1-Quote 26-19-3320 Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services.pdf

Forsyth County Procurement Department

514 West Maple Street, Suite 104 Cumming, GA 30040 | Phone 770.888.8872

Invitation to Quote Quote No: 25-19-3320

Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services

Forsyth County

Cumming, GA

Closing Date and Time:

September 11, 2025, 2:00 pm

INVITATION TO QUOTE

Quote No: 25-19-3320

Date Issued: August 13, 2025

For: Forsyth County is seeking quotes from qualified vendors to provide Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this Invitation to Quote (“ITQ”)

Deadline for Receiving Quotes 2:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday, September 11, 2025

Question and Answer (Q&A) Deadline No Questions will be accepted after:

2:00 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, September 2, 2025 All questions are to be asked via EUNA under Opportunity Q&A No questions are to be asked outside of

EUNA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INVITATION TO QUOTE

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND INFORMATION

SECTION 2 SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SECTION 3 Scope of Services

QUOTE SCHEDULE

REFERENCES

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

Forsyth County (“County”) is seeking quotes from qualified, experienced, and licensed vendors to provide Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services, in accordance with the terms, conditions, specifications, and scope of services contained in this ITQ.

1.2 Nondiscrimination

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives.

Forsyth County assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Forsyth County further assures that every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities whether or not those programs and activities are federally funded. In addition, Forsyth County will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency. When Forsyth County enters into a contract with another entity utilizing federal aid funds, Forsyth County will include Title VI language in all written agreements and will monitor for compliance.

1.3 EUNA

Forsyth County uses EUNA Procurement formerly Bonfire Interactive https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results to administer the competitive solicitation process, including but not limited to soliciting quotes, issuing addenda, posting results, and issuing notification of an intended decision. Vendors are strongly encouraged to read the various vendor Guides and Tutorials available in EUNA as well in advance of their intention of submitting a quote to ensure familiarity with the use of EUNA. The County shall not be responsible for a Vendor's inability to submit a quote by the end date and time for any reason, including issues arising from the use of EUNA. There is no charge to Vendors to register and participate in the solicitation process, nor will any fees be charged to the awarded Vendor.

1.4 Point of Contact

For information concerning procedures for responding to this solicitation, contact the Procurement Agent, Greg Bridges, at (770) 888-8872 or email at GEBridges@forsythco.com. This contact is for clarification purposes only.

For questions concerning scope of services, please utilize the question/answer feature provided by EUNA at https://www.forsythco.com/Departments- Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results. Questions must be received prior to the https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results cut-off date specified in the ITQ schedule. Material changes, if any, to the scope of services or quoting procedures will only be transmitted by written addendum. (See addendum section of EUNA). Vendors, please note: No part of your quote can be submitted via fax. No variation in price or conditions shall be permitted based upon a claim of ignorance. Submission of a quote will be considered evidence that the Vendor has familiarized itself with the nature and extent of the work, equipment, materials, and labor required. The entire quote response must be submitted in accordance with all specifications contained in this solicitation. The questions and answers submitted in EUNA shall become part of this ITQ.

It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor to ensure that its quote is submitted electronically through EUNA at https://www.forsythco.com/Departments- Offices/Procurement/Bids-Results.

SECTION 2 SOLICITATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.1 Addenda, Changes, and Interpretations

It is the sole responsibility of each Vendor to notify the Procurement Agent utilizing the question/answer feature provided by EUNA and request modification or clarification of any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error discovered in this competitive solicitation. Requests for clarification, modification, interpretation, or changes must be received prior to the Question and Answer (Q & A) Deadline. Requests received after this date may not be addressed. All questions and requests for information received through EUNA will be responded to by an official written addendum issued by the County and uploaded to EUNA as an addendum to the ITQ. Under no circumstances shall an oral explanation given by any County official, officer, staff, or agent be binding upon the County. Such oral explanation should be disregarded. All addenda are a part of the competitive solicitation documents, and each Vendor will be bound by such addenda. It is the responsibility of each Vendor to read and comprehend all the addenda issued.

2.2 Changes and Alterations

Vendors may change or withdraw a quote at any time prior to quote submission deadline; however, no oral modifications will be allowed.

Modifications shall not be allowed following the quote deadline.

2.3 Withdrawal of Quote

The Vendor shall give notice in writing of its claim to withdraw its quote, without penalty, due to an error within twenty-four hours (24) after the conclusion of the quote opening procedure. Quotes may be withdrawn from consideration due solely to a mistake therein, provided the quote was submitted in good faith, the mistake was a clerical mistake as opposed to a judgment mistake, and was due to an unintentional arithmetic error or an unintentional omission of a quantity of work, labor, or material made directly in the compilation of the quote, which unintentional arithmetic error or unintentional omission can be clearly shown by objective evidence drawn from inspection of original work papers, documents and material used in the preparation of the quote sought to be withdrawn. The Vendor’s original work papers shall be the sole acceptable evidence of error and mistake if Vendor elects to withdraw its quote.

No Vendor who is permitted to withdraw a quote shall, for compensation, supply any material or labor or perform any subcontract or other work agreement for the contractor to whom the contract is awarded or otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, from the performance of the services for which the withdrawn quote was submitted.

Quote withdrawal is not automatically granted and will be allowed solely at Forsyth County’s discretion.

2.4 Vendor’s Costs

The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Vendors in responding to this ITQ.

2.5 Pricing

All pricing should be identified on the Quote Schedule form provided in this ITQ. No additional costs may be accepted other than the pricing and costs stated on the Quote Schedule. Failure to use the County’s Quote Schedule form and provide pricing as requested in this ITQ may cause your quote to be deemed non-responsive.

Vendor shall quote a firm, fixed price for all services stated in the ITQ. All costs, including travel, shall be included in the price. The County shall not accept additional costs, including any travel associated with the services.

2.6 Price Validity

Prices provided in this ITQ shall be valid for at least one hundred twenty (120) days from the ITQ opening unless otherwise extended and agreed upon by the County and Vendor. The County shall award the contract within this time period or request from the recommended awarded contractor an extension to hold pricing until services have been awarded.

2.7 Prices Quoted

Deduct trade discounts and quote firm net prices. Give both service prices and extended total. In the case of a discrepancy in computing the amount of the quote, the unit price quoted will govern.

2.8 Taxes

Goods and services are exempt from Federal Excise Tax and Georgia Sales and Use Tax. A certificate will be furnished upon request. Forsyth County is exempt from taxes, but the successful Vendor shall pay all taxes required by law. Forsyth County cannot exempt others from tax. State Sales tax exemption number is 58-6000828.

2.9 Discounts

Vendors may offer discounts for prompt payment, but such discounts will not be considered when determining the award. If a Vendor provides a discount, it is understood that the discount time will be computed from the later of the date of satisfactory delivery at the place of acceptance or receipt of the correct invoice at the office specified.

2.10 Related Expenses / Travel Expenses

Your quote must include all costs, including travel. The County will not accept additional costs.

2.11 Submission and Receipt of Quotes

To receive consideration, quotes must be received prior to the quote opening date and time. Unless otherwise specified, Vendors shall use the Quote Schedule and other forms provided by the County. These forms may be duplicated, but failure to use the forms may cause the quote to be rejected. Any erasures or corrections on the quote must be made in ink and initialed by Vendor in ink. All information submitted by the Vendor shall be printed, typewritten, or filled in with pen and ink. Quotes shall be signed in ink.

Separate quotes must be submitted for each ITQ issued by the County. Quotes are only accepted through EUNA. No paper quotes shall be considered.

2.12 Mistakes

The Vendor shall examine this ITQ carefully. Vendor’s submission of a quote shall be prima facie evidence that the Vendor has complete knowledge of the scope, nature, and quality of the work to be performed, the detailed requirements of the specifications and scope of services, and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. Ignorance of the requirements will not relieve the Vendor from liability and obligations under the any contract entered into as a result of this ITQ.

Vendors are cautioned to examine all terms, conditions, specifications, drawings, exhibits, appendices, delivery instructions, and special conditions pertaining to the ITQ.

2.13 Qualifications/Inspections

Quotes will only be considered from Vendors normally engaged in providing the types of services specified herein. The County reserves the right to inspect the Vendor's facilities, equipment, personnel, and organization at any time or to take any other action necessary to determine the Vendor's ability to perform. The Procurement Director reserves the right to reject quotes where evidence or evaluation is determined to indicate an inability to perform.

2.14 Acceptance of Quotes / Minor Irregularities

2.14.1 The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all quotes or portions of quotes, and to waive minor irregularities or variances to specifications contained in quotes. The County also reserves the right to reissue an ITQ.

2.14.2 The County reserves the right to disqualify Vendor during any phase of the competitive solicitation process and terminate for cause any resulting contract upon evidence of collusion with intent to defraud or other illegal practices on the part of the Vendor. The Vendor will be required to execute a Non-Collusion Affidavit and submit it with the quote documents.

2.15 Verbal Instructions Procedure

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Vendor as a result of any discussions with any County employee. Only those communications in writing from an authorized County representative may be considered. Only written communications from Vendors by a person designated as authorized to bind the Vendor will be recognized by the County as duly authorized expressions on behalf of Vendors.

2.16 No Exclusive Contract

Vendor agrees and understands that any contract awarded from this ITQ shall not be construed as an exclusive arrangement and further agrees that the County may, at any time, secure similar or identical services from another contractor at the County’s sole option.

2.17 Form of General Services Agreement

Attached to this ITQ is a draft form of general services agreement which contains terms and conditions of the contractual arrangement for the services. Such form of agreement will be modified as appropriate, in the County’s discretion, to include any additional specific terms related to the services being provided. Any questions regarding the form of general services agreement must be submitted in writing by the deadline for questions specified in this ITQ.

2.18 Background Checks

Forsyth County reserves the right to have any Vendor or potential contractor undergo a Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office criminal history background check for any project at the contractor’s cost. Potential contractors must undergo background checks when working in any County-operated facility, with the associated fees falling under the contractor's responsibility.

2.19 Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for the award of a contract in response to this ITQ, the Vendor must demonstrate that it has completed services, as specified in the scope of services section of this ITQ, is normally and routinely engaged in performing such services, and is properly and legally licensed to perform such work. In addition, the Vendor must have no conflict of interest with respect to the County.

2.19.1 Vendors and principals shall have no record of judgments, pending lawsuits against the County, or criminal activities involving moral turpitude and shall not have any conflicts of interest that have not been waived by the County.

2.19.2 Neither Vendor nor any principal, officer, or stockholder shall be in arrears or default of any debt or contract involving the County (as a party to a contract or otherwise), nor have they failed to perform faithfully on any previous contract with the County.

2.20 Public Records/Trade Secrets

Careful consideration should be given before submitting confidential information to the County. County’s disclosure of records and documentation is governed by the Georgia’s Open Records Act, which permits public scrutiny of most materials collected as part of this process. If Vendor submits information that contains trade secret information and if Vendor wishes to keep such information confidential, Vendor must submit and attach to such information an affidavit affirmatively declaring that specific information constitutes trade secrets pursuant to the Georgia Trade Secrets Act of 1990, O.C.G.A. §10-1-760 et seq., and the Vendor and County will follow the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(34) related thereto.

2.21 Reservations for Award and Rejection of Quotes

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all quotes, parts of quotes, and to waive minor irregularities or variations to specifications contained in quotes, and minor irregularities in the quote process. The County also reserves the right to award the contract on a split order basis, lump sum basis, individual item basis, or such combination as shall best serve the interest of the County. The County reserves the right to award the responsive and responsible Vendor whose service meets the ITQ's terms, conditions, and specifications and whose quote is considered to best serve the County’s interest. In determining the responsiveness of the offer and the responsibility of the Vendor, the following, among other factors, may be considered when applicable: the ability, capacity, and skill of the Vendor to perform as required;

whether the Vendor can perform promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference; the character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the Vendor; the quality of past performance by the Vendor; the previous and existing compliance by the Vendor with related laws and ordinances; the sufficiency of the Vendor’s financial resources; the availability, quality and adaptability of the Vendor’s supplies or services to the required use; the ability of the Vendor to provide future maintenance, service or parts; and the number and scope of conditions attached to the quote.

2.22 E-Verify Affidavit

Under state law, the County shall not enter into a contract for the physical performance of services unless the potential contractor provides an affidavit, in the form attached to this ITQ, regarding contractor’s compliance with the E- Verify program. The contractor’s affidavit form shall be completed and submitted with the Vendor’s response to this ITQ.

2.23 Rules and Submittals of Quotes

The signer of the quote must declare that the only person(s), company, or parties interested in the quote as principals are named therein; that the quote is made without collusion with any other person(s), company, or parties submitting a quote; that it is in all respects fair and in good faith, without collusion or fraud; and that the signer of the quote has full authority to bind the Vendor.

2.24 Intent to Award

Any notice of intent to award a contract resulting from this ITQ and the County’s formal solicitation process may be found on EUNA.

2.25 Vendor Solicitation Information

The County maintains automated vendor address lists generated for each commodity class item through our quote issuing service, EUNA. Notices of ITQs are sent by email notification to the Vendors who have fully registered with EUNA. Prospective Vendors may then view the quote documents online.

Vendors who have been informed of an ITQ's availability in any other manner are responsible for registering with EUNA to view the quote documents. There is no fee for doing so. If you wish quote notifications to be provided to another email address, please contact EUNA.

SECTION 3 Scope of Services

3.1 General Information

Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services for the Forsyth County Department of Water and Sewer in 2026 with the option to renew the agreement for (2) additional one (1) year terms.

3.2 Scope of Work

1. The County samples wastewater for industrial users, residential sources, collection systems, or streams on an as needed basis.

2. The Contractor must have the ability to provide all lab tests described on the Quote Schedule. However, requested testing of a collected sample may only include those tests specified by the County.

3. The Contractor shall provide appropriate sample collection bottles (with preservative pre-added), blank labels for all bottles, and a cooler with appropriately sized cold packs taking into consideration the method of transport between the County and the Contractor.

4. In the event collected samples are to be shipped to the Contractor, the Contractor shall also provide a shipping label sufficiently addressed with the Contractor preferred mailing address.

5. The County shall collect the samples in bottles provided by the Contractor and collected samples will be returned to the Contractor in accordance with the method specified on the Quote Schedule.

6. In the event the collected samples will be picked up by the Contractor, such pick up shall occur within eight (8) hours from the time Contractor has been notified by the County.

7. The Contractor shall return a full test result report to the Forsyth County Water and Sewer department representative as an email attachment along with lab results in an Excell format, a chain of custody from receipt of sample through to returned results, and the Quality Control information.

3.3 Schedule

Test results must be returned to the County within 45 days of Contractor’s receipt of the sample.

QUOTE SCHEDULE

ITQ No: 25-19-3320

FOR: Furnishing all labor, equipment, and materials necessary for Wastewater Sample

Lab Testing Services. The Vendor must examine quote documents and form of services agreement before submitting a quote. Pricing is requested for each of calendar years (CY) 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Bid Item

No. Test Description Quantity Bid Price

CY2026

1 Ammonia EPA 350.1 1 $ 2 BOD5 5210 B-2016 or EPA 405.1 1 $

3 CBOD 1 $

4 Chlorinated Herbicides EPA 615 (2,4-D) 1 $

5 COD EPA 410.4 1 $

6 Cyanide (Total) CNE 4500 CN E-2016 1 $ 7 Hardness SM2340B 1 $ 8 HEM, Oil & Grease EPA 1664B 1 $ 9 Mercury EPA 245.1 1 $

10 Mercury, Low Level 1631E 1 $

11 Metals EPA 200.8 ATL ICPMS (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) 1 $

12 TTO PCBs RVE EPA 608.3 1 $ 13 TTO Pesticides RVE EPA 608.3 1 $ 14 8260D p-Isopropyltoluene, Isopropylbenzene 1 $ 15 Phosphorus (Total) EPA 365.1 1 $

16 Semivolatiles Base Neutrals and Acids EPA 625.1

RVE 1 $

17 TCDD EPA 1613 1 $

18 TKN EPA 351.2 Rev 2.0 1 $ 19 Total Dissolved Solids EPA 2540C-2015 1 $ 20 TSS SM2540D-2015 or EPA 160.2 1 $ 21 Volatile Organic Compounds RVE EPA 624.1 (ug/L) 1 $

GRAND TOTAL ALL TESTS $

Samples collected by the County shall be transported to Contractor by:

_______ Contractor Pickup OR _______ Shipped to the Contractor provided address.

CY2027 Renewal ____________________%

CY2028 Renewal ____________________%

Vendor accepts the terms and conditions contained in the ITQ document package, including, without limitation, those dealing with the County’s time for accepting the quote.

Vendor has examined the site and locality where the services are to be performed, legal requirements (federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations), and conditions affecting cost, difficulty, progress, or performance and has made independent investigations as Vendor deems necessary.

Vendor has given County written notice concerning conflicts, errors, or discrepancies discovered in the ITQ document package, and the written resolution by the County is acceptable to Vendor. All services are to be completed as specified in the ITQ specifications and scope of services.

Authorized Signature:

Printed Name and Title:

Company Name:

REFERENCES

Please list at least three (3) references below where the Vendor has provided similar services in similar size and scope. Please do not include Forsyth County as a reference.

1) Business Name Contact Name

Address

Phone Email

Contract Value Year

Description

2)

3)

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

QUOTE DATE:

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

STATE OF _______________ }

COUNTY OF _____________}

__________________________________________, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that (s)he is ______________________________________ (the sole owner, a partner, the president, secretary, etc.) of _________________________________________________ the party making the foregoing proposal or quote (“Vendor”); that such quote is genuine and not collusive or a sham; that said Vendor has not colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any Vendor or person, to put in a sham quote, or that such other person refrain from quoting, and has not in any manner, directly or indirectly sought by agreement or collusion, or communication or conference, with any person, to fix the quote price of the affiant or any other Vendor, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of said quote price, or that of any other Vendor, or to secure any advantage against Forsyth County, or any person interested in the proposed contract; and that all statements in said proposal or quote are true;

and further, that such Vendor has not, directly or indirectly submitted this quote, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any association or to any member or agent thereof.

Affiant: Date:

Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ___________________, 20____ by Printed name(s) of individual(s) making statement who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person who appeared before me.

Personally Known Or Produced Identification (ID)

ID Type:

ID # (last 4 digits only):

ID Expiration Date:

Notary Public My Commission Expires:

(Notary Seal)

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A.

§ 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of Forsyth County, Georgia, has registered with, is authorized to use, and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with subcontractors who present an affidavit to the contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91(b).

Contractor agrees that the employee-number category designated below is applicable to the Contractor:

□ 500 or more employees □ 100 or more employees □ Fewer than 100 employees

Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number

Date of Authorization

Name of Contractor

Wastewater Sample Lab Testing Services Name of Project

Forsyth County, Georgia Name of Public Employer

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on ________________, 202__ in __________________ (city), ________ (state).

Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent

Printed Name and Title of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME

ON THIS THE _______ DAY OF _________,

202__.

Notary Public My Commission Expires: _______________ (Notary Seal)

SOLICITATION CERTIFICATION

The undersigned agrees, if this quote is accepted within 120 calendar days after date of opening, to furnish all equipment, materials, or services in strict accordance with the provisions of this Invitation to Quote, at the price and terms and according to specifications or other provisions in this quote package.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY TAXES IN THE QUOTE PACKAGE AS FORSYTH COUNTY IS EXEMPT

BY LAW.

Any supplier/vendor/contractor providing services to Forsyth County shall have a Forsyth County business license and a business license in the county the Vendor is located to the extent required by law, including the County’s business license/occupation tax ordinance.

SEALED VENDOR’S INFORMATION

Company Full Legal Name:

Tax I.D. No.

Person Authorized to Submit this Bid:

Signature

Name

Title

Street Address: Mailing Address:

Contact person for this bid:

Name

Telephone

Email

ADDENDUM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Vendor acknowledges that the following addenda have been received and included in the quote or proposal:

Addendum No.

Date Issued Addendum No.

Date Issued Addendum No.

Date Issued

I hereby acknowledge receipt of the following checked Addendum of the plans, specifications, and/or other documents pertaining to the services or project.

I understand that failure to confirm the receipt of addendum is cause for rejection of sealed quotes. It is the responsibility of the Vendor to ensure receipt of all addenda.

Variances: If you take exception or have variances to any term, condition, specification, scope of service, or requirement in this competitive solicitation, you must specify such exception or variance in the space provided below or reference in the space provided below all variances contained on other pages within your response. Additional pages may be attached if necessary. No exceptions or variances will be deemed part of the response submitted unless such is listed and contained in the space provided below. The County does not, by virtue of submitting a variance, necessarily accept any variances. If no statement is contained in the below space, it is hereby implied that your response is in full compliance with this competitive solicitation. If you do not have variances, simply mark N/A.

Authorized Signature: Date: _____________