specifically priced on contract. The scope of work and price for these items or services will vary and may be negotiated with customer and may be placed on their custom core list that is specific to each TCPN member. The negotiating will take place directly between Brame Specialty and the TCPN participant. These items will be known as “Open Market Items”. Once the scope of work and price of these items or services have been agreed to by Brame Specialty and the TCPN participant, they may be added to the their core list. The Open Market Items will then become part of the their TCPN program and will be ordered, performed, invoiced and paid for according to the terms of the contract. Examples of Possible Open Market Items: sanitary maintenance products, floor machines, laundry supplies, chemicals, industrial papers, printing papers, industrial packaging, food service, hotel and lodging amenities, blueprint bags, and retail packaging

• On a customer by customer basis Brame may offer core list of upto 300 items of additional discounted items that may include Classroom and Office Furniture, Office/ School, and Janitoral Supplies.

• Ordering Options

o Telephone - Through any of our local offices, sales representative, or our national partners

o Fax o Mail o Internet Ordering

• Educational and Janitorial trade show o Brame attends most K-12, Higher Ed. and Public Sector trade shows in North

Carolina. o Our national partner attends most national K-12, Higher Ed. and Public Sector

trade shows and will represent us when they attend those shows • Local Sales Representatives

o Currently Brame Specialty has over 50 sales representative living, working, and raising families in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virgina. Brame has some of the best sales representatives in the industry with an average tenure of 14 years. The time is right and we have the staffing to grow the TCPN program.

o Our national partners of Independent Stationers with their 400 plus location and a sales force of over 2100 people, again the time is right and the human capital is there to grow the TCPN program.

• Mobile access for sales reps and customers via iPad and smartphones o Our systems can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere at any time, with a mobile

device • Any additional office/school supply commodities not listed on any of the stated

pricing lists will be priced at a 9% off the wholesale list price.

• Through this contract we reserve the right to provide the following furniture lines at a percentage off list:

o Wood Designs of Monroe (Early Childhood Wood Furniture) o Carpets for Kids (Teaching Carpets) o Copernicus Educational Products (Teaching Easels and Storage) o Luxor (Specialty Carts and Furniture) o Marsh Industries (Whiteboard and Corkboards) o Mastervision Products (Whiteboards and Corkboard) o TI Graphing Calculators (Student and Graphing Calucators)

Tab 9 – Required Documents

– Additional Required Documents (Appendix H)

– Appendix J

– Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Region 4 ESC Open Records Policy

Appendix H: ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• DOC #1 Clean Air and Water Act • DOC #2 Debarment Notice • DOC #3 Lobbying Certification • DOC #4 Contractors Requirements • DOC #5 Antitrust Certification Statement FOR VENDORS INTENDING TO DO BUSINESS IN NEW JERSEY:

• DOC #6 Ownership Disclosure Form • DOC #7 Non-Collusion Affidavit • DOC #8 Affirmative Action Affidavit • DOC #9 Political Contribution Disclosure Form • DOC #10 Stockholder Disclosure Form

New Jersey vendors are also required to comply with the following New Jersey statutes when applicable: All anti-discrimination laws, including those contained in N.J.S.A. 10:2-1 through N.J.S.A. 10:2-

14, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1, and N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 through 10:5-38. Compliance with Prevailing Wage Act, N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.26, for all contracts within the contemplation of the Act. Compliance with Public Works Contractor Registration Act, N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.26 Bid and Performance Security, as required by the applicable municipal or state statutes.